First Love

I know 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; ³ and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Revelation 2:2-3

Did you know at the time this was written Ephesus was a second generation church? Probably most of the members there had grown up knowing about God. Look at what they were doing: they worked hard for the Lord, they knew the scriptures because they could not bear with those who were evil and they tested the apostles. They did and they knew.

I come from a second generation church. I have always known the Lord, saved from when I was six. But my glimpses of God were usually at retreats or “special times.” I would read my bible, pray, serve, and even went on a missions trip. I knew and I did, and sometimes I was led by God and sometimes I felt His presence.

Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Revelation 2:4

I knew though, I don’t remember how, but I knew there was more. So I set off in search of answers. The Holy Spirit was always a mystery to me. I decided to read a book called “The Holy Spirit,” by Billy Graham. It is easily understandable and it has a balanced view. There is nothing to fear in reading this book, and the understanding it gives is priceless.

I remember the first time I prayed to be filled with the Holy Spirit… and I felt, well, not much different. But almost every day since then I have prayed and what has happened is I have returned to my first love. God has changed my heart to desire holiness, and given me the power to live it out. I am imperfect as ever... but I have in me the One who can change me.

I wanted more, and am now amazed at the life I have in Jesus. Scripture is alive, real, and active in my life. A few years ago I went through months of reading Song of Solomon over and over because whenever I read it I could not escape being intoxicated with the presence of God and His love for me. Intimacy with God is life transforming and will bring you as deep as you want to go with God.

Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. Revelation 2:5

Do you want more than your Sunday service filling? If you remember a time of being in love with Jesus and want to go back it is as easy as turning to Him and asking for help. Ask to be filled with His Holy Spirit, for the first time or the thousandth. Whether it has been a week or years He is ready to meet you wherever you are. Once you taste of that deep intimate love He has for you, there is no doubting it. There are times when my mind and heart drift back to my austere notion of God but I am jerked back to reality when I reflect on His love for me. He is so kind, good, loving, merciful, gracious… yes, He is altogether lovely (Song of Solomon 5:16).