Monday, August 31, 2015

OUR PROTECTIVE SAVIOUR

“STAND fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”
Galatians 5:1 KJV

Pastor Edward Mote wrote one of my favorite hymns “My Hope Is Built”.  I love the words in this beautiful hymn.  “My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.  I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.”  We can trust Jesus.  He will never fail us.

We need to keep our eyes on Jesus and only on Him.  Don’t look to your pastor or to your Sunday school teacher and for sure don’t look to me because we are human and might fail you even if we don’t want to fail you.  Look to Jesus and Him alone!  He loves you so much He died for you and He will protect you.

Not only does Jesus save us from our sins, He also protects and saves us from the evil and danger in the world.  We need to stay on the alert and watch for the sneaky attacks of satan so he doesn’t lead us astray.  Jesus Himself told us to watch for the sneaky and vicious attacks of satan.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world” (1 Peter 5:8-9).  Are we watching for the attacks of satan?

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so much that You gave Your beloved Son to die on the cross for our sins.  You are a loving compassionate Father and I love You.  Thank You for adopting me into Your family.  Jesus, thank You for dying for me and protecting me.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
August 31, 2015

Sunday, August 30, 2015

HE ADOPTS US

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.  The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:”
Romans 8:14-16 KJV

Someone said “I don’t belong anywhere and I don’t think anybody cares if I live or die”.  The person who made this statement does not realize how much God loves us.  If we have accepted Jesus into our heart as our personal Saviour, God has adopted us into His family.

I praise God that on August 14, 1980, I admitted I was a sinner and asked God to forgive my sins and invited Jesus into my heart to be my personal Saviour.  On that day, I was born again spiritually and God adopted me into His family.  I am a part of the family of God which means that I have a big family.

What about you?  Are you a part of the family of God?  Have you allowed God to adopt you into His family?  When we invite Jesus into our heart, God adopts us and we are His children forever.  Our Heavenly Father loves us unconditionally.  God will never hit us or curse us.  He really cares about us.

If we know people who are hurting and lonely and really believe that no one cares about them, we need to tell them about the unconditional love of our Saviour and our Heavenly Father.  We can’t make it through this life without Them.  Life is too hard and we need Them to love us and protect us.

Joanne Lowe
August 30, 2015

Saturday, August 29, 2015

HE DOESN’T DESERVE IT

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
John 3:16 KJV

Someone said “I want to give him a gift”.  The other person replied and said “That person doesn’t deserve a gift”.  You and I didn’t and still don’t deserve the most expensive and precious Gift in the world but God still gave us the Gift of His Son.  Many people try to work for that Gift but we can’t buy it or work for it.

If we could buy or work for our salvation, Jesus wouldn’t have had to be crucified on the cross and endure an agony and excruciating pain that you and I will never know.  This beautiful Gift, our precious Saviour, came from the heart of our Heavenly Father.  O how our Heavenly Father loves you and me.

Do you know our precious Saviour?  I didn’t ask you if you are saved.  I asked if you know Him.  We can know about someone but unless we spend time with the person, we can’t know the person.  How much time do we spend with Jesus during the day?  Are we making Him happy or are we hurting Him?

If we spend more time watching television than we do with Jesus, we are hurting our precious Saviour and breaking His heart.  Jesus won the right to have first place in our heart, in our life and all that we do when He took our sins on Him and died on the cross for us.  What a Saviour, this Jesus of Nazareth!

No, you and I don’t deserve to have our sins forgiven but because God so loves us, we can be saved if we will humble ourselves, ask God to forgive our sins and invite Jesus into our heart.  Have you invited Him into your heart?  Are you saved?

Joanne Lowe
August 29, 2015

Friday, August 28, 2015

HAVE WE BEEN THERE

“And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.  And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.  Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.  And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.”
Luke 23:32-34 KJV

Bill Gaither wrote the beautiful hymn “I’ve Been To Calvary” but can we honestly say we have been there?  Have tears run down our face and has our heart broken because of all the pain and agony that Jesus endured for us on the cross of Calvary?  Are we just singing the words or are we singing from our heart?

The story of the crucifixion of Jesus is not just a story.  It really happened.  They did all those things to our precious Saviour.  Jesus did ask His Father to forgive them.  O that you and I would follow the example that He set for us and love others unconditionally and forgive those who hurt us.

Jesus forgave us from His heart and unless you and I forgive others from our heart, we have not forgiven them.  How dare you and I go to a Holy God and ask Him to forgive us if we’re not willing to forgive those who hurt us?  We need to remember that nobody is perfect and that includes you and me.

