Category: God’s Love

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Beauty for Ashes

Yesterday I took some time for myself. Thank you for allowing me that privilege.

My brother left earth and his Alzheimer’s weaken body and mind on Friday. His eyes and hands were focused upward toward heaven and he told his wife that he could see Jesus. What a wonderful passing!

I know that the next time I see him his body will be perfect and so will his mind. Mine will be too. Heaven is wonderful! I filled most of my day yesterday with memories of my childhood and my life and experiences with him. Sweet.

I had this precious promise from the Lord and it brought me comfort.

“ He sent me to announce that the time has come for the Lord to show his kindness, when our God will also punish evil people. He has sent me to comfort those who are sad, 3 those in Zion who mourn. I will take away the ashes on their head, and I will give them a crown. I will take away their sadness, and I will give them the oil of happiness. I will take away their sorrow, and I will give them celebration clothes.” Isaiah 61:2-3 ERV

Today, I’m choosing beauty; focusing on the love of my heavenly Father. Jesus came to bring us comfort and to take away our sadness, to meet us in our time of grieving. Jesus grieved over the death of His friend Lazarus and then with His own death, He defeated the power of death.

“So this body that ruins will clothe itself with that which never ruins. And this body that dies will clothe itself with that which never dies. When this happens, the Scriptures will be made true: “Death is swallowed in victory.” I Corinthians 15:55 ERV

“How great is God’s love for all who worship him? Greater than the distance between heaven and earth! 12 How far has the Lord taken our sins from us? Farther than the distance from east to west! 13 Just as parents are kind to their children, the Lord is kind to all who worship him, 14 because he knows we are made of dust. 15 We humans are like grass or wild flowers that quickly bloom. 16 But a scorching wind blows, and they quickly wither to be forever forgotten. 17 The Lord is always kind to those who worship him, and he keeps his promises to their descendants 18 who faithfully obey him.” Psalm 103:11-18 CEV

Maybe, you are also experiencing a wave of sadness or a time of mourning, let the Lord fill you with beauty and joy!

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There’s Something About a Sunrise

One of the privileges of rising early is seeing some of the most beautiful unobstructed sunrises!

I remember the one pictured here. It was a brisk July morning and we were in the White Mountains of Arizona. We were summer camp hosts at Rainbow Campground, Big Lake. Our campground had been evacuated because of fire danger. All the campers had been moved off the mountain and the hosts had all been moved to one campground where we had the best ingress and egress in case we needed to evacuate quickly.

It was a tense time. Occasionally we would see smoke plumes rising from the mountain tops in the distance. There was no rain. The danger was real. Internet access was spotty. In fact, we would have to drive from the campground to the other side of the lake where the signal was stronger and I could upload my morning blog.

This is the sunrise from one of those mornings. We had driven through a treed area unable to see it until we rounded the bend and there before us, the sky was filled with the glory of God’s sun, rising to meet the day!

Four words come to mind: faithfulness, thankfulness, and everlasting love!

The faithfulness of God that every day He sends a sunrise and a sunset. It proves His power and majesty. Thankfulness – that in all of creation He knows my name and takes notice of me. Everlasting love – not an emotional “fall in/fall out” of love but an everlasting love. A love that never ends.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods.
His faithful love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords.
His faithful love endures forever.

4 Give thanks to him who alone does mighty miracles.
His faithful love endures forever.
5 Give thanks to him who made the heavens so skillfully.
His faithful love endures forever.
6 Give thanks to him who placed the earth among the waters.
His faithful love endures forever.
7 Give thanks to him who made the heavenly lights—
His faithful love endures forever.
8 the sun to rule the day,
His faithful love endures forever.
9 and the moon and stars to rule the night.
His faithful love endures forever...

23 He remembered us in our weakness.
His faithful love endures forever.
24 He saved us from our enemies.
His faithful love endures forever.
25 He gives food to every living thing.
His faithful love endures forever.
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His faithful love endures forever.” Psalm 136 NLT

Are you feeling unloved – lost in your struggle? His faithful love endures forever!

“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” I Corinthians 13:7 NLT

Needing answers and there seem to be none? His faithful love endures forever!

“Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.” I Corinthians 13:13 NLT

As long as there is a sunrise, it will be a reminder that God’s love will last forever!!

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The Heart of God

We’ve all seen those little labels that are put on the products we buy. Made in U.S.A., China, Japan, Mexico, Canada…

Do you realize that we were made in the heart of God and He sees us as priceless?

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In Christ, God has given us every spiritual blessing in heaven. 4 In Christ, he chose us before the world was made. He chose us in love to be his holy people—people who could stand before him without any fault. 5 And before the world was made, God decided to make us his own children through Jesus Christ. This was what God wanted, and it pleased him to do it. 6 And this brings praise to God because of his wonderful grace. God gave that grace to us freely. He gave us that grace in Christ, the one he loves.” Ephesians 1:3-6 ERV

We were conceived in God’s heart before He made the world! I know, it’s almost impossible to fathom that God had us in mind before anything that we know and see was created. He was thinking of us.

“You have looked deep into my heart, Lord, and you know all about me. 2 You know when I am resting or when I am working, and from heaven you discover my thoughts.3 You notice everything I do and everywhere I go. 4 Before I even speak a word, you know what I will say,
5 and with your powerful arm you protect me from every side. 6 I can’t understand all of this! Such wonderful knowledge is far above me.” Psalm 139:1-6 CEV

Our heavenly Father knows the words we will speak, where we will go and even the number of the hairs on our head. He has tattooed our picture on the palm of His hands.

“I drew a picture of you on my hand. You are always before my eyes” Isaiah 49:16 ERV

We are priceless to Him!

“ Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life” John 3:16 ERV

He gave the One He dearly loved so that we could be joined to them.

“Even before I was born, you had written in your book everything about me. 17 Your thoughts are far beyond my understanding, much more than I could ever imagine.
18 I try to count your thoughts, but they outnumber the grains of sand on the beach.
And when I awake, I will find you nearby.” Psalm 139:16-18 ERV

God has spent eternity thinking of us. The thoughts He has toward us are immeasurable.

“Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with everything God has for you.” Ephesians 3:19 ERV

“But Christ died for us while we were still sinners, and by this God showed how much he loves us. 9 We have been made right with God by the blood sacrifice of Christ. So through Christ we will surely be saved from God’s anger.” Romans 5:8-9 ERV

God, our heavenly Father, wants us to know Him personally. He wants us to know the depth of His love for us. He wants us to know that we are priceless to Him!

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The Debt of Love

Just recently we received our tax bill from the County. I don’t know why it should surprise me because it comes every year, but sometimes it catches me off guard. Two days ago, I went online and paid it. That action was fresh in my thinking when I read these verses this morning.

There is one indebtedness we should deal with on a daily basis.

“Give everyone what you owe them. If you owe them any kind of tax, then pay it. Show respect to those you should respect. And show honor to those you should honor.

8 You should owe nothing to anyone, except that you will always owe love to each other. The person who loves others has done all that the law commands. 9 The law says, ‘You must not commit adultery, you must not murder anyone, you must not steal, you must not want what belongs to someone else.’ All these commands and all other commands are really only one rule: ‘Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.‘ 10 Love doesn’t hurt others. So loving is the same as obeying all the law. 11 I say this because you know that we live in an important time. Yes, it is now time for you to wake up from your sleep. Our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” Romans 13:7-11 ERV

The Apostle Paul wrote these words from Rome while he was a prisoner, unjustly accused. If anyone had the right to be bitter, resentful and vindictive he did. Instead, he used his time encouraging, instructing and giving hope to those around him.

Paul learned this from Jesus.

He knew how the religious elite tried to trip Jesus up by asking which of God’s commands was the greatest.

“He said, ‘Teacher, which command in the law is the most important?’ 37 Jesus answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and most important command. 39 And the second command is like the first: ‘Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.’ 40 All of the law and the writings of the prophets take their meaning from these two commands.” Matthew 22:36-40 ERV

And then there were these words of Jesus spoken from the cross.

“Jesus said, “Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34 ERV

On the cross Jesus showed the ultimate expression of love. We owed a debt for our sin, but we were unable to pay it because none of us are perfect. But Jesus, the perfect lamb of God, paid the debt for us. He showed His love for the Father and for us, His neighbor, for all the world to see.

