Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. John 3:16-17 February is a month thoughts are turned to “love.”
February is Black History month; we have opportunities to read insightful and informative books, watch programs, explore music, all offering to enrich conversation and understanding, while inviting us to love our neighbors as ourselves.
If you “love” football, new commercials, and half-time shows, you will want to watch Super Bowl LVI the 56th Super Bowl and the 52nd modern-era National Football League championship. The game is scheduled to be played on February 13, 2022. You may want to celebrate President Lincoln on February 12th and President Washington on
February 22nd; or take the “easy” way and observe President’s Day on February 21st. If you “love” someone special you will probably want to remember Feb. 14th, Valentine’s Day! Love is passionate and life changing.
Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. So we know and believe the love God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. In this is love perfected with us, that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and he who fears is not perfected in love. We love, because he first loved us. If any one says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; 1 John 5:15-20 If we know Jesus as our Savior and are following him as our Lord, it is because what Jesus said is
done. 1) Jesus laid down his life to rescue and redeem us from sin and death, and offer us salvation, new life and eternal life. 2) Followers of Jesus have shared his love and witnessed to us in many and varied ways, making it possible for us to come into a life changing relationship with Jesus. 3) Prayer for the lost: followers of Jesus have been praying the price of seeking to reach others since Jesus commissioned us to “make disciples.” 4) Praise and Worship: followers of Jesus have been devoting themselves to “the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” (Acts 2:42) to remain in close fellowship with Jesus Christ, with each other, and empowered by God’s Holy Spirit for ministry. 5) Proclamation: followers of Jesus have been laying down their lives for others to “let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Loving and inviting others to know Jesus and the healing, cleansing flood of his mercy and love which save and transform anyone who believes! Jesus’ Church loves to offer Jesus to others. He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose. (Journals of Jim Elliot) Each day, help others know Jesus!
Our “celebrations of Love” in February are opportunities to give away Jesus love! Pray, Praise, and Peg away! Teach everyone to love God as God first loved us.
God loves you, and we love you! Paul and Nancy Wier
