Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. I stopped and let myself think about it for a moment, my mind pondering the subject through old posted memories that had just surfaced on social; varying from humorous ones to the real origins of the holiday- the life of St. Valentine who was a martyr. Oh, and what love verse should I share? And … I was fine, and then I was not. The thought of never having had a valentine suddenly took the wind out of my sails. Not because I feel like I am missing something, but rather as I imagined trying to write an encouraging note around the subject I could feel the typical and familiar judgement I have sensed in the past – “What’s wrong with you?”.

While I know my stance on the matter, I could feel this suggested deficit try and linger to see if I would take hold. Classic story of “as a man thinks in his heart, so is he” and I wasn’t willing to let these unfavorable thoughts lead the day. Recognizing that I don’t identify with these feelings as the truth (although there where times I once had), I knew the Lord wanted me to pause and look at this because He wanted to express something through it.

Men and women alike, your heart is not for everyone to handle and that is ok. This world is inside out and upside down and so are its practices. We have long placed value on the wrong things, which is why we end up calling evil good and good evil. Now, I am not suggesting this Hallmark holiday is evil, but from an overhead perspective there are subtle suggestions from elementary to adult hood that we are rewarded IF we are deserving of love. And therefore if I don’t have someone rewarding me, that must mean I am not worthy of love. Well, if I may be so transparent it is true I have never had a valentine, nor have I received flowers, gifts, etc from admirers with the exception of my boyfriend in high school who gave me a Christmas gift, and one male friend gifted me flowers on my birthday. And there’s some creepers in there which I’ll choose to overlook, but I have had some really nice dinners though. 😀 In context, I don’t really date, nor have I had many boyfriends. But does this mean I am actually not “worthy” to receive? Who knows, you may be reading this now and thinking, “There must be something wrong with her then!”

In some ways it is a blessing; I am free from attachment, in possessions and persons. I don’t have to give away or sell items because I am reminded of a person that no longer loves me or who I no longer am in love with. But more than not being wasteful with material possessions (it’s not like I don’t like gifts by the way, lol) I am not wasteful with someones time, emotions, finances, and heart. And for the record, I am a romantic and am pro-marriage, so this is the longest wait of my life. But what about a shift in perspective, and honoring what is truly admirable within hearts wether single, married, dating, or engaged? The most admirable thing about any of us is that we have already been chosen, each one of us created in the image of our Heavenly Father. This world will tell you everything you are not, but the Lord reminds you of everything you are. As a matter of fact the world has our hearts so undervalued that for countless years integrity, morality, and love for God is regarded as meaningless when our hearts are the very place from which our identity is formed. “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7.

I recently came across a story on National Geographic of an Iceman who lived in the European Alps. “Otzi the Iceman” was naturally mummified and discovered by German hikers in 1991. The article states he had died 5,000 years ago and has become Europes most famous mummy, the subject of science, books, and documentaries. Otzi is kept in a custom cold chamber, his remains are attended to five times a year and he averages 300,000 visitors as year. Otzi is “one of a kind,” an only tie to that point in history and therefore great care is taken to well preserve his remains. The city where he is housed (Bolzano, Italy) is even planning to upgrade to a new archaeology museum for him. As much as I find history fascinating, how much more our living, beating hearts that imprint the world today! When something is special it must be preserved; if it holds high value, is rare and precious, great lengths are taken to ensure its protection such as human guards, security systems, special chambers, and sometimes even the temperature at which it is stored is taken in to account with great care.

An original piece of fine art in the same way is irreplaceable, and cannot be touched by the public’s hands. While many people can gaze, admire and learn from our hearts, they are not for everyone to handle. The book of Proverbs, also known as the book of Wisdom writes, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life” 4:23 (NLT), “Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life” 4:23 (NKJV). Another interpretation to this verse is the “issues” that flow from your life are determined by how well you guard your heart. When you don’t understand your value, you “sell out” or are undersold for less than value. You are not someone’s good deal, you are treasure, and the outcome of this truth is also determined by what you believe. This bit of wisdom applies to exceptionally more than love relationships, as healthy heart flow is connected to beloved identity in Jesus. “For skillful and godly Wisdom is better than rubies or pearls, and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.” Proverbs 8:11 AMPC

A man like St. Valentine had to have known his beloved identity in Jesus as he emulated Christ through his selflessness and commitment to covenant love. At the time in Rome the Christian Church was facing persecution from an emperor named Claudias who had released an edict prohibiting marriage. St. Valentine being a priest secretly married the Christians, and helped persecuted believers. It is said that while imprisoned he prayed for one of his judges, Asterius’ daughter who was blind. The daughter was healed which led to Asterius’ salvation as well. In 269 AD St. Valentine was sentenced to death, and was beaten, stoned, and beheaded for marrying Christians, he was martyred for love and marriage, as was Christ. I love this account of St. Valentine, though how much more powerful that Jesus made the way through His shed blood for us to be worthy to receive Him.

I want to leave you with a powerful short vision I had March 24, 2021 entitled “A Worthy Heart”

This morning I had a powerful vision I pray blesses you. I was praying in the Spirit and I sensed I was in the courts of Heaven. There was a weight on my heart, and I very much felt the accusations of the adversary. I had bound these spirits to the foot of the cross in English, and broke any agreement that they were part of my identity. However, there was still something being prayed through me. As I yielded to the Spirit I went into a vision and saw Jesus’ hand (index finger) writing w o r t h y in His blood over my exposed heart. I asked the Lord for Scripture and two passages came to mind.

“So now the case is closed. There remains no accusing voice of condemnation against those who are joined in life-union with Jesus, the Anointed One.” Romans 8:1 TPT

“Your hearts can soar with joyful gratitude when you think of how God made you worthy to receive the glorious inheritance freely given to us by living in the light. He has rescued us completely from the tyrannical rule of darkness and has translated us into the kingdom realm of his beloved Son. For in the Son all our sins are canceled and we have the release of redemption through his very blood.”Colossians 1:12-14 TPT

The blood of Jesus closes the case in the courts! The enemy uses his index “pointer” finger to accuse the body, Jesus uses his index finger to authenticate truth over your heart and prophetically point you to the legitimacy of your identity. The enemy lies to intimidate with ‘all that you are not’, while Jesus speaks truth into all that you are.

Revelation 12:10 writes that the accuser of our brothers and sisters (who are the body of Christ) relentlessly accuses us before God day and night. As we grow and mature in our spiritual journey warfare shifts in awareness and intensity, but one thing will remain; the truth of God’s Word. Sometimes we will find ourselves in the courts of Heaven (and not always on the defense) but when your heart is pure and united to Christ’s, you can remain confident you will “win the case”, for the release of redemption is through His very blood. His blood made you worthy to receive this beautiful inheritance- beloved identity in Him to rule and reign with Him.

May we look to Jesus beholding all that HE is, may we incline our ear to His voice and hear the words of life from the Author and finisher of our faith. (Hebrews 12:2)

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He is Love! Happy Valentine’s Day!