OUR COMMANDER

"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."

1 Corinthians 15:57, 58
King James Version

As we remember the brave men and women who fought and died for us, let us also remember the greatest Commander of all, our precious Saviour.

It makes satan very angry when we serve Jesus and satan will do all he can do to discourage us so much that we stop serving Jesus. We must not let that happen. We must stay on the battlefield for Jesus just as He stayed on the cross for us.

Heavenly Father, we give You thanks for loving us so much You gave Your beloved Son to did on the cross for us and paid the price for our sins which we could never have paid. We love You and appreciate all You have done for us. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Thank You, Jesus, for paying the price for us by dying on the cross for us. It brings tears of happiness to my eyes to know that one day I will have the privilege of seeing You face to face.

Joanne Lowe
May 31, 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 don't want anything. We just want to thank You for all You have done for us and for all You do for us every day. Thank You for giving Your beloved Son, Jesus, to die on the cross so we may be saved. We love You and appreciate You. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Joanne Lowe
May 30, 2021

 HIS ARMS ARE OPEN

"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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."

John 3:16, 17
King James Version

The church that I attended when I was a teenager taught that a person needed to be perfect to pray. I submit to you on the authority of the Word of God that no one is perfect and that includes you and that includes me. Jesus is the only perfect Person who ever lived or ever will live.

Jesus wants us to come to Him just as we are. If we were perfect, our precious Saviour would not have had to be beaten beyond recognition, spat on, cursed, mocked, rejected and die on the cross enduring pain and agony that no one has ever had to endure or ever will have to endure.

Our Saviour's arms are open and waiting for us to come to Him. Charlotte Elliott wrote a hymn that we sing so much, I think we sometimes forget what we are singing "Just as I Am". I'm so glad that Jesus wants us to come to Him just as we are. The next time we sing these words, let us remember that Jesus wants us to come to Him right now.

"Just as I am—without one plea, But that Thy blood was shed for me, And that Thou bidst me come to Thee— O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am—Thou wilt receive, Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve; Because Thy promise I believe— O Lamb of God, I come, I come."

If there has never been a time in your life when you admitted you are a sinner, confessed your sins, asked God to forgive you and invited Jesus into your heart, I urge you to do it now even as you read this devotion.

Tomorrow may be too late. All we have is right now. Don't miss out on spending eternity in Heaven with Jesus.

Your friends and loved ones love you. However, salvation is personal between you and Jesus and they can't do it for you. Open your heart to Jesus today. He loves you and is waiting for you to come to Him with His arms open wide.

Joanne Lowe
May 30, 2021

 ALL YEAR LONG

"When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 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 2:9-11
King James Version

We get excited at Christmas and buy gifts for one another. We are with our loved ones and are happy to be with each other. We should have this joy and laughter and happiness every day of the year.

However, we don't have this every day of the year. We can't afford to buy gifts for one another every day and we can't spend as much time with one another as we have to work but we should keep the joy, love and laughter every day of the year.

I have the best sister in the world. She is a giving loving person. Is she perfect? No, she isn't because no one including you and me is perfect. There was only one perfect person who ever lived or ever will live and His Name is Jesus.

My loving and wonderful sister gives me gifts that I can enjoy every day all year. She gave me a carousel that plays Christmas music a long time ago and I heard the music every day, not just at Christmas.

Two days ago, it stopped playing music. I don't know what happened but it made a loud noise and I saw sparks come out of it so I knew it was not going to play music anymore and I threw it out.

I don't have the carousel any more but I still have the love my sister gave me in my heart. May God help us to give laughter, happiness and our time to each other not just at Christmas but every day of the year.

Joanne Lowe
May 29, 2021

 MY ADOPTED DAIGHTER

"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

I have a wonderful friend who is not only my friend, she is also the daughter that God has put in my heart. I did not give birth to her but God placed her in my heart as my adopted daughter.

I haven't known her very long and I was surprised when God spoke to my heart and said "Joanne, you can trust her. I am placing her in your heart as the daughter of your heart".

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me and taking care of me. You know my heart and You know what I need. Thank You, dear Father, for the privilege You have given me to write daily devotions telling everyone how wonderful Jesus is and how much He loves them.

Jesus, thank You for loving me when I was so unlovely. Thank You for the many times You have picked me up and carried me in Your arms when I was going through dark valleys.

