Thursday, December 31, 2020

 DECISIONS

"And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

Joshua 24:15
King James Version

All of us have to make decisions. Instead of making resolutions that we usually don't keep, let's decide to follow Jesus and serve Him. The most important decision you will ever make is not where you will live, what job you have or what college you attend. The most important decision you will ever make is "will I serve the Lord and follow Him?

Sundar Singh wrote one of my favorite hymns "I Have Decided To Follow Jesus". Can you sing these words from your heart or are you just singing them?

"I have decided to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Jesus, No turning back, no turning back."

After all that our precious Saviour has done for us how can we do less than give Him first place in our heart, in our time, in everything we do and follow Him?

Joanne Lowe
January 1, 2021

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

 DON'T PUT THE LOVE AWAY

"And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh."

Matthew 2:11
King James Version

Christmas is over and we're putting the decorations away for another year but when we put them away, let's not put the love we give to others at Christmas away. The love and kindness we give to others at Christmas should be in our heart every day of the year.

There is always someone who is discouraged, who feels all alone and there are people who just want to give up, go to bed and stay there. We must not give up. We must stay on the battlefield for Jesus just as He stayed on the cross for us.

As the new year begins, let's make a commitment to Jesus to be kinder, more paitent and loving to everyone. Jesus stayed on the cross for us when He was in pain and agony so we need to be kind and loving even when we don't feel good.

Heavenly Father, there are people who are lonely, discouraged and hurting emotionally and physically. Please comfort and encourage them as You have done for me so many times. I love You and I appreciate the privilege You have given me to tell others about our precious Saviour. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Joanne Lowe
December 31, 2020

Tuesday, December 29, 2020

 AND JESUS CRIES

"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
King James Version

It breaks the heart of our Saviour to see some of the things we do and hear some of the things we say. Jesus wants us to have a happy life, not be arguing, criticizing and hurting one another.

Jesus allowed them to beat Him beyond recognition, spit on Him, curse Him, mock Him and pound nails into His precious hands so we can be saved and live with Him in Heaven for eternity.

Jesus will never have to die on the cross again but every day His heart is broken because of some of the things we say and do. What encourages me and touches my heart is to know that one day He will get the respect that He so richly deserves.

We read in the Bible "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

It is time we stop hurting Jesus and start doing things and saying things that make Him happy. If ever someone deserves to be happy, it is Jesus. Are you making Jesus happy by the words you say and the things you do or are you hurting Him and breaking His heart?

Joanne Lowe
December 30, 2020

 BLESSED AND FORGIVEN

"Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered."

Romans 4:7'
King James Version

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so much You gave Your beloved Son to die on the cross for our sins. We don't deserve Your love and forgiveness but we thank and praise You for it.

Jesus, thank You for dying on the cross for our sins and paying the price that we could never have paid. You are so loving and compassionate and I love You and appreciate You.

Joanne Lowe
December 30, 2020

Monday, December 28, 2020

 JESUS UNDERSTANDS

"Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour."

John 4:6
King James Version

I think all of us have times when we need to rest. Jesus understands because He too needed to rest. Rev. Charles P. Jones wrote one of my favorite hymns "Come Unto Me".

"Hear the blessèd 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."

Jesus is waiting with open arms to comfort and encourage you. He will be faithful to pick you up in His loving arms and will carry you until the pain goes away. Jesus loves you very much, so much that He died for you. Thank You, Jesus, for loving us and caring about our happiness.

Joanne Lowe
December 28, 2020

Saturday, December 26, 2020

 DO WE

"Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another."

1 John 4:11
King James Version

I can't say that I always love everyone, can you? The answer is no, you can't say you always love either. Three was only one perfect person who ever lived or ever will live and His Name is Jesus.

Just because God has given me the ministry of writing devotions doesn't mean that I never fail God or hurt Him. I fail Him and hurt Him at times just like you do. There is always someone else i could have called or emailed.

If we will listen with our heart, we will hear Jesus calling us to serve Him. He may not call us to go to another country but He calls every one of us to serve Him right where we are starting with our home.

Does our family know we love Jesus by our actions and by our words? A teenage boy said to his parents "You go to church, you sing in the choir, you teach Sunday school but when you come home you criticize the sermon and the pastor. If that is what being a Christian is, I don't want any part of it."

