Saturday, December 31, 2016

A HAPPY NEW YEAR

“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.”
Proverbs 3:13 KJV

If we want to have a Happy New Year, we need to spend more time with Jesus than we do watching television.  Pastor Ira F. Stanphill wrote the beautiful inspiring hymn “Happiness is The Lord”.  It is so true that knowing Jesus brings happiness to us and even more important it brings happiness to Him.

We might think that we don’t have time to spend with Jesus because of busy schedules.  If our schedules are so busy we don’t have time for Jesus, we are too busy and we need to rearrange our schedules so He comes first.  If we have time to read the paper in the morning, we have time to spend with Him.

May God help us to make Jesus first in our heart, in our life and in everything we do.  Let’s give Jesus a Happy New Year by making Him first in our heart and in our life.  If ever someone deserves to be happy, it is Jesus, the Saviour of the world.  All hail, King Jesus!  Worthy is the Lamb of God!  Make Him happy.

Joanne Lowe
December 31, 2016

Friday, December 30, 2016

HE CAME TO SAVE

“For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
John 3:17 KJV

There are times when we fail Jesus and hurt Him but He still loves us and He doesn’t condemn us because He came to save us.  Jesus understands how it feels to be tempted because satan tempted Him also.  When satan lies to us and hurls his vicious poisonous arrows at us, we need to cry out to Jesus for help.

There are a lot of people living in the darkness of loneliness, despair and heartache and some people even feel suicidal.  Those of us who have invited Jesus into our heart to be our personal Saviour, we need to hug these people for Jesus.  If you’re not comfortable hugging, hug them with loving words.

Yes, Jesus came to save us, not condemn us.  He also came that we might have an abundant life (John 10:10).  Jesus wants us to be happy and to live a life that brings happiness to our Heavenly Father.  Are we making our Heavenly Father happy or are we hurting Him and breaking His heart? 

Joanne Lowe
December 30, 2016



Thursday, December 29, 2016

BE ENCOURAGED

“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”
Hebrews 6:10 KJV

For those of us who are serving Jesus full time there are times when we get discouraged.  We need to realize that Jesus also got discouraged at times when He was here on His mission.  We can be encouraged knowing that Jesus understands how we feel and His heart is moved with compassion for us.

I used to worry about people not liking the devotions I write until I remembered this verse.  “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6).  A pastor said “It is very discouraging to preach and not ve haanybody come to the altar”.  Be encouraged, Pastors.  God appreciates your service.

Our Scripture verse tells us that God remembers our service to Him.  We need to realize that when we get discouraged it is just another attack from satan to keep us from serving Jesus.  Nothing would make satan any happier than to discourage us so much we stop serving Jesus.  We must not let that happen!

We need to stay on the battlefield for Jesus no matter how many trials come our way.  Jesus stayed on the cross for us.  He could have come down.  All the nails in the world couldn’t have kept Him on the cross had He chose to come down.  However, He stayed on the cross because He loves us.

We must stay on the battlefield for Jesus and not let satan defeat us.  When satan attacks us, we need to immediately cry out to Jesus and ask Him to help us.  Jesus will set us once again on the mountain top of happiness.  O how He loves us!

Joanne Lowe
December 29, 2016

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

IT BREAKS HIS HEART

“And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.”
Luke 7:13 KJV

We have a compassionate Saviour and it breaks His heart when we are hurting.  The newspapers and radio stations report violence, murders, rapes and all other things that hurt Jesus and break His heart.  Jesus loves us and He proved His love for us when He allowed them to crucify Him on the cross.

Yes, it breaks the heart of our precious Saviour when we hurt one another and do things on purpose that we know we shouldn’t do.  One day, He is coming back for us.  Will we be able to look Him in the eye or will we have to hang our head in shame because of the words we said and the things we did?

We need to remember Jesus said what we do to others; we do to Him (Matthew 25:40).  When we are kind and loving to one another, we are kind and loving to Jesus and when we say words that hurt someone, we are also hurting Jesus.  It is time that we love one another unconditionally as Jesus loves us.

Heavenly Father, help us to love one another unconditionally as Jesus has commanded us to love each other.  Thank You for loving us, dear Father and for sharing Your beloved Son with us.  I love You, Heavenly Father.  I love You, Jesus.  I love You, Holy Spirit.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
December 28, 2016


Tuesday, December 27, 2016

BORN TO DIE

“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.”
Luke 23:33 KJV

We just celebrated the birthday of Jesus.  What a precious Baby He was but He didn’t stay a Baby.  He grew up and went to the cross and shed His own blood for our sins so we can be saved.  Jesus was born to die and pay the penalty for our sins.  O how our precious Saviour loves us.

