Posted by jen on April 05, 1999 at 20:13:26:
At first I found the rebuke "apathetic friends" offensive. My spirit realizes that it is offensive to me because it is the sin I struggle with most. I confess that I am one who is GUILTY of fickleness. When I am aware that I am in the presence of God I can be so excited and focused that I see clearly it is my heart's greatest desire to stay in that secret, holy place. When I lose my excitement it is because I have left that place. When I focus on worldly things, I lose my joy and excitement for God. As I lose my excitement, I become more and more apathetic and it becomes a downward spiral. I have learned that the way to break this spiral is to read God's word and to pray and WORSHIP HIM. At first, I may not be excited, but it comes with time. This is so much like intimacy with my spouse. If i just spent ten minutes a day with my spouse, our marriage wouldn't last. We are the bride of Christ! Our intimacy with and excitement for Him will not come quickly. It takes time and commitment. "As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you." (Isaiah 62:5) GOD rejoices over us! This is amazing and humbling to me. If the GOD of the Universe, my Creator and Lord can rejoice over me despite all of my sin, then I, a worm, should be able and willing to rejoice over HIM and His Holiness and Goodness. Here is one thing to think about and rejoice in. Revelation 19:6-9: Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thumder, shouting: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen bright and clean was given her to wear." Then the angel said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!' " And he added, "These are the true words of God."
The rest is exciting too, but you can look it up for yourselves.