Everyone seems to like a good love story or to be part of
one.
Two people meet, friendship develops and love grows.
Maybe adversity or hardship comes, storms, and the love
is tested.
Then it’s either proved to be real, or proves to be just “like” or
maybe infatuation.
In the end, we like to see true love win, for love to
endure. Happily ever after to happen.
I myself am a fan of a good love story. I remember
summers of driving my car, windows open, listening to Taylor Swift’s “It’s a Love Story.” Romeo and Juliet. Yep. I wanted one of those stories.
Yet in reflecting on “love” this Valentine’s weekend, I’ve
been thinking about how “love” is not all chocolates and flowers. It’s hard. And there is risk. Sometimes you
get hurt. “Happily ever after” sometimes
doesn’t happen . For whatever reason, a love
story can end badly. Love is difficult.
This past week, in my seminary class, we had discussion.
I asked the students- what is the gospel? How has it changed your life? And as I watched my students- their faces lit
up... then there were tears, gasps of surprise as stories were exchanged. There was
laughter, clapping. And I thought- they’re
sharing their “love stories.” And I
smiled- remembering- we all have one of those.
We are loved. Not just by anyone, but by God. And we’re deeply loved. It’s a love story….that has been given to us
to be part of. All of us can celebrate
that this weekend.
1 John 3:1
How great is the
love the Father has lavished on us, that we should we be called the children of
God.
Romans 5:8
God demonstrates
his own love for us in this: that while we were still sinners, Christ died for
us.
And love of course takes work, communication. And the
good news is, God is communicating with us. He’s with us on the journey.
In my class we talked about how God communicated and communicates with
people- in the past and present. In the past, He talked through prophets, visions,
dreams, storms, burning bushes, even a donkey.
Today He can communicate in the same ways. If a donkey
here ever spoke to me, I’d definitely have to be admitted into a hospital, but
it’s possible.
And God is speaking to us all the time- through nature,
His Word, through His Spirit, through people.
Are we listening?
I was also thinking this past week about what love looks
like.
People in love tend to be starry-eyed. Smiling alot. I was reminded of that at two weddings I attended last weekend.
And when two people are in love, there's often action on behalf of the other.
I was thinking of my sister this weekend. She's in LOVE. Did you know it? Yep. With her God. She’s active. That
love took her to the Czech Republic for nine years. Now, she just moved to South Sudan because she felt God
tell her to and she loves God, so she moves courageously, because of LOVE!
May we not cower to do the same!!!
May we remember our love story. And live it and love our
God!!!
Loving Him first and most, then loving others because He
first loved us.
1 John 4:11
Dear friends, since
God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
John 15:12-13
Love each other as
I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life
for his friends.
As we celebrate “love” this weekend, then go soon into
Lent and the countdown to Easter- may we reflect on God’s great love for us
demonstrated in the action Jesus took on our behalf.
His love for us and for His father involved a cross. And that cross- won us
a love story with a happily ever after!!!
Love did win!!!! May we embrace and share this good news!!!
Know you’re loved this weekend and always.
Happy Valentine’s Day!!!!
Romans 8:28-39
And we know that in
all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called
according to His purpose. .. If God is for us, who can be against us? … Who
shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or
persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? … No, in all these
things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor
life, neither angels or demons, neither the present or the future, nor any powers,
neither height or depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to
separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Isaiah 54:5
..Your Maker is
your husband, the Lord Almighty is His name. … my unfailing love for you will
not be shaken, says the Lord who has compassion on you… no weapon forged
against you will prevail…. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord…
John 14
Do not let your
hearts be troubled…I am going to prepare a place for you and I will take you to
be where I am. … Because I live, you
will also live.
Matthew 28:20
…surely I am with
you always
PRAYER REQUESTS
-We are still in final exam time at my campus and I’m
still processing final grades. Please keep students here at Hope in prayer as
they finish their exams. We will then have about a one month break before
classes resume. I plan to maximize my break time to get back to language
learning and working on my book.
-My seminary classes continue to go well. Please keep the
two courses I’m teaching and the one independent course I’m giving in your
prayers.
-Please keep my sister in prayer as she settles in South
Sudan. Please pray for a quick adjustment to the heat, and that good health and connections with her new team and the people in the community will be made.
-Please keep our parents in prayer. They’re great and we
love them!
-As the Lent season begins, may God challenge our hearts to
love Him and others more. May our love
move us to courageous action!
Thanks for your prayers. Please keep in touch and let me
know how I can pray for you as well!
