of love. I've recently heard it said that $18 billion will be spent on cards, flowers, candy, jewelry, fancy dinners and other gifts throughout the world!
The world today is so different from the days when I was courting my wonderful Bonnie Lou. I reflect on the 67 years of marriage and know that it was God that brought us together. It was God that kept His hand on our marriage and ministry. We shared God's love every day we were married, and now that she is in heaven, I know that God's love is STILL with me. On the days that I am lonely, God's love sustains me. It is wonderful to realize that God's plan for me is still in progress. In Isaiah 41:10, God gives us these wonderful promises: "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." The phrase "fear not" is in the Bible 365 times- one time for every day of the year! Each scripture encourages us that we do not need to fear at all for God is with us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
One of my Samoan friends likes to say "No Worry, Be Happy!" That seems to be a good answer to life's tough situations but it is easier said than done. When things get hard and we feel battered and bruised, fear and doubt always seem to find a way to nag at our hearts and our minds. However, when we have committed our lives to Jesus, recognizing that He loves us so much that He died for us, we can find the freedom to know what it truly means to "fear not" and "no worry, be happy."
I love the wording in, John 3:16-18: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only- begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him. He who believes in Him is not condemned, but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God."
How do we know God loves us? Because the Bible tells us so! In John 15:9-12, it says, "I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father's commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.
Many friends who receive this newsletter have gone through or are currently
experiencing heartbreak and loss. For some, it is divorce; for others, it is the death of a loved one. Many of us think that we are the only ones going through these hard seasons. Remember, Jesus instructs us to love one another. We can show His love to others through simple, everyday activities like calling, writing and praying for each other. Next time you think about someone who is going through a hard time, don't just carry on with your day- reach out to them and let them know they are loved. We are all experiencing this life together and God wants for us to be a light to each other in times of darkness, a reflection of His love for us.
The hymn "The Love of God" by Frederick M. Lehman says it all:"
"The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star,
And reaches to the lowest hell.
Oh, love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure-
The saints' and angels' song."
