Category: God’s Love

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All’s Forgiven

I hope you never tire of me telling you about the goodness of God. I never get tired of seeing His lovingkindness in action!

My morning Bible time still has me reading about the Israelites and their journey through the wildness on their way to the Promised Land. These people…they are consistently inconsistent.

They profess their love and faith for the Lord and then they murmur and complain. They say they will be devoted to their God and then they build a calf of gold and have an orgy. I don’t think there is a time they go more than a couple weeks without veering off on their own and ignoring what God has said.

But God…but God, is always faithful!

“Then he passed in front of Moses and called out, “I am the Lord God. I am merciful and very patient with my people. I show great love, and I can be trusted. 7 I keep my promises to my people forever, but I also punish anyone who sins…” 8 Moses quickly bowed down to the ground and worshiped the Lord. 9 He prayed, “Lord, if you really are pleased with me, I pray that you will go with us. It is true that these people are sinful and rebellious, but forgive our sin and let us be your people.” Exodus 34:6-9 CEV

The Lord declares that He will always be loving and faithful. He will keep His word. He also says that He will forgive their sins and transgressions. He does hold them responsible for their acts of disobedience and that is why He gives them a priest to offer sacrifices of atonement.

He gives them a way to repent and to be restored by His mercy.  He does the same for us.

The Lord has always known the shortcomings of men. He knows that we fall short, and He has given us His plan of forgiveness and grace. 

“All of us have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. 24 But God treats us much better than we deserve, and because of Christ Jesus, he freely accepts us and sets us free from our sins.” Romans 3:23-24 CEV

Jesus is that heavenly plan.

The plan of sacrifice in the Old Testament could never completely cleanse the sins and transgressions of men. The blood shed by the animals only covered their sins. But the blood of Jesus completely cleanses us and puts us in right standing with God, the Father.

“The Law teaches that offerings and sacrifices must be made because of sin. But why did Christ mention these things and say that God did not want them? 9 Well, it was to do away with offerings and sacrifices and to replace them. That is what he meant by saying to God, “I have come to do what you want.” 10 So we are made holy because Christ obeyed God and offered himself once for all. 11 The priests do their work each day, and they keep on offering sacrifices that can never take away sins. 12 But Christ offered himself as a sacrifice that is good forever. Now he is sitting at God’s right side, 13 and he will stay there until his enemies are put under his power. 14 By his one sacrifice he has forever set free from sin the people he brings to God.” Hebrews 10:8-14 CEV

When we get hung up on how unworthy we are, how many times we have failed, we are focusing on our efforts to be good enough for God. Switch focus! Salvation is never based on our efforts; it is entirely dependent upon what God has done for us!

It is His lovingkindness, His mercy, His grace! It is His blood; He is the fulfillment of the plan. He is our salvation!

The Father’s love is unconditional. His plan is for all. Walk in the grace and mercy that He has provided. It will bring joy and peace to every day.

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Protected by God’s Hand

Last night I went to bed thinking about how many times and in how many ways God protects. It filled my thoughts all through the night.

Some people step off a curb and break their ankle or hip. Others make a simple drive to the grocery store and have an automobile accident. Kids who are healthy and strong play a backyard sport and are injured. And yet most of us go through each day not knowing that we have been protected from these things and many others.

“The Lord will protect you and keep you safe from all dangers. 8 The Lord will protect you now and always wherever you go. Psalm 121:7&8 CEV

Each morning I pray that I will experience God’s protection and be open for his leading. Each day I pray over my children and grandchildren that they will be covered by the Lord’s loving protection. Each day I am thankful that I don’t need to be afraid because I know that He will keep His word and protect me in all my ways.

The Lord made me this promise long before I was born and I will trust Him to keep His word.

He protected Daniel in the lion’s den, the three Hebrew men in the furnance. His protection covered the Israelites as they crossed the Red Sea. The Lord gave David strength to defeat the giant and Paul was protected in the sea after his ship wrecked.

“You can go to God Most High to hide. You can go to God All-Powerful for protection. 2 I say to the Lord, “You are my place of safety, my fortress. My God, I trust in you.” 3 God will save you from hidden dangers and from deadly diseases. 4 You can go to him for protection. He will cover you like a bird spreading its wings over its babies. You can trust him to surround and protect you like a shield. 5 You will have nothing to fear at night and no need to be afraid of enemy arrows during the day. 6 You will have no fear of diseases that come in the dark or terrible suffering that comes at noon.” Psalm 91:1-6 ERV

What kinds of things cause you to fear? Trust in the Lord – our All-Powerful protection. He hasn’t failed to keep His promises yet and He isn’t going to start now!

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Learning By Repetition

This morning I began thinking about how many things in my life I have learned through repetition.

Some of the first were walking and talking. I learned the notes on my piano by practicing my scales, over and over again. I became skilled in shifting a manual transmission but not on my first drive, it was through repetition.

