Sunday, July 31, 2016

HAVE WE FORGIVEN

“But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.”
Mark 11:26 KJV

How dare you and I go to a Holy God and ask Him to forgive us for hurting Him if we haven’t forgiven those who have hurt us?  I think we sometimes forget that none of us are perfect.  All of us fail and hurt Him at times.  There was only one perfect person who ever lived or ever will live and His Name is Jesus.

I have received email from people who tell me how wonderful it is that I write devotions.  I really appreciate those encouraging emails because all of us need encouragement.  However, I am just a sinner saved by grace.  I still lose my temper and have to ask Jesus to help me keep my mouth shut.

My Mother used to say to me “Joanne, if you don’t have anything good to say, keep your big mouth shut”.  It used to hurt me and bring tears to my eyes when she said that but Mom was right.  We can tell people we’re sorry for hurting them but the cruel words we say can never be taken back.

We might as well take a knife and plunge it deep into someone’s heart because we are breaking his or her heart into little pieces by our cruel and hateful words.  May God help us to only say kind and encouraging words to people instead of saying things that hurt them and make them cry.

Heavenly Father, You are a tender compassionate and forgiving Father.  Please help us to love one another unconditionally and forgive others as You love and forgive us.  Thank You for being a loving and caring Father.  I love You so much and I appreciate all You have done for me.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
July 31, 2016

Saturday, July 30, 2016

GET BACK UP

“In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:”
Colossians 1:14 KJV

When someone is learning to ride a horse and he or she falls off, the instructor tells the person to get back up on the horse.  It is the same with Christians.  When satan attacks us and we hurt Jesus without meaning to do so, we are to immediately ask God to forgive us and get back on the battlefield for Jesus.

Nothing would make satan any happier than if he could discourage us so much that we stop serving Jesus.  We must not let that happen!  We must stay on the battlefield for Jesus.  If Jesus had given up when He was abused, beaten, rejected and scorned, we would not have a home in Heaven.

Yes, Jesus understands how we feel when satan attacks us with lies, temptation and discouragement.  It is not a sin to be tempted.  It is only a sin when we give in to the temptation.  Jesus was tempted and He never sinned.  He did not give in to temptation (Matthew 4:1).  He will help us when we are tempted.

Joanne Lowe
July 30, 2016

Friday, July 29, 2016

PEACE JOY AND HAPPINESS FOREVER

“Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
1 Thessalonians 4:17 KJV

One happy day when Jesus comes back for us to take us to Heaven, we will have peace, joy and happiness forever.  There will be no more abuse and children won’t have to run and hide because they are afraid.  How I long for the day when I will see my precious Saviour face to face.

Someone said “What I do in my own house is my own business”.  That is not a true statement.  Everything we do or say is God’s business and He can see behind closed doors and He can hear behind closed doors.  How sad it is that people hurt our beloved Heavenly Father on purpose.

Heavenly Father, there are times when I have failed You and hurt You and I am so sorry.  Please forgive me.  Help me to bring You happiness instead of hurting You and making You sad.  Thank You for loving me unconditionally and for adopting me into Your family.  I love You, dear Father.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
July 29, 2016

Thursday, July 28, 2016

JESUS IS THE ANSWER

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

Jesus is the answer to all of our heartaches and problems.  No matter how many times satan attacks us, Jesus is with us to defend us and protect us from satan’s lies.  The answer to life’s problems can’t be found in drugs, in alcohol or in sex.  Only Jesus can help us.  He will protect us and give us rest.

Joanne Lowe
July 28, 2016

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

NOBODY CARES ABOUT ME

“But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.”
Luke 12:7 KJV

Have you ever felt all alone and that nobody cares about you?  God cares about you because you are of more value than many sparrows.  He cares when you’re sad and hurting.  Our Heavenly Father loves you very much and He will comfort you and encourage you if you will only share your heart with Him.

We read in the Bible.  “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;” (2 Corinthians 1:3).  The next time you feel like nobody cares about you, remember God not only comforts you, He also loves you so much He gave His beloved Son to die for your sins.

Joanne Lowe
July 27, 2016


Tuesday, July 26, 2016

GOD KNOWS

“Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever.  Amen.”
 1 Timothy 1:17 KJV

I heard an illustration on the radio yesterday that touched my heart.  “A man was going on a trip but he got lost.  He looked at the map but was still confused.  He called his sister and his sister gave the phone to her husband and he looked at his map and gave directions.”

