LIVING OR EXISTING

“I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.  The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.  I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”

John 10:9-11 KJV

Are we living or existing?  If we haven’t invited Jesus into our heart to be our personal Saviour, we are just existing.  I experienced a devastating and crippling depression for over forty years.  I checked myself into mental hospitals several times because I was suicidal and I didn’t want to kill myself.

There were times when I had so much emotional pain that I did want to kill myself but one day when I was lying under a bed in a mental hospital, Jesus came to me and said “Joanne, I love you and I care.  It’s safe to come out from under this bed.  I won’t let anyone hurt you”.

That was the first time anyone had ever said to me “I love you, Joanne”.  I can’t put into words the happiness, the joy and the peace that filled my heart that day when Jesus told me that He loves me.  I am so glad that Jesus loves us unconditionally and will always love us unconditionally. 

A man said when he was talking to a friend “I don’t have to tell my wife I love her.  She should know I love her because I married her”.  Jesus tells us every day that He loves us.  Jesus has feelings too and He wants us to tell Him that we love Him.  Have you told Jesus today how much you love Him?

Joanne Lowe

April 30, 2015

WHAT IS GOD SAYING

“While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.”

Matthew 17:5 KJV

God said that He is well pleased with His beloved Son but what is God saying about us?  Is He saying that He is pleased with us or is He disappointed because of our actions and our words?  When God looks into our heart does He see things that make Him happy or does He see things that hurt Him?

We need to keep our heart in right standing with God so that we don’t hurt Him and break His heart.  If we have unforgiveness, resentment, bitterness, jealousy, hatred or any other thing in our heart that hurts Him, we need to tell Him that we’re sorry we hurt Him and ask Him to forgive us.

If we have repented of our sins, asked God to forgive us and invited Jesus into our heart to be our personal Saviour, God has adopted us into His family.  What a privilege it is to be adopted by God and to be a part of His family.  I love my Heavenly Father so much and I am so glad that He adopted me.

Heavenly Father, please search my heart and if there is anything in my heart that hurts You and breaks Your heart, I’m sorry.  I pray that we will do things and say words that make You happy instead of doing things and saying words that hurt You and break Your heart.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

April 29, 2015

JESUS CARES AND LOVES YOU

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

1 Peter 5:7 KJV

Pastor Frank Ellsworth Graeff wrote a beautiful and inspiring hymn “Does Jesus Care”.  The words tell you how much Jesus cares and loves you.  “Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares, His heart is touched with my grief; When the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares.”

If you ever think that nobody cares about you and loves you, remember the cross.  Jesus walked that long lonely road to Calvary and allowed them to crucify Him on the cross for your sins so you can be saved and go to Heaven.  No one loves you like Jesus loves you and no one ever will.

Not only does Jesus care about us and love us, He will never leave us.  I repented of my sins, asked God to forgive me and invited Jesus into my heart to be my personal Saviour on August 14, 1980 and He has never left me, not even for a minute.  We know that Jesus loves us but does He know we love Him?

The best way to prove to Jesus how much we love Him is to be kind and loving to Him and to one another.  Do we love one another unconditionally as He has commanded us to love?  If not, we are hurting Him and breaking His heart.  Jesus loves us no matter how many times we fail Him and hurt Him.

May God help us to love one another unconditionally.  What a privilege it is to be loved by the Saviour of the world.  If you’re hurting and discouraged, tell Jesus.  He will pick you up and carry you through all the dark valleys in your life and will set you once again on the mountain top of happiness.

Joanne Lowe

April 28, 2015

WE CAN’T HIDE FROM GOD

"If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.  Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.”

Psalm 139:11, 12 KJV

There is no place that we can go without God seeing us.  There is also nothing we do that God doesn’t see.  We can’t hide from God.  Someone said “What I do in my own home behind closed doors is nobody’s business but mine”.  That is a lie straight from the pits of hell.  Everything we do is God’s business.

God sees when someone hits their spouse or their children.  He also hears when someone says cruel and hateful words to people and it hurts God and breaks His heart.  No, we can’t hide from God.  No matter what we say or what we do God sees us and He hears us.  Are we hurting Him by what we do and say?

We read in the Bible.  “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).  Are the works we are doing making God happy or are they hurting Him and breaking His heart?  We are either making Him happy or we are making Him sad.

