In this month of February, when so much of the world is focused on romantic love, let’s learn from the Bible what God’s true love is all about.
I was just sitting and enjoying the gas heater blowing on me, during this cold January morning in northern Idaho. It reminded me of my childhood winters in Missouri and our old oil heater that would keep me warm. In fact, I would leave my bed in those days to sit by a wall vent with my little robe over me as a tent. I also look forward to staying warm in future cold situations. Why? Because God takes care of me.
God wants us to love and trust Him, as a small child confides in parents. That open-hearted communication with the Father is called prayer. Jesus showed us how to pray.
This title is actually a figure of speech that the French call double entendre, or double meaning. We will look at God’s great love throughout the ages, all time. And we will see how He loves us through His Son Jesus Christ throughout the different ages, or seasons, that we live in this earthly life.
I’ve thought a lot lately about what is important to me. Within the last week, Sherry has gone from major memory loss from Covid, to being back to her old self and even stronger. We received this gracious deliverance with the help of the fervent prayers of many wonderful believers who love us. We are thankful for their intercession and for God’s healing through Christ.
When Paul wrote to the Philippian church, he was in prison in Rome, Italy. They weren’t that far away by modern standards (northern Greece), but Paul longed to be with them. His life was on the line, depending on how Caesar judged his case. He wanted to be released from prison and visit them, but he wasn’t sure at that time what would happen. Look at Paul’s attitude (all scriptures are from The New Testament in Modern English by J. B. Phillips).
Background
Psalm 145 is in the Deuteronomy Book of the Psalms (Psalms 107-150). These 44 Psalms, like the Book of Deuteronomy in the Old Testament, show God’s Word as the source of salvation, deliverance, and healing. This would be fully carried out in the life of the coming Messiah, the living Word, Jesus Christ. Psalm 145 is the only Psalm with the title “David’s Psalm of Praise.” This is David’s Psalm of great praise for the Lord, Who will keep His promise and send the Messiah to rule over all. This Psalm sets the foundation for the final five Psalms and their praise to the Lord.
Background
Psalm 144 is in the Deuteronomy Book of the Psalms (Psalms 107-150). These 44 Psalms, like the Book of Deuteronomy in the Old Testament, show God’s Word as the source of salvation, deliverance, and healing. This would be fully carried out in the life of the coming Messiah, the living Word, Jesus Christ. Psalm 144 shows God’s great blessings upon David, and David’s son, the Messiah. Whereas the sons of Adam are vain, God brings salvation and deliverance from the “strange children” who speak vanity and do falsely.
Jesus Christ’s ExampleJesus Christ was the greatest leader who ever lived. He watched over others as the good shepherd. He ran to serve and minister, even washing his disciples’ feet. And he grew and matured in God’s Word, love, and power because of his meek and lowly heart. He set the example of what a bishop (one watching over), deacon (minister, servant), and elder (mature leader) should be.