Paul never lost sight of that sacrifice, and he wanted everyone who read his words to remember that we also have a debt of love.

“I give you a new command: Love each other. You must love each other just as I loved you. 35 All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other.” John 13:34-35 ERV

It’s not a debt that we can pay with our checkbooks or credit cards. It is more costly than that. We pay the debt of love with our obedience and our daily living.

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Start the Day Right

A new month, a new day but our Father is always the same!

His love is everlasting, His faithfulness endures to a thousand generations, His peace bypasses all our understanding and His promises never fail!

Start the day knowing that you are blessed and you have angels around you to protect and help you today.

“This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear (reverence) Him, and delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him” Psalm 34:6-8

“But I will sing about your strength. I will rejoice in your love every morning. You have been my place of safety, the place I can run to when troubles come. 17 I will sing praises to you, my source of strength. You, God, are my place of safety. You are the God who loves me!” Psalm 59:16-17 ERV

“ We pray that the Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father will comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say. God loved us and gave us through his grace a wonderful hope and comfort that has no end.” II Thessalonians 2:16-17 ERV

“Praise the Lord because he is good! His faithful love will last forever!” Psalm 118:1 ERV

“My soul, praise the Lord and never forget how kind he is! 3 He forgives all our sins and heals all our sicknesses. 4 He saves us from the grave, and he gives us love and compassion…But the Lord has always loved his followers, and he will continue to love them forever and ever!” Psalm 103:2-4, 17 ERV

“I will sing forever about the Lord’s love. I will sing about his faithfulness forever and ever!
2 I will say, ‘Your faithful love will last forever. Your loyalty is like the sky—there is no end to it!” Psalm 89:1-2 ERV

I don’t know about you, but I think this is a great way to start the day and the month, focusing on the eternal, unfailing, everlasting love of God!

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Don’t Quit – Don’t Give Up – Don’t Give In

Don’t quit – Don’t stop – Don’t Give Up – Don’t Give In

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” Philippians 1:6

We all feel like giving up at one time or another but with God’s strength we can and will go forward to victory.

God has given us His power to overcome and be victorious in the things of life. Not our power but His. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead has been made available to us.

“ God put everything under Christ’s power and made him head over everything for the church. 23 The church is Christ’s body. It is filled with him. He makes everything complete in every way.” Ephesians 1:22-23 ERV

“Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with everything God has for you. 20 With God’s power working in us, he can do much, much more than anything we can ask or think of. ” Ephesians 3:19-20 ERV

“ I say this because all of God lives in Christ fully, even in his life on earth. 10 And because you belong to Christ you are complete, having everything you need. Christ is ruler over every other power and authority.” Colossians 2:9-10 ERV

“ So what should we say about this? If God is for us, no one can stand against us. And God is with us. 32 He even let his own Son suffer for us. God gave his Son for all of us. So now with Jesus, God will surely give us all things. 33 Who can accuse the people God has chosen? No one! God is the one who makes them right. 34 Who can say that God’s people are guilty? No one! Christ Jesus died for us, but that is not all. He was also raised from death. And now he is at God’s right side, speaking to him for us.” Romans 8:31-34 ERV

We aren’t supposed to do life on our own!

God has made His power available to us through Christ. Don’t give up, don’t quit – lean into the power of God through your relationship with Jesus.

“ But the Lord said, ‘My grace is all you need. Only when you are weak can everything be done completely by my power.‘ So I will gladly boast about my weaknesses. Then Christ’s power can stay in me.” II Corinthians 12:9 ERV

The Father’s great love for us is more than enough to strengthen us in any situation. Don’t give up, Don’t give in, Don’t quit. His grace is sufficient!!

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Seek His Face

I’ve been looking at the reactions of the people that encountered Jesus as I read through the book of John.

Some are moved by what Jesus did and others by what Jesus said. I asked myself, which one am I? Do I need to see a miracle to have my faith bolstered or am I willing to let my life be changed by the simplicity of His word?

Remember the Samaritan woman? Her life and the life of her town were changed by the words of Jesus.

