If God Sent You a Valentine...

Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages (written Valentines didn't begin to appear until after 1400), and the oldest known Valentine card is on display at the British Museum. The first commercial Valentine's Day greeting cards produced in the U.S. were created in the 1840's by Esther A. Howland. (courtesy Wikipedia)

If God were to send you a Valentine what would it look like?

That is not a difficult question to answer if you are a Christian, for He has already given you one...  God's Word is His Valentine to you and me.  Not just any Valentine - but one that transcends our ability to grasp it's full impact.  God's Love Letter is given to us for all time and for all circumstances.  It is not limited to a special holiday.

God's requirement for us as His beloved is that we make Him our "first love" - wholly committed to Him. Our heart represents our core being.  Loving God with our whole heart means our affections must be focused foremost and fully on Him first. Only then can we love others with the love He loves us...

Love is the highest form of affection.  Agape love is the highest form of love according to God's Word. In your spiritually uneven marriage God wants to love your spouse through you, and that means even when you don't feel like it. 

It is the volition of your will that will direct your emotional response. Decide now that you will show your love by your actions.  Remember your vows:  to love and cherish, for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness or in health...  Loving your husband needs to be unconditional and intentional.

When I write these posts I can honestly say I am reinforcing my own need to hear this.  I write and read these blog articles for my own admonishment and encouragement! I too struggle with emotions and the up and down feelings that accompany any marriage - especially when you are spiritually mismatched.  There is often a disconnect - a drifting apart that occurs with regards to spiritual intimacy.

This Valentine's Day do something special for your mate. .Sure - give them candy hearts and a card. Make them their favorite meal and spend quality time together.  Then give them something unexpected..

Give them a look in the eye honest thank-you for all that you have been through together. Men desire - no, men need our respect and love. Tell them that you’d marry them all over again – that they are just what God designed for you! Reinforce that through your marriage, children, family issues, parents' deaths, surgeries, illnesses, moves, remodels, and lots of other LIFE events, that you are totally committed to them!

What has touched my heart more than anything else over the years has been a consistent hand-written note in every Valentine card I receive from my husband, telling me that he loves me, and thanking God for me. This is a gesture of love coming from a man who has yet to make Jesus Christ the Lord of his life. How blessed I am!

In the book of Ephesians Chapter 5 commands us to walk in love towards one another. The Apostle Paul is teaching on submitting to one another in the fear of God. Husbands are admonished to love their wives just as Christ loves the church. Wives are taught to respect their husbands. 

This portion of Scripture is not just for Christian marriages - but for all marriages. Our submission to Christ in our marriage is key to pleasing Him and our spouse.  You can visit a previous post I wrote on the subject of submission HERE .

Give your husband a Valentine straight from God's heart... give him love abounding from a grateful heart established in God's Word - full of peace and grace!

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

 If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

If God Sent You a Valentine...

Transformation in the New Year

Have you been waiting for your spouse to come to knowledge of Jesus Christ that will transform his life? 

Sometimes that personal revelation takes awhile...  You can read about Thomas in John 20:19-29. I firmly believe in divine appointments. Thomas was not in the room when Jesus met with the disciples on the evening He arose from the grave. Did you ever wonder why Thomas wasn't present with them?

Remember, this was the same Thomas that asked Jesus in John 14:5, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way"? Jesus then told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me". "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him".

Isn't it interesting that we also often don't recognize the Lord. We know through scripture that Thomas knew Him, but he did not believe that the other disciples saw Him that night in the upper room. In John 20:14 Thomas insisted, "Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe".

He was basically giving himself an ultimatum! Proof is often needed, even demanded by the natural man. But Thomas was a spiritual man, one who knew the Lord intimately - face to face. What hampered his ability to "see without proof" what he already knew in his heart? Or did he really believe what he had been told?

John 20:26 says, "And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, "Peace to you!" Do you think Thomas had peace after the other disciples told him he missed seeing Jesus?

In verse 27 we read, "Then He said to Thomas, "Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing." Jesus turned toward Thomas and personally addressed him. Isn't that just like our loving Lord, to meet us at our weakest point with His immeasurable grace and mercy?

Your spouse also needs to have a transforming meeting with Jesus - face to face. His doubts and fears can be overcome when Jesus dialogues with him on his level, just like Thomas!

Seek God while He may be found and reach out to Him for salvation and understanding.  He is waiting with open arms. Jeremiah 29:11-13 says, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart."

