Thursday, February 28, 2019

HOW CAN WE THANK HIM

“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

A friend gave me a gift.  I have thanked her several times for her kindness to me but I can’t find the right words to thank her.  The thought came to me if I can’t find the right words to thank her; it is impossible to find the right words to thank God for the gift of His beloved Son.

There are no words in the dictionary to adequately thank God for Jesus.  We don’t deserve God’s unconditional love, His mercy and His grace. However, because God’s heart is filled with compassion for us; He gave us the greatest gift ever given, His beloved Son, our precious Saviour, Jesus.

How can I thank You, Heavenly Father, for all that You have done for me?  When I think about You sending Your beloved Son into the world to die for me, I am humbled and I stand in awe of Your great love and compassion not only for me, but for every person in the world.

How can I thank You, Jesus, for coming to me when I couldn’t go to You?  When I was in the mental hospital, lying underneath the bed terrified of everyone and everything, You came to me.  You told me that You love me and will protect me and will never leave me. You have kept Your Word.  Jesus, I love You so much.

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so much You gave Your beloved Son to die for our sins.  Heavenly Father, I pray for all who are discouraged.  Please comfort and encourage them.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
February 28, 2019

Wednesday, February 27, 2019

OUR PILLOW OF LOVE

“I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.”
Psalm 6:6 KJV

Sometimes we put on a mask of happiness during the day but our hearts are breaking and when we go to bed at night and nobody can see us, the tears flow.  There are some days when it seems like everything has conspired against us and it makes the day seem very long and painful. 

However, when we go to bed at night and lay our head on our pillow of love, Jesus, He dries our tears with loving kisses as He tenderly pours a healing salve of compassion in our heart.  Jesus softly and gently whispers in our ears “I Love you”.  There is no friend like Jesus! 

No one loves us like Jesus loves us.  Thank You, Jesus, for being a Friend who really cares about us and Who never leaves us, not even for a minute.  You are never too busy for us.  Thank You for always being there and listening to us when we are hurting and our hearts are breaking. 

Yes, there are times when people hurt us and we go to bed feeling sad and all alone.  However, there are also times when we hurt our loved ones and friends and they go to bed with heavy hearts.  A lot of times we’re not even aware we have hurt them.  We need to be careful we don’t hurt people. 

May God forgive us if we have been guilty of saying thoughtless and unkind words to someone and he or she goes to bed with a broken heart because of us!  Jesus didn’t have a bed of love when He was here on earth so let’s make Him a bed of love in our heart so that He feels loved and wanted.

Joanne Lowe
February 27, 2019

Tuesday, February 26, 2019

HAVE YOU DECIDED

“And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.”
Matthew 8:19 KJV

Sundar Singh wrote “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus”.  We sing this hymn but do we really mean what we are singing?  “I have decided to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Jesus, No turning back, no turning back.”  Have you decided to follow Jesus?

We are either following Jesus and serving Him or we are still in bondage to satan.  Again, have you decided to follow Jesus?  It is the most important decision you will ever make.  It is more important than who you will marry, where you will live, what kind of job you have and what kind of car and house to buy.

Jesus left His home, His Father and all that He had to come to earth on His mission.  How it must have hurt God and broke His heart when Jesus left on His mission because He knew His Son was going to be beaten beyond recognition, spat on, cursed and crucified on the cross for something He didn’t do.

Do you understand yet how much our Heavenly Father loves you?  He loves you so much He gave His beloved Son to die for you.  Every time I think about Jesus leaving His Father, I get tears in my eyes.  I believe God and Jesus hugged for a long time and their hearts were breaking.

If you haven’t decided to follow Jesus and serve Him, I urge you to shut off the television, get out of your comfort zone and serve the One Who loves you so much He died for you.  O how Jesus loves you and He will never leave you, not even for a minute.  He will carry you through all the dark valleys in your life.

Joanne Lowe
February 26, 2019

Monday, February 25, 2019

IT IS IMPORTANT

“Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;”
Psalms 107:2 KJV

It is important that we give our testimonies not only because the Bible instructs us to do so but also because it helps other people.  When I first felt the call to write devotions, I was very reluctant because at that time I didn’t think I could do it.  What helped me start writing is what I heard in Sunday school.

Many years ago, my Sunday school teacher was my pastor’s wife.  One Sunday she shared with us that she had emotional problems in the past.  I thought if she can teach Sunday school, maybe I can write devotions so I prayed about it and asked God to help me and He has been faithful to help me.

