Intentional Encouragement

     Today is Valentine's Day.  This is the 29th time I have celebrated it with my wife (we were engaged for the first one).  I love her and am grateful to God for the partner he has given me for this journey called life.  Some seasons have been difficult; some, joyful.  I am glad we have been through them together.  I also tend to think about my love for my children, and my extended family on Valentine's Day.   I don’t think that “love makes the world go ‘round,” like the old song said, but I sure am thankful that God has given us the opportunity to love and be loved while we are traveling along our road in life.       While you are likely giving your attention to your "sweetheart" today, I want to remind you again about God’s love for you.  Or, perhaps, I am speaking to someone without a sweetheart.  For whatever reason, this day doesn't hold much meaning to you (maybe some pain).   Regardless;...

     With Valentine's Day on Tuesday, I thought I'd give you some thoughts to mull over regarding your most amazing love relationship; the one you have with your Father in Heaven.       I read a story a couple of years ago about a vendor who sold bagels for 50 cents each at a street corner food stand.  A jogger ran past and threw a couple of quarters into the bucket but didn’t take a bagel.  He did the same thing every day for months.  One day, as the jogger was passing by, the vendor stopped him.  The jogger said, “You probably want to know why I always put money in but never take a bagel, don’t you?”  “No,” said the vendor.  “I just wanted to tell you that the bagels have gone up to 60 cents.”       I’m afraid that the vendor in that story is more like us than we want to admit.  God demonstrated His love for us by sending His Son to die and pay the penalty for our sin while we we...