Ever wonder how Valentine’s day came about? Let’s take a look at the history. There are a few stories about it. Nobody really knows which one is true. However, there is one in particular that got my attention.

Back in the days, there was an empire that banned marriages all together to grow his army with men. There were too many of them were getting married and it affected these men going into the army. There was a priest name Father Valentine that found this ban unjust and secretly wed young couples. The Empire found out about it and arrested him. While he was in prison, the young couples that he married secretly gave him flowers & notes as a symbol of their gratitude of what he did for them. It was believed that he fell in love with the jailor’s daughter. Before he died, he wrote a letter and signed it, “from your valentine”. He was sentenced to death on February 14^th. This became Saint Valentine’s Day. What a beautiful love story. Saint Valentine died for a cause. Is there not a cause? He did it for others out of love. Now that’s TRUE LOVE. Let me ask you this, when was the last time someone died for you? Thinking back on my life, I can’t think of one time that a person died for me because they love me.

But wait! There is someone that died for everyone! That is Jesus Christ. He died for a cause – because God loves mankind! Is this not a cause? Now, this is true love!

1 John 3:16 – For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the word, but to save the world through him.

 Don’t mistake love with roses, candy, and romance. True love is God’s love EVERYDAY of the year, not just one day on Valentine’s day.  This day does not have to be the most depressing time for Singles. Stop dodging  this day like a stray bullet.  Understand that this is a day of love- God’s love that is! Here are some things that can help you:

1. Change your ATTITUDE.  It’s a choice that you have. Choose to be happy and content on Valentine’s day. The battle begins in your mind. You need to change your mindset. Instead of conforming to the world’s way of celebrating this day with a person, celebrate this day with God who is LOVE.

Romans 12:2 – Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

This day represents affection and love towards someone. What better way to express your affection and love to your one and only – JESUS!

2. Stand on His PROMISES. Fill yourself more of his word. Let the scriptures fill your heart that will bring you joy!

 1 John 4:16 – And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. GOD IS LOVE, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.

Start worshipping God with songs. When you are caught up in worship, you can’t help but to have God’s joy and love overwhelm you.

3. Look AROUND. Instead of complaining about what you don’t have, be thankful of what God is doing around you. Let Him show you how awesome it is to be wined and dined by the Lover of your soul. No other person on earth will treat you as well as God can.

You need to open your heart to Jesus and he will show you how to enjoy life right now. Sometimes, you really need to stop and smell the roses! Why are you complaining that no one gives you flowers? God puts them all around you to enjoy. Maybe you need to take a walk so you can see what God has given you. Don’t miss out on your TRUE LOVE for this Valentine’s day.

1 John 4:19 – we love Him because He FIRST LOVED US.

The month of January is all about setting New Year’s resolution for a new year.  Many favorite ones have to do with dieting, eating healthier, exercising, etc.  As people make their goal to get their body in shape, there is one thing that all single adults need to add to this list – Be Celibate!

I know, I know, celibacy is not a very popular word in the singles world. But if you really want to get fit in 2010, you must add celibacy to your life. There is nothing like a new year with a fresh start. Now is the time to start fresh with purity back into your life!

Why celibacy you ask? Well, as everyone knows, being celibate will keep you from the obvious-unwanted pregnancy, STD’s, AIDS, heartaches, emotional issues, and even soul ties. But did you also know that committing to celibacy will take your spirituality to the next level with God? When you honor your body to God, He will bring honor to you!

 1 Corinthians 6:19 – Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

When you remain celibate, your body is Holy to God. But if you give yourself away in fornication (having sex outside of marriage), you will be sinning in God’s eyes. This type of behavior is not pleasing to God. But more than that, the guilt, shame and consequences that come with fornication is hazardous to your body, soul and spirit.

Can God forgive you if you have committed fornication? Absolutely! But you must also repent (turn away from this sin) and ask God for forgiveness. Then you can start all over again – a fresh start!

Are you ready to take it up a notch with God this year? Why wait any longer? Make that New Year’s resolution of being celibate for the year 2010. Trust me, it will be worth it! God will make it worth it to you and that’s a promise you can count on! Try it – commit to celibacy, seek God and you will connect with him on a whole new level.  He will show you how to live a life of purity that will be pleasing to Him!

Proverbs 22:1; Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.