We need to give our testimony.  There have been several testimonies that I heard that have encouraged me and helped me.  One man said “I am saved today because of my mother.  I saw her kneel beside her bed and heard her pray every day for me to be saved until I asked Jesus into my heart”.

Thank God for praying mothers who don’t give up on their children and keep trusting God.  What about you?  Have you given your testimony lately?  Have your spouse and your children heard your testimony?  We need to set a good example for our children by being faithful to give our testimony.

Not only do we help others by giving our testimony, it makes Jesus happy.  Making Jesus happy should be the desire of every Christian.  Jesus should be first in our heart, in our life, in our time and in everything we do.  Does Jesus have first place in your heart?  If not, you are hurting Him and breaking His heart.

Joanne Lowe
February 25, 2019

Sunday, February 24, 2019

HIDING THE PAIN

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
Revelation 21:4 KJV

Once when I was at the store, it started raining.  People were waiting for it to stop raining to go outside to their cars.  They began to talk to each other.  The thought came to me that if it had not been raining they would never have talked to each other.  It took rain to get people talking to each other.

It is very risky and scary to tell others how we feel emotionally for fear of being judged, ridiculed and scorned.  How sad it is that instead of people hugging us and telling us they care, they say “there is always someone hurting more than you”.  That is true but it doesn’t take our pain away.

If your heart is breaking today because of cruel and sarcastic words that have been said to you, tell Jesus.  He understands because people also said cruel and sarcastic words to Him.  He sees into your heart and He sees the pain that you keep hidden.    Jesus loves you and is longing to comfort you.  

He will pick you up and carry you through the dark valley and set you once again on the mountain top of happiness.  He has promised that He will never leave us (Hebrews 13:5).  Jesus knows how it hurts to have a broken heart and He understands and cares when our heart is breaking. 

Jesus is still being hurt today because people won’t open the door of their heart and let Him come in to be their Saviour.  It’s time we make Him happy by serving Him.  Are you making Him happy by serving Him or are you breaking His heart?

Joanne Lowe
February 24, 2019

Saturday, February 23, 2019

GUILTY

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”
Romans 3:23 KJV

It is so easy to say that someone has sinned but the Bible tells us all of us have sinned.  What is sin?  We find the definition of sin in the Bible.  “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17).  We know that are to love others unconditionally but we don’t always do it.

We say one sin is worse than another sin but to God sin is sin.  One of my pastors preached a sermon on judging.  The pastor said “If we will make sure our own heart is right before God, we won’t have the time to judge others”.  The pastor was so right because it is a full time job to make sure my own heart is right.

We read in the newspaper and hear on the news about people killing someone and we think how terrible it is and it is terrible.  However, if we have ever said something that hurt someone, we are just as guilty.  When we say something cruel to someone, we might as well plunge a knife into their heart.

Instead of pointing the finger of guilt at people and saying how terrible they are, we should pray for them.  Only Jesus can give us a new heart, a heart that is filled with love and compassion for others.  I am so glad that on August 14, 1980 when I invited Jesus into my heart that He gave me a new heart. 

We read in the Bible.  “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:26).  Let’s start praying for others instead of judging and condemning them.  Are you praying or condemning?

Joanne Lowe
February 23, 2019

Friday, February 22, 2019

No More Shackles

"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
John 8:32 KJV

Children sometimes say cruel things to each other without realizing it.  We, as adults, say cruel things and know what we are saying.  If you have ever been told that you're fat, ugly, and no good, you believe it.  This verse tells us that if we know the truth, the truth shall make us free.  The truth is Jesus loves us no matter how fat or skinny we are.

When I was in high school, there were several kids who told me that I was fat, ugly and stupid and didn’t have a right to live.  If you hear something like that every day, you begin to believe it.  I honestly thought I didn’t have a right to live because one student said to me “you’re nothing so why don’t you kill yourself”?

Many people are in shackles in their heart because of depression, suicidal thoughts, criticism, sarcasm, and being told that they are no good.  May God forgive us if we have contributed to the shackles in someone's heart because of what we have said or done to that person.

I have been set free by the amazing love, grace, and mercy of Jesus.  He has washed me in His precious cleansing blood.  I am His and He is mine.  Bill and Gloria Gaither wrote one of my favorite hymns “HE TOUCHED ME”.  “He touched me, Oh He touched me, And oh the joy that floods my soul!  Something happened and now I know, He touched me and made me whole.” 

On August 14, 1980, Jesus touched me and told me He loves me and He lifted me up from under a bed in a mental hospital where I had crawled because I was afraid of everyone and everything.  Is your heart in shackles today?  Allow Jesus to set you free by His unconditional and unending love.  Do not listen to the people who tell you that you're no good.  Listen to Jesus as He whispers softly in your ear that He loves you.  Listen as He says to you, "Come to Me.  I Love you and will remove the shackles from your heart".