Heavenly Father, may we always do things and say words that make You happy instead of hurting You and making You sad.  Please forgive us for the times we hurt You.  We’re sorry we hurt You.  Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me and for allowing me to serve Your Son.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

April 27, 2015

WHAT IS JESUS SAYING

“Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

Matthew 11:11 KJV

Jesus said some wonderful things about John the Baptist.  What is Jesus saying about us?  Are we making Him happy by the kind and loving words we say to one another and by our kind and loving actions to each other or are we hurting Him and breaking His heart because of our words and actions?

The desire of my heart is to make Jesus happy.  He has done so much for us that He deserves to be happy.  How do we make Him happy?  Jesus told us that when we are kind and loving to each other, we are being kind and loving to Him.  Are we being kind and loving to Him by loving each other?

“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40).  May God help us to be kind and loving to one another so we will make our precious Saviour happy and not hurt Him.

Joanne Lowe

April 26, 2015

COMPASSIONATE LOVE

“As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.  If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.  These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.  This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.  Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.  Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.”

John 15:9-14 KJV

One of the definitions I found for compassion in Webster’s Dictionary is “a feeling of wanting to help someone who is sick, hungry, in trouble, etc.”  This definition describes our precious Saviour.  Not only does Jesus love us unconditionally, He is also a caring tender and compassionate Saviour.

When we are sick or can’t sleep at night and the night seems so long, Jesus sits by our bed and holds our hand.  If we will listen with our heart we will hear Him say, “You are precious to Me.  I love you and I will never leave you.”  O that you and I will follow His example and have a compassionate love for others.

Jesus has told us that we are His friends if we do what He has commanded us to do.  Are we His friends?  Are we doing what He has commanded us to do?  Jesus has commanded us to love one another unconditionally.  Do we love others unconditionally or do we turn our love off and on like a water faucet?

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us unconditionally.  You have comforted me and encouraged me countless times.  I love You so much and I appreciate You.  Jesus, You are so precious to me and I love You.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

April 25, 2015

OUR FOUNDATION

“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”

Ephesians 2:19-22 KJV

Jesus is our foundation in this world of wars, violence, sex, drugs and hatred.  No matter what valley we are going through Jesus will pick us up in His loving and compassionate arms and carry us until the pain goes away.  What a comfort it is to our weary battle scarred heart to know we can depend on Jesus.

Are you building your life on Jesus or are you building your life on satan?  If you build your life on satan, you will always have problems and heartaches.  Jesus is the only One Who can keep us from falling.  Jesus has proven Himself to be faithful so we know that we can depend on Him but can Jesus depend on us?

Heavenly Father, I pray that if there is anyone who doesn’t have Jesus as their foundation that they will give their heart and life to Him.  Thank You, dear Father, for loving us so much that You gave Jesus to die for our sins on the cross.  Jesus, You are my foundation and I love You.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

April 24, 2015

WHAT ARE WE CALLED

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”

Matthew 5:9 KJV

Webster’s Dictionary describes a peacemaker as “a person who helps to prevent or stop an argument, a fight, or a war”.  Are we helping to prevent or stop an argument or do we add fuel to the fire by our words?  Jesus set an example for us to follow when He didn’t say hateful words to them when He was accused.

We read in the Bible.  “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth” (Isaiah 53:7).  May God help us to follow His example even when people say hateful things to us.

It is very difficult to be quiet when people are saying things to us that hurt us especially if what they are saying isn’t true.  We can’t be quiet on our own.  We need to immediately ask Jesus to help us be quiet as soon as someone says something that hurts us.  He will be faithful to help us.

My Mother used to say to me “If you don’t have anything good to say, keep your big mouth shut”.  It hurt me when she said that but she was right.  We can tell the people we hurt that we’re sorry.  They can forgive us but the hateful words we say to them when we’re angry pierce their heart like a knife.

What are we called?  Are people calling us peacemakers or are they calling us troublemakers?  If we have invited Jesus into our heart to be our personal Saviour, we are Christians and as Christians we are to let others see and hear the unconditional love of Jesus by our smiles and our words.

Joanne Lowe

April 23, 2015   

WE SHOULD LOOK AS GOD LOOKS

“But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”

1 Samuel 16:7 KJV

I am so thankful that God looks on our heart because if He didn’t look on our heart when we do things that hurt Him we would be in a lot of trouble.  We read in the Bible “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:” (Luke 6:37).

It’s very easy to point the finger at people and judge them but what about us?  Do we judge ourselves as we judge others?  Instead of pointing the finger at people when we see them do something they shouldn’t do and judging and condemning them, we should pray for them and love them as God loves them.