One day every one of us will stand before God and give an account of what we did and said and the way we treated Jesus. Will we be able to look Him in the eyes or will we have to hang our head in shame?

I'm so glad to know that our Heavenly Father will never kick us out of Heaven. When I remember how disrespectful I was to my Mother, I am so embarrassed and ashamed. We need to say kind and loving words instead of saying criticizing and harsh words.

May God help us to love one another unconditionally as Jesus has commanded us to love one another. Loving one another unconditionally is not an option, it is a commandment. Let's stop hurting Jesus and start loving one another.

Joanne Lowe
December 27, 2020

 WE NEED TO STOP

"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
King James Version

My Pastor called me this morning and we had a long talk about how we need to stop fighting among ourselves. If we will listen with our heart, we will hear Jesus telling us that He loves everyone and does not play favorites like we do.

Yes, it is wrong to kill but it is also wrong to steal. We are the ones who says one sin is worse than another sin. To God, sin is sin. The person who killed someone came into the world as a little baby. We learn how to become abusive and full of hate from what we see and hear.

We need to stop judging, condemning and criticizing one another. We need to start encouraging one another and loving and paying for each other. Guess what? I'm not perfect. I sin and make mistakes just like you do. May God help us to stop judging and criticizing one another and to start loving and encouraging one another.

Joanne Lowe
December 26, 2020

Friday, December 25, 2020

 LAYERS 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

I used to be so cold during winter until my sister said "Dress in layers". It is very cold as I am tyrping this, down in the 20's but I am warm because of the extra layers of clothes.

This is what Jesus does for us. He gives us layers of love. When someone says or does something to hurt us, Jesus covers us with another layer of love. We love You, Jesus.

Joanne Lowe
December 25, 2020

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

 GOD UNDERSTANDS

"After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost."

John 19:28-30
King James Version

We will be celebrating the birth of Jesus soon. While Christmas and holidays are a happy time they can also be a sad time for some people who have lost loved ones.

My Mother died on Christmas Day many years ago. While Christmas is a happy day for me and I rejoice because Jesus was born, I also have cried because my Mother is no longer with me.

God understands how we feel and how it hurts when our loved ones die because His own Son not only died, His Son was killed for something He had not done.

Jesus had never done anything wrong yet our precious Saviour was beaten beyond recognition, spat on, cursed, mocked, humiliated and had nails pounded into His precious hands.

If you are hurting today, allow our Heavenly Father to comfort and encourage you as He has done for me so many times.

Heavenly Father, please go sit in Your rocking chair and rock and comfort all who are hurting as You have done for me so many times. I love You, Heavenly Father, and I appreciate all You have done for me. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Joanne Lowe
December 24, 2020

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

 NOT ENOUGH 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
King James Version

There are not enough words to tell you how much I love Jesus. Lela B. Long wrote a beautiful heart touching hymn about our Saviour "JESUS IS THE SWEETEST NAME I KNOW". I love the words in this hymn.

"There is no name in earth or heav’n above, That we should give such honor and such love As the blessed name, let us all acclaim, That wondrous, glorious name of Jesus.

And some day I shall see Him face to face To thank and praise Him for His wondrous grace, Which He gave to me, when He made me free, The blessed Son of God called Jesus.

Jesus is the sweetest name I know, And He’s just the same as His lovely name, And that’s the reason why I love Him so; Oh, Jesus is the sweetest name I know."

I love You, Jesus, and I long for the day when I will see You face to face. If you are reading this devotion, know that you are loved unconditionally by the Saviour of the world.

Joanne Lowe
December 23, 2020

Monday, December 21, 2020

 JESUS LOVES YOU

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

1 Peter 5:7
King James Version

Charles Weigle wrote the hymn "No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus". I love the words in this inspiring hymn. "I would love to tell you what I think of Jesus, Since I found in Him a friend so strong and true. I would tell you how He changed my life completely; He did something no other friend could do.

No one ever cared for me like Jesus; There's no other friend so kind as He. No one else could take the sin and darkness from me; O how much He cared for me."

I've said this many times and I will keep saying it until God calls me home to Heaven. No one loves you like Jesus loves you and no one ever will. He loved you yesterday. He loves you today and He will love you tomorrow. Thank You, Jesus, for loving us.

