Revelation 3:15-16
“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” (NLT)
Saints of God, I greet you in the wonderful name of Jesus! How good and pleasant it is when brethren can dwell together. For the Lord delights when we can come together in unity. The Word of God, declares in Hebrews 10:25 (NLT) “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” In these last days, coming together to encourage one another is vital. We are living in a cold and desperately wicked world that constantly tries to draw God's people away from His presence, His Word, and the time spent worshiping Him in spirit and truth. If we are not watchful, we can easily be led astray, often without even realizing it.
Jesus said to His disciples in Matthew 24:22 (NLT), “In fact, unless that time of calamity is shortened, not a single person will survive. But it will be shortened for the sake of God’s chosen ones.” My sister and brother, God has called us for such a time as this to carry out the Great Commission, for there are SOULS to be saved! However, there must be a fire burning deep in our souls to keep pressing on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
My question for us today is: Are we “Hot or Cold?” Recently, I felt that question in my spirit, which led me to the scripture found in Revelation 3:15-16 (NLT): “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.”
The book of Revelation was written by the Apostle John, who had been exiled to the island of Patmos by the Roman Emperor Domitian. This island was used as a place of exile due to its remoteness and forbidding cliffs. The Bible says in Revelation 1:9(NLT), “I, John, am your brother and your partner in suffering and in God’s Kingdom and in the patient endurance to which Jesus calls us. I was exiled to the island of Patmos for preaching the Word of God and for my testimony about Jesus.” Saints of God, can you imagine being in that place? John must have felt loneliness, abandonment, and rejection many times. Yet, I believe that because of his relationship with Christ, he understood that no matter the price he had to pay for preaching the Gospel, the Lord was always with him. He made the choice to be “HOT”—on fire for JESUS.
The Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” This verse conveys Paul’s belief that both life and death bring glory to God. The Apostles, disciples, and followers of Christ made the choice to be “HOT.” The crushing and the pain produce the anointing oil the Lord requires to fulfill the mission.
As children of God, saying yes to the call of God requires us to be living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to the Lord Christ Jesus. John the Baptist, a radical forerunner for Christ, declared, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30, KJV). It’s a daily dying to self as we press toward the mark of the higher calling in Christ. At times, just like John, God will place us in isolated places, but that’s when we can hear His voice, experience His glory, and be transformed by His Word.
As we go through our daily routines, challenges, and obstacles, it’s amazing how the Lord can softly speak to us. Recently, I realized I had no hot water in my house because my water heater needed replacement. While waiting, I heard, “HOT or COLD, which one will you choose?” I knew it was a revelation the Lord was giving me at that moment. I had to decide whether my water would be HOT or COLD, but also to make a daily covenant with God that I would always be on fire for the LORD.
The Lord reminded me that there’s no lukewarmness or being cold; there must be a deep fire in our souls to preach the Gospel in and out of season. It will cost us everything, but “whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:35-36).
One of my sisters in Christ often says, “This walk with the Lord is no cake walk”—meaning it’s not an easy road. There are crossroads where we have to make decisions, not according to our will, but according to God’s Word. We all have the power of choice, and my encouragement for all of us is to choose HOT, staying on fire for Christ. It’s the only way in the last days!
My prayer for us all:
Lord set a fire in our souls! Help us not become complacent or stagnant in reading the Word. I thank you that our posture in prayer and worship will never cease. Lord, I ask that we will lean not unto our own understanding but in all our ways acknowledge you and you promised you will direct our path. It’s your will that none should perish, but all come unto repentance and be given everlasting life. ABBA Father, I plead the blood of Jesus over our mind, body and soul; that our hearts will not turn away from seeking your face all the days of our life. We thank you, in Jesus’ name! Amen.
Daniel 3:17-18: “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if He doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
*Don’t be distracted; it’s only a setup. Stand firm on God’s Word!
Please take the time to read the scriptures throughout!
Have a blessed and wonderful week.
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