From: February 14, 2026
“And he made the holy anointing oil also, and the pure fragrant incense, blended as by the perfumer” (Exodus 37:29 ESV).
In Exodus 37, Moses recorded for Israel how Bezalel and the craftsmen constructed the furnishings of the Tabernacle exactly as the LORD had commanded. In verse 29, he noted that they also made the holy anointing oil and the pure fragrant incense, blended by the skilled work of a perfumer. This was not common oil for daily use, nor casual perfume for personal enjoyment. It was sacred, carefully prepared according to God’s precise instructions given earlier (Ex. 30). Its purpose was holy—to consecrate the priests and furnishings and to accompany worship with a pleasing aroma before the LORD.
The emphasis was not creativity but obedience. The oil and incense were made “as by the perfumer,” showing care, skill, and submission to divine specification. Their sacred function affirmed that worship was to be offered God’s way, not man’s way. The rising fragrance symbolized the prayers of God’s people, while the anointing oil pointed to consecration and sanctification. Together, they anticipated Christ’s mediatory work—our High Priest whose intercession rises before the Father and whose Spirit sets us apart as holy.
On this Valentine’s Day, it seems fitting to reflect on fragrant oil prepared by a perfumer. While the world celebrates sentimental love, Exodus 37:29 reminds us that true love for God is expressed through obedience. Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Love is not merely emotional; it is covenantal and obedient.
We show our love for Christ not through improvised worship or selective submission, but through careful, joyful obedience to His Word. Our prayers rise like incense when offered through Christ. Our lives become fragrant when set apart by His Spirit. As we walk in obedience, our love becomes a holy aroma before the Lord. This is the fragrance of obedient love.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Word and for the greater High Priest, Jesus Christ. Teach us to love You not only with our words but with our obedience. Set us apart by Your Spirit. Let our prayers rise like sweet incense before You, and let our lives carry the fragrance of Christ. May our love for You be expressed in faithful submission to Your commands. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: February 14, 2025
“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20 ESV).
Every believer should know the Great Commission, which is Christ’s command to make disciples of all nations. But let us not forget that the Lord’s command ends with a promise: “I am with you always.” He promises to “never leave us nor forsake us” (Heb. 13:5). Yes, we are sent out with the gospel, but we are not sent out alone. For Jesus promises to always be with us.
On this Valentine’s Day, isn’t that the best promise of all? A promise of eternal devotion and love, a pledge of everlasting fellowship. This is what we have on this day and every day from our Lord Jesus. We have something we can be sure of, we have the promise of Christ’s continued and constant presence.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we love You. We thank You. For by grace through faith we have been saved and made Your children. We know that You will never leave nor forsake us. Strengthen us this day to carry Your message of love and salvation to the nations. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: February 14, 2024
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18 ESV).
Not everyone will receive a Valentine today. Some have a heart still hurting from a broken relationship. Other hearts have slowly been crushed by a lifetime of loneliness. Yet, everyone who comes to the Lord with a contrite and humble spirit, admitting their broken hearts, will experience His presence and salvation. Acknowledging brokenness precedes wholeness in the Lord. He is near. Cry out to the Lover of your soul, and feel lonely and unloved no longer.
PRAYER: Dear Father, how great is Your love, O Lord. That you loved us even while we were far from You is amazing. We would know more of Your love. Heal our broken hearts and fill us with Your agape love, so that we may love You back with all that we are and love our neighbor as we love ourselves. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
From: February 14, 2023
“Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20 NLT).
Every believer should know the Great Commission, which is Christ’s command to make disciples of all nations. But let us not forget that the Lord’s command ends with a promise: “I am with you always.” He promises to “never leave us nor forsake us” (Heb. 13:5). Yes, we are sent out with the gospel, but we are not sent out alone. For Jesus promises to always be with us.
On this Valentine’s Day, isn’t that the best promise of all? A promise of eternal devotion and love, a pledge of everlasting fellowship. This is what we have on this day and every day from our Lord Jesus. We have something we can be sure of, we have the promise of Christ’s presence.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we love You. We thank You. For by grace through faith we have been saved and made Your children. We know that You will never leave nor forsake us. Strengthen us this day to carry Your message of love and salvation to the nations. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: February 14, 2017
Not everyone will receive a Valentine today. Some have a heart still hurting from a broken relationship. Other hearts have slowly broken from a life time of loneliness. Yet, everyone who comes to the Lord with a “contrite” and humble spirit, admitting their broken hearts, will experience His presence and salvation. Acknowledging brokenness precedes wholeness in the Lord. He is near. Cry out to the Lover of your soul, and feel lonely and unloved no longer.