First Love Volume 1, Issue 1

Circumstances of life affect us all in many different ways. Difficult circumstances may produce anger, fear, sadness, discontentment and bitterness. Positive circumstances may produce pride. The enemy we have in this life has a great way of taking our focus off of our Savior and placing them on the circumstances of life. We are all able to be drawn away as many sheep are from the flock and the Shepherd. Our great Shepherd has an unconditional Love that allows us to always turn back and acknowledge Him. He never left us because He cannot go against His Word; "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you”, (Hebrews 13:5).

We turn from our Shepherd and go after the desires of our heart. Every temptation is a desire that the enemy already knows you have in your heart and exploits it to create ways to draw you form your First Love. "O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections. Now in return for the same (I speak as to children), you also be open", (2 Corinthians 6:11-13). Dealing with the desires of our hearts is one of the best ways to keep from being tempted by the enemy. By setting our affections on God and His Word, you will be able to fight a good fight that keeps you centered in God. Setting your affections means to set your Joy in knowing God more intimately through reading His Word, conversing with Him regularly, and reflecting on the truths of God within the community God has set around you. Have a conversation with the Father, He hears, He cares, and most important He wants to talk with you. Be encouraged!!! Have a wonderful life of enjoying your First Love on purpose!!!!!

Revelation 2

To the Church in Ephesus

1 “To the angel[a] of the church in Ephesus write:
These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.

4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. 6 But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

7 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.