Blog

February is the month of Valentine’s Day which brings thoughts and expressions of love to mind.

What kind of relationships do you think about when you consider love? Do you think mostly about romantic love, or the love between a parent and child or between friends? And what do you imagine are the best demonstrations or expressions of love in those kinds of relationships? 

In Zephaniah 3:17 God brings new perspectives and dimensions to the meaning of love that you may not have considered. “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”

My heart is overflowing with joy today because of that kind of love. The kind of joy that can only come from God’s expressions of love to us. Just a few days ago my husband and I were blessed to participate in the delight that God has for his children. We were blessed to witness the demonstration of God’s mighty hand to save a lost soul and rejoice with God in it. And amazingly it all came to fruition within a short time. 

My husband and I lead and teach a small Bible study group in our home each week. Last November a new couple joined our group. We were thrilled to have them but noticed that the gentleman was especially shy and detached in his behavior. However, as they continued to attend and we continued to love on them some surprising things began to emerge. Rudy started opening-up to us. 

Then one night, just a few weeks ago, he confessed his struggles with an addiction and how it held him captive. So we placed him in the middle of the room, gathered around him, placed our hands on him, and prayed fervently for God’s Holy Spirit to help him. 

The following week, Rudy returned as a new man. As he entered our home, we observed a bright new change to his countenance. His wife was also beaming with a new joy.  Rudy told us that after our prayers for him he went home and poured his heart out to God asking for His help and forgiveness. He said that God gave him a peace he’d never had and revealed a scripture to his heart. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil. 4:13. It was a wonderfully appropriate verse that dealt with his battle against drug addiction and his need to turn it over to the Lord.

Now, just days later, we marvel at God’s grace and mercy even further. Two days after Rudy revealed his conversion, both my husband and I felt a strong urge to suggest he get baptized. Yet we knew it wouldn’t be easy to orchestrate one even if he agreed. Our church wasn’t planning to host a baptism for at least a month and in less than a week Rudy and his wife would be moving to a new home across the country. To our delight and without our asking, he expressed his wish to be baptized. We were more than happy to help organize it. However, we were out of town visiting relatives in Arizona, that weekend and wouldn’t return until two days before they planned to move.

How could we possibly make it happen before they left? There was a lot that needed to come together in order for it to happen in timely fashion and we only had a few hours to do it in. We needed to find a heated pool or spa for this impromptu immersion during the middle of winter. We also needed a pastor who was available on short notice. 

“With God, all things are possible.” God whispered in my ear. So we got busy texting and calling for help as we took turns driving home from Phoenix. Sure enough, God showed up in style. He found a backyard spa that was graciously offered for our use by two strangers who’d been referred to us. They even promised that it would be toasty warm on that cold Tuesday morning. At the last hour God also gave us a wonderful pastor to officiate in the baptism.  

So, the very next day, 1/31/2023, Larry and I, along with Rudy, his wife, kids, and a pastor it all came together. After a beautiful explanation of the meaning and importance of baptism was provided by pastor Curtis, we all ventured outdoors, then stood in the cold morning air, brimming with excitement and anticipation. Rudy’s wife, stood by the spa watching with tears of joy rolling down her cheeks as he was immersed. We can only imagine how many hopes, prayers, struggles, and tears of disappointment had preceded this day of redemption. “Dead to sin. Alive in Christ!”, we all shouted joyfully as Rudy came up out of the water. 

Through the nearly miraculous expediency of organizing a baptism in less than two days, we experienced how God delights in us when we come to him. It was one of the most intimate and joyful baptisms we’ve ever experienced. And I’m sure God, along with lots of angels, were also singing over Rudy and his family as he demonstrated his new faith through the obedience of baptism. 

I would also bet that it was a unique expression of love that most of us would not imagine or plan for the upcoming Valentine’s Day. For me, though, it brought new depth and dimension to God’s perspective on love and how our relationship to Him, and to others, all works together for true joy. It also demonstrated how we can be strengthened and blessed when we turn our hearts towards God.

It’s so easy to miss God’s delight and love for us in the midst of our daily routines. Take a few minutes to quiet your heart today. Pour a cup of your favorite hot beverage, go on a walk, or grab a pen and paper. LOOK and LISTEN for how God delights in you and shows you His love. 

I pray God reveals His love for you in a fresh and beautiful way during the month of February. 

#hearts #love #Valentines #baptism #God #prayer #fresheyes #redemption #miraculous #strength #possible #author #writer #inspirations #inspirational #delight #joy #God’sdelight #romance #friendship