Frederick Whitfield wrote the beautiful heart touching hymn "O HOW I LOVE JESUS". The words in this hymn express what is in my heart. "There is a name I love to hear, I love to speak its worth; It sounds like music in mine ear, The sweetest name on earth. O how I love Jesus, O how I love Jesus, O how I love Jesus, Because He first loved me!"

Have you allowed it to go from head knowledge to heart knowledge that you are loved by the Saviour of the world Who loves you so much He died on the cross for you?

Joanne Lowe
December 22, 2020

 HE GIVES US REST

"Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven. Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!"

Psalms 107:28-30
King James Version

Henry L. Gilmour wrote one of my favorite hymns "THE HAVEN OF REST". " My soul in sad exile was out on life’s sea, So burdened with sin and distressed, Till I heard a sweet voice, saying, Make Me your choice; And I entered the Haven of Rest! I’ve anchored my soul in the Haven of Rest, I’ll sail the wide seas no more; The tempest may sweep over wild, stormy, deep, In Jesus I’m safe evermore."

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving Jesus to us, our Haven of rest. Jesus, what a healing balm it is to our weary and battle scarred heart to know that we have rest and peace in Your loving arms.

Heavenly Father, I pray for all who are lonely, discouraged, broken hearted and for those who feel like giving up. Please comfort and encourage them as You have done for me so many times. We love You and appreciate You. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Joanne Lowe
December 21, 2020

Saturday, December 19, 2020

 A DAY OF HAPPINESS

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

Luke 2:10-14
King James Version

It was a day of happiness and rejoicing when the Baby Jesus was born. However, this precious little Baby grew up and went to the cross to die for your sins and for my sins. It was a day of sadness when Jesus was crucified on the cross for us.

As we gather together at Christmas, let's not forget what this precious little Baby did for us. The greatest thing we can give Jesus for His birthday is our heart. Have you given your heart to Jesus? Have you told Him how much you love and appreciate Him?

If you haven't given your heart and life to Jesus, I urge you to do it now. Jesus endured excruciating pain on the cross so you may live forever. Don't let His suffering be in vain. Say yes to Jesus today.

Joanne Lowe
December 20, 2020

Friday, December 18, 2020

 ALWAYS

"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

1 Corinthians 15:52
King James Version

No matter how many heartaches and crises we go through, we can be thankful to God because He always protects us and comforts us. Our Heavenly Father loves us so much and does so much for us. It is time we start showing our appreciation to Him for all He does for us by making Jesus happy.

It breaks the heart of our Heavenly Father when He sees and hears some of the things we say and do. He loves us so much He gave His own beloved Son to die on the cross for our sins. There is no greater love than the love our Heavenly Father and our Saviour have for us.

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us. I pray for every pastor who is preaching the good news of our risen Saviour. Please comfort them and encourage them and let them know You appreciate their service to You. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Joanne Lowe
December 19, 2020

Thursday, December 17, 2020

 HE STILL CARES

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

Matthew 11:28
King James Version

Have you ever felt that nobody loved you or cared and you felt all alone? I have felt that way and then I could feel my precious Saviour's arms go around me as He tenderly whispered in my ear "I still love you".

Rev. George O. Webster wrote the hymn "I Need Jesus". The words in this inspiring hymn are so true. "I need Jesus, my need I now confess; No friend like Him in times of deep distress; I need Jesus, the need I gladly own; Tho’ some may bear their load alone, Yet I need Jesus."

Heavenly Father, I pray for all who are lonely, discouraged, broken hearted and for those who feel like going to bed and staying there. Please comfort and encourage them as You have done for me so many times. I love You and appreciate all You have done for me. Thank You for adopting me into Your family. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Joanne Lowe
December 18, 2020

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

 GIVE THEM TO JESUS

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

Matthew 11:28
King James Version

Pastor Charles P. Jones wrote one of my favorite hymns "Come Unto Me". I love the words in this hymn. "Hear the blessèd 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."

A lot of times we carry heavy burdens and we don't have to do it. Instead of taking our heartaches and burdens to Jesus and leaving them with Him and letting Him carry them for us, we pick them up again.