We sometimes forget that no one is perfect.  All of us have hurt God at times.  There was only one perfect person who ever lived or ever will live and His Name is Jesus.  A pastor said in a sermon “If you will make sure your own heart is right before God, you won’t have the time to condemn and judge others”.

The pastor is so right because it’s a full time job to keep my heart in right standing with God.  We need to be sure that our heart is right with God because we don’t know when He will call us home or when Jesus will come back for us.  How about your heart?  Is your heart right with God? 

Heavenly Father, please forgive us for judging and condemning others.  Help us to realize the importance of keeping our own heart in right standing with You.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

April 22, 2015

GOD FEEDS US

“He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.”

Luke 1:53 KJV

Are you hungry for love and acceptance?  Do you ever feel all alone and think nobody cares?  I submit to you on the authority of the Word of God that God cares about you.  He cares about you and loves you so much He gave His beloved Son to die on the cross for you.  God feeds us with unconditional love.

What a privilege it is to be loved by God and to be able to go to Him and share our heart and burdens with Him.  We are not worthy to go into His presence but because of the precious redeeming blood of Jesus that He shed for our sins on the cross, we can go boldly into God’s presence.

Heavenly Father, I pray for those who are hurting and feel alone.  Please put Your arms of compassion around them and comfort them as only You can.  Thank You for the countless times You have comforted and encouraged me.  Thank You for feeding me with Your unconditional love.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

April 21, 2015

OUR HOME OF PEACE

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.  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.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

John 14:1-3 KJV

Jesus is preparing a place for us.  It is our home of peace.  There will be no violence in Heaven.  We won’t have to run and hide because someone is shouting and cursing and threatening.  There are some children who have to run and hide in their house because they are so afraid that they are going to be hit again.

Years ago, home missionaries and foreign missionaries came to my church for a missions conference and showed slides of their work.  What broke my heart and brought tears to my eyes was the fact that not only did the children in foreign countries look like they were starving, so did the children here in America.

Not only are children starving for food in foreign countries and here in America, they are also starving for love and affection.  Every person has a responsibility to be kind and loving to every child.  Jesus loves children and He is very protective of them.  It breaks His heart when we aren’t kind and loving to children.

Thank God that one day Jesus will come back for us and we will be in our home of peace forever.  There will be no shouting, cursing or hitting there.  May God help us to be kind and loving to our children and to every child we see.  When we hurt children, we are also hurting Jesus.

Joanne Lowe

April 20, 2015

IT IS NOT ENOUGH

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

2 Timothy 2:15 KJV

It is very important that we study the Bible because we want to please God.  However, it is not enough just to study the Bible.  We also need to put what it teaches us into practice.  If we don’t put it into practice, it would be like going to college for years to be a doctor but never put what we learned into practice.  Jesus tells us in the Bible we are to love each other unconditionally.

Do we love one another unconditionally?  If we don’t, we are hurting Him and breaking His heart.  Jesus has set the example for us by loving us unconditionally.  May God help us to love one another as Jesus loves us.  We have a compassionate loving Saviour Who loves us so much He died for us.

Another reason why we should study the Bible is so we will know when someone says something about the Bible that is not true.  Someone said “Proverbs is not part of the Bible and you should not believe anything in it”.  I submit to you on the authority of the Word of God that Proverbs is part of the Bible.

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so much that You gave Jesus to die for our sins on the cross.  I pray we will study Your Word and make You happy.  I love You, Heavenly Father.  Thank You for adopting me into Your family.  I love You, Jesus.  I love You, Holy Spirit.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

April 19, 2015

THE SON OF GOD

“Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?  He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?  And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee.  And he said, Lord, I believe.  And he worshipped him.”

John 10:35-38 KJV

Who is the Son of God?  He is the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS!  He is the lily of the valley, the bright and morning star and the Saviour of the world.  He is also the best Friend we will ever have.  He never leaves us, not even for a minute.  He carries us through all the dark valleys in our life.

Mylon R. Lefevre wrote the beautiful hymn “WITHOUT HIM”.  The words in this hymn describe how I feel about Jesus.  “Without Him I could do nothing, Without Him I’d surely fail; Without Him I would be drifting, like a ship without a sail.”  Jesus, what a privilege it is just to say His precious Name.

