Love Moves

I correct those whom I love. So be eager to do right. Change your hearts and lives.

 – Revelations 3:19

I love reading the Bible and learning how God desires for me to live my daily life.  But, I don’t enjoy when I’m reading God’s word and I feel an “ouch.”  God’s word like a double edged sword; though wonderfully life giving, it can cut right to the heart of our weaknesses.  Even though I know better, I’d rather dodge or ignore correction and discipline.

What about you?  When was the last time you knew you were “out of bounds” of God’s plans?  How did it feel when He redirected your steps through His word or by the Holy Spirit?  Why is correction so difficult for us?

In Revelations, God was correcting the church in Laodicea because they had become “lukewarm” to His presence, power, and plans.  God was giving them a loving warning.  He wanted His people to know He was disciplining them because He loved them.  

God was not out to punish His people but to redirect their steps so they would live closer to Him.  He desired for them to be devoted to Him first, to worship Him often, to follow His ways, and to receive His love every day.  

God would not settle for lukewarm hearts when He knew His people could have hearts aflame with love.

God has never changed.  He wants your heart on fire with love for Him.  He will never be content with mediocre faith or mundane love.  He’ll keep nudging you and correcting you until your heart becomes more alive, awake, and on fire for Him.  This process is both powerful and painful.

God is never done with us.  While we’re alive on this earth, God will keep molding us into Jesus’ likeness.  For a while, God might be leading you to be more patient.  Once you’ve moved the dial on patience, He’ll shine a light into your heart and let you know it’s time to start forgiving others.  Ouch!  

The more your heart desires to emulate the life of Jesus, the more you’ll see the huge discrepancy between your heart and His.  Instead of being discouraged and staying lukewarm, take a moment to look how far you’ve come and give thanks to God.

Keep moving; follow God’s promptings, step out in faith when He nudges.  Soon you will feel the temperature of your heart increasing.