The Passion Killer

There's a very effective tool the enemy uses against even the strongest Christian. It seems harmless and it's rewarded, recognized, justified and may even be praised. The enemy can cause us to use it in ministry or helping others, therefore making it seem even more noble.

This particular tool isn't blatant sin or motivated by evil desires. I'm talking about the busyness of our lives. It rapidly fills our days with things that draw us further away from our first love. The church in Ephesus was filled with good, hard-working Christians who fought for God and did not tolerate false prophets or teaching that was contrary to the Word of God. Though God commended them for all of the good they had done for Him, He still told them they needed to repent for not keeping Jesus as their central focus and priority.

You may have very good intentions with all of the wonderful things you are busy doing, but that's not what blesses the heart of God. He wants your time... not just doing things for Him, but He desires intimacy with the love of His life...YOU! Yes, working for God, spending time with family and work in general are all necessary, but they must be secondary to our relationship with HIM. Don't just try to squeeze Him into your schedule but give Him first place. Set daily time aside every day to bask in His presence, share your heart and needs, read you're Bible and hear His voice. Repent and return TO YOUR FIRST LOVE! It's time! He's waiting...

Revelations 2:1-5 (TPT) Christ’s Letter to Ephesus

Write the following to the messenger of the congregation in Ephesus. For these are the words of the one who holds the seven stars firmly in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands: I know all that you’ve done for me—you have worked hard and persevered. I know that you don’t tolerate evil. You have tested those who claimed to be apostles and proved they are not, for they were imposters. I also know how you have bravely endured trials and persecutions because of my name, yet you have not become discouraged.[But I have this against you: you have abandoned the passionate love you had for me at the beginning.Think about how far you have fallen! Repent and do the works of love you did at first. I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place of influence if you do not repent.]