” Many of the Samaritan people in that town believed in Jesus. They believed because of what the woman had told them about him. She had told them, ‘He told me everything I have ever done.’ 40 The Samaritans went to Jesus. They begged him to stay with them. So he stayed there two days. 41 Many more people became believers because of the things he said.

42 The people said to the woman, ‘First we believed in Jesus because of what you told us. But now we believe because we heard him ourselves. We know now that he really is the one who will save the world.’” John 4:39-42 ERV

And then there was the man at the pool who had been lame – His life was changed by the words “take up your bed and walk”.

Look at this example in John 6. These folks had followed Jesus and He had his disciples feed them with a boy’s lunch.

“So they gathered up the pieces that were left. The people had started eating with only five loaves of barley bread. But the followers filled twelve large baskets with the pieces of food that were left. 14 The people saw this miraculous sign that Jesus did and said, ‘He must be the Prophet who is coming into the world.’ 15 Jesus knew that the people planned to come get him and make him their king. So he left and went into the hills alone.” John 6:13-15 ERV

It wasn’t the words that Jesus spoke that changed the people; they wanted to see more signs. He had filled their bellies but they hadn’t let Him fill their hearts.

As a loving parent or grandparent we like to provide for the needs of our children and grandchildren but we don’t want that to be the motive for the attention they give us.

I will ask you a question that needs to be asked and answered on a continual basis.

Here’s the question.

What is more important to me, seeking the hand of God (his provisions) or seeking His face (relationship)?

The amazing thing is that when we seek His face, we will be blessed by His promises and provision.

In my lifetime I have seen some real miracles. But what has made more of an impact than the miracles is the daily relationship that I have with the Lord.

“O Lord, listen to my cry. Show loving-kindness to me and answer me. 8 You have said, ‘Look for My face.‘ My heart said to You, ‘O Lord, Your face will I look for.‘” Psalm 27:7-8 NLV

Meet with the Father face to face today. It will change your life!

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Life in Christ is Real

It’s hard for me to put in words what’s on my heart this morning. It’s so much a part of me, in fact, it’s my very purpose, it’s all consuming.

I wrote in my journal this morning. “Father, you’re love amazes me! I am beyond words – overwhelmed by your love and peace. I want everyone to experience what You and I share. It isn’t a preaching – it’s real life in Christ!”

“ Once we were also ruled by the selfish desires of our bodies and minds. We had made God angry, and we were going to be punished like everyone else.

4-5 But God was merciful! We were dead because of our sins, but God loved us so much he made us alive with Christ, and God’s gift of undeserved grace is what saves you. 6 God raised us from death to life with Christ Jesus, and he has given us a place beside Christ in heaven. 7 God did this so in the future world he could show how truly good and kind he is to us because of what Christ Jesus has done. 8 You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better than we deserve. This is God’s gift to you, and not anything you have done on your own. 9 It isn’t something you have earned, so there is nothing you can brag about. 10 God planned for us to do good things and to live as he has always wanted us to live. This is why he sent Christ to make us what we are.” Ephesians 2:3-10 CEV

God isn’t wanting us to live the life He planned for us because He is a dictator and He certainly doesn’t want a horde of religious robots.

He has planned an abundant and full life for us; one where we experience the abundance of his love, his provision, his mercy, his grace and his peace.

“ A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so everyone would have life, and have it fully.” John 10:10 CEV

Our heavenly Father wants us waking up every morning thanking Him for the miracles of the day before and looking forward to walking in constant communication with Him in the day that is ahead.

He is our loving Father! He shows compassion and forgiveness without hesitation.

“So you will be saved, if you honestly say, “Jesus is Lord,” and if you believe with all your heart that God raised him from death. 10 God will accept you and save you, if you truly believe this and tell it to others.

11  The Scriptures say no one who has faith will be disappointed, 12 no matter if that person is a Jew or a Gentile. There is only one Lord, and he is generous to everyone who asks for his help. 13  All who call out to the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:9-12 CEV

This is real life in Christ. Knowing that the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross paid for our sins – all of them and it gave us a brand new life, free from guilt.

“Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new. 18 God has done it all! He sent Christ to make peace between himself and us, and he has given us the work of making peace between himself and others.” II Corinthians 5:17-19 CEV

This life in Christ is real!

