Love and the Ultimate Sacrifice

Can you imagine having a love for someone so strong that you would give your very own life to save their soul? That is exactly what the Lord did for each and every one of us. In the Bible, John 3:16 says 


"For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son so that whosoever shall believe in him will not perish but have eternal life"


Wow! God knew us before we were even created. And before we even got here He sent son Jesus to die for our sins so that we may be saved. 


Now I don't know about you but I get very happy and excited when someone close to me anticipates a need and fulfills that need before I even get an opportunity to ask!


Imagine driving home from work extra hungry and knowing that you have to cook... You are tired, don't feel like cooking but you have a family that is depending on you... Now imagine that you walk through the door to this spectacular aroma. The table is prepared and the children are all washed up. Imagine the feeling you get knowing that your spouse thought so much of you that he/she lightened the load for you. Doesn't that make you want to do anything and everything keep your husband or wife happy?


Now imagine God... He has anticipated every need that we would have before we even step foot on this earth - from shelter, food and clothes to salvation! And all He wants of us is that we love Him, obey His word and spread His word. That's it!


If you are ready to receive your salvation, the Bible says all you have to do is believe in your heart and confess with your mouth (Romans 10:9). You can say your own prayer but here is one in case you're not sure where to start...


" Lord Jesus, I believe you are the son of God. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. Please forgive my sins and give me the gift of eternal life. I ask you into my life and heart to be my Lord and Savior. I want to serve you always."


I accepted Jesus into my life when I was young and just recently rededicated my life to the Lord. It is the best decision that I have made and I hope you will join me.


God is love and God is life. Be blessed.


JC

Love Is...

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, let's talks about love. What is it? Is it just a word? Is it something that you can buy? What does it mean to love? So many are running around for this one of many commercial holidays buying this and buying that just to prove their love (or deep like) for one another. But do we really get what it means to love?  Just incase you were wondering here it is; a break down for you coming straight from 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8

4. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5. Its does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6. Love does no delight in  evil but rejoices with the truth. 7. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preservers. 8. Love never fails…

WOW! Love is amazing! Every time I read this passage, I am reminded of the things that I should be doing to show my love. Sometimes I fall short  and thats ok (I guess thats why it is written - to remind us). The point is that we must always strive to achieve this kind of love. This unconditional love.

While we are out purchasing things let us also be reminded of the intangible - the love that we cannot see, we cannot touch, that doesn't cost money, but the love that we feel. The love that we show through our actions, words and even thoughts. Let us remember that. After all, things… well… they fade, get lost,  forgotten, broken and tossed out. But love… now love is forever.

With Love Always,

JC

Celebrate Love, Celebrate Us

One week until the "BIG DAY!" What day is that? Valentine's Day of course! While I am not anti-St. Valentine, I am beginning to wonder what the point is. I can remember waiting and anticipating what pleasantries my beaux was going to shower me with on this glorious of days. I can also remember how I felt on the Valentine's Days when I had no one, nothing and no where to go. And again I wonder what is the point.

This year and every year for the rest of my life I have a Valentine but does it really take that one day for him to show me that he loves me or how much. And what about the people who don't have anyone. Should this day really be the reminder they need of how "nobody cares?" What about all the days before and all the days after Valentine's Day?

I recently saw a commercial for a jewelry store with a slogan that said "Celebrate Us" and felt inspired. Celebrate Us. I like it. I don't, however, see it only as meaning to celebrate a couple, but to celebrate all. Celebrate life. Celebrate love. Celebrate people. Celebrate each other. Then i got to thinking… When or how did Valentine's Day get so complicated? When did it become a day use to validate love? Remember being in elementary school and just buying a box of candy with a card attached that said "you're neat-o." Remember when giant bears, flowers, huge boxes of candy and champagne (or sparkling cider), etc. didn't matter. Everyone, I mean EVERYONE, got a piece of candy with small card letting them know that they too are truly special. What happened to that?

Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy getting a present for Valentine's or any day for that matter. But again, what about others like single mothers or widows/ widowers or the lonely neighbor. Who do they have to remind them of how truly awesome they are? That person could be you!

This Valentine's Day, I challenge you to reach out to someone who may not have anyone else. It doesn't have to be anything big. Maybe that two dollar box of cards to pass out to your co-workers. Some homemade cookies for a neighbor or friend. Some flowers for an elderly stranger in a local nursing home. Or just a simple phone call. It doesn't take much to show someone else that they are loved. After all, don't we all deserve to know.

Oh yeah! And don't forget to spread love the other 364 days in the year!

From me to you Happy Valentine's Day. God loves you, so love and take care of yourself and others. 

With Love,

JC