Lukewarm.

I remember the days when I made excuses for living in this category. For years, I was lukewarm, knowing right from wrong but continuing to live the way I wanted to, in the world. Ignoring my convictions. Whew, saying that now and looking back on that time in my life, I just want to shake my head. Now, that I’m happily no longer lukewarm, thank you Jesus!!, I can truly reflect on what that time meant.

I remember my great grandparents telling me that they didn’t want me to “backslide”, many times. I didn’t understand at the time what they were truly saying. They were concerned about my soul. They cared for me, in a deep way that I couldn’t comprehend at that time.

I’ve heard being lukewarm is worse than not believing at all. Lukewarm, you believe, you just choose to not obey. Welp, that’s what satan does too.

“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm-neither hot not cold-I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” Rev 3:15-16

Can you imagine God saying he’ll spit you out because you were lukewarm? That would’ve been me for sure. Thank you Jesus for bringing me out of the world and closer to you.

I remember feeling convicted for alcohol for a long time. Yet, I continued to drink. Turns out, alcohol brought me nothing but pain and regret. I remember feeling like no one really liked me unless I was drinking, loose and carefree. Newsflash, if you need to drink and be drunk to feel liked by your friends, then they aren’t truly your friends at all. Drinking only brought poor decisions, deep sadness and regret the following day. Now, when I see alcohol, I just see the demon behind it. The holy spirit revealed that truth to me and I’m so thankful that it holds no power over my life anymore.

I remember feeling convicted about wordly music but choosing to listen anyways. Once I was at a concert and saw everyone raising their hands to the rapper. Strong conviction came, why are they raising their hands to that person, worshiping them? Idol. Now, that I’m not lukewarm anymore, all I listen to is music that glorifies the Lord, maybe some country here and there, but even country is hit or miss. Mainly, its my worship playlist on Spotify.

Conviction and disobedience=lukewarm. Lukewarm=spit out.

I’ve realized, once you decide to run to the Lord, it’s difficult. Being lukewarm, in the world, with friends that don’t understand what you’re going through or that are not on the same walk, is hard. Losing your friends isn’t fun, it’s isolating and lonely at times.

The more I chose to listen to the Holy Spirit and my convictions, the more isolated I got. The more events I’d say no to, the more chats I’d leave and the more misunderstood I’d become. I remember crying to my husband when I was losing all my friends, feeling so left out and upset. A few years later, I see what God was doing. I see what He had planned and I’m so thankful that even though it was painful, it led me here.

Being misunderstood never goes away when you follow Christ. The world will not understand you. They’ll make fun of you, they’ll mock you and they’ll curse you. BUT, all of that, should be expected by the believer. The bible tells us we will be persecuted (2Tim3:12). So when that happens, seek God harder, pray harder, rest in Him. When I was leaving the lukewarm time in my life, I’d share my convictions, only to find they “offended” people. One thing I’ve learned- my convictions, your convictions are not the same. Something that the Holy Spirit is working on in me, may not bring conviction to you. One thing that is a hard no for me, like alcohol, may not be a hard no for you and your walk. and that’s ok. So, please, don’t take me sharing some of my convictions as what I think every Christian should do. My convictions are that, mine. BUT, if I share something, that offends you, maybe check your heart. Are you offended or are you feeling something in your spirit that may check you? It’s not my job to convict you, nor yours for me, that job is solely His alone. Thank goodness!

Now that I’m seeking God more, I’m listening to Him, pleading with him to continue to change me, work through me and for His will to be done in my life.

Some things I’ve gained from seeking Him and fleeing from being lukewarm:

-forgiveness and grace

-a stronger marriage and witnessing God work in my husbands life

-Sundays and Wednesdays are church, no questions, no complaints. I desire to be in God’s house and around other believers.

-meals start with prayer, thanksgiving, and all my kids, the youngest being 2, say amen. It’s amazing.

-friends that answered my prayers. friends that seek God, with marriages that put God first.

-fire, a fire for God and his Word. a longing to be with him and to listen, not just speak.

My hope for you is that you’ll stick it out and trust God in the process. God sees what we can’t, he protects us from what we don’t even notice yet. Be faithful and listen to your convictions. Realizing your lukewarm is kind of the first step. Leave your pride behind, and ask for forgiveness for living in sin. And take the next step, with Him. Go all in.

God will carry you through. God will provide. God will comfort you.

Another thing, know you’re not alone. Reach out to others, the world we’re living in now, it’s so evil. I bet more and more people are running to God than you think.

and keep praying. Keep praying for your friends, for your spouse, for your family.

My journey started before my husband. But it wasn’t my job to yell at him or preach to him what I think is right and wrong, it’s my job to pray and leave it in Gods hands. Forward to now, those prayers are being answered and he’s on fire for God like I am. It’s truly amazing to witness and I thank God every day for this. So keep praying, keep believing and trusting God’s promises and his timing.

Lukewarm is contagious. Its keeps good company of believers using excuses woven by Satan to keep you lukewarm so you’ll be spit right out and not inherit the kingdom. That’s right where Satan wants you, thinking believing in God is enough. It’s not and I pray you don’t fall for it.

I pray you put Satan right back in his place, under your feet and you run to the foot of the cross.

“Instead, let us test and examine our ways. Let us turn back to the Lord.” -Lam 3:40

“He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” -John 3:30

“He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.” -John 14:17

“If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first.” -John 15:18

“take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness, instead, expose them.” -Eph 5:11

“You cannot drink from the cup of the Lord and from the cup of demons, too. You cannot eat at the Lord’s Table and at the table of demons, too.” -1 Cor 10:21

God is good, all the time.

God, thank you for this day. Thank you pulling me out of the lukewarm pit I was in and comforting me through the pain. Thank you for providing for me and seeing what I couldn’t see. God, I pray if anyone reading this needs encouragement to leave their lukewarm life to run to you fully, that you’ll meet them right here, and give them peace and comfort. I pray they are bold in their faith and realize you, Lord, are the most important thing in this life. I pray they know your heart and seek your Word. I rebuke the devil from their lives God, and pray for strongholds to break in Jesus’ name. Thank you for your mercy and your grace, none which we deserve, and you love us anyways. Amen.

xoxox,

Kiersten