Even after the man’s brother-in-law looked at the map and gave him directions, the man said “That doesn’t sound right.  Are you sure those directions are right?”  I wonder how many times when God tells us where to go that we ask Him “Are You sure those are the right directions”?

God knows everything.  He looks in His heart and gives us directions for our life.  We can trust Him because He knows the end of our life from the beginning of our life.  If we will allow Him to lead us and then follow His directions, we will have a happier and a more productive life.

Heavenly Father, thank You for caring about us and for leading us down the path You want us to go.  If we have been going the way we want to go, please forgive us.  You are a tender compassionate and loving Father.  I love You and appreciate all You have done for me.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
July 26, 2016

Monday, July 25, 2016

JESUS CARES

“And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.  And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.”
Mark 1:40,41 KJV

Just as Jesus cared about the leper, He cares about you.  Jesus cares when you are sick and He also cares when you are discouraged and lonely.  He not only heals us physically, He also heals us emotionally.  Jesus has felt every emotion we feel and He understands and He longs to heal you.

Not only does Jesus care about us, our Heavenly Father also cares about us.  He is our Comforter.  “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 1:4).

Jesus not only cares about you and wants to heal you; He also wants you to be happy and to have an abundant life.  “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

We know how much Jesus loves us and wants us to be happy.  He proved His love for us when He died on the cross for our sins.  The question every Christian needs to answer is how much do I love Jesus and what am I willing to do for Him?  Are we willing to spread His unconditional love to everyone we see?

Joanne Lowe
July 25, 2016

Sunday, July 24, 2016

WHAT HAPPINESS

“The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.”
Jeremiah 31:3 KJV

One of the definitions I found for happiness in the dictionary is “contentment, joy”.  What contentment and joy is ours to be loved by the Saviour of the world!  Not only does Jesus love us, He loves us with an everlasting love which means He loved us yesterday, He loves us today and He will love us forever.

The next time you are discouraged and think you can’t give another smile or take another step, remember Jesus has felt all the emotions we feel.  He knows how it feels to be discouraged and alone so He understands how it hurts.  Cry out to Jesus and ask Him to encourage you when you are hurting.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus.  What an amazing and unconditional love You have for us to give Your beloved Son to die on the cross for our sins.  I love You, Heavenly Father and I appreciate all You have done for me.  Thank You for the privilege of serving Jesus.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
July 24, 2016

Saturday, July 23, 2016

OUR HELP AND SHIELD

“Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield.”
Psalm 33:20 KJV

We can depend on Jesus because He is our help and our shield.  When satan attacks us with lies and discouragement, Jesus is with us to protect us.  No matter how many times we get discouraged and feel like giving up, Jesus will cheer us on to victory because He loves us and cares about us.

Joanne Lowe
July 23, 2016

Friday, July 22, 2016

ARE WE AN ENCOURAGEMENT

“They helped every one his neighbour; and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage.  So the carpenter encouraged the goldsmith, and he that smootheth with the hammer him that smote the anvil, saying, It is ready for the sodering: and he fastened it with nails, that it should not be moved.”
Isaiah 41:6,7 KJV

Are we an encouragement to our family and to one another?  We are either being an encouragement or we are discouraging them.  May God help us to encourage one another.  The person who says he or she doesn’t need anyone is not being truthful.  Even Jesus needed to be encouraged.

The greatest Encourager of all is Jesus.  When we think we can’t go on or give another smile, He is our Cheerleader and He cheers us on to victory.  As soon as we feel ourselves getting discouraged and feel like giving up, we need to cry out to Jesus to help us and He will be faithful to help us.

Jesus knows how it feels to be rejected, cursed, ridiculed and left alone.  So He understands how we feel when we are hurting.  Not only does Jesus love us unconditionally and understand how we feel, He picks us up in His loving arms and carries us through all the dark valleys in our life.  What a precious Saviour!

If you know people who are discouraged, send them an email or a letter or call them and tell them that Jesus loves them and cares about them.  We must never forget to tell Jesus how much we love Him and appreciate Him.  Jesus has feelings and He wants us to tell Him that we love Him.  I love You, dear Jesus.

