ASSURANCE

"Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water."

Hebrews 10:22
King James Version

Fan­ny Cros­by wrote one of my favorite hymns "Blessed Assurance". I love the words in this inspiring hymn. "Blessèd assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior, all the day long; This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Saviour, all the day long."

How often do we thank Jesus and praise Him for all He has done for us? I believe we hurt our precious Saviour many times because we not only don't thank and praise Him, we sometimes ignore Him.

Someone said "I'm too busy. I don't have time to pray and read the Bible". However, this same person has time to watch the news and read the newspaper before going to work.

Our precious Saviour allowed them to beat Him beyond recognition, spit on Him and crucify Him on the cross for your sins and for my sins and He had never done anything wrong. There is no greater love than the love Jesus has for you and for me.

Jesus, thank You for loving us even when we hurt and fail You. 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 for you?

Joanne Lowe
February1, 2021

 GOD WILL WIN

"And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's."

2 Chronicles 20:15
King James Version

Our world is filled with violence and hatred. There are murders, rapes, drug abuse, husbands beating wives and wives beating husbands and people drinking so much alcohol that they go home and beat their spose and children. This violence and hatred must stop!

Many years ago, a young child came to my home and told me he was hungry and asked me if I had something for him to eat. It broke my heart and I invited him in to my home and gave him something to eat. He told me he was afraid to go home because his parents fought all the time and would beat his sister and him and they would have to run and hide when they heard their parents coming.

Jesus loves children. They are precious to Him and one day every one of us will stand before our Heavenly Father and give an account of the way we treated children. May God have mercy on us if we are hurting and abusing children.

Heavenly Father, thank You for being a compassionate and loving Father that we don't have to be afraid of or run and hide. What a healing balm it is to our weary battle scarred heart to know You will never hit us or or kick us out of Heaven.

Thank You that on August 14, 1980 when I confessed my sins, asked You to forgive me and invited Jesus into my heart to be my personal Saviour, I was saved and am a member of Your family for all eternity.

I love You, Heavenly Father, and I appreciate all You have done for me. Please comfort and encourage all those who are hurting and lonely. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Joanne Lowe
January 31, 2021

 IT'S TOO LATE

"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
King James Version

We need to encourage and pray for people instead of judging them and criticizing them. No one is perfect and that includes you and it includes me. Just because I write devotions every day doesn't mean that I  don't get upset with people and say things I should not say and them I have to tell God that I'm sorry and ask Him to forgive me.

One of my pastors said many times "If you will keep your own heart right before God, you won't have the time to criticize and condemn others. May God help us to be encouragers to one another instead of saying things that hurt people.

Once we say something that hurts someone we can't take it back. They can forgive us but only Jesus can heal a broken heart. Thank You, Jesus, for loving us even when we say and do things that hurt You.

Joanne Lowe
January 30, 2021

 YES HE DOES

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

1 Peter 5:7
King James Version

Several years ago I heard someone say "Jesus doesn't love me or care about me". I submit to you on the authority of the Word of God that Jesus does love you and care about you or He would never have allowed them to spit on Him, curse Him, beat Him beyond recognition and pound nails into His precious hands when He died on the cross for your sins and for my sins.

i believe every time they pounded a nail into His hands that He felt the pain in His heart. I know from personal experience that Jesus does love us and care about us because He took me from under a bed in a mental hospital and has never left me, not even for one minute.

Not only has Jesus saved me and gave me a new heart, He is taking care of my daughter. I don't usually talk about my daughter because it is painful but I want you to know how precious Jesus is and how much He loves us and our children.

I was raped Thanksgiving Day 1980 and had a daughter. Due to circumstances beyond my control was unable to keep my daughter. Every year on her birthday I have to ask Jesus to tale care of her. I don't talk about it very much because it is too painful but I want you to know that Jesus does love you and He does care about you.

Rev. Frank E. Graeff wrote a beautiful heart touching hymn about our precious Saviour "Does Jesus Care?" I can tell you on the authority of the Word of God that Jesus does care.

