Keep Your Lamp Lit | Daily Fire to Stay Spiritually Ready

You ever wake up to a text that just says, “IT’S LIVE”? No context. No details. Just panic.

Your heart’s racing, your brain’s buffering, and suddenly you’re opening every app like you’re on a digital treasure hunt.

Yeah… that was me this morning. Because it’s true—the link is actually live. Our very first issue of Literally Magazine is officially up—your every-other-month dose of God, glow-ups, and girl-powered goodness. Faith, friendships, freebies, and a little bit of sparkle. You’re going to love it.

But hold that thought. Because in this bonus episode, we’re talking about something that’s been on my heart big time. Something that might make you a little uncomfortable in the best way.

Because Jesus once told a story about ten girls. And only half of them were ready when it mattered most.

See, “Be ready” sounds simple, right? Like, duh. Be ready. Easy. But what if readiness isn’t about having your life perfectly planned—what if it’s about keeping your heart lit?

What if “be ready” doesn’t mean “try harder,” but “stay close”?

This story is for the girl who loves Jesus but sometimes drifts. The one who worships big on Sunday but forgets by Wednesday. The one who’s tired of waiting for God to move and wondering if He even sees her. If that’s you, listen up. Because this isn’t about fear. It’s about fire. It’s about living so full of His presence that when He shows up—you’re not scrambling to find your faith. You’re already glowing with it.

So let’s get into the story. Matthew 25:1–13. Jesus said:

The Story of Ten Bridesmaids

1 Here is what the kingdom of heaven will be like at that time. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went out to meet the groom.

2 Five of them were foolish. Five were wise.

3 The foolish ones took their lamps but didn’t take any olive oil with them.

4 The wise ones took oil in jars along with their lamps.

5 The groom did not come for a long time. So the bridesmaids all grew tired and fell asleep.

6 “At midnight someone cried out, ‘Here’s the groom! Come out to meet him!’

7 “Then all the bridesmaids woke up and got their lamps ready.

8 The foolish ones said to the wise ones, ‘Give us some of your oil. Our lamps are going out.’

9 “ ‘No,’ they replied. ‘There may not be enough for all of us. Instead, go to those who sell oil. Buy some for yourselves.’

10 “So they went to buy the oil. But while they were on their way, the groom arrived. The bridesmaids who were ready went in with him to the wedding dinner. Then the door was shut.

11 “Later, the other bridesmaids also came. ‘Sir! Sir!’ they said. ‘Open the door for us!’

12 “But he replied, ‘What I’m about to tell you is true. I don’t know you.’

13 “So keep watch. You do not know the day or the hour that the groom will come.

Ten girls. Same mission. Same moment. Half of them prepared—they had extra oil in their flasks. Half of them didn’t.

Here’s the thing: back in Jesus’ day, lamps weren’t flicking little LEDs. They needed oil.

And when the bridegroom delayed—and he did, longer than anyone expected—everyone fell asleep. And then at midnight, a shout: “He’s here!”

The wise girls? They trimmed their lamps. Their light burned bright. The others? Total panic. “Our lamps are going out! Give us your oil!” And the wise girls said, “We can’t—it’ll run out for both of us.”

While the unprepared ran off to buy more oil, the bridegroom arrived. The doors closed. When they came back, it was too late. And Jesus says at the end: “So stay awake and be ready, for you do not know the day or hour.”

Now, I know what you’re thinking—okay, girl, oil, lamps… midnight, brides… what’s the big deal? Let me break it down.

This story isn’t about lamps. It’s about connection. About being spiritually awake. About having your inner flame—your faith, your trust, your friendship with God—ready at all times. And here’s the kicker: you can’t borrow that.

You can’t borrow your mom’s prayers. You can’t borrow your pastor’s faith. You can’t borrow your best friend’s Jesus playlist. You need your own oil. Your own flame. Your own relationship with Him.

And let’s make it real. Think about how obsessed we are with charging our phones. We plug in every night because we can’t handle 1% battery anxiety. We refill our water bottles because hydration is survival. But how often do we refill our souls? How often do we intentionally fill our lamp?

Psalm 119:105 says, “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Every verse you read? That’s oil. Every honest prayer you whisper? Oil. Every act of obedience when no one’s watching? Oil.

Proverbs 31:18 says, “Her lamp does not go out at night.” It doesn’t go out because she doesn’t wait until it’s dark to find her light.

Let’s pause here and make this personal for a second. When was the last time you felt your lamp low? Maybe it was a rough week, a fight with a friend, stress at school, or a moment of doubt. And maybe you tried to get through it without refueling.

This story isn’t meant to scare you. Jesus isn’t saying, “Be afraid, or you’ll miss out.”

He’s saying, “Be aware. Keep your heart lit, so when I show up, you’re already ready.”

Being ready isn’t frantic. It’s consistent. Connected. Plugged in. Luke 12:35 says, “Be dressed and ready for service, and keep your lamps burning.” That’s what readiness looks like—faith that flickers but never fades, a heart that whispers, “God, whenever You move, I’m ready to follow.”

So here’s your Lamp Check Challenge this week. Ready?

One: Identify your drain. What’s dimming your faith right now? Social media pressure? Gossip? Anxiety about school?

Two: Find your refill. What draws you closest to God? Music, prayer, Scripture, journaling, serving others?

Three: Refill daily. Not once a month. Not only when you’re panicking. Every day. Even five minutes with Jesus can fuel your flame for hours.

And here’s a tip—make it playful. Make it yours. Light a candle when you read your Bible. Write your prayers on sticky notes and leave them around your room. Add glitter if you want—God doesn’t care. It’s about the habit, the connection, the fuel.

Remember, these aren’t just “spiritual chores.” These are sparks that create your glow-up. Your faith glow-up. Because when you keep your lamp full, you aren’t just ready for emergencies. You’re glowing in everyday life.

So don’t wait until it’s urgent to seek God. Don’t wait until you’re lost to start looking. Don’t wait until your flame flickers to remember the Source. Keep your lamp full. Keep your eyes open. Keep your heart awake. Because when He moves—and He will—you won’t be scrambling. You’ll already be shining.

Don’t get ready. Stay ready.

Because readiness isn’t just a habit—it’s a heart. It’s a life that refuses to be caught off guard by God’s plans. It’s a faith that doesn’t wait for a crisis to show up—it burns steady, strong, and unshakable every single day.

Keep your lamp full. Keep your heart awake. Keep your eyes open. The world will try to dim you, distractions will tempt you, and fear will whisper “not yet.” But when you stay ready, nothing can catch you off guard. Nothing can shake your trust. Nothing can stop the fire God put inside of you.

This is your moment. Not tomorrow. Not when it’s convenient. Now. Shine with intention, live with courage, and walk boldly in the grace and calling He’s already placed on your life.

And yes—the link is live. Literally Magazine is waiting for you: faith, truth, and tools to keep your heart lit, your mind sharp, and your soul ready for everything God has for you.

Don’t get ready. Stay ready.