12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.-Psalm 51:12

Do you remember when you first fell in love with Jesus? Nobody could could talk you out of following him. You prayed and read the Bible to get to know Him better and it was joyful. I remember craving more of Christ when I got saved. I read the Bible because it was a greater pleasure than sin. I would “steal” my uncle’s NIV study Bible until he got me my own. I would read and read that Bible and when he got me my own it rocked even more. I learned grace at a young adult Bible study lead by Pastor Dave Hilty and his wife Beth. I loved church and spending time with the family of God. I was proud to be a Jesus freak.

Now it’s 2011. I am a youth pastor and preacher of the Gospel. You would think that being in ministry would mean that I’m on fire for Christ. But I realized today that my burning love for him has cooled. I am lukewarm at best. There are days that I only open my Bible when preparing a sermon or lesson. My brain is in my study of scripture but my heart is missing. I go through the motions and say all the Christian bumper sticker slogans,but it’s not real to me. I pray less, reason more, and compromise my faith for the sake of being accepted. We are all prone to turn our backs on Christ, but let’s pray for grace to not become lukewarm.We have one life to live, so lets go hard after Christ. Be a holy fool for Jesus.Live like He is alive. Live like He’s God. Live like you’re grateful for being saved.Seek Joy in Jesus and not sin.Lust,anger,pride,greed,self-righteousness,and any other sin starts with being lukewarm. None of us wake up one day and say that we chose sin over Jesus. It’s a slow fade into the pit. I recieved a wake up call today from the Lord. I love how he never gives up on us.Being lukewarm stinks!Pray to be restored to the Joy of your salvation.

Prayer- Jesus, You are the joy of my salvation. Knowing your fellowship is greater than any sin. Heal my heart. Crush my lukewarm religion. Amen.

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