“I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!”
–Revelation 3:15-16 (NLT)
I remember going to a baseball game when I was growing up, but since I’m not much of a sports person, I was totally lost and I wasn’t really paying attention to the game. After a while, someone asked me if I would like a cup of coffee. “Sure!” I said. As they handed the cup to me, I took a big gulp. I have to tell you it was positively awful, and it had sugar in it to boot. I must have made a terrible face, and I spit the coffee out of my mouth and got rid of it.
I’m still reminded of this experience many times, especially if I get a lukewarm cup of coffee. While I occasionally like iced coffee, I usually like it hot and black.
Having said that, let me introduce you to my good friend, Luke Warm. He is a really nice guy, and he has a beautiful house with a two-car garage on the edge of town. He keeps it up wonderfully, and he’s always the life of the party. He has a lovely wife and two wonderful children. He has a big boat in his driveway, and he even owns a cabin in the mountains.
He seems to have everything, but I have known Luke for a long time and I’m growing more and more concerned. While he is involved in church and civic clubs, Luke only looks at God as a divine scorekeeper. I have tried to tell him about how Jesus died for his sin, and how Christ wants to give him an abundant life. But Luke just shakes his head and tells me I’m getting too fanatical. As he walks away he Calls after me and says something like, I think God will balance out the books in the end. We should just live and let live until then.”
Is Luke anything like you? Unfortunately, he’s like a lot of people. As long as they go through the motions, they think they’re okay. Like Luke, they might have riches and popularity, but their hearts are empty. God’s love and grace are not a reality in their lives, and they don’t want to go overboard. They think that they must constantly earn points with God, and they have not learned that they can rest in His finished work.
I invite you to come to Christ today, but instead of trying to earn His love, let Him fill you with a love that has already been paid for on the cross of Calvary. Instead of trusting in material posessions, put your trust in Christ and let Him change your heart. As you confess your sin to Him, you will find that He will not only forgive you, but cleanse you as well, allowing you to step into a new life.
Thank you for reading this, and may the Lord give you a wonderful week! We are trying to reach people who are hurting, so if God lays it on your heart, please consider becoming a partner with us. If you would like to make a donation, please visit www.hcmachaplains.org and click on the Donate Now link. You can also send donations by mail to HCMA (Healthcare Chaplains Ministry Association). Our ID number is 560. The address is 101 S Kraemer BLVD, Suite 123A, Placentia, CA 92870.
Finally, you’re always welcome to join our Tuesday night Bible study. These studies are conducted by conference call, and they take place at 6:30 PM Arizona time. Our conference number is 313-209-8800. Our PIN is 8699032. We hope to talk with you soon!
If you have questions, comments or prayer requests for Timothy or Stephanie Burdick, please call 507-369-6861.