Godfrey Avenue Baptist Church
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The Pastor's Page


 

The Pastor's Page is where Pastor Hartline can share thoughts and messages from his heart to ours.  Check this page daily for praises, prayer requests, devotionals, and church news.
 
You can hear Pastor Hartline on the radio each Sunday Morning at 9:30 a.m. on WZOB AM 1250.


Personal Notes From Pastor Hartline


February 14, 2012

 

“There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not:  The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid.” (Proverbs 30:18-19)

Today is Valentine’s Day.  Most folks around here have made plans to express their love for their wife, girlfriend, husband, or boyfriend by buying a gift or dining out.  Solomon said this love between a man and a made is “too wonderful for me.”  God made us with the capacity to love someone of the opposite sex with a love that is clean, devoted, and growing.  “Too wonderful” means it is powerful and extraordinary.

There are different kinds of love spoken of in the Bible which can basically be classified as erotic love, brotherly love, and unmerited love.  This special love between and husband and wife is simply classified as “too wonderful.”

“Too wonderful” love is a romantic love that makes the marriage sweet.  The need for romance never expires in a marriage.   A marriage should be punctuated with affection.  Both men and women need to feel that their spouse desires them. 

Be aware, however, that what comes naturally at first requires practice to continue.  I heard once about a husband and wife who went to their pastor for counseling.  The wife said that her husband never told her he loved her anymore.  Her husband replied, “I told you I loved you when I married you and that if that ever changed, I’d let you know!”

Several simple things can keep romantic love alive.  Practice romantic love by occasional romantic dates, flowers and gifts (not just on special days), special attention (such as opening doors for her), and especially spoken words of love.

“Too wonderful” love is a learning love that makes the marriage fulfilling.   Lips are for talking as well as kissing.  Communication (talking and listening) demonstrates interest in your spouse as an individual.  It is this learning about one another through talking that keeps our love growing and carries us through many hard times.

Too wonderful” love is a faithful love that makes the marriage secure.  (Many mistakenly think money does this.)   Nothing will damage a marriage like unfaithfulness.  Never share your deepest thoughts and feelings with anyone of the opposite sex except your spouse.  Keep your mind and emotions faithful, and your body will follow.

Too wonderful” love is a committed love that makes the marriage last.  If there can be no commitment it is not love, just lust.  Husbands and wives should never have to fear that their marriage is in danger.  Our marriage should be viewed as a bond which only death can break.

Well, I hope you have a blessed week.  Serve the Lord.  Call or write those church members that you missed last Sunday, and let's look forward to great services next week.

I Love You,

Brother Richard


Think About This! 

"I have wondered at times what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the U.S. Congress." - Ronald Reagan


PRAYER REQUESTS

Rita Wiseman - Results of medical tests last week.

Ralph Wiseman - Results of medical tests last week.

Barbara Taylor - In Poor health at home

Sandra Hartline - For God to heal her lung damage.

Mary Clark - Constant pain.  Also, keep Dwight in your prayers as he cares for her.

Imogene Veal - Back & leg pain.

If you have any prayer requests you would like me to mention here, please email me, use the PRAYER REQUESTS page on this website, or tell me at church.

Smile Awhile

In some foreign country a preacher, a lawyer and an engineer are about to be guillotined. 

The preacher puts his head on the block, they pull the rope and nothing happens -- he declares that he's been saved by divine intervention-- so he's let go . 

The lawyer is put on the block, and again the rope doesn't release the blade, he claims he can't be executed twice for the same crime and he is set free too. 

They grab the engineer and shove his head into the guillotine, he looks up at the release mechanism and says, "Wait a minute, I see your problem..."