He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.\u201d <\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cAnd to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, \u2018These things says <\/em>the Amen<\/strong>, <\/em>the Faithful <\/strong>and <\/em>True Witness<\/strong>, the <\/em>Beginning of the creation of God<\/strong>: <\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. <\/em><\/p>\n So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. <\/em><\/p>\n Because you say, \u2018I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing\u2019\u2014and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked\u2014 <\/em><\/p>\n I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. <\/em><\/p>\n As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. <\/em><\/p>\n Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. <\/em><\/p>\n To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. <\/em><\/p>\n He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.–Revelation 3:12-22\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Jesus knows our works. These works can be cold or hot. It shows in this that there are those who are lukewarm. These are neither cold nor hot. The Lord equates your works with who you are. You are either cold or hot. Lukewarm <\/em>according to the Merriam-Webster also means lacking conviction and half-hearted <\/em>besides moderately warm and tepidness.<\/p>\n This word of Lukewarm-ness reminds me of the following scripture which Jesus taught on the seed which represented the Word of God in the parable. Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity.-Luk 8:14 <\/em><\/p>\n These are believers who have heard the word of the Lord, but they \u201cgo out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life.\u201d These are the same that do not come to maturity because the seed doesn\u2019t die to self and doesn\u2019t reproduce itself. They don\u2019t grow enough to be able to produce any fruit which is a sign of maturity of the lifecycle of the seed. When these go out of the shadow of the wings of the Lord, which is His presence and safety in community and counselors. They rely on the \u201criches and pleasures of life\u201d which restricts the seed from growing. The things which would restrict growth would be the distractions of day to day worries, the idols of entertainment in our modern daily living. The pleasures of life are not evil when enjoyed in moderation, but when they begin to overtake us, we lose focus on the Word of the Lord\u2014Jesus Himself. The hindrances we are talking about here are not just once or twice, but a steady lifestyle without discipline to overcome lukewarm attitude. The idols of entertainment are subversives\u2019 tools used by the enemy to slowly pervert and corrupt our morals into seeing sinful behaviors as normal (our minds seared with a hot iron: \u201cspeaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron<\/em>,\u2026\u201d-1Ti 4:2). The normalization of sinful behaviors reminds me of the metaphor of the boiling frog who is in a state placed in lukewarm water which is pleasurable and enjoyable. The frog is slowly subverted and deceived from the dangers of hot water, they remain, thinking they can get out whenever they feel they can. \u201cSome would say, I am not addicted to this, I can lay it down whenever I want.\u201d This type of behaviors and conduct removes the spirit of discipline and excellence from our conduct to want to serve the Lord with our original youthful love and zeal which we once had at our conversion. The excuse of saying that we are not being religious, but mindful of the culture of the world, falls in the same category.<\/p>\n On the other hand, let us look at the etymology of the word Laodicea and where the city was located and what those people stood for in history. The word comes from Latin and is referenced in Asia Minor for the early Christians who lived in modern day Turkey near the Lycus river. The name of the city was named after the wife of Antiochus II king of Syria, Laodicea was her name which means justice of the people or the place of people of common fairness. The city is 40 miles east of Ephesus and just southeast of Hierapolis. The city was originally called Diospolis and then Rhoas, before it was named Laodicea when it was rebuilt by the king of Syria mentioned above. This was one of the most important flourishing cities on Asia Minor at the time. It was also considered one of the chief seats of Christianity as mentioned in the following verses:<\/p>\n \u201cFor I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh,\u2026\u201d-<\/em>Col 2:1<\/p>\n \u201cTychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things which are happening here. Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis. Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you. Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that is in his house. Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.\u201d-<\/em>Col 4:7-16<\/p>\n saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”<\/em>-Rev 1:11<\/p>\n Laodicea was a place of great wealth.<\/p>\n \u201cas you also learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf, who also declared to us your love in the Spirit.\u201d<\/em>-Col 1:7-8<\/p>\n History tells us that Epaphras, Mark, and Timothy were the first to introduce the gospel there (Col 1:7).