One day, we will see Him face to face when He comes back for us.  What a day of rejoicing and happiness it will be when we see Him.  How I long for the day when I will see Him face to face.  I am going to hug Him for all eternity and tell Him how much I love Him and appreciate Him.  We will be with Him forever.

Jesus gives us a precious promise in the Bible “He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly.  Amen.  Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).  Are you ready to meet Jesus when He comes back for us?  Is your heart right with God?  Have you told everyone you love them?

Joanne Lowe

April 18, 2015

ARE WE TAKING THE LOVE OF JESUS

“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?  Then said I, Here am I; send me.”

Isaiah 6:8 KJV

Jesus is calling us to take His love to everyone.  Are we taking the love of Jesus to everyone we see?  We are either taking the light and love of Jesus or we are taking the darkness and hatred of satan.  There is no in between.  If we aren’t serving Jesus, we are serving satan.  Do people see the love of Jesus in us?

Have you ever said to Jesus “Here am I; send me”?  If not, I urge you to answer His call today.  We may be saved but if we aren’t serving Jesus, not only are we ignoring His call, we are also hurting Him and breaking His heart.  After all that our Saviour has done for us He deserves our loyalty and our service.

He may not be calling us to be a foreign missionary but He is calling every person to spread His unconditional love.  Does our family know how much Jesus loves them?  Hopefully, we tell them that we love them but how often do we tell them that Jesus loves them?  Have we ever told them that He loves them?

Heavenly Father, thank You for trusting me to serve Jesus and for the privilege of serving Him.  I pray that every person in the world will fall in love with Jesus and serve Him even when it’s not convenient or on their schedule.  May others always see and hear the love of Jesus in me.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

April 17, 2015

EVERYONE

“Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.  Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;  Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we are comforted of God.”

2 Corinthians 1:2-4 KJV

Rev. Ira F. Stanphill wrote a beautiful hymn.  It is one of my favorite hymns “Room at the Cross”.  Thank God that there is room at the cross for everyone.  Just as there is room at the cross for everyone, there is enough room for everyone in the world to sit on God’s lap at the same time as He comforts us.

If you are brokenhearted, discouraged, lonely and feel like going to bed and staying there, tell God.  He will set you on His lap of comfort and remind you that He loves you as He dries your tears with tender kisses of love and compassion.  O how our Heavenly Father loves you.  Allow Him to comfort you.

Precious Heavenly Father, thank You for the many times You comfort us as You dry our tears with kisses.  Please help us to love one another so much that we will comfort those who are hurting just as You comfort us.  We love You, dear Father, and we appreciate You.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

April 16, 2015

HIS ARMS OF LOVE

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30 KJV

We have a compassionate and loving Saviour.  His arms of mercy and love are open to us all the time.  When we are weary, lonely, discouraged and brokenhearted, all we have to do is run into His arms of love and He will give us rest.  He picks us up and carries us until the hurt and the pain goes away.

Not only does He carry us in His loving arms, He sets us once again on the mountain top of happiness.  There is nobody who loves you like Jesus loves you.  He understands how we feel when someone says something or does something that hurts us.  Jesus knows how much it hurts to be ridiculed and abused.

When you are discouraged and brokenhearted, run into the open waiting and loving arms of Jesus and allow Him to comfort and encourage you.  Just as His arms were outstretched as He hung on the cross for us, so His arms of love are open for us today.  He loves you and He is waiting for you to come to Him.

Heavenly Father, I pray that others will see the love of Jesus in my smiles.  Please help us to love one another unconditionally just as Jesus has commanded us to love each other.  Thank You, dear Father, for adopting me into Your family.  I love You and appreciate You so much.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

April 15, 2015

JOY AND HAPPINESS

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”

Psalm 16:11 KJV

Rev. Barney Elliott Warren wrote the hymn “Joy Unspeakable”.  “I have found the joy no tongue can tell, How its waves of glory roll!  It is like a great o’erflowing well, Springing up within my soul”.  These words are so true because I can’t put into words the joy and happiness I feel when I am in the presence of Jesus.

Being in the presence of Jesus doesn’t mean that we have to have our eyes closed and pray every minute.  We have things we must do during the day but whatever obligations we have and whoever we are with, we can still fellowship with Jesus in our heart while we are doing what we have to do.

