Women’s Bible study today was quite enlightening for me. Jesus sent a message to seven churches. The messages were written down by the disciple John. They open the Book of Revelations chapter 2. A message from our Savior, who scripture says, holds the seven stars in His right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands, which are the churches.
Today’s study was the church at Ephesus. Jesus tells them that He knows all about them. Their deeds and perseverance. Their intolerance of wicked men and their rejection of those who claimed to be apostles but were indeed false imposters. The faithful of Ephesus went through a good amount of trouble and hardship in the name of Jesus. They did not compromise with the evildoers of their day. So what could be a problem for them?
Jesus tells them, “You have forsaken your first love.” They were hard workers and busy but they had lost their passion for Christ. They were now working for the sake of work, no longer a result of their love for Christ or others. His suggestion was that they either repent or He would remove their lampstand. Their source of light to the world.
That information immediately got my attention. We began discussing some things that get in the way and divert our attention from the role a relationship with Christ should play in our lives. There were many hindrances…sin, love of self and all our “stuff”, pleasure, profession, inability to forgive those who have hurt us and then this little jewel that really got me to thinking. Things that we seek refuge in other than Christ.
Scripture tells us to put on the full armor of God and in essence, don’t leave home without it. It is our shield against worry, terror, stress, fear and all the other arrows that come at believers. Ah! Heavy sigh here.
Nowhere in the scripture does God say, “Kate, since you are going to leave the safety of your time with me and go out where arrows will appear out of nowhere, here is what you need to do. Whip up a giant cup of that coffee…mocha…cocoa creation and whipped cream. Oh, and on the way out, grab some chocolate. Yes ma’am, you are now armed with what calms your stress!”
I started to get a sick feeling. My first love as a Christian is Jesus. He died for me. He and our Father in Heaven will take care of me just fine. That I have believed the lie that my day will not go well if it doesn’t start with that coffee creation and a batch of chocolate on hand just in case…Repent! He says. Or? I will extinguish your light. The words for the seven churches are for more than just the buildings known as churches. It is not the building, it is the people who are the church. It is our light and our witness we need to take care of.
Thought For Today:
We stay busy at Bible study, working, walking, running for charity, feeding and clothing the poor, doing a lot of good things. We just need to be sure that we are doing all those things for the right reason and with the love of Christ, not obligation. Not for recognition. For Christ. Remember our first love.
But that chocolate thing? I am re-evaluating the reliance on mocha and chocolate as the source of a happy day for Momma. Jesus and the recommendation to put on the armor of God does not include coffee or chocolate as a source of peace. The world has sold a lot of coffee and chocolate to those of us deceived that they are the answer to stress and a sense of well-being. An idol is anything that replaces a god. In our case…our God.
Scripture For Today:
Revelation 2:4-6
4 “But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! 5 Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches. 6 But this is in your favor: You hate the evil deeds of the Nicolaitans, just as I do. (NLT)
Ephesians 6:13-18
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. (NLT)
1 John 5:21
21 Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts. (NLT)
Prayer For Today:
Hello Father! Oh my! Guilty of this one, Father. Chocolate became a security blanket at a very young age. Then came the coffee thing. We pray that we never replace You with anything. You are our source of security, peace and protection. All we need to get through our days is You and Your armor! Help us remove anything that replaces You in our lives. We pray we remember the love we had when we first met You. Please forgive us of our sins. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
©2015 Kathy Ledbetter. All Rights Reserved.