If you know people who are in shackles, allow them to see the difference that only Jesus can make in a life.  Let's be huggers for Jesus.  If you don’t feel comfortable hugging people, hug them with your loving words and actions.

Joanne Lowe
February 22, 2019

Thursday, February 21, 2019

Our Precious Lamp

“For thou art my lamp, O Lord: and the Lord will lighten my darkness."
2 Samuel 22:29 KJV

For many years I was in total darkness in my heart, in my mind, and in my life.  Life was meaningless.  I wasn’t living; I just existed.  I hated everyone and I certainly didn’t trust anybody.  I thought everyone was out to get me and that I didn’t have a right to live.

One day out of His loving mercy and grace, my precious lamp, Jesus, reached down His hand to me and pulled me up out of the darkness of a crippling depression.  He told me that He loves me and sat me on His lap of love and I’ve never been the same.  None of us deserve His love.

His love is unconditional.  We can’t do anything to deserve His love.  It is freely given and we are to love others like He loves us.  There are many people who are hurting and broken hearted and they look fine and they talk like nothing is wrong, but inside they are dying.

It is so important that we are kind and loving to one another instead of being judgmental and critical.  The harsh words that we say may be the trigger that pulls a gun and causes someone to take his or her life. Love, unconditional love, is the greatest gift you could ever give anybody.  The love of Jesus that you extend to others will last forever.

If you are hurting today, reach up and take hold of the Master’s hand.  He is the only One Who can set you free from a life of pain and desperation.  Don’t wait any longer; you are not alone.  Jesus is holding His hand out to you.

Joanne Lowe
February 21, 2019

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

THE AGONY OF THE CROSS

“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. And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?”
Matthew 26: 37 – 40 KJV

There have been countless sermons preached about the crucifixion of our Saviour, but I have never heard a sermon focusing only on the emotional agony of Jesus in the garden and the emotional agony He suffered while hanging on the cross.  He had asked His disciples to watch with Him while He prayed yet when He returned to them they were sleeping.  I’m sure the heart of our precious Saviour was broken and He felt all alone as He faced the horror and agony of the cross.

He had been ridiculed and criticized all of His life and all He was doing was giving love to people.  Even today, He is ridiculed and criticized by people as He gives love, mercy, forgiveness and grace to us.  As long as everything is going smoothly in our lives, He is wonderful.  There are times, however when we face obstacles and heartaches in our life and sometimes we blame Him.  Yet often, we are the ones who have made poor choices.

I think if we would ever grasp even a fingernail of the horror and agony of the emotional trauma that Jesus suffered for us, we would stop treating Him and our families, loved ones and friends so harshly.  If we were to love others as He has commanded us to love them, we would have less heartaches.  Our families would be a lot nicer to us if we would stop being critical, sarcastic and judgmental.  If we were to hug every member of our family every day, I believe we would have a happiness, peace and joy that we have never known.  We would make the heart of our Saviour to rejoice.

I don’t know what heartaches and trials you are facing in your life, but I do know the One Who understands and cares and His name is Jesus.  He sees the tears in your heart and He gently dries them with tenderness and love.  If today you are hurting, lonely, depressed and feel like you can’t take another step or give another smile, climb up on the lap of Jesus and allow Him to comfort and encourage you.  He really does understand how you feel because He endured an emotional agony that nobody will ever experience.

Joanne Lowe
February 20, 2019


Tuesday, February 19, 2019

DEPEND ON JESUS

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:2 KJV

Someone said “I can’t believe that person said that and did that”.  We need to remember there was only one perfect person and His Name is Jesus.  We can depend on Jesus because He never fails us.  What He says, He will do and He always keeps His promises.  Don’t depend on people, depend on Jesus.

Pastor A. A. Luther wrote “Jesus Never Fails”.  “Earthly friends may prove untrue, doubts and fears assail; One still loves and cares for you,  one who will not fail. Jesus never fails, Jesus never fails;  Heav'n and earth may pass away,  but Jesus never fails.”  Are you depending on Jesus?

Helen H. Lemmel wrote one of my favorite hymns “Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus”.  If we will do what we sing, we won’t have as many problems.  “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace.”

Not only will we be disappointed if we depend on people, it’s not fair to Jesus.  He has proved that He will never hurt us and that we can depend on Him.  Also, it’s not fair to put people on a pedestal and expect them to be perfect.  I used to do that and I got hurt every time.  We must depend on Jesus.