Heavenly Father, I know it broke Your heart when You had to turn away from Your Son when He was hanging on the cross.  You can’t look on sin and Jesus had taken our sins on Him.  Thank You for loving us so much You gave Jesus to be our Saviour.  I love You, dear Father.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen. 

Joanne Lowe
August 28, 2015

Thursday, August 27, 2015

HAVE YOU TOLD JESUS

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:  Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.  But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.  To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever.  Amen.”
1 Peter 5:7-11 KJV

Pastor Elisha Albright Hoffman wrote one of my favorite hymns “I Must Tell Jesus”.  The words in this hymn are so true.  “I must tell Jesus all of my trials; I cannot bear these burdens alone; In my distress He kindly will help me; He ever loves and cares for His own”.  O how our precious Saviour loves you and me.

Our world is full of violence, hatred, drugs, alcohol and other things that hurt Jesus and break His heart.  How we need Jesus because we can’t make it in this world without Him.  The world is filled with too many things that tempt us to do things we shouldn’t do.  Jesus Himself told us that we need Him.   

“Abide in me, and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:4, 5).

What a privilege and responsibility God has given me to serve the One Who died for my sins.  I love Jesus with all of my heart and I long for the day when I will see Him face to face.  If you are hurting today, tell Jesus and let Him help you. 
 
Joanne Lowe
August 27, 2015

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

OUR ROCK OF SAFETY

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.”
Matthew 7:24,25 KJV

Jesus is our Rock of safety.  Unlike rocks that can sometimes move when we step on them, Jesus is dependable and He will not move.  When we go through dark valleys and uncertainty, we can trust Jesus and depend on Him because He is not only with us on the mountain top; He is also with us in the valleys.

It doesn’t matter what you are going through Jesus will help you.  Not only will He help you, He will never leave you, not even for a minute.  He is our faithful dependable Saviour and Friend.  When we feel like we can’t take another step or give another smile, He carries us until the pain goes away.

There is no one like Jesus.  No one loves us like He loves us.  He loves us so much that He willingly died on the cross for our sins.  Jesus shed His own blood for us.  Even while hanging on the cross with the blood flowing down His body, He asked His Father to forgive us!  What an amazing unconditional love!

Heavenly Father, Thank You for adopting me into Your family.  We praise You and give You thanks for sharing Jesus with us.  Jesus, You are a precious loving Saviour and I love You with all my heart.  Thank You for loving me so much that You died on the cross for my sins.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
August 26, 2015

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

O THE JOY

“And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
Luke 2:9-14 KJV

Rev. Oswald J. Smith wrote one of my favorite hymns “There Is Joy in Serving Jesus”.  There really is joy in serving Jesus.  We read in the Bible “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).  O the joy we have in His presence.

I love my family and friends but it is only when I am in the presence of Jesus that I have the fulness of joy.  I have had the privilege of serving Jesus for ten years and there are no words to describe the joy I feel when I am writing the devotions because I am in the presence of Jesus.  I love Jesus so much.

One of my pastors said in a sermon “If you want to fly higher than a kite, start bragging on Jesus.”  He is right because when I brag on Jesus I get so excited that I really do feel like I am flying higher than a kite.  If you have never felt that joy, start bragging on Jesus today.  You will make Jesus happy.

Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing me to serve Your Son.  Jesus, I love You with all my heart.  You are the joy of my heart.  Thank You for dying for me.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
August 25, 2015

Monday, August 24, 2015

A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV

It’s important to take a trip down memory lane once in a while so we won’t forget all the things that Jesus has done for us.  Not only has He saved us from sin if we have invited Him into our heart, He has also given us a new heart filled with peace and joy.  Jesus takes away our old heart and gives us a new heart.

We need to be careful when we are on memory lane because satan will use anything he can to discourage us and lie to us.  Our enemy will even tell us that we aren’t saved and that Jesus doesn’t love us.  When satan first attacks us with lies, we need to cry out to Jesus immediately and ask Him to help us.

It breaks my heart when I remember the things I did before I was saved and the hateful and cruel words I said to people.  I was a very selfish person before Jesus gave me a new heart.  I told God yesterday how it breaks my heart because I had been so hateful and selfish.  He said “I don’t remember”.

God doesn’t have a bad memory.  He chooses to forgive and forget our sins.  “And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more” (Hebrews 10:17).  O that you and I will follow the example of our compassionate and loving Heavenly Father and forgive those who hurt us and never remember them again.