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cFor I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh . . . Colossians 2:1\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n Although Paul mentions this city several times it appears that he did not physically visit personally.<\/p>\n What you are seeing today in America is the result of the Lord’s Judgment on America as a wealthy nation which has been normalized in the Laodiceans spirit of luke-warmness. Just like the city of ancient Laodicea which was a center of trade and banking business, the United States has become as such. In order for us to be able to triumph over this spirit over our nation, we must overcome by buying gold refined by His fire (there is a price to pay). The Lord is refiners\u2019 fire and He is able to purge by His fire. Our destiny is to not be like the seed mentioned in Luke 8:14 which fell among thorns;<\/p>\n “Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity.-Luke 8:14 <\/em><\/p>\n America has become a place of much enjoyable riches and distractions from the cares of life which choke the seed or the word of God in our lives. Our entertainment and lifestyles have normalized sinful behavior to be tolerated and accepted. These idols in the lives of many Christians have influenced us to a place where we have been nurtured from bringing any fruit–which is the sign of maturity.<\/p>\n On the other hand, consider this time of trials and testing as a nation is to help us come out from among the filth of the world (Therefore \u201cCome out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.\u201d 2 Cor 6:17<\/em>). The Mercies of God endures forever and triumph over judgment. We as a people must continue to seek the Lord in a manner which brings us to place of fruit and maturity. We must become churches not of operating in the confines of buildings, but which operates outside of them and into the world. Bringing the Lost into a place of maturity and joining ourselves to the unity of the Bride of Christ on the earth as one body. It seems to me the major restructuring I had begun to prophesy back in the 2015 is coming to pass. It\u2019s coming to pass in a way none of us could have imagined.<\/p>\n The Lord is separating us from that which is lukewarm and lacking of passion. He is re-awakening the hearts and minds of many to a fiery zeal for what is first–The Love of Jesus, and souls (Our future brothers and sisters). Our passionate pursuit for what is Holy and clean should be of the utmost importance again. What is of the Kingdom of Heaven must be first again.<\/p>\n Again, we must submit to God and then resist the devil (James 4:7) by leaving this type of mediocre and un-disciplined lifestyle and the Lord will receive us. We must “Therefore be zealous and repent…<\/em>,” because “He rebukes and chastens as many as He loves.” <\/em>-Rev 3:19 We must return to our strong convictions and wholeheartedness for the things of God. We must place the first commandment as number one in our lifestyles. He loved us so that we maybe to love Him. When we love Him, we are easily able to love ourselves and those around us. This love through compassion is when we begin to release the kingdom. The kingdom is healing the sick, casting out demons, and preaching many unto salvation and making disciples of Jesus. This is what’s coming to American as we embrace the mercy of God for our nation. His desire for us is for us to be planted in His house forever.<\/p>\n So therefore, “I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.”<\/em>-Rev 3:18-19<\/p>\n Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. <\/em>-Rev 3:20-21<\/p>\n If you hear His voice in this message, repent and be zealous and set yourself on fire again for being in His presence. For the washing of the water of His Word over your spirit and soul is the process of sanctification. Pray that the Lord would cover you with His blood and His Mercy would triumph over the judgments and that you would be found in the riches of His grace through His Son Jesus Christ. It’s time for you to return to the Father’s house now. Right now! You may not have another day or moment of clarity. He is knocking on the door of your heart. He is ready to receive you with hugs of joy for your obedient heart in returning. He loves you.<\/p>\n What is Buying Gold Refine by His Fire? <\/strong><\/p>\n It means we must pursuit and pay a very costly price. Character and the fruit of the spirit are very costly and these only come when patience has its perfect work<\/p>\n My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing<\/em>. -Jas 1:2-4<\/p>\n The riches of this world do not compare to the glory to come. These earthly riches are corrupted and will not last long. There have no use for us in the after-life. We will not be able to take them with us, but the works we do for the Lord here on earth are transferable to our eternal life. Our hearts learning to love Jesus and those He has placed in our lives is what could be the gold or glory that could be transferable. Our trials and suffering and the fellowship of His suffering\u2014this we must count it all joy.<\/p>\n What are the white garments? <\/strong><\/p>\n Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten.<\/em>-Jas 5:1-2.<\/p>\n Our clothing or garments on earth are perishable items and can be moth-eaten. We must put on the robes of righteousness as mentioned in Revelation 19:8 \u201cAnd to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.<\/em>-Rev 19:8.\u201d<\/p>\n First and foremost it His righteousness that makes up the base of the white garments and on top of that the works and \u201cacts of the saints<\/em>\u201d are built on top of that plumb line.