We must put Jesus first in our heart and in our life.  If we are too busy to talk to Jesus during the day, we are too busy and we need to rearrange our schedule so that talking and laughing with Jesus comes first.  If our family doesn’t talk to us every day, we would probably be sad.  Jesus is sad when we don’t talk to Him.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus.  He never leaves us, not even for a minute.  Heavenly Father, thank You for adopting me into Your family and for the privilege You have given me of serving Your beloved Son.  I love You, Father.  I love You, Jesus.  I love You, Holy Spirit.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

April 14, 2015

OUR KING

“And they brought him to Jesus: and they cast their garments upon the colt, and they set Jesus thereon.  And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way.  And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.”

Luke 19:35-38 KJV

Someone said “he was a great king”.  There is only one great king and His Name is Jesus!  He is the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.  One glorious and happy day Jesus our King is coming back for us and we will see Him face to face.  How I long for that day.

Jim Hill wrote the beautiful and inspiring hymn “What A Day That Will Be”.  I love these words.  “There’ll be no sorrow there, no more burdens to bear, No more sickness, no pain, no more parting over there; and forever I will be with the One who died for me, What a day, glorious day that will be.”

Jesus rose from the dead but have we allowed Him to be our King?  Does He have first place in our heart and in our life?  There is nothing or nobody that should be more important to us than Jesus, our victorious King.  If He doesn’t have first place in our heart and life, we are hurting Him and breaking His heart.

Heavenly Father, I pray for every person who hasn’t made Jesus their King.  May today be the day they invite Jesus into their heart.  I invited Jesus into my heart on August 14, 1980.  Thank You for loving me, for adopting me and for being a protective and caring Father.  I love You.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

April 13, 2015

OUR BEST FRIEND

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.  So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”

Hebrews 13:5,6 KJV

Ludie Carrington Day Pickett wrote a beautiful hymn about Jesus “NEVER ALONE”.  “When in affliction’s valley I tread the load of care, My Savior helps me carry the cross so heavy to bear; Though all around me is darkness, earthly joys all flown; My Savior whispers His promise, never to leave me alone!”

Jesus is our best Friend and He never leaves us alone not even for a minute.  He is with us all the time.  When we go to bed and it feels like the morning will never come, Jesus is with us.  He sits beside our bed and holds our hand as He tenderly comforts us and tells us over and over how much He loves us.

If you ever think nobody loves you or cares about you, remember Jesus loves you so much that He willingly died on the cross for your sins.  Nobody loves us like God and Jesus love us and nobody ever will.  They love us unconditionally and with an everlasting love.  Thank God for Their love for us.

Heavenly Father, we praise You and thank You for loving us so much that You gave Your beloved Son to die on the cross for our sins.  I love You, precious Heavenly Father.  I love You, Jesus.  Thank You for dying for my sins and for being my best Friend.  I love You, Holy Spirit.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

April 12, 2015

A CARING HEART

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”

1 Peter 5:6,7 KJV

O that you and I would have a caring heart and love one another unconditionally just as God loves us.  Do we care about others and love them unconditionally just as Jesus commands us to love one another?  God wants us to share our burdens and heartaches with Him because He really cares about us.

We can give our money and do good deeds for others but if we don’t have a caring heart, it means nothing.  What we say to others or do for others should come from our heart.  Many years ago, I forgave someone who had hurt me but I didn’t forgive from my heart so I hadn’t really forgiven this person.

God has a caring heart. He cares about us so much that He gave His Son to die on the cross for our sins.  May God help us to have a caring heart and love one another unconditionally.  We need to remember that none of us are perfect.  If we want God to forgive us we must forgive those who hurt us.

Joanne Lowe

April 11, 2015

OUR SAVIOUR

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”

Matthew 1:21 KJV

What a privilege it is to not only know Jesus, our Saviour, but also to be loved by Him.  We have a compassionate tender loving Saviour Who loves us so much He willingly walked that long lonely road to Calvary and there allowed them to crucify Him for your sins and for my sins.

I heard a preacher give a sermon about Jesus being crucified.  The preacher described in detail the physical suffering that Jesus endured but not one time did the preacher mention the emotional suffering that Jesus endured as He hung there on that cross of torture.  O how our Saviour loves us.

I believe with all of my heart that Jesus died of a broken heart.  He could have come down from the cross if He had wanted to come down because all the nails in the world couldn’t have kept Him on the cross had He chosen to come down.  Have you allowed it to enter your heart how much Jesus loves you?

