Sunday, July 19, 2009

When he Knocks do I open the door?

Rev 3:20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
I was woke up this morning around 6:30 by my oldest and I could tell she was not willing to go back to bed. She was ready for the day and very persistent about watching a Franklin. I was not ready to start my day, so I gave in and thought I will just go back to bed or sleep on the couch while she watches this show. Getting the show started I felt a nudge to spend some time in the Word. Warm comfy bed vs. hard chair in the kitchen. Well I knew what my flesh wanted but I knew that I needed this time in the Word.
The word lukewarm came to mind the other day as I was meeting with a friend and my words were not matching my faith. I was feeling lukewarm and knew there was a passage on that. As I looked up the passage and knowing that Jesus is not for lukewarm I thought I should dig a little deeper.
Reading in Revelations 3 I noticed the reason for them being lukewarm was because they are relying on their own resources. Focusing on there earthly position,and thinking they are set. Following most of the rules and blending into the world is not God's desire for our lives. We are called to be on fire for Him and look different and that is not the easiest road to take.
Rev 3:15-17 in the message gives me a better picture
15-17"I know you inside and out, and find little to my liking. You're not cold, you're not hot—far better to be either cold or hot! You're stale. You're stagnant. You make me want to vomit. You brag, 'I'm rich, I've got it made, I need nothing from anyone,' oblivious that in fact you're a pitiful, blind beggar, threadbare and homeless
Stale and stagnant are not words that I want describing mine or my family's life. But how do I stay on fire for Jesus. How do I stay HOT?
Maybe this is not an issue for you and Praise God if it isn't.
I can think of three keys in my own life that help me stay on fire.
* Being connected with other believers
Hebrews 10:23-25NIV
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

* Communication with God and asking for his help if I feel like I am starting to slip
1 Peter 5:6-8 NIV
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
* Getting my daily bread
Matthew 4:4 NIV
Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'
It is so key to stay connected to God and other believers so that we don't fall into temptation. These are the three that I thought of and I sure there are more. When I am pressing hard into community with other and seeking God's desires over mine I will not be described as lukewarm. Praise God

1 comment:

  1. Great blog Jaimie!! And thank you for all of your encouraging words on mine! They mean a lot. :)
    Rebecca Gates

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