<\/p>\n Finally, this letter from Jesus to the saints is to show another facet of failure the body of Christ must guard itself from. It shows a manner the people of God and can backslid. The good thing the Lord Jesus does in this message is He always gives us a remedy on how to fix the problem. Those who can overcome these maladies will be able to come to maturity and therefore mature to inherit all that is described as rewards. We must begin to take these prophecies by Jesus himself not only personal, but as an end-time battle plan strategies on how to defeat our foes, and to equip the bride for the end time revival-awakening. The bride must make herself ready. The unfaithful attitude of the church must end and we must be mature sons. We must learn to walk in our pre-ordained power and authority now.<\/p>\n This message will continue to be very relevant to us now who live in the United States and all over the world today. I believe this message will still apply until we actually enter in the awaiting revival and greatest awakening we have all been waiting for.<\/p>\n being confident of this very thing, that <\/em>He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ<\/strong>;\u2014<\/em>Philippians 1:6<\/p>\n The Lord who has begun the good work in us will surely complete it, when we surrender our hearts to Him. How many of us can truly say we are on fire for the Lord and have been on a steady streak with the Lord? I believe we must ask the Lord to be the judge of this. Ask the Lord; Have I been on fire for you or a bit lukewarm? Be honest with the Lord. We need to press into the Lord with all our hearts and minds and strength like never before. We must be in a constant repentant mode asking the Lord to show us how \u201cwretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked\u201d we are. What are our blind spots in our spiritual relationship with the Lord? Are we so busy with the worries and day to day duties and matters that we forget and are distracted? Can we focus more?<\/p>\n If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.<\/em>\u2014Colossians 3:1-2<\/p>\n We must continually renew our mind. Seeking those things which are above where Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father. We must clothes ourselves with garments of His righteousness.<\/p>\n But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.\u2014Matthew 6:33 <\/em><\/p>\n \uf0b7 Seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness while fulfilling the first commandments is a great reminder on how to remain steady and focused<\/p>\n \uf0b7 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.<\/em>\u2014Deuteronomy 6:5<\/p>\n \uf0b7 “Teacher, which is <\/em>the great commandment in the law?” Jesus said to him, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ This is the <\/em>first and great commandment. And the <\/em>second is <\/em>like it: ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”\u2014Matthew 22:36-40<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I believe there is always room for improvement when it comes to serving the Lord. The first step is recognizing that we must repent of any level of luke-warmeness in our lives, and then push delete and reset. Every day is a day to begin a new pursuit with the Lord. He is waiting. He is faithful till the end.<\/p>\n \uf0b7 Obedience of His instructions; Fasting and Praying with reading of the Word will re-ignite your will into the things of God. Preaching of the Word to new believers; Being a disciple to others. A constant re-awakening of the spirit with hunger for His presence and touch will be necessary.<\/p>\n \uf0b7 Fellowshipping with believers who are on fire for the Lord on a constant basis, by maintain accountability with them is a must for spiritual growth. Helping those in need.<\/p>\n \uf0b7 Daily Praise and Worship of the Lord<\/p>\n \uf0b7 Maintaining freedom from demonic oppression and subversion<\/p>\n <\/p>\n SEVEN COMMITMENTS FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH (from IHOP-KC) <\/strong>7 | <\/strong>P a g e The Loadicean Message <\/em><\/p>\n Additional study materials <\/strong><\/p>\n Laodicea <\/strong>Bible Meaning: Justice of the people. Place Of People Of Common Fairness. Strong’s Concordance #G2993<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Laodicea, because it lacked its own water supply, had to have it transported from the nearby city of Hierapolis. The water in Hierapolis came out of the ground hot. After its journey of six miles (9.6 kilometers) to the city, however, the water became lukewarm. Although cold water was desired for drinking purposes and hot water for bathing, lukewarm water was good for neither. Citizens had to make the water either hot or cold in order for it to be of use to them. Sourced from: https:\/\/www.biblestudy.org\/meaning-names\/laodicea.html<\/p>\n Like those in Laodicea and their water, God prefers dealing with people who are either hot (zealous for him and abound in good works) or cold (not converted). He does not like those who display only a half-hearted zeal toward him. https:\/\/www.biblestudy.org\/meaning-names\/laodicea.html<\/p>\n <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/thierrynakoa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Seven-committment-of-a-pioneer-forerunner-or-warrior-for-constant-spiritual-growth.jpg?resize=424%2C314&ssl=1\")
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