For a ‘believer’ (follower of Jesus) to be deficient in having both genuine peace of mind, along with lacking an abundance of joy...is a likely indicator that one is not truly walking where they need to be, as in ‘abiding’ in Jesus. And it is quite possible that whoever just read that will either be offended and take exception to it, or on the other hand- be greatly encouraged to know that this walk with Jesus is supposed to be much better than what you are experiencing. And if you are in that latter category, you will be happy to know that it’s only a matter of making a ‘slight course adjustment’ that can remedy this deficiency.

When the church at Ephesus received ‘their letter’ (Eph. 2:1) they were commended for doing a few things well in the past, but it was then pointed out by the Lord Himself that a serious problem had arisen among them and it boiled down to it being a ‘heart issue’; they had ‘forsaken their first love’ (4).

It sounds from reading there that action was being required immediately ...’or else’ they risked losing out in the most serious of ways (5). And the action or directive being given to them was to “Think about where you have fallen from, and then turn back and do as you did at first - (Contemporary English Version). You are probably more familiar with the terms 'repent' and ‘first works’.

So what exactly are these ‘first works’ we are admonished ‘to do’? I bet some of you are anxious with pen ready in hand to write these down so that you in turn can go ‘do them’, especially if this is the ‘course correction’ one needs to carry out so that you too, can see the ‘joy of your salvation’ return as you begin to walk in the ‘peace that passes all understanding’ ...which was meant to be our guide in this world of darkness and tribulation. (Ps. 51:12; John 15:11;16:33; Phil. 4:7,9; Rom. 3:17; Luke 1:79)

Let me begin by telling you what those ‘first works’ do NOT... include: Signing up somewhere at church to ‘get busy and stay involved serving the Lord’. You might want to take a look at Ps. 46:10 and Luke 10:38-42. Be like Mary...and ‘choose the good part’. Remember, the church at Ephesus was told to first ‘repent’, which serves us well to ‘be still’...and to ‘consider our ways’ (Haggai 1:7) which James then spells out rather clearly for us as to what that looks like (4:7-10) Then....After we have experienced genuine repentance (which God’s kindness leads us to do- Rom. 2:4), we have the assurance the “times of refreshing will come from the presence of the Lord’ (Acts 3:19)

This ‘refreshing from His presence’ could be likened to a ‘hedge of protection’ coming back up around us as we are enveloped in His love and joy and peace. The prodigal son experienced something similar to this when he returned home to his father, broken and repentant (Luke 15:17-24). Yes, go read that passage now :- )

Why is this so important to do first? That’s easy! Who of us that have grown dependent on GPS would begin an important trip to an unfamiliar destination without first making sure your online map is up and running? This is no time to ‘wing it’ and rely on ‘gut instinct’.

That’s probably how you ended up in this place to begin with. Somewhere along the way, you stopped listening to or hearing (giving heed) to His voice which is what led to your ‘drifting’. (Heb. 2:1; 3:12-13). And I cannot underscore enough the significance of this key element when it comes to listening for His voice. Yes...God still speaks today, and IF...IF... IF you are one of His ‘sheep’, you will ‘hear that voice’ (John 10:27,3-4). This I can promise you based on the authority of God’s word. In fact, we are warned repeatedly to not ‘harden our hearts when we do hear it’ (Heb. 3:7-8,15; 4:7). Also, let’s not forget that there is a strong connection with our ears and our hearts (Heb. 3:10)

I can remember so vividly all those years living in Texas and how after a brutally hot summer, we would anticipate eagerly that first significant ‘cool front’ of the season to blow in and cool things off drastically. Can I just tell you that rarely did we find ourselves waiting outside questioning...’was that it’...or “is it happening now’? There was no doubt when the full force of that leading boundary of cool air came in with a gust; we all knew it.

And those 120 disciples who were told to ‘wait in Jerusalem until endued with power from on high’ did not need a ‘confirmation’ or any committee to confirm when it happened for them either (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8;2:1-2). They knew it...and everyone in that city knew it as well. (Acts 2:5,12)

Friends...this is not about simply having some ‘religious experience’; far from it. This is all about coming back to a place where we are humbled before Him, that He might pick us up and restore us back into a place of relationship and fellowship so that not only will we ‘hear His voice’... but...that we will actually ‘follow Him’ (John 10:27). This means we will ‘do whatever He says to us’ which will then lead to our transformation (Luke 6:46; John 2:5)

What kind of things will He begin to speak to you about in directing your path? Join me tomorrow...and we’ll continue on, Lord willing, of course. :- )