Tag: LoveNeverFails

Posted on

In A Nut Shell

Each day I am thankful that God has allowed me to share His word with you. I don’t know where I would be without the Father’s love or His wonderful love letter, His Word! In fact, I don’t even want to think about what my life would be like without Him.

In a nutshell – God’s Word has brought me forgiveness of sins, health to my body, peace to my soul, healing for my children. He has enriched my marriage, provided wisdom when my human intellect was lacking, protection in physical and emotional storms and safety in the face of danger. God’s promises let me know that He will always supply and He always has.

I saw in God’s word that He has made provision for more than just eternal life and that He wanted me to live victoriously while I was here on earth. That’s why I share with you.

“I would have been without hope if I had not believed that I would see the loving-kindness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord. Be strong. Let your heart be strong. Yes, wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14 NLV

All of God’s promises are the same. His Word is for everyone but we don’t all see the same results. Why? We must appropriate what God has given us; simply put we must believe it regardless of how we feel or what circumstances tell us we should believe.

There have been days that I wake up and don’t feel very saved; but my salvation isn’t founded on my feelings, it’s based on God’s love and Jesus’ sacrifice. There are days that I wake up and may not feel healed, but I am because it’s based on God’s promise and Jesus’ sacrifice.

“He forgives all my sins. He heals all my diseases.” Psalms 103:3 NLV

The circumstances said there wasn’t enough lunch to feed 5000 men with five loaves and two fish but the blessing of God flowed and there was more than enough. The medical world said nothing could be done for the woman with the issue of blood but just one touch brought healing to her body. Yes, the word of God changes our circumstances when we believe; it’s called faith! Not faith in ourselves, but faith in God’s unchanging, unfailing love.

Let the words of David’s Psalm be real in your life today.

“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...14 The Lord says, ‘If someone trusts me, I will save them. I will protect my followers who call to me for help. 15 When my followers call to me, I will answer them. I will be with them when they are in trouble. I will rescue them and honor them. 16 I will give my followers a long life and show them my power to save.” Psalm 91 ERV

The Lord placed a capacity for faith in our hearts. Even when our faith is the size of a mustard seed, that’s smaller than a nutshell, it’s a powerful force.

Posted on

Thankful for Never

There are two words in the Bible that stop me every time I read them. Those words are never and always.

Today I want to focus on never.

“ Let your character [your moral essence, your inner nature] be free from the love of money [shun greed—be financially ethical], being content with what you have; for He has said, “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!” Hebrews 13:5 AMP

“Jesus Christ never changes! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 CEV

We can confidently go about our lives each day, knowing that we are not alone. Our Father has promised that He will never, under any circumstances, desert us! And He follows up with a second promise, He never changes. He is always the same. What He promised when the Bible was written is still a valid promise today.

Let’s take a look at a few more “Nevers”.

“Love is never happy when others do wrong, but it is always happy with the truth. 7 Love never gives up on people. It never stops trusting, never loses hope, and never quits.8 Love will never end.” I Corinthians 13:6-8a ERV

That’s a lot of “nevers”. But that’s how God is – never gives us, never stops trusting, never loses hope, never quits! God doesn’t quit us! Yes, we fail; we disappoint; we even walk away but God never quits us! He’s always there waiting, hoping, trusting, unfailing!

The “Never loses hope” part reminds me so much of the Prodigal Son’s father. The Scripture says that each day he would watch the road, looking for his son’s return. Even when we walk away from God the Father, He watches lovingly, patiently, unfailingly looking for our return.

Do we do the same with those that walk away from us, or do we just write them off? Love never fails – as we experience God’s unfailing love, we can begin to show the same to others.

Love never gives up!

Remember Peter asking the Lord how many times he had to forgive when he was wronged? Peter thought he was making some grand gesture when he asked, “seven times seven?”. Jesus brought forgiveness out of man’s perspective and into God’s when He told Peter, “seventy seven”. Love never quits and forgiveness is an act of love.

