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I watched a movie about the end times that left me longing for a few answers. So I grabbed my Bible and sat to read from the book of Revelation. In this apocalyptic, end-of-the-Bible book, John speaks of a vision from Christ that he received while on the island of Patmos. In this vision, Jesus unveils events yet to come – which, ultimately, echo His eternal love, power, and justice.
In chapter two, the words leapt from the page to my heart as Jesus spoke to the Church in Ephesus. His tone was heavy and serious, yet intimate, tender, and loving. Clearly this message was meant for Christians throughout history, not just the church of Ephesus. It was meant for me – and for you.
Jesus spoke to his church, I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. (Revelation 2:2-3)
While reading this, I sensed the Lord speaking to me. Personally…
“I know you work hard, Gwen. I know you spend countless, thankless hours doing mundane tasks like laundry, driving kids around, vacuuming floors, cleaning toilets, preparing meals, and managing relationships. I know you are exhausted and wish you were more productive. I know you serve at church. I know of your good intentions to spend quality time with me even though your often-inverted-priorities and distractions keep us from deeply connecting far too often.”
His voice continued the heart-whispers as mine swelled…
“I know ______ … I know ______ … I know ______ … I know YOU.
And I see.
I see what you are doing. I see the pressure you are under. I am fully aware of the pain you have endured and are enduring. I see your temptations and your struggles. I see all that you think is hidden.
I am El Roi.
I see you.
Now…
SEE ME.
More.
Much More.
Your glances toward me are fleeting. Flippant. Casual. Less-than.
Your worship is often half-hearted… somewhat of an obligation. At times your service to Me is joyless and sterile – a going-through-the-motions of sorts. It should be a vibrant offering.
I am not an obligation.
I am GOD.
I am your Redeemer. I am your Savior. I am your Healer. I am your Strength. I am your Deliverer. I am your Comfort. I am your Portion. I am your Counselor. I am your Hope.
I AM.”
Overwhelmed and undone in His presence, I continued to read from the Word.
Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken you first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. (Revelation 2:4-5a)
Repent.
Return to me… your first love.
Do the things you did at first.
I grasp for memories that will take me there. I think back to when I was more on fire… more driven by a white-hot, blazing love for Jesus.
When was I there – at the height of my love for God? What things was I doing?
I wrestle and think… and confess… and bow low in my heart.
When were YOU at the height of your love for God? What things were you doing?
THE CHARGE for each of us: Do the things you did.
Return to your first love. Return to His perfect love. To pure love. To holy, powerful, sacred, compassionate, everlasting, merciful, grace-filled, trust-worthy, faithful love.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says…” (Revelation 2:7)
Dear Lord, Who am I that you are mindful of me? That you know me? That you see me? That you love me? Please forgive this wandering worshiper. As I consider your mercy, I confess these things: _________________. Draw me close, once again, with your blood-stained grace and ignite an unquenchable fire of love deep within my heart, my soul, and my mind. In Jesus’ name, amen.
FOR YOUR REFLECTION and RESPONSE:
What is one thing you did then that you can do today? Will you do it? If you accept this first-love charge, CLICK HERE to leave a comment telling me about “what you did then,” or simply say, “I will do the things I did!”
While you are in the comments section, take time to encourage and pray for one another.
I really love doing life with you – and I cannot WAIT to read your responses! Have a beautiful weekend, friends.
Gwen
Ready to learn more about how your brokenness can be transformed into a picture of God’s beauty? I’m living proof that it is possible for anyone. God is all about delivering us from our hard places in and through the pain. Experience God’s healing and hope in your life today as you read Broken Into Beautiful. To order the book, go to Amazon, your favorite Christian bookstore, or for a signed copy, order from Gwen’s store.
Comments 176
God really works in mysterious ways Brethen as l write this its 23:47 cat time l had been crying the whole to God about my life..being stagnant a lot is happening right now in my life but as l came across the article Gwen l knew that God has answered the prayer l had been praying the whole day
Thanks a lot.he knows where we have been through for his ways arent our ways.isiah 55.
Hi! I love you article! TNK!!!
Oh how he loves us, he brings us back to the cross to start over again.
It is never too late.
The best I can remember, I didn’t try to keep up with how long I pray, studied, etc. I worked full-time outside the home, took care of the home, our sons and my husband. With Jesus, like I said, I just was. Then, came the “trying” to DO better and BE better. Please, remember me in prayer because I want to Return to my First Love and do the things I did. I have a song which is my prayer….Lord, bring back the new again….I want to see you again. God Bless!
I was just in Love with Him and so very Thankful for what he had done. I wasn’t trying to keep up with the do’s and don’ts……I just was.
I love spending my mornings in prayer and meditation with God. I have done so for many years and on those rare mornings when I don’t my day doesn’t feel as full or loving. I enjoy walking with God and belonging with His creation. I hear Him more clearly when I walk closely with Him. Thank you for reminding me of the simple pleasures of being in His word and spending quality time with Him.
I WILL see ALL things through Him who loves me with such unconditional love.
Thanks for being obedient to God and sharing such an awesome on-time word! I do not get to read the devotions and encouraging word of the day but keep them until i have a moment. As i went back to my past messages to begin to read, this was the first that i clicked on. I have been overwhelmed with daily things and lacked the time needed to seek and sit in Gods presence with an undivided attention so i have noticed the zeal and love is not as it used to be. My daily life began to feel ritualistic. I was just pondering a few days ago and yet today on what did i use to do to stay in an awesome fellowship and the constant presence of God. I recalled how my time was consumed with his word whether it was reading or tv broadcast, consistent prayer and praise, fasting, witnessing, etc. This message reminded me more than ever that God wants me to get back in such an intimate place with Him!
Thanks so much! May God bless you continuously!
Dig into Gods word!!!!
Thank you for this devotion. This is me. I get so tied into the things with my children, house chores and ministry and glance at God. Then the hurt of things in the past had me bitter for a moment. Forgive me Lord! Truly God, draw me close again, my heart longs for you! Thank you for the prayer.
I will do the things I did. Thank you for this message from God.