Joanne Lowe
July 22, 2016

Thursday, July 21, 2016

THE BEST SLEEPING PILL

“It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.”
Psalms 127:2 KJV

Years ago, I had a lot of trouble sleeping.  The doctor prescribed sleeping pills but they didn’t help.  When I gave my heart and life to Jesus and started serving Him, I didn’t need sleeping pills any more.  I don’t have any trouble sleeping now.  There have been times when I have fallen asleep sitting in my office chair.

One of the definitions I found for beloved in a dictionary was “greatly loved, dear to the heart”.  We are God’s beloved if we have given our heart and life to Him.  Our Heavenly Father loves us very much.  We are dear to His heart.  He proved to us how much He loves us when He gave His Son to die for our sins.

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us, for protecting us and for adopting us into Your family.  I pray we will be children who make You happy instead of children who hurt You and break Your heart.  I love You so much; dear Father and I appreciate all You have done for me.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
July 21, 2016


Wednesday, July 20, 2016

STAY ON THE BATTLEFIELD

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
Ephesians 6:10,11 KJV

We are living in a world that is filled with violence and hatred.  It would be very easy to stop serving Jesus and get off the battlefield.  However, we must stay on the battlefield for Jesus.  When Jesus was here on earth, He stayed on the battlefield for us.  He was ridiculed, cursed and beaten beyond recognition.

Jesus understands how we feel when we are cursed and ridiculed and He feels our pain.  Just think where we would be if Jesus hadn’t stayed on the cross for us.  We would be on our way to hell for all eternity.  Thank God for Jesus and for His cleansing atoning blood that He shed for our sins.

The next time we’re tempted to give up and stop serving Jesus because we’re being ridiculed or cursed, if we will remember that Jesus stayed on the battlefield for us it will help us keep serving Him.  When we feel like giving up, we need to pray and ask God to help us stay on the battlefield for Jesus.

Joanne Lowe
July 20, 2016

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

AN OVERWHELMING 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

Yesterday when I was at Wal-Mart, I felt an overwhelming love for God and for Jesus and I started singing a hymn out loud right there at the store.  I sang quietly but I had to sing because I was very happy and filled with love for our Heavenly Father and for our precious Saviour.  O how I love Them!

Just as I felt an overwhelming love for God and Jesus yesterday, God and Jesus feel an overwhelming love for us every day.  Not only do They love us and will always love us, They also love us unconditionally.  There is nothing you could do that would make Them stop loving you.   O how They love you.

It was because of an overwhelming love for you and for me that God gave His beloved Son to die for our sins.  It was because of an overwhelming love for us that Jesus allowed them to beat Him beyond recognition, spit on Him, mock Him and ridicule Him.  His unconditional love for you kept Him on the cross.

Heavenly Father, I love You.  Thank You for adopting me into Your family and for allowing me to serve Jesus.  It is a privilege to serve my precious Saviour.  Jesus, I love You with all my heart and one happy day I will see You face to face.  Holy Spirit, I love You.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
July 19, 2016

Monday, July 18, 2016

DO WE LISTEN

“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:”
James 1:19 KJV

Do we listen when God tells us to do something or do we just plan our day without consulting Him first?  There are times when we cause our own unhappiness because we do things our way instead of asking Him what He wants us to do.  We should ask Him what He wants us to do before we do anything.

Heavenly Father, please forgive us for not consulting You before we do things.  You know what is best for us.  You also know there are times when what we want to do is not the plan You have for us.  Help us to talk to You and get Your advice and instructions first.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
July 18, 2016

Sunday, July 17, 2016

WHAT WILL THEY SAY

“And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.”
Matthew 3:16, 17 KJV

What will they say about us when we die?  Will they say we were Christians and loved God?  More important than this what does God say about us?  When we die will He say He is pleased with us?  What about right now?  Is God pleased with us and the way we are living?

Many years ago I read an obituary in the newspaper about a lady who was a Christian and everyone said kind things about her.  One person said “She never said anything unkind or did anything unkind to anyone in her life.”  When I read that, it broke my heart because I haven’t always been kind.

Before I was saved and gave my life to Jesus, I hated everyone and said cruel and unkind things to them.  It breaks my heart to know how I hurt people before I was saved and even more important, I hurt God.  When I die, I don’t want people to say she was kind and loving.  I want them to say that I loved Jesus.

No, I am not perfect.  I fail Jesus and hurt Him at times like we all do but Jesus can see into my heart and He knows I love Him.  The desire of my heart and the goal of my life is to make Jesus happy.  If ever someone deserves to be respected, loved and adored, it is Jesus, the Saviour of the world!