How can you and I do less than serve Him with all our heart and all our time after all He has done for us?  I write about how much He loves us but I don’t think any of us, including me have grasped in our heart just how much He loves us.  His love for us comes from His heart and is unconditional and unending.

Our precious Saviour was born to die but we were born to serve Him.  Evangelist Bud Chambers wrote the inspiring hymn “Born To Serve The Lord”.  We can never repay the sacrifice that Jesus has made for us but we can serve Him and give Him first place in our heart, in our time and in our life.  Is He first in your heart?

Joanne Lowe
December 27, 2016


Monday, December 26, 2016

AN AWAKENING

“Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?”
Psalms 85:6 KJV

Pastor William Paton Mackay wrote one of my favorite hymns “Revive Us Again”.  We sing this hymn and we pray and ask God to revive us.  However, unless we have first had an awakening, there can be no revival.  If we have never been on fire for God, it’s not fair to ask Him to revive us.

For many years when my pastor would ask for volunteers to do something, I would never raise my hand and say yes.  How I must have hurt Jesus and broke His heart.  Jesus has called every one of us to serve Him (Isaiah 6:8).  After all Jesus has done for us, we should be willing and eager to serve Him.

Instead of praying and asking God to revive us, we need to ask Him to wake us up and make us willing to serve our Saviour.  Jesus may not be asking us to go to a different country but He is calling all of us to serve Him where we are.  Are we telling the good news of Jesus where we live?

Precious Heavenly Father, Thank You for the privilege of serving Your Son.  Forgive us for not always sharing the good news of our risen Saviour.  Please put deep within our heart the desire to serve Jesus.  I love You, Heavenly Father.  I love You, Jesus.  I love You, Holy Spirit.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
December 26, 2016





Sunday, December 25, 2016

GIVE THEM LOVE AND GRATITUDE

“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

If you don’t know what to give Jesus for His birthday or what to give God for giving His Son to us, give them love and gratitude.  Has it gone from head knowledge to heart knowledge that the precious little Baby Jesus grew up and died on the cross for our sins?  He suffered pain and anguish that we will never know.

Think about it, the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS left His Father, His home and all that He had to come to earth and die for us.  God didn’t make Jesus come to earth.  Jesus had never sinned, have never done anything wrong yet He was spat on, cursed, mocked, beaten beyond recognition and rejected.

What kind of love is this?  It is an unconditional love that comes from the heart of our Heavenly Father and Jesus for you and for me.  They loved us yesterday.  They love us today and They will love us tomorrow.  What a healing balm it is to our weary battle scarred heart to know They will always love us.

Heavenly Father, as we celebrate the birthday of Your Son, may we remember to thank You for Your unconditional love for us.  Happy Birthday, Jesus.  I love You with all my heart and one joyous day I will see You face to face.  You are so precious to me and I appreciate You.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.    

Joanne Lowe
December 25, 2016



Saturday, December 24, 2016

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PRECIOUS JESUS

“And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.”
Luke 2:16 KJV

When a baby is born there is excitement and happiness but when Jesus was born, there was not only excitement and happiness, there was also joy and rejoicing because the Christ Child had been born.  At this joyous time of year as we celebrate His birthday let us give thanks to God for His Gift to us.

Heavenly Father, Your Gift to us, Your beloved Son, fills our heart to overflowing with excitement, happiness and joy.  Thank You for loving us so much.  Happy Birthday, precious Jesus.  I love You.  I pray that many people will give their heart and life to You on Your birthday.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen. 

Joanne Lowe
December 24, 2016

Friday, December 23, 2016

OUR DEFENDER

“For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him.”
Psalms 12:5 KJV

When satan attacks us, Jesus is with us to protect us and help us.  I was able to copy and paste the Scripture verse for this devotion.  I asked Jesus to help me write devotions because I can’t read the Scripture verses.  When we are on the battlefield for Jesus, we need to realize that satan will attack us.