The first time I tried to french braid my daughter’s long hair it was a disaster. I brushed it out and put her hair in a pony tail. My first attempt at cinnamon rolls was so bad that I called them cinnamon crackers.

With repetition comes increased skill. This week I have been increasing my skill in patience. Patience in learning new things, patience with weak internet signals and patience with others.

I really thought I was a pretty patient person but this week I found there were still some really rough edges that needed to be refined. I am so thankful that the Father is always patient with me even when I’m not.

The Lord has shown me that I need to be more understanding and less frustrated with things beyond my control. It’s my responsibility to maintain a good attitude in everything. Everything!

“Since the day we heard these things about you, we have continued praying for you. This is what we pray:

that God will make you completely sure of what he wants by giving you all the wisdom and spiritual understanding you need; 10 that this will help you live in a way that brings honor to the Lord and pleases him in every way; that your life will produce good works of every kind and that you will grow in your knowledge of God; 11 that God will strengthen you with his own great power, so that you will be patient and not give up when troubles come. Then you will be happy 12 and give thanks to the Father. He has made you able to have what he has promised to give all his holy people, who live in the light.” Colossians 1:9-12 ERV

Patient and not give up!

I won’t give up! I won’t give up as I learn patience. I will let the Lord work through me and not become condemned when I am impatient. I will be patient with myself as I learn patience because He is always patient with me.

If you’re still learning patience like I am be thankful that the Lord is always patient, loving and kind!

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In His Hands

As I sit here praying this morning, there are many of my loved ones that I haven’t seen in quite a while. My heart aches some days just wanting to hold their hand, look into the eyes and feel the warmth of their embrace.

It’s hard being away from the ones we love, isn’t it?

Can you imagine how the Lord must feel? He created us out of His love and His desire for a close relationship has never changed.

This weekend I watched as hundreds of people poured in the campground to celebrate with their fathers. I watched the children playing on the roads, riding bikes, going fishing, walking hand in hand with their dads.

Adult children have been arriving and fathers’ having been telling me “this is my daughter, this is my son” as they check in. The joy on their faces can’t be erased.

Our heavenly Father must feel the same! He desires to give good gifts to His children, to us, and the greatest gift He gives is His love.

He gives strength to the weak, healing to the broken hearted, peace to those who fear, rest to the weary, comfort to the lonely, joy to those who mourn, salvation to the lost and love to the abandoned!

“I look up to the hills, but where will my help really come from? 2 My help will come from the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth. 3 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. 6 The sun cannot harm you during the day, and the moon cannot harm you at night. 7 The Lord will protect you from every danger. He will protect your soul. 8 The Lord will protect you as you come and go, both now and forever!” Psalm 121 ERV

Thank you Father for loving me and being the Best Father, ever!

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Special Memories

This morning I sat for quite a while staring at the ring on my hand. It’s a turquoise ring that my father had made for my mother over 40 years ago. About 20 years ago Mom gave it to me; she knew turquoise was my favorite.

This morning I am especially reflective on such a wonderful gift. Mom passed away, at 97, just over three week ago and now Dave and I are camping in the mountains at one of Dad’s favorite places to fish.

Mom wasn’t big on fishing but she was big on being with Dad and she loved coming to this mountain lake. Dave remembers times that he and Dad would make the drive up the mountain for a one day fishing adventure. Our oldest kids, who are now 46 and 44, have pictures of them standing on the shore of this lake with Grampa.

Yes, special memories!

But the ring…

I wasn’t a girl who wanted diamonds or other shiny gem stones, no, turquoise was the stone that caught my eye. Can you imagine how surprised I was when one day I found that turquoise was an important stone to God?

Moses received instructions from the Lord on how to build everything in the Tabernacle. He also received precise instructions on the clothing that the high priest was to wear. There were instructions for the priest’s turban, his linen tunic, the ephod and the breastplate.

“Make the chestpiece of a single piece of cloth folded to form a pouch nine inches square. 17 Mount four rows of gemstones on it. The first row will contain a red carnelian, a pale-green peridot, and an emerald. 18 The second row will contain a turquoise, a blue lapis lazuli, and a white moonstone. 19 The third row will contain an orange jacinth, an agate, and a purple amethyst. 20 The fourth row will contain a blue-green beryl, an onyx, and a green jasper. All these stones will be set in gold filigree.” Exodus 28:16-20 NLT

It’s my understanding that the twelve gemstones were to represent the twelve tribes of Israel. The high priest was responsible for bringing their gifts and sacrifices to the Lord. And turquoise was right there in the second row!

The stone I love so much was important to the Lord too.

Mom and Dad are both in heaven where they are young, strong and praising Jesus. They are walking on streets made of gold and see gates made of pearl. There are no tears or pain, they are in the presence of their Heavenly Father and of Jesus, their Savior.

