Repent

Write the following to the messenger of the congregation in Ephesus. For these are the words of the One who holds the seven stars firmly in His right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands: I know all that you’ve done for Me—you have worked hard and persevered. I know that you don’t tolerate evil. You have tested those who claimed to be apostles and proved they are not, for they were imposters. I also know how you have bravely endured trials and persecutions because of My name, yet you have not become discouraged. But I have this against you: you have abandoned the passionate love you had for Me at the beginning. Think about how far you have fallen! Repent and do the works of love you did at first. I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place of influence if you do not repent.  Revelation 2:1-5 TPT

Jesus warns the church in Ephesus that things aren’t going to get better. They’re actually going to get worse. The church must be ready for the intense persecution that is on the horizon. 

Revelation 2:7 TPT The one whose heart is open let him listen carefully to what Holy Spirit is saying now to all the churches. To the one who overcomes I will give access to feast on the fruit of the Tree of Life that is found in the paradise of God.

Most people believe that if God is good, He should only give His people “good things.” But the reality is, good times and good things—at least according to what this world considers good—are not a guarantee. God never promises that He will give us a comfortable life. He promises He will be with us and that He works all things for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purposes. 

Romans 8:28-29 TPT So we are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together to fit into God’s perfect plan of bringing good into our lives, for we are His who have been called to fulfill His designed purpose. For He knew all about us before we were born and He destined us from the beginning to share the likeness of His Son. 

Let’s accept the rights that come with being His children. Let’s  accept the responsibility of being His ambassadors. Holy Spirit is here to heal us to represent God well in our communities.  His kingdom on earth.