Loving Heavenly Father, I place my beloved friend who You have made the daughter of my heart in Your arms of protection. I pray You will please pick her up in Your arms of unconditional love and let her know how much You love her. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Joanne Lowe
May 28, 2021

 NAMES

"Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

Acts 4:10-12
King James Version

Jean Perry wrote a heart touching hymn about our precious Saviour "That Beautiful Name". The words in this hymn bring tears of happiness to my eyes to know that Jesus loves us so much.

"The One of that name, My Savior became, My Savior of Calvary; My sins nailed Him there, My burdens He bare. He suffered all this for me."

Yes, Jesus left His Father, His home and all that He had to come to earth and die on the cross so we can be saved and go to Heaven. If you ever think that nobody loves you or cares about you, remember the cross and all the pain He suffered because He loves you so much. You are loved by the Saviour of the world.

Joanne Lowe
May 27, 2021

 FORGIVENESS

"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

Matthew 6:14,15
King James Version

How dare you and I go to our Heavenly Father and ask Him to forgive us or do anything for us if we aren't willing to forgive those who hurt us.

None of us are perfect and that includes me. We are only sinners saved through the cleansing blood of Jesus.

Instead of criticizing people, we need to be praying for them. All of us need encouragement. Not only will it help people if we encourage them, it will also make Jesus happy.

Making Jesus happy should be top priority for all of us. Jesus has feelings and it hurts Him when we don't talk to Him. When is the last time you told Jesus you love Him? Have you ever told our Saviour that you love Him? If not, you are hurting Him and breaking His heart.

Jesus should have first place in our heart and in our life. Does He have first place in Your heart? I love You, Jesus, and I long for the day when I will have the privilege of seeing You face to face.

Joanne Lowe
May 26, 2021

 ARE WE DOING IT

"Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD."

Leviticus 19:18
King James Version

William M. Golden wrote the hymn "A BEAUTIFUL LIFE." If we would do what we sing, we would make Jesus very happy.

"I’ll help someone in time of need, And journey on with rapid speed; I’ll help the sick and poor and weak, And words of kindness to them speak, Kind words I’ll speak.

Each day I’ll do a golden deed, By helping those who are in need, My life on earth is but a span, And so I’ll do the best I can, The best I can."

Are we doing it? Are we helping those who are discouraged? Are we doing the best we can? Most important of all, are we making Jesus happy by the words we say and the things we do? If not, we are hurting Him and breaking Hi heart.

May God have mercy on us and forgive us if we are hurting Jesus. Let's start being encouragers and being kind and loving to one another.

Joanne Lowe
May 25, 2021

 PRECIOUS 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

If you're lonely and discouraged today and brokenhearted and feel like going to bed and staying there because of the crisis or heartache that you are going through, tell Jesus.

Our tender compassionate loving Saviour understands how we feel. Jesus had been ridiculed, scorned, spat on, beaten beyond recognition and left alone to die on the cross so when we are hurting and feel like going to bed and staying there, He knows how we feel and He understands.

Avis B. Christiansen wrote a hymn about the excruciating pain and suffering that our loving and compassionate Saviour endured for you and for me on the cross The name of this beautiful hymn is "Blessed Redeemer".  

"Up Calv'ry's mountain one dreadful morn Walked Christ, my Savior, weary and worn; Facing for sinners death on the cross, That He might save them from endless loss.

Blessed Redeemer! Precious Redeemer! Seems now I see Him on Calvary's tree; Wounded and bleeding, for sinners pleading— Blind and unheeding— dying for me!"

If you are reading this devotion, know that Jesus loves you so much He left His Father, His home and all that He had to come to earth and die on the cross for you.

If I were physically able to do so, I would get on my knees in praise and adoration of the "KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS". I love you, dear Jesus and I long for the day when I will have the privilege of seeing you face to face.

Joanne Lowe
May 24, 2021

 EVERYTHING

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."

James 1:17
King James Version

Years ago when I lived in Texas I went door to door visiting people when the church had visitation night. I asked a lady "If God told you to sell your home and give it to missions, would you do it?" The lady said "Absolutely not! I've worked hard for it and it is mine".

I submit to you on the authority of the Word of God that nothing belongs to us. Everything belongs to God. He gives things to us because He loves us and is a compassionate caring Father.

