Celebrating Love: A Reflection on Marriage and God's Love

 

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35 (NIV)

Dear friends,

As we celebrate this season of love, I want to take a moment to reflect on the profound gift of love, both in marriage and in the greater love of God. On Valentine’s Day, we often celebrate the love we share with our spouses, but let us also remember the ultimate source of love, the love that flows from our Creator.

In marriage, we experience a reflection of God's love for us. The love between spouses is meant to be a picture of the unwavering, sacrificial love that God shows God's people. As it is written in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." These words remind us that love in marriage, like God's love, should be unconditional and enduring.

But above all, let us not forget the depth of God's love for us. John 3:16 tells us, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This divine love is not bound by time or circumstance; it is freely given, without expectation, and is the foundation of all the love we share with others.

On this Valentine’s Day, may we celebrate not only the love between us as spouses but also the love that God has lavished upon us, a love that empowers and transforms.

With love and blessings,

Pastor Richard

God’s Faithfulness in Every Season

 

Scripture: Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness."

As we step into 2025, we can be confident in God’s faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 is a beautiful reminder that God’s love and compassion never fail. No matter what we’ve faced in the past or will face in the future, God's faithfulness is constant. Each morning, we are given a fresh supply of grace and mercy, and each new day is an opportunity to experience love anew.

This year, let’s focus on God’s unchanging nature. While the world around us may change, God remains faithful. God's love is not dependent on our circumstances but is always present, always available. No matter the season of life you find yourself in, God's faithfulness is sure.

Let this year be one where we grow deeper in our understanding of God’s unwavering love. Let us live with the assurance that God is with us every step of the way, and His mercies are new every morning.

Prayer:
Loving God, thank You for Your constant love and faithfulness. I trust that You are with me in every season and that Your mercies are new each day. Help me to rely on Your unfailing love and to see Your hand at work in my life. Thank You for being my faithful companion as I begin this new year. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Renewed Strength

 Scripture: Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

The beginning of a new year can often be a time of feeling both excited and exhausted. The weight of past struggles and the uncertainty of the future can cause us to feel weary. Yet, Isaiah 40:31 gives us a powerful reminder that when we place our hope in the Lord, our strength is renewed.

God’s strength is limitless, and promises that those who hope will rise above their circumstances. Like an eagle soaring high above the storm, we too can rise above the challenges we face. God doesn’t just give us strength to endure; God provides a strength that allows us to soar.

As we embark on 2025, let’s remember that our source of strength is not our own. We are invited to rely on God’s abundant grace and power. When we feel weak, God lifts us up. When we feel tired, God refreshes us. Let this year be a year of renewed strength, as we trust in God's provision and ability to carry us through.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for being my source of strength. When I feel weary and worn, I will place my hope in You. Renew my strength and help me to rise above my challenges. I trust that You will carry me through this year, and I look forward to the strength You will provide. In Jesus' name, Amen.