"Does Jesus care when my heart is pained Too deeply for mirth or song, As the burdens press, and the cares distress And the way grows weary and long? 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."

If you are reading this devotion, know that Jesus does love you and care about you. He loved you yesterday. He loves you today and He will love you forever. All hail Kind Jesus! Worthy is the Lamb of God! He is the "KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS! Please join me in praising the One Who loves you so much He died for you.

Joanne Lowe
January 29, 2021

 STILL CALLING

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

Matthew 11:28
King James Version

Rev. Charles P. Jones wrote the hymn "Come Unto Me". It is one of my favorite hymns. I love these words. " 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."

If you are going through a dark valley, tell Jesus. He loves you and will be faithful to pick you up in His loving arms and carry you until the pain goes away. Thank You, Jesus, for loving us and caring about us. I love You, dear Jesus.

Joanne Lowe
January 28, 2021

 THERE IS SAFETY WITH JESUS

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

Psalms 17:8

King James Version

Rev. William Orcutt Cushing wrote one of my favorite hymns "Under His Wings".  I love the words in this beautiful inspiring hymn.   "Under His wings I am safely abiding, Though the night deepens and tempests are wild, still I can trust Him; I know He will keep me, He has redeemed me, and I am His child."

We can trust Jesus to keep us from danger. When satan attacks us, and he will attack us, we need to call out to Jesus and ask Him to help us and protect us.  I used to think I would never have any problems after I was saved and gave my heart to Jesus on August 14, 1980. Was I wrong!  One of my pastors said, "Before we are saved, satan doesn't have to attack us because we're not serving Jesus but when we start serving Jesus it makes satan angry and he will do all he can do to discourage us so much that we stop serving Jesus".

We must stay on the battlefield for Jesus just as He stayed on the cross for us. Jesus has done so much for us and died for us and we need to keep serving Jesus even when satan attacks us.

O how I love Jesus! He is the Joy of my heart, the reason I'm living and why I get out of bed when my arthritis is hurting. If you are discouraged today, tell Jesus. He loves you and will pick you up in His loving arms and carry you until the pain goes away.

Joanne Lowe
January 27, 2021

 HE LOVES AND CARES FOR US

"Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father."

Matthew 10:29
King James Version

Civilla D. Martin wrote an inspiring and heart touching hymn about our precious Saviour "HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW" I love the words in this beautiful hymn.

"His tender word I hear, And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears; Though by the path He leadeth, But one step I may see; His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me; His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me. I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free, For His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me."

Thank You, Heavenly Father, for Your unconditional love, for taking care of us and for never leaving us. I love You and I appreciate all You have done for me. Thank You for the privilege You have given me to serve Your beloved Son. Please comfort and encourage all who are hurting. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Joanne Lowe
January 26, 2021

 STOP HURTING JESUS

"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
King James Version

A young boy said to his parents "You yell at me when I curse and say bad things to people but I hear you say bad things and curse people. How can it be bad for me to do it when you do it"?

If we want our children to love Jesus and be kind to others and respect them, then we need to set a good example for them by being kind and loving to one another.

A dad got angry at his son because his son was doing drugs and said to his son "because you are doing drugs you are hurting your mother and me and binging shame to this family and you are no longer part of this family. I disown you".

While the dad was yelling at his son about doing drugs and telling him how terrible he was, the dad was smoking and had been smoking in front of his son for years.

How we must hurt Jesus and break His heart when we say hateful and mean words to our children. Jesus loves children and is very protective of them. We read in the Bible.

"Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven" Matthew 19:13, 14.

May God help us to be kind and loving to our children so our children will know Jesus loves them. Instead of hurting Jesus and breaking His heart by the things we say and do, we should be doing everything we can to make Him happy. If ever someone deserves to be happy, it i s Jesus!

Joanne Lowe
January 25, 2021

 STOP IT

"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
King James Version

When we say harsh cruel words to people and do things that hurt others, we are hurting Jesus and we need to STOP IT!. None of us are perfect. All of us, and that includes me, hurt Jesus at times because of what we say and do. Let's stop hurting Jesus and become encouragers to one another and pray for each other.