All hail, King Jesus!  Worthy is the Lamb of God!  He is the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS!  O how I love Jesus.

Joanne Lowe
July 17, 2016

Saturday, July 16, 2016

OUR HEALER

“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.”
Psalm 147:3 KJV

Jesus is our Healer.  He not only heals us physically, He also heals us emotionally.  When we cut ourselves we put band aids on the cut.  When we are hurting emotionally, Jesus spreads His soothing ointment of unconditional love.  O how Jesus loves you!  You are so special to Him.  Thank God for our Healer.

Joanne Lowe
July 16, 2016

Friday, July 15, 2016

COMPASSION AND MERCY

“But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.”
Psalm 78:38 KJV

One of the definitions I found for mercy in Webster’s Dictionary is “kind or forgiving treatment of someone who could be treated harshly”.  I am so thankful that our Heavenly Father is a loving, compassionate, tender and forgiving Father.  We don’t deserve to go to Heaven but because of the blood of Jesus we can go.

We read in the Bible “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: (Colossians 1:14).  What a tender amazing and unconditional love for you and for me kept Jesus on the cross when He could have come down.  We have a precious and loving Saviour.

One day we will see Him face to face when He comes back for us.  How I long for that day.  I have a family I love very much and I have a lot of wonderful friends but Jesus is my Saviour and my Best Friend.  He loves me unconditionally just as He loves you.  He will always love you no matter what you do.

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving Jesus to die on the cross for us.  I love You, Heavenly Father.  I love You, Jesus.  I love You, Holy Spirit.  Father, I pray for every pastor who is spreading the love of Jesus.  Please encourage them and let them know how much You love them.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen. 

Joanne Lowe
July 15, 2016



Thursday, July 14, 2016

NO REPAIRS NEEDED

“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
John 14:2,3 KJV

We know that everything Jesus does is perfect because He is perfect so there are no repairs needed on the mansions that Jesus is preparing for us.  We won’t have to call a repairman for anything because everything is perfect in Heaven.  Also, there will be no yelling, cursing or hitting in our mansion.

Think about it.  Children won’t have to run and hide because they hear their parents yelling at each other and at them.  Children won’t be hungry in Heaven.  Many years ago, a little boy came to my door and asked me for food.  He told me he was hungry because there was no food in his house.

I said house instead of home because a place where there is yelling and cursing is only a house, it is not a home.  It upsets Jesus very much when a child is mistreated and abused.  Jesus is very protective of children (Matthew 19:14).  It brings tears of happiness to my eyes to know children won’t be hit any longer.

Heavenly Father, we praise You and thank You for loving us so much that You gave Your beloved Son to die for our sins on the cross.  Jesus, thank You for dying for us and for all You do for us every day.  I love You so much and I long for the day when I will see You face to face.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
July 14, 2016

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

A SENSITIVE HEART

“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
Ephesians 4:31,32 KJV

Do we have a sensitive heart or have we allowed anger, jealousy, hatred, bitterness and sarcasm to remain in our heart?  If we have allowed those things to remain in our heart, we do not have a sensitive heart and we are hurting God and breaking His heart.  May God help us to have a sensitive heart.

When we are saved, Jesus gives us a new heart, a heart that is filled with compassion for others.  We must not allow satan to put things in our heart that hurt God.  Jesus freed us from the bondage of satan when He died on the cross for our sins.  We should listen to Jesus and not to satan because satan is a liar.

It is so true that we get back what we give out.  If we want people to love us and treat us with respect and be kind to us, we must first love them, treat them with respect and be kind to them.  Do we love others as Jesus has commanded us to love them?  Let’s love one another and be an encourager to one another.

How about your heart?  When God looks in your heart, does He see things that make Him happy or does He see things that hurt Him and make Him sad?  I want to always make God and Jesus happy but I’m human and sometimes I fail Them.  May God have mercy on us and forgive us when we hurt Him.

What about our family?  Do we have a sensitive heart toward our family and our loved ones?  I want others to see Jesus in my smiles and hear His unconditional love for them in what I say.

Joanne Lowe
July 13, 2016

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

HE CARED ENOUGH

“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

We have a loving compassionate and tender Saviour.  He cared enough to leave His home, His Father and all that He had to come to earth to die on the cross and pay the penalty for our sins.  What a Saviour!  What a Friend, this Jesus of Nazareth!  All hail, King Jesus!  Worthy is the Lamb of God!

