Have you ever found yourself in a place where you didn’t feel the closeness to God that you once had? It is during those times that we need to be assured of how much God loves us and how he will never leave us or forsake us! It is also of utmost importance that we are very honest with ourselves so we can confront and remove those things that have lured us away from relationship with Him. It is during those times that we need to remember how much we loved God and pursued Him in the beginning and return to that first love! Apostle John penned these words of Jesus to the church at Ephesus, "Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far 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." Rev 3:4-5

The word repent is often misunderstood, as it is often misconstrued to mean crying and sorrow for the wrong things one has done. But the word repent in the New Testament is the Greek word μετανοέω mĕtanŏĕō, and means to think differently or to change one's mind. When someone changes their mind, it causes them to change their lifestyle and change their actions. This repentance, or returning to the Lord, opens up a fresh new relationship with God and creates a release of His blessing and favor. Many times, it is the things of this world that have distracted us, and our trust and attention have been lured away from God. Look at what Moses said to the children of Israel: 

Deut 30:2-3 When you and your children return to the LORD your God and obey Him with all your heart and with all your soul according to everything I command you today, then the LORD your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where he scattered you.

Remember, we have been redeemed from being under the curse of the law! The obedience that God wants from you now is childlike faith and rest in His abundant provision for your right standing with Him. 

I am praying for you today that your whole life would be wrapped up in God's amazing grace and precious love for you! God is so loving and kind and is patiently waiting for your gaze to rest fully upon Him so that he can lead you into all His goodness! Always keep this powerful truth in mind: What you behold is what you will become. As you set your mind upon God's extraordinary love for you, you will naturally step into the wonderful things he has in store for you! 

Here’s the point of this Encouraging Note today. In the honesty of your heart, if you know that the things of this world have crept in and put a strain on your relationship with God, then today is your day and right now is your perfect opportunity to… 

RETURN 

If you are blessed by these Encouraging Notes, consider telling your friends and family about www.arthurwilder.com and tell them to click the button ‘JOIN THE LIST.’ Together, we can make a difference