CORONAVIRUS UNIVERSITY PT 2: Turning BAD NEWS to GOODI!

"Life and death are in
the power of the tongue"
(Proverbs 18:21)

I've always wanted to learn a new language. One semester of French in high school and two more in college and I still can't parlez vous.  I didn’t think I'd get another chance to learn one... until now!

Like you, over the past few weeks I've found myself catapulted into a brand new world with its own unique vocabulary.  I've listened carefully to the news, googled  strange jargon to grasp the meaning and learned to use it with comfort and ease.

Finally, I'd acquired fluency in a new dialect.  If I want to I can converse with anyone around the world and be understood. I call it... well I don't actually have a name for it,  but it's a patois of medical, media, and political buzzwords currently saturating the communication airways.   Unfortunately, nearly all of it is negative!  This concerns me and it should concern you too.

God's Word says that life and death is in the power of the tongue (Prov. 18:21).  Another passage,  James 3:1-11 takes a critical look at our speech and compares its potency to that of a horse's bit, a ship's rudder, and a fire flame. Each of these are very small but have the potential to be deadly. 

WORDS, the instrument of language can be deadly whether spoken, written or embodied as self-talk.  No wonder we are cautioned in scripture to handle them with extreme care. Unlike the coronavirus, we know quite a bit about their potential for good and a lot more about the devastating results. WORDS, after all can be very contagious! 

REDEFINE NEGATIVE PANDEMIC TERMINOLOGY

Why Not Change Your Perspective On the Coronavirus By Changing Your Words.

Although we cannot control the pandemic or the culture it has created, we can change how we communicate while experiencing it.  Perhaps even look at it as a life coach to help us become healthier and more productive.  Try these terms for starters and then clap back in the comments section with some of your own creations:

• New Normal - Eliminating old destructive lifestyles or habits replacing them with healthy choices.  Was what you were doing before the pandemic really normal?  Any bad habits you need to eliminate but never had the time or discipline? This pandemic may give you the incentive you need to make a fresh start!

• Flattening the Curve - Get moving: Stretch, Exercise, Jog or Walk to fight saddle bags, flabby thighs, and protruding tummies.  All the mental and health professionals are saying the same thing.  Now is not the time to gorge on high caloric foods and watch endless television. Our bodies need to be strong and fit to ward off impending diseases.  Flatten don't fatten those body curves?    

• Social Distancing -  Adaptation NOT isolation. You don't have to be lonely during this crisis, even if you live alone.  SD is about controlling with whom and how you interact! Connect or reconnect with others using technology: telephone, zoom, FaceTime, Skype, social media and don't forget, post offices are still in business, drop a card!  Encourage the elderly, others with chronic illnesses, or singles with no family nearby.  The pandemic has forced us to distance ourselves for awhile, but many who are sick and infirmed have been living it for years!

• Shelter In Place - A.K.A. Me-Time! How often have you wished you had a day all to yourself to do what you wanted to do? Read a book, soak in the tub, work on a project!  No excuses now! For some the pandemic has helped them to regain focus and really become creative. For others it's been an opportunity to learn new things via TED Talks, You Tube and the myriad of DIY videos available on line! 

BUT DON'T BE A COVIDIOT!

• Covidiot - Be responsible for your own health as well as others! Comply with CDC recommendations: DON'T: Hoard food, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, disinfectant items.  DON'T: Price gouge if you have an abundance of an essential item.  Pack out parks, beaches, and streets with large  crowds. DON'T: Violate social distancing parameters when shopping.   DON'T: Become rude or violent when asked to wear a mask. Waste what others could use.   DO: Wear face masks and gloves (don't forget the children).  DO: Clean and disinfect common touch areas. Share what you have with others. DO: Stay at Home if you feel ill. DO: Pray for our front-line and essential workers. DO: Use common sense no matter what your state officials say about returning to church, shops, restaurants, etc. 

WE CAN TURN BAD NEWS TO GOOD NEWS

WITH ONLY THESE "TWO" LITTLE WORDS!

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

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WELCOME TO CORONAVIRUS UNIVERSITY

"In those days Israel had no king,
everyone did as they saw fit." (Judges 17:6)

Today's News Headlines

• U. S. Surpasses 1M cases for COVID-19
• States Lift Restrictions Too Early
• U. S. Lags Behind in Testing
• Labs Race For A Vaccine 

At Coronavirus University we still have a  lot to learn about dealing with a pandemic.

