OUR SAVIOUR CARES

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

1 Peter 5:7
King James Version

Rev. Frank E. Graeff wrote one of my favorite hymns "Does Jesus Care?" I love the words in this inspiring hymn. "Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares, His heart is touched with my grief; When the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares." Yes, Jesus cares when we are discouraged and lonely and He has promised that He will never leave us.

Ludie D. Pickett wrote the inspiring hymn "Never Alone". I'm so glad the words in this heart touching hymn are true. "When in affliction’s valley I tread the road of care, My Savior helps me carry The cross so heavy to bear; Though all around me is darkness, Earthly joys all flown; My Savior whispers His promise, Never to leave me alone!"

Thank You, dear Jesus, for caring, for loving us unconditionally and for never leaving us. You are so precious to me and I love You and long for the day when I will see You face to face.

Joanne Lowe
May 31, 2020

NEVER

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

John 8:12
King James Version

Sometimes it gets very dark outside when it is raining or when the electricity goes off and sometimes when people say sarcastic and cruel words to us the light in our heart grows dim. However, Jesus is not only the light of the world, He is also the light in our heart and when people say things to us that hurts us, Jesus shines His light a little brighter in our heart.

Philip P. Bliss wrote one of my favorite hymns "The Light of the World is Jesus" I'm so glad the words in this beautiful hymn are true. "No darkness have we Who in Jesus abide; The Light of the world is Jesus! We walk in the light When we follow our Guide! The Light of the world is Jesus!" When we say sarcastic and cruel words to people, we might as well take a knife and plunge it into their heart.

Jesus does not want us to live a life filled with sadness and despair. Jesus tells us 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). Are you walking in the light of our precious Saviour or are you still walking in the darkness of satan?

Joanne Lowe
May 30, 2020

PRECIOUS

"Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,"

Philippians 3:8
King James Version

I dearly love my family and my Pastor and I have many other friends who I love but the love I have for them is nothing compared to the love I have for my precious Saviour. I know that my family loves me but nobody loves us like Jesus loves us. His love is unconditional and no matter what we do, He will always love us. It is a privilege to be loved by the Saviour of the world.

Squire Parsons, Jr. wrote one of the most beautiful and heart touching hymns I have ever heard "He Came to Me". I love these words. "The gulf that separated me from Christ, my Lord, It was so vast the crossing I could never ford; From where I was to His domain, it seemed so far, I cried, "Dear Lord, I cannot come to where you are." He came to me, O, He came to me. When I could not come to where He was, He came to me. That's why He died on Calvary, When I could not come to where He was, He came to me."

I was in a crippling devastating depression for many years and I really believed nobody loved me or cared if I lived or died. Then one happy day, Jesus came to me. He put His loving arms around me and told me He loves me and will never leave me. He has kept His promise and He 
has never left me, not even for one minute.

If you ever think nobody loves you or cares about you, remember the cross and the excrutiating pain and agony that Jesus suffered on the cross for you. What a Saviour! What a Friend, this Jesus of Nazareth and one happy day He is coming back for us and we will be with Him for all eternity. Are you shouting with happiness yet? I will never understand how people can shout and cheer for their favorite sports team but never cheer for Jesus. I believe we hurt our precious Saviour many times. Jesus has feelings and He wants us to tell Him we love Him just as we want Him to tell us that He loves us. Thank You, Jesus, for loving us.

Joanne Lowe
May 29, 2020

HEART AND LAP

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

Matthew 11:28
King James Version

My sister gave me a new recliner for my birthday. As I was thinking about the love she showed me when she gave the recliner to me, it reminded me of our precious Saviour's unconditional love to us. The heart of Jesus is big enough to love everyone in the world. He loves all of us with the same love and doesn't play favorites like some parents do. If you are lonely, discouraged and feel like giving up, allow Jesus to hold you on His lap. He will also carry us through all the dark valleys and crises in our life. I've lost track of the many times He has comforted me and encouraged me to keep going when I felt like giving up.