How sad it will be and how it will hurt Jesus if we couldn't look Him in the eye when He comes back for us because of the way we have treated each other. It makes our Heavenly Father very sad when we hurt Jesus. Let's start loving one another.

Joanne Lowe
January 24, 2021

 OUR LOVING SAVIOUR

"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

One of my favorite hymns is "No one understands like Jesus". It is true because no one does understand like Jesus understands how we feel. When He was here on earth, He was rejected, cursed, abused, humiliated and He still willingly walked that long lonely road to the cross and died for something He did not do.

I will never understand why we get all excited and cheer for our favorite sports team but don't cheer for our precious Saviour. How we must hurt Him and break His heart. Bill Gaither wrote a beautiful hymn about Jesus "GET ALL EXCITED". I love the words in this hymn.

"Well you talk about people you talk about thing's but really aren't important at all. You talk about the weather, you talk about problems we have here at home and abroad. Well my friend I’m excited about a solution for the world of joy sing! Jesus Christ is still the king of king's."

Yes, Jesus is the "KING OF KINGS" and He deserves to be praised. Please join me in praising the One Who loves you so much He died for you. If you are reading this devotion, know that Jesus loves you and He loves you unconditionally. Allow Him to comfort and encourage you as only He can. Thank You, Jesus, for loving us and for dying for us.

Joanne Lowe
January 23, 2021

 JESUS PROTECTS US

"But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee."

Psalms 5:11
King James Version

When people say or do things that hurt us, our loving Saviour will defend and protect us. We can depend on Jesus because what He says, He will do. I think we hurt Him many times because we don't trust Him.

When we sit down in a chair, we don't stop and wonder if it is going to hold us, we just sit down. I wonder how many times we do things without wondering if Jesus will help us. Jesus loves us and He loves us unconditionally.

If you're going through dark valleys, tell Jesus. He will pick you up in His loving arms and will carry you until the pain goes away and will set you once again on the mountain top of happiness. Thank You, Jesus, for loving us.

Joanne Lowe
January 22, 2021

 A HOME MADE WITH LOVE

"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

Jesus has not only prepared a place for us, He has made it a home of love, unconditional love. Three will no no fighting, no cursing or anything bad in the mansion Jesus is preparing for us. It will be a place of unconditional love and best of all we wil be with Jesus for eternity. Thank You, Jesus. I love You so much.

Joanne Lowe
January 21, 2021

 JESUS IS WAITING

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

Matthew 11:28
King James Version

Jesus knows how it feels to be tired because He too grew tired when He was here on His mission. We read in the Bible "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).

If you're tired and discouraged, tell Jesus. He will pick you up in His loving arms and will carry you through all the dark valleys in your life. Have you allowed it to go from head knowledge to heart knowledge how much He loves you?

He loves you so much He died for you. Thank You, Jesus, for all You have done for us and all You do for us every day.

Joanne Lowe
January 20, 2021

 STILL WAIING

"But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:"

Hebrews 3:6- 8
King James Bible

Ralph Carmichael wrote the hymn "The Savior Is Waiting". "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?

Time after time He has waited before, And now He is waiting again, To see if you're willing to open the door, Oh, how he wants to come in."

For some of you, Jesus has been knocking at the door of your heart for many years but you haven't let Him come into your heart to be your Saviour. He loves you so much that He died for your sins on the cross and was beaten beyond recognition.

I invited Jesus into my heart on August 14,1980. There are no words to express the joy and happiness that I felt that day when my precious Saviour put His arms around me and said "Joanne, I love you and will never leave you".

What a Saviour! What a Friend, this Jesus of Nazareth. All hail, King Jesus! Worthy is the Lamb of God! "He is the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS!" Please join me in praising the One Who loves you so much He died for you.

Joanne Lowe
January 19, 2021

 A COMMANDMENT

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."