This is a great quote from Oswald Chambers in My Utmost for His Highest:

"The experience of salvation means that in your actual life things are really altered, you no longer look at things as you used to; your desires are new, old things have lost their power. If you are born again, the Spirit of God makes the alteration manifest in your actual life and reasoning, and when the crisis comes you are the most amazed person on earth at the wonderful difference there is in you. There is no possibility of imagining that you did it. It is this complete and amazing alteration that is the evidence that you are a saved soul."

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, behold, all things have become new. II Corinthians 5:17

There are many people sitting in church who are not spiritually reborn. They do not understand the concept of being "a new creation in Christ." They think God welcomes them with open arms because He "loves everyone."  Here is a post I wrote awhile ago on the difference between religion (works) and a real relationship with Jesus Christ (g

                                                                  Click below:

RELATIONSHIP not RELIGION

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Transformation in the New Year

The 12 Days of Christmas and it's Christian Meaning

The "Twelve Days of Christmas" is a song that many of us grew up singing - yet what do we really know about its origins? 

From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

It has come to my attention that the historical version of the song and its origins posted here may not be completely accurate. Nonetheless, below is a possible explanation as to the song's history and meaning that also matches the video at the end of this post.

-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.

-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.

-Three French hens stood for Faith, Hope and Love.

-Four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke &   John.

-Five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the     Old Testament.

-Six geese a-laying stood for the six Days of Creation.

-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the 
 Holy Spirit-  Prophesy,Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution,         Leadership, and Mercy.

-Eight maids a-milking were the eight Beatitudes.

-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--

  Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, 
  Gentleness, and Self Control.

-Ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments.

-Eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful Disciples.

                                     -Twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve 
                                     points of  belief in the Apostles' Creed.

The popular Christmas carol goes like this:

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

       A Partridge in a Pear Tree.

On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

2 Turtle Doves, and a Partridge in a Pear Tree.

On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

3 French Hens, 2 Turtle Doves, and a Partridge in a Pear Tree.

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

4 Calling Birds, 3 French Hens, 2 Turtle Doves, and a

Partridge in a Pear Tree.

      And so on... until the twelfth day -

The earliest well-known version of the music of the song was recorded by English scholar James O. Halliwell in 1842, and he published a version in 4th edition 

The Nursery Rhymes of England (1846), [Wikipedia]

Here is the Twelve Days of Christmas performed 

         by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra -          

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

The 12 Days of Christmas and it's Christian Meaning

Motherhood - How Relevant Are We?

A mother is she who can take the place of all others, but whose place no one else can take.   ~ Cardinal Mermillod

Do you feel as though you have no influence in your home?  Do you look around at your children and wonder if anything you’ve taught them actually permeated their minds and spirits?  The world would have you think so...

Are you even relevant to their success in a society that devalues Godly parenthood? Well, in God’s Eyes you certainly are!

There are moments I wish I could go “back in time” and change what I did or didn’t do.  There are things I should have done with my son, or times I should have taken ownership of a volatile situation or conversation.  I remember opportunities missed and instances where I just should have stood firm and said, “No!” 

We are not perfect Moms, though we strive to be.  We often wish our kids came with Owners Manuals.  I would have enjoyed a “free online Chat support” when I had a question, or perhaps a “pro-rated warranty” as they got older.  But wait - we have something even better – God’s Word and prayer! How many Moms have worn out knees and prayer journals full of petitions on behalf of their kids?  How many of us have purchased books like The New Strong Willed Child by James Dobson, or The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartin?  Let’s face it – we all need help; one way or another! So - how do our parenting skills compare to those in the Bible?

Here are two examples of motherhood in Scripture to contemplate:  

Eve and Jochebed 

They are both mothers of significance. They had children that shaped the future of mankind. Both women faced loss and eventual blessing.  Here are their stories…

First -  Genesis chapters 3 and 4 introduce us to Eve, the first mother.  Adam called her name Eve, because she was the mother of all living humans.  She conceived and bore Cain, and said, “I have gotten a man from the Lord.”  Cain worked in the fields and tilled the earth which yielded crops, of which he presented his sacrifice to the Lord.  She then bore Abel, the son who was loving and responsible, tending the flocks in the meadows.  Able and Cain each offered sacrifices to the Lord God.  However, Able’s sacrifice was accepted, and Cain’s was not.  Cain killed Abel in a jealous rage over what appeared to be God’s favoritism.  Cain was subsequently banished by God for shedding his brother’s blood. 

