Category: God’s Love

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The Gift That Keeps On Giving

Last year about this time I was putting the finishing edits on my book, The Best Gifts of Christmas, Receiving and Giving God’s Best.

I just had to share with all of you some of the precious gifts that the Lord lavishes on us each and every day. I couldn’t think of a better time to bring these to your memory than during the holiday season.

I lived so many years of my Christian life not realizing that the Father wanted to overflow my life’s cup with His goodness. It’s so important to remind ourselves of the blessings God freely gives; it increases the depth of our relationship with Him.

My heart’s desire is to provide a brief teaching, each day of December, focusing on one of the Father’s many gifts and then to challenge each of us to apply what we’ve learned.

Recently I had a woman tell me that she had read The Best Gifts of Christmas twice and was going to finish it a third time before the middle of November. She was sharing it with her granddaughter and encouraging her to use the practical application at the end of each day with her friends and classmates. That really touched my heart.

Here are some comments from others who participated in the daily reading last year.

“A great way to prepare your heart for the true meaning of the Season. Insightful and meaningful read” Lonny C.

“What I love about this book is the suggestions of Thought and Action. Anyone of any age can participate, bringing the celebration of Christmas to a whole nother level. A great way to touch lives with the Christmas spirit.” Wendy L.

“This book is very nicely done.  I gave several as Christmas presents to my friends and family.” Tom S.

“Our family loves the holiday season and last year I purchased this book to further enhance our holiday spirit. We are a family of six; from toddler to teenager and this book helped to spiritually encourage our entire household. Get those candles out and get ready for a month of tremendous gifts!!” Desiree P.

The Best Gifts of Christmas
The Best Gifts of Christmashttps://www.amazon.com/Best-Gifts-Christmas-Receiving-Giving/dp/1726876578/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Kristi+Wilson&qid=1573235462&sr=8-1

Thank you to all who ordered a copy last year. I know some of you bought several books and gave them to friends and family. I hope this book becomes a part of your Christmas traditions. You get to open a different gift each day, the best gifts of the season, the gifts of the Father’s love!

Books are available through Amazon. Click on the image above, it will take you directly to the order page.

Have a wonderful November. Fill each day with gratitude. God bless you all!

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Three Dog Morning

For the last several days we have been at our daughter’s, dog sitting. They went to Japan to visit our grandson and his wife. What a wonderful opportunity for them and we were glad to help.

When I got up this morning, I started the coffee and you guessed it, I let the dogs out. The past few mornings the dogs have come in and scattered to their various places. Not today! If I were to take a picture, you would find me in the large chair with one pup laying across my legs while the other two are sleeping on the floor on either side of my chair.

It’s a three dog morning. The pups are content to be close – no fear, just gentle sleep. This was the object lesson before me while I was reading my Bible.

“The faithful love of the Lord never ends!  His mercies never cease. 23 Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. 24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance;  therefore, I will hope in him!” 25 The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him.” Lamentations 3:22-25 NLT

The Lord is good. The Lord is faithful. The Lord’s love never ends. The Lord’s mercies are fresh every morning.

Those are verses of comfort and peace. God’s word is soothing and it makes my heart rest just like these pups that surround me. This morning is free from anxiousness or fear. There is rest and peace in the air.

My prayers turned to those who woke this morning in turmoil and anxiety. I prayed that they would know rest and safety. Remember a week or so back when I wrote about the kindness of God? Since then I have been very mindful of finding the words kind, kindness and safety in my daily Bible reading. It’s there on almost every page!

One of my favorite Scriptures, a must read at least 4 or 5 times a month, is Psalm 91. When I was learning to trust, really trust, the Lord I read it daily. On difficult days I would read it several times throughout the day. Here are just a few verses from that chapter.

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. 3 For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. 4 He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection…7 Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you…9 If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, 10 no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home…14 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. 15 When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. 16 I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.” Psalm 91 NLT

A place of rest – a place of safety; staying close to the Father brings me to that place!

As the pups sleep on, my heart is quiet and I am content knowing that my Father watches over me and gives me new mercy for the day ahead.

It’s a three dog morning!

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Given Not Earned!

There’s an old song that we sang when I was a girl, Calvary Covers It All.

I was thinking about that song this morning. How thankful I am for Calvary!!