If you are hurting and discouraged, remember that Jesus also hurt and was discouraged when He was here on His mission so He really understands how we feel.  What breaks my heart is that even today, Jesus is hurting because people still reject Him and the unconditional love He offers them.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege of serving Your Son.  I pray that You will comfort and encourage everyone who is hurting, brokenhearted and lonely.  May they feel Your peace, the peace that passes all understanding.  I love You, dear Father.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
December 23, 2016

Thursday, December 22, 2016

MIRACLES OF LOVE

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

Luke 2:11
King James Version

John W. Peterson wrote a beautiful cantata “Night of Miracles” about the birth of our Saviour.  The birth of our Saviour truly was a miracle of love but there are other miracles of love from the heart of our Heavenly Father.  It is a miracle of love when God forgives us and still loves us even after we hurt Him.

Joanne Lowe
December 22, 2016

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

DEPEND ON JESUS

“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.”
Hebrews 13:5 KJV

Have people ever told you they were going to do something but didn’t do it?  They might not have been able to do it or they just decided not to do it.  We can depend on Jesus because what He says, He will do.  He has told us He is coming back for us to take us to Heaven and He will do it.

What is worse than people failing to do what they said they would do is us failing to do what we said.  If we have ever promised to do something and didn’t do it when we were able to do it, we not only hurt the people we promised, we also hurt Jesus because He says what we do to people we also do to Him.

May God help us to keep our promises if we are able to keep them.  What a healing balm it is to our weary battle scarred heart to know that Jesus loves us unconditionally and He will keep His promises to us.  Thank God for our dependable Saviour Who loves us so much He died for our sins on the cross.

Joanne Lowe
December 21, 2016

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

IT’S NOT TRUE

“Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing.  My brethren, these things out not so to be.”
James 3:10 KJV

Have you ever heard the saying “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me”?  It’s not true because names will hurt us.  When I was in school, some of the kids would say to me “You’re stupid, fat and ugly”.  Someone even said “You don’t have a right to live”.

After hearing the kids tell me that so many times, I believed it and I tried to commit suicide three times.  Again, it’s not true that names won’t hurt us.  When we say criticizing sarcastic words to someone, we might as well take a knife and plunge it deep into his or her heart because it kills the desire to live.

Our friends may not understand how much we are hurting when someone says cruel words to us but Jesus understands and He cares.  No one has ever been or ever will be ridiculed, criticized and rejected like Jesus and no one ever will.  The heartbreaking thing is that even today Jesus is still rejected.

For some people, Jesus has been knocking at the door of their heart for many years for them to let Him come in but they have rejected Him.  If you have never opened the door of your heart to let Jesus come in there is no better gift you could give Him on His birthday than your heart.  Please don’t reject Him any more.

Heavenly Father, I pray that You will melt hearts that are cold and hardened so they will open the door and let Jesus come in to their heart.  Jesus, thank You for all You have done for me.  I love You with all my heart and I long to see You face to face.  Happy Birthday, Jesus!  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
December 20, 2016

Monday, December 19, 2016

WHEN WE HURT JESUS

“She said, No man, Lord.  And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.”
John 8:11 KJV

We are still in the flesh and we will hurt Jesus at times.  However, when we do hurt Jesus we need to do what He said “go, and sin no more”.  There are times when we still do something wrong after He has forgiven us but He understands because satan tempted Him also.

May God help us to ask Jesus for help when satan tempts us to sin.  We are powerless without our precious Saviour helping us.  Instead of hurting Jesus, let’s try to do things and say things that make Him happy.  One of the best ways to make Him happy is to love one another as He loves us.  Are we doing it?

Joanne Lowe
December 19, 2016



Sunday, December 18, 2016

NOT ENOUGH MONEY

“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

I watched a Christmas program about a family who didn’t have enough money to buy Christmas gifts for one another.  It wouldn’t matter how much money we have because there is not enough money to buy love, unconditional love.  God has all the money in the world yet He gave us a free gift, Jesus.

People try to buy their way or work their way into Heaven.  It hasn’t worked and it will never work because salvation is a free gift given to us unconditionally from the heart of God and Jesus.  I believe we hurt Jesus and break His heart many times because we don’t accept the love He gives us.

We can have a lot of money and buy expensive gifts for one another but if we don’t give love, unconditional love as Jesus gives to us, we haven’t given anything that will last.  Love, unconditional love, given from the heart will mean more to our loved ones than anything we can give them.

Not only should we give unconditional love, we should also give thanks and appreciation especially to our pastors.  How it must hurt and break a pastor’s heart when we fight and say mean cruel words to one another.  Our pastors spend a lot of time ministering to us and we should be grateful.