Heavenly Father, thank You for being a merciful compassionate and forgiving Father.  May we follow Your example and be kind and loving to those who have hurt us just as You are to us when we hurt You.  I love You, Heavenly Father.  I love You, Jesus.  I love You, Holy Spirit.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
August 24, 2015

Sunday, August 23, 2015

AND JESUS CRIES

“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 KJV

Jesus knocks on the door of everyone’s heart to let Him come in and be their Saviour.  However, there are many people who won’t open the door of their heart and let Him come in and Jesus cries.  It breaks His heart when they reject His love for them.  How it must hurt Him when they refuse to let Him in their heart.

When I read about all the violence, murders, wars and hatred in the world, it breaks my heart.  Not only does it break my heart, it also breaks Jesus’ heart and He cries.  Jesus loves every person in the world and it breaks His heart to see some of the things we do and it hurts Him to hear some of the things we say.

If Jesus were to look in our heart today, would He see things that make Him happy or would He see things that hurt Him and break His heart.  Jesus deserves to be happy after all He has done for us.  He left His Father, His home and all He had to come to earth to be crucified and die on the cruel cross for our sins.

If you ever think that Jesus doesn’t love you, remember the cross and the excruciating pain and agony that Jesus suffered for our sins.  What a Saviour, this Jesus of Nazareth!  We will never have a better Friend than Jesus.  He will never leave us, not even for a minute.  O how I love You, precious Jesus.

May God have mercy on us and forgive us if we are saying or doing anything that hurts Jesus and breaks His heart.  Let’s make a special effort to make Jesus happy.  Do you understand how much Jesus loves you?  He loves you unconditionally.

Joanne Lowe
August 23, 2015

Saturday, August 22, 2015

A HEART OF MERCY, FORGIVENESS AND LOVE

“And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.  And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.  Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.  And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.”
Luke 23:32-34 KJV

Jesus asked His Father to forgive us even while He was hanging on the cross with His blood flowing down His precious body.  He had been beaten beyond recognition, cursed, spat on, mocked and ridiculed.  Why would He ask His Father to forgive us?  It is because He loves us.  Jesus loves us unconditionally.

Our Saviour’s heart is full of mercy, forgiveness and love.  What kind of love is this that would make Him stay on the cross when He could have come down?  It is a love that can only come from the heart of Jesus.  Instead of saying, I will never forgive you for what you did to me, Jesus asked His Father to forgive us.

For those of us who have asked Jesus into our heart to be our Saviour, we will live with Him in Heaven for eternity.  What a day of rejoicing and happiness it will be when we see the One Who loves us so much He willingly allowed them to crucify Him and endured an agony and pain that you and I will never know.

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so much that You gave Your beloved Son to die on the cross for our sins.  I pray for every person who has never said yes to Jesus.  May today be the day they open their heart and ask Jesus into their heart to be their Saviour.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
August 22, 2015

Friday, August 21, 2015

ARE WE TELLING

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
Luke 2:10-14 KJV

Isaac G. Mitchell wrote a beautiful hymn about our precious Saviour “Go Tell the Glad Tidings”.  “Go tell the glad tidings of Jesus, so sweet, Till all of His mercy shall know; And come with rejoicing to bow at His feet, Redeemed from their sorrow and woe.”  Are we telling the glad tidings of Jesus? 

Jesus, that precious little Baby Who grew up to become our Saviour; is also our Redeemer.  He has redeemed us from sin and hell by His own blood that He shed for us on the cross.  What unconditional love flowed from the heart of Jesus as He hung there on the cross bleeding and dying for our sins.

I believe that every time they pounded a nail into His precious hands that He felt that agony and pain in His heart.  However, all the nails in the world couldn’t have kept Him on the cross had He chosen to come down.  He stayed on the cruel cross out of love for His Father and for you and me.

Do you understand how much Jesus loves you?  Do you realize the pain and horror and the agony that He endured on the cross out of unconditional love for you?  Have you allowed it to go from head knowledge to heart knowledge how much Jesus loves you?  What a Saviour!  What a Friend, this Jesus of Nazareth!

Joanne Lowe
August 21, 2015

Thursday, August 20, 2015

ARE WE PRAISING GOD

“Do not err, my beloved brethren.  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.  Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.”
James 1:16-18 KJV

Are we praising God for all the wonderful things He gives us and for all the wonderful things He does for us?  Last Christmas someone gave me a beautiful gift and I thanked the person but I also praised God because I knew that it came from Him.  We have a compassionate, loving and giving Heavenly Father.