Thankful that the blood of Jesus, the sacrificial lamb, blotted out my sin!

In the Old Testament the priest would offer a lamb once a year for the forgiveness of sin. The priest would lay his hands on the head of the lamb, signifying a transfer of the sins of the people to the perfect lamb of sacrifice. When this transfer was complete the Israelites could experience freedom and cleansing for another year. The blood of the lamb “covered” their sins but never completely blotted it out. Each year they would have to come again, offering another sacrifice, to receive their forgiveness.

“The Law of Moses is like a shadow of the good things to come. This shadow isn’t the good things themselves, because it cannot free people from sin by the sacrifices that are offered year after year. 2 If there were worshipers who already have their sins washed away and their consciences made clear, there would not be any need to go on offering sacrifices. 3-4 But the blood of bulls and goats cannot take away sins. It only reminds people of their sins from one year to the next.” Hebrews 10:1-4 CEV

But Jesus Christ, as our lamb of sacrifice, only had to be offered once for the forgiveness of sin! We, who have accepted that sacrifice don’t just have our sins covered but we can rest knowing those sins are completely blotted out.

“You were dead, because you were sinful and were not God’s people. But God let Christ make you alive, when he forgave all our sins. 14 God wiped out the charges that were against us for disobeying the Law of Moses. He took them away and nailed them to the cross. 15 There Christ defeated all powers and forces. He let the whole world see them being led away as prisoners when he celebrated his victory.” Colossians 2:13-15 CEV

This is significant. If something is just covered, we can lift the covering and find what was being hidden. However, if it’s blotted out or wiped clean, there is nothing to be found.

Remember when we were in school and the teacher erased the blackboard. Sometimes you could still see the shadow of the writing on the board but when she wiped it clean with that chamois eraser, all the words were gone – completely gone. That’s a crude illustration because the blood of Jesus is so much greater than a chamois eraser but I think you get the point.

“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. 15 The Holy Spirit also speaks of this by telling us that the Lord said, 16 “When the time comes, I will make an agreement with them. I will write my laws on their minds and hearts. 17 Then I will forget about their sins and no longer remember their evil deeds. 18 When sins are forgiven, there is no more need to offer sacrifices.” Hebrews 10:11-18 CEV

Forgiven! Forgiveness is not something that is earned. There is nothing we could do to earn the forgiveness that God has FREELY GIVEN. By the very nature of the word it is given. We can’t rationalize or justify or make enough excuses for our actions to “earn” forgiveness. It is an act of pure love that leads to restoration. Restored in perfect relationship with the Father.

We have been wiped clean by the blood of Jesus. The next time the devil, or some well meaning person, tries to remind us of the things we’ve done wrong, we should stand up and remind them that the precious blood of Jesus has wiped us clean. And because we are forgiven we should be willing to give that same forgiveness to those around us.

It’s given not earned!

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The Great Pumpkin

Many of you have taken your children and perhaps, your grandchildren to the pumpkin patch. It’s so much fun!

I remember one particular time that we went on a school field trip to the farm; each child got to find, and take home, their own pumpkin. There was apple cider, donuts, pies to be purchased, a corn maze and a hay ride. Everyone had a wonderful time. The air was crisp, Fall was in the air. It was a refreshing day.

At our house, pumpkins are for baking not for carving. Years ago, we attend a Harvest Party at our church in California. One of the men from the church, who worked in the agriculture field, acquired a large pumpkin for the photo area. It was a 75 pound pumpkin and when the night was over there was a quandary as to what would become of the pumpkin.

It came home with us. I spent the next several days washing, scooping out seeds, baking pumpkin shell and flesh, then pureeing it for pumpkin pies and pumpkin breads. Oh the house smelled wonderful. There were pumpkin pies on every counter in the kitchen and as they cooled they went in to the freezer. Twenty-eight, ten-inch, homemade pumpkin pies with crust from scratch – it was truly a labor of love! My kids still talk about those pies to this day.

A few years back I found this analogy of Christians and pumpkins on the internet. I’m not sure who wrote it originally but it certainly rang true with my heart.

“A lady recently being baptized was asked by a co-worker what it was like to be a Christian. She replied, “It’s like being a pumpkin:  God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off… Then he cuts the top off and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.”