May God help us to keep our eyes on Jesus and trust Him to take care of us.  What a healing balm it is to our weary battle scarred heart to know He will never disappoint us and will never leave us or fail us.  What a tender compassionate loving Saviour.

Joanne Lowe
February 19, 2019

Monday, February 18, 2019

OUR LOVING COMPASSIONATE SAVIOUR

“When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?  She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.”
John 8:10,11 KJV

I used to have a bad temper.  I would get upset and even throw things.  God has helped me with that but there are times when I do loose my temper, usually with myself if I can’t do what I need to do.  I fall sometimes so I promised my Pastor that I would hold on to my cane when I do things.

Have you ever tried to vacuum holding a cane?  It is challenging but I am able to do it after a lot of practice.  Last week when I wanted to vacuum, the vacuum cleaner wouldn’t start.  I finally got upset and picked it up and dropped it on the floor.  I decided if it was broke, dropping it wouldn’t hurt anything.

Guess what, the vacuum cleaner started working.  However, it quit while I was vacuuming, so I picked it up and dropped it again and it started.  I am so glad that God doesn’t pick us up and drop us when we disobey Him.  We have a tender loving compassionate Heavenly Father Who really cares about us.

When we sin, our loving Saviour doesn’t condemn us.  When we sin, He intercedes for us with God.   We read in the Bible.  “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us” (Romans 8:34).

Thank God for our loving compassionate Saviour Who loves us so much He died for our sins.  O how I love Jesus! 

Joanne Lowe
February 18, 2019

Sunday, February 17, 2019

OUR VICTORIOUS SAVIOUR

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;”
Titus 2:13 KJV

Wayne Hooper wrote a beautiful hymn about our victorious Saviour “We Have This Hope”.  I love the words in this inspiring hymn.  Thank God for our Hope, our precious Saviour.  One joyous and happy day we will have the privilege of seeing our precious Saviour face to face.  Think about it!  Jesus, the “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” is coming back for us.   

“We have this hope that burns within our hearts, Hope in the coming of the Lord. We have this faith that Christ alone imparts, Faith in the promise of His Word. We believe the time is here, When the nations far and near Shall awake, and shout and sing Hallelujah! Christ is King! We have this hope that burns within our hearts, Hope in the coming of the Lord.”

Are you ready to meet Jesus when He comes back for us?  Have you opened the door of your heart and let Him come in?  Your family and friends can’t do it for you.  Salvation is personal between Jesus and you.  Please don’t keep Him standing at the door of your heart any longer.  Say yes to Jesus before it is too late.  One day it will be too late to invite Him in your heart.

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so much that You gave Your beloved Son to be our Saviour.  You are so precious, Heavenly Father, and I love You and appreciate You.  I pray You will comfort and encourage all who are lonely, hurting and discouraged as You have done for me so many times.  I appreciate You so much.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
February 17, 2019

Saturday, February 16, 2019

OUR COMFORTER

“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 1:3,4 KJV

During the forty years that I experienced a devastating and crippling depression, I checked myself into mental hospitals so I wouldn’t commit suicide.  Someone asked me if it is difficult for me to write about those years of depression.  Yes, it is very difficult but if sharing it helps someone else, it is worth it. 

One time when I was discharged from the hospital, I had no place to go and I had no money.  I started walking the streets and saw a shelter for women.  I stayed there for several weeks until I found a place to go.  While I was at the shelter, a lady in the bed next to me was attacked and it really scared me.

Why is it when we see people who are physically handicapped we put them in wheelchairs and push them but neglect to put people who are hurting emotionally in a spiritual wheelchair and take them to Jesus?  Doctors can set broken bones but only Jesus, the great Physician, can heal a broken heart.

Our Heavenly Father is our Comforter when we are in despair and feel like going to bed and staying there.  He comforts us when we are hurting and we are to comfort others as He comforts us.  If you know someone who is hurting emotionally, pray for them and take them to Jesus.

Joanne Lowe
February 16, 2019



Friday, February 15, 2019

WE NEED TO BE QUIET

“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Psalms 46:10 KJV

I usually have gospel music playing while I am writing devotions or contacting people about my devotions.  However, there are times when I don’t turn music on all day and just be quiet and listen for God to speak to me.  God is not going to shout over music to make Himself heard.  We need to be listening for Him.

Several years ago, I was a member of a church that started playing the music so loud that I couldn’t hear the pastor preach or hear him pray during the invitation time.  Instead of staying upset about it or complaining, I prayed about it and God laid it on my heart to find another church.

