Returning to Your First Love

November 29, 2024

Hey Clawson Family!

Song:

Scripture:

Revelation 2:1-5

The Message to the Church in Ephesus

2 “Write this letter to the angel[a] of the church in Ephesus. This is the message from the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand, the one who walks among the seven gold lampstands:

2 “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. 3 You have patiently suffered for me without quitting.

4 “But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first![b] 5 Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches.

Devotional:

The church in Ephesus received a commendation from Jesus for their diligence, perseverance, and commitment to truth. Yet, amidst their hard work and dedication, they were rebuked for a significant shortcoming: they had forsaken their first love. This “first love” refers to the fervent, passionate devotion to Christ they had when they first believed.

It is possible to serve tirelessly in ministry, defend the faith, and live with moral integrity while allowing our relationship with Jesus to become secondary or mechanical. When we prioritize duty over intimacy, we risk losing the heart of our faith.

Jesus’ call to the Ephesian church is clear:

Remember - Reflect on where you began. Recall the joy, wonder, and deep sense of love when you first encountered Christ.
Repent - Recognize the distance you’ve drifted from that place of intimacy. Turn back to Him with a sincere heart.
Return - Rediscover the practices that fueled your love for Him: prayer, worship, and time in His Word.

Journal:

In your journal answer the following questions:

Have you been so busy doing for God that you’ve neglected just being with Him?
What can you do today to rekindle your love for Jesus?
Is there an area of your life where routine has replaced relationship?

Training:

Heavenly Father ,

Thank You for Your faithfulness, even when I lose my way. Forgive me for allowing my love for You to grow cold. Help me to return to the joy of my salvation and rekindle my passion for You. Teach me to prioritize time with You above all else. May my service flow from a heart that loves You deeply.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Challenge

This week, set aside intentional time each day to reconnect with Jesus. Whether through worship, quiet reflection, or Scripture reading, let your heart rediscover the love that captivated you when you first met Him.

Returning to Your First Love

Hey Clawson Family!

Song:

Scripture:

Revelation 2:1-5

The Message to the Church in Ephesus

2 “Write this letter to the angel[a] of the church in Ephesus. This is the message from the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand, the one who walks among the seven gold lampstands:

2 “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. 3 You have patiently suffered for me without quitting.

4 “But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first![b] 5 Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches.

Devotional:

It is possible to serve tirelessly in ministry, defend the faith, and live with moral integrity while allowing our relationship with Jesus to become secondary or mechanical. When we prioritize duty over intimacy, we risk losing the heart of our faith.

Jesus’ call to the Ephesian church is clear:

Remember - Reflect on where you began. Recall the joy, wonder, and deep sense of love when you first encountered Christ.

Repent - Recognize the distance you’ve drifted from that place of intimacy. Turn back to Him with a sincere heart.

Return - Rediscover the practices that fueled your love for Him: prayer, worship, and time in His Word.

Journal:

In your journal answer the following questions:

Have you been so busy doing for God that you’ve neglected just being with Him?

What can you do today to rekindle your love for Jesus?

Is there an area of your life where routine has replaced relationship?

Training:

Heavenly Father ,

Thank You for Your faithfulness, even when I lose my way. Forgive me for allowing my love for You to grow cold. Help me to return to the joy of my salvation and rekindle my passion for You. Teach me to prioritize time with You above all else. May my service flow from a heart that loves You deeply.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Challenge

This week, set aside intentional time each day to reconnect with Jesus. Whether through worship, quiet reflection, or Scripture reading, let your heart rediscover the love that captivated you when you first met Him.