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving Jesus to die on the cross for our sins.  Jesus, I love You with all my heart.  Thank You for staying on the cross and dying for my sins.  Heavenly Father, I pray for every person who isn’t saved.  May today be the day they say yes to Jesus.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

April 10, 2015

PATIENCE

“That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:”

Colossians 1:10-12 KJV

Don’t ever pray for something you want unless you really want it.  I used to be a very impatient person and it caused me a lot of problems.  Many years ago, I prayed and asked God to give me patience.  He not only answered my prayer, He is still answering it.  He is still teaching me how to be patient.

We need to be joyful while we are learning to be patient.  “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Psalm 16:11).  I love my family and my friends but it is only when I am in the presence of Jesus that I have the fulness of joy.

Heavenly Father, thank You for being patient with me while You are teaching me patience.  Please help us to be patient with one another so people will know how much we love You.  I pray that others will always know that Jesus loves them by the things I do and the words that I say.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

April 9, 2015

OUR SAVIOUR’S NAME

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.  Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:  That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Philippians 2:5-11 KJV

Rev. Charles Benson Wycuff wrote a beautiful hymn about our Saviour “What A Lovely Name”.  I believe Rev. Wycuff wrote this hymn from the depths of his heart.  “There’s a name above all others, Wonderful to hear, bringing hope and cheer.  It’s the lovely name of Jesus, Evermore the same, what a lovely name.”

Lela B. Long wrote another one of my favorite hymns about our Saviour “Jesus is The Sweetest Name I Know”.  “Jesus is the sweetest name I know, And He’s just the same as His lovely Name, And that’s the reason why I love Him so; Oh, Jesus is the sweetest Name I know.”

I have a dear friend, Jan, that I love very much.  When I see her name on an email, it makes me happy.  However, nobody’s name is sweeter than the precious Name of Jesus.  Just thinking about Jesus fills my heart to overflowing with joy and happiness.

It is a privilege just to say His precious Name and one day we will see Him face to face.  How I long for that day!

Joanne Lowe

April 8, 2015

HIS FAITHFULNESS

“It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.  They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.  The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.  The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.”

Lamentations 3:22-25 KJV

We know that God is faithful.  He proves His faithfulness to us every day by protecting us from danger.  I wonder how faithful we are to Him every day.  Does He know we love Him by our service and our faithfulness to Him?  Do we serve Him every day or just when it is convenient for us?

Our precious Heavenly Father proved to us how much He loves us when He gave His beloved Son to die on the cross for our sins.  Jesus proved to us how much He loves us when He willingly walked that long lonely road to Calvary and allowed them to crucify Him on the cross for our sins.

Jesus didn’t have to come to earth and die on the cross.  Jesus willingly left His Father, His home and all that He had to come to earth and die for our sins.  Jesus set the example for us when He fulfilled the mission His Father had given Him.  You and I also need to be faithful and finish the mission God has given us.

Heavenly Father, I love You with all of my heart.  Thank You for Your faithfulness to us.  Please help us to be faithful to You and finish the mission You have given us.  Jesus, thank You for setting the example for us by finishing the mission Your Father gave You.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

April 7, 2015

IT WAS EMPTY

“And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.  He is not here: for he is risen, as he said, Come, see the place where the Lord lay.  And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.  And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.  And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying All hail.  And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.”

Matthew 28:5-9 KJV

Just think how happy and excited the women were when the angel said “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said”.  Jesus had risen from the dead and was not in the grave.  It was empty!  Our victorious Saviour had risen from the dead.  What an amazing unconditional love our Saviour has for you and for me.

One day our precious Saviour is coming back for us.  What a happy and victorious day that will be when Jesus comes to get His bride.  O how I long for that day!  Not only are we going to be with Him for all eternity we will see Him face to face.  Are we ready to meet Jesus?  Does He know how much we love Him?

We may be saved but is our heart right with God?  Have we asked those we hurt to forgive us?  Have we forgiven those who hurt us?  If we haven’t forgiven them from our heart, we have not forgiven them.  We need to love one another unconditionally just as Jesus loves us.  Do we love others unconditionally?

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving Your Son to die on the cross for our sins.  Jesus, thank You for dying for my sins.  I love You and appreciate You.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

April 6, 2015

OUR CANE IN LIFE

“The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.”

Deuteronomy 33:27 KJV

I have been using a cane for several years.  I don’t use it in the house because I can grab hold of something if I start to fall but I have to use it outside.  I have to look at the ground when I am outside to be sure there is nothing that would trip me.  However, in life, we have to depend on God because He is our cane in life.

