alentine's Day is Friday. Children at school and others are busy finding ways to show their affection for their own group of valentines. The scope of the day has broadened to include nearly everyone one way or another. Christians have the perfect example of real love and the perfect example of showing it in the Lord. Last Sunday at Hillside we spent some time in 1 John chapter 4 considering God's definition and examples of love His way. It's quite a bit different from the portrayal of "love" we see in the world today. Cards, notes, and candy are appreciated but they fall short of showing love like God does. His giving is so selfless and endless and doesn't depend upon how well we respond. He is love, according to John's book, and He acts like what He is.

We talked about some of the ways God loves through things in creation we don't notice or are even aware of in normal activities. The first few verses of Hebrews remind us that Christ upholds all things simply by His word. God's role as "sustainer of cosmic order" is the platform we do everything from. Our days of doing good or not so good are all lived out by His permission on His planet while using His stuff however we can. Every molecule that behaves according to the laws He originated does what it does because He wants it to. God loves us through His creation every day whether we thank Him or not.

It is sometimes tempting to forget how good God is when we are having a hard time or when our relationships don't feel very loving. At these times it is good to stop long enough to get back to noticing the ways He loves when we think no one else does or could. God offers us the chance to live "Valentine's Day" everyday if we'll only notice. Good days or bad days are all days He has made for us. They are all opportunities to accept and give thanks for the greatest display of love mankind will ever know, Jesus Christ.

We'll be celebrating a particular kind of love this Friday evening at 6:30 pm at Hillside. Our annual "Sweetheart Banquet" will be something special this year. We'll have the same great food catered by Dancy's as well as some excellent entertainment from Branson. If you are interested in coming call the church before Friday morning. Tickets are $25.00.

We are anticipating a great early spring revival the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd this month with Terry Bowland. Terry is a professor at Ozark Christian College and an excellent speaker. A group from the college and some of our own talented members will provide music for the gathering. If you want to know more about God's Word and be strengthened in your walk with Him, plan to attend.