Heavenly Father, I pray for every pastor who is preaching the good news of our risen Saviour.  Please encourage them.  Thank You for the Gift You have given us, the Baby Jesus Who grew up and became our Saviour.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
December 18, 2016

Saturday, December 17, 2016

OUR LOVING SAVIOUR

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”
Luke 2:11 KJV

This precious little Baby grew up, died on the cross and became our loving Saviour.  As we celebrate the birthday of Jesus, let us remember that He loves us so much He died for our sins on the cross.  If you have never given your heart and life to Jesus, I urge you to do it today before it is too late.

You may have given Jesus your heart but have you given Him all your time and talents?  He gave everything for us.  He gave His life’s blood for us.  He left His Father, His home and all that He had to come to earth and die on the cross for us so we can be saved.  What an amazing unconditional love Jesus has for you.

All hail, King Jesus!  Worthy is the Lamb of God!  He is the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS!  Jesus, I love You with all my heart and I long to see You face to face.  Are you going to see Jesus?  He is waiting with His arms open wide for you to come to Him.  Give Him the gift of yourself on His birthday.  

Joanne Lowe
December 17, 2016





Friday, December 16, 2016

THE WAY TO HAPPINESS

“Happy is that people, that is in such a case” yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.”
Psalms 144:15 KJV

Joy comes by being in the presence of Jesus (Psalms 16:11) but the way to happiness is by obeying God and making Him Lord of our life.  We make our own happiness when we are in the center of God’s will for our life.  If we rebel and try to do things our way, we will not have happiness.

Joanne Lowe
December 16, 2016

Thursday, December 15, 2016

OUR HEART SPECIALIST

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
John 14:27 KJV

In a world that is filled with turmoil, heartaches and tragedy, Jesus gives us peace and heals our broken heart.  Jesus is not only our Heart Specialist, He also heals our bodies and our emotions.  Jesus told us that He came to give us an abundant life (John 10:10).

We will be celebrating the birthday of Jesus in ten days and we should give Him a special gift, our heart, our life and all our time.  Jesus deserves to have first place in our heart, in our time, in our life and Jesus should come first before everything and everyone.  Is Jesus first in your heart and life?

If ever someone deserves to be praised and adored, it is Jesus, the Saviour of the world!  John Francis Wade wrote the beautiful hymn “O Come All Ye Faithful”.  I love these words.  “O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord”.  This precious little Baby grew up and died on the cross for our sins because He loves us.

As you give gifts to your loved ones at Christmas, remember to put Jesus first.  We should sing Happy Birthday to Jesus and read the story of His birth from the Bible before we open presents or do anything.  Happy Birthday, Jesus.  I love You and I long for the day when I will see You face to face. 

Joanne Lowe
December 15, 2016

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

LOVE IS THE ANSWER

“Greater love hath no man than this, than a man lay down his life for his friends.”
John 15:13 KJV

Someone said “My brother-in-law has managed to ruin every Christmas and he’s bound to do it again this year”.  Instead of us getting upset and angry when someone does something to hurt us, we need to love them.  Isn’t that what Jesus did for us when He allowed them to crucify Him for our sins?

Love is the answer to every heartache and every problem.  If we would love one another unconditionally as Jesus loves us, we wouldn’t have wars, murders, rapes and violence.  We would try to make one another happy.  It is time that we start loving one another as Jesus loves us. 

Jesus has commanded us to love one another as He loves us.  It is not an option, it is a commandment.  “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” (John 13:34).  Let’s start loving one another unconditionally as Jesus loves us.

Joanne Lowe
December 14, 2016

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

PLEASING GOD

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6 KJV

We can do good deeds and give our money to help others but our Scripture verse tells us that it is impossible to please God without faith.  Are we pleasing God?  We can tell people that we trust God but God can see into our heart and He knows if we really trust Him or if we are just saying the words.

What does God see when He looks into our heart?  Does He see things that make Him happy or does He see things that hurt Him and make Him sad?  God loves us so much that He gave His Son to die on the cross for our sins.  We should do all we can do to make Him happy instead of doing things that hurt Him.

I heard a pastor say in a sermon “When we sit down on a chair, we don’t wonder if the chair will hold us, we just sit down yet we wonder if we can trust God to do what He says He will do.”  May God have mercy on us for hurting Him and breaking His heart.  We have a loving Heavenly Father and we can trust Him.

Joanne Lowe
December 13, 2016

Monday, December 12, 2016

OUR LIGHTHOUSE OF LOVE

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
John 8:12 KJV

Robbie Hinson wrote the beautiful inspiring hymn “Jesus is The Lighthouse”.  Jesus is not only the Light of the world, He is also the Light in our heart and our Lighthouse of love.  No matter how dark the valleys are that we go through, the light of Jesus still shines brightly in our heart.

