My, o my, it is hot! Not only here in central Pennsylvania but around the globe. Previous high temperature recordings are being broken. The third of July 2023 broke the record for being the highest temperature day globally, only to be surpassed on July forth, then tied on July fifth and then broken again on July sixth. Glenn Frey sings the song: “The Heat is On” from the Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack (Now you have the song tune stuck in your head – sorry). July in central Pa. is typically the hottest month of the year. If you like the heat, you are loving this month. Many people complain more about the humidity than the heat itself. We are not breaking records for high temperatures in Central Pa. but if you have to work outside in the heat it is brutal. I remember spending many days working outside in extreme temperatures; I have a soft spot for those who do not have a choice but to persevere working outside no matter the temperature.

When I am outside working in the heat I long for a drink of cold water. I do not want lukewarm water but cold refreshing water. I need some type of sports drink with electrolytes because I suffer from extreme leg cramps but my preference is simply cold water.

The Apostle John was instructed to share the message he was given to the seven churches as recorded for us in the book of Revelation. The message he shared with the church in Laodicea was one of condemnation for their indifference toward Christ. The illustration of lukewarm water and it’s disgusting repugnant taste connected with the city church. Laodicea was the wealthiest city of the seven city churches listed. But the city had a water supply problem. At one time an aqueduct was built to bring water into the city from hot springs. Unfortunately, by the time the water arrived via the aqueduct the water was only lukewarm, not hot or refreshingly cool.

John’s message given to the church in Laodicea indicated they had a lack of zeal and apathy toward Christ. The church had become a group of half-hearted, nominal disciples of Jesus, who were self-satisfied in their devotion to Christ. They were only lukewarm followers of Christ.

Today as you consider pausing at noon to Bend-A-Knee in prayer may you seek to be infused with the life-giving water from the Holy Spirit. May you not be satisfied to only follow your Savior, Jesus the Christ, halfway but with fervent zeal. May you ask God to fire up your faith allowing you to either be hot or refreshingly cold that you may be useful toward advancing God’s Kingdom. I pray the term “lukewarm” will never be used as a reference of your relationship with God.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Mike