THAT LOVING FEELING

In the sixties a group of five was formed called “The Paramours.”

After some time they were reduced to a duo and changed their name to “The Righteous Brothers.”

Now you must admit that was quite an improvement. I’m not sure how righteous they were, but as a singing duo they were as good as any that came down the pike.

They broke up and reunited a couple of times but finally stayed together until Bobby Hatfield died from a cocaine overdose just before a concert. Bill Medley is busier than ever and has fans all over the world.

One of their songs “You've lost that loving feeling” is the most played song ever, number two isn't even close.

That loving feeling is something every marriage must not only have, but must maintain or the marriage will be a failure, even if the parties remain together. It is something that requires maintenance; an effort must be put forth on the part of both parties.

Keith Krell gave this illustration; A couple was driving home from church. The wife was sitting in the front seat on the far right side. Her husband was in his usual place behind the steering wheel. Seemingly, a large gulf separated them. With lonely eyes, she looked at him and said, “Honey, do you remember when we first met, how close we used to sit to each other? You used to put your arm around me. What happened to those days?” With one hand firmly attached to the steering wheel, and the other resting on the empty seat between them, he said, “Well, I haven’t moved.” The distance was not because he had moved. A separation resulted because she had moved away. She had left her first love.

Revelation 2:1-4  1.“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write
‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lamp stands: 2. “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3. and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. 4. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

The Greek word translated “left” (aphiemi) means “to depart, leave alone, forsake, and neglect.

Ephesians 2:4-5 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

What was happening in Ephesus was; they were saying to the Lord. “Jesus, I don’t love You like I once did. But I’ll still come to church. I’ll still serve You. I'll still witness for You. I just don’t love You.

Perhaps this wasn’t a vocal thing, just an attitudinal thing. What had happened was they had lost that loving feeling for GOD.

Luckily for them there was a remedy for that malady, part of which was to draw near to GOD and HE would draw near to them, as James 4:8 instructs;

Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.

Make sure you still have that loving feeling, GOD hasn't moved - - it is up to the one who has moved away to draw near again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8QLgouqh9w&feature=related