Not only do we carry burdens and heartaches we don't have to carry, we are also hurting Jesus by not allowing Him to carry them for us. Our Saviour loves us very much and He loves us unconditionally.

It's time we start trusting Jesus to carry our burdens and allow Him to help us and stop hurting Him. Jesus, thank You for the many times You have encouraged and helped me. I love You so much .

Joanne Lowe
December 17, 2020

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

 MERRY CHRISTMAS

I am sending this to everyone on my mailing list.  I wish you and your family the most Joyful Christmas you have ever had.  Don't forget while you are opening gifts with your loved ones to read aloud the Birth of Jesus.  I live alone but every Christmas morning as soon as I get up, I open my Bible and read aloud the Birth of Jesus.  This is what I read:

"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.  And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."  Luke 2:1-14

Happy Birthday, Jesus.  We love You.

Joyfully Serving Jesus,

Joanne

 WHO

"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
King James Version

Rusty Goodman wrote the beautiful hymn "Who Am I?" Every time I hear this hymn, I am filled with awe that Jesus loves me so much.

"When I think of how He came so far from Glory, came and dwelt among the lowly such as I, To suffer shame and such disgrace on Mount Calvary take my place: then I ask myself the question, Who am I?

When I’m reminded of His words, “I’ll leave thee never,” just be true I’ll give to you a life forever, I wonder what I could have done, to deserve God’s only Son, fight my battle till they’re won… Who am I?

Chorus:
Who am I, that a king would bleed and die for? Who am I that He would pray, “not my will, but thine” for? The answer I may never know, why He ever loved me so, That to an old rugged cross He’d go, For who am I?"

Who are we? We are the ones Jesus died for and that is how much He loves us. Thank You, Jesus, for loving us and for never leaving us. I love You and appreciate all You have done for me.

Joanne Lowe
December 16, 2020

Monday, December 14, 2020

 WHAT A DIFFERNCE

"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
King James Version

I had just opened a can of soda and put it on the counter. I turned away to close the refrigerator door and forgot I had put the soda on the counter and spilled the whole can on the counter.

If that had happened before Jesus gave me a new heart, I would have been very upset and frustrated because before I was saved I was a hateful and angry person. However, I just started laughing when it happened because I knew it was just another attack from satan to keep me from serving Jesus.

It makes satan very angry when we servie Jesus and satan will do all he can do to discourage us so much that we stop serving Jesus. However, we must stay on the battlefield for Jesus just as He stayed on the cross for us.

Does your family and loved ones see the difference Jesus has made in your heart and life? Have you allowed Jesus to give you a new heart? The greatest gift you can give Jesus is your heart.

If you have never invited Jesus into your heart, I urge you to do it now. He is waiting for you to come to Him. He loves you so much that He died for you. Don't miss out on spending eternity with Jesus.

Joanne Lowe
December 15, 2020

Sunday, December 13, 2020

 GIVE FROM YOUR HEART

"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
King James Version

It's nice to buy Christmas presents for our loved ones but all the money in the world can't buy love. A young boy said "My mom played with me all day last Christmas and talked to me but the next day she turned on the television and hasn't played or talked with me since Christmas except to tell me what to do".

If you're like me, you don't have a lot of money to buy gifts for loved ones but we can encourage one another. The person who says "I don't need anything or anyone" is not being honest.

All of us need to know we are loved and all of us can give of ourselves. It only takes a few minutes to send someone an email to let them know you care. Remember, when you tell people you love them and encourage them, you are making Jesus happy.

Our Heavenly Father gave from His heart when He gave His beloved Son to die on the cross for your sins and for my sins. Jesus gave from His heart when He willingly walked that long lonely road to Calvary and allowed them to crucify Him.

Ray Overholt wrote the beautiful and heart touching hymn "He Could Have Called Ten Thousand Angels". "They bound the hands of Jesus In the garden where He prayed They led Him through the streets in shame They spat upon the Saviour So pure and free from sin They said, "Crucify Him He's to blame

He could have called ten thousand angels To destroy the world (the world) and set Him free He could have called ten thousand angels But He died alone (alone) for you and me."

Jesus gave from His heart. Are we willing to give from our heart? Thank You, Jesus, for all You have done. I love You and look forward to the day when I will have the privilege of seeing You face to face.

