Tomorrow, we will celebrate Valentines Day. We will buy flowers and chocolates for our loved ones, have a special dinner, go out out on dates, maybe even propose marriage.
I am sure we can all remember the day when we fell in love for the first time. The feeling we had in our hearts, the thoughts we had in our minds, the things we did to prove our love. Well, now imagine having that same feeling everyday, every morning you wake up and open your eyes. That my friends, is how our Father in Heaven feels towards you each and everyday. Now I know there isn't a box of chocolates or a new necklace waiting for you every morning, but there is something worth even more, something you can not put a price tag on, something that has more value than any worldly possession, and that is His love for you.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16
When I woke this morning and opened my eyes, the first thing I did was to thank God for all that he has blessed me with, my wife, my stepdaughter, my family and friends, and especially for allowing me to share in his glory of a new day, another day to get out of bed and do whatever I can to help others. To share his word with all who will listen and maybe even a few who won't. I also thanked Him for his never ending, never yielding, unlimited supply of love for me and my family, and for each of you. You may not feel it every morning you wake up or in every minute of everyday, but it is there, His love for you is pouring over you every second of every minute of every hour of every day. Even when you are sleeping, his love surrounds you and covers you like your favorite blanket. There is no greater love, than that of our Father in Heaven, and his Son, Jesus Christ.
In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be propitiation for our sins.
1 John 4:9-10
God loved you so much he sent his Son to earth to save you. He allowed his Son to be sacrificed for your sins, so that you may believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus is your Lord and Savior, and you have been saved.
Let that sink in for a moment...What greater love is there?
At the same time you are thinking about that, let me ask you this; what would you do to show your love for God and for his Son, Jesus Christ? Would you give up 15 minutes each morning to meditate with him, to talk to him, to thank him? Would you keep your heart open to him, your mind open to him so he can guide you and direct you down the path he has planned for you? Would you honor and worship Him for all that he has done and all that he will do? Will you love Him, as he loves you?
I am not asking to hear your answers to these questions, but I am asking you to answer them so you may hear the answers.
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
1 John 4:4
I have no doubt that each of us have gone through difficulties, challenges, hard times, maybe even at this very moment as you are reading this. I have no doubt there have been times when you have questioned or doubted God's love for you. Just remember, that that is the enemy feeding you false truths, that is the enemy deceiving you, that is the enemy lying to you, that is the enemy trying desperately to pull you away from God. We all have gone through trials and tribulations and perhaps will again, but never allow yourself to believe that God does not love you. Never allow the enemy to fill your thoughts with doubt. Trust in God's love for you. Believe in Jesus' love for you who willingly gave his life for yours, so you can live.
As I speak a blessing over each of you, always remember, I am here for you if you ever need to talk or get something off your chest or if you need prayer for yourselves, your family or your friends. Please do not hesitate to contact me.
May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Dear Father God, thank you for blessing us with this day and loving us as Your children. Watch over each and every one of us as we start each day, as we go through this week, keeping us in the palm of Your hand. Guide us in our daily lives, directing us on the path You have planned for us, bringing forth the dreams you have planted in each of our hearts. For we know who we are and whose we are, children of the most high God. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
"Keep your Faith strong, your Hope alive and your Prayers never ending."
God Bless
Pastor Mark
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