LASTING YOUNG LOVE

"Keep the fire burning!"

How sad it is when the thrill and excitement of young love slowly turns into a cool, cordial affair. There's been no real offense, and certainly no animosity, just no more hugs and gentle kisses. The unexplained loss of that once so special friendship. We've all known it, the attrition of affection that once defined a relationship; that tragic loss of feelings that once put butterflies in our tummy. Maybe someone moved away or developed new interests. The love remains but there's no denying that something has changed. No more butterflies, and the fire has gone out.

Throughout the Old Testament we see it with the great kings of Judah and Israel, and even some of the prophets. How God's heart was wounded repeatedly by His chosen people, as time after time they strayed from His favor and care, to pursue their own interests, believing in their minds that nothing had changed! This slow fade was, and is, the tactic of choice used by the devil to emasculate the people of God. But God’s Love is relentless!

Young people receive Christ, and testify through tear-filled eyes, singing loudly and lifting holy hands. Everyone hears about their newfound Pearl of Great Price. Countless hours are spent in His presence, and with others of like faith, singing Nothing Between My Soul and my Savior!* So, the enemy steps back...and waits. Patiently, our old foe watches as we curse him, defeat him and expose him in our zeal and youth. Until one day, he subtlety presents his good, shiny, and pleasant things to distract us from God's right, and often, difficult things. Eventually, though our good works continue, the Fire just goes out - (along with the Power!)

The believer who's not going forward IS going backward, but if you're still breathing, it's not too late to turn around. Sometimes the best relationships are enjoyed after the true value has been learned...the hard way. Come back to your First Love.

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Thus saith the LORD, What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain?

~Jeremiah 2:5 KJV

Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

~Revelation 2:4 KJV

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

~2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

~2 Timothy 4:6-8 KJV

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

~Revelation 3:20 KJV