Wow..that’s straight to the heart. But good!..what I use to do. I was highly involved in a ministry called SWAT servants with a testimony. We would bus in the homeless people. We feed them and clothe them..it’s been 5 years since I have really done any evangelic for others. Late that’s been tugging on my heart!.another thing I use to do is visit the Prayer Pavillion in Phoenix Az I want to get back to doing that.Hi Michelle Flower
I have you scheduled to stir The Mayflower in the toddlers room tomorrow.? hope to see you there….thank Gwen
Have my long walks with the LORD. I remember at my last job which was s different period of my life this practice was my quiet time. He helped me block out people and places to focus and talk to Him. Those walks with Him helped me to focus on His Presence. Need to start walking with Him again and not drive the car so much! Need to get back to this with His help! Thank you LORD!
Two weeks ago -or so – I decided to pray the rosaries every day. From this moment on I really did pray the rosaries 3 times a day (in the morning, afternoon and evening). I felt so much joy and peace; I felt that my days got strong foundations and so my soul can fight and win the daily battles. I also felt that I’m completed. Sweet love, patience, humility and hope flooded my soul. Prayer was the frame of my days. But then things happened, and I got tired..etc. And this week I stopped praying, so I got tempted and it seemed I was losing my balance and hope, and I almost believed the devil that God was not gonna help me. So, “I prayed the rosaries 3 times a day then.”
This was a touching blog post. I felt the tugging at my heart remembering when the “white-hot blazing love for Jesus” permeated my thoughts and everything I did.
I used to get lost in His word. I would read and study the bible until time got away from me. I’m going to make more time to just delve into the bible – not having an assignment or some deadline for ministry – just hanging out with Him and allowing Him to speak to me.
Thank you for sharing.
I wanted to be married so bad, but you helped me today, father God is my first love. I am returning to him. Amen and thank you.
someone has been reading my mail, as usual with this blog! As a babe, I fasted and prayed in the Spirit…CONSTANTLY!!!
Oh, Dee… HE is reading your mail. 😉 XO
Now move in that direction, friend.
Blessings,
Gwen
I am in you and you are IN me, today, now, forever. I am so thankful for all you have given me, all the ways you have protected me, even for the painful things that have taught me more about you.
Today, Lord I want to be on fire for you again, knowing you intimately in my heart , understanding how much you want to be with me. This does not mean doing more but being more in your presence, to learn mor elf your heart.
Gwen, I am grateful you were so impacted by this scripture. This was real, not forced, not a filling the space, but in encounter with God for you and all of us. Thank you for your dedication in the midst of raising a family. Thank you for putting yourself out there. You are making a difference.
Hello My name is Ramona
I left my abusive husband almost a year ago, for eight years I endured emotional abuse, mental, verbal, and at times physical. I never thought in a million years this would happen to me. Now that god has freed me I still feel lost and broken. I want to get back to the time when I was so secure with my relationship with Jesus that, nothing and I mean nothing can come in between that. Now how do I do that? I feel ashamed that I let God down, I knew better and I was hardheaded but how can I fixed it. How can I feel peace again it sounds so easy to say forgive yourself forgive others in which I do but the pain of it all is still there.
Please help
Hi, Ramona. I left an abusive husband (a minister) 17 years ago. At first, it was very, very difficult working through the pain of betrayal, loss and brokenness. But, the Lord was faithful to bring me through it way back then and has used, and continues to use, the experience many times over to help others. He led me to go back to school and become a counselor and placed me in the criminal justice system, where I have worked for the past 16 years. He used the inmates at a NJ prison to bring healing to my life when I was feeling lost and sorely depressed. He caused my counseling work with the inmates to be fruitful and I saw that I was a much better counselor/servant/minister because of my brokenness. I didn’t allow myself to live in the past and relive the hurts, but chose to keep my eyes fixed on Christ and allow Him to lead me out to a more spacious place (Psalm 18:19). Meditation on Isaiah 54 was a great source of encouragement to me during that time and remains so today. Look to the Lord, for He is the source of your strength, wisdom and healing. I have prayed for you, my sister, and can assure you that God will bring you safely to the other side (Mark 4:35-41), as He did for me, for He is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). You will see that this is part of your journey and what man intended for evil, God will use it for good in your life (Genesis 50:19-21). Read Isaiah 40-43 for further encouragement.
I pray and seek Gods face each and every day asking him to show his glory and have mercy on my life. Also showing me my purpose and showing me your love that is unconditional
I will do the things I did! Have a blessed weekend friends and thank you Gwen for your spirit, your honesty and your strength! You are an inspiration for all of us❤️
Lord God I thank you for speaking through this woman of God to get my attention and bringing me back to my rightful place in you. I am sorry for my slackness in being about your business. You have taken good care of me and the most I can do is to stay committed to the call. Forgive me Lord. You have cause me to search my heart. You said in your word that you will search the reigns of our heart to see where you will find it. Well Lord I am not sure how you have judged my heart, but I come to repent of the things that I consider to not be pleasing to you. I thank you for your undying Love for me, I thank you for your truth, your grace and your mercy. It is in your Jesus name that I pray.
Thank you for sharing your passion for Christ…it is so uplifting and refreshing!
Spread the gospel
I need to be more mindful of my father’s presence by my side every step I take. I cannot go where you are not there with me. Practicing the presence of my God!!!
Gwen, this could not have been a more perfect post. The words that Father spoke to you personally echo what He has spoken to me in times past. During these times of His bidding, I am often reminded of Song of Solomon when Solomon calls for his love (his fair one) to “…arise and come away…” with Him and calls her his beloved. Those words I take to heart from Father to me, to His sons and daughters. We are His beloved and He is forever beckoning us closer to Him and away from the dismal, dirty deluge of the world we live in. Thank you for being so transparent. Transparency is a surefire way to extend the all encompassing love of Jesus and offer deliverance from any stronghold of bondage.
To more fully recognize the GREATNESS of our MESSIAH and KING and to lean on Him alone for strength (Neh. 8:20) “For the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
To not envision myself in the future unless its woth JESUS by my side!!
Dear Heavely Father, we praise You and thank You thst You are truly good, all of the time! Let us not place any idols before You! Amen.