What loss and devastation Eve must have suffered!  Do you think she blamed herself for the tragedy they were now facing?  How could she go on after losing both sons?  We can only imagine how Eve must have felt when she heard God’s words ringing in her ears, “I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; In pain you shall bring forth children.”  She and Adam had been cursed by God after their disobedience.  Now that sorrow and pain were evidenced in the heartbreak Eve experienced.  The first mother on earth mourned one son who was now dead and the other who was never to be seen again. 

Eventually Adam and Eve conceived Seth, whose lineage began to “call on the name of the Lord” (Gen. 5).  Do you think Eve did things a bit differently in regards to child rearing the second time around?  I imagine she spent more time pouring herself into his little life – teaching him about God’s Goodness and about Godly character.  She and Adam most likely recanted how his two older siblings had lived, and what happened when God’s laws weren’t adhered to.  In God’s great mercy, their third son, Seth,  would provide the pathway to mankind’s salvation over many generations, which eventually culminated in the Lord Jesus Christ Himself (Luke 3).

Second - In Exodus 2 we are introduced to Jochebed, the daughter of Levi, born to him in Egypt.  She was the wife of Amram and was the mother of Aaron, Miriam and Moses.  Her courage and ingenuity saved her son Moses from the wicked mandate of Pharaoh to kill every male Israelite child.  She cleverly hid him for three months, before placing him among the reeds in a water-tight basket along the Nile River.

As she watched Miriam approach Pharaoh’s daughter, she must have been relieved to hear that she would be nursing and weaning the child herself before handing him over permanently.  Those few early years were no doubt full of Godly teaching and a loving example to that little Hebrew child.  Can you imagine the pain and sacrifice she endured as she watched her young son disappear into Pharaoh’s exotic palace to be raised as an Egyptian?

 I believe Jochebed was an important part of Moses’ life as a young child and into the reaches of adulthood.  She no doubt had an influence on his character, integrity and love for the Lord God of Israel.   She also raised Miriam (the eldest) and their brother Aaron, who appeared with Moses in front of the great Pharaoh of Egypt prior to releasing the children of Israel.  Were her children perfect?  No way.  They all displayed major character flaws.  All were reprimanded and punished by God for their disobedience.  However, all three witnessed God’s Sovereign power, deliverance and blessing in their lives and in their future destinies.

The whole of the matter is this:  Mothers have 

great influence over their children.

God’s Word is very clear on what we can do.  The book of Proverbs is rich in advice and practical wisdom.  Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”  We must teach by example and pray for their spiritual growth.  We are to “watch over the ways of our household, and not remain idle” – but stay balanced as we lead our children into adulthood one step at a time.  May we look to our Heavenly Father for His guidance and strength.

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Motherhood - How Relevant Are We?

Amazing love... How can it be? A Resurrection Gift...

And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior's blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?

   Amazing love! how can it be
   That Thou, my Lord, shouldst die for me?
                      [Charles Wesley  1780]

She was freed from seven devils by the power of Jesus, and she joined the women who accompanied the disciples. She was from Magdala, on the Southwest coast of the Sea of Galilee. 

She could not comprehend how this Prophet whom the disciples called "The Son of God" would show her such unmerited kindness and mercy.  How could she ever repay Him?

She remembered how Simon Peter spoke of a parable that Jesus taught of two debtors, saying, "There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him more?"  Simon answered Him and said, "I suppose the one whom he forgave more."  And Jesus said to him, "You have rightly judged."  

Jesus spoke this parable of the women who had anointed His feet with a costly flask of fragrant oil during dinner in a Pharisee's house. He continued the parable, saying to Simon and the others, "Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much.  But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little."

She watched as the Lord and His disciples traveled throughout Galilee and the surrounding area performing miracles and ministering to the masses.  She observed firsthand how the crowds grew in anticipation of a conquering King. Then they began to fall away when their expectations did not materialize.  

Who was this Jesus Who had commanded the demons to flee and the Spirit of God to come into her heart? 

Mary recalled that He often withdrew privately to pray to His Father.  She reminisced how He taught with authority and wisdom, confounding the lawyers and Pharisees.  He had preached to all who would listen, often late into the day. She and the others frequently heard the parables Jesus shared as He instructed the people in the ways of righteousness and Kingdom living.

