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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 3:15'17 WEB.

I hate needles. I remember when I was ready to start school, I had to be vaccinated. It involved being poked with 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, then your immune system built up a defense against it. The vaccination shielded you and kept you from getting the full-blown sickness later.

Many today learn a little about the Lord Jesus Christ but then go no further. They barely touch the edge of the water. Their life doesn't 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. They think they already know about Jesus, but they don't know Him yet. When you try to 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 WEB).

Can you know a lot about Jesus Christ 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 He told to depart were living lives of iniquity but calling Him Lord at the same time.

Now, I know that we are saved by grace, and I'm 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 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's deception. You'd better love and treat them like you would like to be treated if you want to stay with them. If your actions and words don't agree, the day will come when your words no longer mean anything.

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's ok. Tell them that you love them every day. Don't let your eyes wander where they shouldn't. Watch your mouth because what comes out of it, you can't call back. Be nice.

Rekindle the fire, and don't stop learning about Jesus. Don't let the fire die out and grow cold. Get serious. Keep praying. Keep on pressing in. Yes, it is hard sometimes, but life is short when compared to eternity. Don't become a vaccinated Christian immune to His presence when He stands right before you.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please forgive me of my sins, wash me clean, and deliver me. Come into my heart Lord. 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!

Note: 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

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