Tag Archives for Valentine’s Day

…Lesson in Love

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Throughout this week, I’ve recognized and learned so much about love. The fresh perspective, from the lens of His love, has helped me to realize my value in Him and the priority I should set in expressing His heart to His people. And, in the acknowledgement of the facets of His love, He’s given me a renewed fire and desire to love Him first.

In all of this, I am so thankful that He has made it explicitly clear that this love I’ve explored this week is forever for us and remains with us.

Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture…None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us. Romans 8: 35-39 (MSG)

What lesson in love is He teaching you?

…Day Full of Love

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My prayer is that you (and I) choose, today, to abide in His everlasting love. Choose, today, to recognize that He knows everything about you and despite, He loves you the same. Choose, today, to know that He desires to be in relationship with and lavish on you.

He loves you, whether you like it or not. Always has. Always will. There is no greater love.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

…Love Mandate

il_fullxfull.354545968_8uykSo many of us have our gaze fixed on love this week. In our everyday, the emotion is aimed at the people, places and things that we hold to the highest regard. But, most of all in this week, my prayer is that we each allow our attention to hone in on His love and loving mandates for us.

His real, abounding and limitless love is all about us. In as much as His heart is for us (self), His desire is also to turn our hearts outward (away from self). Daily, He tells us to:

‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. Matthew 22:37-40

In abiding in His love, He’s calling us to reciprocate and love on His behalf. But how?

Love Mandate #1: Love Him by obeying Him. John 14:15

Love Mandate #2: Love His people in the same way He loves you. John 15:12

And why should we? Because His love impels us to (2 Cor 5:14).

Take a moment to ponder on just one facet of His love for you. What does it motivate you to do in response to Him? What does it motivate you to do for another?

…Real Love

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“God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.” Augustine

Since the 15th century, Valentine’s Day has become a universal moment for lovers to pause to express their emotions for one another through the presentation of thoughtful words and gifts. As the date approaches, I believe that we all share mixed feelings regarding what the day represents – whether of joy and excitement; indifference and incuriosity; or bitterness and disdain. And, most often times, those feelings hinge from our past and present experiences in love.

No matter the sentiments you may have toward February 14, 2013, I do not want us to miss out on this opportunity and prompting to ponder on the essence of this holiday – love. But, not just that warm, fluffy, temperamental and fickle love we share with one another; yet, that God given warm, fluffy, unwavering and unending love.

I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to Myself. Jeremiah 31:3 (NLT)

His love is real, amazing, eternal, unconditional and faithful. As we and those around us prepare for the 14th (or not), allow yourself to be drawn to Him; turn your hearts toward and dwell in His love everyday this week. He loves us first. He loves us best. Let’s find our security in that.