Nope!  We aren't nearly ready for a victory celebration or achievement awards.   Hospitals are still overwhelmed.  Black Americans and the poor underserved and dying at a disproportionate rate. The media is still inciting panic and politicians are still fighting!

These are only a few known outcomes of this deadly pandemic in America.  There is so much more we don't know!  What is equally disturbing is the behavior exhibited by many the further we move along in the crisis.  Hoarding and price gouging continues. In spite of mandates for social distancing, mass gatherings and parties are still taking place.  Politics over people!  Profit over preservation of life!  It is unconscionable.

ARE WE READY FOR DELIVERANCE?

America for so long has been touted as the Promise Land of the world!  A Christian nation.  It was known as a place where anyone with skill and perseverance could live comfortably and safely.  A place of profit and opportunity.  So much so, that we attempted to close our borders (to some) in order to preserve our coveted resources.

In 2001, nineteen years ago we were furtively seeking out foreign terrorists who threatened our nation.  We found that some of the more dangerous ones were being born and bred right here. They didn't wear the traditional muslim garb, but hoods and swastikas, sported gansgsta bling, and even police uniforms!  Isn't it ironic that even with the media hype and protests that what's  getting our attention right now is a mutating bacteria, contagious, and lethal? A virus of which we have no cure or really know a lot about.

Some biblical pundits are quick to infer that Coronavirus is a sign we are entering the Tribulation Period (Seven years of worldwide devastation rife with disease, destruction and mayhem as recorded in Revelation chapters 6-18).  COVID-19, the pestilence described there.  That is not my eschatological view.  What we're seeing now I believe will be benign in comparison.

Four horsemen of the Apocalypse 

If I was to use a biblical analogy, it would be more like the cyclical events chronicled in the Book of Judges.  It is there that a nation favored by God chose to be governed by human reasoning rather than a theocracy.   That nation compromised the security of a Sovereign God and His edicts for a life of self indulgence and had to suffer the consequences.  Does this sound familiar? 

Unity in the Triune God 
In a Divine ruled government there is no bipartisanism, only perfect unity in Triunity!    No political agendas or powerful PACs pressuring for life-altering decisions.  With so much infighting between Democrats and Republicans, even at the state level, it's hard to have confidence in either party's decision-making.  Sadly, the pages of the Book of Judges is flashing before us!

 No Definitive Leadership
If you are unfamiliar with this Bible story, let me summarize its theme.  Every time Israel, God's chosen people faced a crisis, they humbled themselves,  cried out for help, and God delivered them!  Peace and prosperity was restored and the nation remained loyal to the Lord. UNTIL...they eventually returned to their old ways!!  God then allowed yet another crisis to bring them to their knees.  No leader arising to power was able to provide or sustain the consistency needed.

 Hardened Not Your Heart
The story was always the same: peace for a season; eventual back pedaling,  punishment, pleas for forgiveness and deliverance.  That was THEN but can be bank on that NOW? Do we dare test God's patience?  Is it time to get back to business as usual OR should we change the  business model altogether?  What is God saying and are we really ready to listen?!

The Coronavirus has unleashed an impressive change of attitude and goodwill among the majority during this time. Everyday I see acts of kindness and generosity that are applaudable but really should be the norm.  And as in the Book of Judges, we too have our fair share of Heroes and Sheroes stepping up to help get us through.  But there is so much more to be done. More compassion to extended and more hearts to be changed.   Will a stimulus check be enough to change our attitudes on spending? Will opening up restaurants, sporting events, and other forms of entertainment our priorities?  Hmmm!

WELCOME TO CORONAVIRUS UNIVERSITY

(But don't Expect to Graduate until All Courses are Completed!)

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

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WHAT HAPPENS THE MORNING AFTER?

I've had some interesting morning after experiences in my life. Most have not been my proudest moments!

Mornings after a blow-out with my husband or a relative.  Mornings when I ate too much of a favorite food and paid the price with digestive upsets.  And yes, mornings that kept me on my knees at the toilet bowl praying but with a throbbing head and blurry eyes!