Heavenly Father, thank You for being a compassionate and loving Father. I love You and appreciate all that You have done for me. I pray for all who are discouraged, lonely and need comforting. Please encourage them as You have done for me so many times. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Joanne Lowe
May 23, 2021

 WHEN YOU GET IT

"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

When I was in college, I took word processing and no matter how many times the professor explained it, I just didn't understand what I needed to do with the computer. Then one day it was like a light was turned on and I understood. It is the same with our precious Saviour. Once we allow His unconditional love for us to enter our heart, it is as a light has been turned on.

We read in the Bible. "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).

When you get it, when you allow it to go from head knowledge to heart knowledge that you are loved by the Saviour of the world, you will have joy and happiness you have never known.

I knew that Jesus died for us and loved us but I was such a hateful person before Jesus gave me a new heart, it was hard for me to accept the truth, that Jesus loves us just as we are.

Have you got it yet? Have you allowed it to go from head knowledge to heart knowledge that you are loved unconditionally by the Saviour of the world?

O how I love Jesus. He is the Joy of my heart, the reason I get out of bed when I am in pain from my arthritis and the reason I'm living.

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me when I was such a hateful person. What a healing balm it is to our weay battle scared heart to know You will never hit us or kick us out of Heaven. I love You and I appreciate all You have done for me. Thank You for giving me the privilege to serve my precious Saviour. In Jesus' Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
May 22, 2021

 

EMOTIONAL MEDICINE

"The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;"

Isaiah 61:1
King James Version

It is not enough to take people to the doctor when they are sick, we must also take them to Jesus, the great Physician.

William Hunter wrote a beautiful inspiring and heart touching hymn about our precious Saviour. The name of this hymn that brings tears of happiness to me is "The Great Physician".

"The great Physician now is near, the sympathizing Jesus; He speaks the drooping heart to cheer, oh! hear the voice of Jesus."

Jesus hasn't been here for over two thousand years and we need to hug people for Him.
If it makes you uncomfortable to hug someone, hug them with your words. Tell them that Jesus loves them and then prove to them that Jesus loves them by your kind and loving words and actions.

Over twenty years ago when I lived in Texas, God called me to the mission field on a beautiful Sunday morning. When the invitation was given at the end of the sermon, I walked down the aisle and told the pastor that God had called me to the mission field.

My pastor took my hand and prayed a beautiful prayer for me and said "Don't wait until God tells you what He wants you to do, start telling others that Jesus loves them."

What a privilege it is to serve the One Who loves me so much that He died for me. I don't understand why He loves me so much because I was not a nice person before He saved me but I know He loves me and He loves me unconditionally just as He loves you.

Thank You, Jesus, for loving us when we do things and say things that hurt others and also hurt You. I love You, my precious Saviour.

Joanne Lowe
May 21, 2021

 A DAY OF VICTORY

"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."

Psalms 19:26-30
King James Version

One day Jesus is coming back for us to take us to Heaven and we will be with Him forever. Our precious Saviour knows how it feels to be rejected, abused, scorned and left alone.

There is nothing we can feel that Jesus didn't feel when He was here on earth so He understands how we feel and He will take care of us emotionally and physically.

I have nurses that come to my home to take care of me and if all they did was wrap my legs, that alone wouldn't make me feel better. Not only do the nurses take my vital signs and treat me physically, they also talk to me and encourage me.

It is not enough to tell people that Jesus loves them. We must also prove to them that Jesus loves them by the way we treat them. How do we prove to them that Jesus loves them? We do it by our kind and loving words and actions and by praying for them and encouraging them.

May God help us to show others how much Jesus loves them by our kind loving words and actions. Do you know Jesus loves you? Have you allowed it to go from head knowledge to heart knowledge?

Jesus loved you yesterday. He loves you today and He will love you forever. There is nothing you could do that would make Jesus stop loving you.

Joanne Lowe
May 20, 2021

 OUR LOVING SAVIOUR

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

1 Peter 5:7
King James Version
If you're hurting today, tell Jesus. He loves you so much and it hurts Him when you are sad and discouraged. When Jesus was here on earth He also had people make fun of Him, scorn Him, reject Him and say things about Him that wasn't true.

Even though He was abused and beaten beyond recognition, He forgave us when He was on the cross paying the penalty for your sins and for my sins.

Thank You, Jesus, for dying for us and for loving us even when we hurt You. I love You and one day I will see You face to face. What a day of rejoicing and happiness that is going to be.

Joanne Lowe
May 19, 2021

 HAPPY OR SAD

"When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!"