Joanne Lowe
December 14, 2020

Saturday, December 12, 2020

 HE GIVES US PEACE

"The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace."

Psalms 29:11
King James Version

Pastor William G. Cooper wrote a beautiful hymn "Wonderful Peace". "Far away in the depths Of my spirit tonight Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm; In celestial-like strains It unceasingly falls O’er my soul like an infinite calm.

Peace, peace, wonderful peace, Coming down from the Father above! Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray In fathomless billows of love!"

Rev. Charles A. Tindley wrote another one of my favorite hymns "LEAVE IT THERE". If we would do what we sing in this hymn, we would be a lot happier.

"Leave it there, leave it there, Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there. If you trust and never doubt, He will surely bring you out. Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there."

I'm so glad to know that our Heavenly Father will give us peace as I just had someone be very rude to me. I have to admit that I got upset. However, thankfully before I opened my big mouth and said something that would hurt Jesus, I asked Him to help me be quiet. It's a lot easier to say something to hurt someone when they have hurt you than to keep quiet, isn't it?

When we are serving Jesus, satan will do all he can do to discourage us. However, we must stay on the battlefield for Jesus just as He stayed on the cross for us. May God help us to love others unconditionally when they hurt us just as He loves us unconditionally when we hurt Him.

Joanne Lowe
December 13, 2020

Friday, December 11, 2020

 NEVER KNOW

"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."

Hebrews 13:8
King James Version

Two men were talking and one of them said "I don't want to go home because I never know what kind of mood my wife will be in". What about us? Does our family want to be around us or do they avoid us because they don't know what kind of mood we will be in?

It is very important and even urgent that w let others see and hear the unconditional love that Jesus has for them by our kind loving words and actions. One day we will stand before our Heavenly Father and give an account of the way we treated His beloved Son.

I don't want to hurt Jesus by my criticizing words and hateful actions and the way I treat others. May God help us to be kind and loving to one another even when people say words and do things that hurt us.

Jesus was ridiculed, beaten beyond recognition and had nails pounded into His hands. He was spit on, cursed and left alone to die on the cross for something He hadn't done. Even while hanging on the cross, He asked His Father to forgive us.

"And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots" (Luke 23:33, 34).

What kind of love is this? It is a forgiving and an unconditional love that comes for their hearts. Kurt Kaiser wrote one of my favorite hymns "O How He Loves You and Me". I get tears of happiness in my eyes every time I hear this hymn to know that Jesus loves me this much.

"Jesus to Calv’ry did go, His love for mankind to show. What He did there, brought hope from despair. Oh, how He loves you, Oh, how He loves me, Oh, how He loves you and me."

What a privilege is ours to be loved by the Saviour of the world. I love You, Jesus. If you are lonely and hurting, tell Jesus . He is waiting with His arms open wide for you to run into them. He will pick you up and carry you until the pain goes away. What a Saviour! What a Friend, this Jesus of Nazareth and one day we will have the privilege of seeing Him face to face.

Joanne Lowe
December 12, 2020

Thursday, December 10, 2020

 HE IS STILL KNOCKING

"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."

Revelation 3:20
King James Version

Ralph Carmichael wrote a beautiful hymn about our Saviour "The Savior Is Waiting" It is one of my favorite hymns. "The Savior is waiting to enter your heart, Why don't you let Him come in? There's nothing in this world to keep you apart, What is your answer to Him?"

For some people, Jesus has been knocking at the door of their heart for many years for them to invite Him in to be their personal Saviour. Please don't keep Him waiting any longer. He loves you so much He died for you.

For other people, Jesus has been knocking for them to serve Him. Are you serving Him? If not, why aren't you? Jesus left His Father, His home and all that He had to come to earth and die on the cross for you.

Heavenly Father, I pray for every man, every woman, every boy and every girl to open the door of their heart and let Jesus come in today. Thank You for loving us so much You gave Your beloved Son to die on the cross so we can have our sins forgiven.