(Come on people! We ain't always been saved or acted like it!)

What I'm saying is that most morning after experiences are filled with regrets, yet become times of reflection where we never felt so human!  Weak, vulnerable, and fearful we become keenly aware that WE ARE NOT IN CONTROL OF ANYTHING!!  Without a single seminary class we've acknowledged the transcendence of God in our lives.  He is distinctly different from His frail creation, and we humbly submit to Him for help!

I imagine that's the way the disciples felt the morning after Christ's resurrection! (Talk about a week-end!)  Roman guards were all over the place.  Friday's three hours of darkness midday and an earthquake causing dead men to walk out of graves put everyone on edge. (Matthew 27:51-53)  Not even Saturday was peaceful.  The disciples scattered and went into hiding for fear of their lives.  Could they be the next big event in Jerusalem? (Mark 14:48-50; 24:36-43)

The religious Pharisees, instigators of the crucifixion were busy doing damage control preserving their pious position among the Jews but concealing their devious actions. (Matthew 27:62-66).  The morning after Christ's resurrection they bribed soldiers to lie and say Christ's body was stolen. (Matthew 28:11-15)

The impact of Christ's death was far-reaching.  Other people were having morning after experiences too.  The women disciples He appeared to and anointed to be the first witnesses of His resurrection. (Mark 16:9-11; John 20:10-18; Matthew 28:8-10)

The two travelers on the Emmaus road (Luke 24:13-19).  Jesus' unbelieving brother, James and the restored Peter (I Corinthians 15:5-7).  All those who watched Him ascend into heaven (Luke 24:44-49)

Today, like 2,000 years ago, we are living out a significant morning after!  Yesterday, most of us celebrated Resurrection Sunday like none we had ever seen! We were separated from church and family members, some fearing for their own lives in hospitals and cities with rising death numbers from COVID-19.
Common Easter traditions were pretty much defunct. 

So if you are among those still pining over the way it used to be, take a moment to read what the angels said to the women at the tomb: 

"Why seek you the living among the dead?" (Luke 24:5)

I truly believe that we will one day be able to celebrate Resurrection Day similar to the way we used to! However, I hope it will become more than a Sunday on the calendar that comes in the Spring.  I pray you will see it as a day of new beginnings, new hope, a new life in Christ! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Jesus is Alive and He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).  He has not changed!  It is because of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed! As bad as things are, it could be worse!  His compassions fail not.  They are new every morning: great is His faithfulness. (Paraphrased from Lamentations 3:22-23) 

In your darkest hours.  When joy is smothered in grief and pain. When jobs are lost.  Pay checks stop coming and you don't qualify for a bail out or government subsidies! Will you be strong enough to make it through the night and brave enough to ask..

WHAT HAPPENS THE MORNING AFTER?

  TAKE COURAGE!  CLOSE YOUR EYES!  AND PRAY THIS SCRIPTURE: 

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,

for I have put my trust in you.

Show me the way I should go, for to you I

entrust my life.

(Psalm 143:8)

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

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ON GOD'S AGENDA...Everything Is Right On Time!!!

Eccles. 3:1  For everything there
is a season....

Coming in from my daily walk, I noticed the beginnings of a robin's nest being built just under my porch light fixture!  Ah Yes! I thought to myself it is indeed springtime. These little birds are doing just what God ordained them to do in this season...prepare for new life!  

I wonder dear sisters if we are as attentive to God's agenda as these frail creatures.  Are we preparing for the new life that is coming after this COVID-19 pandemic?

I know in the present climate of death and uncertainty it's hard to think about, but it is EXACTLY what we Christians should be doing!

 As a woman of God, I know in my heart that new life is coming!  In fact, it has already begun. Pull yourself away from the television and its repetitive pessimism and look out your window.  You'll see it too!  The days are getting longer. The grass is growing.  Trees are budding. Birds are singing.   Everything is right on schedule!

Now consider how this pandemic is peaking right as Christians celebrate the 40 day Lenten period.  (A time we reflect on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ that gives eternal life to His believers!  John 3:16 )  It is not unlike a time more than 2,000 years ago when God executed a Divine act on His agenda to get man's attention. I Peter 1:19-20

Now like then there was confusion, upheavals in the political-economic system, and the seeking of a solution for a national problem.  Even the faithful in the religious community experienced  a crisis of faith! (Read about it in the Gospels!!)  Paramount to it all was DEATH...not the deaths of many as we see today but one significant death. The death of our Savior that would draw the world's eye to Almighty God! 