Many years ago, when I was in the mental hospital where I had checked myself in because I was suicidal, they played music so loud that it caused a man to kick out the window in the day room and I was sitting next to him at the time.  Needless to say, it frightened me.  There are times when we need to be quiet.

We can’t expect God to shout to get our attention.  He is not going to do it.  It is very important that we listen for Him to speak to our heart.  We need to show respect to our Heavenly Father and allow Him to talk to us when He has something to say to us.  Can we hear Him or are the television and music too loud?

Heavenly Father, forgive us for the times we haven’t heard You talking to us because the television or the music was too loud.  I pray that we will listen with our heart to what You want us to do.  Thank You for being a tender loving and compassionate Father.  I love You.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
February 15, 2019

Thursday, February 14, 2019

A LIFE OF LOVE

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

Marvin P Dalton wrote a hymn that always brings tears to my eyes to know that Jesus loves us so much He died for us “Oh What A Savior”.  “O what a Savior, O hallelujah! His heart was broken on Calvary, His hands were nail scarred, His side was riven, He gave His life-blood for even me.”

Today is Valentine’s Day and we will give valentines to our loved ones.  We need to follow our Saviour’s example.  He not only gave love, He lived a life of love.  Everything He did and everything He said was from His heart of compassion and love.  Jesus didn’t need a special day, He loved all the time.

May we be like our Saviour and give love every day.  We should tell our loved ones every day that we love them and appreciate them.  A husband said “I don’t have to tell my wife I love her.  I married her so she should know I love her”.  If Jesus didn’t tell me He loves me every day, it would break my heart.

How sad that we wait for a special occasion to let our loved ones know we love them.  Have you told your husband that you love him today?  Have you told your wife you love her today?  Have you told your children you love them today?  Everyone needs to be told that they are loved.

Most important of all, we should tell Jesus every day that we love Him.  Jesus has feelings too and it hurts Him when we don’t talk to Him and it breaks His heart when people refuse to open the door of their heart and let Him come in to be their Saviour.  Don’t keep Jesus waiting.  Invite Him into your heart today.

Joanne Lowe
February 14, 2019

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

ONE DAY

“And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.”
Mark 14:62 KJV

Jim Hill wrote one of my favorite hymns “What A Day That Will Be”.  I love these words.  “There'll be no sorrow there, no more burdens to bear, No more sickness, no pain, no more parting over there; And forever I will be with the One who died for me, What a day, glorious day that will be.”

I was discharged today from the visiting nurses coming to my home and while I am so thankful that I am better, my heart is sad because I won’t see my nurse anymore.  Gail was not only my nurse, she was also my friend and I will miss her.  It’s hard to say goodbye to people, isn’t it?

It doesn’t matter if they stop coming to your home like Gail has to stop coming or if our loved one passes away, it still hurts and we still miss them.  One day when our precious Saviour comes back for us, not only will we be with Him for eternity, we’ll see our loved ones again and there will be no more parting.

My Mother died many years ago on Christmas day and we went to the hospital and were with her until she passed away.  O how I miss her and how I regret the times I disobeyed her and hurt her.  One glorious day I will see her again because she was saved.  How I long for the day when I will see Jesus!

Pastor J. Wilbur Chapman wrote the hymn “One Day”.  “One day the trumpet will sound for His coming, One day the skies with His glories will shine; Wonderful day, my belovèd ones bringing; Glorious Savior, this Jesus is mine!”  How I long for that day!

Joanne Lowe
February 13, 2019

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

THERE’S STILL ROOM

“And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.”
Colossians 1:20 KJV

Pastor Ira Stanphill wrote one of my favorite hymns “Room at the Cross.”  I’m so glad the words in this beautiful hymn are true.  “There's room at the cross for you There's room at the cross for you Though millions have come, there's still room for one Yes there's room at the cross for you.”

Not only is there room at the cross for you, there is enough room for you to sit on the lap of our Heavenly Father.  I have lost track of the many times when He has picked me up, told me He loves me and encouraged and comforted me.  What a precious tender and compassionate Heavenly Father!
“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 1:3,4).
Yes, our Heavenly Father comforts us and we are to comfort others.  We comfort them by letting them know that Jesus loves them so much He died for them.  There are many people who are lonely, hurting, brokenhearted and feel like giving up and going to bed and staying there and even people who are suicidal. 
I know this is true because I felt that way for years.  We need to get out of our comfort zone just as Jesus got out of His and let others know they are loved by our kind words and actions.