We can't make it without Jesus. There is too much violence, hatred and criticism in this world. We need Jesus every day and every hour. Pastor George O. Web wrote one of my favorite hymns. The words in this beautiful 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." So often we try to do things without asking Jesus for help and then we wonder why we fail.

Jesus has told us in the Bible that we can't do anything without Him. We read in the Bible "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 15:5). Have you told Jesus today how much you love Him and appreciate Him? He has feelings too and He wants us to tell Him we love Him. Thank You, Jesus, for loving us even when we fail You and hurt You.

Joanne Lowe
May 27, 2020

OPEN ARMS

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

Matthew 11:28
King James Version

Jesus does not want us to be unhappy and have so many problems in our 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 is waiting for us to come to Him with His arms open wide. We can't make it through this world without Jesus. Life is too hard and there are too many dangers and evil in this world.

How it must hurt our Heavenly Father and break His heart to see the way we live and some of the things we say and do. One day God looked down from Heaven and saw the mess the world was in and He loves us so much He sent His beloved Son to die on the cross and pay the penalty for our sins so we can have our sins forgiven and go to Heaven. We have a compassionate loving Heavenly Father Who loves us unconditionally.

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us unconditionally and for giving Your Son to die on the cross for our sins. I love You, Heavenly Father. I love You, Jesus. I love You, Holy Spirit. I pray for all who are lonely, discouraged, hurting and who feel like giving up. Please comfort and encourage them as You have done for me so many times. Thank You for loving us and for caring. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Joanne Lowe
May 27, 2020

  LOVE CALLED US

"But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine."

Isaiah 43:1
King James Version

I heard one of the most beautiful hymns on the radio that I have ever heard "Love Called My Name". It was made popular by Ivan Parker. Yes, Love, unconditional Love called our name when Jesus allowed them to crucify Him on the cross and He shed His precious blood and died for your sins and for my sins. Indeed, there is no greater love than the unconditional love our Saviour has for you and for me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. I love You so much and I appreciate all You have done for me.

Joanne Lowe

May 26, 2020

A BROKEN HEART

"(To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth.) God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

Psalms 46:1
King James Version

When we have a broken heart because of something cruel that was said or done to us, we don't need to go to the hospital because only Jesus can heal a broken heart and the great Physician is already here. William Hunter wrote one of my favorite hymns "The Great Physician". I love the words in this 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 we would go to our great Physician more often, we wouldn't get heart sick as often as we do.

We get upset when we see or hear about someone who has been shot or stabbed, it should should also break our heart when we see and hear people saying unkind and cruel words to one another. When we say words that hurt someone, we might as well take a knife and stab them because cruel words not only hurt us, they also break our heart.

We read in the Bible. "But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be" (James 3:8-10).

I get emails from people telling me how wonderful I am because I write devotions every day. I appreciate those emails and I need them because all of us need to be encouraged. However, just because I write devotions doesn't make me perfect. I get upset and sometimes even say something unkind to people who hurt me. Keep your eyes on Jesus because He will never fail you or hurt you and He loves you unconditionally and always will. O how I love Jesus! He is the Joy of my heart and one joyous happy day i will have the privilege of seeing Him face to face. I am going to hug Him and tell Him how much I love and appreciate Him for all eternity.

Joanne Lowe
May 25, 2020

A JOYFUL DAY

"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 14:3
King James Version

What a joyful day it's going to be when Jesus comes back for us. Not only will we have the privilege of seeing Him face to face, we will be with Him for all eternity. Think about it! We will see the One Who loves us so much that He died for us and paid the price for our sins that we could never have paid. O how I love Jesus! How I long for the day when I see Him. I'm going to hug Him and tell Him how much I love Him and appreciate Him. Please lift your heart, your hands and your voice with me in praise to the "KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS"!

Joanne Lowe
May 24, 2020

DO WE MEAN IT

"She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more."