The parallel between the prohibitions we're forced to adhere to and the practices among Christians brothers and sisters is striking:
                                 
LENTEN: Deep praying for spiritual cleansing                     
and repentance throughout the day.                            
COVID-19 
Hand washing, disinfecting, purging
of toxins throughout the day.

LENTEN: Removal of recreational distractions
(TV, social media, entertainment) to spend more
personal time with God.COVID-19                  
 Movies, malls, sporting events cancelled
causing more families to spend personal
time together.

LENTEN: Fasting or elimination of certain foods
for a prescribed amount of time.                            
COVID-19  
Limitation or scarcity of certain foods for a
period of time.     

LENTEN:  Disassociating socially from people
for spiritual reflection and self evaluation.
COVID-19: 
Social distancing to control or prevent spread of viruses.

LENTEN: Some practice abstinence (giving up sex)
for a period of time as they fast and pray.
 COVID-19: 
 Like most crisis, no doubt there will be many 
"Corona" babies born this fall and winter season.
                         
Here's the point I'm making:  God is in complete control and His timing, even for something as frightening as the Corona Virus is impeccable!  The numbers of illnesses and deaths are disturbing, but IF YOU ARE A BIBLE BELIEVING CHRISTIAN you understand according to the scriptures below.  That NO ONE DIES BEFORE HIS/HER TIME. 


⇰Every human being has an appointed time to die the moment they are born.
Hebrews 9:27

⇰Our life is not our own God has a right to claim it whenever He chooses.

I Corinthians 6:19

⇰Christians have angels guarding, protecting, and ministering to us as God wills.

 Psalms 91:11

⇰When death comes by COVID-19 or other means it's a "Win-Win"situation!

2 Corinthians 5:8

All of nature, obeys the Lord in everything, so should we. PRAY now for the witness of these NEW things in your life and in others when we get to the other side of COVID-19:

🙏 New Converts - As has just been said: Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion. (Hebrews 3:15)

💧New Thirst for God's Word - Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, (I Peter 2:2)

💚 New Spiritual Growth and Character - But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. (2 Peter 3:18)

👥Renewed passion for ministry - For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10)

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

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"FRIENDLY FIRE" - A Sister Pandemic!!

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters, but don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. (Galatians 5:13 NLT)

When soldiers are in battle fighting a common enemy and intentionally or unintentionally turn on a fellow comrade it is called friendly fire! The name belies its logic, for there's nothing friendly about pain no matter where it comes from!  Yet Christian sisters (women who are supposed to love one another) activate friendly fire way too often!

IT'S TIME TO CALL A CEASE FIRE!!!!!

I'm a bit overwhelmed by all the information, misinformation, and disinformation surrounding the Coronavirus, so I'm taking a break from the chatter to put the spotlight on a similar but more deadlier pandemic--Toxic Female Relationships!!!  

For too long we have been defined by men and culture by our stanky interpersonal, ministry, and work relationships with other women.  The result has been that we can't get a doggone thing done for the Lord, ourselves or anyone else!

DO I HAVE TO SPELL IT OUT FOR YOU?  THINGS LIKE...

1.  COMPETITION - I'm willing to fight you for what I want!

2.  JEALOUSY-  I want what you have!

3. BETRAYAL - I gave you my trust and you didn't deserve it!

4. INSECURITY - I feel inadequate and defensive and somehow that's your fault!

5. BULLYING- I can't compete with you at your level so I''m bringing you down, girl! 

With the Coronavirus, health experts encourage anyone with symptoms to put on masks! I'm suggesting that Sisters in the Lord, take our masks off and deal with the situation. There's no better time then now.  The month of March ushers in the Lenten season (a period of  self examination, repentance, and renewal) and it celebrates women excellence. How about combining the two and doing a Spiritual reset with a Frienemy!

 Sister relationships are not easy!  They are complex, sensitive and very risky! ! But I do believe it's a risk worth taking.  The Apostle Paul thinks so too.   He tells members of the Philippian church to do a spiritual intervention between two ministry leaders:

  I implore (beg) Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. And I urge you also true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of life. (Philippian 4:2-3).

