Love Letters from the Bible...

As we celebrate "LOVE" this month, it's always wonderful to refresh our souls with God's word on the subject. Here are just a few of the nearly 400 scriptures (these from the New Living Translation) that give us just a glimpse at God's wisdom and truth on the subject of LOVE…

"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices
whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance."

-1 CORINTHIANS 13:4-7

"Jesus replied, 'The most important commandment is this: …The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must LOVE the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength. The second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself. No other commandment is greater than these.'"

-MARK 12:29-31

"So now I (Jesus) am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should LOVE each other."

-JOHN 13:34

"We LOVE Him, because He first loved us."

-1 JOHN 4:19

"Dear children, let's not merely say that we LOVE each other; let us show the truth by our actions."

-1 JOHN 3:18

"There is no greater LOVE than to lay down one's life for one's friends."

-JOHN 15:13

"Your LOVE for one another will prove to the world that you are my (Jesus') disciples."

-JOHN 13:35

"Three things will last forever - faith, hope, and LOVE-and the greatest of these is LOVE."

-1 CORINTHIANS 13:13

LOVE - The Gift That Keeps on Giving

By Robert H. Schuller

What is the secret of real joy? Christians know the answer—it's the love that bubbles up from deep within your heart and soul when you tear yourself loose from selfishness and bear the burdens of someone else, caring enough to share yourself with that person. Then love activates and gives you the results of joy.

So, LOVE is, indeed, the secret to real joy.

Each of us distinguishes ourselves as individuals. Some have special talents. Others attract friends easily. Still others accomplish amazing achievements. But Christians should all be distinguished by the love they give away. It should burst forth with such enthusiasm that it could never be hidden. It should be patient, kind, trustworthy, persevering.

You won't even have to tell people that you love Jesus Christ. You won't be able to keep it secret, because love will give you away!

The Patience of the Eagle

"LOVE IS PATIENT..." These are the first three words of the Apostle Paul's universally known "Love Chapter" in the Bible…included in his first letter to believers of Jesus Christ living in Corinth. "Love is patient."

Throughout our lives, patience seems to be demanded of us almost constantly: Patience with our children…patience with our aging parents…patience with family members…patience with automated phone systems... patience with a boss or employee(s). This list is long-maybe even endless.

The noble eagle, God's wondrous creation, displays for us a perfect example of patience. The eagle patiently soars above the earth…relaxed, no wing movement, just riding on air currents. It patiently focuses on its search for food. No rush—this glorious creature knows its meal is there - God's plan always provides.

Then, suddenly, he spots it…in an instant, without hesitation, he responds and dives rapidly to claim the prize provided. Knowing when to take action is as important as the patience required in waiting for the moment to do so.

"Love is patient," but it also knows when it's time to take action! Currently, Dr. Schuller and Pastor Sheila are seeking members for the 2011 Eagles Club - persons who pledge to give $50 a month for 12 months... or, a one-time gift of $600. If you love Hour of Power, then please respond - take action - today. Trust God for the resources to do so... but make the commitment to join the 2011 Eagles Club, now.