He cared enough to come to me many years ago when I was lying underneath a bed in a mental hospital afraid of everyone and everything with no desire to live.  He put His loving and compassionate arms around me and lifted me up from under that bed.  He told me that He loves me and will never leave me.

Do we care enough about Jesus to shut off the television, get out of our comfort zone and spread His unconditional love to everyone we see?  There are many people who are hurting and some even feel suicidal.  They desperately need to know that Jesus loves them.  Let’s spread His love to everyone.

Do you realize what a privilege it is to be loved by the Saviour of the world?  It is a privilege just to say His sweet Name.  Lela B. Long wrote the beautiful hymn “Jesus is the Sweetest Name I Know”.  Not only is Jesus the sweetest Name I know, He is also my best Friend.  He has never left me, not even for a minute.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus.  Precious Saviour, thank You for caring, for dying for me on the cross and for loving me unconditionally.  I love You so much.  One day I will see You face to face.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
July 12, 2016

Monday, July 11, 2016

HIS 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

I don’t think we fully understand how much God loves us.  He not only loves us unconditionally, He loves us so much He gave His Son to die on the cross for our sins.  What an amazing unconditional love flowed from the heart of our Father when He gave Jesus to die for us.

Not only does God love us unconditionally, Jesus also loves us with an amazing unconditional love.  Jesus did not have to leave His home, His Father and all that He had to come to earth and die for our sins.  God did not make Jesus come to earth.  Jesus chose to come because He loves His Father and He loves us.

How can we not serve the One Who gave His all for us?  Jesus is calling all of us to serve Him.  He may not call us to go to another country but He is calling all of us to go to our neighbors and tell them of the love of Jesus.  However, it is not enough to tell people Jesus loves them; we must prove it to them.

How do we prove to them that Jesus loves them?  We prove to them that He loves them by our kind words and our loving actions.  When is the last time you told someone Jesus loves him or her?  When is the last time you told Jesus you love Him and appreciate Him?  Tell Jesus you love Him today.    

Joanne Lowe
July 11, 2016

Sunday, July 10, 2016

ARE WE

“Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.”
Matthew 24:44 KJV

Are we ready to meet Jesus when He comes for us?  Is our heart in right standing with God?  We won’t have time to get ready when Jesus comes because we don’t know when He is coming but He is coming and we need to be ready.  Have we asked people to forgive us and have we forgiven people?

We can tell people we are ready and act happy and have a smile on our face but Jesus can see into our heart and He knows if our heart is right with God.  How sad it will be if we can’t look at Jesus because we have allowed bitterness, resentment, anger and other things that hurt Him to remain in our heart.

If we want people to forgive us for hurting them, we had better forgive them for hurting us.  None of us are perfect.  All of us fail and hurt God at times.  When we do things that hurt God, then our Saviour pleads our case with our Heavenly Father.  I’m so glad Jesus cares about us and intercedes for us with God.

We need to remember that we can make funeral arrangements in advance but we won’t have time to get our heart right with God when Jesus comes back for us.  If God looks in our heart right now, what will He find?  Will He see things that make Him happy or will He see things that hurt Him and break His heart?

Heavenly Father, please search my heart and if there is anything that hurts You and breaks Your heart please let me know so I can repent and get my heart right with You.  I never want to hurt You and yet I know that I do at times.  I love You, Heavenly Father.  Thank You for loving me.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.    

Joanne Lowe
July 10, 2016

Saturday, July 9, 2016

NEVER

“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

When people criticize us, ridicule us, and curse us because we are serving Jesus, we never have to be afraid because Jesus is our Helper.  He will protect us and lift us up and carry us through all the dark valleys in our life.  What a privilege it is to be loved and protected by the Saviour of the world!

Has it gone from head knowledge to heart knowledge that Jesus has said that He will never leave you or forsake you?  When Jesus says He is going to do something, He does it.  Jesus never leaves us, not even for a minute.  Our family and friends come to visit us but they go home, Jesus stays with us.

Think about it!  Jesus said that He will never leave us.  Are you shouting with happiness yet?  This world is full of violence and we desperately need our Saviour.  He is faithful to us and doesn’t leave us no matter how many crises and dark valleys we have in our life.  I love You, dear Jesus.

Jesus doesn’t leave us but do we leave Him?  Do we allow things and people to come before Him?  If so, we are hurting Him and breaking His heart.  If ever someone deserves first place in our heart and life, it is Jesus, the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS!  Give Him first place in your heart and life.

