Passage of the Day:
“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. 19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. 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 that person, and they with me. 21 To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches,” Revelation 3:14-22.
Reflection:
As January quickly comes to a close in a few days, this is when many people often give up hope of changing for the better in 2024. Or if you’re already failed to uphold your New Year Resolutions, you’re probably thinking, “what’s the point?” Perhaps, these thoughts of doubt are merely a sign of spirits of apathy and complacency? Whatever the reason, maintaining a consistent level of faith in 2024 requires a spiritual desire and drive.
Prayerful Action:
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own, Matthew 6:33-34.
Renewing Your Mind:
According to the disciple John, one of three members of Jesus’ inner circle, members of the Church of Laodicea developed some bad spiritual habits. Laodiceans began to place other things in their lives above God, limiting their time spent in Bible Study and prayer. Subtle daily choices slowly led many church members to possess a lukewarm faith, as their internal fire for God became dim. John’s letter to the Church at Laodicea served as a wakeup call to come alive spiritually.
Song of the Day:
Final Thoughts:
One of my spiritual mentors in college compared a lukewarm spirit to taking a spit bath. Rather than meditating and reflecting upon words from the Bible, Joshua 1:8, some Christians treat time with God as merely part of their daily to do list. You can’t expect spiritual transformation if you’re not willing to bathe your mind daily into God’s Word. May the attached song help spark and ignite a fresh fire for God today.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 