Psalm 95:4-5
“4 For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. 5 In His hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to Him.”
*”3 For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. 4 In His hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to Him.” -Psalm 95:3-4
Thank you for that amazing devotional, I pray that a revival will start in me with a renewed spirit. That this is the day that I begin the process….not just more idle chat. May our Father bless you, your family and your ministry.
My dear sister I do too believe that God word is His. I last my husband two years ago! I was so devastated that I didn’t wanted to go to church anymore , but if wasn’t for Him I don’t know where will I be right now . so I give Him all the glory! for sisters like you ! in Jesus name amen
This is more of a prayer request, I have been away from God for about four years. I married a non-believer who I allowed to keep me from the church and God’s grace. We are now separated, but I am struggling. I am back in church but I can’t get back to things I once was active with like our youth program, I was active with the choir and did the solo’s because God blessed me with an amazing voice, and I really enjoyed all those things. But like I said, I am struggling because I never thought I would be a divorced single mother at my age. Please pray for me and my son and we continue to take this journey and I know that with God all things are possible!
I will do the things I did. And not because I have to, but because I desire to. =)
I gave myself. I gave my time to help, and I spent more time reading and praying to God to know me and understand my heart….I will do those things again!!!
I was singing “let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me” in church as a member of chapelchoir. I was a senior in high school at the end of our yearly choir tour and the overwhelming feeling of all of us connected as brothers feeling the holy spirit raise the hairs on my arms as we sang our hearts out on the finale as was tradition back home at our church. I can now see it as a metaphor for my life and how although I have been brought low by worldly problems, I need to turn to the Lord’s grace and let my peace begin with me turning back to the One who brought me to that point I remember and help me get back there again. Praise the Lord, stand on it! Thanks Gwen, and I thank the Lord for you and your help opening my eyes and allowing me to get back to where I need to be, first through crosswalk and then finding the Gigi’s, even though I’m a man, seems y’all hit me where I live with incredible frequency, thank goodness.
Amen! I will do the things I use to do!!
My prayer is that I keep the fire I have now. I’ve been lukewarm in the past & served with no love & joy. But I’m on fire now & I want to keep that fire burning hot.
I am growing every day in my relationship with God. I can’t say I’ll return to something behind me, but i can say I am doing more. I am doing better. I am opening my heart to God’s Grace and the Holy Spirit!
Lord please bless all of us that are seeking your light and direction. Teach us to be steady, be strong, be consistent in Your word. Let Your light shine through us. Let Your Grace and Love flow from the very core of our soul. Amen
This morning as I reflected back, I became aware that my life in Christ has been more about doing what I saw in others because I wanted so much to be like them. I have today begun a new phase of LIFE with my Lord…knowing He is pleased with this daughter and I choose to not be ashamed of the past few decades…thanks Gwen for sharing your heart with me. I am a little sad for wasting those years but have to believe nothing is ever wasted in God’s Kingdom.
I will do the things I did.
God being my strength and help “I will do the things I did” and more as he directs my path. But mostly I will Love and Praise Him with my whole heart!
Nothing hurts quite so much nor is more detrimental than to be distant from God. Thank you Gwen for gently admonishing me to return to my first love. I will again praise Him openly and unreservedly even with damaged vocal chords. Please pray for me as I pray for you.
Lisa Peppel.
I need to spend more time in my Bible and in prayer. I do read it every day and pray but to just get alone with God and spend time! Pray for me! Thanks for your devotional today. It really touched my heart. God Bless you!
I will do the things i did to continue to grow closer to my father. Amen!
Today I want to thank you for your sacrifice and for loving me unrelentlessly. For being patient with me and providing my needs and not my wants. Glory to God in the highest. Thank you for sending your son Lord Christ Jesus to us. So I give thanks to you today. Not for what I dont have but for what I do have. Amen.
I came to know Jesus during a horrific time of my life. I was a sophomore in college, an only child with no grandparents alive, and I lost my parents in a car wreck. I think of my salvation as such a COMPLETE SURRENDER. I want to return NOT to that painful, scary place, but to the feeling of love, the true prescense of a Lord who walks with me, the truth that I am not in control but a Savior who loves me is, and a constant communion with Him!!!
When I gave my heart to Jesus I was an alcoholic and I spent more time in God’s Word than anything. I used to get so excited about Jesus all I wanted to do was talk about him at my job or to anyone who would listen. I need to get that way again I do get excited at times but not like I used to. God;s Word says he is a consuming fire and he told them at the sacrifices do not let the fire go out and to keep it burning and I believe that is the way he wants us to be now!!!
(I am not BB as on this post/my name is Sue and I’m using this post)
I know I must spend more time with God and more into His word. I am
not making any excuses for myself. I pray God helps me to get closer
to Him than ever. Sometimes I feel I was closer before. I think we grow
in waves, however, maybe sometimes we are in the pruning process and
other times we are in the season of bearing more fruit. He does that to
keep us growing in the right direction…if we start on the wrong path
He prunes us to stimulate our growth into the right direction. I think this
is quite normal and remember, HE does the pruning, not us. Just reading
the title of this article, I almost didn’t click on it. I knew what it would be
about. I have been on a treadmill for the last few years/sitting under a
legalistic church leader who seemed to enjoy draining the joy out
of me and some others since he himself had very little. I am just now
coming out of that stranglehold and I must get closer to the Lord but
also, I must be gentle on myself for a while. When someone that
represents God acts with an iron fist week after week, even if you
know in your heart that’s what is going on, it still affects you. I wish I
had left there sooner but I did eventually leave and now I’m crying out
to God to help me to get closer now than ever to Him. My trust is in HIM
to make this right; my confidence is not in myself. We must encourage
others to get closer to the Lord and back to their first love, but we must
be careful not to put a heavy load on someone that may be struggling
already. In Psalm 23 the Lord says He leads us to green pastures and quiet
waters. I believe that’s the kind of waters that bring deep healing
to wounded souls. The green pastures are the places of rest. Sometimes
we are in a battle and can’t stop to rest. Other times we need to lie down
and just let the Lord love on us so we can get back out to the front lines.
