Remember your first love

 “1 To the angel[a] of the church in Ephesus write:
These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.
4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place."  Revelation 2:1-5

I have been a Christian for more than three decades.  I grew up in the church and cannot remember a time when I didn't know and love Jesus.  But lately, I have been very convicted.  Because of the ministries of our church, I have been exposed to more brand new Christians who are adults than ever before in my life.  These are people who have had much trauma and loss in their lives.  They have lived hard lives and many of them are still slowly and painfully working their way through difficult situations.  But the main thing I have noticed about these new Christians is their joy.  They are joyful.  They are full of gratitude.  They are hungry to pour over God's Word.  They are on fire for Jesus.  Don't get me wrong, I have had periods in my life where I feel like this, but I also know that this should be me every day.  Just because I have been on this road for a long time doesn't mean that I shouldn't be excited to still be on it.  That I shouldn't be grateful and joyful just because I know Jesus.  When we have been persevering and working hard for the Lord for many years, it is easy to loose sight of the simple joy of being in a relationship with Him.  

Lord, forgive me for being lukewarm.  Revive my heart to be on fire for You in new and bigger ways.  May we all remember our first love each and every day, no matter how many days we walk with You on this earth.  

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