I was on the front porch when you drove by and I waved, thinking that one way to appreciate life is to imagine yourself without one. I told myself this the other morning as I decided to have a piece of toast and butter with my coffee and opened the fridge and there was this special butter looking at me, an expensive high-grade butter...

There is probably no one we take for granted anymore than those we love and value. We do not mean to do this. In fact, we strive to provide for those we love and keep in touch with friends. However, in the course of a day, we assume because we love them, they will be there. Because we love them or respect them the relationship, we have will somehow “just be there."

When good things happen to people we all watch to see how they will respond. If they inherit or win large sums of money we watch to see if they will give some back. It's expected to respond in certain ways to good and bad things in life.

God loves us and the value He places on our bodies. Today we learn how we can cooperate with God to bring your life under His control.

God knows we are battling against the world and ourselves. He will help us to over come as He has prepared a wonderful eternal life for us. He loved us so much He gave His son for us. This should be a source of great encouragement as we try to overcome our own temptations and weaknesses.

This was a strange thing to tell a church. It was growing and doing the Lords’ work. Your love for God is much more important than you think. Psalm 18:1 “I will love thee, O Lord, my strength.” He asked Peter in John 21:15 “Simon, son of John, lovest thou me more than these?...” Now we find the Lord telling the church in Ephesus “You have left your love for me.”

Being in step is another way to address something we use to call “Backsliding”. The lesson today addresses discord among members and the need we have to evaluate ourselves to make sure we are in step with or behavior and responsibilities in a manner that is pleasing to Christ. He talks about mutual love and unity and the means to promote such.

I was on the front porch when you drove by and I waved, happy that there is so much good news to share.

I was on the front porch when you drove by and I waved, preparing for February’s big event, Valentine’s Day, a delicate balancing act involving the one person you’re legally permitted to be romantic with, yet that same person may verbally explode about how you load the dishwasher. Love is a many splendored thing --- mostly. In the beginning you’re both young and attractive, you’re the sales showroom model with the latest accessories, shining chrome, and perfectly matched tire

I was on the front porch when you drove by and I waved, appreciative of several things about you that are admirable --- pleasant personality, winning smile, your great taste in reading material, and I must admit, your love handles.