Joanne Lowe
February 12, 2019






Monday, February 11, 2019

SING FROM YOUR HEART

“O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.  Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.”
Psalms 95:1, 2 KJV

These verses about singing to the Lord are very dear to my heart because I was asked to leave a church choir because I wasn’t singing on key and was making the choir sound bad.  It hurt me when I had to leave the choir but I understand why because I love to hear a choir singing.

The good news is if we can’t sing in a choir, we can sing to Jesus.  Our Scripture verses tell us to make a joyful noise to Jesus and I do make a joyful noise to Him.  So if someone has told you that you can’t sing, don’t let it bother you just sing from your heart to the One Who loves you so much He died for you.

One happy day I will sing in the heavenly choir and it will sound beautiful.  Are you going to be there to sing in the choir?  If you have never confessed your sins, asked God to forgive you and invited Jesus in your heart to be your personal Saviour, I urge you to do it now before it is too late.

We need to pray for choir directors, for the ones who play the organ and piano and for the choir members.  God uses these people to lead others to Jesus.  Everything we do or say should be to make Jesus happy.  Are we making Him happy by the things we are doing and the things we are saying?

Joanne Lowe
February 11, 2019





Sunday, February 10, 2019

THE FIRING LINE

“Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”
Revelation 2:10 KJV

Bessie F. Hatcher wrote “Keep on the Firing Line”.  It is one of my favorite hymns.  The words in this hymn are true.  God will only use us if He can trust us.  Can God trust us to stay loyal to Him even when satan attacks with lies and tries his best to discourage us? 

“God will only use the soldiers He can trust, To keep on the firing line; If you’d wear a crown then bear a cross you must, And keep on the firing line; Life is ours to labor for the Master here, Help to banish evil and to spread good cheer; Great reward He gives you for the service here, So keep on the firing line.”

If ever someone had a right to give up, it was Jesus.  Our precious Saviour never did anything wrong.  All He did was spread unconditional love and compassion and He is still doing it today.  What brings tears to my eyes is that even while hanging on the cross, He asked His Father to forgive us.

What kind of love is this?  It is a compassionate and forgiving unconditional love.  I have said this many times and I will keep saying it until God calls me home.  Nobody loves you like Jesus loves you and nobody ever will.  Why do I keep saying it?  I say it so you will allow it to go from your head to your heart.

We know Jesus loves us but does He know we love Him?  What are we doing to prove to Him we love Him?  Is He first in our heart and in our life?  Jesus deserves to have the first place.

Joanne Lowe
February 10, 2019



Saturday, February 9, 2019

ALL OUR SINS

“Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul.  While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.”
Psalms 146:1,2 KJV

When we serve Jesus, it makes satan very angry and he will try to discourage us so much that we stop serving Jesus.  We must not let that happen.  We must stay on the battlefield for Jesus just as He stayed on the cross for us.  Don’t listen to satan when he says your sins aren’t forgiven because he is a liar.

When I first started writing devotions, satan would tell me Jesus doesn’t love me and never will love me and will never forgive me for what I had done in the past.  I listened to the lies of satan for several months and allowed him to discourage me so much that I was tempted to stop writing devotions.

We need to stop listening to the lies of satan and allowing him to discourage us.  Jesus has warned us about the vicious attacks of satan.  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:” (1 Peter 5:8).

Horatio G. Spafford wrote one of my favorite hymns “It Is Well With my Soul”.  “My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought—My sin—not in part but the whole, Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more, Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!”  When Jesus was crucified for us, He took all of our sins on Him.

If you ever think nobody loves you, remember the cross.  Do you understand yet that Jesus loves you and that He loves you unconditionally?  You are precious to Him and He will always love you so don’t listen to the lies of satan, listen to Jesus.

Joanne Lowe
February 9, 2019

Friday, February 8, 2019

JUST GO

“Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.”
Leviticus 19:18 KJV

I heard one of the most inspiring sermons I have ever heard on the radio last week.  The pastor’s sermon was about helping one another.  The pastor said something that touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes.  He said “Don’t wait for people to ask you for help.  If you know they need help, just go”.

I don’t know about you but it is very hard for me to tell people I need help so the pastor’s sermon is true because I know other people like me who won’t ask for help.  If we see someone in a wheelchair, we know they need help.  There are many people who are in emotional wheelchairs and they need help.

When I went through that devastating crippling depression for forty years, nobody put me in an emotional wheelchair and took me to Jesus.  Only Jesus can heal a broken heart so we need to take them to Jesus and let the great Physician heal them.  One of the things we can do for them is tell them Jesus loves them.