Joanne Lowe
July 9, 2016



Friday, July 8, 2016

SOMEBODY ELSE

“And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.  And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.  And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.  But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.”
Luke 10:30-34 KJV

It is so easy to point the finger of guilt at the priest and the Levite because they didn’t help the man but I wonder how many of us have done the same thing.  We know people who are hurting emotionally and instead of taking the time to listen to them and be an encouragement to them, we don’t help them.

If we don’t know what to say to someone, we can hug them for Jesus.  Some people don’t feel comfortable hugging others but all of us can hug with loving and encouraging words.  When is the last time you hugged someone for Jesus?  When is the last time you hugged Jesus?

Jesus has feelings too and He wants our hugs and words of love just as we want His hugs and words of love.  Let’s start being an encouragement to Jesus and to others by our kind and loving words.  We take people to see doctors.  Let’s take the ones who are hurting to the great Physician, Jesus.

Instead of waiting for somebody else to help those we know who are hurting, let’s reassure them that Jesus loves them.

Joanne Lowe
July 8, 2016

Thursday, July 7, 2016

A SPIRITUAL BIRTHDAY

“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

Today is my birthday.  I was born July 7, 1943 but I have another birthday that is much more important.  I have a spiritual birthday.  I was born again on August 14, 1980 when I repented of my sins, asked God to forgive me and invited Jesus into my heart to be my personal Saviour.

God called me to be a missionary on October 4, 1998 but He didn’t tell me what He wanted me to do until January 24, 2005 when He gave me the ministry of writing devotions.  It has been my privilege to serve my precious Saviour full time for eleven years.  What a joy it has been to be in His Service.

People have asked me if I ever feel like giving up and the answer is yes.  I am human just like you are and there are times when satan attacks me with discouragement and doubts and I feel like giving up.  Then I remember that Jesus never gave up and He was abused and mistreated more than anyone.

Jesus just kept spreading His unconditional love no matter how many times He was cursed, abused and rejected.  He set the example for us to follow and you and I need to tell everyone we see about our Saviour’s unconditional love for them.  Have you hugged someone for Jesus today?

Jesus doesn’t condemn us.  He forgives us (John 8:11).  Have you given your heart and life to Jesus?  If not, don’t wait another minute.  Invite the Christ of Calvary into your heart to be your personal Saviour before it is too late.

Joanne Lowe
July 7, 2016

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

THE LIGHT OF OUR HEART

“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

Jesus is not only the Light of the world, He is also the Light of our heart.  When our heart grows dark because we have been criticized, Jesus reassures us that He loves us as He shines brighter in our heart.  He loves us even when we fail Him and hurt Him.

Jesus doesn’t turn His love for us off and on like a water faucet as we sometimes do to others.  He loved us yesterday.  He loves us today; He will love us tomorrow and for all eternity.  Have you allowed it to enter your heart that you are loved by the Saviour of the world?  He loves you so much He died for you.

One day we will have the privilege of seeing our precious Saviour face to face.  I am going to give Him a big hug and I will spend all eternity hugging Him and telling Him how much I love Him and appreciate Him.  We will be with our Saviour for all eternity and there will be no more hitting or yelling.

Jim Hill wrote the beautiful inspiring hymn “What A Day That Will Be”.  I love these words.  “What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see and I look upon His face.”  Think about it.  We are going to see Jesus face to face and be with Him forever.  How I long for that day!  O how I love Jesus!!

Joanne Lowe
July 6, 2016




Tuesday, July 5, 2016

SOMETIMES IT’S OUR FAULT

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6,7 KJV

God has already given us everything we need to live a happy and victorious life when He gave His beloved Son to die on the cross for our sins.  Jesus has paid the price for our sins and set us free from the bondage of satan.  Our Saviour has warned us to be alert for the attacks of satan.

Sometimes it’s our fault that we have a bad day because we try to do things without praying first and asking God to lead us and help us.  It’s like going into battle without a gun to protect us.  We need God to protect us from all danger.  We can trust our Heavenly Father to keep us safe and happy.

We read in the Bible.  “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour; Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world” (1 Peter 5:8,9).

