NO OTHER WAY

"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

Someone said "It is because of me that this man is saved". I submit to you on the authority of the Bible that Jesus is the only way to be saved. If we could work our way or buy our way into Heaven, Jesus would not have had to be crucified on the cross for our sins.

Bill Gaither wrote the inspiring hymn "No Other Name But Jesus". The words in this hymn are so true. Thank God for the precious blood of Jesus that He shed on the cross so you and I can be saved.
"Above His name there is no other name The one who is eternally the same There is no other name
The first and last, beginning and the end He was the King who made the common man His friend

There is no other name, let every tongue proclaim And sing the name of Jesus Magnify and praise the name of Jesus

No other name but Jesus There is power in the precious name of Jesus, Jesus Messiah, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus"

We have to make many decisions but the most important decision we will ever make is accepting Jesus as our Saviour. Have you invited Jesus into your heart to be your personal Saviour? If not, you are hurting Him and breaking His heart.

Joanne Lowe
February 28, 2022

 WILL YOU GO

"Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;"

Matthew 9:37
King James Version

Will you go and tell others that Jesus loves them? He may not call you to go to another country but He is calling every one of us to serve Jesus right where we are.

Joyce Landorf Heatherley, a Christian speaker and author said on one of her teaching tapes "The people we sit next to in church look fine but inside they are hurting".

What about your pastor and family? Just because he preaches and pastors a church does not mean that he doesn't get discouraged at times.

We need to not only support our pastor with our money, we also need to let our pastor know we appreciate his service by our encouragement and prayers.

God has been so good to me because He has given me the best Pastor in the world. Is he perfect? No, just as you and I are not but he loves Jesus and my Pastor really cares about his congregation.

Precious Heavenly Father, I place my beloved Pastor in Your arms of love and safety. Please encourage him and let him know how much You appreciate his service to You.

Joanne Lowe
February 27, 2022

 HE HOLDS US CLOSE

"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

I watched as a mother held her son close and hugged him as he was getting ready to leave home. I got tears in my eyes as I realized that is exactly what our Heavenly Father does for us.

He holds us close to His loving heart.
There is no greater love than the love our Heavenly Father and Jesus has for you and for me. What a privilege is ours to be loved by our Heavenly Father and by our precious Saviour.

I heard Dottie Rambo sing one of the most beautiful hymns I have ever heard "If That Isn't Love". What an amazing unconditional and unending love Jesus has for you and for me.

"He left the Splendor of Heaven Knowing His destiny Was the lonely hill of Golgotha There to lay down His life for me. If that isn't love The ocean is dry There's no stars in the sky And the sparrow can't fly If that isn't love Then Heavens a myth There's no feeling like this If that isn't love

Even in death He remembered The thief hanging by His side He spoke with love and compassion Then He took him to Paradise."

"And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise." Luke 23:39-43

Jesus holds us close to His loving heart. How close do we hold Him? Have we allowed Him to have first place in our heart, in our time and in everything we do? If not, we are hurting Him and breaking His heart.

Joanne Lowe
February 26, 2022

 DO WE LOVE HIM

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

Romans 8:28
King James Version

We know that Jesus loves us. He proved how much He loves us when He died on the cross and paid the penalty for our sins. We read in the Bible how much Jesus loves us.

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23.

One day every one of us will stand before God and give an account of the way we treated His beloved Son.

May God help us to live so others will know that Jesus loves them so much He did for them. If you want to make our precious Saviour happy, love others unconditionally as He loves you.

Joanne Lowe
February 25, 2022

 ALONE WITH JESUS

"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

Rev. G. T. Byrd wrote a beautiful heart touching and inspiring hymn "All Alone" The words in this hymn are so true.

"On Mount Olive’s sacred brow Jesus spent the night in pray’r, He's the pattern for us all, all alone, If we’ll only steal away In some portion of the day, We will find it always pays to be alone.

There are times I’d like to be All alone with Christ my Lord, I can tell Him of my troubles all alone."

I have always had trouble sleeping. One night I just could not sleep so I said to Jesus "It's just You and me, Lord" and I talked to Him all night long. I told Him everything I wanted to do but just could not do it no matter how hard I tried.

Then I realized why I couldn't do the things I tried to do. It was because I was trying to do everything by myself without asking Him to help me. Jesus has told us 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

When will we learn to include Jesus in our plans? Not only do we fail when we don't include Him, we hurt Him and break His heart. If ever someone deserves to be respected, honored and have first place in our heart, it is Jesus!

Let's stop hurting Him and let Him have first place in our heart, in our time and in everything we do.

