Love never fails—never!

Love never fails—never! As we approach Valentine's Day, I want to close this week of thoughts on love with the beautiful words of 1 Corinthians 13. Love never fails. Everything else will fade away—prophecies, knowledge, words of wisdom, even faith as we now understand it. But love will endure forever. Why? Because love is the very nature of God. It’s eternal, unchanging, and victorious. When all else falls away, love remains. Every act of love—whether it’s seen or unseen—will echo throughout eternity. Words will disappear. Achievements will be forgotten. But the love you give leaves a lasting imprint on hearts and on heaven alike. When I read 1 Corinthians 13, I often make a small shift that has done something deep in my heart. Everywhere 1 Corinthians 13 says the word “love,” I replace it with the word “God,” because Scripture tells us that God is love (1 John 4:8). Which means I can say without hesitation: “God is patient. God is kind. God is not arrogant, proud, or boastful. God keeps no record of wrongs. God does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. God always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Why? Because God never fails.” (My paraphrase of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7) So today, in this beautiful, sacred moment, rest in the truth that God’s love for you never fails—and that through Him, your love can also endure for a lifetime. Jesus, thank you for your unfailing love. Teach me to build my life upon its firm foundation. Let every word, every act, and every thought flow from a love that reflects yours—a love that is constant, courageous, and eternal. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen. Never forget, my friend, you are a miracle. Your friend, Grant Fishbook

An Opportunity for Joy

An Opportunity for Joy James, the half-brother of Jesus, couldn’t believe that his flesh-and-blood sibling was the actual Son of God—until He rose from the dead. Then, he was convinced. It was that same James who wrote: “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” ‭‭James‬ ‭1:2-3‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬ According to the first-century Jewish historian, Josephus, James was eventually martyred for his confident faith in Jesus—his brother and his Lord. Here are five things to note from James’ mini-sermon: - First, the text says “WHEN troubles of any kind come your way…” It’s not if but when troubles come our way. We live in a broken world that has not yet been fully restored, so we shouldn’t be surprised when issues and challenges arise. - Second, the text says “when troubles of ANY kind come your way…” Not merely justified trouble or undeserved trouble, but any kind of trouble. And even when troubles find you, it’s an opportunity for joy. - Third, the text connects hardships with the testing of our faith. This doesn’t mean that God causes every challenge in our life, but He can certainly use them to reveal what’s inside. It’s in the refining that we’re made to look like Him. - Fourth, the text says, especially during difficult seasons or situations, to “consider it an opportunity for great joy.” Happiness is dependent on circumstances, but joy is accessible no matter what. - Fifth, the text implies that troubles, trials, or difficulties all create space for endurance to grow. Think of a flower: In order for a flower to grow, it has to go through something—that something being dirt. So when you’re faced with hard things and can’t understand why, consider it an opportunity for great joy. That’s when you know that you’re growing and becoming more like Him.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” ‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” ‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I just completed Day 2 of on journey through Jeremiah and Lamentations YouVersion.com

I just completed Day 2 of on journey through Jeremiah and Lamentations YouVersion.com

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Love is not fragile

Love is not fragile Years ago, Laurel and I were in the middle of a difficult church transition. Some rumors had been spread about me, and someone from the church called our house to see if they could get to the bottom of the truth. I heard Laurel, in a very protective mode, speak to this person with grace and truth on the telephone saying, “No, actually, you can't speak to him right now. He's unavailable. But when you do, I want to remind you that he is my husband.” “It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (1 Corinthians 13:7, NIV) Love is not fragile. It’s fierce in faith, steady in storms, and unwavering throughout a lifetime. It protects those it loves. It always believes the best, hopes in the face of despair, and keeps going even when life is hard. We live in a world that gives up way too easily. It gives up on people, commitments, and even faith. But love endures because it’s rooted in God, whose love never fails. That doesn’t mean that love ignores pain or pretends that everything is fine, even when it’s not. It simply means that love chooses faithfulness over convenience. Take a moment and think of some people or situations that stretch your love to the breaking point. What if today God is inviting you to protect, trust, hope, and persevere in ways that only He can make possible? So today, where is God asking you to hold on in love rather than give up and walk away? Lord Jesus, teach us all to love with endurance. When I’m tempted to give up, fill me with hope. When trust feels risky, give me a little more faith. And help me love with Your strength, not my own. In Jesus’ name, amen. Never forget, my friend, you are a miracle. Your friend, Grant Fishbook

at heart—physical health matters.

Staying in Spiritual Shape When Paul wrote 1 Timothy 4:8, he acknowledged something we all probably know at heart—physical health matters. In Paul's time, athletic training was a sign of discipline and strength. Today, we also recognize how sleep, nutrition, and exercise impact our well-being. Taking care of our bodies is important because they are a gift from God. But Paul reminds us that while physical training has value, it’s not enough on its own. We need something more—something deeper that sustains us beyond the ups and downs of life. That something is godliness. Godliness isn’t just about avoiding bad habits. It’s about shaping our lives around God’s presence and purpose. Just as physical training strengthens our bodies, spiritual training—through prayer, Scripture, and obedience—strengthens our souls. When we seek Him first, we discover that godliness doesn’t just prepare us for eternity, it also transforms how we live right now. A healthy life—mentally, physically, and spiritually—starts with seeking Him first.