This is the Father’s promise to us; He takes what we were and makes us into something new.

“The Son shows the glory of God. He is a perfect copy of God’s nature, and he holds everything together by his powerful command. The Son made people clean from their sins. Then he sat down at the right side of God, the Great One in heaven.” Hebrews 1:3 ERV

“You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other.” John 15:16-17 NLT

“For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.” II Corinthians 4:6-7 NLT

Chosen – Cleansed – Filled with life and light. Like a great pumpkin, God has blessed us with a delicious new life!

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Love Sweet Love

Just two days ago I shared with you the prayer that Jesus prayed for us. He wanted us to know that the Father loves us as much as the Father loves Him – that concept is beyond mental comprehension and can only be received by faith.

Then yesterday I shared with you what Jesus has done to redeem us, to purchase us – He paid a price that no one else could.

So what do we do with this wonderful outpouring of love from the Father and from Jesus. We can never repay what’s been given, however, there is something we can do to express our gratitude for so great a love.

What the world needs now is love sweet love, it’s the only thing that there’s just too little of. What the world needs now is love sweet love, no, not just for some but for everyone. We must follow the example that Jesus set for us and love others.

“We must never stop looking to Jesus. He is the leader of our faith, and he is the one who makes our faith complete. He suffered death on a cross. But he accepted the shame of the cross as if it were nothing because of the joy he could see waiting for him. And now he is sitting at the right side of God’s throne. 3 Think about Jesus. He patiently endured the angry insults that sinful people were shouting at him. Think about him so that you won’t get discouraged and stop trying.” Hebrrews 12:2-3 ERV

Since we must never stop looking at Jesus let’s go back into that room where Jesus and his disciples were celebrating Passover. Jesus has washed feet, Judas is gone to betray Him and this is what happens next.

“Jesus said, “My children, I will be with you only a short time more. You will look for me, but I tell you now what I told the Jewish leaders: Where I am going you cannot come. 34 “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 13:33-35 ERV

Love one another…how is this love examplified – by washing the feet of others (taking care of their base needs), by being patient with those that betray us, and by loving those with good intentions but little follow through.

We are often critical of Judas and his betrayal because it was intentional – he used his connection with Jesus for monetary gain. However, Peter’s betrayal was just as damning but instead of being prompted by greed, he was motivated by fear. That night Jesus wasn’t surrounded by just one man who would betray Him but by a room filled with men who would run off and leave him alone.

“Simon Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered, “Where I am going you cannot follow now. But you will follow later.” 37 Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I am ready to die for you!” 38 Jesus answered, “Will you really give your life for me? The truth is, before the rooster crows, you will say three times that you don’t know me.” John 13:36-38 ERV

We mustn’t let the end of the chapter stop us from continuing with the events of that night. We must go into chapter 14 to see the instruction that Jesus continued to give. How can we live free from fear and love with the unconditional love that Jesus did? It’s by realizing that God, the Father, has a much bigger and better plan for us than just life on this earth.

“Jesus said, “Don’t be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me. 2 There are many rooms in my Father’s house. I would not tell you this if it were not true. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 After I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back. Then I will take you with me, so that you can be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.” John 14:1-3 ERV

Here’s Jesus answer to fear. Don’t worry, trust the Father and trust me. I’m going away but I’ll be back for you so don’t worry!

Let’s come back to our song – what the world needs now is love. They need to see us loving them, loving other christians, living without fear in a pretty unsettling time and doing all of it because we trust the Father and know that He is in control!

How do we express our gratitude for the wonderful love we have received from our heavenly Father? We share it with those around us, the deserving and the undeserving.

What the world needs NOW is love, the sweet love of Jesus!

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Praying in the Garden

Anyone remember cassette tapes? A few of my favorites from the early 1990’s were by a group called Heirloom. But alas, I no longer have a cassette player so I thought that music was gone. I recently found a CD of their music, all the songs that were on that cassette, I purchased it right away. The harmony is angelic and the words of the songs fill my heart with such joy.

Yesterday I was out running errands and had the CD playing. One of the songs that is particularly meaningful to me is titled, Crying in the Garden. Here are just a few lines:

Can’t you hear Him crying in the garden
A broken hearted Savior that day
Weeping for His straying children
And those who have turned Him away.