William M. Golden wrote “A Beautiful Life”.  “Each day I’ll do a golden deed, By helping those who are in need, My life on earth is but a span, And so I’ll do the best I can, The best I can.”  We may not have money to help someone but we can pray for them and tell them Jesus loves them and then prove He loves them.

May God help us to be an encouragement to all we see and especially to our pastor and family.  Remember, pastors get tired just like we do and they need to know they are loved and appreciated.  I can honestly say that I have the best Pastor.

Joanne Lowe
February 8, 2019

Thursday, February 7, 2019

ARE WE SINGING

“Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul.  While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.”
Psalms 146:1,2 KJV

Civilla D. Martin wrote a beautiful hymn “Wonderful Love”.  “In love He redeemed me and made me His own, An heir to His glory, His kingdom and throne; Now anthems of joy to His Name I will sing, Adoring my Savior, my Lord and my King.”  Are we singing to Jesus and praising Him?

Charles H. Gabriel wrote “In Lovingkindness Jesus Came”.  “His brow was pierced with many a thorn, His hands by cruel nails were torn, When from my guilt and grief, forlorn, In love He lifted me.”  Our compassionate and loving Saviour allowed them to crucify Him for you and for me because He loves us so much.

Someone said “I didn’t feel any joy for many years.”  I submit to you on the authority of the Word of God that it is impossible to be in the presence of Jesus and not be happy.  “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore ” (Psalms 16:11).

We can’t be happy all the time.  However, if we will stay in the presence of Jesus we will not have as many heartaches and problems.  Jesus said “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).

Making Jesus happy should be the desire of every Christian.  Jesus should have first place in our heart, in our life and in everything we do.  Does He have first place in your heart?

Joanne Lowe
February 7, 2019


Wednesday, February 6, 2019

OUR HOPE

“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 7:25 KJV

Pastor Edward Mote wrote a beautiful hymn “My Hope Is Built”.  It is one of my favorite hymns.  Pastor Mote was so well loved that his congregation offered him title to the church building, but he said: “I do not want the chapel, I only want the pulpit; and when I cease to preach Christ, then turn me out of that.”

Pastor Mote really loved Jesus and he let everyone know how much he loved Jesus and how faithful Jesus is to us.  I love these words in this inspiring 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.”

I have a wonderful family, a pastor who loves Jesus, and many friends that I love but Jesus is our only Hope in this world of hatred and violence.  We should trust others but we need to remember that they are human and we shouldn’t expect them to be perfect.  We can trust Jesus because He is perfect.

Pastor Arthur Luther wrote “Jesus Never Fails”  “Earthly friends may prove untrue, doubts and fears assail; One still loves and cares for you, one who will not fail.”  Yes, Jesus loves and cares for us and He will never fail us.  What a Saviour!  What a Friend, this Jesus of Nazareth!  O how I love Jesus.

Heavenly Father, You are a tender loving compassionate Father and I love You and appreciate all You have done for me.  Thank You for loving us so much You gave Your beloved Son to pay the penalty for our sins.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
February 6, 2019

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

MARCHING FOR JESUS

“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.  No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.”
2 Timothy 2:3,4 KJV

H. Ernest Nichol wrote “The Victorious Army”  “We’ve enlisted in the cause victorious Of the everlasting Lord; We are marching in the ranks all glorious, Resplendent with the shield and sword. Christ is our captain, Christ our might, So we fight, seeking right; Christ is leading us to light In the all victorious army.”

Bessie F. Hatcher wrote “Keep on the Firing Line”.  “God will only use the soldiers He can trust, To keep on the firing line; If you’d wear a crown then bear a cross you must, And keep on the firing line; Life is ours to labor for the Master here, Help to banish evil and to spread good cheer;”

We must keep marching for Jesus no matter how many times satan attacks us with discouragement.  When Jesus was here on His mission, I’m sure that there were many times when He got discouraged and felt like giving up but He didn’t because He wanted to finish the mission His Father had given Him.

We have been given a mission to spread the good news of our risen Saviour to everyone we meet and we must stay on the battlefield for Jesus.  When we serve Jesus, there will be times when we want to give up but Jesus understands how we feel and He will help us and cheer us on to victory.

Heavenly Father, please help us to stay on the battlefield for Jesus.  I pray for all who are discouraged.  Please comfort and encourage them.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
February 5, 2019

Monday, February 4, 2019

THE GREATEST CAREGIVER

“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 11:33-35 KJV

Gail, the nurse that comes to my home to take care of me is a wonderful caregiver.  She makes me laugh and makes me feel that my needs are important to her.  She ministers to my heart before she checks my blood pressure.  I am so thankful for her and it will break my heart when she stops coming to see me.