This turquoise ring is now on my hand, wrinkled as it may be, but it is a reminder of what was – the love between my mom and dad and also of what will be – a glorious family reunion that some day awaits.

What memories bring you joy as we get closer to Father’s Day?

May you always be flooded with the awareness of our Heavenly Father’s love and all that He has provided.

Special Memories!

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Good For All Time

Every day I ask the Lord to show me something new. I never want to quit learning. I want increase in knowledge of natural things and in spiritual things.

Yesterday, I was reading the list of items the Lord told Moses would be needed in building the Tent of Meeting. This would be the portable place of worship where the priests would offer sacrifices for the people and would also offer prayers of repentance and thanksgiving.

There were all the things you would expect to find when for erecting such a structure – gold, silver, wood for the tables, bronze, oil, spices, precious stones, linen for the priests’ garments but there was one item I did not expect to find, seal skins.

Seal skins? That was odd.

Dave and I talked about it, and I went to the maps in the back of my Bible to see where they might have gotten seal skins. The Israelites were still traveling in the wilderness and weren’t close to any seaports that I could tell so I’m not sure how this was a thing. I learned something new.

I also learn something new about my husband’s camping experiences when he was a kid. He asked me what I remember about being in the mountains with my family and then told me things he did with his cousins and the fun they had. When we love someone, we should want to know all we can about them.

Our walk with the Lord should never be something we take for granted, consider passe` or old fashioned. It should be more contemporary than the newest software, technology advancement or medical breakthrough.

Our love for Him should have us asking questions and learning new things in our relationship with the Father. God is practical but complex. He is the God of all generations.

“I will exalt you, my God and King, and praise your name forever and ever. 2 I will praise you every day; yes, I will praise you forever. 3 Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness. 4 Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. 5 I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles…For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule throughout all generations. The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does.”
Psalm 145:1-4, 13 NLT

God’s kingdom will last forever. He will rule in every generation. He is good for all time.

I encourage you to ask the Father to show you something new today or to remind you of something you have forgotten. You may be surprised by what He teaches you when your heart is opened to learn.  

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Two Become One

This is a tree growing at our campsite. It took me a couple of days to notice it and then I became intrigued. When you look at the image, you will notice two trunks at the bottom but about halfway up you can see where the trees’ trunks become intertwined, and they start to grow as one.

The bigger, better nourished tree has been wrapped by the thinner, weaker trunk. The larger of the two is now supporting the weight of both trees. Look closely and you will see that they are two different species. This seems to be nature’s own engrafting.

Nature is such a great teacher. 

There must have been a storm or wind that caused the two of them to grow in such a way. They were stronger together than separate.

Does that remind you of anything Biblical? Don’t most of us come to God when we’ve been through a storm. He’s there to provide us with shelter and strength.

Jesus told his disciples I am the vine, you are the branches, if you abide or stay connected to Me you will produce much fruit.

“Stay joined to me and I will stay joined to you. No branch can produce fruit alone. It must stay connected to the vine. It is the same with you. You cannot produce fruit alone. You must stay joined to me. 5 “I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay joined to me, and I to you, you will produce plenty of fruit. But separated from me you won’t be able to do anything.” John 15:4-5 ERV

This is a promise made to all of us.  If we stay connected to Jesus, our life-giving vine, we will be productive and fruitful. 

The other example that came to mind was Paul’s teaching on marriage. He took these words from God, the Father, in the Garden of Eden.

“In the same way, a husband should love his wife as much as he loves himself. A husband who loves his wife shows that he loves himself. 29 None of us hate our own bodies. We provide for them and take good care of them, just as Christ does for the church, 30 because we are each part of his body. 31 As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother to get married, and he becomes like one person with his wife.” 32 This is a great mystery, but I understand it to mean Christ and his church.” Ephesians 5:28-32 CEV

And the two shall become one!

Jesus assumes the role of husband to those who place their trust in Him. He loves us, nurtures us, protects us as He does his own body. He leaves all other distractions and is totally committed to us.

What do we give Him in return? He asks for our love and devotion. God, who is love, desires our love and fellowship. Is that too much to ask?

As I sat and really studied these two trees my heart’s prayer became “Lord, let me so dependent upon You that it will be hard for people to see who I was before I leaned on You and You became my source of strength, my support, my all in all.

Two become one!

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Where To Now?

At this time of year I remember the excitement that was building in our hearts seven years ago. We had been waiting to come to our new home in Arizona. It had taken years to see this dream come. The anticipation flooded every thought. Maybe you’re experiencing that now – a new home, a new beginning.

Where to Now?

The Bible is filled with people who were on the move.

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; 10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God… 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” Hebrews 11:8-16 NJKV

He didn’t know where he was going but Abraham did know that he could trust God. He was anticipating good things.