While the city slept in the distance
There on a hillside I see
Jesus with heart heavy laden
Kneeling in Gethsemane.

This song talks of Jesus last hours on earth. He knew the cross was before Him, soon the soldiers would come to arrest Him. He went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. This morning I re-read the words of His prayer.

I had to ask myself, if I were in my last hours of life how would I pray. Jesus’ prayer, His conversation with His Father, was one of love and gratitude. He was resolved. He willingly gave His life for our redemption. He was praying for us, for those of us who would accept His gift of new life and He was praying that everyone would take advantage of this wonderful gift.

He was praying that we would experience the same wonderful, loving relationship with the Father that He had. Here’s the last few verses of Jesus prayer, it’s recorded in John 17. This is what Jesus was praying for us…

“I am not praying just for these followers. I am also praying for everyone else who will have faith because of what my followers will say about me. 21 I want all of them to be one with each other, just as I am one with you and you are one with me. I also want them to be one with us. Then the people of this world will believe that you sent me.

22 I have honored my followers in the same way that you honored me, in order that they may be one with each other, just as we are one. 23 I am one with them, and you are one with me, so that they may become completely one. Then this world’s people will know that you sent me. They will know that you love my followers as much as you love me.

24 Father, I want everyone you have given me to be with me, wherever I am. Then they will see the glory that you have given me, because you loved me before the world was created. 25 Good Father, the people of this world don’t know you. But I know you, and my followers know that you sent me. 26 I told them what you are like, and I will tell them even more. Then the love that you have for me will become part of them, and I will be one with them.” John 17:20-27 CEV

Jesus heart was heavy. He knew that He would be separated from God’s presence for the first time since time began. He knew that when He took all our sins on Himself that God, the Father, wouldn’t be able to look at Him. The heavens grew black at that hour. But He knew that He would come out of the grave victoriously and that all of mankind would be free to have relationship with the Father once again.

He knew the sacrifice would be worth it and He prayed for us!

“We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. He endured the shame of being nailed to a cross, because he knew that later on he would be glad he did. Now he is seated at the right side[a] of God’s throne! 3 So keep your mind on Jesus, who put up with many insults from sinners. Then you won’t get discouraged and give up.” Hebrews 12:2-3 CEV

I’m so grateful that Jesus prayed for me in that Garden. I believe His prayers are answered. I believe that God the Father loves me as much as He loves Jesus and that I can show the world His love.

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Listening for God’s Voice

This morning I was reminded of an incident that happened some years back. I had been reading about Samuel as a young boy. The Lord called his name in the middle of the night and Samuel thought it was the priest, Eli. After being called several times, Eli realized God was calling Samuel and so he gave Samuel instruction on how to answer the Lord next time he heard God’s voice.

“Speak Lord. Your servant is listening.”

I remember saying that very thing in my morning prayer. Speak Lord, I’m listening. Shortly after that Dave and I headed out to town. We had already stopped at the car wash and Home Depot and now we needed to make a stop at the gas station.

As soon as we pulled in and Dave got out to pump diesel I heard a loud cheery voice saying, “I’ll wash your windows for a quarter. Oh but it doesn’t look like they need washing, do they?” So Dave explained no, we had just come from the car wash. At this, the man walked away to another vehicle.

As I sat there my heart began to race and I knew the Lord was dealing with me. This thought came – give the man the ones you have in your wallet. Really? I figured there were probably 2 or 3 ones but wasn’t sure. So I opened my wallet and looked, only one. I took it out and held on to it thinking when he comes back around I’ll roll down the window and give it to him.

My next thought was he’s probably a panhandler or a scammer. I have seen stories about “those people” who hang out at the freeway exits begging for money or food. They aren’t really needy…

Then this thought – “Really? You’re going to argue with what I’m asking you to do. It’s only a dollar. Go give it to the man.” So I jumped out of the truck, walked over and gave him the dollar. I told him our windows were clean but wanted him to have this and before I could get the words out of my mouth to say “God bless you” he said them to me.

“The Lord blesses everyone who freely gives food to the poor.” Proverbs 22:9 CEV

I never want to stop hearing from the Lord. I know His voice and when he speaks I want to be obedient, even if it’s just a dollar. I know I did what my Father asked. Reluctantly, but I did.

