Keeping First Love First
Observation: Jesus praises the church in Ephesus for their hard work, holy living, patient endurance through persecution and trial, and their rejection of evil and false leaders, yet He issues a strong warning to them of something far more dangerous than the obvious: hearts that have turned away from the Lord and no doubt grown cold. Their works are no longer motivated by love for Jesus and others but out of their own strength. If they did not repent, the Lord said He will remove their lampstand, that is to say, their light or effectiveness. They must return to the works they did at first, which Jesus said were to believe on Him whom His Father sent. They were to remember their intimate times of fellowship with Him they enjoyed in the beginning, that their hearts may be refreshed, encouraged and tenderized rather than embittered and burnt out.
Application: Well...this is definitely speaking to me! I have allowed the urgent keep me from the important...and my heart has grown dull and cold. I have left my first love. I must resist trying to find my identity in my accomplishments and through my work, and set my heart on Jesus each day, enjoying quiet time with Him. Only then will I go about doing those things the Lord has for me to do with right motivation, love, and effectiveness.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I have left You. I have neglected for some time my relationship with You and expected You to rescue me from all of my issues. But You are righteous in all your dealings, and know I need to grow in dependence upon You. Forgive me for putting You aside. Help me to put You first before everything else, I need You so much. Thank You for Your patient endurance with me. I love You Lord. In Your name, Amen.
Created over 1 year ago
