February 2007
LOVE
Love is not an ecstatic feeling that comes and goes with changing circumstances. Love is not self-centered. Love is not immoral sexual indulgence. Love is not a bouquet of roses followed by physical, mental, or sexual abuse. Love is not vows at the marriage altar, later broken at the divorce court. Love is not "having had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband." (John 4:18)
WHAT THEN, IS LOVE?
"God is love." (1 John 4:8) "God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us." (Romans 5:5) This love, otherwise stated, is God's character created in believing hearts by the Holy Spirit and spread abroad:
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy. It does not boast. It is not proud.
It is not rude. It is not self-seeking. It is not easily angered. It keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
This love produces spiritual fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)
GOD IS LOVE
This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God, but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us. We know that we live in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in Him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. (1 John 4:9-16)
Jesus said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and your neighbor as yourself." (Mark 12:30, 31)
This is the test: "If anyone loves Me," Jesus said, "he will obey My teaching. He who does not love Me will not obey My teaching." (John 14:23-24)
What kind of love do you have?
Lizetta Williams
THE DIRECTOR'S CORNER
It is a Monday evening, but it will be a quiet one. Near zero temperatures prompted us to cancel boys club tonight. It’s the first time this winter and hopefully we can get through the season with a minimum of cancellations.
We just had our annual Quiz Day a couple Saturdays ago for grades 3-12 with the kids competing in their own grade level. Most of them had been reviewing and practicing and made a serious effort. We all went out to eat afterwards.
We want as many children as possible to come under the influence of God’s truth, but coming up with a peaceful learning environment in our after- school clubs is a constant struggle. We ‘re trying something new in 2007. The last week in the month will be a fun activity night with food and special games—and limited to those who, in the previous three weeks, came faithfully, demonstrated good behavior, and had a willingness to learn. Maybe rewards will be more fun than correction. Adults and children alike, may we clearly evidence our belief in God by our obedience to Him.
BWC QUIZ DAY
January 27, 2007
Thirty-one quizzers on sixteen teams (determined by grade in school and how far they are in their Awana books), competed against each other.
Eight Bible questions were asked in each of three formats:
Speed Quizzing Multiple Choice
Huddle Quizzing
SOME "JANUARY ACTIVITY NIGHT" ACTION
THEME VERSE: Proverbs 18:10
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
Enjoying food Pyramid race
Building a "Strong Tower"
Dave and Becky McMillan; Lizetta, Mary, Mark and Karen
Williams; Judy Chesebro; Joji Barredo, Philippines; Trudie Hayon,
Trinidad
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