I’ve learned over the years to listen to my wife. Sherry is what Proverbs 31 calls a virtuous woman, and that includes her being filled with wisdom. After completing a full marathon last year, I was thinking of doing it again. But Sherry recommended I cut back a little. The upside is that I didn’t have to run up to the top of a small mountain and could stay pretty level. Today I enjoyed—really enjoyed—running the Coeur D’Alene Half Marathon. The weather was perfect, the view along the lake was reminiscent of visiting the Sea of Galilee, and there were plenty of wonderful people to meet and encourage along the run.
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Just before God graciously helped the children of Israel reach the promised land, he gave Moses amazing truth. This revelation included one of the key areas that we, even today, can grow in–God’s love. We find 16 references to God’s love. Biblically, the number 8 shows a new beginning and the number 2 establishes a thing. Here in Deuteronomy, love [8 x 2] establishes a new beginning for those believers. Let’s look at the 16 places where the English word “love” is used in the King James Version of Deuteronomy to see what we can learn about God’s love then, and how God’s love can help us live His promises today. 
Today I learned a great lesson. My posture has been getting worse over the past few years because I allow my head to hang forward. A physical therapist said our heads weight 10 to 14 pounds (the same weight as a bowling ball). For every inch we lean forward, we are putting 10 pounds of pressure on our neck muscles. It’s taking work, but I’m keeping my head centered on my body and am immediately seeing less pain, better breathing, and I’m standing taller. It’s nice to get rid of this literal “pain in the neck.” 
I was just sitting and enjoying the gas heater blowing on me, during this cold January morning in northern Idaho. It reminded me of my childhood winters in Missouri and our old oil heater that would keep me warm. In fact, I would leave my bed in those days to sit by a wall vent with my little robe over me as a tent. I also look forward to staying warm in future cold situations. Why? Because God takes care of me. 
This title is actually a figure of speech that the French call double entendre, or double meaning. We will look at God’s great love throughout the ages, all time. And we will see how He loves us through His Son Jesus Christ throughout the different ages, or seasons, that we live in this earthly life. 
The Gospel of Matthew shows Jesus as the Messiah, the great King. It begins with John the Baptist preparing the way for him, his baptism with holy spirit, his temptation in the wilderness, and then shows him declaring his kingdom in 4:12—7:29. Much of this declaration is in what is called the “Sermon on the Mount.” 
The entire Bible is a tapestry of truth that shows the basics of life and also the details of how things work. Man has basic needs: security, sustenance, and enjoyment. God provides all three. But the Devil has tricked people into going to him for the basics. This always leaves the seeker hurt, incomplete, and lifeless. 