Jesus said that He is the Light of the world but He also said that we should follow Him.  Are we following Him where He leads us?  He may not lead us to another country to spread His love but He is leading all of us to spread His love to everyone we see.  There are many people living in darkness and they need His Light.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus, our Lighthouse of Love.  Help us to follow Jesus where He leads us and to spread His love to all we see.  Precious Saviour, I love You so much.  Thank You for being the Light in my heart, the Joy of my heart and for never leaving me.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen. e

 Joanne Lowe
December 12, 2016

Sunday, December 11, 2016

ALL OF IT

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
1 Peter 5:7 KJV

Pastor Charles Price Jones wrote the beautiful hymn “Come unto Me”.  I believe Pastor Jones wrote this hymn from his heart.  “Hear the blessed Savior calling the oppressed, “O ye heavy laden, come to Me and rest.  Come, no longer tarry, I your load will bear, Bring Me every burden, bring me every care.”

I believe that we have days when we suffer and we don’t have to because we try and do things by ourselves without taking our burdens to Jesus.  Our Saviour has told us that without Him we can do nothing (John 15:5).  Jesus loves us and He cares about us.  He wants to help us but we have to ask Him for help.

I learned a long time ago that without Jesus I can’t do anything.  It is because I love Him so much and He helps me that I get out of bed when I am sad and hurting.  I’ve lost track of the countless times He has picked me up and carried me through the dark valleys.  What a precious loving Saviour we have!

Heavenly Father, You are a tender loving and compassionate Father.  Thank You for all You have done for us and for all You do for us every day.  Thank You for giving Your beloved Son to die for our sins.  Jesus, I love You so much.  You have been so faithful to me.  Thank You.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.  

Joanne Lowe
December 11, 2016

Saturday, December 10, 2016

INDESCRIBABLE LOVE

“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

Pastor Isaac Watts wrote a beautiful hymn about Jesus “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”.  What love flowed from the heart of Jesus for you and for me as He hung on the cross, bleeding and dying for us.  Not only is it an amazing and unconditional love, it is also an indescribable love.

The words in this hymn bring tears of love and gratitude for Jesus to my eyes to know that He loves us so much.  “See from His head, His hands, His feet, Sorrow and love flow mingled down!  Did e’er such love and sorrow meet, Or thorns compose so rich a crown?”  What an amazing matchless love!

If we would allow it to go from our head knowledge to our heart knowledge that Jesus, the Saviour of the world, loves us, we would have a happier life.  Jesus told us that He came to give us an abundant life (John 10:10).  O how Jesus loves you.  There is nothing you could ever do that would make Him stop loving you.

Not only does God love us so much He gave His Son to die for us. Jesus loves us so much He willing left His Father, His home and all that He had to die on the cross for our sins.  One joyous day, Jesus is coming back for us and we will see Him face to face.  O how I long for that day.  I love Jesus with all my heart.

Joanne Lowe
December 10, 2016

Friday, December 9, 2016

JESUS UNDERSTANDS AND CARES

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28 KJV

If you are serving Jesus, you know that satan will do all he can do to discourage you from serving Jesus.  We must not let that happen.  We must stay on the battlefield for Jesus.  He stayed on the cross for us.  He could have come down from the cross.  All the nails in the world couldn’t have kept Him on the cross.

Jesus not only understands when we feel like we can’t give another smile or take another step, He also cares when we are hurting.  Jesus was rejected, ridiculed, scorned and spat on yet He kept serving His Father.  Jesus understands how we feel and He cares and He also loves us unconditionally. 

Jesus can see into our heart and He sees the tears we keep hidden from our family and friends.  The next time you are hurting, allow Jesus to pick you up and carry you through the dark valley until the pain goes away.  Thank God for our caring and understanding Saviour.

Joanne Lowe
December 9, 2016


Thursday, December 8, 2016

THANK YOU FOR LOVING US

“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

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us.  Thank You for Jesus and thank You for adopting us into Your family.  We love You and appreciate all You have done for us and all You do for us every day.  May we be children who make You happy instead of children who hurt You.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
December 8, 2016

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

REMEMBER CALVARY

“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.”
Luke 23:33 KJV

As we remember Pearl Harbor and the lives that were lost, let us also remember Calvary and Jesus Who was crucified on the cross for us so that we may have our sins forgiven and live for all eternity in Heaven.  War is a heartbreaking thing because people are wounded and killed.

