Today’s scripture: Revelation 2:1-6 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Melody Merida):
Oh, the glory of a new love! Have you felt that ecstasy? The inability to focus on anything but thoughts of the object of your affection, thinking of the future the two of you are going to have, wondering what names you’ll choose for your children; and all of this after the second date! Most of us have experience such intense feelings of what seems like love. January and February seem to be the height of blooming relationships as we seek to fulfill our resolutions to find love this year.
But fast forward a year or two, maybe even just six months. Do things look different now? Are you now starting to notice the annoying habits? Oh, if he chews his nails one more time I can’t be responsible for my actions! Would it kill her to wash a dish or two?! Ah, yes, now those rose colored glasses have come off and we are starting to see what we ignored during the phase of romantic love. Sound familiar?
Well, some of us began our relationship with Jesus in similar ways. I will use myself as an example. When I first “met” Jesus I fell head over heels! There was nothing I wouldn’t do to make Christ happy. I threw myself into Bible study and devoted myself to quality time with Jesus. I attended church what felt like 48 times a week and I talked about the Christ with everyone I knew. It was awesome!
But fast forward a year or two, maybe even just six months. I was tired of going to church so much so I started going only occasionally when I didn’t have anything better to do. I didn’t understand everything I read in the Bible so I quit reading it. Those two things lead to guilt so I didn’t want to talk to Jesus because I didn’t want to face the guilt. I didn’t share Christ with anyone because I was afraid they would ask me about my own relationship. No more rose colored glasses; this was going to be hard work to maintain a relationship with Christ. Sound familiar?
This New Year, may we all commit to renewing our vows as disciples of Jesus Christ. Use the fresh start that January offers to reestablish connection. Take a new look and discard all the rules we maybe thought existed, but don’t. Allow yourself to get back into that “honeymoon” phase with Jesus where we sought to know everything about our Messiah because of our overwhelming love. Make the glory of your love for God new again!
Thought for the day: Renew my relationship with you this new year, God. Amen.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.