Proper Cold

The last few days, with their crisp beauty, and brilliant blue skies, have been a reminder of proper winter - even if so far, we have had no snow.
This is the weather that we think may deal with 'all those unwanted bugs' - whatever they happen to be!
My preferred option for winter is 'proper cold', and my preferred option for summer is 'proper hot'. Warm and muggy is not my choice - though others may wish differently from me. Such wishes won't change the weather, of course. But either hot or cold is my preference!
In the ancient city of Laodicea, their water supply was neither ice cold, straight from the mountains, nor bubbling hot from the local volcanic underground source. It was just lukewarm (and filthy tasting!).
The risen Jesus, doing his OFSTED inspection of the 7 local Churches, compares the Christians there to their water supply. '“I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!' (Revelation 3.15-16)
Worse was to come from Jesus, as he saw their smug complacency, which failed to look beneath their surface comfort. 'You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see.' (Revelation 3.17-18)
The remedy was very simple - they needed to welcome Jesus into their deeply damaged lives. '“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. (Revelation 3.20)
That particular verse has helped thousands to clinch the deal with Jesus - including me! It is so simple to understand and visualise - Jesus coming into the house of my life, to bring his friendship and presence, to bring change and hope.
So, on the proper cold day, let us all make sure that Jesus is inside the house of our lives.
Best wishes,
Richard