Mrs. Walter G. Taylor wrote a hymn about our precious Saviour “Calvary Covers It All”.  “Calvary covers it all My past with its sin and stain; My guilt and despair Jesus took on Him there; And Calvary covers it all.”  Thank God for the sacrifice our Saviour made for us on the cross so we may have everlasting life.

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving Your beloved Son to die for our sins on the cross.  Jesus, You are so precious and I love You.  Thank You for loving me so much You died for my sins.  It breaks my heart to know all the pain and anguish You suffered because of me.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
December 7, 2016

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

BURNOUT

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28 KJV

We read and hear about caregivers getting burnout.  Thank God for people who care enough to be caregivers.  However, they need encouragement just like we do.  The nurses who take care of our elderly parents in retirement homes and nursing homes not only need encouragement, we also need to thank them.

Our pastors are caregivers.  They give of their time, they give of themselves and they sacrifice time they could be with their family to minister to us and encourage us.  O how we need to pray for and encourage our pastors.  I thank God for every pastor who is preaching the good news of our risen Saviour.

Pastor Charles Price Jones wrote one of my favorite hymns “Come unto Me”.  I love these words.  “Hear the blessed Savior calling the oppressed,”  Yes, Jesus is calling everyone who is discouraged and oppressed.  He longs to give us rest.  He loves us and cares about us so much He died for us.

If you are discouraged and brokenhearted, allow Jesus to pick you up and carry you through all the dark valleys in your life.  He will be faithful to set you once again on the mountain top of happiness.  Give Jesus your burdens and allow Him to carry them for you.  Thank God for our loving Saviour.

Joanne Lowe
December 6, 2016

Monday, December 5, 2016

HIS LOVING HEART

“She said, No man, Lord.  And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.”
John 8:11 KJV

Jesus not only gave His life for us, He also gives us trust, His time and His unconditional love.  Jesus has told us that He will never leave us or forsake us.  He is with us twenty four hours a day (Hebrews 13:5).  Jesus doesn’t condemn us, He trusts us and tells us to go and sin no more.

Nobody loves you like Jesus loves you and nobody ever will.  You are so precious to Him and because of His unconditional love for us; He allowed them to crucify Him on the cross for us.  Our precious Saviour was beaten beyond recognition, spat on, cursed, rejected and mocked.  O how He loves you.

Kurt Kaiser wrote the beautiful and inspiring hymn “O How He Loves You And Me”.  When we sing these words, are we thinking about the unconditional and giving love Jesus has for us or are we allowing our mind to wander?  There are times when we think about something else instead of what we sing.

Precious Heavenly Father, we praise You and thank You for our Saviour.  Indeed, Your Son has a loving heart.  Jesus, I love You with all my heart and I long for the day when I will see You face to face.  You are so precious to me and I appreciate all You have done for me.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
December 5, 2016

Sunday, December 4, 2016

NO WORDS

“And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written.  Amen.”
John 21:25 KJV

This verse is so true because there aren’t enough words to describe all that Jesus has done for me.  The most amazing thing to me is that He loves me.  I know He loves you but to know that He loves me fills my heart with an overwhelming love for Him.  Jesus, the KING OF KINGS loves me.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus.  When I think of Your Son and also You loving me unconditionally, I am filled with gratitude and love for You.  Jesus, You are the reason I get out of bed in the morning and the reason I’m living.  Without You, life is meaningless.  I love You.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
December 4, 2016

Saturday, December 3, 2016

ENCOURAGE AND PRAY FOR PASTORS

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!”
Isaiah 52:7 KJV

God has been very good to me as most of my close friends are pastors and their wives.  It is very important that we encourage and pray for pastors and also pray for their families.  A pastor said “Please pray for my wife because when I am discouraged, she encourages me”.

Heavenly Father, I pray for every pastor who is preaching the good news of our risen Saviour.  Please encourage them and comfort them and may feel the love You have for them.  Please let them see hearts and lives changed and through it all I pray that Jesus will be exalted.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
December 3, 2016

Friday, December 2, 2016

HIS WINGS OF SAFETY

“Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,”
Psalms 17:8 KJV

In this world of violence and wars, we need safety.  We are protected under His wings of safety.  Pastor William Orcutt Cushing wrote the beautiful hymn “Under His Wings”.  I love these words.  “Under His wings, what a refuge in sorrow!”  He protects us from danger and also provides a refuge for us.