John 8:11
King James Version

Jim Gilbert wrote the hymn "I Love You With The Love of The Lord". We sing this hymn but do we mean it? If we do mean it we wouldn't be so judgmental and hateful to others. Someone actually said "I'm going to remove this so you won't be tempted again". It is not a sin to be tempted. Jesus was tempted and He never sinned. So when we say that when people are tempted that they are sinning, it is a lie straight from the pits of hell.

We read in the Bible what Jesus said to satan when satan was tempting Jesus. "Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God" (Matthew 4:7). Again, it is not a sin to be tempted to do something that hurts God, it is only a sin when we do it. May God help us to stop judging others and start loving others unconditionally as Jesus has commanded us to to love one another.

If we would do what one of my pastors used to say in his sermon"If you will make sure your own heart is in right standing with God, you won't have the time to judge others", we wouldn't hurt God as much as we do. I don't know about you but it is a full time job for me to make sure my own heart is right before God. Just because I write devotions every day doesn't make me perfect. There was only one perfect person who ever lived or ever will live and His Name is Jesus.

May God help us to stop judging and condemning others and to start loving one another unconditionally as Jesus has commanded us to love one another and become encouragers instead of discouraging one another.

Joanne Lowe
May 24, 2020

JUST AS MUCH

"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

No matter how many times we hurt Him, our Heavenly Father still loves us just as much as He loved us when He gave His beloved Son to die on the cross for your sins and for my sins. We have a tender loving compassionate Heavenly Father Who really cares about us. It hurts Him when we are sad and in pain. What a healing balm it is to our weary battle scarred heart to know that God loves us unconditionally and will always love us no matter how many times we hurt Him.

Joanne Lowe
May 23, 2020

HE UNDERSTANDS

"And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."

Mark 8:34
King James Version

Lucie Eddie Campbell wrote the hymn "He'll Understand And Say Well Done". "If when you give the best of your service, Telling the world that the Savior is come; Be not dismayed when men don't believe you; He understands; he'll say, "Well done." Yes, Jesus understands when we get discouraged so keep serving Jesus because one day we will have the privilege of seeing Him face to face.

Joanne Lowe
May 22, 2020

DON'T WAIT

"And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?"

Matthew 14:25-31
King James Version

James Rowe wrote the beautiful hymn "Love Lifted Me". The words in this heart touching hymn are so true. "Love lifted me! Love lifted me! When nothing else could help Love lifted me! Love lifted me! Love lifted me! When nothing else could help Love lifted me! All my heart to Him I give, Ever to Him I’ll cling In His blessèd presence live, Ever His praises sing, Love so mighty and so true, Merits my soul’s best songs, Faithful, loving service too, To Him belongs."

So many times we try to solve our problems alone and then wonder why we fail. We can't do anything without Jesus. We can trust Jesus to take care of us and help us. He is waiting with His arms open wide for us to run into them. Don't wait! Tell Jesus you're hurting and allow Him to carry you through all the dark valleys in your life.

Joanne Lowe
May 21, 2020

STILL ALIVE

"And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him."

Mark 16:6
King James Version

Jesus rose from the dead and He is still alive. Yet, there are times when we act like He is still in the grave. Bill and Gloria Gaither wrote the beautiful heart touching and inspiring hymn " Because He Lives". I love these words. "And because he lives I can face tomorrow Because he lives All fear is gone Because I know he holds the future And life is worth the living Just because he lives."

May God help us to act like Jesus is still alive and to keep serving Jesus no matter how many times satan tries to discourage us. I'm sure we hurt Jesus and break His heart when we don't trust Him to help us. Jesus wants us to be happy. 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).

Thank You, Jesus, for loving us, for dying for us and for never leaving us. What a healing balm it is to our weary battle scarred heart to know we can trust Jesus and that He will never leave us. O how I love Jesus!

Joanne Lowe
May 20, 2020

OUR HEART

"Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee."

Acts 8:21,22

King James Version

We read in the Bible. "Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God" (1 John 3:21). None of us are perfect. All of us hurt God at times because we get upset with people and instead of forgiving them as we want God to forgive us when we hurt Him we allow unforgiveness, resentment, jealousy, sarcasm and hatred to remain in our heart.

