February 2009
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things (1 Corinthians 13:4 – 7 ESV).
February is often called the “love” month because Valentine’s Day falls right in the middle of it. I’m kind of glad it’s there, too. February on the west side of the State of Michigan is certainly not the most blissful time of year. In fact, to take the words of the Apostle Paul, this is the time of year that makes me feel like I have to “endure all things!”
So, it’s nice to have a reason to celebrate. Love is a great thing. For those of us who are a part of God’s forever family understand (though imperfectly) the incredible love that He has for us in Christ Jesus. It’s a love worth celebrating. As we look at Christ, we see what love really looks like and we are to imitate Him, too. I’m thankful for the various expressions of love that God has given us. Each in its own way lets us see God’s love, even in little ways. For example, the love of a parent for their child; the close friendship with someone who accepts you, warts and all; these are just a couple examples of human love that reflect God’s relationship to us. Probably the most beautiful picture of God’s love for us is seen in the marriage relationship. The Scripture tells us that Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish (Ephesians 5:25 – 27 ESV).
I’ve learned more about God’s love through my relationship with my wife than anywhere else. No one else knows me like Elissa does. And in our relationship she truly bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. This February is special for us, not just because love is celebrated on Valentine’s Day. February 25 marks our twenty-fifth anniversary. I know to some that is just a speck sand of in the hourglass of time. I’m grateful for those whom I see married fifty, sixty and even seventy years – and I am encouraged and amazed. But I’m personally more amazed that this wonderful woman I met when I was young and immature (as opposed to now being older and immature) chose to commit herself to me and our life together. Her fierce faithfulness, even through the most difficult of times teaches me how I need to trust God and remain faithful to Him, even when circumstances are tough. Elissa has taught me tenderness and putting others first as she has continually exemplified in her life.
Yeah, I know, this is all kind of personal, gushy, mushy stuff. But I couldn’t let this milestone in my life be kept to myself. So, Elissa, I love you and am so grateful to God that He placed you in my life. You are the great source of strength that points me to The Great Source of Strength in all that you do and all who you are.
And to my Lakeside Family, I trust that I can be an example of God’s love in your life as well!
With a Pastor’s Love,
Pastor Leslie
February is often called the “love” month because Valentine’s Day falls right in the middle of it. I’m kind of glad it’s there, too. February on the west side of the State of Michigan is certainly not the most blissful time of year. In fact, to take the words of the Apostle Paul, this is the time of year that makes me feel like I have to “endure all things!”
So, it’s nice to have a reason to celebrate. Love is a great thing. For those of us who are a part of God’s forever family understand (though imperfectly) the incredible love that He has for us in Christ Jesus. It’s a love worth celebrating. As we look at Christ, we see what love really looks like and we are to imitate Him, too. I’m thankful for the various expressions of love that God has given us. Each in its own way lets us see God’s love, even in little ways. For example, the love of a parent for their child; the close friendship with someone who accepts you, warts and all; these are just a couple examples of human love that reflect God’s relationship to us. Probably the most beautiful picture of God’s love for us is seen in the marriage relationship. The Scripture tells us that Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish (Ephesians 5:25 – 27 ESV).
I’ve learned more about God’s love through my relationship with my wife than anywhere else. No one else knows me like Elissa does. And in our relationship she truly bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. This February is special for us, not just because love is celebrated on Valentine’s Day. February 25 marks our twenty-fifth anniversary. I know to some that is just a speck sand of in the hourglass of time. I’m grateful for those whom I see married fifty, sixty and even seventy years – and I am encouraged and amazed. But I’m personally more amazed that this wonderful woman I met when I was young and immature (as opposed to now being older and immature) chose to commit herself to me and our life together. Her fierce faithfulness, even through the most difficult of times teaches me how I need to trust God and remain faithful to Him, even when circumstances are tough. Elissa has taught me tenderness and putting others first as she has continually exemplified in her life.
Yeah, I know, this is all kind of personal, gushy, mushy stuff. But I couldn’t let this milestone in my life be kept to myself. So, Elissa, I love you and am so grateful to God that He placed you in my life. You are the great source of strength that points me to The Great Source of Strength in all that you do and all who you are.
And to my Lakeside Family, I trust that I can be an example of God’s love in your life as well!
With a Pastor’s Love,
Pastor Leslie
posted by Pastor Lew @ 4:14 PM
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