Quote from Forum Archives on February 2, 2004, 11:58 am

Posted by: Asn <Asn@...>

I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don't tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. You have patiently suffered for me without quitting. But I have this complaint against you. You don't love me or each other as you did at first! Look how far you have fallen from your first love! Turn back to me again and work as you did at first. If you don't, I will come and remove your lamp stand from its place among the churches. Revelation 2:2-5 NLT

The church at Ephesus wasn't a particularly "bad" church. According to this account, they were doing several things well: they didn't shy away from hard work, they were discerning, and they endured patiently for the cause of Christ, even in the midst of persecution. But in their continued endeavors to be accomplished in the work of God, they lost their burning passion for God. Hard work, discernment, and patient endurance are both necessary and profitable for the advancement of the kingdom, but they become pointless when we lose the sheer awe of His presence, the delight of His embrace, the incredible wonder of His grace, the majestic beauty of the King, and the indefatigable gratefulness for the cross.

I challenge you today - whether you've been a Christian for one year or 100 - to examine yourself. Have you lost your intense passion for God? Does the message of the cross even now stir your heart? Are you still amazed by grace? Do you adamantly adore your Savior? Or do you take for granted the majesty of His presence? Have the cares of this life drenched the embers of your heart? If so, then I implore you to set aside some time to spend with Abba Father - Daddy God. Read the account of the cross in the gospels. Listen to Kim Hill's CD "Surrounded by Mercy." Fall in love with Him all over again.

Precious Father, please forgive me for taking You for granted. The distractions of this world seek to focus my attention on "busy work" rather than what truly matters. Of all the "good" things to be done in this life, none can compare to the "best" thing of being in Your presence. As I set aside time to focus on You today, Lord, I ask that You would commune with me and let me know again the joy of your embrace. In Jesus' glorious name I pray. Amen.