Remember Your First Love?

 

 

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

 

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you (James 4:8a NKJV)

 

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and dine with him, and he with Me (Revelations 3:20 NKJV)

 

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Do you remember the first time you landed that job? Or the first time you were given a responsible role? Or the first time you met your spouse?

Do you remember how excited you were? How committed you were to doing your utmost best? How full of zeal and excitement and plans? Do you remember how you could not stop talking about it, telling others about what you’ve accomplished, or sharing the good news about what has happened to you?

Now cast your mind back to how you felt when you first invited the Lord Jesus Christ to take control of your life. Do you recall your fervour… that incredible feeling of love, joy and gratitude? Well, that’s what is referred to as ‘your first love’ in the above quote.

When you consider how motivated you were then to loving and pleasing God, and measure this against your relationship with him now, how does it compare? Have you cooled down? Become lukewarm, or cold, or completely indifferent?

Once the novelty of a relationship wears off, if we want it to flourish, then we jolly well have to work at it! Neglected relationships deteriorate. As in the natural, so with the spiritual.

We can find ourselves failing to pay full attention to the things of God. We can allow the monotony and minutiae of life to distract us. We can become preoccupied with our daily struggles, disappointments, or desires. And after a while, as the demands of spouse, family, work, social circles and even church life overwhelm us, we may unconsciously, or deliberately, push God to the back burner of our lives.

Yep – He’s right there  – in the background! Of course we love him. Of course we’re “committed” to him. And of course, we’ll certainly call upon him when trouble arises. But once the crisis is over, to the back burner he returns. Instead of Jesus being our consort, he becomes a convenience.

Dear reader,

Dear child of God,

Dear friend or follower,

If we are to make it as a victorious overcomer throughout 2018, then our relationship with God cannot be secondary. It needs to be a priority. And even if you feel your spiritual life is somewhat satisfactory, there is always room for improvement.

If we want to enjoy a notable year of spiritual growth, satisfaction and triumph, then it is imperative that we connect with and stay connected to the three members of the Godhead – our Heavenly Father, His precious Son Jesus, and the Holy Ghost.

So this year, resolve to draw closer to God. Resolve to make seeking God’s face an absolute priority.

 

This Week’s Prayer Focus:

Let’s pray for ourselves as individuals and for the corporate Body of Christ, that we will develop an ever increasing passion for his presence… that we will pursue a closer, deeper and stronger relationship with him.

 

PRAYER:

Father God,

You are worthy of all praise, glory and honour.

What a privilege you have bestowed upon each member of the Body of Christ by adopting us into your family. Thank you for your unconditional love and faithfulness. Forgive us for the many times that we’ve allowed other things to take pre-eminence in our lives.

Father, your Word says that when we draw closer to you, then you will draw closer to us. Honour your promise today. As we seek a closer connection with you and the other members of the Godhead, cause our souls to hunger and thirst for you. Draw us to yourself with unbreakable cords of love. Entwine our hearts into a deeper, richer relationship with you.

Lord God, may we experience an assurance of mind, which enables us to declare (like Paul), that neither tribulation nor distress, persecution or peril, nakedness or famine, will separate us from your love.  And may we, like the psalmist, seek your face and require the manifestation of your awesome presence within our lives, as a vital necessity. May we love you the way you deserve, and as your Word commands—with all of our heart, all of our mind and all of our strength.

We ask this in faith and in the matchless name of Jesus. Amen.

© Carol Hind

 

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Sunday’s Supplications

Sunday’s Supplications invites you to not only read the posts but also participate in the prayers. Each fortnight, I hope to introduce a new theme and prayer focus. You are welcome to print off and use each prayer provided, either verbatim or adapted for your particular circumstance. Even better, you can construct your own prayer and share with others by linking to this post. Please note, you do not have to be a blogger to participate.

 

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Women of Warfare followers and visitors have a blessed and victorious week!

 

 

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