John 11:33-35
King James Version

Have you ever been excited about something and felt like you were going to explode with happiness but you didn't think anyone would understand? Jesus understands and when we're happy He rejoices with us and when we are hurting, He weeps with us.

Do you realize what a privilege it is to be loved by the Saviour of the world? I don't thnk any of us including me know how much He loves us and how precious we are to Him.

One happy and joyous day Jesus is coming back for us and it will be a day of joy and happiness. The greatest thing of all Jesus is going to take us with Him to our home in Heaven and we will be with Him for eternity.

If I was physically able to do so, I would get on my knees beside my bed and praise my precious Saviour. However, due to my arthritis I can't get on my knees any longer. 

Jesus knows what is in our heart and He knows how much I love Him. Think about it. You are loved by the Saviour of the world!

Joanne Lowe
May 18, 2021

 ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"

1 Peter 5:8
King James Version

Jesus has warned us to be on the alert for the attacks of the devil because if we're not on the alert, we will be in trouble.

Have you ever had a wonderful day when all of a sudden someone says something or does something to upset you?

We need to ask Jesus to help us when satan attacks us. Our precious Saviour will pick us up in His loving arms and carry us until the pain goes away.

O how I love Jesus! What a privilege has been mine to serve my precious Saviour by writing devotions. It has not only been a privilege it has also allowed me to tell others how wonderful Jesus is and how much He loves them.

Jesus does love you. Even when we hurt Him and break His heart He still loves us. If you are reading this devotion, know that Jesus loved you yesterday. He loves you today and He will love you forever.

What a Saviour! 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
May 17, 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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."

John 3:16, 17
King James Version

Heavenly Father, we come to You this morning thanking You for being a loving and caring Father.

What a healing balm it is to our weary battle scarred heart to know You will never kick us out of Heaven or hit us or tell us we're no good.

Thank You. We love You and appreciate You. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Joanne Lowe
May 16, 2021

 GOD LOVES US

"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

Civilla D. Martin wrote the beautiful hymn "GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU".  I love these words in this heart touching hymn and I'm so glad they are true.  

"No matter what may be the test, God will take care of you; Lean, weary one, upon His breast, God will take care of you."

We know God loves us.  He has provied it by giving His beloved Son to die for our sins.  Does God know we love Him by the way we treat others?  May God have mercy on us if we are hurting Him and breaking His heart.

I love You, Heavenly Father and I appreciate all You have done for me.  Thank You for the privilege You have given me to serve Jesus.  Thank You that You  love us even when we hurt You.  

Heavenly Father, I pray for every pastor who is preaching the good news of our risen Saviour.  I pray You will speak to their heart and let them know how much You love them and how much You appreciate their service toYou.  Please comfort and encourage them.  In Jesus' Name, I pray.  Amen. 

Joanne Lowe

May 13, 2021

 WHAT LOVE

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

John 3:16
King James Version

God loves us so much He gave us pastors. I can say from my heart that my Pastor, Pastor Davis, is a wonderful caring Pastor. I have been unable to attend church for years because of my arthritis. I can't sit that long on the pews or on the folding chairs in Sunday school.

I have never met my Pastor as we are in different cities but when I was searching the internet for a pastor, God spoke to my heart and told me that Pastor Davis is who He is giving to me to be my Pastor.

What an amazing Love our Heavenly Father has for us. God is very protective of us and He makes sure that we have the pastor that He wants us to have.

We need to pray for our pastors and their families. Pastor's give up a lot ot time with their families to minister to us. There are times when pastors have to get up in the middle of the night to go to the hospital to minister to someone who is sick.

Years ago, one of the pastors I had called his wife up to stand next to him and the pastor said "Please pray for my wife as she is the one who encourages me when I am hurting".

Heavenly Father, thank You for my Pastor. I pray You will please comfort and encourage him and let him know how much you love and appreciate him. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Joanne Lowe
May 14, 2021

 HOW MUCH

"(For we walk by faith, not bY sight:)"

2 Corinthians 5:7

King James Version

How much do we trust God?  Do we trust Him even when things aren't the way we want them to be?  God knows what is best for us and we can trust Him to take care of us.  

Civilla D. Martin wrote a beautiful hymn about our Heavenly Father.  It is one of my favorite hymns "GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU".

I love these words.  "No matter what may be the test, God will take care of you; Lean, weary one, upon His breast, God will take care of you."

