Revelation 2:1-7
Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

Thought For Today:
Does it seem as though God no longer matters to many people? Why do so many who once loved Him no longer show that same desire? In many ways, their attitude resembles the church at Ephesus: they have left their first love.
When God no longer matters, people may begin to believe they have everything under control. They may think they understand love, but it is only when a person is filled with God’s Spirit that they truly begin to understand what it means to be loved deeply and completely.
The Need to Nurture Love
Love must be nurtured. When that love for God is neglected, the heart can grow cold. Over time, people may lose their desire for Him and begin to walk away from their first love—God Himself.
When God no longer matters to you, nothing else truly matters as it should. You may think other things matter, but without Jesus, you can do nothing.

• Do not leave your first love.
• Keep your love for God alive, sincere, and real.
• Continue seeking Jesus, the giver of life.
• Fall in love with Him again every day.

Jesus makes everything better, richer, and fuller.

But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:13-17)

Thought For Today:
Many people today are beginning to wonder where so much evil is coming from. Why does it seem to be present on every corner and even in many homes?
The answer is found in a truth that many have forgotten—or perhaps have never truly heard: God’s two greatest commandments are to love Him and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

What Happens When God’s Word Is Removed
Satan understands that when the commandments and teachings of God are removed from schools, homes, and hearts, evil gains room to grow. When God and His Word are removed from any place, love is removed with them.
And when love is removed, an environment is created where hatred and evil can take root.
But we must continue in the truth of God’s Word. Love covers sin, and God’s people are called to remain anchored in His love.

• Keep yourself in the love of God.
• Love His Word.
• Preach the gospel, because people still need deliverance from sin.

The gospel is built on love, and love remains the answer for a world in need of truth, deliverance, and hope.

Learning To Command Ourselves
 
He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls. (Proverbs 25:28)
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:11-13)
Thought For Today:

One of the hardest people to command is often ourselves. We can be quick to judge others while overlooking the areas in our own lives that need correction. Yet if we are honest, our first responsibility is to examine ourselves before trying to direct anyone else.

The Lord told Ezekiel, “Saying, Son of man, when the land sinneth against me by trespassing grievously, then will I stretch out mine hand upon it, and will break the staff of the bread thereof, and will send famine upon it, and will cut off man and beast from it: Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD” (Ezekiel 14:12-14).

If I can only answer for my own soul, then I should be deeply concerned about my own walk with God. Before I can lead, correct, or command others, I must first learn to rule my own spirit.

Solomon said, “He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls” (Proverbs 25:28). A person without self-control is unprotected and vulnerable, like a city with no walls.

Do not deceive yourself. Be honest with yourself, examine your own ways, and make the corrections that are needed.

He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls. (Proverbs 25:28). Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:11-13)
 
THOUGHT FOR TODAY:  

Probably one of the toughest categories of people to command is ourselves.  Why are we often times harder on others than we are on ourselves?  Shouldn't we be more concerned with us than others?  The Lord told Ezekiel, "Saying, Son of man, when the land sinneth against me by trespassing grievously, then will I stretch out mine hand upon it, and will break the staff of the bread thereof, and will send famine upon it, and will cut off man and beast from it: Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD" (Ezekiel 14:12-14).  
If I can't save anyone but myself, shouldn't I be more concerned with myself than others?  You see, if I cannot command myself, how can I command others?  Solomon said,  "He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls" (Proverbs 25:28). Don't try to deceive yourself.  Be honest with yourself and correct your own ways.