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Listen while you read: "Just As I Am Without One Plea"1 (Lyrics) |
There's something about February 14th that makes many hearts thrill and flutter. In the Philippines, Valentine's Day is a grand, festive day, and various businesses sell roses, stuffed toys, and chocolates — the famous items that are bought for and given to loved ones to celebrate the occasion. According to a survey that was organized by an e-commerce company in Poland, 79% of Filipinos regard Valentine's Day as a special time to celebrate!
Shall we therefore conclude that we love to love and be loved? If that is so, what could be more exhilarating than knowing that God, the supreme being, loves the whole world, including you and me? Then, we should appreciate John 3:16 more than February 14th!
John 3:16 – 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. (NIV)
"For God so loved the world …". Let's ponder the truth of how a perfect God could perfectly love imperfect beings like us. He never withholds from us anything that is good and for His glory. He never gets tired of embracing us with His grace. He has loved us from the beginning, up to the present, and to all eternity. With our sins, we all deserve to die, but in Christ, He made a way to keep us close.
"… that he gave his one and only Son …". He has given us everything that we need for life and godliness while we are still here on earth. Today is also Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, a time when we remember that God secured our future when He sent Jesus to die on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins — such an incomparable gesture of love!
"… that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." It takes only faith — believing that Jesus is God's Son and trusting in what He did for us on the cross so that we can be saved from eternal condemnation. Again, it takes only faith — God does not require us to do good deeds each day to earn a place in heaven. There is nothing that we can do that will take us to heaven — only what Jesus did.
The truth that John 3:16 brings makes us celebrate genuine love, not just for one day but for every day!
This Valentine's Day, let us share the best love that one could hear about and experience. While flowers dry out and chocolates are consumed, the love of God is always fresh and lasting. Go on a date and share God's love. The gospel is ready. Are you?
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for the selfless love that You've shown to us undeserving ones. As we treasure the love that we have received from You, help us to pass it on to others, as we aim to please You by letting other people hear of the gospel. This we pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
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Saturday, September 7, 2024 – In Angola — In June, Sahel Academy had its closing assemblies to celebrate the year and say our farewells. Pray as we said goodbye well even though it was hard: for those who are leaving to look ahead with excitement and those staying to have a renewed sense of purpose amid a changing community. Pray for the graduates to remember their calling and to take their faith back to their families
terminal illness: "Update September 5, 2024: Gisele had the biopsy done yesterday but will not get the results for..." 
A wonderful exegesis Ivy. Blessings.
Thanks for the encouraging words, Ivy.
What a beautiful message. Thank you Ivy for sharing this.
Thank you, Ivy, for blessing us with your devotional today!
Excellent devotional, Ivy. Thanks for reminding us what love really is.
What an inspiring Daily Devotional! Thank you, Ivy!
(BC Canada)
Dear Ivy,
Thank you so much for these important thoughts.
Thank you, Ivy, for today’s devotion. It’s wonderful eye opening.
(Québec)
Thanks for a wonderful devotional today!
Blessings to you today and every day.
The greatest love story ever! God is love and we love because He first loved us. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Thank you for sharing your valentine thoughts. How wonderful that we have the true love of our Jesus.
Thanks for your devotional. Very appropriate.
Blessings,
(Ontario)
Thank you!
Sending Christian love and prayers to you, Ivy.
Blessings!
Hi Ivy
Very encouraging reminder of how we, as followers of Christ are called to love EVERY day!
Ivy,
Your devotional this morning said it very well…all we need.
Thank you,
(Texas)
Dear Ivy:
Many, many thanks for that inspiring Devotional.
Many blessings.
A hug in Christ,
(Chile)
My prayers go out to you all in the Philippines and especially in Davao, with all the heavy rains and mudslides causing so many deaths.
Thank you for your message today.
Blessings.
Yes! As a young pastor, I quickly learned that I didn’t have enough love to go around. I cried out to the Lord to fill me with His love. Immediately I felt like a cup being inundated with a great flood. He continues to give His love, overflowing to whomever I meet. Praised be His Holy Name!!
Many thanks for your devotional today and the title of it is perfect. The bible verse of John 3:16 is truly one to be reflected on in our daily lives. Our world sure needs more people sharing love and care to others each and every day. Blessings for your heart filled writing and enjoy a wonderful day and the times ahead.
Hi Ivy,
Thanks for sharing your comparison of these two days which are on the same date this year. I looked up to see when this last happened and it was in 2018. I don’t remember that. Remembering God’s love for us even though we are not free from sin and that His grace, encourages us to pass along to others our faith by offering love and grace to them. What better day to make a special effort than on Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday. Blessings.