When I am consumed by my problems-stressed out about my life, my family, and my job-I actually convey the belief that I think the circumstances are more important than God's command to always rejoice.

Jesus didn't say that if you wanted to follow Him you could do it in a lukewarm manner. He said, 'Take up your cross and follow Me.'

Fear of God failing us leads us to "cover for God." This means we ask, expect, and are satisfied with less.

Why would we need to experience the Comforter if our lives are already comfortable?

Lukewarm people love others but do not seek to love others as much as they love themselves.

It struck me that many Christians flash around their 'no trans fat' label, trying to convince everyone they are healthy and good. Yet they have no substantive or healthful elements to their faith. It's like the Laodiceans, who thought they had everything until Christ told them they were poor and wretched.

Something is wrong when our lives make sense to unbelievers.