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Day 14: Fast to Get First Love

I remember when I first met Lana in person. We had been talking online for a few weeks, but we met in person at a church where I was preaching in Vancouver. I was smitten by her beauty and captivated by her personality. I was in love. Those feelings were so strong that I wanted to marry her immediately. After marriage, our love for each other has deepened and produced stronger emotions than those of couples who are only dating. My feelings for her today are more intense than in the early days.

Feelings of infatuation do not require sacrifice; that is why it is referred to as falling in love. Love is a decision, a personal commitment. Choices should lead, and feelings will follow.

Our relationship with the Lord is the same way. The love we feel when we first get saved is incredible. But, many believers are like the church of Ephesus in the book of Revelation. They lose their first love. The church of Ephesus worked so hard, and Jesus even commended them, but they neglected the Lord Himself. So, what now?

Jesus outlined for them how to return to their first love. He gave them three simple steps: remember, repent, and repeat the first works.

First, remember how things were at the beginning.

Then, repent. That means a change of mind and course of action.

Last, repeat the first works and choose to become zealous for Jesus. Your first love will return.

However, if you have lost your first love and do not make these changes, Jesus says there are consequences. Jesus is telling us today that if we decide not to repent, we will lose our influence and authority in the dark spiritual world. So, He urges us to remember, repent, and return.

Anytime we feel as though the presence of God is distant, we should fast. Fasting helps to restore our hunger, our passion, and our first love.

Let's Pray:

Thank You, Lord, for the incomparable love You have for me. Forgive me because I have been distracted and entertained with things of this world so much that my love for You is not the same as it once was. I want my love for You to grow deeper and stronger; teach me how to do so.