May God help us to forgive one another just as God forgives us when we hurt Him. Let's become encouragers to one another as Jesus wants us to do. If we want God to forgive us, we had better forgive those who hurt us.

Joanne Lowe
May 19 2020

A GIVING HEART

"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

It is not enough to just give our money, we must also give from our heart just as God gave from His heart when He gave Jesus to die for our sins and as Jesus gave from His heart when He allowed them to crucify Him on the cross. Jesus endured pain and agony that you and I will never know.

Marvin P. Dalton wrote the most beautiful and heart touching hymn about Jesus that I think has ever been written "O What a Savior" Every time I hear this hymn I get tears in my eyes to think Jesus loves us so much that He willingly walked that long lonely road to Calvary and allowed them to crucify Him for our sins.

When I hear these beautiful words in this hymn, I stand up and raise my arms up to Jesus as high as I can raise them. " 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." God gave from His heart and Jesus gave from His heart. What about us? Are we giving from our heart?

It's not enough to give our money, we must also give 

from our heart. My sister is a perfect example of giving from the heart. She took my Mother and Dad into her home when they were old and needed help. She also took me into her home because I needed help. I not only needed a place to live; I also needed to know someone 

cared.

I think we sometimes think that just because someone lives in a nice home, drives a big car and belongs to clubs that they are happy and don't need anything or anyone. That is not true. All of us need someone. When we see someone who can't walk, we put them in a wheelchair and take them to the doctor. We must also put people who are hurting emotionally in a wheelchair and take them to Jesus, the great Physician.

God has used my sister to teach me many things about unconditional love. I remember a time when we had an argument about something and several days later I was still upset but my sister acted like we had never disagreed. That is just what God does. When we hurt Him and tell Him that we're sorry, He forgives us and never reminds us of it again.

I have been thanking God for my blessings and all that He has done for me. I especially thank Him for my sister who I love very much. She is not perfect but she gives her time, her money and also gives from her heart. God knew that I was going to hurt emotionally so He gave my sister to me.

Heavenly Father, I love You so much and I appreciate all You have done for me. Thank You for the privilege You have given me to serve Jesus. If there is someone who is reading this devotion that is hurting emotionally and is discouraged, please pick them up and comfort them as You have comforted me so many times. in Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Joanne Lowe
May 18, 2020

JOY

"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

King James Version

What is joy? Real joy is found by being in the presence of Jesus. Ira Stanphill wrote one of my favorite hymns "HAPPINESS IS THE LORD". I love the words in this beautiful hymn. "Real joy is mine No matter if teardrops start I've found the secret It's Jesus in my heart."

No matter how many dark valleys and crises that I am going through or how many times satan attacks me and tries to discourage me from serving Jesus, I have the assurance that Jesus loves me unconditionally just as He loves you.

When I'm going through dark valleys, I cry out to Jesus for help and He is faithful to pick me up in His arms and carry me until the pain goes away. Jesus will pick you up and carry you when you are hurting and going through dark valleys if you will ask Him.

O how I love Jesus. He is the Joy of my heart and the reason I'm living and one happy day I will have the privilege of seeing my precious Saviour face to face. Carrie E. Breck wrote the beautiful heart touching hymn "Face to face with Christ, My Savior". "What rejoicing in His presence, When are banished grief and pain; When the crooked ways are straightened, And the dark things shall be plain." Please lift your hands and voice and join me in praising the "KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS".

Joanne Lowe
May 18, 2020

ARE WE FAITHFUL

"It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."

Lamentations 3:22, 23
King James Version

Rev. Thomas O. Chisholm wrote one of my favorite hymns "Great Is Thy Faithfulness". The words in this hymn are a healing balm to our weary and battle scarred heart. "Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father; There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not; As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be."

Yes, our Heavenly Father is faithful. He loves us unconditionally even when we hurt Him and fail Him. What about us? Are we faithful to Him? Do we keep serving His Son even when satan does his best to discourage us? Jesus stayed on the cross for us so we should stay on the battle field of service for Him.

