400. First Love 1928

Rev. 2:2-5. What does it mean to have left your first love? In order to understand this, we must think back to the hidden thoughts and counsels of the heart. Heb. 4:11-12. In every heart there is counsel. When God reveals the thoughts of our hearts, we take counsel as to whether we will do God’s will or our own. Because I have a free will, it is up to me whether I take heed to the Spirit’s counsel each time He speaks in the depths of my heart. The first love is that you hear what He says and obey His counsel. Otherwise, the lampstand will be removed. I think the lampstand has been removed in some places because the leaders failed to receive the counsels of the Lord.

“Give to the Lord glory and strength.” Psalm 96:7. How can we give the Lord the power from the very beginning? We do this by giving Him power over us in our hidden lives, where no one else sees. If we do not hear the voice of the Holy One and align our hearts with it, we will not receive glory from God. The seat of judgment is in the deepest part of the heart, and that is where the orders come from. That is where I receive judgment over myself and where I submit my will to His. The double river proceeds from these depths, bringing life and healing wherever it flows. The reason you ask others what to do is that you have not practiced sitting in God’s counsel in your daily life.

The first love is to maintain my connection with the Father and the Son. “I do not receive honor from men.” John 5:41. We cannot accept honor from men when we are in close contact with the living God. If you take honor from people, this relationship will be disturbed and will affect the way you think; it will affect your whole being.

“How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God?” John 5:44. You cannot believe when you receive honor from men. Those who hear the voice of God rely on it completely and do not ask what people think. Come what may, they simply listen and remain in the first love. Only those who remain there truly love God.

“He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him.” John 7:18. This is a good doctrine which cannot be refuted. Here are hidden treasures from which blessings flow as long as we remain in purity.

The Father said concerning Jesus: “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” Matt. 17:5. He will also say this about the church if we listen to His voice and do His will. You are a choice instrument. God is speaking to you—make sure you put what you hear into practice! If you do, I believe this will become a church that is sought after far and wide! You will overcome everyone, but no one will be able to overcome you when you judge the hidden thoughts and counsels of your heart.