(123RF.com)

“Our culture confuses love with emotion – as something we ‘fall’ into or out of. While love certainly includes powerful emotions, we know from the scriptures that love is characterized by a choice to act, even when our emotions are leading the other way.”                       –  David Schmus *

The Voices agree with this statement because true love or Agape love can only come  from God through us. It is that idea of sacrificial love that God taught us when He gave His only begotten Son to die on a cross for our sins. We in turn must show love to family, friends, strangers – even our enemies – whether we want to or not. This is because God lives in us and His love is pure, honest, and true. We must understand that in us is “no good thing” (“There is no one righteous, not even one.” Romans 3:10; “All of our righteous acts are as filthy rags.” Isaiah 64:6).  God’s love has to be given to others in spite of ourselves because that is what God requires, and when we love Him, He gives us the ability to love others.

I Corinthians 13 teaches us about love: “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.” The last line of this well-known chapter is probably quoted the most often: “Now these three remain – faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

On Valentine’s Day, the day that symbolizes love, whether you give flowers, candy, a card, etc. to a spouse, a child, a student, or loved one, remember that any good thing in us comes from God.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Deidre and Sue

* CEAI Outreach Director

(Billy Graham-My Hope website image)

Watching the news is a daunting task lately. Comments and actions range from hatred and fear to optimism and celebration. Do we want to stay in this situation?

Our encouragement to everyone is to remember that GOD IS IN CONTROL! Our responsibility is to pray for our country’s future, its government and leaders, and leave the rest in God’s hands. If you are experiencing fear, pray for God’s peace. If you’re confused, pray for His guidance and direction. If you’re hopeful, pray that others will be able to find hope as well.

Whose side are we on . . . we remain on the Lord’s side and that side is full of hope, love, and kindness.

Deidre and Sue

On this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the Voices wanted to give a special thanks to him and his legacy. As we continue to minister to others, we urge everyone to not let his dream die:

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

“That old law about ‘an eye for an eye’ leaves everybody blind. The time is always right to do the right thing.”

“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

Following quotes like these would only benefit us as a nation and individuals. Dr. King was wise enough to know that – are we?

Deidre and Sue

It’s the first week of the new year and for some of us, life has changed. Deidre (Voice I) has lost her mother and the family is gathering for services. I heard via Facebook that one of my friends lost his job unexpectedly, and yet another had surgery which will require months of recovery. Life has definitely changed for these people, and each of us could be facing similar circumstances tomorrow. Life has a way of throwing us a curve ball when we least expect it. How do we survive?

Those of us who are called by His name – Christians – know that we never go through difficult times alone. The God who created us, is right there with us through it all. In Psalm 46, the Bible says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore I will not fear . . . ” And in one of my favorite chapters of the entire Bible, John 14, Jesus gives us this promise: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled; neither let it be afraid.”

Are you in a hard place right now? Call out to God – He loves you and is only a prayer away. God bless.

Sue

2016 has been a whirlwind of a busy year as we have published and marketed our book, ONE GOD, Two Voices. Now is the time to step back and enjoy the blessed holiday of Christmas .  Voice II – Sue – just participated in her church’s cantata: “Almost There” (created by Michel W. Smith, Wes King, Bradley Knight, and Luke Gambill). We would like to share some of the narrative that accompanied the musical selections:

“The child in Mary’s womb was the Word that made the worlds. He was the God who spoke . . . and the universe was.”

“In the beginning in our perfect paradise, man fell. It could have all ended that day, but God gave a promise – a Christmas promise. Emmanuel with you in your loss, your doubt, and your disappointment.”

“The Word made flesh, who stepped out of everywhere, into an insignificant somewhere, into a virgin’s womb, into a stable in Bethlehem, to save a fallen world that He so loved. He stepped out of His everywhere into your somewhere. He is the quiet voice calling you. You are not alone – God is with you.”

“Emmanuel, God with us, the Creator of all things becomes a child. He is closer than your heartbeat. He is the Prince of Peace, Mighty God, Emmanuel.”

Likewise, Voice l was highly blessed and delighted as she watched The Potter’s House Christian Academy, including her grand daughter, Saniyah, perform at their school’s second annual cantata. Students from ages three right up to twelfth grade displayed an array of talents and Christmas favorites including, “Happy Birthday Jesus” (Brooklyn Tabernacle Choirs’ version); “Now Behold The Lamb” (Kirk Franklin’s version); and the Grand Finale of , “Merry Christmas, Jesus (There is no Christmas Without You)”. That version by John P. Kee definitely put the icing on the birthday cake, and it was truly all for JESUS.” GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST!”

This is why Christmas is so much more than presents, food, bowl games, and parties. God sought us to save us, unworthy as we are . . . and we are so grateful. God bless you and yours.

Deidre and Sue