Heavenly Father, You are so precious.  Thank You for Your tenderness, for Your compassion and for Your unconditional love.  Without Your peace in our heart, our life would be unbearable.  You are a wonderful and caring Father and I love You with all my heart.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
July 5, 2016

Monday, July 4, 2016

JESUS DIED FOR OUR FREEDOM

“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

As we celebrate our country’s freedom, let us not forget to celebrate our freedom from the bondage of satan that Jesus won for us on the cross when He died for our sins.  We read in the Bible.  “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:36).

Have you allowed Jesus to make you free or are you still in bondage to satan?  We need Jesus every minute of every day because without Him we can’t do anything.  I can’t even get out of bed without Him.  If I didn’t know He loves me unconditionally and one day I will be with Him, I wouldn’t even get out of bed.

Without Jesus there is no reason to live.  What a privilege and joy has been mine to serve Him in full time service since January 24, 2005.  Am I perfect?  No, I’m not perfect.  I make mistakes just like you do but I do my best to keep my heart in right standing with God.

There was only one perfect person who ever lived and His Name is Jesus.  It’s easy to judge and condemn others but it’s a lot harder to point the finger of guilt at ourselves.  Instead of criticizing others and pointing the finger of guilt at them, let’s make sure our own heart is in right standing with God.

Our children are going to do what they see us do not what we tell them to do.  Jesus not only tells us what to do, He set the example for us to follow by being compassionate, loving and forgiving.  Are we being compassionate, forgiving and loving to others?  Let’s be encouragers to one another.

Joanne Lowe
July 4, 2016

Sunday, July 3, 2016

THE SCAR DOESN’T GO AWAY

“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 3:8-10 KJV

When someone hits us, it may take a long time but eventually the scar fades and goes away.  However, when someone curses us or says mean and hateful words to us the scar doesn’t go away.  People can forgive us for hurting them but we might as well have plunged a knife deep into their heart.

Once we say something, we can apologize but the words can’t be taken back.  God can forgive us and He will if we apologize and repent but we can’t take back the angry and sarcastic words we said to someone.  May God help us to be kind and loving to one another and encourage each other.

My Mother told me many times “If you don’t have anything good to say, keep your big mouth shut!”  It hurt me when Mom said that but she was right.  Before I gave my heart and life to Jesus when I got angry I would say “Go to hell”.  God has forgiven me but it breaks my heart to know I said that to people.
We need Jesus to help us keep our big mouths shut when we feel like saying something mean and cruel.  Jesus has told us that without Him we can’t do anything (John 15:5).  We sing the hymn “I Need Jesus” and it is true.  We need Jesus every minute of the day.  Jesus will help us say kind and loving words.
Joanne Lowe
July 3, 2016

Saturday, July 2, 2016

STAND UP AND CHEER

“He is not here: for he is risen, as he said.  Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”
Matthew 28:6 KJV

When our favorite sports team wins a game we stand up and cheer.  How much more we should stand up and cheer because Jesus has risen.  Sometimes we act like He didn’t rise but He did rise and He is still alive and well and He helps us to live a victorious life.  With Jesus on our side, we can do anything.

When is the last time you stood up and cheered for Jesus?  If ever someone deserves to be cheered and adored it is Jesus, the Saviour of the world.  May God help us to be cheerleaders for Jesus and to show others the unconditional love of Jesus by the kinds words we say to them and by our loving actions.

Joanne Lowe
July 2, 2016

Friday, July 1, 2016

DO WE KNOW HIM

“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.”
Philippians 3:10 KJV

We may know the geographical places in the Bible and the historical events in the Bible but do we know Him?  Do we know the heart of Jesus?  Do we know what makes Him happy and what makes Him sad?  He tells us in Matthew 24:34-40 what makes Him happy and what makes Him sad.

If we do know Him, then we know that He wants us to spread His unconditional love to everyone.  There are many people who are discouraged and hurting and feel all alone.  There are some people who are even thinking about committing suicide.  They desperately need to know Jesus loves them unconditionally.

To know our precious Saviour, we will have to spend time with Him.  If we spend more time watching sports and movies on television than we do with Jesus, we are hurting Him and breaking His heart.  He wants to fellowship with us but He won’t force Himself on us.  Have you spent time with Jesus today?

Jesus deserves to have all our time and attention.  He left His Father, His home and all that He had to come to earth and die for our sins.  After all that Jesus has done for us, how can we do less than shut off the television and spend time with Jesus?  Let’s make a special effort to spend time with Jesus.    

Joanne Lowe
July 1, 2016