4/15/2010
Revelation 3:14-22 (NRSV)
"And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the origin of God's creation:
"I know your works; you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you out of my mouth. For you say, 'I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing.' You do not realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. Therefore I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire so that you may be rich; and white robes to clothe you and to keep the shame of your nakedness from being seen; and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. I reprove and discipline those whom I love. Be earnest, therefore, and repent. Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me. To the one who conquers I will give a place with me on my throne, just as I myself conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches."
DEVOTION
Today's devotional reminds us of the importance of not becoming complacent when the Lord blesses us!
It is a sad fact that many people who have prospered forget to give all the glory of God.
I once read a shocking statistic that said that poor people give a greater percentage of their income to tithes and offerings than the rich.
This surprised me because "to whom much is given, much is required."
In Revelation 3 The Word states, "I know your works; you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you out of my mouth. For you say, 'I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing.' You do not realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked."
There are many ways be to poor and one of them is to be poor in spirit. We are poor in spirit when we fail to utilize our God-given talents to love God with all our hearts, minds, souls, and strength and to love our neighbors as ourselves.
On this day, let us remember that God showed us great generosity when Love gave Jesus to die on the cross to save us from our sins and gift us with eternal life. Let us strive to emulate God's generosity in our relationships with others.
Let us pray:
Holy God, thank you that you have abundantly blessed me! Just the very fact that I have access to a computer and the internet proves that I am among the wealthiest people on the earth. Please forgive me for being "lukewarm" toward you and your children. Please fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I will be compelled to share the good news in words and in deeds. I pray this in Jesus' Name, Amen.
INVITATION
If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaL
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