” Peter came up to the Lord and asked, “How many times should I forgive someone who does something wrong to me? Is seven times enough?”

22  Jesus answered: Not just 7 times, but 77 times!” Matthew 18:21-22 CEV

We must look at forgiveness from the Father’s point of view. He forgives and forgets even when it’s our 100th screw up of the day. He doesn’t give up on us – He’s always there waiting and reaching out to us. He’s never refused anyone yet.

I’m so thankful for God’s nevers. His love never fails!

Posted on

Heart Smart

So many advertisements and commercials encourage us to be “heart smart”. I agree but it won’t come from eating a certain cereal, taking a low grain aspirin everyday, or any other thing that man can advertise. My watch even tells me my heart rate when I’m out on a walk.

To be truly heart smart, take a good dose of Scripture every day.

” Let your heart therefore be perfect with the Lord our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day.” I Kings 8:61 ERV

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV

“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” Psalm 27:14

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Matthew 22:37-39.

Good eating habits, exercise and relaxation are good for the bones and the emotions. Being founded on God’s word and focused on God’s presence is good for the entire person – spiritual, soul and body.

“I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. And may the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope.” Romans 15:13 CEV

“You have been raised to life with Christ. Now set your heart on what is in heaven, where Christ rules at God’s right side. 2 Think about what is up there, not about what is here on earth.” Colossians 3:1-2 CEV

Keep your heart healthy today.

Posted on

Lessons from the Sea

For those of us who love the sea, the Lord has a lesson for you on His faithfulness.

When we went to Greece we would spend each evening sitting on the balcony listening to the waves as we watched the sunset. Then each morning we would walk the seashore as the sun rose in the sky.

It was a beautiful way to start and end each day. It was a reminder of God’s faithfulness. The sunrise and sunset, the ebb and flow of the tide. It’s been happening like that since the beginning of time.

God is faithful.

“Our Lord, you are King! Majesty and power are your royal robes. You put the world in place,
 and it will never be moved. 2 You have always ruled, and you are eternal. 3 The ocean is roaring, Lord! The sea is pounding hard. 4 Its mighty waves are majestic, but you are even more majestic, and you rule over all.
5 Your decisions are firm, and your temple will always be beautiful and holy.” Psalm 93 CEV

The Lord has proven His faithfulness through His creation. His word is filled with His unchangeable promises.

“God is no mere human! He doesn’t tell lies or change his mind. God always keeps his promises.” Numbers 23:19 CEV

“Christ says “Yes” to all God’s promises. This is why we have Christ to say “Amen” for us to the glory of God.” II Corinthians 1:20 CEV

“The Lord forgives our sins, heals us when we are sick, 4  and protects us from death. His kindness and love are a crown on our heads.” Psalm 103:3-4 CEV

“I am surrounded by trouble, but you protect me against my angry enemies. With your own powerful arm you keep me safe. 8 You, Lord, will always treat me with kindness. Your love never fails. You have made us what we are. Don’t give up on us now!” Psalm 138:7-8 CEV

Each time you are at the sea or are picturing it in your mind remember God’s faithfulness. Let every sunrise and sunset be a reminder that God always treats you with kindness and His love never fails.

Nature is here as a testimony of God’s goodness and grace!

Posted on

Waiting With Open Arms

As I was finishing up yesterday’s blog the last words of the song “Welcome to My World” recreated a vivid memory.

“I’ll be waiting there, with my arms unfurled

Waiting just for you, Welcome to my world.”

I saw the Father in the story of the prodigal son, watching and waiting for his son to return.

“The son got up and went to his father. While he was yet a long way off, his father saw him. The father was full of loving-pity for him. He ran and threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am not good enough to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to the workmen he owned, ‘Hurry! Get the best coat and put it on him. Put a ring on his hand and shoes on his feet. 23 Bring the calf that is fat and kill it. Let us eat and be glad. 24 For my son was dead and now he is alive again. He was lost and now he is found. Let us eat and have a good time.’” Luke 15:20-24 NLV

It’s hard to think of a day in my life without the Lord. Almost impossible! Even during the days when I wasn’t serving Him, when I was being the prodigal – I knew He was there!

