The church of Ladeocea was in dire straights and they didn’t even realize it. The Christians there thought they had it all together due to their prosperous life style, much like our own in the western church. Which raises the question, doesn’t God want to bless his children? I believe the answer is yes, a resounding yes, as John says to Gaius in his third epistle, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” But like the Isrealites of old it comes with a warning; DO NOT FORGET WHO GAVE THE BLESSING.
We were never meant to chase the blessing, read: the American Dream, we are meant to chase the blesser, the Holy One of Israel.
God was prepared to spit the church of Ladeocea out of his mouth. Though the words of Christ, “Behold I stand at the door and Knock…” are often used to preach the gospel to the lost, it is here said by Jesus to his church. My hearts cry is that this will never be said of you or me my friend. We need to ever seek out God and the continual fresh filling of his Holy Spirit. We need to be able to say with Paul, “I have learned to be content whether I am abounding or abased.”
God bless
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