February 12th, 2026
by Mark McAdow
by Mark McAdow
By Pastor Mark McAdow
I had the opportunity to speak at Emmanuel Christian School’s morning Chapel Service yesterday. Since it’s Valentine’s week (hint, hint, guys!), I spoke about love to elementary age kids and asked what they loved. I got several responses including video games, toys, Grandma, and a few for parents, too! I brought with me some of the things I loved in a bag including Hideaway pizza (well, a box!), a can of Coca-Cola that becomes a puzzle, a Rumble doll to signify the OKC Thunder (don’t judge me – it was a gift!), a red Bible (because every Bible should be “read”), and a picture of my beautiful bride, Robin. I love all these things, but obviously some “loves” are much deeper and richer than others.
My point, of course, was that God is love and all other loves pale in comparison to His love. I wanted to teach the Scripture that is inscribed in Robin’s wedding band. I asked if anyone knew I John 4:19 from memory, as I began to write it on a whiteboard. Dozens of students responded “yes!” I was floored. I knew they would know John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life,” but I thought I might stump them with I John 4:19. I was wrong! There is something to be said about Christian education and Scripture memory. I’m so very thankful Mandie is teaching our Willow View kids to “hide God’s Word in their hearts” through Scripture memory.
Do you know I John 4:19? “We love because He first loved me.” Think about that for just a moment. God is love. We didn’t initiate love for God. He first reached out to us in His love. Romans 5:8 says, “God demonstrated His love for us in this, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” That’s true love. Jesus is our ultimate lover and friend. His Holy Word is His valentine to each of us.
Receive His love today and offer His love to someone else, too.
Love you,
Pastor Mark
PS: Remember to sign up this Sunday to be part of the Prayer partner for Lent opportunity. You will be blessed and be a blessing, too!
PS: Ash Wednesday worship is coming Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 6 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Have a blessed Valentine’s Day. See you this Sunday, too.
I had the opportunity to speak at Emmanuel Christian School’s morning Chapel Service yesterday. Since it’s Valentine’s week (hint, hint, guys!), I spoke about love to elementary age kids and asked what they loved. I got several responses including video games, toys, Grandma, and a few for parents, too! I brought with me some of the things I loved in a bag including Hideaway pizza (well, a box!), a can of Coca-Cola that becomes a puzzle, a Rumble doll to signify the OKC Thunder (don’t judge me – it was a gift!), a red Bible (because every Bible should be “read”), and a picture of my beautiful bride, Robin. I love all these things, but obviously some “loves” are much deeper and richer than others.
My point, of course, was that God is love and all other loves pale in comparison to His love. I wanted to teach the Scripture that is inscribed in Robin’s wedding band. I asked if anyone knew I John 4:19 from memory, as I began to write it on a whiteboard. Dozens of students responded “yes!” I was floored. I knew they would know John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life,” but I thought I might stump them with I John 4:19. I was wrong! There is something to be said about Christian education and Scripture memory. I’m so very thankful Mandie is teaching our Willow View kids to “hide God’s Word in their hearts” through Scripture memory.
Do you know I John 4:19? “We love because He first loved me.” Think about that for just a moment. God is love. We didn’t initiate love for God. He first reached out to us in His love. Romans 5:8 says, “God demonstrated His love for us in this, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” That’s true love. Jesus is our ultimate lover and friend. His Holy Word is His valentine to each of us.
Receive His love today and offer His love to someone else, too.
Love you,
Pastor Mark
PS: Remember to sign up this Sunday to be part of the Prayer partner for Lent opportunity. You will be blessed and be a blessing, too!
PS: Ash Wednesday worship is coming Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 6 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Have a blessed Valentine’s Day. See you this Sunday, too.
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