I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of my mouth. Because you say, 'I am rich, and have gotten riches, and have need of nothing;' and don't know that you are the wretched one, miserable, poor, blind, and naked; Revelation 3:15 WEBI hate needles. I remember when I was ready to start school, I had be vaccinated and it involved a lot of sharp needles. Everyone had to get those shots before school started back. The idea was that they gave you a little bit of the virus in a weakened or dead state, and then your immune system built up a defense against it. The vaccination shielded you and kept you from getting the real thing later.
Many today learn a little about the Lord Jesus, but then go no further. They just touch the edge of the water. Their life does not really change, and slowly the fire dies within them. They become the living dead, and the church is full of them. They are neither cold nor hot, and they become the hardest of all people to reach because they think they already know about Jesus, but they do not yet know Him. When you speak to them about the power of God, it falls on deaf ears, a hardened heart, and they yawn. One of the scriptures that scares me the most in the Bible is this one:
'Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will tell me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, didn't we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?' Then I will tell them, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity'' (Matthew 7:21'23).
Can you know a lot about Jesus, yet not know Him? Yep. I did for years. Jesus tells us plainly that calling Him Lord isn't enough, we have to 'do the will of the Father.' Calling Jesus Lord is giving Him a title, you make Him Your Lord by doing what He says. The people that He told to depart were living lives of iniquity, but calling Him Lord at the same time. I know that we are saved by grace and I am not a hell, fire, and brimstone preacher, but you better learn to listen to the Father. Jesus went on to say: 'Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.'
It is hearing followed by doing. Your actions speak louder than your words. Meaning to do something for years, just means that you haven't done it yet. God loves us, but our response should be to live a life pleasing to Him. Here is some good advice for maintaining a relationship:
Don't take your relationship with God for granted. I have seen many marriages end because a spouse began to think they would always be married, no matter how they behaved. They took the other for granted. That is deception. You had better love them and treat them like you would like to be treated if you want them to stay. If your actions and words do not agree, the day will come when your words will no longer matter.
Our relationship with Jesus is an ongoing one and you need to keep that fire burning. When you mess up, be quick to ask for forgiveness. Admit being wrong, it is ok. Tell them that you love them every day. Don't let your eyes wander where they should not. Watch your mouth because what comes out of it, you can't call back. Be nice.
Rekindle the fire. Don't stop learning about Jesus. Don't let the fire die. Don't grow cold. Get serious. Keep praying, keep on pressing in. Yes, it is hard sometimes, but life is short when compared to eternity. Do not become a vaccinated Christian that is immune to His presence when He is standing right in front of you.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please forgive me of my sins, wash me clean and deliver me. Come into my heart Lord and guide me into a deeper personal relationship with You. I want to know You Lord, I want more of You. I want to really know You and not just about You, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.Note: For those here in the USA, Happy Thanksgiving :)! We are so grateful for all of you, who join with us in these devotionals, who pray for us, participate in the online church, and support this ministry. May the Lord bless you with a peaceful and joy-filled time! ALSO, ladies, today is Thankful Thursday at the "Ladies in Distress" group (our RHM women's group)! You are welcome to join in our weekly sharing of thankfulness for the Lord's presence and any blessings you may have experienced, big or small! "Ladies in Distress" is a private group, so if you have any problems joining, just post anywhere and we will help you :). Here is the link:
Ladies in Distress > You can subscribe to our daily devotional here <
Yes Lord, amen
Thank you wonderful Jesus,we love and worship you. Amen
Amen. A very Blessed Thanksgiving to Pastor Dion and Sylvia. Thank you for all you do. Please know that through your teachings we have the opportunity to learn more about Jesus. A Blessed Thanksgiving to all of you and your families. Amen
Thank you God for helping us. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone ❤️
Amen, Thank You God! Everyone have a Blessed Thanksgiving!
Love your devotions they always are what l need God bless you all have a safe and happy thankgiving in jesus name amen
Amen! Thank You Lord!
Happy Thanksgiving Rev. Dion and Sylvia! I thank Jesus for this ministry and for allowing me to see each day anew! Happiness is knowing the love Jesus gives me everyday and I am thankful and blessed by his love, compassion, kindness and patience! May everyone have a very happy and peaceful day! In Jesus name I pray, Amen!
Amen! Thank you Pastor Dion for reminding us that we need to walk life in the way God expects us. Although we will stumble and may even fall, the key is to get up and keep going! Happy Thanksgiving
Heavenly Father, please forgive me of my sins, wash me clean and deliver me. Come into my heart Lord and guide me into a deeper personal relationship with You. I want to know You Lord, I want more of You. I want to really know You and not just about You, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen! Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Amen! To know Him is to love Him. Praise our Lord Yeshua Christ !
I am thankful for pastor Dion, Mrs. Sylvia , this ministry and the whole family here at Refreshing Hope. You're right pastor Dion, that verse really defines what a right relationship is with Lord Jesus. I hope everyone here and your loved ones have a blessed day of Thanksgiving.
Give thanks to the Lord ,For he is good; his love endures forever . 1Chronicles 16:34 God bless.
Thank you pastor and Sylvia! Happy thanks giving everyone! Have a blessed day!
Amen Happy Thanksgiving Everyone
Everyone have a very blessed Thanksgiving.
Happy Thanksgiving Refreshing Hope family.
Heavenly Father I thank You for all of Your help,I want to have more of You in my life and do Your designs. Guide me oh Lord to have a closer relationship with You and clean my sins, in Jesus name I pray. Amen, glory be to Your Holy name.
Thank you Pastor and Sylvia for all you do for us in this ministry, leading all of us to a closer relationship with our Lord. God bless you both.
That the Lord bless all of us through our lives giving thanks to Him always. Have a blessed Thanksgiving everyone.
From Canada, HAPPY THANKSGIVING. PRAISE THE LORD. HALLELUJAH
Amen and Amen and Amen !!!
Amen!
Amen!
HALLELUJAH