Joanne Lowe
February 24, 2022

 A DAY OF REJOICING

"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;"

Titus 2:13
King James Version

Esther Kerr Rusthoi wrote a beautiful hymn "It Will Be Worth It All When We See Christ". The words in this inspiring and heart touching hymn are so true and they bring tears of joy and gratitude to my eyes to know that Jesus loves us so much.

"Sometimes the day seems long, Our trials hard to bear. We´re tempted to complain, to murmur and despair. But Christ will soon appear to catch his bride away! All tears forever over in God’s eternal day!

It will be worth it all when we see Jesus! Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ. One glimpse of His dear face, all sorrow will erase. So, bravely run the race till we see Christ."

Jesus, what joy and happiness the day will be when we have the privilege of seeing You. I love You and I appreciate everything You have done for me.

Joanne Lowe
February 23, 2022

 EVERYONE

"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."

1 John 1:8
King James Version

Someone said "I have never done anything wrong" That is a lie because everyone of us has sinned. Just because I write daily devotions doe not mean I am perfect because I'm not. I am just a sinner saved by God grace.

Rev. James M. Gray wrote the hymn "Only a Sinner" The words in this hymn are so true. It is only because we have a tender loving Saviour that we are saved.

"Only a sinner saved by grace! Only a sinner saved by grace! This is my story, to God be the glory—- I’m only a sinner saved by grace!"

One day our Heavenly Father opened His heart to us and gave His beloved Son to die on the cross for our sins so we can be saved and go to Heaven when we die.

Jesus left His Father, His home and all that He had to come to earth and die on the cross for your sins and for my sins. One happy and joyous day Jesus is coming back for us to take us to Heaven with Him and we will be with Him forever.

I have said this before and I'll say it again. People cheer for their favorite sports team but neglect to cheer for Jesus. If ever someone deserves to be praised, it is Jesus.

He is the "KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS". All hail, King Jesus! Worthy is the Lamb of God!

Joanne Lowe
February 22, 2022

 ONLY JESUS

"Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee."

Song of Solomon 1:3
King James Version

Lela B. Long wrote the beautiful hymn "JESUS IS THE SWEETEST NAME I KNOW". It is true. There is no other name as sweet and dear to my heart as my precious Saviour. I love the words in this heart touching hymn.

"There have been names that I have loved to hear, But never has there been a name so dear To this heart of mine, as the name divine, The precious, precious name of Jesus.

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

Another hymn that brings tears of happiness is the heart touching and encouraging hymn "He". Always remember Jesus loves you so much He died for you. Every time I sing this or hear it, my heart is filled with gratitude knowing Jesus loves us this much.

"He can turn the tides and calm the angry sea. He alone decides who writes a symphony. He lights ev'ry star that makes our darkness bright. He keeps watch all through each long and lonely night.

He still finds the time to hear a child's first prayer, Saint or sinner call and always find Him there. Though it makes Him sad to see the way we live, He'll always say, "I forgive."  

May God help you and I to forgive others when they hurt us just as Jesus forgives us when we hurt Him. Do you know Jesus? I didn't ask if you are saved. I asked do you know Him?

To know someone, we have to spend time with the person. How much time do you spend with Jesus? Does Jesus have first place in your heart, in your time and in all you do?

If He doesn't have first place, we are hurting Him and breaking His heart.

Joanne Lowe
February 21, 2022

 HE DIDN'T CALL

"Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?"

Matthew 26:52, 53
King James Version

Ray Overholt wrote the beautiful inspiring and heart touching hymn "Ten Thousand Angels". This really happened. It's not just a story.

"They bound the hands of Jesus in the garden where He prayed; They led Him thro' the streets in shame. They spat upon the Savior so pure and free from sin; They said, "Crucify Him; He's to blame.

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

Every time I think about Jesus being beaten beyon recognition, spat on, cursed, mocked and dying on the cross for me, I stand amazed that He loves me so much.

Jesus doesn't play favorites like we sometimes do. He loves all of us with the same unconditional love and one happy and joyous day we will have the privilege of seeing Him face to face when He comes back for us. I love You, dear Jesus. Thank You for dying for my sins.

Joanne Lowe
February 20, 2022

 OUR COMPASSIONATE PHYSICIAN

"And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people."

Matthew 4:23
King James Version

Rev. William Hunter wrote one of my very favorite hymns. The beautiful inspiring heart touching hymn "The Great Physician". The words in this hymn are a healing balm to our weary battle scarred heart.

"The great Physician now is near, the sympathizing Jesus; He speaks the drooping heart to cheer, oh! hear the voice of Jesus. Sweetest note in seraph song, sweetest name on mortal tongue; sweetest carol ever sung, Jesus, blessed Jesus."