Heavenly Father, I pray for every person who is sad, lonely, discouraged and hurting and who feels like giving up.  Please comfort and encourage them as You have comforted and encouraged me so many times.  Thank You for adopting me into Your family.  I love You, Father.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.      

Joanne Lowe
December 2, 2016

Thursday, December 1, 2016

A HAPPY AND JOYOUS DAY

“And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.”
Revelation 21:23 KJV

Rev. William Orcutt Cushing wrote one of my favorite hymns about Jesus coming back for us “There’ll Be No Dark Valley”.  Yes, when Jesus comes back for us, there will be happiness and rejoicing.  All sorrow, pain and crying will be gone and we won’t have to run and hide in terror from someone hitting us.

If you are discouraged and feel all alone, remember Jesus understands how you feel.  I’m sure He felt discouraged and alone many times.  Instead of dwelling on the valleys we are going through; let’s remember there is going to be a happy and joyous day when Jesus comes back for us.

Jesus is not only the light of the world, He is also the light in our heart.  When we are sad and hurting because we have been criticized or rejected, we need to remember that the light of Jesus is still shining brightly in our heart.  Thank God for our loving Saviour and His light.   

Joanne Lowe
December 1, 2016



Wednesday, November 30, 2016

IT REALLY IS AMAZING

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8 KJV

We sing the hymn “Amazing Grace” but I wonder if we realize that it really is amazing grace that God loves us so much.  He gave His beloved Son to die for our sins.  I believe there are times when we sing hymns without thinking about the words.  Think about it!  God loved us when we were yet sinners.

Even when we fail Him and hurt Him, He still loves us.  We have a tender compassionate loving Heavenly Father.  Let’s make a special effort to do things to make Him happy.  One of the greatest ways to make Him happy is to be kind to Jesus and serve Him.  Are you serving Jesus?

Joanne Lowe
November 30, 2016

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

FROM HIS HEART

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”
Luke 2:11 KJV

Many people go into debt buying gifts at Christmas.  While it is nice to buy gifts to give at Christmas and all of us appreciate getting them, it is much more important to give gifts from our heart just as our Heavenly Father gave us His Son from His heart as a Gift of unconditional love.

One of the greatest gifts we can give is our time.  Joyce Landorf Heatherley, a Christian speaker and author, said on one of her teaching tapes that we should talk to our children.  She said “How can we expect our children to share what is in their heart with us if we don’t share what is in our heart with them”.

Let’s make a special effort this Christmas to not only give gifts we buy but also give of our time to our children and family.  What about Jesus?  The greatest gift we can give Him is our heart.  If you have never invited Jesus into your heart to be your personal Saviour, I urge you to do it today.

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving Jesus to us as a Gift from Your heart to not only be our Saviour but also to be the best Friend we will ever have.  I love You, Heavenly Father.  I love You, Jesus, and one day I will see You face to face.  I love You, Holy Spirit.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
November 29, 2016


Monday, November 28, 2016

HE WANTS US

“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

Have you ever felt like nobody loves you or wants you?  I felt that way for many years.  One day, God spoke to my heart and told me He loves me and He wants me.  Yes, when we feel all alone and feel like nobody cares about us, He wants us.  He loves us and wants us so much He gave His Son to die for us.

There are many children who are afraid of their parents and feel that their parents don’t love them or want them.  God loves these precious children and He wants them.  Several years ago, a little boy came to my home and said he was afraid to go home because his parents were drinking, screaming and cursing.

The little boy said that his parents hit him for no reason at all and that he runs and hides from them when they are screaming and drinking.  How that must hurt and break the heart of our Heavenly Father.  One day, parents will stand before a Holy God and give an account of how they raised their children.

However, it’s not just parents who need to love children and set an example for them.  Every one of us who comes in contact with children need to not only love them and want them but also set a good example for them.  Are we doing it?  Do children want to be around us or do they run and hide when they see us?

May God help us to be kind and loving to children because when we are kind and loving to them, not only do we make the children happy, we also make our Heavenly Father happy.  Let’s make a special effort to love children. 

Joanne Lowe
November 28, 2016

Sunday, November 27, 2016

ARE WE TELLING IT

“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

We sing the beautiful hymn “Go Tell It On The Mountain” but are we doing it?  Are we telling the good news of Jesus to our family to our friends and to everyone we see?  What about you?  Have you ever said to Jesus “Here am I, send me”?  May we be willing to get out of our comfort zones and serve our risen Saviour.

