Welcome to my newest gathering of thoughts. Love is the theme for February, through Valentine’s Day and Black History Month. Combining the two themes, we remember the contributions blacks have made to our country, many of which did not make it into our history books, loving people from all races and those in our personal life. The Law of Love is what Jesus Christ gave to us as He completed the journey through the cross to resurrection. If we claim to be believers in Him and do not love God and the people made in His image, we fall short of what Christ has commanded us to do; what He died for.

Today, my granddaughter is going to her first school dance after school. My son sent a photo of her in her Valentine dress. This evening, John and I are going to Couple’s Evening at my church for desserts and to listen to several couples share about what a godly, loving marriage relationship looks like. My son Alex and wife Joanna celebrate their seventeenth wedding anniversary on February 12 and my daughter Eliza’s birthday is on the 15. Our month of family celebrations continues with grandson Owen turning twelve on the 18th, grandson Steve turning thirteen on the 27th, and daughter-in-law Jana’s birthday on the 28th.

While looking for something else on Amazon, I found an engineer-themed mug that looked perfect for my engineer daughter. I was a bit put off when the estimated delivery was February 17-20 and chastised myself for ordering late. Imagine my joyous thanks to Father God when I got a shipping update: February 14, just in time! Another little “I love you” from my heavenly Father.

I am on Day 38 in Experiencing Jesus Through Communion by Beni Johnson, hard to believe only two days left! By the way, I had a prayer request. You can join me in praying for Beni’s healing from advanced cancer. Today’s theme: “Partaking In A Worthy Manner” can intimidate, but Beni makes it understandable.

1 Peter 1:18 For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. ¹⁹ It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.

Here is the communion meditation from page 177:

“Father, I am so grateful for the precious, holy gift that You have given us in Communion.

I take the body of Your son, acknowledging that it was Jesus’ sacrifice that washed me clean. I could never have done that on my own.

I take the body as a priceless, sacred gift.

I take the blood of Jesus, that which cleansed me from all unrighteousness and set me free. Your blood covers me, Jesus, so that I might participate in Your worthiness and experience Your miraculous power in my life. I receive everything You paid for on the cross.”

Eating the bread and drinking the cup in an unworthy manner could mean taking communion as an unbeliever, never having acknowledged the lordship of Christ. It can also mean to take the bread without realizing it covers all sinners and the entire Church of Christ; His Body. Jesus allowed His blood to be poured out to seal the new covenant, reconciling Jew and Gentile, man and God. Let us remember to walk in love and to forgive others as Christ forgives us. Realize Jesus paid the price for every person on earth and God’s will is that none would perish. NOTE: love and forgiveness do not mean you need to renew a relationship with a toxic person. It also does not mean you have to accept their sin. You are called to love with the love of God found in Christ, no matter what. No one said it would be easy, but He is with you to help you. There is much freedom in resting in God’s love, forgiving, and praying for Him to change hearts.