“To the angel 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.  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.  You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.” (Revelation 2:1-3) 

     From the start, the church in Ephesus did all of the right things.  They endured through various trials and testing and proved to be faithful.  Yet, over time they started to grow complacent, not showing the love for the Lord they had in the first place:

“Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.  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.” (Revelation 2:4-5)

     They needed to get back to the basics of their faith.  It is easy to get caught up in other activities and for us not to place emphasis on the worship of our Lord and our love for him.  Let’s remember the one who granted us this new life—our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Prayer: Dear Lord, forgive me when I do not put you first.  You have brought me this far, and I reclaim your name for your honor and glory.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.