John 13:34
King James Version

I think we sometimes forget that loving one another unconditionally is not an option. It is a commandment from Jesus. How sad it would be if Jesus stopped loving us because we did something to hurt Him.

None of us are perfect and that includes me. All of us hurt Jesus at times. Hopefully, not on purpose. I write daily devotions that God lays on my heart to write but I also fail Jesus and hurt Him at times. There was only one perfect person who ever lived or ever will live and His Name is Jesus.

Don't look to your Pastor, to your Sunday school teacher or anyone else. Keep your eyes on Jesus because He will never fail us or hurt us. A. A. Luther wrote a beautiful hymn about our precious Saviour and I love the words in this hymn.

"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."

Thank You, Jesus, for loving us unconditionally and for being a tender compassionate and forgiving Saviour. I love You so much and I long for the day when I will have the privilege of seeing You face to face.

Joanne Lowe
January 18, 2021

 NEVER

"He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 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. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth."

Isaiah 53:3-7
King James Version

Our precious Saviour never sinned, never did anything wrong yet He willingly walked that long lonely road to Calvary and allowed them to crucify Him on the cross for something He hadn't done. We will never have anyone who loves us like Jesus loves us.

His love is unconditional and there is nothing we could ever do that would make Him stop loving us. Someone said "Why do you write about Jesus so much?" It is because Jesus the reason I'm living and the Joy of my heart. O how I love Jesus and one day I will have the privilege of seeing Him face to face.

Carrie E. Breck wrote the beautiful heart touching and inspiring hymn "Face to Face with Christ, My Savior". I love these words. "Face to face—oh, blissful moment! Face to face—to see and know; Face to face with my Redeemer, Jesus Christ who loves me so."

Have you allowed it to go from head knowledge to heart knowledge how much Jesus loves you? The beauty of His heart outshines the most handsome man or beautiful women you have ever seen and wonder of wonders, He loves us!

Joanne Lowe
January 17, 2021

 OUR LOVING HEAVENLY FATHER

"He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young."

Isaiah 40:11
King James Version

Pastor Cleland B. McAfee wrote a beautiful hymn about our loving Heavenly Father "NEAR TO THE HEART OF GOD". I love these words. "There is a place of comfort sweet, Near to the heart of God. A place where we our Savior meet, Near to the heart of God."

Our Heavenly Father and Jesus love us and They love us unconditionally. There is nothing we could do that would make Them stop loving us. You may wonder why I write about the unconditional love They give us. It is because all of us and that includes you need to know we are loved.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the many times You have comforted and encouraged me. Thank You for giving Your beloved Son to die on the cross so we can be saved. I love You, dear Heavenly Father, and I appreciate all You have done for me. in Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Joanne Lowe
January 16, 2021

 IT HURTS

"When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost."

John 19:30
King James Version

It hurts me to know that Jesus died on the cross and suffered all that pain because of my sins. I am so glad that we have a compassionate, loving and forgiving Saviour.

O how I love Jesus! He is the reason I'm living, the Joy of my heart and the reason I get out of bed when I'm discouraged or in pain. Thank You, Jesus, for loving us and for never leaving us.

Joanne Lowe
January 15, 2021

 WHO DO YOU CHOOSE

"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

We have to make a lot of decisions in our life but the most important decision you will ever make is will I serve Jesus? There is no middle ground. We are either serving Jesus or we're serving satan. Who do you choose?

Joanne Lowe
January 14, 2021

 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, we love You and appreciate all You do for us. Thank You for Jesus and for being a loving and protective Father. Thank You for the privilege You have given me to serve Jesus. Please comfort and encourage all who are hurting. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Joanne Lowe
January 13, 2021

 WHAT A PRIVILEGE

"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
King James Version

It has been my privilege to serve Jesus full time for over twenty years. These las twenty years have been the happiest years of my life.  One of my pastors said "If you want to fly higher than a kite, start bragging on Jesus". If you're not serving Jesus, why aren't you? He left His Father, His home and all that He had to come to earth to die for our sins.