I love You, Heavenly Father, and I appreciate all You have done for me. Thank You for adopting me into Your family and thank You for the privilege You have given me to serve Jesus. Please comfort and encourage all those who are hurting. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Joanne Lowe
December 11, 2020

Wednesday, December 9, 2020

 HE FORGIVES US

"Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:"

Colossians 1:12-14
King James Version

Jesus doesn't condemn us. He loves us unconditionally and He forgives us. We read in the Bible. "She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." (John 8:11)

It hurts Jesus and breaks His heart when we are unkind and don't love others unconditionally as He has commanded us to love but He still loves us. After all Jesus has done for us, we should do all we can do to make Him happy.

If ever someone deserves to be loved, adored and praised, it is Jesus! He is the "KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS". Please join me in praising the One Who loves you so much He deid for you.

Kurt Kaiser wrote one of my favorite hymns " O How He Loves You and Me" I love the words in this inspiring hymn. "Jesus to Calvary did go, His love for sinners to show. What He did there brought hope from despair. Oh, how He loves you; Oh, how he loves me; Oh, how he loves you and me."

We know how much Jesus loves us but how much do we love Him? Do we love Him? If we do love Him, what are we doing to show Him that we love Him? After all that Jesus has done for us, He deserves first place in our heart. Does Jesus have first place in your heart, in your life and in your time? If not, you are hurting Him and breaking His heart.

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving Your beloved Son to die on the cross for our sins. Thank You for adopting me into Your family and for the privilege You have given me to serve Jesus. Thank You for loving me when I was so unlovely. Jesus, thank You for giving me a new heart and for never leaving me.

I pray for every pastor who is preaching the good news of our risen Saviour. Please encourage and less their ministry. I love You, Heavenly Father and I appreciate all You have done for me. I love You, Jesus. I love You, Holy Spirit. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Joanne Lowe
December 10, 2020

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

 BECAUSE OF UJS

"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."

Isaiah 53:5
King James Version

Charles Hutchinson Gabriel wrote the beautiful hymn "My Savior's Love". I love these words "I stand amazed in the presence Of Jesus the Nazarene, And wonder how he could love me, A sinner, condemned, unclean. For me it was in the garden He prayed, "Not my will, but thine;" He had no tears for his own griefs, But sweat drops of blood for mine."

Before I gave my heart to Jesus on August 14, 1980, I was not a nice person. I was rude and disobedient to my parents. I hated everyone and didn't trust anyone because of every thing I had endured. I used to blame my parents for everything bad that had happened to me until the day I heard Billy Graham say "Don't you blame your parents. There comes a time in our life when all of us make the choice to do right or wrong".

It's a lot easier to blame others for something we have done that hurts someone than blame ourselves, isn't it? One day all of us will stand before a Holy God and give an account of the way we treated His beloved Son and the way we treat one another.

Heavenly Father, please search my heart and if I have allowed anything that hurts You to remain in my heart, I'm sorry. Please forgive me. Thank You for adopting me into Your family. I love You and I appreciate all You have done for me. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Joanne Lowe
December 9, 2020

 THANK YOU

"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

King James Version

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us unconitionally and thank You for Jesus.  I love You, Heavenly Father.  I love You, Jesus.  I love You, Holy Spirit.  

Heavenly Father, I pray for all who are lonely, discouraged, brokenhearted and for those who are not feeling good.  Please comfort and encourage them as You have done for me so many times.  In Jesus' Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

December 8, 2020 

Monday, December 7, 2020

 A HAPPY DAY

"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
King James Version

Jim Hill wrote the beautiful heart touching and inspiring hymn "What A Day That Will Be". I love the words in this hymn.

"There is coming a day When no heartache shall come No more clouds in the sky No more tears to dim the eye All is peace forever more On that happy golden shore What a day, glorious day that will be.

What a day that will be When my Jesus I shall see And I look upon His face The One who saved my by His grace When He takes me by the hand And leads me through the Promised Land What a day, glorious day that will be"

We can't make it without Jesus. Life is too hard and there is too much violence in the world. Without Jesus, we aren't living, we just exist. Jesus wants us to have a happy life. We read in the Bible.

"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).

Jesus loves you so much and He wants you to be happy.  If you feel sad and are discouraged, brokenhearted, tell Jesus. He loves you so much and He is waiting with His arms open wide for you to run into them.

Remember, Jesus walked that long lonely road to Calvary and allowed them to beat Hm beyond recognition, spit on Him, mock Him, curse Him and then crucify Him on the cross for something He had never done because He loves you so much.