He let me do things my way, but trying to find the “best” way without Him only brought frustration and disappointment. Maybe you’ve been there or maybe you’re there now.

You think you’ve gone too far in living life on your own. Can God really love you? Does He really care?

It’s hard to be the prodigal. Everything depends on you and your own efforts. You carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. God never intended for you to do that.

“Don’t be afraid. I saved you. I named you. You are mine. 2 When you have troubles, I am with you. When you cross rivers, you will not be hurt. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not hurt you. 3 That’s because I, the Lord, am your God.” Isaiah 43:1-3 ERV

We have His promise that He will not abandon us; He will never leave us or desert us.

“Lord, teach me your ways, and I will live and obey your truths. Help me make worshiping your name the most important thing in my life. 12 My Lord God, I praise you with all my heart. I will honor your name forever! 13 You have such great love for me. You save me from the place of death.” Psalm 86:11-13 ERV

Today I can see how He always brought me around. I’ve heard the words of the Father “ For my son was dead and now he is alive again. He was lost and now he is found. Let us eat and have a good time.”

He’s waiting just for you, welcoming you home!

Posted on

Jesus Cares

Mother’s Day for some is not a happy day.

There are those of you who have recently experienced the death of a child either as an unborn (stillborn, miscarriage), infant or even an adult. You’re not having a good day but instead you want to stay in bed with your head under the covers and avoid all who are celebrating today.

And some of you have been told you will never have children and your heart is screaming “I’m broken…I ache…I may never recover and I can’t go on pretending everything’s ok.”

Then ladies, some of you may be dealing with abortion or giving a child up for adoption. While others may be facing life as a single parent because you’ve been abandoned. Some have a special needs child that you don’t feel you know how to adequately care for.

The last group of ladies I want to include here are those of you who are estranged from your children, those whose children have left, and you have no idea where they are or they are living a lifestyle that is far from you and even farther from the Lord. They may be in an addictive lifestyle, or they may be in prison.

Today is not a good day for you to say the least. You hurt and the thought of facing the day, a day filled with cards and flowers, cheery greetings and gifts is just unbearable.

Because I’m writing this too you, you can know that your Heavenly Father knows your heart, He knows your pain. There are two verses that immediately came to mind

” If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest. 29 Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest.” Matthew 11:28-29 CEV

“for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!] 6 So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5b-6 AMP

Your Father knows your heart and how it’s breaking, He is here to heal it and to give you comfort. You are not alone!

Posted on

Filled with Love

Do you remember a time when you had to leave your child somewhere and it made your heart ache? Maybe it was the first day of kindergarten, maybe it was college or boot camp, it could have been at the door to the operating room in the hospital.

A sinking feeling for sure. Even now those times bring tears to your eyes and ache to your heart.

This morning I was reading I Samuel 1 about Hannah and how she longed so deeply for a child. The Lord heard and answered her prayer and as a response of devotion to Him she then took that little boy and gave him back to the Lord.

“When the boy was old enough to eat solid food, Hannah took him to the Lord’s house at Shiloh. She also took a bull that was three years old, 20 pounds of flour, and a bottle of wine.

25 They went before the Lord. Elkanah killed the bull as a sacrifice to the Lord as he usually did. Then Hannah gave the boy to Eli. 26 She said to him, ‘Pardon me, sir. I am the same woman who stood near you praying to the Lord. I promise that I am telling the truth. 27 I prayed for this child, and the Lord answered my prayer. He gave me this child. 28 And now I give this child to the Lord. He will serve the Lord all his life.’