Praise God forever!!!
I am going to pray more often. Listen to the instructions given instead of what I want at that time. Read and most importantly listen and be still . More committed to my job and doing the right thing. My family. But most of all spending time with God
. I ve lost so much in not seeking Him
. I feel lost and I know I need more of Him !
I will do the things I did before!!!!!
Father God I praise you for your holiness. Praise you for loving me and saving me. For giving me your life. Help me know in my heart I have it. Help me learn to trust you again. Father you saved me when I was really young, I followed you all my life. I studied and learned your word and how to share it in bible school. On mission team. I fail you now as I don’t take the time very often at all to get to know you again. Forgive me Lord I have forgotten my first love. I have neglected you in my busy life. My life is full of blessings from you right now and I am not recognizing them. I am not thanking you for them. I cannot get my thoughts to remain on you more than the words of songs and music I listen to and Sunday mornings. I will do the things I did before. Lord you helped me so much last year going through one of the hardest things I’ve ever gone through, and you were beside me as I shared my thoughts, leaned on your word to get me through. Where is all that now. Forgive me Lord, heal my heart, free me from doubts and fears, give me faith, and your Holy spirit to fill me. Reveal yourself to me as I find a way to seek you again. I will begin again in my prayer journal as much as I can. I will make time. I need your peace and joy in my life again. Fill me with your presence Lord. I want to know how great you are again. Healer of hearts binder of wounds. Lives that are lost restored. You are all that and so much more.
IN Jesus name, amen.
Thank you Gwen I read this a while ago. It touched my heart, I know it was meant for me. But I didn’t get it yet. Pray for me as I seek out my first love of God again.
Heavenly Father, I have been knocked down, knocked out, stomped while down and out, and had nibbles taken out of me. Parts of my love, worship, serving, giving, and my peace have been spiritually cannibalized so much so, that my fire and love for You was almost totally distinquished. I was battered, bruised and my spirit was broken. Where I once felt pure unadulturated joy inside, instead I felt dead. I am no longer trusting of “man” and “church” as it has become. I desire to return to my first love, where I first met You. When for the first time in my life I fell head over heels and madly in love with You, having seen you up close and personal. Having tasted of You and found that You are good. That’s where I desire to be. Safe inYour loving and forgiving arms. Fahter, I desire to forgive those who hurt me and stripped me of my diginity and left me for dead. I need Your help. I need to move on and I don’t want to miss You or get too far behind. I know that Your are a redeemer of time. Lead me, guide me, to the church home that I know You have already prepared for me. Instruct me in the way I should go and make it plain. Restore me so that once again You can do great things through me. I don’t want to do great things “for” You, but I want you to use me to do great things “through” me. Please don’t require my life of me and have my living be in vain without complete and total restoration with you. I know that You “saw” everything that happened to me and that You allowed it and will use it for Your Glory. I surrender to Your will and way. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Amen. Amen. Amen.
Hugs and love to you, Robin! Your heart is beautiful.
Gwen
Thank you Gwen. I’m open to finding my way back to the One that I love with all my heart, all my soul, and all my being. It’s hard having been in God’s presence were not even time exits and it’s just you and Him, to having to navigate through all these spirits of distraction. The Lord would give me poems to write that were encouraging to those who read them, I purchased a flute intending to play it unto the glory of God after not playing for over 40yrs before I was knocked out. I am slowly recovering and I know that with much intercessory prayer from those whom Daddy has chosen to hold me up, I shall recover all. I asked Him to raise up intercessors to pray a hedge of protection around me as I am healing and to battle the forces of evil that seek to destroy me until such time as I can (and will) take my rightful place once again on the wall as a watchman. Your ministry is a blessing to me Gwen and I subscribed at the right time. Be encouraged and know that the God in you reached the God in me and sparked a flame. I pray continued blessings over you and the ministry the Lord has entrusted you with to reach others like myself. Amen
Hi Robin, my name is Sue. I see the part where you
said you purchased a flute to play for the glory of
God and then you got knocked down. Remember,
S—n (I don’t even like to say his name) was the
worship leader in heaven until he rebelled and got
kicked out. He is jealous of all worshipers and
is threatened by all true prophets. He’ll do all he can
to try to discredit us. I will pray for you to recover all
and get back on your feet spiritually. Also, keep writing
those poems that glorify God. You love God and
although I don’t know you, I sense you have a true heart
for God, like all of our sisters that commented
on this article. Don’t give up. I will ask the Lord to
restore all that has been lost or stolen from you.
Hi Gwen. Thank you so much. I love the Lord very much. I don’t feel as engulfed or weighted down with worries like it seemed some time ago. This poor woman cried and the Lord answered. I thank everyone for their prayers and encouragment. It means so much as we are a body ministry. I am so looking forward to the Sand Cove conference. I would love to meet and talk with you. Could you forward the info again please so that I can register? Thank you so much.
I believed and trusted God then, I pray I never lose my faith. I will do the things I did.
I will do the things I did
After reading Gwen’s post today I feel just like her. I have been here 5 years and have not established healthy friendships with other women. I have neglected my faith and have felt terribly. i am a believer of Jesus Christ but I need accountability and fellowship. Plz pray for me that I may find the right group to connect to be nourished and fellowship with. May God richly bless you this Sunday.
I’m scared to say I will when I know I am going to fail and fall short.
One day 2 weeks ago as I was walking my dog I had an epiphany. All of a sudden I felt the realization that I was away from God. It hit me that I had been moving throughout life thinking I was walking with him and in actuality He either stopped or I went a different direction than He did. It was a terribly sad realization. Recently I have needed to make job decisions and He has been quiet on the matter OR I cant hear him. Life can be a struggle and I need His guidance and His strength.
As a wife of 20 years, and a SAHM with 5 children, one with Severe needs- Autism, Bi-polar, Oppositional Defiant Syndrome, etc… I am wrought with doing and being for my family. At times wretched with distress, and deep internal need. Jesus so many unmet needs fill my soul. Bring Your Balm of Healing, Your Hope to shine through the darkness of distress, Your love to see me through the insurmountable tasks of my day! Let me not strive to do the things which will not matter because of their lack of eternal value. Let me come to Your fount and be waterlogged in Your Presence, Your Peace, be I am in me today. Because of Jesus I stand!