Here's the  bottom line sisters...we need each other!  We also need a plan.  Click on the one I found in Christianity Today by Jen Oyama Murphy.  Ally or Adversary  Please read the entire piece!  She does a much better job than I could ever do explaining the urgency of the matter.   But I will  do a quick summary with my own translation to give you a jump start and set you up for victory ✌ over this Sister Pandemic:

✌ Admit there's a problem -(This sickness is REAL and denying it delays healing!)

✌ Name your hurts  -(Claim the pain, Speak it so God can fix it!)

✌ Own your desires and dreams - (Don't demand opportunities! Pray and work for them!)

✌ Wrestle with  God - (Don't put your identity in anything you can lose. Talk to God about it)

✌ Create community - (Build a network of support & advocacy.  Bond and have fun)

✌ Collaborate - (Share your natural and spiritual gifts! We're better together than by ourselves)



SISTERS UNTIL NEXT TIME...KEEP THIS CONVO GOING - GET RIGHT WITH THE LORD AND EACH OTHER! THIS IS A VIRUS THAT WE ALREADY HAVE A CURE FOR!

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BIBLE PREVIEWS OF COMING ATTRACTIONS!!!???

Tell us when will these things be?
And what will be the sign of
 Your coming... (Matt. 24:3)

Sisters, I hate to sound like some Dooms Day prophetess, but there's a lot of freaky stuff going on in the world today!
Tell me I'm not alone!

Like many of you I can accept the reasonable answer of global warming to explain the mild winters we've been having, but when Antartica broke a temperature record at 64.9 degrees Fahrenheit, it gave me pause!

I'm also concerned about the Coronavirus pandemic, the drastic changes in the stock market, the months long forest fires in the west, and don't get me started on the madness in our current political arena!  All I'm saying is that now may be good time for us all to pay just a little more attention to the Good Book in regard to present and future happenings.

If you're one who dabbles in the ancient arts (I truly hope you're not) you can put away your tarot cards and horoscopes.  And even though the Farmers Almanac has some good practical information, it doesn't compare with the Bible.  So let's just stick with The Word 

In regards to the End Times there are two passages of scripture most referred to: The signs of the Second Coming of Christ in Matthew 24 and the signs of the apocalypse in Revelation primarily chapters 3-19.  And before you ask.  No, I don't think we are in the Tribulation period and Donald Trump is NOT the Anti-Christ!.  Things are sho-nuff bad! But it's going to get worse!

The Holy Spirit believe it or not, is actually restraining evil! (click here) 2 Thessalonians 2:7
Chuck Smith, bible commentator for Blueletter Bible.org explains it like this:

The Holy Spirit is hindering, standing in the way, restraining these powers of evil. Until He is taken out of the way, and immediately the wicked one then shall be revealed. Now it is actually the Holy Spirit in the life of the believers that is the hindering force. Some say, well, it is just the Holy Spirit. No, it is the Holy Spirit in the church-in the life of the believers. And as soon as the church is taken out of this world, there will be no more restraining forces against evil-no more voices against evil. The restraining force of the church will be removed and immediately, once the church is removed, this man of sin will take over using his powers that will be given to him by Satan. And the world will be plunged into darkness such as the world has never seen before, or will ever see again, thank God!

All the things we are experiencing today, I believe are just bible previews of coming attractions.
Like in the cinema theater, while you wait for the main event, you become a captive audience for other movies that are soon to come!  These odd and supernatural occurrences are merely the birth pains described in Matthew 24:8.  But the baby's not here yet!

So, here's what I believe we can do while sitting in God's OB-Gyn Waiting Room:

→ Encourage our fear-driven sisters and others with the truth of God's word. No one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself.  Only the Father (Matthew 24:36)

→Remind people that we live in a fallen world.  Satan is its god and has power but not ALL power.     In which you used to live when you followed the ways of the world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.   (Ephesians 2:2).  BUT  Jesus came and spake to them saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. (Matthew 28:18)

→ Much of what we see is the exposure of false righteousness in pseudo-christians and the sinful hearts of those who never knew the Lord.  Now the Spirit expressly says that in the latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons. Speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron (I Timothy 4:1-2) AND  But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will become lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving,slanderers without self-control, brutal, disposers of good. Traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. (2 Timothy 3:1-5)

DOES THAT JUST ABOUT COVER TODAY'S WORLD?