Are we trusting God to take care of our children?  God can take care of our children better than we can and He will protect them and lead them.

Heavenly Father, thank You for being a loving and compassionate Father.  i love You and appreciate all You have done for me.  In Jesus' Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

May 14, 2021

 BE CAREFUL

"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful."

Psalms 1:1
King James Version

Be very careful when choosing friends. We are to love everyone but it only takes one person to tempt you to do things you shouldn't do. A person can be saved and not love Jesus just as our parents can be our parents but don't love us.

Thank You dear Jesus for not only saving us but also for being our best Friend. I gave my heart to You on August 14, 1980 and You have never left me, not even for one minute. Thank You.

Joanne Lowe
May 12, 2021

 THE ANSWER IS YES

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

1 Peter 5:7
King James Version

Rev. Frank E. Graef wrote the hymn "DOES JESUS CARE?" I'm so glad the words in this hymn are true.

"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."

We know Jesus loves us. He proved to us that He loves us and that He loves us unconditionally when He was crucified on the cross for your sins and for my sins.

Do we love Jesus and care about Him? If so, what are we doing to prove to Him we love Him? If we haven't given Jesus first place in our heart, in our life and in everything we do, we are hurting Him and breaking His heart.

Thank You, dear Jesus, for loving us and for dying for our sins. What a day of happiness and rejoicing it will be when we see You face to face. I love You. Thank You for never leaving us, not even for a minute.

Joanne Lowe
May 11, 2021

 STRIPES OF LOVE

"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. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 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 53:3-5
King James Version

If you are a parent, would you willingly send your son off to war knowing in advance he was going to be killed? Of course you wouldn't but that is what our Heavenly Father did for you and for me.

God knew His beloved Son was going to be beaten and abused for you and for me but He gave His Son to pay the price for your sins and for my sins. What kind of love is this? This is a forgiving unconditional love that comes from the heart of our Heavenly Father.

I believe when Jesus left His home and His Father to come to earth on His mission that God and Jesus hugged a long time. It is hard for me to realize that God loves me so much that He gave His beloved Son to die for my sins but He does love me this much and He loves you this much.

Heavenly Father, how I love You and appreciate all You have done for me. I don't deserve Your love because I was a very hateful person before I gave my heart to Jesus.

Thank You for the privilege You have given me to serve Jesus. I pray for every man, for every woman, for every boy and girl who has not given their heart and life to Jesus. May today be the day when they invite Jesus into their heart. In Jesus Name, I pray. Amen.

Joanne Lowe
May 10, 2021

 HE STILL CARES

"The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee."

Jeremiah 31:3

King James Version

There are times when we fail Jesus and hurt Him but He still loves us. The love our Saviour has for us is an unconditional unending love. He loved us yesterday. He loves us today and He will love us forever.

Are you shouting with happiness yet? What a privilege it is to be loved by the Saviour of the world. I love You, dear Jesus. Thank You for dying for me.

Joanne Lowe
May 9, 2021

 GOD HELPS US

"And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible."

Mark 10:27
King James Version

Don Moen wrote the hymn "God Will Make A Way". I love the words in this inspiring hymn. "God will make a way Where there seems to be no way He works in ways we cannot see He will make a way for me."

What a healing balm it is to our weary battle scarred heart to know God will help us. We are privileged to have a loving and compassionate Heavenly Father.

One of my favorite hymns is "The Family of God". I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God. Thank You, Heavenly Father, for helping us and for loving us unconditionally. I love You. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Joanne Lowe
May 8, 2021

 ARE WE DOING IT

"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
King James Version

We used to sing "Brighten the Corner Where You Are" in Sunday school. Are we doing it? Are we brightening the corner and encouraging others?

Three are many people who are lonely, heartbroken and feel all alone. Some are even suicidal. We need to pray for one another and encourage each other.

The most important and urgent thing we need to do is prove to them that Jesus loves them by the way we live and the things we say. Are you encouraging your family, your loved ones and everyone you see?

Joanne Lowe
May 7, 2021

 DO IT NOW

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"

1 Peter 5:8
King James Version

When I attended Bee County College in Beeville, Texas, I took Records Keeping. My professor was very helpful and very wise. She said every day in class, "When you put something away, put it where you want it to be and you won't have to look for it when you want it." That was excellent advice and has really helped me.