Joanne Lowe
May 17, 2020

THE MOST DANGEROUS VIRUS

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

John 13:34, 35
King James Version

We have a virus that is killing people but the most dangerous virus in our world is the virus of hatred. What brings tears to my eyes is when we ask God to forgive us and do things for us when we refuse to forgive others and allow the virus of hatred to remain in our heart. Jesus has told us that we are to love one another unconditionally as He loves us. It is not an option, it is a commandment.

I'm just as guilty as everyone else. There are times when someone hurts me that I do not forgive them and then I have to repent, tell God I'm sorry and ask Him to forgive me.

If we will do what one of my pastors used to say in his sermons, we wouldn't hurt Jesus as much as we do. The pastor used to say "If you will make sure your own heart is in right standing with God, you won't have the time to judge others".

The pastor was right because it is a full time job making sure my own heart is right before God. It breaks my heart when I hurt Him. I'm so glad we have a Heavenly Father Who loves us unconditionally and will never kick us out of Heaven as some dads kick their children out of the house.

Years ago, I read about a dad who got so angry with his son that he said to his son "you are a disgrace to this family because you are doing drugs and you need to leave this house now and never come back. You are no longer my son". The dad was smoking and drinking a beer while he was yelling at his son.  Yes, the most dangerous virus is hatred and unforgiveness.

Many years ago, a woman sat in my living room and said "I can't do anything with my son. He is disobedient and keeps sneaking out of the house at night. I've done all I can do and I wash my hands of him." I asked the woman if she had prayed for her son and she said she hadn't prayed.

If we haven't prayed for someone and trusted God to take care of the situation, we have not done all we can do and we are hurting God and breaking His heart. Have you prayed for your loved ones today?

Joanne Lowe
May 16, 2020

A TALK WITH JESUS

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

Matthew 11:28
King James Version

Reverend Cleavant Derricks wrote one of my favorite hymns "Just a Little Talk with Jesus". "I once was lost in sin, but Jesus took me in And let a little light from Heaven fills my soul He bathed my heart in love, and He wrote my name above And just a little talk with Jesus makes me whole". The words in this inspiring hymn are so true.

When I get discouraged and feel like giving up, I tell Jesus and He is faithful to not only listen, but also to pick me up and carry me through the dark valley and set me once again on the mountain top of happiness.

If you are discouraged, tell Jesus. He really loves you and He doesn't want you to be unhappy. He is waiting for you to come to Him with His arms open wide and a heart full of unconditional love for you. Life is too hard and we can't go on without Jesus. Thank You, Jesus, for loving us.

Joanne Lowe
May 15, 2020

OUR WONDERFUL SAVIOUR

"And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."

Revelation 19:16
King James Version

The Gaither Vocal Band sings one of my favorite hymns "Get All Excited". We need to do what we sing in this hymn. "You talk people, you talk about about things that really aren't important at all you talk about weather, you talk about problems we have here at home and abroad But friend I'm excited about a solution for the world I'm going to shout and sing Jesus Christ is still the king of kings."

Jesus is the "KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS". He is worthy to be praised. We talk about everything but how wonderful Jesus is and how much He has done for us. Let's include Jesus in our conversations by praising Him and telling everyone how much He has done for us One joyous happy day we are going to have the privilege of seeing our wonderful Saviour face to face when He comes back for us.

Carrie E. Breck wrote the beautiful heart touching hymn "Face to Face with Christ, My Savior". I love the words in this hymn. "What rejoicing in His presence, When are banished grief and pain; When the crooked ways are straightened, And the dark things shall be plain." Are you shouting with happiness yet? We are going to see Him face to face and all the heartaches will be over.

When I hear Jim Hill sing the hymn "What A Day That Will Be", I get tears of happiness in my eyes to know we will see Jesus and be with Him for all eternity. "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."