Joanne Lowe
January 12, 2021

 STOP IT

"But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."

Revelation 21:8
King James Version

I received an email from someone who criticized and said cruel words about some people. We need to stop it! We need to stop criticizing people and become encouragers to one another.

Guess what? You're not perfect and neither am I. All of us hurt Jesus and break His heart at times. There was only one perfect person who ever lived or ever will live and His Name is Jesus!

If Jesus will forgive us for some of the things we do that hurt Him, who are we to condemn one another? 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).

Heavenly Father, please forgive us for being so judgmental, for criticizing and for hurting Jesus. I pray that if there is anything in my heart that hurts You that You will forgive me. I'm sorry because I never want to hurt You or Jesus and yet I know I do at times because of the things I say when I'm angry or hurt.

I love You, dear Father, and I appreciate all You have done for me. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Joanne Lowe
January 11, 2021

 ARE YOU READY

"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. Wherefore comfort one another with these words."

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18
King James Version

When we go on vacation or on a long trip we pack things so we are ready to go when we decide to go. When Jesus comes back for us, we won't have time to get ready because we don't know when He is coming back for us.

Rev. Elisha A. Hoffman wrote the hymn "Is Thy Heart Right With God?" Every one of us needs to search our heart and see if there is anything in our heart that hurts Jesus and breaks His heart.

We may be saved. We may teach Sunday school, sing in the choir, play the piano or organ, or even preach but none of us are perfect. All of us hurt Jesus at times and break His heart.

How sad it would be if we can't look Jesus in the eyes when He comes back for us because of the things that we allow to remain in our heart like unforgiveness, bitterness, anger, jealousy and hatred.

One day every one of us will stand before our Heavenly Father and give an account of the ways we treated His Son. May God have mercy on us if we are hurting Jesus and breaking His heart because of the things we do and the things we say.

Joanne Lowe
January 10, 2021

 JESUS IS WAITING

"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

Fanny Crosby wrote a beautiful hymn about our precious Saviour "JESUS IS TENDERLY CALLING YOU HOME". The words in this hymn bring tears to my eyes to know how much Jesus loves us and cares about us.

"Jesus is calling the weary to rest, Calling today, calling today, Bring Him your burden and you shall be blest; He will not turn you away."

If you're hurting today and going through dark valleys, allow Jesus to pick you up in His arms of Love and He will carry you until the pain goes away.

Joanne Lowe
January 9, 2021

 WE NEED JESUS

"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
King James Version

Annie S. Hawks wrote one of my favorite hymns "I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR". However, I don't just need Jesus every hour, I need Him every minute. The words in this beautiful hymn are so true.

"I need Thee, O I need Thee; Every hour I need Thee; O bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee." There are days when my arthritis hurts so much I just want to stay in bed so I really do need Him all the time. Without Jesus, we aren't living, we just exist.

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving Jesus to us to be our Saviour, our best Friend and Who never leaves us. I love You, Heavenly Father. Please comfort and encourage all who are lonely and hurting. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Joanne Lowe
January 8, 2021

 OUR PRECIOUS SAVIOUR

"Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,"

1 Peter 2:6, 7
King James Version

Rev. William M. Runyan wrote a beautiful hymn about our precious Saviour "More Precious To Me". I love the words in this beautiful hymn. "When Jesus first came to my heart to abide, My sorrows like clouds rolled away; But since He so lovingly walks by my side, More precious is He every day!"

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so much that You gave Your beloved Son to die on the cross so we can have our sins forgiven. I pray for every person who is discouraged, lonely, going through dark valleys and those who feel like going to bed and staying there. Please comfort and encourage them as You have done for me so many times. In Jesus' Name, I pray, Amen.

Joanne Lowe
January 7, 2021

 THE TREE OF LOVE

"And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left."

Luke 23:33
King James Version

Two of my friends decorated a 4 foot Christmas tree for me and put it on the desk in my office. It is beautiful and touches my heart to think that they cared enough to do this for me.