The more we allow God to change us, the more compassionate, understanding and loving we are to others.  We must never forget that when we are kind and loving to others, we are kind and loving to Jesus.  Have we praised God today and told Him how much we appreciate all He does for us?

Before I invited Jesus into my heart to be my personal Saviour, I was a very selfish person.  Because I had been abused, I hated everyone.  God took me out to His woodshed and applied His rod of correction to my heart.  He told me He loves me unconditionally and I should love others unconditionally.

I am so glad that we have a loving and understanding Heavenly Father.  Even though it hurt me and broke my heart when God took me out to His woodshed to correct me, I needed His correction because I had a cold heart and I didn’t want to forgive anybody.  Thank God for His mercy and understanding.    

Joanne Lowe
August 20, 2015

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

WE ARE HOME WITH JESUS

“That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.”
Hebrews 6:18-20 KJV

Rev. E. Adams wrote a beautiful hymn “Let Go the Anchor”.  “Rocks and storms I’ll fear no more, When on that eternal shore; Drop the anchor!  Furl the sail!  I am safe within the veil!”  One joyous day, we will be home with Jesus and there will be no more battles to fight.  We will have peace and joy forever!

There are some days that are more challenging than other days, days that make us want to go to bed and stay there but we need to stay on the battlefront for Jesus.  Just knowing that one glorious day we will see Jesus face to face and be with Him for all eternity should fill our heart with joy and happiness.

I believe when Jesus was here on earth on the mission His Father had sent Him on that there were days when He missed His Father and was very tired. Jesus also wanted to go to bed and stay there.  However, Jesus loves His Father and He loves you and me so much that He endured the ridicule and abuse.

Have you allowed it to go from head knowledge to heart knowledge that one day we will be with Jesus for all eternity?  There will be no more storms of life.  Our enemy, satan, will be unable to attack us ever again.  Best of all, we will see Jesus.  O how I long for the day when I will see Jesus face to face.

Joanne Lowe
August 19, 2015

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

A BEAUTIFUL TESTIMONY

“Let your conversation be without coveteousness; 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

Gary S Paxton wrote one of my favorite hymns.  The heartfelt words in this hymn are a testimony about our faithful Saviour and how He never leaves us “He Was There All The Time”.  I believe Gary wrote this inspiring hymn from the depths of his heart.  It is so true that Jesus is with us all the time.

When we are discouraged and feel all alone, we are not alone.  We are never alone because Jesus promised us that He would never leave us or forsake us.  When we can’t sleep at night and we wonder if the night will ever end, we are not alone because Jesus is sitting beside our bed holding our hand.

It is very important that we give our testimony when our pastor asks for testimonies not only because our pastor asked us but because it makes Jesus happy and it can help others.  Because of something a pastor’s wife said in her testimony, it inspired me and gave me the courage to surrender to the mission field.

We read in the Bible.  “O GIVE thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.  Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy; (Psalm 107:1, 2).  Are you saying so?  When is the last time you gave your testimony?

Joanne Lowe
August 18, 2015

Monday, August 17, 2015

HE DOESN’T CARE

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
John 3:16 KJV

Someone who was talking about God said “He doesn’t care”.  I submit to you on the authority of the Word of God that God does care.  God proved how much He cares about us when He gave His beloved Son to die on the cross for your sins and for my sins.  We have a compassionate loving Heavenly Father.

Not only does God care about us, Jesus also cares about us.  Jesus proved to us how much He cares about us when He walked that long and lonely road to Cavalry and allowed them to curse Him, mock Him and beat Him beyond recognition.  No one loves us like God and Jesus love us and no one ever will.

The question you and I need to ask ourselves is “Do I love Him and if I do love Him what am I doing to prove to Him that I love Him”?  We can tell God and Jesus we love Them but They can see into our heart and They know if we really do love Them or if we’re just giving Them lip service.

If you ever have any doubts about God and Jesus loving you, remember the cross.  God gave His only Son to die on a cross of torture because He loves us so much.  Jesus stayed on the cross when He could have come down because He wanted to finish His mission and because He loves us unconditionally.

Loving Heavenly Father, we praise You and thank You for loving us so much.  You are a compassionate tender and forgiving Father.  We love You.  Jesus, thank You for loving us so much that You stayed on the cross.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
August 17, 2015

Sunday, August 16, 2015

WHAT DOES HE SEE

“I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.”
Jeremiah 17:10 KJV

God searches our heart.  What does He see when He looks into our heart?  Does He see things that make Him happy or does He see things that hurt Him and break His heart?  It is so important that we keep our heart in right standing with God because we don’t know when Jesus is coming back for us.

