Based on “The Name of Jesus – Confess and Bow” by Pastor Mark Balmer;
8/14-15/10, Message #6059; Daily Devotional #1 - “One Foot in, One Foot out”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): On any summer day in Florida, an ice-cold, refreshing drink is always welcome. A piping cup of coffee doesn’t seem to fit the bill. Or picture yourself on a winter holiday in Alaska. The taste and smell of hot chocolate just warms your belly. A tall glass of iced tea doesn’t sound too appealing. In either case, a room-temperature beverage of any kind is simply unappetizing. The lukewarm temperature is nauseating at best. Most everyone would agree that it is better to have it hot or cold, but not in between.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): John, the beloved, writes about seven prominent churches of his day, outlining their strengths & weakness (Revelation 1:11). The church of Laodicea was a group of people who struggled with many of today’s familiar issues. They relied on their material possessions and self-sufficient attitudes as a measure of success. Their works brought them great wealth and contentment. Most likely the Laodiceans attended service, volunteered their time, and gave money, but their hearts were not sincere. Like the churchgoers in our society, good works have deceived many into believing they are pleasing God with their time and actions. Many profess Jesus as Lord, yet their deeds & motives do not reflect genuine fruit (Matthew 7:16-17). They were living a ‘lukewarm’ life (Revelation 3:14-16). They were involved but disconnected; they were serving but uncommitted; they were Christians yet not in submission. Jesus may have been their Savior but He was not their Lord or Master. They honored Him with their lips, but their hearts were far from Him (Isaiah 29:13). Their spiritual condition was compared to the physical layout of their water supply. Laodicea had to rely on the hot springs and cold springs in either direction, yet both became warm by the time they reached their city. This church was a leader in the textile and financial industries, yet they lacked a critical source of life – water. Their wealth and pride caused them to lose the joy of their salvation (Revelation 3:17) found only in Jesus, the spring of living water (Jeremiah 17:13). Their do-it-yourself efforts produced only temporary results. Those who are lukewarm claim to know God, but they live under their own authority. Paul tells us to have the same attitude as Christ (Philippians 2:5), and Luke reminds us that if we exalt ourselves we will be humbled (Luke 14:11). Jesus wanted them to be hot or cold, but not in between. He gave them an opportunity to choose their position when He said to them, “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.” (Revelation 3:20). Jesus is known by many names, but is Lord only to those whose lives imitate His servant attitude by servant action. The Laodiceans lived in the neutral zone—one foot in and one foot out of the Kingdom of God, too proud to be humble and too blind to see it.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): When Jesus stepped down from heaven to earth, He gave the perfect example of humility. He did not put Himself first, nor did He seek recognition. What He did do is take on the role of a bondservant or slave (Philippians 2:7). He came to serve, not to be served (Mark 10:45). He was devoted to carrying out the will of the Father and to making a way for us to have a personal relationship with God. There will be a day when we all stand before our Creator, either as Lord or as Judge. If you have claimed Jesus as Lord, be sure that your lifestyle follows. You will hear one of two things: “… I never knew you…” (Matthew 7:23) or “…Well done, good and faithful servant!...” (Matthew 25:23). You are precious in the sight of God. I pray that you bow your heart to the King of Kings and confess Him as Lord of Lords. Don’t be a lukewarm Laodicean. Open the door to Jesus. The only way up to heaven is to humble ourselves on earth. If you have one foot in and one foot out of the Kingdom, which foot are you willing to move?
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Are you lukewarm in your Christian walk?
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Is Jesus truly your Lord and Master?
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Does your life reflect the fruit of walking with Jesus?
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Psalm 42:1-2; 1 Samuel 2:7; 1 John 2:6
KYR
Calvary Chapel of Melbourne; 2955 Minton Road; W. Melbourne, FL 32904; 321-952-9673
All Bible references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.