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving Your beloved Son to die on the cross for our sins so that we may have the privilege of going to Heaven. Jesus, I love You with all my heart and I long for the day that I will have the privilege of seeing You face to face. Thank you for dying for my sins. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Joanne Lowe
May 14, 2020

THEY DON'T KNOW

"Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another."

1 John 4:10, 11
King James Version

When I was watching the news, I saw and heard a sheriff talking about a woman who had abused a boy. The sheriff said it is the worse case of abuse he has ever seen in thirty two years. Almost every day, we read or hear about rapes, murders, drug abuse, stealing and child and elderly abuse. This has to stop!! I prayed about this and asked God why it continues. God spoke to my heart and said they don't know that they are loved.

For many years, I believed that nobody loved me or cared about me until August 14, 1980 when I admitted I was a sinner, asked God to forgive me and invited Jesus into my heart to be my personal Saviour. It was the happiest day of my life. Jesus put His loving arms around me and told me that He loves me and will never leave me and He hasn't left me, even for one minute.

It is very important and even urgent that we not only tell people that Jesus loves them but also prove to them that He loves them by our kind and loving words and actions. A young man gave a testimony in church that I will neve forget. He said "I am saved today because of my mother's prayers. I saw her kneel beside her bed and heard her praying for my salvation and to keep me safe". However, if parents don't know they are loved, they are not going to be able to say I love you or give love to their children.

May God help us to love one another unconditionally as Jesus has commanded us to love one another. I've lost track of the times Jesus has picked me up and carried me through the dark valleys in my life and has set me once again on the mountain top of happiness. How about your family and loved ones? Do they know that Jesus loves them because of your loving words and actions?

Heavenly Father, I pray for those who are sick, discouraged, lonely, brokenhearted and going through dark valleys. Please comfort and encourage them as You have done for me so many times. I love You, dear Father, and I appreciate all You have done for me. Thank You for loving me when I was such a hateful person. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Joanne Lowe
May 13, 2020

DO THEY

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

John 13:34, 35
King James version

Do people know that we are His disciples because we love unconditionally? I have to be honest and say that there are times when I don't love unconditionally and then I have to repent and tell God I'm sorry and ask Him to forgive me. May God help us to love others unconditionally as Jesus has commanded us to love one another.

What about you? Do they know you are His disciple by your kind and loving actions? They either see the love of Jesus in us by our words and actions or they see the hatred of satan in us by our words and actions. Who do they see in you, Jesus or satan?

Joanne Lowe
May 12, 2020

GOD'S WOODSHED

"My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth."

Proverbs 3:11, 12
King James Version

Many years ago when I worked in nursing homes I used to hear the residents talking about their parents taking them out to the woodshed. God has taken me out to His woodshed many times to correct me when I have said things to people that hurt them. Someone emailed me and said how wonderful I am because I write devotions. It is not me that is wonderful, it is Jesus working through me.

There are times when I hurt Him and fail Him just like you do. Don't look to me or to your pastor, your Sunday school teacher or anyone else. Keep your eyes on Jesus because He will never hurt you or fail you and He will always love you even when you hurt Him.

Helen H. Lemmel wrote one of my favorite hymns "Turn your Eyes Upon Jesus. The words in this hymn are so true. "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."

If you are reading this devotion, know that Jesus loves you uncondtionally. There is nothing you could ever do that would make Him stop loving you. Jesus not only gives love, He is Love. The next time someone asks you who Jesus is, tell them that Jesus is Love, Unconditional Love.

Heavenly Father, I pray for all who are discouraged, lonely, brokenhearted and going through dark valleys. Please comfort them as You have done for me so many times. Thank You for the privilege You have given me to tell everyone about Jesus and His unconditional love for them. I love You, Heavenly Father. I love You, Jesus. I love You, Holy Spirit. Thank You for all You have done for me, Heavenly Father. I appreciate all You have done for me. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Joanne Lowe
May 11, 2020

NO MORE 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
King James Version

One of my favorite hymns is "What A Day That Will Be". I love the words in this inspiring hymn. "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."