Suzanne
I ask God to forgive me cause I have been a woman of doubtfulness and confusion cause of the things I’m going through, fighting for my disability and being denied put me homeless and I ask God why? I’m always hearing trust, hold on but my faith is static please help us Lord when we get in this stage.
I understand sister Denise. I hope things get better for you and all of us on here. God bless you.
I will do the things I used and start a new with things I never did like volunteering at church more praying regularly and praising him more and ask less. Seek his will and not mine learn to accept the answer
Thank you Gwen for your words of inspiration and truth. I too am an imperfect worshiper of the Lord. I saw myself,and my life in your words. Today is a new day in my life. I will return to that time when I was on fire for His Love. I want and I need Jesus in my life. I need to be a light in the world. Too many distractions,far too many. Thank you for opening my eyes ad my heart again .l believe the Lord was speaking to me through you. Praise God Amen
I am an ashamed, worshiper of Jesus Christ. I do not come to GOD to cover my mess moreover I have lived my life believing in covering others messes. In which GOD has blessed me to do. That being said I am no saint and have been through more probably than most men and women. But I believe that the world is church!! And our good deeds need to be displayed here in this world, on this, earth, in everyday life to your brother your sister or annoying neighbor. I tend to hide my pain. But lately, I have been praying to GOD to change my direction and feel that GOD has told me to start thinking about me… The problem therein is TRUSTING GOD TO TAKE ME ON THIS JOURNEY, and that he is there holding my hand the whole way…
BTW I pray for all, christian and none christians alike. At the end of the day this is GODS true work for us. For all in the world suffer, but not all in the world have a FATHER who redeems them.
Dragonlili great post
Thank you. I had to come to this realization. and the truth sometimes is UGLY and no one wants to hear it. I also used to lament for my position in this world. But as I began to ACCEPT IT, GOD decided that I was ready to move on to another stage in my life. I am only ashamed that I did not come to this conclusion sooner. That no matter what I am going through, I have better chances with GOD by my side..
Amen
I will do the Things I did, thank you lord for leading me to this message, everything I read was about me and for me, thank you and bless all of your people. TODAY! Oh GOD, come into my life and so I can get back to that place.
This devotion was written just for me! Thanks for sharing it! It stabbed me in the heart! Too often I give everyone else the best part of me and give God my tired leftovers! I am convicted! I will do the things I did!
I will do these things…and not let the world(the endless problems when I look a round)rob me of my first love,my first joy…I will fix my eyes on the author and perfector of my faith…Jesus..
you are so right from early morning to late night I don’t even spend time with Him Jesus , oh yes i do listen the word of God on the radio but to sitdown and read His word only I get a glimpse on a devotional.
I will do the things I did before.
I want to be a blessing to others so that in all I do or say they see only Jesus and not me. I want to Hide in my Lord Jesus knowing that He is my everything and that in Him are all my victories and achievements, without Him I do nothing but with Him I do all things. Let’s return to our First Love Jesus our Lord.
I will continue to do the thugs in doing! In so much closer than I was before and I love it!! I will do these things!!
I will do these things I did before more deeply!
I will do the things I did before, especially spending more time reading and studying the bible.
I will do the things I did before!
I will do the things i did. I pray for all who are reflecting on this devotional that we will just surrender ourselves and allow our Heavenly Father, Dad and our bestfriend to break every change that throughly holds us back from worshiping our Him. As this song says
He knows your name
He knows my evey thought
He sees each tear that falls
And hears me when i call
Just be remined He know who you, and loves you.
I appreciate this devotion as well as all the other GIG devotions and will endeavor to do as you have challenged us. Our God is Great and as I continue to realize is full of mercy. Thank you for reminding us of our duty!
I hear…I will do the things I did and more for YOU Lord.
the things I once did… cried out to Him in hunger and desperation to see Him at work in the lives around me… and in me… I too often try to reach back to a memory to stir me onward and upward…but it fizzles fast… I am going to cry out for GRACE for the Holy Spirit to move in me and through me.
I will be more diligent at reading God’s word. I used to run to the bible with excitement and then it became an obligation….one that I to often let go. I will get back to the love of learning and studying God’s word.
I will do these things I did before more deeply.
I pray for every girlfriend in God and every women in this world. A lot of women going through hard times, financial difficulties, problems with their kids, joblessness, many go through depression, and so many being abused by husbands, boyfriends, and strangers. Father may you set a deliverance hand on every of these women. May you comfort them, provide for them, heal them, perform your good works in there lives, in the MIGHTY name of JESUS I pray.
Amen.
I will do the things I did more fervently.
I pray to read His word more and always be ready to tell others the hope I have in Jesus. There is many things I need to do as I once did and I pray for God’s help to do them. God has always been my strength and refuge and I know He only as far away as I put Him. Praise be to God for loving me enough to die for a sinner such as me. But praise God i”ve been save by His shed blood. Halleluiah.
By the grace of God, I will do the things i did!:)
Thank you for your ministry Gwen!
God bless you heart!:)
I am a pretty new believer and am currently on fire and in love with my heavenly Father and my Lord and Savior but I pray that I won’t lose this and get lost in the every day. That Your light will shine in me just as bright in 50 years, as it is today. I also pray for all those who have fallen and forget to spend time with you because they are too distracted by the every day, or that have fallen into the obligation with half hearts of worship/prayer/church etc. I pray Father that you will fan the flame in their hearts into a blaze for You and your Son, that they may do the things they first did when they found Your LOVE and PEACE. Help them find time for You each day and form a habit of giving all their worries and gratitude to you throughout the day not with obligation, but with JOY and because You are our one desire! I pray that their children and spouses will see this and join them as well. Let us lift up our eyes to heaven and walk this way without fear of seeing what is in front of us because we know that You are there leading the way, holding our hand and clearing our paths. We trust in You, are awaiting the day of your return and pray it comes soon! In Jesus Christ name, Amen!
Never lose your fire!!! God bless you greatly!!!
