February 14, 2021
1 Corinthians 13:8a, “Love never fails...”
Today is a special day, as we Americans and millions of others all around the world celebrate “Valentine’s Day.”
If you’ve ever researched this holiday, you’ll find that there isn’t a lot of definitive evidence as to its origin – but the legend is lovely, and it seems not only possible, but plausible. As a matter of fact, archaeologists have recently unearthed a Roman catacomb and an ancient church dedicated to a Christian Bishop named Valentine. As the legend goes, the Roman Emperor, Claudius II had banned marriage to the soldiers, fort he sake of the kingdom; he was convinced that married men were too emotionally attached to their families, that marriage made them weak, and therefore weakened Rome who was feeling the pressure of the Gauls, Slavs, Huns, Turks, and Mongolians. He didn’t forbid sex, he simply forbade any type of lasting love and commitment to family.
Enter in a courageous Christian minister named Valentine, who was a bishop near Rome at the time. Valentine knew the importance of marriage, family, and true love, so he secretly performed marriages for soldiers and their brides. Eventually the Emperor found out, arrested Valentine and attempted to convert Valentine to his Roman gods. Valentine didn’t budge, he was committed to Christ, and even preached the gospel to the Emperor. This infuriated Claudius who then ordered his execution. Valentine was beaten with clubs and beheaded on February 14, AD 270.
Prior to his execution Valentine had befriended the daughter of his jailer who was blind; he prayed for her healing. Just before his execution, Valentine asked for a quill and papyrus and wrote a note to her, signed, “From your Valentine.” (hence, the origin of Valentine’s Day Cards)
Over 1,750 years have come and gone, and the love of history has not been erased. God’s love for us, our love for God, our love for other sis what this day is all about. The enemy will do all that he can to stop us from receiving God’s love, or reciprocating it to Him or others, but I pray we would be strong, as Valentine was, and fight for love, Christian love, Couples love, and more than anything, may we let God’s love as demonstrated through His Son, fill and flood our hearts! That's the key to this day. Praying you have a blessed Valentine’s Day (especially you my beautiful wife).
May you all receive and reciprocate God's love - always.
Your brother in Christ,
-Manny
Today is a special day, as we Americans and millions of others all around the world celebrate “Valentine’s Day.”
If you’ve ever researched this holiday, you’ll find that there isn’t a lot of definitive evidence as to its origin – but the legend is lovely, and it seems not only possible, but plausible. As a matter of fact, archaeologists have recently unearthed a Roman catacomb and an ancient church dedicated to a Christian Bishop named Valentine. As the legend goes, the Roman Emperor, Claudius II had banned marriage to the soldiers, fort he sake of the kingdom; he was convinced that married men were too emotionally attached to their families, that marriage made them weak, and therefore weakened Rome who was feeling the pressure of the Gauls, Slavs, Huns, Turks, and Mongolians. He didn’t forbid sex, he simply forbade any type of lasting love and commitment to family.
Enter in a courageous Christian minister named Valentine, who was a bishop near Rome at the time. Valentine knew the importance of marriage, family, and true love, so he secretly performed marriages for soldiers and their brides. Eventually the Emperor found out, arrested Valentine and attempted to convert Valentine to his Roman gods. Valentine didn’t budge, he was committed to Christ, and even preached the gospel to the Emperor. This infuriated Claudius who then ordered his execution. Valentine was beaten with clubs and beheaded on February 14, AD 270.
Prior to his execution Valentine had befriended the daughter of his jailer who was blind; he prayed for her healing. Just before his execution, Valentine asked for a quill and papyrus and wrote a note to her, signed, “From your Valentine.” (hence, the origin of Valentine’s Day Cards)
Over 1,750 years have come and gone, and the love of history has not been erased. God’s love for us, our love for God, our love for other sis what this day is all about. The enemy will do all that he can to stop us from receiving God’s love, or reciprocating it to Him or others, but I pray we would be strong, as Valentine was, and fight for love, Christian love, Couples love, and more than anything, may we let God’s love as demonstrated through His Son, fill and flood our hearts! That's the key to this day. Praying you have a blessed Valentine’s Day (especially you my beautiful wife).