To survive this increasingly violent and sin-darkened world we need not look for devastating signs of the apocalypse recorded in Revelation  (blood, disease, famine, death, etc.) we're already feeling the contractions!  Instead we should let our light shine even brighter (Matthew 5:14-16); Spread the Word wider (Matthew 28:19-20), and use this Lenten season to prepare with joy the next prophetic event the Rapture!  Live like Jesus is coming today!

Watch therefore, for you do not know

neither the day nor the hour in which

the Son of Man is coming!

(Matthew 28:25:1-13)

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

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NO GREATER LOVE: Reflections on Valentines Day!

But God demonstrates
His own love toward
 us, in that while we
were still sinners, Christ
died for us." (Rom. 8:5)

Some of us, I believe are in love with the idea of love.  I know I am.  Why else would I watch all those sappy movies on the Hallmark channel!  If you're a fan, then you know that after awhile you figure out that the plots and storylines are basically the same with little variation and are quite predictable!  But still I watch!

Although for me Hallmark provides a pleasant escape from the realities of some relationships I'm aware of; it does remind me that a lot of drama could be resolved if we only demonstrated genuine love!

Let me be clear.  I'm not talking about obligatory love recognition days: birthdays, anniversaries, and the most popular one--Valentines day.  These are times when our
significant others feel compelled to do something, even if their hearts aren't in it! 

When it comes to Valentines Day, I don't trip! The love I yearn for is 24/7, 365 days and it is felt even when I don't get jewelry, candy, or a card.  It is that agape love demonstrated first by Christ and then given to all Christians as a communicable attribute (divine characteristics that humans can also possess).  Years ago I had to adjust my thinking on this whole idea of Valentines Day when my husband failed to live up to my expectations.   Maybe you do too!

Are you ready for a quick bible lesson?

From the biblical worldview there are four kinds of love we experience.  They all come from words translated from the Greek:

💝 EROS - physical, sensual intimacy, sexual attraction, yearning or desire.  It is what I believe popular culture describes as having chemistry with someone.  Beware of basing relationships on eros alone for it is often impulsive and fleeting. It is not sustainable by itself but enhances the husband and wife relationship.  (Ex: Song of Solomon in the bible)

💞PHILEO - brotherly/sisterly love; close friendships, generous and affectionate.  A love that wishes the best, celebrates successes, is compassionate, shares your pain and grieves your loss.
These are your ride and die friends, committed to the end.  (Ex: David and Jonathan  I Samuel 18:1-3)

💗STORGE - affectionate love between family members. unforced love between husband and wife, or parent and child. (Ex: Jacob and Joseph or Mary, Martha and Lazarus)

💖 AGAPE -sacrificial, undeserving, a noble, powerful act of the will.  The kind of love that God had for sinful mankind when He sent His Son to redeem us. (Rom. 5:8). The kind of love Christ had for us when He willingly gave up heaven to live among us to suffer and die as the Perfect sacrifice for our sins (Phil 2:5-11).  

Agape love is the Valentines love gift!  that we can give to others any time. The kind that makes you stay in the relationship even if you don't like the other person's behavior or attitude.  However, It does not require a significant other.  We can even give it to ourselves.   It is described in I Corinthians 13:4-7 as this:

4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; 

it is not arrogant 5 or rude.

 It does not insist on its own way; 

it is not irritable or resentful.

6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing,

 but rejoices with the truth. 

7 Love bears all things, believes all things, 

hopes all things, endures all things.

Does your boyfriend, fiance, husband, or significant other show this kind of love?  If not, then whatever you receive on Valentines Day will  not matter!  It makes no difference how pretty it's wrapped or how much it cost, it falls short of the grace of God!   There is no Greater Love than what Christ gave you upon salvation and it is a gift that continues to give!

13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, 

these three; but the greatest of these is love.

This Valentine's Day go ahead and celebrate! Even if you have to do so alone!  God is the Perfect Valentine's date and He promises never to disappoint you!

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

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