If Jesus comes back for us today, are we ready to go?  Have we forgiven everyone who has hurt us?  Have we asked those we hurt to forgive us?  It hurts God when we refuse to forgive those who hurt us.  How dare you and I go to a Holy God and ask Him to forgive us if we refuse to forgive those who have hurt us.

A pastor said in his sermon “If you would keep your own heart in right standing with God, you wouldn’t have time to judge others and criticize them”.  The pastor is right.  It is a full time job making sure there is nothing in my heart that hurts God and breaks His heart.

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us and forgiving us when we hurt You.  I pray that we will love and forgive others just as You love and forgive us.  If there is anything in my heart that hurts You, please show it to me so I can repent and make it right.  I love You, dear Father.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.   

Joanne Lowe
August 16, 2015

Saturday, August 15, 2015

AND THE TEARS FALL

“When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, And said, Where have ye laid him?  They said unto him, Lord, come and see.  Jesus wept.  Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!”
John 11:33-36 KJV

Just as Jesus wept when He saw them weeping, He also weeps when He sees us crying.  Not only did His tears fall then, His tears fall now when He sees some of the things we do.  I believe that He weeps when He sees all the murders and violence in the world.  He loves us and He died for every person in the world.

Jesus does not play favorites.  He loves each one of us with the same unconditional love.  Robert Harkness wrote a beautiful hymn about our Saviour’s love for us “Why Should He Love Me So”.  The answer to why Jesus loves us so much is because not only does Jesus give us love, He is love, unconditional love.

Jesus has told us that when we are kind and loving to one another, we are being kind and loving to Him.  We need to be kind and loving to one another because when we aren’t kind and loving to people, we are not being kind and loving to Jesus.  Are we being kind and loving to Jesus by our words and actions?

Heavenly Father, I pray that You will forgive us when we aren’t kind and loving to one another and to Jesus.  If ever someone deserves to be happy and loved, it is Jesus, the Saviour of the world.  O how I love You, Jesus.  Thank You, Father, for the privilege of serving Your Son.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
August 15, 2015

Friday, August 14, 2015

JESUS ALSO GREW WEARY

“He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee.  And he must needs go through Samaria.  Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.  Now Jacob’s well was there.  Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.”
John 4:3-6 KJV

One of the definitions for weary in Webster’s Dictionary is “lacking strength, energy or freshness because of a need for rest or sleep”.  I’m sure that we all get weary and need to rest or sleep.  Jesus understands our need to rest and sleep because Jesus also grew weary and needed to rest and sleep.

Pastor Charles Price Jones wrote one of my favorite hymns “Come Unto Me”.  Jesus wants to give us rest.  “Come unto Me, I will give you rest; Take My yoke upon you, Hear me and be blessed.  I am meek and lowly, Come and trust My might.  Come, My yoke is easy, and my burden’s light.”

Not only does Jesus give us rest, He also comes into our heart when we ask God to forgive our sins.  Thirty five years ago on August 14, 1980, I invited Jesus into my heart to be my personal Saviour.  Today is my spiritual birthday and Jesus has never left me in all these years.  He is so faithful.  How I love Him!

Heavenly Father, thank You for adopting me.  You are a loving and encouraging Father and I love You with all my heart.  Thank You for giving me the privilege of serving Jesus.  Precious Saviour, thank You for the many times You have carried me through dark valleys.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.    

Joanne Lowe
August 14, 2015

Thursday, August 13, 2015

OUR LOVING COMFORTER

“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 ourselves are comforted of God.”
2 Corinthians 1:2-4 KJV

Our Heavenly Father is not only our Comforter, He is our loving Comforter.  He loves us so much that He gave His beloved Son to die on the cross for our sins.  Have you ever thought about how it must have hurt our Heavenly Father and broke His heart when His Son was hanging on the cross bruised and bleeding?

God knows how much it hurts to have a broken heart.  He also knows that you and I need to be comforted and encouraged when we are hurting.  There is so much violence and hatred in this world that I praise God for His unconditional love for us and His gentle loving care of us.

God comforts us and we should comfort those who are hurting.  Joyce Landorf Heatherley, a Christian speaker and author, said on one of her teaching tapes “People we sit next to in church look fine and they look darling, but inside they are hurting”.  May God help us to be encouragers to one another.