If you are reading this devotion, know that Jesus loves you unconditionally. Even when we hurt Him, our precious Saviour still loves us. There is nothing you could ever do that would make Him stop loving you.

Please join me in praising our wonderful Saviour. He is the "KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS" and He loves you.

Joanne Lowe
December 7, 2020

Saturday, December 5, 2020

 JESUS CRIES

"And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,"

Luke 19:41
King James Version

I believe if we will listen with our heart, we will hear Jesus crying because of all of the violence, the hatred and the cursing He hears and the things He sees us do to one another.

Jesus loves us so much He died on the cross and paid the penalty for our sins. When we talk about Jesus dying on the cross where He was beaten beyond recognition, cursed, mocked, spat on and had nails pounded in His hands it is not just a story, it really happened.

I believe that every time they pounded a nail into our Saviour's hands, He felt that excrutiating pain in His heart. Yes, Jesus cries. He cries when He sees and hears the things we do and say to one another.

No, Jesus will never be crucified on the cross again and endure all that physical pain but every day we hurt Him because of the things we do and say. Hasn't Jesus suffered enough? Why do we keep hurting Him and breaking His heart every day?

Jesus has done so much for us and does so much for us every day. One day we will stand before a Holy God and give an account of the way we treated His Son. Our Heavenly Father loves His Son so much and it hurts Him when we hurt His Son.

Let's make a special effort to love one another unconditionally as Jesus has commanded us to love each other. Loving one another unconditionally is not an option, it is a commandment from Jesus.

We read in the Bible. "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).

Can we honestly say that we always love unconditionally? I can't say I always love others like Jesus has commanded us to love each other. There are times when I hurt Jesus and break His heart because I sometimes get upset when someone hurts me and I say things that I should not say. Then I have to repent and ask God to forgive me and ask Him to help me keep my big mouth shut.

Heavenly Father, please forgive me for the times I hurt Your Son and also hurt You because I don't love others unconditionally. I'm sorry I hurt You and Your precious Son.

Thank You, Jesus, for dying for my sins, for loving me unconditionally and for never leaving me. I love You so much and I long for the day when I will have the privilege to see You face to face. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Joanne Lowe
December 6, 2020

Friday, December 4, 2020

 WHAT ARE YOU GIVING HIM

"And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh."

Matthew 2:11
King James Version

Homer W. Grimes wrote one of my favorite hymns "What Shall I Give Thee, Master?" If we want to give a gift to Jesus that will make our precious Saviour happy, we will love one another unconditionally because when we are kind and loving to one another, we are being kind and loving to Him.

Don't wait until Christmas to make Jesus happy. We need to encourage and love one another. All of us need to be encouraged and all of us need to know we are loved.

Have you told your family today that you love them? Don't be like the man who was talking to someone and said "I don't have to tell my wife I love her. She should know I love her because I married her".

If you have never asked Jesus to come into your heart and be your personal Saviour, I urge you to do it today. Don't wait, you may not have another day to live. Give your heart and life to Jesus and you will have joy, happiness and a peace you have never known.

Joanne Lowe
December 5, 2020

 THE HEART OF JESUS

"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 11:34-36
King James Version

Marvin P. Dalton wrote the beautiful, heart touching hymn "O What a Savior". Every time I hear this hymn I get tears in my eyes to know that Jesus loves us this much.

"Once I, I was straying in sin's dark valley No hope within could I see, Then they searched all of heaven And they found my sweet Jesus And He saved a poor lost soul like me.

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's blood for even me."

Have you allowed it to go from head knowledge to heart knowledge that Jesus loves you and how much He loves you? I write a lot about the unconditional love Jesus has for us and I will keep writing about my precious Saviour until God calls me home.

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so much You gave Your beloved Son to die on the cross for our sins. Please help us to love one another unconditionally so we will make Jesus happy. I love You, Jesus. Thank You for loving me, for dying on the cross for me and for never leaving me.

Heavenly Father, please encourage all who are lonely, brokenhearted and who feel all alone. Please pick them up in Your loving arms and rock them and comfort them as You have done for me so many times. Help me to be an encouragement to all who are hurting. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Joanne Lowe
December 4, 2020

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

 THE TRUTH

"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

John 8:32
King James Version

It makes satan very angry when we serve Jesus and satan will do all he can do to discourage us from 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.

