With Valentine’s Day this week, here is a devotion that helps us reflect on our most significant Valentine – the LORD our God:

IN WORD –The prophet says that there will come a time when God’s people are unabashedly open about their identity in Him. They will call themselves by His name and by the names He has given His treasured ones. They will wear their relationship with God on their sleeves.
To a degree, that has happened; many people are quite open about God’s work in their lives. But they may be the exception. Jesus gave His disciples several warnings about being ashamed of Him; the implication is that the pressures of the world would inhibit God’s people and keep them quiet about Him. There are few Christians who exude the joy of bearing His name.
When God rains righteousness on His people—when His Spirit is poured out like a rushing river or a cascading waterfall—secrecy is not an option. The world may marvel or it may express contempt, but it will not remain oblivious to the Christian’s life. Wearing Jesus on our sleeves does not allow for neutrality.
That doesn’t mean wearing Him obnoxiously. The eternal Spring is refreshing, not annoying. Those who soak in His mercy do not come out of it with a bad odor. They come out with a vitality that is observable and contagious. People want to find out what it is.
IN DEED – How would you characterize your level of pleasure and delight at being one of God’s own? Would you describe yourself as a blooming rose? Or are you more like a shrinking violet? To what degree does your time inside the prayer closet cause you to beam with joy when you’re out of it? If you aren’t happy with the answers, don’t try to muster up more pleasure. See your lack of it rather as a symptom of a deeper need—a need to come closer, grow in intimacy, and enjoy Him more. Let the eternal Spring nourish you more deeply. “All earthly delights are but streams. But God is the ocean.” – Jonathan Edwards (in “Worship the King” by Chris Tiegreen)

Do you know how much God loves you? Are you able to experience His love daily?
If you are in need of reminding, begin the week by reflecting on Psalm 139 and meditate on how deeply God knows you. Then, use Psalms 144-148 to love God back in praise. Have a blessed Valentine’s Day and a blessed week! – from Singapore, Pastor Sam