Prayer Focus: Zimbabwe
Bible Reading: Revelation 1-5
Scripture
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 nor cold — I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3:15-20)
Observation
Since the delivery of the Ten Commandments, humans have struggled to obey them, particularly the first two. Idolatry may be our greatest temptation, prone to rely on our wealth, strength, health, relationships, and power rather than being fully dependent upon God. The Church of Laodicea was no exception.
Application
Is it any wonder that the movement of Jesus Christ is dying in the wealthy west while expanding dramatically among the weak and poor? What does God’s rebuke and discipline look like to the Church in the USA? We desperately need to repent and allow God back into our culture, lives, and—tragically—our churches.
Prayer
Forgive us, LORD, for worshiping money, sex and power rather than You. We deserve discipline. Have mercy, LORD. Revive us and bring about spiritual awakening in lour land. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
December 24, 2012 at 10:57 PM
>>We desperately need to repent and allow God back into our culture, lives, and—tragically—our churches.
How do we do this when the culture of the Church in the America is “don’t judge, don’t be critical.”? As soon as you start rocking the boat the leadership of the church wants you out! It feels like once the boat starts to sink you just have to get in the life boat and watch.