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Reflect the Light

The last couple of evenings Dave and I have sat on the patio enjoying the cool evenings! It has been wonderful to smell the fresh air, see our surroundings turn slowly from night into day and rest in all that God has done and is doing in our lives.

As the sun was setting, I was reminded once again to reflect the light. The light of God’s love.

And the greatest of these is love! God’s love for us is beyond amazing. Jesus said to us that the greatest commandment was to love the Father and then love our neighbors.

“… So the Pharisees had a meeting. 35 Then one of them, an expert in the Law of Moses, asked Jesus a question to test him. 36 He said, ‘Teacher, which command in the law is the most important?’

37 Jesus answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and most important command. 39 And the second command is like the first: ‘Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.’ 40 All of the law and the writings of the prophets take their meaning from these two commands… None of the Pharisees could answer Jesus’ question. And after that day, no one was brave enough to ask him any more questions.” Matthew 22:34-46 CEV

The Pharisees were trying to test and even trick Jesus into a wrong answer; they were looking for something that would discredit him to his followers and better yet, something that would give them reason to prosecute him and silence him in public.

What Jesus did with his answer was discredit the Pharisees.

By giving the answer that He did, Jesus proved that their heart’s motive was anything but love. If they weren’t walking in love toward Him, their neighbor, they weren’t keeping the greatest commandment. He went on to correct them in their thinking about the Messiah as well. No wonder they decided not to ask Him anymore questions.

The Pharisees had all the outward trappings of religion and righteousness but their hearts were wrong. It was a self-righteousness and it was religion instead of relationship. Jesus was talking about a living relationship with the Father. As we spent time loving the Father we will reflect His love to others.

The moon has no light source in itself but it reflects the light of the sun. In the same way, as we spend time absorbing the Father’s love we will reflect that love to others. We can’t give what we don’t have – so as we receive more and more love from the Father we are able to love others more.

“Stay joined together with me, and follow my teachings. If you do this, you can ask for anything you want, and it will be given to you. 8 Show that you are my followers by producing much fruit. This will bring honor to my Father. 9 ‘I have loved you as the Father has loved me. Now continue in my love.'” John 15:7-9 ERV

The fruit we produce is love, joy, peace, gentleness, kindness, patience, goodness, faithfulness and self control. There is no law against this kind of fruit; in fact, it fulfills the law.

Father, I desire to love You with all that I am and then to reflect Your light, Your love to those around me today.

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Technically It’s Morning

So many thoughts have been racing through my head I had to get up. I know chaotic dreams that interrupt my sleep are not from the Lord, so it was time to get up and take every thought captive.

“ We live in this world, but we don’t fight our battles in the same way the world does. 4 The weapons we use are not human ones. Our weapons have power from God and can destroy the enemy’s strong places. We destroy people’s arguments, 5 and we tear down every proud idea that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We also capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.” II Corinthians 10:3-5 ERV

Technically, it’s morning!

I’ve been up since 1 a.m. but so has my Father. He doesn’t mind that I call in the middle of the night or the wee hours of the morning. It doesn’t wake Him and He’s always waiting to give advice and restore my peace.

“He will not let you fall. Your Protector will not fall asleep. 4 Israel’s Protector does not get tired. He never sleeps. 5 The Lord is your Protector. The Lord stands by your side, shading and protecting you.” Psalm 121:3-5 ERV

I’ve prayed…we’ve talked…my heart is lighter and at peace.

Yesterday morning I woke with the lyrics “joyful, joyful, we adore thee”. This morning it was different. The enemy was trying to steal my joy. Instead of fretting, I did the same thing I had done yesterday. I sang, but with different lyrics –

” In the morning when I rise,
In the morning when I rise,
In the morning when I rise,
Give me Jesus.

Refrain:
Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus.
You may have all the rest,
Give me Jesus.”

Technically, it’s morning and since it’s morning, I just want to be immersed in the presence of Jesus. Now, I’m going to lay down, covered with my cozy blanket, listen to the rain and sleep in peace.

“When I go to bed, I sleep in peace, because, Lord, you keep me safe.” Psalm 4:8 ERV

In a few hours I will wake again with a song in my heart but it’s already been a good day because technically, it’s morning.

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