Thank you so much for this prayer! I needed these words today.
I will do the things I did better.
I will do the things “I did!” I will continue to trust in the Lord and to meditate on How Great Thou Art. Pray and continue to give thanks for all he has done for me.
I used to witness to others and PRAY. I will start again. Thanks for this Gwen. Something I needed to hear.
I prayed for others. I sang and worshipped in His presence. I read the scriptures often.
Lynette
I will meet with him each day…
Lillie
I will do the things I did before and I pray for all women according to Colossians 1:9-15 that they might be filled with all spiritual wisdom, knowledge and understanding of God’s will for their lives.
I have taking a few hard hits Dear Heavenly Father and I have been knocked down. I come to you as a sinner, I beg for your kind and merciful gracefulness, I ask You, I Am, to forgive me for my sins and pray that you carry me while I cannot walk.
I pray for everyone struggling, everyone fights a battle within that others have no clue about. I pray for kindness and love and forgiveness among us all. for our family’s, we all take hard hits and with the savior you can walk
It is when you have been knocked down that you are in the best place. There is no where to go but up. I know it seems hard times will never end, but just hold your head up. You are coming out & if you keep your faith, you are coming out victorious. And even though you didn’t choose these hard times, let them show you the goodness of God. You’ll come out stronger & better when you reach the other side. Be blessed my sister.
I want to do the things i did. I want these hard times to leave and my family alone. i believe as every else believe. i am always feeling separated by something that makes me want to think i can’t believe. God please, hear my prayer, thank you for your tender mercies and compassion. I pray you bring more women that are struggling to know a better life to you. I pray that you make a way for those women to become Christ like and living for you. Thank you in Jesus’ name. Amen!
Gwen,
Thank you so much for this and thank you for listening to the Holy Spirit talking to you for this. This has me in tears. I have always been a Christian, but in the last 2 years I have really amped up my faith, digging into the word, getting baptised, and trying to walk in Jesus’ shoes. I am attending church every weekend for almost a whole year now, in bible study, in choir, and listening to the worship music mainly to try and bring Jesus into my life in every corner of my life. Part of this has been to pray and read the bible every day, but I have not been able to go a full week reading every day! And I was like, come on what is my problem?? This blog has really kept me more faithful, but I remember when I was first on fire for God, I used to pray on my knees to him every single night for at least a half hour.
I feel as though, since he has been with me and so faithful to me, that I have started to take him for granted. It really hit me when you said that God is saying to us, I am not an obligation… I am GOD! That just hit me so much. I think that I have just been getting so used to him being all around that I forget, even though I know it, I forget in my heart and soul that he is the creator of the universe! Our sovereign LORD and I need to humble myself and worship him. Not because he’s my dad as loves me which is true, but because it is what he is owed for pouring out such unfailing love over my life. And so thank you for reminding me of that because I needed to hear it. That was what I needed to remember to get back to my daily devotion because I think we can forget the meaning of devotion. It’s not oh, quiet time prayer time, it’s the eagerness to love him and be with him and SERVE him.
So thank you again!!
really enjoyed reading your blog today……..
awesome devotion. I’m going to get out my worship CD’s and play them this week-end along with my bible study. I will enter into worship first.
Its amazing the different ways God’s word can reach us….I miss the fire and the joy I had in my heart…my willingness to share my passion for Christ whenever the opportunity presented itself…now I find myself consumed and completely lost in the stress of everyday life…feeling so burdened I cant even pray! I am going to find that joy, that fire and I am going to share that passion again!
I was close to tears when I read this. Thank you Gwen for this message. I say close to tears because I won’t allow myself to cry. I have been feeling lost and have felt like Jesus abandoned me. I am going through a tough time as well with kids who no longer want to follow Jesus, one is going through a divorce due to infidelity on his wife’s part, another is taking drugs and was kicked out of school because of it. He doesn’t seem to have no intention of quitting or getting a job to go back to school. It is heartbreaking. I am in a relationship where I am not sure anymore whether or not I should be in. I love the man dearly but there are things that I never would have put up with that I do now and I feel stuck because he has no intentions of stopping drinking to drunkenness where I am not treated well. Why can I not leave? Why do I put up with this behaviour? He, too, refuses to work and expects me to pay his bills. I don’t understand how I arrived at this point in my life but here I am. I love Jesus, but feel very far from him. I need to do the things I have done but almost feel scared to do that. I was the only person who followed Christ when I was growing up and that was hard on a child. Lord Jesus, thank you for never giving up on me. Thank you for putting You in my path where ever I am looking, reminding me that you’re still there. Help me to be strong and courageous to putting you first even if that means abandoning my relationships, all relationships including my children. Help me to always and forever in putting you first. Love, Mattina
It has been so long since I have been on my knees in prayer. I have always known, loved and trusted God in three persons – in the quiet (and not so quiet) wonderful times as well as the storms. My busy-ness seems to have eclipsed the purity and intention of baring my soul in that beautiful, wonderful way…on my knees. Even in my great faith, I see that I am short-cutting my spiritual connection and am lost! I want that beautiful fire in my heart once again…by God’s grace this will happen! I am back on my knees!
I started a Bible Study Blog for God’s word to draw near to my family, friends and neighbors who are seeking and thirsting after Jesus!! I pray for them and send them text messages and emails, every morning. I hope and pray that when the days ahead get a little colder and as the sunlight fades dimmer in the early afternoons, they will be able to read and study God’s Word; thus warming their spirits and brightening the eyes of their understanding.
Amen!!
Thank you for this timely nudge. I have reflected how I am doing so much for God but lacking intimacy with God. I am asking Him to restore the fire I once had for Him, FOR HIM. My time with Him was once a priority over the things I did for him. I will do the things I did…By HIS Grace
I praise GOD that i see myself coming back i use to wake up and put the praise music on instead of the news, got sidetracked husband had surgery we have a cleaning business and it was ME so now i wake up put the music on and BAM I’M there. Felt like my jobs at work were being taken away from me WELL they were but i kept staying OFFENDED. So now i have my praise music playing at work too. Sometimes i don’t realize how loud i get BUT i FEEL SO GOOD:) SO THANK YOU LORD for patiently waiting on me. Cause I KNOW HE WILL NEVER LEAVE ME…US!!!!
