Getting passionate!

What a challenge the Lord has for us this morning- and a sweet invitation. I am challenged this morning- and I pray you will be too- let us examine our hearts and see where we are in our relationship with the Lord.

Today's readings: Revelation 2, Nehemiah 3, and Psalm 97

"I know of your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works..." -Revelation 2:2-5a

Wow. What a harsh word from the Lord. He basically told the church that they were doing all the right things- but their heart wasn't in it. They were just going through the motions. What a strong rebuke! But I hear that today, for myself, so let us take some time and see how we can remedy this situation! This letter in Revelation was written to the church in Ephesus- Paul also wrote a letter to the Ephesians- let's see what he had to say to them that may help us!

"But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ...at one time you were without Christ...having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ." -Ephesians 2:4-5, 12-13

One great help to renewing our first love is to remember what our lives were like before we met Him. Do you remember wallowing in your sin- feeling hopeless and alone- having no purpose, no greater cause than yourself?? What a tragic place to be- and He came to bring us close to Himself!

Remember your first human love? Young love... so all-consuming... nothing else matters... the world revolves around you and your love... time drags slowly when you are apart... when was the last time you felt that way about God??? Take some time today and remember where God has brought you. Praise Him that He has saved you, remember how lost you were. And then tell Him how much you have missed Him lately. Commit to Him whatever you are willing to stick to: perhaps you will carve out 10 minutes each day to sit in His presence, perhaps you will make it to church every week, perhaps you will start a journal and write in it every other day, whatever it is you will do to rekindle that love affair- and then ask Him to help you be faithful to your commitment!

Right now, just sit for 2 minutes and tell Him how much you love Him, everything you admire about Him, everything you are thankful for in your life. And then in the next 2 minutes allow Him to love you. Bask in His love, receive it. And then rise and walk side by side with Him today!

Praying that your love for Him would burn anew,
Kelly