Monday, June 13, 2011

Just Like the First Time

Do you remember the Neil Diamond - Barbra Streisand song "You Don't Bring Me Flowers"? The song expressed the sadness of being taken for granted. The lovers missed the flowers, the love songs & the anticipation of being together. They miss the romance. Imagine Jesus singing this song to you. To His followers of Ephesus, He practically did.
"I know your deeds, your hard work & your preserverence. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, & have found them false. You have preservered & have endured hardships for my name & had not grown weary."
Revelation 2:2-3 (NIV)
But....the romance was gone.
"Yet I hold this against you: you have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent & do the things you did at first...."
Revelation 2:4-5a (NIV)


Do you remember what it felt like when you first loved Jesus? The anticipation of what He had in store for you!? The excitement!? The thankfulness for each breath you took!? You wanted to share with everyone how your heart overflowed with His love so that they could feel it too. Are you as excited about Jesus today as you were then? If not, you need to do the 3 things that Jesus pleaded the the people of Ephesus to do:
1)  Remember the heights from which you have fallen
2)  Repent
3)  Do the things you did at first.


If you don't address these things, your life may become increasingly dull. And we all know that when we become bored, we look for diversions. 


But be careful, we could find the wrong diversions which could be a perfect set up for the enemy. And we all know how tricky he is. You may feel excitement for the moment, but afterwards, there's twice as much grief & despair. The consequences of sin are much higher that the enemy would have us believe. This is a hard place to be. especially when we find ourselves there because of our own wrong choices. The guilt can be overwhelming & we have trouble forgiving ourselves. But if you find yourself in this situation, there is a wonderful & even more exciting way out. God wants us to repent....actually, He wants us to be in a constant state of repentance. As human beings, God has given us the freedom of choice, so therefore we do make mistakes. And when we do, He wants us to stop & make a U turn. Just remember though, remorse isn't going to accomplish anything by itself. Changes must be involved too. Remorse is only sadness, without change.


Don't tell lies --- Tell the truth
"Therefore each of you must put off falsehood & speak truthfully to his neighbors, for we are all members of one body."
Ephesians 4:25 (NIV)


Don't steal --- Work
"He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, then he may have something to share with those in need."
Ephesians 4:28 (NIV)


Don't speak harshly --- Speak kindly
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)


Don't harbor malice --- Forgive.
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage & anger, brawling & slander, along with every form of malice."
Ephesians 4:31 (NIV)


And last, but certainly not least ---
"Be kind & compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)


Keeping all this in mind, you can feel the excitement of loving Jesus every single day. With a heart overflowing with anticipation of what the day will bring. His love shining through you to every one you meet. Every day can be like the first time.

4 comments:

  1. Thank you for including my Mason Jar Flower Frog Vase and the flowers from my garden. God is an excellent gardener!

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  2. You are so welcome! And YES!!! He is!!! <><

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  3. Karalee....does your hubby not bring you flowers anymore?

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  4. Well, Cheryl, i don't get flowers very often, but that's ok. That wasn't why i mentioned that song. I was more using the song as an example. {{{hugs}}} & prayers <><

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