1 John

Saturday, February 14, 2014 (8:40 a.m.)

Blessed Father God,

Thank You! It's Valentine's Day and I am loved. By you. And others. Thank You!

Thank You that I get to turn readily in Your Word and learn even more about Your love. You are so loving. Kind. Perfect. And I am grateful.

Thank You that we have John's words written all those years ago to guide and direct us to love. The Illustrated Bible Handbook describes his letters in detail. Skimming the highlights of what is subtitled Fellowship with God I am truly “agog”.

“The word 'fellowship' means literally, 'sharing'. That is what this warm N[ew] T[estament] letter is about: a life of intimate sharing of ourselves with God and each other. For all who want to know and experience God in a deeply personal way, John's first letter is full of promise. In it the aging apostle of love invites us to come and journey into joy.”

What could possibly be a better way to begin this Valentine's Day?

Under Chapter 4:7-21. God's Love: Source and Example are the subheadings: Love Defined; 4:7-12. Love Essential; 4:13-15. God Is Love; 4:16-18. And the Truth that brought me here to begin with: God Loved First 4:19-21.

Father God, You are Truth. You are Love. And I ask You to teach us even more what that looks like. Thank You for loving us and commanding us to love others as ourselves. Teach us how. We love You. We long to serve You. And we thank You. SO much! Amen.

(258 words ~ 11:02 a.m.)