Living With A Fire Devotional - Jesus CultureSample

Living With A Fire - Chris Quilala

I grew up going to church every Sunday. I believed  that I was going to heaven and that was enough for me. It wasn’t until I had a life changing encounter with the Holy Spirit in a moment of worship that changed my life forever. 

I can clearly remember the night at our youth group summer camp. We were singing the same songs we sang every week at church but this time it was different. I lifted my hands in surrender as I felt the presence of God all around me. That night I was marked by God. I felt the love of Jesus burn inside of my heart. I knew something had changed inside of me and I would never be the same. 

Many of us have had similar encounters with God whether you grew up up in the church or not but sadly many christians live their lives waiting for the next, “mountain top experience” to rekindle the love that once burned inside them. The fire in our hearts is something that has to be kindled daily through reading the word, worship and being in community with other believers that are burning for Jesus.  

History was forever changed because of these hearts set on fire as described in Acts 2:1-4. What I love about this passage is that the encounter the disciples had wasn’t contained to their little “church prayer meeting”. It spread out onto the streets and the gospel message was preached as  many were saved that day. When we encounter the Lord there is always an opportunity to let our encounter become someone else's. This is what, “living with a fire” is about. 

When Jesus Culture first started nearly 20 years ago we were a small youth group simply pursuing God in worship and prayer. God responded with His presence and ignited a fire in our hearts to see others come to know Him. Several years, albums and conferences later our hearts are still on fire! 

The church is called to burn with a passion to see the love of God we’ve freely received be poured out. The fire in our hearts should be contagious - bringing light to the darkest situations and revealing to this world the glorious hope and promise we have in Him! 

Wherever you are at today I encourage you to surrender your life and invite the love of God to ignite a fire in your heart. God let our hearts burn with a sustained, passionate love for You that will never go out!