Verse of the Day - weekend 4/3

Through the Bible - Judges 15-19, Luke 10:25-11:36

 

Good morning,

I'm sure most of us have experienced watching a todler, as they begin to gain their independence, say "do myself" instead of being helped.  This often leads to spilled milk or some other minor catastrophy.  It's all part of growing up, but it shows that the desire for self sufficiency starts at an early age.

 

This desire for self sufficiency often continues into adulthood and even into the church.  When we feel that we have everything that we need often there is little "need" for God.  This need may be relegated to setting aside an hour to go to church and feel good about ourselves in honoring Him with our presence.

 

In Revelation 3 Jesus speaks to the church at Laodicea, the lukewarm church.

 

Rev 3:17 You say, 'I am rich. I have everything I want. I don't need a thing!' And you don't realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. 18 So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see.  NLT

 

The remedy was to "be diligent and turn from your indifference" (v.19turn back to God, seek Him, depend on His Word to reveal to you the true condition of our heats,  and to lean on Him  and not our own understanding.

Yesterday's devotional from Psalm 42 pointed out how the psalmist needed the Lord , daily.  I was reminded of an old hymn that expanded upon this.  May it be our realization today.  Read it, sing it in your heart or out loud in preparation for worship this weekend.

 

I Need Thee Every Hour

(Annie Hawks 1872)

1. I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
   No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.

   • Refrain:
     I need Thee, oh, I need Thee;
     Every hour I need Thee;
     Oh, bless me now, my Savior,
     I come to Thee.
2. I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;
   Temptations lose their pow'r when Thou art nigh.
3. I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
   Come quickly and abide, or life is vain.
4. I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
   And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.
5. I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;
   Oh, make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son.

In Christ,

Mike

 

Rev 3:14-4:1

The Lukewarm Church

14 "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,

'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:  15 "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.  16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.  17 Because you say,'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing' — and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked —   18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.  19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.  20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.  21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

22 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."'"

NKJV