Now, from time to time, I find myself thinking of this man, praying for him and asking the Lord to bless him and to protect him. I have never heard the devil tempt me with being kind. It’s not his nature but kindness is our Father’s nature.

Jesus often stopped to talk with beggars. His disciples would try to quiet them as Jesus walked along the road but Jesus would interrupt His day to meet their needs.

“Jesus and his disciples went to Jericho. And as they were leaving, they were followed by a large crowd. A blind beggar by the name of Bartimaeus son of Timaeus was sitting beside the road. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus from Nazareth, he shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!” 48 Many people told the man to stop, but he shouted even louder, “Son of David, have pity on me!”

49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him over!” They called out to the blind man and said, “Don’t be afraid! Come on! He is calling for you.” 50 The man threw off his coat as he jumped up and ran to Jesus. 51 Jesus asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man answered, “Master, I want to see!”

52 Jesus told him, “You may go. Your eyes are healed because of your faith.” Right away the man could see, and he went down the road with Jesus.” Mark 10:46-52 CEV

Each day we should spend time listening for the Lord’s voice and being obedient to His instruction. He’ll always lead us to do what’s right; He will lead us to safety; He will lead us to be like him.

“You, Lord, are my shepherd.  I will never be in need. 2  You let me rest in fields of green grass. You lead me to streams of peaceful water, 3  and you refresh my life. You are true to your name, and you lead me along the right paths. 4 I may walk through valleys
as dark as death, but I won’t be afraid. You are with me, and your shepherd’s rod makes me feel safe. 5 You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch. You honor me as your guest,  and you fill my cup until it overflows. 6 Your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life, and I will live forever in your house, Lord.” Psalm 23 CEV

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No Longer Ashamed

Have you ever been publicly ridiculed and humiliated? Called out in front of a group of co-workers or maybe in a classroom. Or what about that person who has never wasted an opportunity to point out all your faults and tried to demoralized you to your family and friends? Maybe in a divorce court or at a bankruptcy hearing?

What do you do in that type of situation where you feel the most vulernable – feeling like you’ve been stripped naked and are standing all alone?

I’ve been to that place and if I allow myself to go back in time I can still feel the humiliation, the shame and the heart ache. How do you get past that? There’s only one way I know to come through a situation like that better and not bitter, you meet Jesus face to face and let Him defend you!

I have a hard time reading the story in John 8 about the adulterous woman without tears in my eyes as I feel her shame. Jesus is teaching in the Temple. I imagine there were lots of people around. She is dragged in, probably naked or at least almost naked. She’s thrown to the ground in front of Jesus and the Pharisees demand that she be stoned.

“At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” 6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.

But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

11 “No one, sir,” she said.

“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” John 8:2-11 NIV

These men had no concern for this women, she was a pawn in their attempt to trap Jesus. Jesus was not only concerned about the woman but the Pharisees too. He could have humiliated the Pharisees publicly by calling out their indiscretions, their sins, but he didn’t. Instead He quietly wrote on the ground.

And when everyone was gone I can see Jesus compassionately lifting the woman up, probably covering her with a garment, placing His hand under her chin and lifting her head and telling her she was forgiven.

“Everything will soon come to an end. So be serious and be sensible enough to pray. 8 Most important of all, you must sincerely love each other, because love wipes away many sins.” I Peter 4:7-8 CEV

I have felt that kind of forgiveness. I have experienced that compassion. I have seen the love of God cover my sins and remove my humiliation!

“Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” 3 But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.” Psalm 3:2-3 NIV

Thank you Father!

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Dirty Windows

As a child, my dad was always cleaning windows. When I got married, Dave and I would go to visit my folks and as we were in the car ready to drive away, Daddy would stop us and clean the windshield. It didn’t matter that we were heading to the gas station and would do it there. We couldn’t leave with a dirty windshield.

Dirty windows are one of my pet peeves. I’ve been known to get up early and clean windows, windows don’t streak if you wash them when the sun isn’t as intense. I’ve come to realize that not only had my earthly father given me a desire for clean, clear windows but my heavenly Father had as well.