We should also be an encourager to God.  It must really hurt God and break His heart because there are so many people who have not given their heart and life to Jesus.  We need to pray for all those who have not said yes to Jesus.  May today be the day they invite Him into their heart. 

Joanne Lowe
August 13, 2015

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

OUR LOVING ANCHOR

“Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.”
Hebrews 6:19,20 KJV

Priscilla Jane Owens wrote a beautiful inspiring hymn “We Have an Anchor”.  Jesus is our loving Anchor.  Not only is He our loving Anchor, He is also our trusted Anchor.  We can depend on Him because He will keep us safe from danger and from harm in His loving arms.

“We have an anchor that keeps the soul, Stedfast and sure while the billows roll, Fastened to the Rock which cannot move, Grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.”  Jesus is our loving Anchor in the storms of life and He also carries us through the dark valleys in our life.

We can trust Jesus because He will never fail us.  Jesus anchors us close to His loving heart and He will never leave us, not even for a minute.  When you feel like you can’t give another smile or take another step, allow Jesus to pick you up and carry you until the pain goes away.  O how much He loves you!

Joanne Lowe
August 12, 2015

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

THE GARDEN OF UNC0NDITIONAL LOVE

“Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.  And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.  Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.  And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.”
Matthew 26:36-39 KJV

Not only is the Garden of Gethsemane the garden of love, it is also the Garden of unconditional love.  God did not make Jesus leave Heaven to be crucified for our sins.  Jesus willingly came to earth on the mission His Father had given Him.  We need to remember that Jesus was human when He prayed this prayer.

Being human when He was here on earth, Jesus felt pain and sorrow.  He was discouraged at times just like we are and that is why Jesus understands how we feel when we are discouraged.  The thing that fills my heart with love for Jesus is that He could have come down from the cross but He stayed on the cross.

Rev. Ray Overholt wrote a beautiful hymn about Jesus staying on the cross  “Ten Thousand Angels”.  “He could have called ten thousand angels To destroy the world and set Him free.  He could have called ten thousand angels, but He died alone for you and me.”  Our Saviour loves us and He will always love us.

How much do we love Jesus and what are we doing for Him?  Are we serving Him full time or just when it is convenient for us?  Jesus deserves to have first place in our heart, in our life and in our time.  Jesus, I love You so much and I appreciate You.

Joanne Lowe
August 11, 2015

Monday, August 10, 2015

WAITING FOR YOU

“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

Have you ever said to Jesus “Here am I; send me”?  He is calling every one of us to go tell others of His unconditional love.  He may not send us to a different country or even a different state but He is calling all of us to spread His unconditional love to our family and our friends.  Does our family see Jesus in us?

Mrs. H. D. Carmichael wrote a beautiful hymn “Just For You”.  “While the heroes storm the heights, In the valley wet with dew Some wounded soul is waiting, Just for you, only you; Some wounded soul is waiting, Just for you, only you.”  God will use us to serve Jesus but we have to be willing to serve Him.

When I was going through those years of depression there was only one thing that kept me alive because I wasn’t walking with Jesus at that time.  I would listen to Joyce Landorf Heatherley, a Christian speaker and author, teach on her tapes.  She shared personal experiences from her heart and it touched my heart.

Sermons inspire me and convict me and I need them.  Thank God for our pastors.  However, personal testimonies touch my heart and let me know that someone understands how it feels to go through dark valleys.  No one understands how it feels to go through dark valleys like Jesus.  O how He loves us!

Heavenly Father, thank You for the times You have comforted me when I was going through dark valleys.  May we be willing to take the unconditional love of Jesus to our family and friends and to everyone we see.  Help us to realize that someone is waiting for us.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
August 10, 2015

Sunday, August 9, 2015

NO ONE BUT JESUS

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”
1 Timothy 1:15 KJV

William McComb wrote a hymn about Jesus “Chief of Sinners”.  The words are so true.  “Jesus only can impart Balm to heal the smitten heart; Peace that flows from sins forgiven, Joy that lifts the soul to Heaven; Faith and hope to walk with God in the way that Enoch trod.”

No one but Jesus can heal our smitten heart and give us peace.  Our sins can be forgiven because Jesus shed His precious blood on the cross for our sins.  When we are in the presence of Jesus, our heart overflows with a fulness of joy.  It is a joy that only our precious Saviour can give us.  O how I love Jesus!

This is one of my favorite verses in the Bible.  “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).  If you want to have joy in your heart, stay in the presence of Jesus.  Take Him with you where you go and talk to Him during the day.