May you all receive and reciprocate God's love - always.
Your brother in Christ,
-Manny
TODAY'S PRAYER REQUESTS:
Roybal Family – at the passing of Dee. Please lift up in prayer her husband, two sons, daughter and many grandchildren. Her services are being held on Monday. May GOD comfort the family and fill their hearts and lead them to salvation. (submitted 2/13)
Sandra L. – UPDATE: there were some cancer cells detected in the uterus. Please pray as the hysterectomy is performed, that all or any cancer cells left will be GONE! Also pray for a smooth recovery with no complications and for chemo not to be necessary. Pray for strength and for GOD to fill me with HIS perfect peace and for my faith to carry me all the way through, and for my anxiety to be gone, forever. Perfect love casts out all fear!!! 1 John 4:18 (submitted 2/13)
Joan R. – has been struggling with bronchitis and a sinus infection for 2 weeks now. Please keep her in prayer for healing. (submitted 2/13)
Vincent G.- is in a coma in critical condition, struggling with many health issues. Please pray for a miracle. (submitted 2/12)
Gabriel C.- Please pray for Gabriel’s salvation. He is struggling with drugs, and alcohol, also going through depression. Thank you for all the prayers. (submitted 2/13)
From Anthony C. – Salvation for my brother’s Julian, Danny, and Alex. They are all going through many personal struggles. Thank you all for praying. (submitted 2/13)
From Laura R. – For Eddie, Gabby, Marcos, Mary, Adriana, Erendina, Maritza-for salvation-Jazmine, Scarlet and other family members to return to the Lord. (submitted 2/13)
Norma – (Henry’s Aunt) Who is in her 70’s, recently tested positive for Covid and has minor symptoms. Prayers are greatly appreciated. (submitted 2/12)
Juliet - please continue to pray for our dear sister who will be having surgery on February 23.
Norah Rae - please continue to pray for this precious little one to grow healthy and strong; may God touch her parents and guide all the physicians tending to this little life.
Roybal Family – at the passing of Dee. Please lift up in prayer her husband, two sons, daughter and many grandchildren. Her services are being held on Monday. May GOD comfort the family and fill their hearts and lead them to salvation. (submitted 2/13)
Sandra L. – UPDATE: there were some cancer cells detected in the uterus. Please pray as the hysterectomy is performed, that all or any cancer cells left will be GONE! Also pray for a smooth recovery with no complications and for chemo not to be necessary. Pray for strength and for GOD to fill me with HIS perfect peace and for my faith to carry me all the way through, and for my anxiety to be gone, forever. Perfect love casts out all fear!!! 1 John 4:18 (submitted 2/13)
Joan R. – has been struggling with bronchitis and a sinus infection for 2 weeks now. Please keep her in prayer for healing. (submitted 2/13)
Vincent G.- is in a coma in critical condition, struggling with many health issues. Please pray for a miracle. (submitted 2/12)
Gabriel C.- Please pray for Gabriel’s salvation. He is struggling with drugs, and alcohol, also going through depression. Thank you for all the prayers. (submitted 2/13)
From Anthony C. – Salvation for my brother’s Julian, Danny, and Alex. They are all going through many personal struggles. Thank you all for praying. (submitted 2/13)
From Laura R. – For Eddie, Gabby, Marcos, Mary, Adriana, Erendina, Maritza-for salvation-Jazmine, Scarlet and other family members to return to the Lord. (submitted 2/13)
Norma – (Henry’s Aunt) Who is in her 70’s, recently tested positive for Covid and has minor symptoms. Prayers are greatly appreciated. (submitted 2/12)
Juliet - please continue to pray for our dear sister who will be having surgery on February 23.
Norah Rae - please continue to pray for this precious little one to grow healthy and strong; may God touch her parents and guide all the physicians tending to this little life.
Today at Calvary Chapel El Monte
Sunday, February 14, 2021
Sunday Services - 9AM & 11AM
Today we will be studying the topic of "True Love"
Sunday Services - 9AM & 11AM
Today we will be studying the topic of "True Love"