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Revelation 2:4-5
Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which 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.
Several years ago, there was a fire in a warehouse here in Worcester, that took the lives of 6 fire fighters. The country mourned with us as the details of this senseless tragedy were revealed. The president came to our city to pay his respects, and we remembered the heroes who gave their lives in the line of duty! Then, as time wore on; as the black bows that hung over the firehouses around the area faded into gray, weathering and fraying; most of us went on with lives and have forgotten our heroes.
On September 11th, our country was literally struck with the reality of this world! Many were hurt. Thousands died! We came together as a nation to morn and to pray. Many of us lit a candle, hung a flag, and shed a tear! Then, as time wore on; as congresss bipartisan talk fell by the wayside, and the echo of their singing faded; as the crisp red white and blue became dingy pink, gray, and pale blue and the fabric that represents our nation tore and frayed; many of us have gone on with our lives and have forgotten our fallen.
2000 years ago, a man suffered pain and rejection. His own friends turned their backs on Him and one even sold Him to His enemies for the price of a slave! This man was tried in a kangaroo court and then brought before the authorities of the day. These people smote Him with reeds, scourged Him, beat Him, and pounded a crown of thorns into His head. Although no fault was found in Him, He was nailed to a cross and He died a horrible death!
Our hearts were touched by the truth and love of His story--so much, in fact, that we laid down our lives for Him, Just as He laid down His life for us. Our guilt was cleansed by His innocence, and our sins were covered by His blood! The promise of His resurrection filled our hearts with joy and our love for Him made us eager to do His will and proclaim His name! Then, as time wore on; as our bibles lay unopened and covered with dust; as our minds dwelt more on the things of this world, rather than the things of God; as our pure white garments became spotted, wrinkled. and faded; many of us have gone on with our lives and have forgotten our Savior.
Its been said that God is always only an arms length away. How far is an arms length? Well, I guess that depends on how long your arms are! Remember the Lord! He is thinking about you constantly! We must return to our first love! God, help us never to forget!
Lord, remind us of our first love! Bring us back to that wonder and faith! Lord, we long to serve You! Give us the wisdom to worship You in spirit and in truth--and may we never forget! Amen
--Matthew Imbody (PhotoMatt)
January 2002
Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which 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.
Several years ago, there was a fire in a warehouse here in Worcester, that took the lives of 6 fire fighters. The country mourned with us as the details of this senseless tragedy were revealed. The president came to our city to pay his respects, and we remembered the heroes who gave their lives in the line of duty! Then, as time wore on; as the black bows that hung over the firehouses around the area faded into gray, weathering and fraying; most of us went on with lives and have forgotten our heroes.
On September 11th, our country was literally struck with the reality of this world! Many were hurt. Thousands died! We came together as a nation to morn and to pray. Many of us lit a candle, hung a flag, and shed a tear! Then, as time wore on; as congresss bipartisan talk fell by the wayside, and the echo of their singing faded; as the crisp red white and blue became dingy pink, gray, and pale blue and the fabric that represents our nation tore and frayed; many of us have gone on with our lives and have forgotten our fallen.
2000 years ago, a man suffered pain and rejection. His own friends turned their backs on Him and one even sold Him to His enemies for the price of a slave! This man was tried in a kangaroo court and then brought before the authorities of the day. These people smote Him with reeds, scourged Him, beat Him, and pounded a crown of thorns into His head. Although no fault was found in Him, He was nailed to a cross and He died a horrible death!
Our hearts were touched by the truth and love of His story--so much, in fact, that we laid down our lives for Him, Just as He laid down His life for us. Our guilt was cleansed by His innocence, and our sins were covered by His blood! The promise of His resurrection filled our hearts with joy and our love for Him made us eager to do His will and proclaim His name! Then, as time wore on; as our bibles lay unopened and covered with dust; as our minds dwelt more on the things of this world, rather than the things of God; as our pure white garments became spotted, wrinkled. and faded; many of us have gone on with our lives and have forgotten our Savior.
Its been said that God is always only an arms length away. How far is an arms length? Well, I guess that depends on how long your arms are! Remember the Lord! He is thinking about you constantly! We must return to our first love! God, help us never to forget!
Lord, remind us of our first love! Bring us back to that wonder and faith! Lord, we long to serve You! Give us the wisdom to worship You in spirit and in truth--and may we never forget! Amen
--Matthew Imbody (PhotoMatt)
January 2002
We need you Jesus. Help us to seek You. Amen.