Then Hannah left the boy there and worshiped the Lord.” I Samuel 1:24-28 ERV

The story of Hannah and Samuel isn’t a fable that makes a good read. It is the true story of a loving mother, a godly woman. Imagine how she must have wrestled with her emotions as she made the decision to give Samuel to Eli, the priest, and leave him there.

Now imagine if you will another parent who was willing to give up their child. This time, however, the child was given as a sacrifice for the sins of the world.

“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

Hannah gave her son to a loving God but God gave His Son to an unloving world. Hannah knew her son would be well cared for, God knew His Son would be hated and abused.

It’s important that we realize the great sacrifice that our heavenly Father made in giving His Son! We can’t take it lightly. He gave so that we can have life eternal.

He gave because of His great love for us!

“Christ died for us when we were unable to help ourselves. We were living against God, but at just the right time Christ died for us. 7 Very few people will die to save the life of someone else, even if it is for a good person. Someone might be willing to die for an especially good person. 8 But Christ died for us while we were still sinners, and by this God showed how much he loves us.” Romans 5:6-8 ERV

We will be celebrating Easter in just a few weeks. It’s not a time for bunnies and colored eggs. It’s a day of great joy that followed a week of sorrow. Let the Lord minister to you, reminding you of the depth of His love.

His heart has always been filled with love for us!

Posted on

It’s Your Love!

A couple days a week there is line-dancing in the hall next to our office. I like hearing the music; it reminds me of the days that Dave and I went to the country dance club. Good memories!

This morning when I woke up a Faith Hill/Tim McGraw song was playing on a continuous loop in my head. “It’s Your Love”.

I sat here in the quiet and sang along, over and over again. Then I picked up my journal and wrote:

“Father, It’s Your Love! Amazing, wonderful, marvelous, affirming, unconditional, supportive, corrective, life-giving. It’s Your Love!”

The lyrics are still enveloping my thoughts.

“Better than I was
More than I am
And all of this happened
By takin’ your hand

And who I am now
Is who I wanted to be
And now that we’re together
I’m stronger than ever
I’m happy and free

Oh, it’s a beautiful thing
Don’t think I can keep it all in, no
And if you asked me why I changed
All I gotta do is say your sweet name

It’s your love”


All I gotta do is say your sweet name – Jesus! The name above every name; the name that is the embodiment of love.

“The Lord is kind and merciful, patient and full of love. 9 The Lord is good to everyone.
    He shows his mercy to everything he made.” Psalm 145:8-9 ERV

“The Lord is kind and merciful. He is patient and full of love. 9 He does not always criticize. He does not stay angry with us forever. 10 We sinned against him, but he didn’t give us the punishment we deserved. 11 His love for his followers is as high above us as heaven is above the earth. 12 And he has taken our sins as far away from us as the east is from the west.” Psalm 103:8-12 ERV

“ Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. 5 Love is not rude, it is not selfish, and it cannot be made angry easily. Love does not remember wrongs done against it. 6 Love is never happy when others do wrong, but it is always happy with the truth. 7 Love never gives up on people. It never stops trusting, never loses hope, and never quits.

8 Love will never end. ” I Corinthians 13:4-8 ERV

“Dear friends, we should love each other, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has become God’s child. And so everyone who loves knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love to us: He sent his only Son into the world to give us life through him.” I John 4:7-9 ERV

One more time, say it with me – “Heavenly Father, it’s Your love!”

Posted on

Love the Race

This has been a wonderful week with our daughter and son-in-love in Daytona Beach. We came as a 50th birthday celebration for our oldest daughter and we had a great time.

The main event of the trip culminated yesterday with the 67th running of the Daytona 500, a race we have watched for years on television, dreamed of someday attending and now it was here!

The biggest joy was we got to experience it together! Wonderful family memories we will share for the rest of our days.

I’ve been sitting here for the better part of an hour reliving some of yesterday’s events. We arrived at the track at 8:30 a.m. Found our seats, which we absolutely amazing – we could see the whole 2+ miles of the track. Then for the pre-race activities, just us and 100,000+ of our closest unknown friends. So many people, all here to cheer on 41 drivers, hoping their favorite would win. Even between the 4 of us, we all had different favorites but there was no contention in that.