Someone said some very harsh and cruel words to me the other day. I wanted to say something back to this person that would hurt him but I started praying and asked God to help me keep my big mouth shut and He did help me.

After this person left, I cried. I have shed a few tears over the years but this person broke my heart and I cried for a long time when I was alone. Our family and friends can comfort and encourage us but only Jesus can heal a broken heart.

Is it any wonder that I love Jesus so much? He loved me when I was so unlovely. He allowed them to beat Him beyond recognition, spit on Him, curse Him, mock Him and crucify Him on the cross for something He had not done.

If you are hurting today, tell Jesus. He is waiting for you to come to Him with His arms open wide. For those of you who think nobody loves you like I believed nobody loved me for over forty years, I submit to you on the authority of the Bible that Jesus does love you and He always will love you.

Thank You, Jesus, for the day You came to me as I was lying under a bed in a hospital where I had crawled because I was afraid of everyone. I love You so much and I long for the day when I will see You face to face.

Joanne Lowe
February 19, 2022

 ARE WE FOLLOWING

"And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him."

Matthew 9:9

King James Version

Are we following Jesus? We are either following Jesus or we are following satan. There is no in between. May God help us to follow our precious Saviour all the time.

Rev. William Orcutt Cushing wrote the hymn "Follow On". Are we doing what we sing in this hymn? "Down in the valley with my Saviour I would go, Where the flowers are blooming and the sweet waters flow; Everywhere he leads me I would follow, follow on, Walking in his footsteps till the crown be won."

May God help us to follow Jesus because we can trust Him to never fail us.

Joanne Lowe
February 18, 2022

 TOO EXCITED TO SLEEP

"But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only."

Matthew 24:36
King James Version

I've always wondered why God hasn't told us when Jesus is coming back for us and I believe it is because we would get too excited.

I have differrent people who come to my home to take care of me from a home health agency and all of them are wonderful people.

However, God has put a special place in my heart for my physical therapist because she not only helps me physically, she also allows me to share what is on my heart with her and I know I can trust her to never laugh at me.

I think we sometimes forget that when we are kind and loving to others, we are also being kind and loving to Jesus. Jesus has told us this in the Bible.

"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

The next time we get upset and are tempted to say something that will hurt the one who hurt us, remember we are also hurting Jesus. If ever someone deserves to be loved and adored, it is Jesus!

O how I love You, dear Jesus. Thank You for loving me when I was so unlovely. Knowing that I am going to have the privilege of seeing You face to face one day fills my heart to overflowing with happiness and excitement.

Joanne Lowe
February 17, 2022

 IT IS IMPOSSIBLE

"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 impossible to thank God for all He has done for us. Andraé Crouch wrote one of my very favorite hymns "My Tribute" The words in this heart touching and inspiring hymn are so true.

"How can I say thanks For the things You have done for me? Things so undeserved Yet You gave to prove Your love for me The voices of a million angels Could not express my gratitude All that I am and ever hope to be I owe it all to Thee

To God be the glory To God be the glory To God be the glory For the things He has done With His blood He has saved me With His power He has raised me To God be the glory For the things He has done

Oh, just let me live my life Let it be pleasing, Lord to Thee And if I gain any praise Let it go to Calvary (Calvary)
Oh, with His blood (His blood) He has saved me (He has saved me) With His power (His power) He has raised me (He has raised me) To God (to God) be the glory (glory) For the things He has done."

Heavenly Father, thank You for all You have done for us. You are a loving and compassionate Father. What a privilege it is to be part of Your family.

I pray for every pastor who is preaching the good news of our risen Saviour. Please encourage and comfort them and let them know how much You appreciate their service to You.

Please go to Your rocking chair and hold and rock my beloved Pastor in Your lap as You comfort and encourage him. Thank You for giving Pastor Davis to me to be my Pastor. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Joanne Lowe
February 16, 2022

 OUR ROCK AND FORTRESS

"The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower."

Psalms 18:2
King James Version

Thank You, Heavenly Father, for being our Rock and Fortress. I pray You will encourage and comfort every pastor who is preaching the god news of our risen Saviour. I love You and appreciate all You have done for me.  In Jesus' Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe
February 15, 2022

 HE LOVES US

"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

As we remember the ones we love on Valentine's Day, let us also remember our precious Lord who loves us with an everlasting love. What a privilege it is to be loved by the Saviour of the world and to be part of the family of God. Jesus loves us so much He died for us. What are we doing for Him to prove to Him that we love and appreciate Him?