Are we anticipating good things as the Lord moves us along the journey to our heavenly home?

There isn’t one thing here on this earth that I wouldn’t give up in place of living in the city whose builder and maker is God!

The things that are most valuable to me I don’t have to give up. My husband, my brothers and sisters, my children, grandchildren and my friends will be there too. How wonderful is that!

To live with the knowledge that there may be friends and family I won’t see again on this earth saddens me but to know that I will see them again in heaven is thrilling.

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:1-3 NJKV

Some of our friends have come to visit us in Arizona the last seven years. However, if there could only be one visit, I would rather they come for coffee once we are settled in our heavenly mansion – the view will be so much greater!

Where to Now? We’re on a journey that will eventually lead us to that city whose builder and maker is God. It will be perfect!

Father, my prayer today is that all whom I hold dear will have a personal relationship with You. I desire that there friendship with You is deeper than it is with me. I can make them dinners and baked goods; I can share my home with them but You, You gave the life of Your Son so that they will live eternally. Thank You for touching their hearts today – thank you for providing new life, a life that never ends – thank you for giving us a place where we will never die but will live eternally. Thank you for caring about the everyday, small and minute details of our lives. In the name of Jesus. Amen!

I’ll see you there!

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Choosing the Best

Years ago we were in Iowa for the summer. We weren’t fully involved in work yet so my friend and I took her three boys to a local U-Pick Strawberry Farm for an outing.

We had so much fun! The older boys were running ahead of us, picking the largest berries they could find. Mom was in the middle and the youngest boy and I brought up the rear. He was disappointed that he couldn’t run with his brothers and he thought they had already picked the best berries.

It was then I showed him one of the largest strawberries I had ever seen. It was perfectly ripe but was being hidden by the leaves on the plant so no one had seen it. He quickly picked it and placed it in our bucket. The hunt was on. He went from being disappointed to being excited. We had a very, very full basket when the others were ready to stop.

Life’s a lot like that strawberry patch. We go through different situations and we pick and choose what we think is best. The best schools, the best person for the team, our best friend, best spouse, best house, best…best…best.

Is it any wonder that so many people develop a low self-esteem? No one, it seems, has chosen them.

Well, I have good news!

“Then Peter said, “I can see, for sure, that God does not respect one person more than another. 35 He is pleased with any man in any nation who honors Him and does what is right.” Acts 10:34-35 NLV

“God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.” John 3:16 CEV

If anyone had the right to pick and choose “the best” for His team it would be God. However, that’s not how He operates. Our Father gladly receives everyone. You read that right, everyone! Not just those who want relationship with Him but His heart is open even to those who ignore Him and go their own way.

“This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.” I Timothy 4:9-11 NIV

We have all been chosen by the Savior.

I appreciate the Apostle Paul’s directness. God is the Savior of ALL people…especially those who believe in Him. No paritality, no favoritism, no prejudice – all people. But He won’t force salvation on anyone, the Father let’s us make the choice. He’s waiting for us.

“He paid for our sins with His own blood. He did not pay for ours only, but for the sins of the whole world.” I John 2:2 NLV

“The Lord isn’t slow about keeping his promises, as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost.” II Peter 3:9 CEV

The Father has made His choice – He’s chosen all of us. Now, it’s up to us to choose the best.

I, for one, decided to choose the Father and His unconditional love.

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How Long Is Forever?

When we’re children waiting for some special occasion next week can seem like forever. A long lonely highway seems to go on forever. A mother expecting her first child may feel the arrival date is taking forever. However, when we age years seem to pass so quickly. Time flies by. So, how long is forever?

To truly grasp the concept of forever will take forever.

Forever is how long the Lord says His love for us will last!

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His loving-kindness lasts forever. 2 Give thanks to the God of gods, for His loving-kindness lasts forever. 3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for His loving-kindness lasts forever. 4 Give thanks to Him Who alone does great works, for His loving-kindness lasts forever. 5 Give thanks to Him Who by wisdom made the heavens, for His loving-kindness lasts forever.” Psalm 136:1-5 NLV

His loving-kindness lasts forever!

There are another twenty-one verses in this Psalm and each of them end with His loving-kindness lasts forever. Forever!

I think I have a very good imagination but it’s mind-boggling to focus on forever. The Father will love me forever. And because of His forever love He has offered us all life with Him that will never end.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. Whoever puts his trust in God’s Son will not be lost but will have life that lasts forever.” John 3:16 NLV

This morning I am focused on that life which lasts forever because yesterday our Mom left this temporal life on earth and stepped into her perfect heavenly life that will last forever. I am so happy for her, words cannot express it.

“You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” Psalm 16:11 NLT

Forever in the Father’s presence, forever surrounded by His love. Joy forever!

I pray that you all have this forever life which is filled with love that lasts forever.

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