Then she relived the horrors of the days leading up to His crucifixion with the criminals. She recalled the humiliation and pain, and the gore that surrounded His death. Her tears and those of His mother Mary, as well as the other women who witnessed the Roman punishment, had been bitter and frequent since that fateful day.  

When Joseph of Arimathea and Nichodemus secured His body from Pilate, they took the strips of linen with the spices, as was the custom of the Jews, and prepared Him for burial.  Mary also went with the wife of Clopas (Mary) and Salome the mother of James and John with additional spices to the tomb to pay homage to the slain Son of God..

On the Sabbath - the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning while it was still dark. As she stood there she observed that the stone had been taken away. She ran and found Simon Peter and John - crying and pleading with them - asking them where her Lord had been taken.  They were both stunned and ran to the tomb. John arrived at and peered into the tomb first. Peter quickly followed and went inside the tomb to discover the linen cloths and handkerchief lying on the stone.

Mary recalled the pain in her heart as she longed to see her Savior once again. She stood outside by the empty tomb in disbelief. She recalled the encounter with the two heavenly messengers clothed in white as they sat - one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had laid. They asked her why she was weeping, and Mary said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him."

She heard Jesus say to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?"  And then she said to Him, supposing Him to be the gardener, "Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away."

Mary then grinned as she recalled her response to His calling out her name, "Mary!"  She surprised herself at her quick heartfelt shout of, "Rabboni!". 

Yes - Mary's heart was filled with gratitude and amazement as she gazed into heaven while Jesus  ascended to His Father. That was a day she would never forget...

(Scripture references:  Luke 7:40-47; John 19:38-42; John 20:1-18)

What about you?  As we celebrate Resurrection Sunday - what is your response to the Risen Lord?  Are you also amazed at His gracious love and mercy?  Do you gaze heavenward in anticipation of His return?

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.   Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Amazing love... How can it be? A Resurrection Gift...

A Valentine for Eternity

As women, Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to take the extra steps to make sure that your husband, boyfriend, Dad, son, or any other important man in your life is made to feel very special. We are givers by nature, and we put much thought and energy into doing just the right things to show our love for them.

Concerning your husband - there is always the traditional candy, heart-felt greeting card, and favorite meal to appease them. But sometimes we just need to do more. If you are craft prone, you can create something unique for their office or man-cave. You might get them a gift card to their favorite “big-boys toy store” or let them know you’re taking them out for dinner! You can offer to go to a movie of their choosing, or buy them a half-hour massage at the local spa. The choices are endless.

All those things are great – but do you know what I bet they would really like? Okay, we already know what “we think they want”, but that’s not all that is on their mind.  I really believe they would like a straight-from-the-heart acknowledgement of how glad you are that you married them to begin with! Give them a “look in the eye” honest thank-you for all that you’ve been through together. Men desire our respect and love. Tell them that you’d marry them all over again – that they are just what God designed for you!  I Corinthians 13 is deemed the "love" chapter and is often quoted in weddings. Here is a post I did titled: Love Isn't Just for Valentine's Day

Ephesians 5 commands us to walk in love towards one another. The Apostle Paul is teaching on submitting to one another in the fear of God (verse 21). Husbands are admonished to love their wives just as Christ loved the church. The great mystery Paul talks about not only has to do with the “leaving and cleaving” in a physical holy union between and man and woman, but also of Christ and His Church. We leave the world and cleave unto Him. We forsake all others for our heavenly Husband. We are His alone. Just as Israel played the harlot and was unfaithful to God, we too can become “unfaithful” in our marriage concerning our allegiance. Our earthly husband is our gift from above – our completer, not our competitor. God wants our focus to be on our spouse and our marriage. That is our highest calling.

Paul’s last point in Ephesians 5 is, “Let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” The point of it is this: women generally have no problem “loving” – but they often have difficulty “respecting” their husband. Honor and respect goes a long way in forging a lasting, healthy and biblical relationship. This applies whether you are both Christians, or if you are unequally-yoked in your marriage. God wills that the wife respect her husband. Here is my post on this touchy subject: Respect: Who Needs It? (Part 1)

Peter lays out God’s perfect plan of submission with regards to women in marriage. I Peter 3 states, “Likewise you wives, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear [respect]."  Trusting God and His character is the key to showing respect to your spouse, even when it’s undeserved. God will honor your heart and motive. I wrote a blog post on Biblical submission here: Oh No - Not the "S" Word

On a personal note – do I always do everything just right? No way, not by any stretch of the imagination. Do my husband and I have ups and downs in our 36 year marriage? You bet! However, I learned early on in my Christian walk to show respect to my husband, even when I felt he didn’t deserve it. I don’t chide him in public, or belittle him in front of others. Just as a couple walking along the beach, love and respect go hand in hand.

