happy valentine's day

One of the greatest days of the year for those of us who are in relationships. But it is also a day of pain for those who wish to be in a relationship. Therefore, I take some time to do a couple different things on this special day. I want to share about God’s love and as well how to be the best we can be in our relationships.

This Sunday we continue our series called GREAT MARRAIGES at The Community. We will talk about being a conduit of God’s love and of His peace. That is a choice we make in dealing with people.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NLT

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

The way that we love people demonstrates what we believe about love. Is loved based on selfish motives or on giving and sharing with others in spite of what we will get in return. True love has marks of unconditional love. Unconditional means that we love not based on conditions.

Notice the words that stick out in these verses about love:

PATIENT --- one of my least favorite things is patience. I don’t have much patience, and I will not ask God to give me some. Yet I have learned through the four decades I have lived that waiting is not always a bad thing. Being patient with the people we care about is one true mark of love.

KIND --- the opposite of kindness is meanness. If you are like me, when we are tired or stressed, it is easy to mean. When we are kind to other people, we demonstrating what God is like. He gives when others don't deserve. That is kindness in action.

KEEPS NO RECORD OF BEING WRONGED --- forgiving is one thing but setting aside the memory or the retribution of something is even greater than the act of forgiveness. It is easy to hold something against another person and become bitter. It is like God when we let things go and live at a higher level because of wanting to show and give God’s love.

NEVER GIVES UP --- here you find second chances. Had a guy in my office this week that talked about third and fourth chances. They are a big deal. When you love like God does, you don't give up on people you care about.

HOPEFUL and ENDURES --- enduring things is tough. Offering hope and being hopeful is a choice. Our actions and our words should breed hope in the lives of the people around us. When we live by hope, others will begin to believe in God, in themselves and to have the hope of God.

I take this opportunity to tell you about my valentine. Her name is Julie, and this will be our 21st valentine’s day together. She is strong when I am weak. She puts up with me when I am not patient or lack kindness. Julie also extends the truth and love of God to me in awesome ways. I am honored to have her in my life. Thank you for being my valentine, Julie!

Psalm 13:5 NLT

But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me.

Colossians 3:12 NIV

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Romans 12:10 NLT

Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.

Have you heard of EDITH BURNS?

Edith Burns was a wonderful Christian who lived in San Antonio, Texas . She was the patient of a doctor by the name of Will Phillips. Dr. Phillips was a gentle doctor who saw patients as people. His favorite patient was Edith Burns. One morning he went to his office with a heavy heart and it was because of Edith Burns. When he walked into that waiting room, there sat Edith with her big black Bible in her lap earnestly talking to a young mother sitting beside her. Edith Burns had a habit of introducing herself in this way: "Hello, my name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Then she would explain the meaning of Easter, and many times people would be saved. Dr. Phillips walked into that office and there he saw the head nurse, Beverly. Beverly had first met Edith when she was taking her blood pressure. Edith began by saying,"My name is Edith Burns. Do you believe in Easter?" Beverly said, "Why yes I do." Edith said, "Well, what do you

why is it Good Friday?

Holy Week is the time we focus on God and His gift of salvation. We come to Friday. The day we remember the cross, Jesus’ death and all God has done for you and me Why do they call this day “Good Friday” because it doesn’t seems good? Jesus was treated as a criminal. He was beaten so much that He could not recognize Him. His pain would have been too much for you or me to endure. That is especially from Scripture I’ve read or as in the movie the Passion of the Christ . Yet it is a good day. It is Good Friday because God had our good in His heart. What Jesus did that day changed our forever direction. Here are some thoughts that come to me: He is Redemption and Redeemer He too our Pain and Punishment He is our Righteousness and Reality He is the Savior and Life All of those happened from the cross. It was meant for the worst lawbreakers. It was not meant for a Savior who never broke a law. It was lifted high so that onlookers could see the price Jesus. Look

Day 8 in Cuba

We have just come off and incredible weekend, and it is day 8 of the mission trip in Cuba. Thank you to all who have been praying for this trip, the mission team and the impact it will have on those we serve. Please don’t stop praying. Last week Alex and I served with a mission team in the mountains of southern Cuba. There were several challenges, but God gave us safety, provision and opportunity to serve some of the sweetest people I have ever met. No running water… sporadic electricity generated by a small, logo dammed up river, no transportation other than animals, limited food sources and more. These people love the Lord and sharing their faith with others. Over the weekend we made our way back to Havana. On Friday our vehicle broke down leaving us on the side of the road for several hours. We then boarded a bus and rode 14 hours. We arrived safely and even got some rest. Sunday was so, so good. We visited two partner churches. In the morning we were with one church that

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