Has anyone else noticed how crazy the weather has been, not only recently, but over the past year? While we usually have our first big snow in November - and sometimes even October - we really didn't have any significant snowfall until January.
And now it's gone already. Again.
Here in Michigan, it should be snow-covered and cold in February, but once more I'm looking at a dull brown layer of dead leaves covering the ground rather than a fresh blanket of glistening white snow.
A few years ago we purchased some new windows for our home to help keep down the cost of heating it during these cold winter months. Due to the expense, we replaced only those windows in the open living areas and our bedroom. The other rooms, which were for the most part unused and have a door to close them off, kept their original drafty windows.
Of course, this was before we converted one small bedroom into my study. Now I spend most of my time seated in a cold room in front of a drafty window. A friend of mine recommended using shrink wrap film on the windows to help keep out the cold, and that was certainly an inexpensive improvement. But because of the cool weather last spring, I didn't take the film off until June and since it has been unseasonably warm, I just replaced it a few weeks ago.
Here's a photo I took below the window of my study back in June. The weather had such fluctuations that for a considerable amount of time I was alternating between using a small space heater and a window screen. One day it would be warm and I'd want the screen in the window; the next day it was so cold that I needed the space heater on to keep my fingers from aching at my keyboard.
"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth." ~ Revelation 3:15-16
Jesus spoke these words to the church in Laodicea. The neighboring city of Hierapolis was well known for its hot springs. People would travel from all around to soak in its therapeutic warm waters. Not too far away was the city of Colosse (recipients of Paul's letter to the Colossians). This city was famous for its cool refreshing water. Laodicea was the largest and most affluent city in the area, but the residents would have to travel to Hierapolis if they wanted to enjoy soaking in the warm water or to Colosse to plunge into the cool refreshing water.
The people of Laodicea attempted to bring the hot water of Hierapolis to them by constructing a pipeline that ran the six miles between the two cities. While they were successful in transporting the water, by the time it arrived it had lost its heat. Not only was the water lukewarm, it had also developed a nauseating taste so disgusting that no one wanted to drink it.
The Greek word emeo, translated as "spit" in verse 16, means to vomit, spit out or regurgitate. Because of their experience with the piped-in water, the Laodiceans would have understood exactly what Jesus was saying. He wasn't rejecting them, but he made it clear how distasteful their lukewarm spiritual condition was to Him.
How's your spiritual temperature?
Are you soothing and comforting like the hot springs of Hierapolis?
Are you spiritually invigorating and refreshing like the cool waters of Colosse?
Or are you nauseatingly lukewarm?
Lord, I know that over the course of my life I've spent time in each of these conditions. Fuel the fire of my love for you by the power of your Holy Spirit, and keep me from ever being lukewarm again.
Lisa
.JPG)
I pray that I am never lukewarm...! Thanks for this post. Bright blessings.
Amen to that! Thanks for reading!
How fun to read your words...this is exactly what I'll be teaching in Turkey next month! I love your prayer! I stand in agreement...Yes, Lord, fuel the fire of our love for you and may we never be lukewarm again!!!
You rock, Lisa!
Cindy :)