Traveling in the Northeast

The last few weeks for us have been SO busy! The month of June we spent most of our time in Vermont. This was my first time that far north, and was a huge blessing because that is where the majority of Jared's family is. Jared was born in Vermont, but spent most of his childhood in Maine. So while visiting churches we were able to see a lot of his family I had never met before. How exciting to get to see Uncles and cousins with similar facial features- perhaps what our children will look like! While on our trip, we were able to drive by Jared's childhood home in Maine. Jared's parents decided to move there to try to start a church when Jared was only 1 year old. They actually held church in this home for awhile. His home looks mostly the same as it did when Jared lived there a little over 10 years ago, however, it is no longer just a home, where a church once met. It is now a business. Not just any business, but a "Spiritual Enrichment Center". Our hearts absolutely broke when we saw the sign. They claim to be "The Area’s Best Intuitives, Mediums and Psychics with Metaphysical & Spiritual Gifts." To me, I cannot believe that a place where God's people once met just so easily changed into such a place in just a short period of time. Of course that building was not the "church", it was just a building where they met, but this just brings up a point in my mind. How soon will it be until some of our church buildings are no longer holding church services, but something else that does the opposite of glorifying God? During our deputation visits, many of the newer churches we visit are not meeting in brand new buildings, but old church buildings they bought and remodeled. Church buildings that have been abandoned for years. While this is perhaps a benefit for the new church, maybe a faster, cheaper way to get started, I can't help but wonder what happened to the church that used to meet there? Why is it that so many churches don't last?
I heard a sermon last night on the lukewarm church (Revelation 3:14-22). A lukewarm church is a church that has grown careless with their walk with God. They know what they should do, but they are not doing it. A church that just "goes with the motions." God says it's better to be a "hot", on fire church for Him. Perhaps this is the problem! How can a church survive if it is not on fire for our Lord? This is actually a personal issue. The church cannot be on fire unless its individual people are on fire. This is of course a challenge for me, but I hope it is a challenge to you as well. Are we doing everything we can to stay on fire for our God, so that we can help our church thrive? This is my prayer!