Scripture: Psalm 139:1-4; Isaiah 46:10; John 1:4; Romans 5:8; 8:37-39; 1 John 5:11, 12.

Paul Newman died this past weekend. His career started in films and then progressed into a salad dressing business, racing NASCARs and extensive philanthropy work. Many fans around the world will miss him, but none more than his family.

The love story between Newman and Joanne Woodward, his wife, was epic. On and off screen their love was obvious. In an acting industry where the “landscape is littered with countless broken marriages, they celebrated 50 years together on January 29, 2008.

“And when Newman died Friday at the Connecticut home they shared since 1960, Woodward was still there - until death did them part. The couple moved into an 18th-century Connecticut farmhouse, a decision that Woodward later said solidified their marriage. ‘We were never Hollywood people,’ the Oscar-winning actress told the Daily News in 2001. ‘We just liked it better here. It also probably helps that we always enjoyed each other's company

“Newman once attributed their lasting union to correct amounts of love and respect. When asked about the temptations of other women, he often said, ‘I have steak at home. Why go out for hamburger?’” 1

God’s love, respect and admiration is just as strong for you as Newman’s was for Woodward. In this week’s Bible study, we are reminded that the Trinity is doing everything possible to make us one again. Sin has separated humanity from Heaven. Fortunately that is not where the story ends.

It’s such good news that God is constantly communicating how connected we are. So many other sources bombard us with how estranged we are from each other. But that is not God’s nature. God is loving. God is gracious and generous. God’s ways are winsome and wise. You are safe with God. Where else would you rather be 

Let’s these words sink deep into your mind and heart today:

Isaiah 49:15-16 (The Message)

"Can a mother forget the infant at her breast,

walk away from the baby she bore?

But even if mothers forget,

I'd never forget you—never.

Look, I've written your names on the backs of my hands."

John 15:9-16 (The Message)

"I've loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love. … I've told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. … I'm no longer calling you servants because servants don't understand what their master is thinking and planning. No, I've named you friends because I've let you in on everything I've heard from the Father. …You didn't choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won't spoil. As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you."

Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Paul Richardson, Director

1.  NY Daily News

Center for Creative Ministry

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