Write to the angel of the church in Ephesus:
“The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand and who walks among the seven gold lampstands says: I know your works, your labor, and your endurance, and that you cannot tolerate evil. You have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and you have found them to be liars. You also possess endurance and have tolerated many things because of My name and have not grown weary. But I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember then how far you have fallen; repent; and do the works you did at first. Otherwise, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place-unless you repent.  Revelation 2:1-5 HCSB

Computers need updates. From time to time we have to leave them on so that whatever program they run on can install updates. Our phones, which are just little handheld computers, also need updates.

Household items wear out and need to be updated. Our clothes need to be updated. Just about everything eventually needs to be replaced or updated. Even relationships need to be updated regularly.

If you are married or have been in a long-term relationship are you due for an update? When we first begin to date someone we put our best foot forward, right? If we really like that person we go all out to impress them. We listen intently to what they have to say. We try to express an interest in the things they like. We want to spend time with them.

It’s the same way with our relationship with God. When we are first learning about God through His Word and prayer, we want to know all about Him. We want to get up early on Sunday to get to Sunday School and are eager to hear the pastor’s sermon. We hope that our job doesn’t interfere with getting to church on time on Wednesday night for our mid-week refresher or update. We are eager to participate in church work days and fellowship events. We want to help out with church programs.

But if we aren’t careful to constant recharge and update the devil will try to get in the way. He will try to stop us from doing the updates. He will convince us that we can cut back and eventually cut this stuff out all together. He might tell us things like Sunday School is for kids, you don’t need that. Or, he might do little things to make us late like that missing shoe or those missing car keys. I remember when I had gotten back into Sunday School and was really enjoying it. I set out one morning with plenty of time to get there. About a mile up the road, I encountered the road being blocked. I took a detour and when I got to where I needed to turn that road was also blocked. I had to turn the other way and go a long way around. But, I told the devil out loud that he could just stop with the shenanigans because I was going to church and I didn’t care how far out of the way I had to go to get there. I got there only about 5 minutes late.

If we aren’t careful that on fire for the Lord feeling we had when we first accepted Christ as our Savior can fizzle out. We stay updated by daily prayer and Bible reading. We also need Bible study through studies at church, Sunday School, and regularly attending church services. We also stay updated by fellowship with other believers. I thank God each day for my church family.

If you’ve lost that loving feeling and don’t have that love you first felt, you need an update. Plug into your church, study God’s Word, pray to Him and He will refresh you. Don’t let that love get stale. Repent and get updated. Remember the love you had at first and get busy doing the things you did when you first loved the Lord. Don’t let the devil convince you that an update is not needed.

All things need an update. If we don’t stay close to those we love those relationships can fizzle and grow stale. They may even fade away. The same happens with our relationship with Jesus. We need to stay close to Him through prayer, Bible Study and church attendance.

Your phone or your computer will tell you when it needs updating. Household appliances may break down, as will vehicles. Clothing may become faded, stained or torn. The same is true with our relationship with our Lord and Savior. If life has left you feeling torn, stained or broken down, you need an update. He can do that for you. Just turn to Him today. His blood can wash you white as snow (Revelation 1:5) and make you a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Have a great day!