I dearly love my family and I have a lot of precious friends but they can’t give me the joy that Jesus gives me.  My family and friends have to go home but Jesus doesn’t leave me, not even for one minute because He lives in my heart and one glorious day I will see Him face to face.  How I long for that day.

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving Jesus to us, not only to be our Saviour but also to be our Friend.  Jesus, I love You with all my heart.  When I see You, I am going to give You the biggest hug You have ever received.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.  

Joanne Lowe
August 9, 2015

Saturday, August 8, 2015

THE GREATEST SCENE OF ALL

“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 2:9-11 KJV

I’ve seen a lot of beautiful scenes in books and magazines and you probably have seen them also.  However, nothing we have ever seen in books and magazines or will ever see can compare to the greatest scene of all.  The greatest scene there will ever be is when every person bows their knees to Jesus.

If ever someone deserves to be praised, it is Jesus, the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS!  On that beautiful and joyous day, every person in the world is going to bow their knees to Jesus and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.  What a day that will be!  All hail, King Jesus.  Worthy is the Lamb of God!

I love flowers.  Red roses are my favorite flowers because Jesus is the beautiful rose of Sharon.  “I AM the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys” (Song of Solomon 2:1).  I love the smell of roses.  The fragrance of a rose reminds me of our precious Saviour because Jesus is sweet and lovely.

Heavenly Father, we give You thanks for giving Your beloved Son to die on the cross for us and pay the penalty for our sins.  You are a tender compassionate, loving and forgiving Father and we appreciate all You have done for us and all You do for us every day.  We love You.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
August 8, 2015

Friday, August 7, 2015

WE NEED HIM

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever.  Amen.”
Philippians 4:19,20 KJV

Rev. William Charles Poole wrote one of my favorite hymns about Jesus “Just When I Need Him Most”.  “Just when I need Him, Jesus is strong, Bearing my burdens all the day long; For all my sorrow giving a song, Just when I need Him most.”  O how I need Jesus!  I need Him every minute of every day.

I have been going through a dark valley in my life for two weeks and just when I decide I’m going to bed and stay there for a while, Jesus gives me a song.  It is so true that what you take in is what you give out.  I listen to gospel music from the time I get up until the time I go to bed at night and that inspires me.

It’s nice to have a close loving family and loving friends but our family and friends can’t put a song in our heart and pick us up and carry us through dark valleys like our precious Saviour.  Not only does Jesus save us from our sins, He also puts a song in our heart and never leaves us, not even for a minute.

Someone said “I don’t need anything or anyone”.  That is not a true statement.  Everybody needs Jesus even if they won’t admit it.  If I didn’t know that Jesus is my Saviour, my best Friend and never leaves me, I would have no desire to get out of bed.  What a privilege to serve the KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS!

Heavenly Father, I pray for every person who has not said yes to Jesus.  May today be the day they invite Him into their heart.  There are people who are hurting today.  Please comfort and encourage them as only You can.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
August 7, 2015

Thursday, August 6, 2015

OUR WORDS

“Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things.  Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!  And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.  For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.  Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.  Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing.  My brethren, these things ought not so to be.”
James 3:5-10 KJV

Have you ever heard someone say “Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me”?  That is a lie.  When we say mean and cruel words to people we might as well take a gun and shoot them or stab them with a knife because hateful and cruel words do hurt us.

When I was in high school, some of the students called me names and told me that I was fat, ugly, and stupid.  I was told this so many times that I tried to commit suicide three times.  Doctors, pastors and our friends can counsel us and encourage us but only Jesus can heal a broken heart. 

Jesus understands more than anyone could ever understand how much it hurts when people say cruel and mean words to us.  Jesus was mocked, ridiculed and cursed when He was here on His mission so He knows how much it hurts.  May God have mercy on us if we have hurt people by what we said to them.

Joanne Lowe
August 6, 2015

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

OVERWHELMED

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
John 3:16 KJV

One of the definitions for overwhelm in Webster’s Dictionary is “to affect someone very strongly”.  When I think about our Heavenly Father loving me so much that He sent His beloved Son to die on the cross for my sins,  I am overwhelmed and filled with happiness and joy that God loves me so much.

Just when I think I can’t love Him more, He does something that fills me with happiness.  We have a tender loving compassionate Heavenly Father Who loves us so much that He gave us pastors to teach us and guide us.  Pastor, He loves you.  You are very precious to Him and He appreciates your service to Him.

