Wake up before it is too late

​Today’s devotion is based on Revelation 3:1-3. “To the angel (messenger/pastor) of the church in Sardis write: `This is the message from the one who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know what you are doing; I know that you have the reputation of being alive, even though you are dead! So wake up, and strengthen what you still have before it dies completely. For I find that what you have done is not yet perfect in the sight of my God. Remember, then, what you were taught and what you heard; obey it and turn from your sins. If you do not wake up, I will come upon you like a thief, and you will not even know the time when I will come.”

The love between two spouses can fade and die away if an effort is not made to keep it nourished and alive. Love rarely dies with one quick blow. Little niceties are neglected. Romantic getaways are postponed until a more suitable time. Housework, yard work and office work become more important than making a marriage work. And little by little, without fuss or bother, love slowly dies.

As our Bible verses for today show our love for God can die too. Without fuss or bother. Quietly, ever so slowly, it slips away. We can use excuses like; I’m too busy to pray today, I can’t worship this week, I’ll catch up on my Bible reading when I have less on my plate. Just as we cannot neglect our relationship, we cannot afford to neglect our relationship with our Lord? Don’t be like the congregation in Sardis, “Wake up, and strengthen what you still have before it dies completely.”

Please pray with me the prayer for today: Heavenly Father, Gracious God, I come to you this morning confessing that I have not loved you as I should. Forgive me, Father, because of your son, Jesus Christ. Help me start again. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.