Joanne Lowe
November 27, 2016

Saturday, November 26, 2016

DON’T BELIEVE IT

“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do.  He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him.  When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.”
John 8:44 KJV  

No matter what satan tells you, don’t believe it because he is a liar and the father of it.  Jesus has warned us to be on the alert for the sneaky attacks and vicious lies of satan (1 Peter 5:8).  Thursday afternoon I was very discouraged to the point of giving up until I realized it was just another attack of satan.

We need to remember that it makes satan very angry when we are serving Jesus and he will do all he can do to discourage us so much that we will stop serving Jesus.  We must not let that happen.  We must stay on the battlefield for Jesus.  Our precious Saviour stayed on the cross for us.

If ever someone had a right to give up and quit, it was Jesus.  He had been ridiculed, tortured, spat on, cursed and rejected yet our loving Saviour kept loving and spreading His love.  After all that Jesus has done for us, the least we can do for Him is get out of our comfort zones and tell people Jesus loves them.

Are we willing to stay on the battlefield for Jesus no matter how many lies and attacks satan hurls at us?  If we really love Jesus and appreciate all He has done for us, we will ask Him to help us when satan attacks us and stay on the battlefield for Jesus.  O how I love Jesus!  One joyous day we will see Him face to face.

Joanne Lowe
November 26, 2016

Friday, November 25, 2016

HIS COMPASSION

“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.”
Lamentations 3:22, 23 KJV

We sing the beautiful and inspiring hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”.  I believe Rev. Thomas Chisholm wrote this hymn from the depths of his heart.  Rev. Chisholm had to retire from the ministry after one year because of poor health but he found God to be faithful through all his pain and suffering.

Indeed, we have a compassionate tenderhearted and loving Heavenly Father and He is faithful to us.  He is faithful to comfort and encourage us.  He supplies our every need and He even gives us things we don’t need just because He loves us.  Thank God for His unconditional love and compassion for us.

Heavenly Father, we give You thanks for Your tenderness, Your unconditional love and Your compassion for us.  Indeed, You are a tender loving compassionate Heavenly Father.  We love You and appreciate all You have done for us and all that You do for us every day.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
November 25, 2016






Thursday, November 24, 2016

BECAUSE OF CALVARY

“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.”
Luke 23:33 KJV

One of the things we can thank God for on Thanksgiving Day is because of Calvary and Jesus willingly dying on the cross for our sins, we have the privilege of being saved and living in Heaven for eternity.  Nobody loves us like God and Jesus love us and nobody ever will.

Pastor Wendell Phillips Loveless wrote the beautiful hymn “All Because of Calvary”.  Yes, it is because of Calvary and the unconditional love that our Heavenly Father and Jesus have for us that we don’t have to be in bondage to satan any longer because Jesus set us free when He died on the cross for us.

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us and thank You for Jesus.  Thank You for adopting me into Your family and for the privilege of serving Your Son.  Jesus, I love You with all my heart and one happy day I will see You face to face.  I love You so much, precious Saviour.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
November 24, 2016

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

ARE THEY ACCEPTABLE

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”
Psalms 19:14 KJV

This verse should be the prayer of every Christian.  Are the words of our mouth and the mediation of our heart acceptable in His sight?  May God have mercy on us and forgive us if what we say and what we think hurts Him.  God gave His Son for us and we should give our tongue and our heart to Him.

Joanne Lowe
November 23, 2016

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

TELEVISION

“And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.  Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”
Exodus 20:1-3 KJV

I saw on the news that a church had put a big screen television up so they could watch a football game.  How that must have hurt God and broke His heart.  He has made it very clear that we are to have no other gods before Him.  Anything or anyone we put before God has become a god to us.

Television has become a god in some families.  The television is turned on as soon as they get up and is not turned off until they go to bed.  Instead of the parents spending time with their children, they let the television be the babysitter while they pursue their own interests.

It is no wonder at all that we have so many problems and heartaches when we allow television or anyone or anything else to come before God.  Our Heavenly Father loves us so much that He gave His beloved Son to die on the cross for our sins and it breaks His heart when His Son is ignored.

Someone said “I am too busy to spend time with Jesus”.  If we are too busy to spend time with Jesus, we are too busy and we need to rearrange our schedule so Jesus comes first.  Does Jesus come first in your heart and life?  If we have time to read the paper in the morning, we have time to talk to Jesus.

Heavenly Father, we confess that there are times when we allow our schedules, our activities and other people to come before You.  Please forgive us.  Thank You for Jesus.  We love You and we appreciate You.  In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

Joanne Lowe
November 22, 2016