The past few days we've had above freezing temperatures during the day
with below freezing at night. Everywhere I walk, I see roofs with icicles
hanging from them. No two icicles are the same, each has its own individual
size and shape and each is constantly changing as the drops of water run
along it.
Some are not much more than thin slivers of ice, almost thread like and
barely wider than a single drop of water. Others look like the "traditional"
pointed icicle. Still others have taken on the form of elaborate,
multifaceted, sculptures as they grow across tree branches, downspouts and
anything in their way.
Each icicle has it's own character and beauty.
The icicles remind me in many ways of God's people. When we first
become Christians, it seems in some ways as if we're attached to the savior
with a thin thread. We don't yet know Him well and haven't been tested. The
thread will hold forever, but it can feel very delicate.
Other believers have become "traditional" churchgoers. They have their
salvation and they attend worship regularly, but that is the extent of their
faith walk. They are stunted in their growth and uninspiring.
Some believers become passionate about their new relationship with
Christ. They devour His work, strive to walk in obedience and want to share
their faith with everyone who will listen. No matter what obstacles get in
their way, they grow around them and they overcome.
What type of icicle are you?
God's heart is for us to have more than our salvation. He wants us to
be more than complacent. He desires us to be passionate about Him and the
things of the kingdom.
These are the words of the Amen, the faithful
and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. 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. Revelation
3:14-18 NIV
He wants us to be victorious and live abundant lives.
Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the
truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were
thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate;
whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and
find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have
come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:7-10
Until next time, may your relationship with Him deepen and may you grow
over anything that hinders you from becoming all that God desires you to be.
Be blessed.
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)!
Kevin
