Christ With Coffee On Ice — "Staying on Fire for God"

Host: Ally Yost
Date: August 22, 2025

Overview

In this heartfelt and practical episode, Ally Yost dives deep into the challenge many believers face: not just getting “on fire” for God, but actually staying there. Drawing from Scripture, personal experience, and listener questions, Ally unpacks the importance of daily consistency, attainable goals, and genuine community while candidly addressing the struggles of slipping into guilt or religious striving. The tone is raw, vulnerable, hope-filled, and thoroughly encouraging—perfect for anyone looking to reignite or sustain their faith.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why Staying "On Fire" Is Hard and Important

• Fear of Cooling Off: A common concern from listeners is, “How do I stay on fire for God?” Ally acknowledges how many Christians worry about losing their passion, seeing friends who were once zealous now distant from their faith.

  “We aren't off limits...it could truly happen to any of us.” (05:08)

• Consistency and Self-Discipline: The essential ingredients in staying passionate about God. Self-control is described as a fruit of the Spirit, not just human willpower.

2. Rooted in Scripture: Staying Connected to the Vine

• John 15:1–8 read and explored — Jesus as the vine, believers as the branches.

  “As long as we are connected to him, and this is daily...we have to stay connected to the vine every single day.” (09:22)

• Bearing Fruit: Fruit represents a transformed life, both inner qualities (love, joy, peace, patience, etc.) and outward actions.

  “Fruit he's referring to as the evidence of a life transformed by faith and obedience in Him.” (15:25)

• Galatians 5:22–23 — The fruit of the Spirit is evidence of abiding in Christ.

3. Set Attainable, Not Overwhelming, Goals

• Danger of Unrealistic Expectations:

  “Too many times I’ve done this, and I’ve really learned this lesson...I was setting unattainable goals for myself.” (36:00)

• Setting excessive standards (e.g., needing to pray two hours every morning, read an entire book of the Bible daily) leads to discouragement and shame.

• Small Steps Matter:

  “If you only have 30%, that is still 100% of the 30% that you have, right? That's all God wants.” (45:00)

• Even a few minutes with God counts—God treasures any time, whether it’s 10 minutes or an hour.

4. Community and Accountability are Key

• The Power of Fellowship:

  “The best way to stay on fire consistently for Jesus is to make the choice to be in the environment where people are also on fire.” (53:30)

• God created us to sharpen and encourage one another—“Iron sharpens iron.”

• Accountability: Share your attainable goals and challenges with community, let others walk with you.

5. Practical Steps for Daily Consistency

• Daily Habits:

  • Regular prayer, Bible reading, and quiet time—even if brief.
  • Start with what’s realistic; then, slowly increase as you grow.

• Avoid Perfectionism & Shame:

  “Shame and guilt and feeling as if we're falling short and striving for perfection...those things will kill a fire.” (69:12)

• Grace for Ourselves:

  “At the end of the day, we won't be perfect at this...receiving forgiveness and grace when we fall short.” (71:15)

• Studying God’s Word:

  • Don’t “make up” for missed days by overloading; start fresh and let God refresh you.
  • Pray before reading; ask God to reveal Himself.

6. Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Showing Up, Not Striving:

  “He just wants our yes. You sitting down with Jesus for 15 minutes in the morning, if that's like the thing you set for yourself...that in itself is you doing enough.” (33:26)

• God’s Delight in Us:

  “Every time I’ve gone to sit with the Lord, whether it was for an hour, three hours, or 10 minutes...you're sitting with me. That’s all he wants.” (41:38)

• Reject Zero-Sum Thinking:

  “If you can't give God 100% that day, why is it nothing then? That doesn't even make sense...just give me what you got today, babe.” (45:15)

• God’s Grace Invites Us Back:

  “It’s not like once we’re disconnected from the vine, we can never connect again…that’s where God has forgiveness and he has grace and patience for us.” (72:50)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Opening and Introduction: [03:00]
• Problem: Why Staying on Fire Is Scary: [05:00]
• Consistency & Connection to the Vine (John 15): [09:00]
• What Is Spiritual Fruit? (Galatians 5): [15:00]
• Practical Consistency & Attainable Goals: [35:00]
• God’s Grace for Our Effort (and Lack Thereof): [41:00]
• Rejecting Perfectionism & Zero-Sum Thinking: [45:00]
• Community and Iron Sharpens Iron: [53:00]
• Studying God's Word, Avoiding Striving: [62:00]
• Embodying Grace and Forgiveness: [69:00]
• Summary & Closing Encouragement: [75:00]

Actionable Recap

• Set Attainable Spiritual Goals: Start small, be honest, and build up gradually.
• Be Consistent, Not Perfectionistic: Any time with God is significant—show up with whatever you have.
• Connect with Community: Accountability and fellowship are vital to spiritual fire.
• Extend Grace to Yourself: Avoid shame when you “slip”—God welcomes you back instantly.
• Stay Rooted in the Word and Prayer: Even a chapter or a few verses, with a prayerful heart, keeps you connected.
• Let God Lead the Growth: Your “yes” is what he wants; He’ll handle the transformation.

Final Encouragement

Ally closes with a challenge:

“Let’s show somebody how cool Jesus is. Walk more like Him, talk more like Him, be disciplined like Jesus was disciplined. That’s a win.” (79:00)

Episode Takeaway: Staying on fire for God isn’t about striving endlessly or performing—it's about daily, honest connection; community; and receiving the grace He already loves to give. Start where you are, show up, and let God work with your offering.