Not only will we have no more pain, we will have the privilege of seeing our precious Saviour face to face. If you ever think nobody loves you or cares about you, remember the cross and all the excruciating pain that Jesus suffered on the cross for your sins and for my sins. That is how much He loves us. How I love Jesus! He is the Joy of my heart and I have the privilege of serving Him.

Heavenly Father, I pray for everyone who is hurting. Please touch them and heal them as You have done for me so many times. I pray for every pastor who is preaching the good news of our risen Saviour. Please comfort and encourage them. Thank You for loving us. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Joanne Lowe
May 10, 2020

ALWAYS

"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

No matter how many times we hurt our Heavenly Father, He still loves us. He will never kick us out, hit us, curse us or stop loving us. What a healing balm it is to our weary battle scarred heart to know He cares and will never stop loving us.

Joanne Lowe
May 9, 202

GOD'S HOUSE

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 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 14:1-3
King James Version

I have seen many beautiful homes on the internet and in magazines. A lot of the homes are beautifully decorated and the owners have put a lot of time and hard work into creating their homes of beauty. My sister has decorated my home. I have the best sister in the world.

When I look around my home at all the beautiful things she has given me, I am moved to tears because she loves me so much that she gave her valuable time to decorate. I thank God for my sister. I'm so glad He made us sisters. However, Jesus not only decorated my heart with His cleansing atoning blood that He shed for my sins on Calvary, He is also decorated a mansion for us in Heaven which will be more beautiful than we have ever seen. The greatest thing about our mansion in Heaven is Jesus will be there.

Gordon Jensen wrote the beautiful hymn "JESUS WILL OUTSHINE THEM ALL". It is one of my favorite hymns. "Mansions will glisten on the hills of Glory Happy reunions on streets of gold; Angel choirs singing glad praises forever But Jesus will outshine them all."

Precious Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us unconditionally and for giving Your beloved Son to die on the cross for our sins. Thank You, Jesus, for the mansions You are preparing for us in Heaven. How I long to see You face to face, dear Jesus, and one happy day I will see You face to face. Father, thank You for the privilege You have given me to serve Jesus. i pray that every person who reads the devotions You give me to write will know how much You love them. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Joanne Lowe
May 8, 2020

IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN US

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

Luke 23:32-34
King James Version

Evangelist Gordon Jenson wrote the hymn "I should Have Been Crucified".  The words in this hymn bring tears to my eyes.  "I was guilty with nothing to say, And they were coming to take me away. But then a voice from heaven was heard, which said,“Turn him loose, and take me instead!”  And I should have been crucified, I should have suffered and died. I should have hung on the cross in disgrace, But Jesus, God’s Son, took my place.  Crown of thorns, the spear in His side, And all the pain should have been mine. Those rusty nails were meant for me, But Jesus took them, and let me go free!"

I believe every time they pounded a nail into our Saviour that He felt that pain in His heart.  I believe with all my heart that Jesus didn't die from the physical pain and torture, I believe our precious Saviour died of a broken heart.  Marvin P. Dalton wrote the hymn "O What a Savior"  Every time I hear this heart touching hymn I stand up and raise my hands to Jesus as high as I can get them.

"Once I was straying in sin's dark valley, No hope within could I see, He searched through Heaven, and found a Savior To save 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-blood for even me."  Every tear He shed and all the pain of the nails He felt was because He loves you.  Do you understand yet that He loves you?  No matter what you do, He will always love you and He will never leave you, not even for one minute.

On August 14, 1980, I admitted I was a sinner and asked God to forgive me and invited Jesus into my heart to be my personal Saviour and He has never left me, not even for one minute.  I have a wonderful family who I love very much and I have many friends that God has put in my life but the love I feel for them is nothing compared to the love I have for my precious Saviour.

Please lift your heart and your hands and join me in praising the "KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORD'S".  All hail, King Jesus!  Worthy is the Lamb of God!  One happy day, Jesus is coming back for us.  Are you ready to meet Him?

Joanne Lowe

May 7, 2020