When the Water Grows Cold.

I was doing some deep cleaning of countertops. I filled the sink with very hot water for the task. It is amazing how much easier it is to get grime and build up off countertop surfaces when the water is hot. I was moving some of the small appliances from one area of the counter to another, in order to reach all corners of the surface. Because of the time required for this process, the water was not quite as hot when I began to clean the second round of surfaces.

The Word of God and Holy Spirit are compared to water. We must be born of water.  “Jesus answered, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, unless a man is born of water and [even] the Spirit, he cannot [ever] enter the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5 AMP) When we are born again, the Holy Spirit comes into our lives. Our spirit is totally cleaned by His power. In Ephesians Paul writes,  “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word,” (Ephesians 5:25-26 AMP) By this we also see Jesus washing his bride by His word.

 Although our spirits are instantly transformed when we receive salvation, the rest of us, our mind, will and emotions, will take a little longer. This can only be accomplished in a partnership with the Lord to both renew and be cleaned. “Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].” (Romans 12:2 AMP) In this process of renewal, we allow the word of God to have its work in us.

When the Holy Spirit reveals something from the word of God, it is like receiving hot water. It can cleanse the deepest stain and support the greatest challenge. This is when water is at its hottest level. An excitement accompanies new insight into the word of God. This excitement should propel us to dig deeper to get all that God has for us. “Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 AMP) This enthusiastic searching and learning all that God has and for the work that He may assign. We become ready to be cleansed so that we can prepare for the task at hand.
If we allow a moment of truly hearing from God to pass without considering the actions God wishes us to take the Word may cool in our hearts. Our hearts also will also cool. Getting distracted by other things, even good things, can cause the passionate heat of the revelation from God to gradually cool more and more. We may then miss His best for us. The distraction of sin is even worse. Jesus warned about hearts growing cold “And the love of the great body of people will grow cold because of the multiplied lawlessness and iniquity.” (Matthew 24:12 AMP) We must be vigilant to never allow this to happen.
If the word of God has cooled or become cold in us, we must reignite the flame and move forward with passion and power. Paul’s advice to Timothy is also good advice for us. “That is why I would remind you to stir up (rekindle the embers of, fan the flame of, and keep burning) the [gracious] gift of God, [the inner fire] that is in you…” (2 Timothy 1:6a AMP) When we truly take time to focus on God and listen to Him, He will guide us. He will reheat the light and love that is within us, through His word to us.
So we get on with the work of allowing the Holy Spirit to cleanse us. We can then step forward with the heat and power of God’s word. ^“For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective];” (Hebrews 4:12a AMP) With a passionate love for others, we will be prepared to serve as God leads.
After moving the appliances back to their original spots, I reheated the water before I cleaned the next portion of countertop. The now cleaned counter was ready to be used to prepare food for family and friends.
If you hear a word from God today, search it out while it is hot in your heart. If the word has grown cold, actively seek God, asking Him to reheat His work in your life.