I thank God for Gail but she will have to stop coming to see me when my doctor thinks she doesn’t need to come anymore.  However, the greatest Caregiver of all, Jesus, will always be with me.  He cheers me and encourages me every day.  Jesus is the greatest Cheerleader of all and we should be cheering for Him.

Doctors can do open heart surgery and that is wonderful.  Thank God for doctors who care but only Jesus, the great Physician, can heal a broken heart.  William Hunter wrote a beautiful hymn about our Saviour “The great Physician now is here.”  I love the words in this heart touching and inspiring hymn.

“The great Physician now is near, the sympathizing Jesus; He speaks the drooping heart to cheer, oh! hear the voice of Jesus.”  If you are hurting and discouraged, tell Jesus.  He will pick you up and carry you until the pain goes away.  What a Saviour!  What a Friend, this Jesus of Nazareth!

Joanne Lowe
February 4, 2019

Sunday, February 3, 2019

NEVER

“There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” 
Joshua 1:5 KJV

Rev. John M. Moore wrote the hymn “Burdens Are Lifted At Calvary”.  I am so glad the words in this heart touching inspiring hymn are true.  I know they are true from personal experience.  “Troubled soul, the Saviour can see,  Ev'ry heartache and tear;  Burdens are lifted at Calvary Jesus is very near. “

We can trust Jesus to never leave us or fail us.  Since I invited Jesus into my heart, He has never left me.  I read this illustration on a website.  “A husband and wife were in the car going on a trip.  The wife said to her husband “We don’t sit next to each other any more and the husband replied “I haven’t moved”.

If we ever feel like Jesus has left us, He hasn’t because He said He wouldn’t fail us or forsake us.  We are the ones who leave Him and try to do things by ourselves.  It’s no wonder that it seems so difficult to do things and many times the things we do don’t last a long time.

Jesus said  “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).

No, Jesus will never leave us and we need to rely on Him for guidance and help when we try to do something.  If we will ask Him to help us, He will not only help us, He will also cheer us on to victory if we get discouraged and feel like giving up.

Joanne Lowe
February 3, 2019

Saturday, February 2, 2019

SERVING OUR SAVIOUR

“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

Margaret Clarkson wrote the hymn “So Send I You”.  “So send I you to labor unrewarded, To serve unpaid, unloved, unsought, unknown, To bear rebuke, to suffer scorn and scoffing- So send I you to toil for Me alone.” It is true that we will sometimes become discouraged but so did Jesus when He was here.

Think about how discouraged and heartbroken Jesus was when He prayed for us in the garden.  “And he went a little further, 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 26:39).

When Jesus walked that long lonely road to Calvary to die on the cross for your sins and for my sins, I believe that every step felt like a mile and that He felt all alone.  As Jesus was walking, I believe He felt like giving up and the tears were rolling down His cheeks but He wanted to finish the mission God had given Him.

Someone emailed me and asked me if I had my husband’s permission to write devotions.  I didn’t reply to that email.  Jesus has called me to serve Him and God called me to be a missionary on October 4, 1998.  I walked down the aisle during the invitation time and surrendered to the mission field.

Are you serving our Saviour?  You may not be called to go to a different country but everyone of us is called to serve Jesus right where we live.  Does your family know you love Jesus?  We will never be an effective witness for Jesus if our family can’t see the difference Jesus has made in our heart and in our life.

Joanne Lowe
February 2, 2019



Friday, February 1, 2019

WHAT IF

“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

Someone said “My boss deducted the entire day from my paycheck just because I was late to work and I was only late one hour”.  What if God deducted one day in Heaven from us when we didn’t serve Him that day?  I wonder how many days would be deducted from our time in Heaven.

We can find many excuses why we can’t serve Him but if we really love Him, we will do our best to put Him first and serve Him.  If there is something we must do, He understands and doesn’t condemn us.  However, if we’re only watching television instead of telling others about Jesus, we are in trouble.

Television has caused many problems in homes.  A husband and wife had an argument over who was going to control the remote to the television.  They got so angry with each other that they didn’t speak to one another for a week.  How that must have hurt God and broke His heart.

I have to be honest and tell you that before I was saved, I also had the television on most of the day.  When someone called me, instead of answering it, I just let the phone ring.  Have you ever heard someone say “What goes around comes around”?  It is true because what you give out you get back.

May God help us to shut off the television, get out of our comfort zone and serve Jesus Who left His Father to come to earth on His mission and die on the cross for our sins.

Joanne Lowe
February 1, 2019