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Today is Thursday July 08, 2010 and we are reading through the Bible in a year. Today's message comes from the reading of the Book of Psalms, chapters 78-80. If you would like to read the chapters along with us here online you can Click Here to read them or copy & paste this link onto your browser: http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-july-8

Today's Message: Lukewarm Christians

One thing that probably angers God the most is a lukewarm Christian, a lukewarm Christian is one that has been saved, knows he can come to God at any time, but chooses to live according to his own will rather than God's, except when he gets in trouble. “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:” - Revelation 3:15-17. What God is saying, “I know what you are doing, you follow my will when you want something, then once you get it, you go right back to doing your own thing. I would rather you to remain (wert) one way or the other. Because you follow me halfheartedly I am not going to help you any longer.” Being a lukewarm Christian is like a person who has gone to prison and while he in there he behaves, but once he gets out he goes right back to his life of crime. God loves us all, but just like any father who loves his child he can not help them if they do not want to stay out of trouble. What it all comes down to is this, if you say you are going to follow Christ, than do it, follow through with your agreement. If you are going to remain in the world, don't expect God to get you out of trouble, you are going to suffer all on your own. However, one thing a lukewarm Christian can count on is that God is right there to pick you up when you finally choose to follow Him wholeheartedly. Praise God!

God had chosen Israel to be His witness to the world. As His people, they were to be examples of how He would bless all who honor Him and His Word. From the time they left Egypt they saw great miracles from God, yet never appreciated or thanked God for all He had done for them. All God wanted was a little recognition for His hard work and for the Israelites to remain faithful to Him, but what He constantly got was lukewarm Israelites, who only came to Him when they were being chastised. “They kept not the covenant of God, and refused to walk in his law; And forgat his works, and his wonders that he had shewed them....And they sinned yet more against him by provoking the most High in the wilderness. And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust. Yea, they spake against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness? Behold, he smote the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed; can he give bread also? can he provide flesh for his people? Therefore the LORD heard this, and was wroth: so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel; Because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation:...When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and enquired early after God. And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer. Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues. For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant.” - Psalm 78:1011,17-22,34-37. God knows each and every heart of His children, He knows if they are seeking Him wholeheartedly or really have no intention of remaining faithful to Him. Remember, God is always in control, but He also gives us the freewill to decide for ourselves whether or not we will remain faithful to Him. He will allow wickedness to enter a Christians life if that is what he wants, but He will not be there to back him up when he gets into trouble. However, He is always listening for that sweet sound of a heart beating only for Him.

Rebellion is the key that keeps Christians from living in the will of God wholeheartedly, from the time God created man and woman rebellion has literally destroyed His people. They want what the flesh desires and want it now. We all get rebellious at times, no one wants to be told what to do, the second the flesh gets wind that it can not have or do something rebellion kicks in. There is a constant battle going on within our own bodies, a battle between the flesh and the Spirit. Like I said earlier in the week, the soul feeds off of both and if we are not following God wholeheartedly the flesh will take over and become rebellious over the Spirit. That is why it is important that we never lose sight of God for any reason. Sure you are going to mess up from time to time, even in the will of God, but God knows your heart and will be there to help you. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” - I John 1:1. Praise God!

God is longing for us to trust Him and look beyond our own human resources to His endless supply. He has not promised that we will not face any trials, but He has promised to protect and always be there for us. “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” - Hebrews 13:5-8. When times of discouragement come, then is the best time to count our blessings and remember where the Lord brought us from, especially from the depths of hell. Praise God!

Enjoy the rest of your day/night and week.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina

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