When I first met my husband, he had a little garden area off of his patio at his apartment. He grew a variety of roses varying in color and size. I have always loved roses. That first day we met he presented me with a lovely single dark red rose. Throughout the years, I have received red roses on special occasions (one being the birth of our son), but more often than not – I have yearly received beautiful cards for Valentine’s Day displaying red roses on it.

What has touched my heart more than anything else over the years, has been a consistent hand-written note in the card saying that he loved me, and thanking God for me! This gesture of love comes from a man who has yet to make Jesus Christ the Lord of his life. I’m thankful that he sees the heart of God in me. How very humbling… To God be all the Glory!

    A Little History About Valentine’s Day -

Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages (written Valentines didn't begin to appear until after 1400), and the 

oldest known Valentine card is on display at the British Museum. 

The first commercial Valentine's Day greeting cards produced 

in the U.S. were created in the 1840s by Esther A. Howland.

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It was written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

A Valentine for Eternity

Lamb of God - Savior Mine

We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us.   (I John 3:16 NRSV)

Alas! and did my Savior bleed

And did my Sovereign die?

Would He devote that sacred head

For sinners such as I?

Was it for sins that I have done

He suffered on the tree?

Amazing Pity! grace unknown!

And love beyond degree!

Well might the sun in darkness hide

And shut His glories in,

When Christ, the great Redeemer, died

For man the creature's sin.

Thus might I hide my blushing face

While His dear cross appears,

Dissolve my heart in thankfulness,

And melt mine eyes to tears.

But drops of grief can ne'er repay

The debt of love I owe;

Here, Lord, I give myself away -

'Tis all that I can do.

~Isaac Watts  (1674-1748)

Enjoy these past Easter posts:

            Bunnies, Baskets and Bulbs              

                                                        Easter - The Promise     
           

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

If you have been encouraged by this post - please take time to share it with others.

Lamb of God - Savior Mine

3 Things We Know About God's Love

Valentine's Day often reminds us of why we love someone...

Those we love capture our hearts. They can arouse strong feelings of joy, pride, and deep devotion.

Love is a verb - it is passionate, purposeful and continual.  The Apostle Paul describes love for us in I Corinthians 13:4-8.  Biblical love has many important characteristics that are often contrary to what society tells us about love.

What defines love for you? Who is the recipient of your affection? It could be your "first love" or perhaps your very best friend. It might be someone in your family like a spouse, a child, a parent or a sibling.

God's Word is His "Love Letter" to us. 

So - what does it have to say about His love?

1.   God's love is sacrificial

      In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.  (I John 4:10)

2.   God's love is relational

      As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.  (John 15:9)

3.   God's love is eternal
      The Lord has appeared of old to me saying: Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.  (Jeremiah 31:3)

Enjoy some Valentine's Day "Favorite Past Posts"

Be My First Love

The Love Boat - Don't Miss It

Love Isn't Just for Valentine's Day

How do I love Thee, Lord Jesus?

1.    He demonstrated His own love toward me, that while I was still a sinner, 

Christ died for me (Romans 5:8).

2.    For God so loved the world (me) that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever 
believed in Him would not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

3.    For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for me, that I might become the 

righteousness of God in Him (II Corinthians 5:21).

4.    Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed on me, that I 

should be called a child of God (I John 3:1).

5.    By this I know love, because He laid down His life for me (I John 3:16).

6.    But the Lord is faithful, who will establish me and guard me from the evil one (II Thess.3:3).

7.    He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was 

manifest in these last times for me (I Peter 1:20).

8.    For I was like a sheep going astray, but have now returned to the 

Shepherd and Overseer of my soul (I Peter 2:25).

9.    For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring me to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit (I Peter 3:18).

10.    I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God 

while I have my being (Psalm 104:33).

Celebrate this Valentine's Day knowing your Heavenly Father 

loves and embraces you just the way your are!

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

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3 Things We Know About God's Love