A concert, a university band, exhibits and displays. Food – lots of food. Race swag to buy and excitement filled the air. The sun was warm and it seemed to be a perfect race day. The race started without a hitch, until lap 9, when it started to rain and the track had to be cleared. We stood/sat for the next 3 1/2 hours – people mingling, eating, laughing – conversations as to how long this delay might take but no one was going home. We were there to see the race.

There was a prize on the line, a goal to reach!

Now, don’t worry I’m not going to give you a play by play – just a comparison.

We were the crowd, but we were also the competitors. We loved watching every car but we were also competing against the elements. Would we become discouraged, would we give up before the ended, would we quit?

“Such a large crowd of witnesses is all around us! So we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially the sin that just won’t let go. And we must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us. 2  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 later on he would be glad he did. Now he is seated at the right side of God’s throne!” Hebrews 12:1-2 CEV

In our walk with Christ, our spiritual race, we are surrounded by a crowd of witnesses, those who have already completed the race. They cheer for us to keep going, don’t stop, don’t give up. There are also those who hope we fail. Don’t listen to them.

We make the pit stops and get the repairs and tune-ups needed to improve our endurance. When crashes come, we regroup and follow our lead pace car (Jesus). We might brush the wall or hit someone else’s bumper but we maintain control and we finish the race.

There will be rain delays, flat tires, adjustments and even crashes but this is a true saying, we win!

” Athletes work hard to win a crown that cannot last, but we do it for a crown that will last forever.” I Corinthians 9:25 CEV

“ I am grateful that God always makes it possible for Christ to lead us to victory. God also helps us spread the knowledge about Christ everywhere, and this knowledge is like the smell of perfume.” II Corinthians 2:14 CEV

You’re in a race today – enjoy it! Spread the news of the One who makes you a winner!

Posted on

Incomparable & Absolutely Amazing

Once again, my heart is overwhelmed as I sit here this morning thinking about the unconditional, everlasting, unfailing love of God!

There are no words to adequately express what causes my heart to swell and my eyes to tear as I sit in the quiet knowing I am surrounded by His matchless love.

So, I will let God’s word speak for me.

“…I am the Lord God. I am merciful and very patient with my people. I show great love, and I can be trusted.” Exodus 34:6 CEV

“Lord God of heaven, you are great and fearsome. And you faithfully keep your promises to everyone who loves you and obeys your commands.” Nehemiah 1:5 CEV

“But I will sing about your strength, my God, and I will celebrate because of your love. You are my fortress, my place of protection in times of trouble.” Psalm 59:16 CEV

“Praise the God of all gods. God‘s love never fails.” Psalm 136:2 CeV

“The Lord your God wins victory after victory and is always with you. He celebrates and sings because of you, and he will refresh your life with his love.” Zephaniah 3:17 CEV

“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

” …God loves you and has chosen you to be his very own people. I pray that God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you and will bless you with peace!” Romans 1:7 CEV

“I have died, but Christ lives in me. And I now live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave his life for me.” Galatians 2:20 CEV

“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.” Ephesians 2:4-5 CEV

“I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love—not life or death, not angels or spirits, not the present or the future, 39 and not powers above or powers below. Nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord!” Romans 8:38-39 CEV

There is a praise song I sometimes sing and it is bubbling in my heart right now, “Reckless Love of God”. The chorus goes something like this:

“Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God
Oh, it chases me down, fights ’til I’m found, leaves the ninety-nine
And I couldn’t earn it, I don’t deserve it, still You give Yourself away
Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God”

Don’t let circumstances, worry, fear or doubt steal the peace that God gives. We are wrapped in His arms, held there by His never-ending, unconditional, everlasting love!

Privacy Policy Proudly powered by WordPress