2008-02-04 - First Love

When I first fell in love with Dana, I was excited about it. I remember going out to the mall to select an engagement ring. I remember showing it to my friends and telling them of my intent to ask Dana to marry me. I was excited about planning every detail of how I would propose to her. I was even thrilled about asking her father for his blessing. In my excitement of telling people, I think everyone but Dana knew that I was going to ask her. Despite more than a month worth of planning, I botched the delivery of the proposal but Dana still said yes. She could see my heart and tell that I loved her. Over the years there have been many more times when I messed up in what I said or did but I think she still hears the love in my heart. At least I she still does.

I wonder though when I speak to God can he hear the love in my voice? Does he notice the excitement or could it be that I have lost some of it over the years? What about you?

Revelation 2:1-7 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; ² I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: ³ And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. ⁴ Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. ⁵ Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. ⁶ But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. ⁷ He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

The church at Ephesus said and did all the right things but their heart was in the wrong place. They had the opposite problem as I have with Dana and Jesus warns them that he can tell the difference. God always sees the heart and considers it more than the results. The Ephesian Christians had lost their first love. They still did many good things but it was just out of habit. It was just keeping up appearances. Their insides had changed; their heart had begun to waiver.

Jesus wasn't giving up on them so he gave them a plan to return their hearts. He gives the same plan to all Christians throughout the ages who have let their hearts grow cold. First, we must remember from where we have fallen. Look back and recall in your mind the excitement you felt when Jesus first changed your life. Secondly, repent of not feeling that way anymore. Tell God you are sorry for letting other things pull you away from him. Lastly, return to doing the things you used to do when the love and excitement were new and strong. Share your love of Jesus with everyone around you.

Remember. Repent. Return.

IHFHBOH
Adam

adam@cfdevotionals.org
http://www.cfdevotionals.org

All scripture references from KJV unless otherwise noted