I am in tears right now. Have gotten so lost and didn’t know how to begin again. Thank you for this. I will so the things I did before.
As I was reading this I just cried & cried, my husband thinks there’s something wrong but everything I did I no longer do! God said to Moses “I Am” nothing else and Moses knew he had to trust and obey. ” I will also do the the things I don’t anymore and never did” But at this moment I need prayer so much! I lived in NJ, going to my church was basically a 2 min drive, I was on the worship team, went to Bible study, served where I could. My husband broke his back in 2001 & the recession came. We moved to GA in 2005, I found a church that we related to, of course commuting to it was like going to work, but that’s ATL. Unfortunately we had major financial problems, I became an empty nester since my 5 children are all adults, I lost my job, reapplied to other jobs & now I feel like no one wants me because I’m over 50. But that’s my pity pot poor me story. We aren’t going to a church that the worship touches me as much as my past church, those churches are mega churches & I could never get to know people, I felt alone. So Gwen when you were saying all those things that The Lord is not first in my life it’s true for me too. I am a caretaker now, I worry about everything because we don’t have food due to my husbands disability, I have people who care about me at the church I’m attending but I’m so discouraged about everything I just feel sad. I need to spend more time in His word & Precence too. I just need prayer from everyone who may read. This devotion hit a nerve, which is good…”Lord I ask you to touch me & forgive me for not being the woman who spent her time seeking you, bring that joy back…YOU ARE MY GOD & THERE IS NOTHING YOU CANT HEAL OR CHANGE IN ME, but I have to change..help me to change & put my complete trust in you…from the bottom of my heart p pray this” AMEN!!
I hung my head and praised Him! I do that now knowing He was, He is and always will be my first love.
Thank you for your patience with your lost and forgetful daughter Lord!
I pray that I may be forever mindful of all you supply for me.
I humbly thank you for all I ever needed – You!
I will trust in him as I did before, open my bible daily, and look to him
It is so easy to get lost in life…laundry, kids, issues, baggage, serving, distractions. God reminded me of the same things…that as I long to have a Mary heart, I am Martha. I think that sometimes we busy ourselves to hide from our insecurities, our misconceptions about God..we aren’t good enough, or simply that He is ENOUGH! Bless you, Gwen and our sisters in the Lord. Thank you Jesus, that you love us so much that you loving call us back where we will find rest for our souls, strength for our feeble knees. Amen!
Thank you for sharing this, Gwen! In these last couple of days God has been convicting me in a very powerful way about my selfishness. And one of the things that he has showed that has been in the fact that I have not been practicing hospitality the way I used too. It has really grieved me and yesterday I made a decision that I am changing that. Because ……” I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.”
I will do things the way I used to
My eyes are seeing to read, but my ears need to listen for his message. I needed to read this because I have at times been reading the bible as an assignment not as the Word of God. First time to read and study the Bible in my 54 years.
I will do these things I did before.
I Love you Jesus
I have NEVER DONE ENOUGH!!! I Start today!!!
I pray to put God first, I am going threw a very hard time in life, my husband has asked for a divorce, says he is not in love with me anymore after 18 years. His heart is harden and broken, and he works away from home. He loves God and is a good man, I know in my heart he has my heart…I love him. Will you pray for us, pray for me to put God first and be patient in the storm. I am humbled it has taken the thought of loosing my soul mate and family to bring me to my knees and truly be the child of God I am called to be. #praiseGod.
I am sorry Mandy. I am praying for you now.
Mandy, Mandy, Mandy, I will pray for your my, dear. I truly feel for you. I was abandoned my husband myself and we got divorced after 12 years of marriage. He was the first man I ever dated and married. Now almost 4 years after the divorce, God showed me that He himself wants to be my perfect husband. Isaiah 54:5
For your Maker is your husband—
the Lord Almighty is his name—
the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer;
he is called the God of all the earth
He loves you and He loves your husband! I am fasting and praying for two married couple are in the middle of a divorce today. There was a reason why I opened Gwen’s blog, Mandy. You and your husband are the third couple I need to pray for.
love and blessings
Quit smoking and never take it up again. Do not bargin with god. Be humble and take all thing’s to him in prayer. Let me be a real witness in Christ so others get excited like me. Sing again to Praise Him and share the excitement with others. I AM BACK!!!!
I will do the things I did!
I will do the things I did!
I used to pray with a group of women once a week. I will begin to do this once again. PTL
i will do the things i use too and more of it!!!!
I will do the things I did! 🙂
I need to read the word of God Daily
I remember when I began each morning alone with God … lost in worship. I was the only one awake, and I would turn on my worship music and just worship Him. Often, I would still be worshiping when others woke up in the house…and His presence would be so thick that they too would join in. I long to be back in that place with my first love. Life and distractions have stolen those precious moments I used to spend with Him. But I hear the call of my First Love … calling me back to that place of intimacy alone with Him.
When the church that I was attending closed it’s doors 6 years ago, I have wandered, not feeling that I belonged anywhere that I visited. It has left a huge void in my life, as I was very active in both churches that I attended as church pianist. I still do Bible studies at home and still go through my devotions but it has just been that…I am going through the motions. Today I want to commit to finding a church home where I feel I can be used again and fit with a church family. .
I will do the things I did as before only more focused and deeply in my heart. and pray God would have mercy on all of us who lose touch with our faith at times or seem to put our faith and our prayers on the back burner until time allows us …we forget that mundane living …and day to day chores should take a back side to our love and faith in him …and give us ourselves time to spend doing what we used to do before life became so consuming ….
I have a little booklet called “God’s Creative Power” by Charles Capps that is filled with powerful scriptures to claim over yourself and loved ones in times of struggle (or every day). I’ve been claiming those verses and can feel the Spirit’s presence and power almost immediately! I know the Lord is hearing the cries of this child warrior, and breakthroughs are coming soon.
I will do the things I did before.