“When we were children, we thought and reasoned as children do. But when we grew up, we quit our childish ways. 12 Now all we can see of God is like a cloudy picture in a mirror. Later we will see him face to face. We don’t know everything, but then we will, just as God completely understands us. 13 For now there are faith, hope, and love. But of these three, the greatest is love.” I Corinthians 13:11-13

These are the verses from the end of the love chapter, I Corinthians 13. Paul draws a comparision between our thinking like children and the way we see God. We don’t have full understanding of things when we are children and while we are here on earth we really don’t have a full understanding of God’s character and His purpose for us. It’s like looking through a dirty glass – we just can’t see clearly but we will someday.

As children we don’t completely understand many things that we gain knowledge of as we grow into mature adults. We grow in our knowledge of the Father’s love and kindness the longer we are in relationship with Him but we won’t have full understanding until we get to heaven. That’s where faith, hope and love come in.

Our hope in God and His word is what feeds our faith to not only believe that God can do all things but that He will! Why? Because of His great love. Gaining knowledge of God’s love is like cleaning the windows, we get a clearer picture of who God is. Once we get to heaven, we will know as God does but until then we keep growing.

“But God showed how much he loved us by having Christ die for us, even though we were sinful. 9 But there is more! Now that God has accepted us because Christ sacrificed his life’s blood, we will also be kept safe from God’s anger. 10 Even when we were God’s enemies, he made peace with us, because his Son died for us. Yet something even greater than friendship is ours. Now that we are at peace with God, we will be saved by his Son’s life.” Romans 5:8-10

Looking out my front window this morning I realize I have a job ahead of me. The windows need to be cleaned and as I look into God’s word I see there are areas where my understanding is limited also. Time to do some cleaning and see through the eyes of faith.

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Nothing Greater

Have you ever reflected on God’s love, truly reflected on it? The amazing thing about God’s love is there is nothing we can do to earn and there is nothing we can do to lose it. God’s love isn’t a feeling or an emotion – God is love! Everything that makes God God is that he is love.

“Christ died for us at a time when we were helpless and sinful. 7 No one is really willing to die for an honest person, though someone might be willing to die for a truly good person. 8 But God showed how much he loved us by having Christ die for us, even though we were sinful.

9 But there is more! Now that God has accepted us because Christ sacrificed his life’s blood, we will also be kept safe from God’s anger. 10 Even when we were God’s enemies, he made peace with us, because his Son died for us. Yet something even greater than friendship is ours. Now that we are at peace with God, we will be saved by his Son’s life.” Romans 5:6-10 CEV

Yesterday television was filled with programming on people who are striving to be acknowledged as the “best”. Awards shows, play-off games, most valuable player of the game, economic advisors, news pundits, politicians – all vying for a place in the spot light, all wanting acknowledgement for who they are. They’ve lost sight of the most important thing; God loves them and that is irrefutable.

“Christ died for us at a time when we were helpless and sinful. 7 No one is really willing to die for an honest person, though someone might be willing to die for a truly good person. 8 But God showed how much he loved us by having Christ die for us, even though we were sinful.

9 But there is more! Now that God has accepted us because Christ sacrificed his life’s blood, we will also be kept safe from God’s anger. 10 Even when we were God’s enemies, he made peace with us, because his Son died for us. Yet something even greater than friendship is ours. Now that we are at peace with God, we will be saved by his Son’s life.” Ephesians 3:6-10 NLV

We have been conditioned to try and earn love. That kind of love is selfish and vain. It is based on what I do to make you happy; what I say to make you look good; how I look to keep you from being embarrassed, etc. We hear some say “I just don’t love them any more, we’ve fallen out of love, I’ve fallen in love with someone else”. But that love is based on a feeling, any emotional response. But that’s so contrary to God’s love.

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 NLT

Nothing, NOTHING, can separate us from God’s love! You may have awaken with a feeling of loneliness or depression; you may feel unworthy or unrecognized by those around you but that’s not from God. He won’t allow anything to separate us from His love.

“I pray that you will be able to understand how wide and how long and how high and how deep His love is. 19 I pray that you will know the love of Christ. His love goes beyond anything we can understand. I pray that you will be filled with God Himself.

20 God is able to do much more than we ask or think through His power working in us.” Ephesians 3:18-20 NLV

Those words are part of a prayer that the Apostle Paul was praying for the people in a city call Ephesus. They are also the words I pray for myself and for you. I want us all to be consciously aware of the greatness of God’s love for us.

There truly is Nothing Greater!


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