There is a lot of crime and violence in the world and without God’s help, we will surely fall.  We must allow God to be our cane in life because if we don’t keep our eyes on Him and allow Him to help us, we will fall.  Are we leaning on His arms?  Our Heavenly Father loves us very much and He will protect us.

Heavenly Father, thank You for being our cane in life and for protecting us from danger.  What a comfort it is to our weary battle scarred heart to know that we can trust You to take care of us.  You are a loving compassionate Father.  I appreciate You and love You.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

April 5, 2015

LOVE AND GRACE

“Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.  The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.  Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.  For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.”

Psalm 116:5-8 KJV

John W. Peterson wrote one of the most beautiful hymns I have ever heard “It Took a Miracle”.  The words in this hymn bring tears of happiness to my eyes to know that I am saved because of God’s amazing and unconditional love.  What love and what grace flows from the heart of our Heavenly Father for us.

I believe when Mr. Peterson wrote this heart touching and inspiring hymn that he wrote it from the depths of his heart.  “It took a miracle to put the stars in place; It took a miracle to hang the world in place.  But when He saved my soul, Cleansed and made me whole, It took a miracle of love and grace.”

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love and grace.  I pray for every person in the world who has never invited Jesus into their heart.  May today be the day they open the door to their heart and let Jesus come in to be their Saviour.  Jesus, thank You for dying for my sins.  I love You.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

April 4, 2015

IS HE COMFORTABLE

“And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.”

Luke 9:58 KJV

Jesus wasn’t comfortable when He was here on earth.  Have we made Him comfortable?  Is He comfortable in our home, in our heart and in our life?  For some of us, Jesus stood at the door of our heart waiting to be invited into our heart.  However, Jesus is a Gentleman and He won’t force His way into our heart.

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20).  If you have never invited Jesus into your heart, don’t keep Him waiting any longer.  Open the door of your heart and let Him come in.

I have had heartaches and sorrows but Jesus has been with me every minute.  He promises us that He won’t leave us, not even for a minute.  If you’re going through the valley of heartache, allow Jesus to pick you up and carry you until the pain goes away.  He loves you so much He died for you.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus.  I love You so much, precious Heavenly Father.  Thank You for loving me and for adopting me into Your family.  Jesus, thank You for dying for me.  I love You with all my heart.  Holy Spirit, I love You.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

April 3, 2015

OUR HAIR

“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing?  and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.  But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.”

Matthew 10:29-31 KJV

Have you ever felt like nobody cared about you?  Our Heavenly Father cares about you.  He cares so much that He knows how many hairs you have on your head.  You are very important to Him.  You are so important to Him that He gave His beloved Son to die on the cross for your sins.

The wonderful news is Jesus isn’t dead.  He rose from the grave.  He is alive and He will never have to die for our sins again.  The next time Jesus comes, He will take us home to live with Him for all eternity.  What a joyous and happy day that will be when Jesus comes back for you and for me.

Harold Lane wrote one of my favorite hymns about Jesus coming back for us “The Next Time He Comes”.  These beautiful words touch my heart and bring tears of happiness to me.  “But the next time He comes, He won’t have to die for me, The next time He comes, there won’t be a Calvary;”

Jesus will never be beaten again but what breaks my heart is that even today there are some people who still ridicule Him and reject Him.  How it must hurt Jesus and break His heart when people won’t invite Him into their heart after all He suffered and endured for your sins and for my sins.  What a loving Saviour!

Joanne Lowe

April 2, 2015

MY HEAVENLY FATHER SINGS WITH ME

“SING aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.”

Psalm 81:1 KJV

Every time I listen to Sandi Patty and her dad singing together, I think how wonderful it would have been if my Dad had sang with me before he died.  I loved to hear Dad sing with someone on television.  My Dad never sang with me but my Heavenly Father sings with me and God doesn’t care if I sing off key.

God loves to hear us sing because He knows when we sing we are happy.  God loves us very much and He wants us to be happy.  We have a tender compassionate, forgiving loving Heavenly Father and one day we will be with Him forever.  What a privilege it is to be a child of God and to be loved by Him.

Heavenly Father, what a joy to know that one day I will sing in the heavenly choir.  I will be singing praises to You and I will sing on key.  Thank You for loving us unconditionally and for giving Jesus to die for our sins.  Jesus, I love You so much.  Thank You for dying for me.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

April 1, 2015