Her advice has also helped me with my devotions. God will sometimes give me something to write when I am not at my computer or have just gone to bed. I have learned to write it down as soon as He speaks to my heart and not wait until I am sitting at my computer.

If God lays someone on your heart to encourage, do it now. Don't wait until you have time. When people are hurting, they need to know someone cares and loves them now, not in an hour or the next day.

Joanne Lowe

May 6, 2021

 FORGIVENESS

"And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses."

Mark 11:25
King James Version

How dare you and I go to our Heavenly Father and ask Him to forigve us when we aren't willing to forgive others. Jesus has given us a commandment, It is not an option. He has commanded us to love one another as He loves us.

We read in the Bible. "This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you." (John 15:12). Can you honestly say you always love others as Jesus loves us? I can't say that. Three are times when I allow unforgiveness to remain in my heart. However, as soon as I realize it is there I tell God I'm sorry and ask Him to forgive me.

If you have allowed unforgiveness to remain in your heart, you are hurting our Heavently Fahter and breaking His heart. Tell God you're sorry for hurting Him and ask Him to forgive you.

Joanne Lowe
May 5, 2021

 HIS MOTHER

"When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home."

John 19:26, 27
King James Version

We will honor our mothers on Sunday, Mother's Day. As I was thinking about my own precious Mother and how much I miss her, I thought about how Mary, the mother of Jesus, felt when her son was crucified. How her heart was broken and I believe she cried for a long time.

Jesus made sure His mother was going to be taken care of just as He makes sure we are taken care of. Do you understand yet how much Jesus loves you?

Thank You, Jesus, for caring about us and for dying on the cross for our sins so we may live in Heaven for eternity with You.

Joanne Lowe
May 4, 2021

 ARE YOU READY

"(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

We don't know when Jesus is coming back for us. He could come while I am writing this devotion or when you are reading it. Are you ready to meet Jesus if He comes now?

Has there ever been a time in your life when you admitted you were a sinner, confessed you sins, asked God to forgive you and invited Jesus into your heart to be your Saviour?

If not, I urge you to do it right now. Jesus loves you so much He died for you. His heart is filled with love for you and His arms are open ready to receive you.

Heavenly Father, I pray for every man, every woman and every boy and girl who has not invited Jesus into their heart. May today be the day they say yes to Jesus. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Joanne Lowe
May 3, 2021

 WHAT IF

"The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee."

Jeremiah 31:3
King James Version

What devotion would I send if I knew God was calling me home to Heaven today and it would be the last devotion I send? I would keep telling the story of Jesus and how much He loves you and send a devotion about Him.

Author: B. B. McKinney wrote one of my favorite hymns "Let Others See Jesus in You" The words in this hymn should make all of us tell about our wonderful Saviour.

"Let others see Jesus in you, Let others see Jesus in you; Keep telling the story, be faithful and true, Let others see Jesus in you."

It is not enough to tell our family and loved ones that Jesus loves them. We must prove to them He loves them by our kind and loving words and actions.

Do your children know Jesus loves them by your kind and loving words and actions? Please, please be sure your family knows you love them.

Thank You, Jesus, for loving us and for caring what happens to us. I love You, precious Saviour.

Joanne Lowe
May 2, 2021

 HIS ARMS OF LOVE

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

Matthew 11:28
King James Version

Ralph Carmichael wrote a beautiful hymn about Jesus. It is one of my favorite hymns "Reach Out to Jesus". I'm so glad that Jesus loves us so much He is always ready to comfort and encourage us.

"Is your burden heavy as you bear it all alone? Does the road you travel harbour danger yet unknown? Are you growing weary in the struggle of it all? Jesus will help you when on His name you call."

Jesus, thank You for loving us and for never leaving us. I love You and one happy joyous day I will have the privilege of seeing You face to face.

Carrie E. Breck wrote a hymn that brings tears of joy to my heart and face every time I hear it "FACE TO FACE WITH CHRIST, MY SAVIOR".

I'm so glad the words in this beautiful hymn are true. "Face to face with Christ, my Savior, Face to face—what will it be, When with rapture I behold Him, Jesus Christ who died for me.

What rejoicing in His presence, When are banished grief and pain; When the crooked ways are straightened, And the dark things shall be plain."

If you are reading this devotion, know that Jesus loves you so much He died for you. How much do you love Him and what are you doing for Him?

Joanne Lowe
May 1, 2021