Are you serving Jesus? If not, why aren't you? Jesus left His Father, His home and all that He had to come to earth to die for our sins. You might think there is nothing you can do for Jesus, that you can't sing or play the piano or teach but all of us can love one another and encourage each other.

We read in the Bible. "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 41:7).

Jesus will never have to be beaten and tortured again but every day we hurt Him when we are unkind and hurt one another. Jesus has told us that when we hurt each other, we also hurt Him. Every time I read this verse, it breaks my heart to know that I hurt Him when I am unkind to someone.

"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" (Matthew 25:40).

One day we will stand before our Heavenly Father and give an account of the way we treated His Son.

What about you? Are you hurting Jesus and breaking His heart because of the hateful words you say and the way you are treating people?

Joanne Lowe
December 3, 2020

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

 HIS WINGS OF SAFETY

"Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,"

Psalms 17:8
King James Version

Rev. William O. Cushing wrote one of my favorite hymns "Under His Wings. I'm so glad the words in this beautiful hymn are true. "Under His wings, Who from His love can sever? Under His wings my soul shall abide, Safely abide forever.

Under His wings, what a refuge in sorrow! How the heart yearningly turns to His rest! Often when earth has no balm for my healing, There I find comfort, and there I am blessed."

Thank You, Heavenly Father, for loving us so much You gave Your beloved Son to die on the cross for our sins. Please comfort and encourage all those who are discouraged, lonely, hurting and feel like nobody cares. I love You, Heavenly Father. I love You, Jesus. I love You, Holy Spirit. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Joanne Lowe
December 2, 2020

Monday, November 30, 2020

 DON'T WAIT

"(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)"

2 Corinthians 6:2
King James Version

Don't wait for someone's birthday or for Christmas to tell people you love them. There are times when all of us need to be encouraged and know we are loved. The person who says he or she doesn't need anyone or anything is not being honest.

May God help us to love one another unconditionally and to also be an encouragement to one another and especially to Jesus. Our precious Saviour has feelings too and He wants to know He is loved and appreciated.
When is the last time you told Jesus you love Him?

Have you ever told Him? May God have mercy on us if we are hurting His beloved Son. I love You, Jesus, and I long for the day when I will have the privilege of seeing You face to face.

Joanne Lowe
December 1, 2020

Sunday, November 29, 2020

 I STILL CARE

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

Matthew 11:28
King James Version

I think there are times when all of us, if we're honest with ourselves, get discouraged and maybe feel like giving up and going to bed and staying there. Someone may have said something cruel or done something to hurt us.

Jesus understands how we feel and He knows how much it hurts because when He was here on earth people said and did things that hurt Him also.

Rev. Charles Price Jones wrote one of my favorite hymns "Come Unto Me". I'm so glad the words in this inspiring hymn are true.

"Hear the blessed Savior calling the oppressed, “Oh, 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.”

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so much that You gave Your beloved Son to die on the cross for our sins. Thank You, precious Saviour, for loving us and caring when we are discouraged.

Heavenly Father, I pray for every person who reads this devotion. Please comfort and encourage them as You have done for me so many times. Help us to love one and another and be an encouragement to each to each other. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Joanne Lowe
November 30, 2020

Saturday, November 28, 2020

 ONE HAPPY AND JOYOUS DAY

"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 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 4:16, 17
King James Version

One happy and joyous day Jesus is coming back for us and all the sorrow and heartache will be over. There will be no more crying, heartaches and pain.  Edward Albert Barnes wrote the beautiful heart touching and inspiring hymn "What A Day That Will Be". I love the words in this hymn.

"There is coming a day, When no heart aches shall come, No more clouds in the sky, No more tears to dim the eye, All is peace forever more, On that happy golden shore, What a day, glorious day that will be.

What a day that will be, When my Jesus I shall see, And I look upon His face, The One who saved me by His grace; When He takes me by the hand, And leads me through the Promised Land, What a day, glorious day that will be."

If you're sad and hurting today, tell Jesus. He is waiting for you to come to Him with His arms open to comfort and encourage you. He loves you. Never forget that you are loved by the Saviour of the world, Who loves you so much He died for you.

Joanne Lowe
November 29, 2020