As once predicted, college has turned me into an unapologetic coffee drinker. I love to start my day with a hot cup of coffee and a few minutes to gaze out the kitchen window… or more realistically, a steaming to-go mug as I run out the door! Aside from the necessary dose of caffeine to kick-start my day, I enjoy drinking hot coffee because it makes me feel strengthened and prepared for what the day has to offer. Some fellow coffee drinkers prefer iced coffee, which has a similar effect. You feel refreshed and alert – ready to take on the day. Hot coffee or cold coffee – there is no in between. I think we can all agree that lukewarm coffee just isn’t worth drinking. My faith is in danger of becoming like lukewarm coffee. I cannot stop asking myself Why am I so comfortable? While weighing this question in my heart and mind, God reminded me of a passage from Revelation 3:15-20, which says: I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth. Because you say, ‘I’m rich; I have become wealthy, and need nothing,’ and you don’t know that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked, I advise you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire so that you may be rich, and white clothes so that you may be dressed and your shameful nakedness not be exposed, and ointment to spread on your eyes so that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be committed and repent. Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and have dinner with him, and he with Me. Do you feel the same way? Let’s learn this lesson together. Next to this passage in my Bible, I have some notes I jotted down during a sermon or Bible study. The notes are not only relevant to my struggle but are also a reminder of how I should live out my faith: Don’t settle for mediocrity. (Verses 15-16) We should strive to follow the example of Jesus every moment of every day, not just when surrender is easy or convenient. Don’t operate in self-sufficiency. (Verses 17-18) Jesus never asks us to follow Him on our own strength. He gives us exactly what we need exactly when we need it. Sometimes, we miss His gifts because we are too busy being stubborn instead of experiencing the freedom of surrender to Him. Don’t ignore Christ’s activity. (Verses 19-20) God is always at work in our lives and in the lives of those around us. Sometimes we are simply too “wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked” to recognize His activity. In her book, Mended, Angie Smith writes, “He has given me so many gifts when I have simply been attentive to my environment and responsive to what He has put in front of me each day.” Are you missing out on gifts from God? I don’t want to be like lukewarm coffee. I want to be a “soul on fire” – living for Christ every moment of every day. Will you join me? Father, align my thoughts and desires with Yours. Convict me when I become lukewarm and stir a fire within me. Help me to see the world through Your eyes and love them with Your love.
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Live intentionally; Love authentically. AuthorHi! My name is Kelsey. Welcome to my cozy corner of the web! Archives
June 2016
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