I need to spend more time with the Father like I use to. So I will. Reading this made me feel ashamed of hoe I spend my time. I feel like the things I ask for I won’t receive because of where my relationship is. I will not dwell in yesterday, but be joyful in today. I thank you Father for your words today for all the women who have read this today. I pray for change in us all, and for great things to follow.
Thank you Gwen for encouraging us to return to our first Love and the things we did. I will return by being still to give Father my undivided attention so I can really listen to Him, worship wholeheartedly, study the Word and follow it. Share with others. Pray that we will get back to what we did for Father. Get the fire back in our souls and hearts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
I have been a Christian for about 25 years now. I can say that in all this time that spending quality time with the Lord has been a battle. When I had no children, it definitely was easier to do. Even then though, it would be a struggle with the cares of this world. When I would “work” at it though, God would have to remind me not to allow it to become works. There is a fine line. It’s so easy to get into a mundane routine. We can easily get into striving.
My children are older now, and I still struggle to keep my focus just on God. Emails to check, fb to review… housework to be done… So, after reading this message, I see that I need to get “alone” with Jesus with no distractions. He promises that if we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us.
Thank God that His mercies are new every morning. I can say this though, when I did put God first and was passionately pursuing Him, those were the times I would hear Him much more clearly and He would do awesome supernatural things in my life So, Lord Jesus, help me to put my focus on You first. Put the passion in my heart for you that is a flame not just a flicker. In Jesus name…
I will go back to my passionate luv for the WORD. I pray for woman who are stressed, scared, lonely and over worked. May they find peace and comfort in the Lord.
I WILL do the things I did….Your message this morning was so right on time!! Thank you SO very much more than you’ll ever know. The LORD is truly doing a great work through you my beautiful sister in Christ. Be Well! ~K
☺
Oh, Kim. He’s all up in my grill too, sister! All glory to GOD. The worthy one. Blessings, Gwen.
The things that I did then are not the things that I am doing now. I did not fall in love with God on an intimate level until about 7 years ago. Odd I know because he pursued me my whole life. I knew He loved me just could not accept why. I thought I was unworthy of being loved. But my God is a gentleman and he waited for me and now our intimacy is worth dancing for. I accept the challenge of continuing to do the things I do now and not what I did back then. Does that make sense?
*turn*
Not them to alcohol to escape my pain
I will do the things I did! Gracias por las bendiciones de sus devocionales. Saludos desde Argentina 🙂
Awesome. De nada, amiga. Love and blessings to you, Gwen.
I will attend weekly bible as I use to. I will prayer as heavily and often as I use to and I will stop making the many excuses that I do about not attending church as I use to.
I will do the things I did.. I will make more time for studying Gods word
That sounds like a beautiful plan, Gigi. Blessings, Gwen.
Thank you for this post today! It spoke to me. I had just asked the Lord to talk to me and was thinking the very thing you wrote. I opened your blog post and there was the scripture I needed to hear. Early in my relationship with the Lord, I wouldn’t let myself read magazines or get on electronics before spending time in prayer with the Lord. I will go back to spending time in prayer before getting on Facebook and wasting so much time.
Love that, Tonya. Move in that direction. Surely blessings await you there. 🙂 In Christ, Gwen.
I want to get closer to you. I want to live my life the way I used to many years before – with total devotion and trust in you – knowing that you will get us through any challenges in our lives.
I will do the things I did!
I was going to weekly bible study. I will do what I did before.
I will do the things I did!!!
I prayed fervently for the lost. I wanted everyone to know Jesus. I will do things I did. Thank you, Gwen!
I need to get back to where I was. When I first got saved serving The Lord with my whole heart soul and mind
This sounded so much like me. I think God has been really putting devotionals in front of me to let me know , slow down and return. Thank you for this and thanks be to my Lord and Savior Jesus for loving me and saving me.
What I did then was pray on my lunch break in Church. I will do this today ! I needed this reminder. Thank you .
I n gave MY LIFE to Jesus in 2007, while being in a State Prison for 8 L-O-N-G months. Oh how I was on FIRE for My LORD! I still live for HIM and Give Myself to HIM. I am Thankful I’m NOT who I was, but I am NOT Where I want to be. I Pray and Encourage ANY and ALL today, Jesus IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH, THE LIFE. Go to HIM All Who have Heavy Burdens, I CAN PROMISE, if you “TRY”, HE WILL get you thru ANYTHING. He brought me out of a drug addiction of 20 year’s> Thank you Jesus for Redeeming Me and having MERCY on My Soul!
Spend time in his world learning more about him. Spend time thinking about how to practice and applying those things to my life. Show him through my life as an example of being set apart.
I was in a group Bible study weekly. I have taken a “break”, but I will do the things I did!
I just want to obey him and follow his word. I pray for all the christian that are facing hard situation, for those that are not living like Jesus want, to those christian that are firing with them self because they are doing what they dont want to do i encourage you to keep doing your work because you are helping me in Jesus name amen
Amen! Thank you for you for your prayer. Standing in agreement with you for others and myself.
Amen ,I to want an spirit of obedience as well . I m praying for both of us to trust God at His word and to move in obedience . I struggling with the same sis , .
I pray for all the women who have gotten lost in this world of “to do’s ” and the many things that take us away from what really matters — our relationship with God. I will do the things – i used to and things I never did.. I will rest in his arms and move forward knowing THE GREAT “I AM” has my back.
I will do the things I did
I read and memorized Psalm 23. I would go thru every line and each time God gave me a deeper understanding of who He was and what was really happening in my life. I read GIG devotionals every morning, kept a journal…i will do the things I did.
I will do these things I did before more deeply!!
I need to spend more time in my Father’s presence just listening! How amazing is our God 🙂
Amen sis and I pray that you will continue to stand with God and hear is still small voice. Be blessed and encourage.
Thank you so much Gwen for this wonderful article. ” I will do the things I did before” by His Grace. Amen. May the Lord pour upon us the spirit of prayer, supplication, the fear of the Lord and may we all hunger for holiness, righteousness and His word. Amen.
AMEN!
I will once again spend time in pure worship, lost in His presence like I used to do.
I will do the things I’ve always said I’d do/wanted to do.