Pastor Chuck Lawrence wrote “He Grew the Tree”. The words in this beautiful heart touching hymn always bring tears to my eyes to know that our Heavenly Father loves us so much.

"He molded and built A small lonely hill That He knew Would be called Calvary then he made the seed That would grow to be Thors that would make His Son bleed"

If you ever think nobody loves you, remember the cross and the unconditional love our Heavenly Father and our precious Saviour gave us when God grew the tree and Jesus died for our sins.

Joanne Lowe
January 6, 2021

 JESUS LOVES US AND CARES

"(A Song of degrees.) Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD. Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications."

Psalms 130:1, 2
King James Version

Every time I read these verses, they remind me of how much Jesus loves us and cares about us. Rev. William T. Sleeper wrote a beautiful hymn that describes our wonderful and loving Saviour "Jesus, I Come".

"Out of my bondage, sorrow, and night, Jesus, I come, Jesus, I come; Into Thy freedom, gladness, and light, Jesus, I come to Thee; Out of my sickness, into Thy health, Out of my want and into Thy wealth, Out of my sin and into Thyself, Jesus, I come to Thee."

Jesus, thank You for loving us, for never leaving us and for caring about us. I love You, dear Jesus.

Joanne Lowe
January 5, 2021

 I'M STILL HERE

"Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

Matthew 28:20
King James Version

A husband and wife were on their vacation and as they were going down the highway the wife said "We don't sit close to each other any monre". The husband replied "I haven't moved".

The husband was driving so he was sitting in the same place that he always sat just as Jesus never leaves us. We're the onles who move. Ludie D. Pickett wrote a hymn about the faithfulness of our Saviour "Never Alone". It is one of my favorite hymns.

"I’ve seen the lightning flashing, I’ve heard the thunder roll. I’ve felt sin’s breakers dashing Which almost conquered my soul. I’ve heard the voice of my Savior, Bidding me still to fight on. He promised never to leave me, Never to leave me alone!"

If you're feeling alone, know that Jesus is still with you. He hasn't left you and He will never leave you. Allow our precious Saviour to comfort and encourage you. He will pick you up and carry you until the pain goes away. You can depend on Jesus. He loves you so much He died for you.

Joanne Lowe
January 4, 2021

 WHAT IF

"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

Someone said "You have hurt me for the last time. I don't want anything to do with you". What if Jesus would say that to us when we hurt Him? We do hurt Jesus, not on purpose, but we do hurt Him when we say criticizing and harsh words to someone or do something mean to someone.

I am so glad that Jesus forgives us and still loves us when we hurt Him. We need to follow His example and forgive those who hurt us. Guess what? None of us are perfect and that includes me.

Just because I write a devotion every day does not mean that I am perfect. I am only a sinner saved by grace. Charles Austin Miles wrote one of my favorite hymns "A New Name in Glory". I love the words in this inspiring hymn.

"1 I was once a sinner, but I came pardon to receive from my Lord. This was freely given, and I found That He always kept His word.

Chorus:
There's a new name Written down in glory, And it's mine, (And it's mine,) oh yes, it's mine! (yes, it's mine!) And the white-robed Angels sing the story, "A sinner has come home." (home, has come home." For there's a new name written down in glory, And it's mine, (And it's mine,) oh yes, it's mine! (yes, it's mine!) With my sins forgiven I am bound for heaven, Nevermore to roam."

Thank You, Jesus, for loving me, dying for me and for being my Saviour and never leaving me. I love You and I long for the day when I will have the privilege of seeing You face to face.

Joanne Lowe
January 3, 2021

 THE SON OF GOD

"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

There was dark, gloomy rainy weather where I live yesterday and today was supposed to be the same but as I look out my office window I see the sun trying to come through the dark clouds.

Jesus, the beautiful Son of God, is always shining in our heart. When people say words that hurt us or do something that hurt us, Jesus shines His light of love a little brighter in our heart.

Thank You, Jesus, for caring and for always being here for us. You are so precious and I love You very much and one happy day I will have the privilege to see You face to face.

Joanne Lowe
January 2, 2021