Day 1 of 30
SampleThe love you had at first
1“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. 2I know your deeds, your labor, and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate those who are evil, and you have tested and exposed as liars those who falsely claim to be apostles. 3Without growing weary, you have persevered and endured many things for the sake of My name. 4But I have this against you: You have abandoned your first love. 5Therefore, keep in mind how far you have fallen. Repent and perform the deeds you did at first. But if you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. 6But you have this to your credit: You hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will grant the right to eat from the tree of life in the Paradise of God.
Reflection · written by AI
The church in this passage was doing a lot right. They worked hard, they persevered, they cared about truth. And still Jesus says they had left the love they had at first. It is possible to keep going through the motions long after the warmth has gone.
If that is where you are, notice how He speaks. He doesn't write them off. He names what is missing and then gives a way back: remember, turn around, and do the things you did at first.
That is a kind sort of instruction. You may not be able to make yourself feel something. But you can remember what it was like, and you can take up one simple practice again. Feelings often follow the steps, not the other way around.
Write about it
When did God feel close to you? What were you doing in that season that you have quietly stopped doing?
A prayer for today · written by AI
Jesus, You know my heart has cooled, and You are not surprised. Thank You for calling me back instead of giving up on me. Help me remember. Help me take one small step toward You today, even before I feel anything. Amen.