FIRST LOVE

I remember when I first became a Christ follower. Everything was new. There was a reborn life within me that oozed an attitude of being able to conquer the world with love. This contagious manner was embraced by many just from what was going on inside of me. People saw a difference and wanted what I had. I evaporated God's Word as a thirsty sponge absorbs water. I prepared myself before every service, anticipating God's presence through worship. I would rise earlier than my "normal - early" and found myself staying up later, just to meet with Him. I had an insatiable desire to know Jesus more. Many were affected by the animation that was witnessed through my new life.
Presently, I ask myself, "What happened? Is it possible that people can still see Jesus just by observing my manner?"
We know, as in a marriage relationship, that the honeymoon period doesn't last forever; if it did, we'd get nothing else done. We would spend all of our time on ourselves. It would be a very "us" world. But, we live in a very "others" world, where our mission is to share our lives with those around us. Just as a marriage relationship transforms into a deeper understanding of our partner, so do we grow deeper in Christ, resulting in being more others-oriented. Our relationship matures. We may not be as expressive as when we first believed, but if we are spiritually healthy, we will produce a deeper love, real joy, profound peace, patience produced from self-control, kindness, gentleness and goodness toward others, and a multiplied amount of faith. I didn't posses these fruits when I began this journey.
So, I came to the conclusion that I am not as exuberant on the surface as when I began, but inside I am able to understand and genuinely love others with a strength that I know I can't produce on my own. I still expectantly prepare my soul for worship gatherings. I anticipate God to speak every time we come together. I hunger to be with like-minded people. God's Word is still my love letter. I admit, there are times when I get distracted and give Him second place after my schedule, a dead line, my own time or an array of other pulls that tug at me. I lose my fervor for Him and notice that the urgency has dimmed. That's when I stop and ask forgiveness. I pray that He brings me back to my first love -
...... and He always does-
.............He always will.

Giving Our All

Is what I'm doing just "good enough for church"?
What if it was part of my job description at work and it was a reflection on whether or not I get my raise? What then? Would I go the extra mile? Would I be more conscientious on my performance?
If God has given you a gift, He has graciously donated it to you for the benefit of the body. He delights when you stretch yourself. It's not the measure of the gift itself; rather, it's the attitude of the heart as you give that gift back. God has given us all different levels of talent and ability. We are all unique. There is no one exactly like you who can contribute exactly the way you do.
So, are we giving just enough to get by? God looks at our faithfulness in what we do with that which He has bestowed on us.
Has He blessed you with much? .....Give much.
Has He blessed you with little? .......Give much. 
Pour your heart and soul into what He has placed within you.
Today is a new day.God's mercies begin new every morning. Today, let's give God our very best with what He has entrusted to us.