The Ultimate Valentine

I realized that many will not be remembered on this day of hearts, ribbon, and candy. An elderly woman may be sitting at home alone with no phone calls from children or friends. A homeless man may be scavenging through garbage cans in search of his next meal. A child may sit in his bedroom afraid while his parents argue and scream from another room. And, then there is the stander--hurt, betrayed ,and alone.  Although this day was set aside as a holiday to express love and thoughtfulness to loved ones, many will be left with broken dreams and a feeling of loneliness. Our Savior and redeemer, Jesus Christ, came and demonstrated His love in a way that no one else could, He opened His arms wide on Calvary while He hung on a cross to show His love to a world that needed embracing from it's Creator.

How could this wonderful Savior love us in such a way? God’s word says, “God demonstrated His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom. 5:8). Even before we had a clue that we were in need of a Savior, God poured out His love. This was not an “all talk and no action” God, this was the King of the universe standing behind His word and putting love into action.

Red roses, hearts, candy, balloons did not greet Him as he walked to Calvary. He bore thorns of injustice, hate, and sin upon His brow. Jesus did not experience being loved when His disciples scattered and one denied Him. Because of His great love towards us, the Son of God took upon Himself the torment that was the weight of our sins.He did all this and became the ultimate valentine for the entire world. He showed His great love for us in a way that no one else could. Nor will there ever be another who has loved us is such a magnificent way. “Greater love has no one than this, that He laid down His life for His friends.” (John 15:13). Spend today basking in His love. 

Pray for your spouse. Pray that He is making them into the person He created them to be. Intercede specifically for wisdom, vision, meekness and humility. Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to live a life of purity in this often sensual-driven society. Ask the Holy Spirit to empower your spouse to do the same. It doesn't matter how it looks on the outside. I believe that God wants;us to be people that love His Word, His people, and His Presence, so I pray for those desires to trump all others. Pray that God will give your spouse only eyes for you. Pray that God remove the other person. 

Until the day you can celebrate Valentine's Day the way you imagine, allow God to make you into the person that He created you to be. Allow God to be always be your Ultimate Valentine; He earned it. 

Pray: Lord, I ask You to imprint Your love into the depths of my heart. I believe You have a great future for me and that I can walk in Your purpose for my life. Amen.

For your Maker is your husband--the LORD Almighty is his name--the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth. Isaiah 54:5