We need to pray for our pastor and encourage our pastor.  Pastors are human and they get tired and discouraged just like we do.  They are on call twenty four hours a day.  Sometimes they get up in the middle of the night to go to the hospital and minister to someone.  Thank God for our pastors.

Heavenly Father, I pray for every pastor who loves You and is spreading the love of Jesus.  Please encourage them and let them know how much You appreciate them.  May they feel Your love for them like they have never felt it before.  Thank You for our pastors.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
August 5, 2015




Tuesday, August 4, 2015

DO WE REALLY MEAN IT

“Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.  And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side.  Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.  Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.”
John 20:19-21 KJV

Mary Haughton Brown wrote the beautiful hymn “I’ll Go Where You Want Me to Go”.  We sing this hymn but do we really mean it?  This hymn is a missionary hymn and it should challenge us to go where He sends us.  He may be sending us to minister to our family and friends.  Are we going where He wants us to go?

Jesus may not send us to another country but He is sending all of us to spread His unconditional love to our family and to our friends.  Have we told our family and friends how much Jesus loves them?  Do they see the difference Jesus has made in our heart and in our life?  It is very important they see Jesus in us.

Has it gone from head knowledge to heart knowledge that Jesus loves you so much He left His Father and His home to come to earth on the mission His Father gave Him?  God did not make Him come to earth.  Jesus came to earth because He loves us and wanted to be obedient to God.  How much do we love Him?

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so much that You gave Your beloved Son to die on the cross for our sins.  Jesus, thank You for loving me so much that You died on the cross for my sins.  I love You so much, precious Saviour, and I appreciate all You have done for me.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
August 4, 2015

Monday, August 3, 2015

HE IS WAITING FOR US

“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

Not only is Jesus calling us so that He can give us rest, He is also waiting for us with His arms open wide.  His heart is filled with compassion, tenderness and unconditional love for us.  He knows how it feels to be tired.  Jesus also became weary when He was here on His mission and needed to be encouraged.

Jesus is waiting for us to come to Him but He is also waiting for us to serve Him and spread His unconditional love to everyone we see.  To serve Jesus, we will have to shut the television off and get out of our comfort zone.  Jesus left His Father, His home and all that He had to die on the cross for our sins. 

Heavenly Father, I pray for every person who is discouraged, heartbroken and weary.  Would You please comfort them as only You can.  Jesus, thank You for the many times You have given me rest.  Thank You for dying for my sins and for never leaving me.  I love You, precious Jesus.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
August 3, 2015

Sunday, August 2, 2015

ALL OUR SINS

“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.  If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.  If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”
1 John 1:5-10 KJV

A person who was talking to someone said “God might forgive you for what you did today but He sure won’t forgive you for what you did last week”.  I submit to you on the authority of the Word of God that our Heavenly Father loves us unconditionally and He forgives us and cleanses us from all sin.

God’s love for us is not based on what we do or don’t do.  His love for us is unconditional and everlasting.  There is nothing that we could ever do or not do that would make Him stop loving us.  Please don’t ever doubt He loves you.  God proved His love for us when He gave His Son to die on the cross for our sins.

Heavenly Father, we love You and appreciate all You have done for us and all that You do for us every day.  You are a compassionate, forgiving and loving Father.  Thank You for adopting me into Your family.  Thank You for allowing me the privilege of serving Jesus.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
August 2, 2015

Saturday, August 1, 2015

THE FEAR OF THE LORD

“PRAISE ye the LORD.  Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.  His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.  Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.  Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.”
Psalm 112:1-4 KJV

It is very important that we understand what the Bible teaches us.  For many years I thought I was supposed to be afraid of God because we read “Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD”.  This doesn’t mean that we should be afraid of God like we are afraid of something or someone that will hurt us.

One of the definitions for fear in Webster’s Dictionary is “to have a reverential awe”.  We are not supposed to be afraid of God.  We are to respect Him, love Him and praise Him.  Our Heavenly Father is worthy to be praised, respected and loved.  God loves us and because He loves us God gave Jesus to die for our sins.

If you ever doubt that God loves you, remember the cross that Jesus died on to save us from our sins.  Bill Gaither wrote the inspiring hymn “Because He Lives”.  I love these words.  “God sent His son, they called Him, Jesus; He came to love, heal, and forgive;”  God and Jesus really love us and proved They love us!

Heavenly Father, we love You and appreciate You.  Jesus, thank You for loving us so much that You died on the cross for our sins.  What a day of happiness and rejoicing it will be when You come back to take us home with You and we have the privilege of seeing You face to face.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.      

Joanne Lowe
August 1, 2015