From the Home Place

July 24, 2026

Good morning. I’m sorry that I haven’t written for a spell, but between writer’s block and being very busy, the extra task of writing a blog just didn’t fit into my life. So, today, I’ll take a run at sharing a bit with you.

Here in the Lusk area, we are extremely grateful that we have received a bit of rain over the past few days. It hasn’t been any gully washer, but this week has seen the most amazing moisture that we have seen all summer. We praise You Lord Jesus, for Your extreme kindness to us!

Today is going to be a cooker, with tomorrow and Sunday being even hotter. I sure don’t like seeing those triple-digit highs, but if that is what our Lord has designed for us, we will take it. The rest of the week will peg out in the 90’s, along with the first two days of August. Right now, they are predicting 80’s for highs most of August. It sure will be nice to go from hot to warm.

Speaking of hot and warm, there is a Bible passage that deals somewhat with those two topics. In Revelation 3:14-22 we read of the Spirit’s letter to the Church of Laodicea. This church is condemned for being “neither hot or cold,” but was regarded by God to be “lukewarm.”

It would seem that God doesn’t much care for “lukewarm” things; and I have to agree with Him. Around this outfit, I like my coffee and my shower to both be hot, not just warm. In fact, lukewarm coffee makes me want to “spew” it out of my mouth, much like God wanted to do with the Church of Laodicea.

A few years back a feller wrote a book titled, “What would Jesus Say About Your Church?” A question that I think every church ought to ask itself on a regular basis. In Revelation 2 & 3 we read exactly what Jesus thinks of every church on this ‘ol ball of dirt. It is my strong conviction that every church falls into one of seven categories listed within this passage. For many churches in America, the Church of Laodicea seems to be the model.

I’ve been around the “cold” church before, and I have to say that for the most part, they usually don’t cause much trouble for anyone. Such a church seems to be small in number and even less in community impact. They tend to keep to themselves and just tolerate each other for the most part. Their prayers usually focus upon just existing until Jesus calls them home.

The cold church mentioned here isn’t near the threat to God’s kingdom that the “lukewarm” church is. You see the “lukewarm” church usually tries to be involved in their community, but with very little positive impact. They tend to be critical of folks who are not like them, and often not afraid to announce their unhappiness with those “other” people. This church finds more wrong with its community than they can find good; it’s not as much a mission field, as it is a muddy field.

Most likely, over the years this church has been in existence, the Holy Spirit has tried at times to heat-up the hearts of the people who call this church their home; however, this kind of church has seen just enough “good times” that they now continue to attempt to relive the days-gone-by. They live in the past mroe than they anticipate the future. The prayers of this church focus upon what is wrong with their county and community.

But then there is the “hot” church. They a deeply involved within the life of their community. They know how to regard those who don’t know Jesus yet and are busy letting a bright light shine within the community so that the lost can find their way to the cross of Christ.

When you hear the prayers of the “hot” church they give large amounts of praise to God for that which He has done and for that which He wants to do! There is a healthy balance between “we, He and they.” The “hot” church has a clear vision of who God has called them to be and are in the process of fulfilling God’s vision, not just theirs.

“Oh, Holy Spirit of God, throw every ‘lukewarm’ church into Your microwave. Help them to find the amazing joy of joining You in Your work. May their past be long forgotten as they join You in building a new future that is about repentance and redemption. Holy Spirit, help the lukewarm churches across America become boiling hot for Your glory and for the good of those around them!”

“Lord Jesus, we praise You for reminding each of us that a hot church begins within the lives of the people who call that church their home. Heat us up Lord Jesus!” Amen

Desiring to be spiritually boiling hot with you, Neal