Joanne Lowe
February 14, 2022

 STILL ABLE

"If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king."

Daniel 3:17
King James Version

William A. Ogden wrote the beautiful hymn "HE IS ABLE TO DELIVER THEE". I'm so glad that our Heavenly Father keeps loving us and delivering us even when we sometimes hurt Him.

We have a compassionate and loving Heavenly Father. What a privilege it is to be part of the family of God. Bill and Gloria Gaither wrote a beautiful hymn "Family of God".

"I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God, I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His Blood! Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod, For I'm part of the family, The Family of God

You will notice we say "brother and sister" 'round here, It's because we're a family and these are so near; When one has a heartache, we all share the tears, And rejoice in each victory in this family so dear."

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me and for allowing me to be part of Your family. Please comfort and encourage all those who are hurting. Thank You for caring. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Joanne Lowe
February 13, 2022

 DO WE LOVE HIM

"But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him."

1 Corinthians 2:9 

King James Version

We can tell people we love God and we can do kind things for people but God sees in our heart and He knows if we really love Him or if we're just saying it.

God proved to us how much He loves us when He gave His beloved Son to die on the cross for our sins so we can be saved. Why do I keep saying that no one loves us like God and Jesus love us and no one ever will love us like They love us? It is because of what I heard a pastor say in a sermon years ago.
The pastor said "There was an old Methodist preacher that kept preaching the same sermon over and over and someone asked him why he kept preaching it. The preacher replied and said "I'm going to keep preaching it until you get it".

That is why I keep saying no one loves you like God and Jesus love you and nobody ever will. Have you allowed it to go from head knowledge to heart knowledge that you are loved by our Heavenly Father and by our Saviour?

We know Jesus loves us. He proved how much He loves us when He allowed them to crucify Him on the cross for something He had not done. Ray Overholt wrote the beautiful heart touching hymn " He Could Have Called 10,000 Angels".

"They bound the hands of Jesus in the garden where He prayed; They led Him thro' the streets in shame. They spat upon the Savior so pure and free from sin; They said, "Crucify Him; He's to blame."
He could have called ten thousand angels To destroy the world and set Him free. He could have called ten thousand angels, But He died alone, for you and me.

Upon His precious head they placed a crown of thorns; They laughed and said, "Behold the King!" They struck Him and they cursed Him and mocked His holy name All alone He suffered everything."

We always have God and Jesus but when Jesus was crucified on the cross for your sins and for my sins He was alone. Our Heavenly Father can't look on sin so He had to turn away from His Son because Jesus had taken our sins on Him.

The next time satan attacks you and tries to discourage you by telling you Jesus doesn't love you, remember the cross and the blood our precious Saviour shed because He does love you.

Please join me in praising the "KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS"! All hail, King Jesus! Worthy is the Lamb of God! I love You, dear Jesus, and I look forward with eager anticipation to the happy and joyous day when I will have the privilege of seeing You face to face. 

Joanne Lowe
February 12, 2022

 NOT WORTHY

"John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose."

John 1:26,27
King James Version

Think about it. We are not worthy to unloose the shoe's latchet of our Saviour yet He willingly walked that long lonely road to Calvary and allowed them to crucify Him on the cross for something He had not done. One of my favorite hymns is "Unworthy".

"Unworthy am I of the grace that He gave, Unworthy to hold to His hand; Amazed that a King would reach down to a slave, This love I cannot understand.

Unworthy, unworthy, a beggar; In bondage and alone; But He made me worthy and now by His grace, His mercy has made me His own.

My sorrow and sickness laid stripes on His back, My sins caused the blood that was shed; My faults and my failures have woven a crown Of thorns, that He wore on His head.

Unworthy, unworthy, a beggar; In bondage and alone; But He made me worthy and now by His grace, His mercy has made me His own."

No, you and I are not worthy to be loved by our precious Saviour. Not only does Jesus give us love, He gives us unconditional love. We know He loves us because He has proved how much He loves us when He allowed them to crucify Him for something He had not done.

Please join me in praising our precious Saviour. He is the "KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS" and one happy day we will be with Him in Heaven for all eternity.

Jim Hill wrote a beautiful hymn about our precious Saviour. "What a Day That Will Be". I love the words in this inspiring and heart touching hymn.

"There is coming a day when no heartaches shall come, No more clouds in the sky, no more tears to dim the eye; All is peace forevermore on that happy golden shore, What a day, glorious day that will be.

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

Thank You, Jesus, for loving me and for dying for my sins. I look forward with joyful anticipation when I will have the privilege of seeing You face to face.

Joanne Lowe
February 11, 2022

 JESUS UNDERSTANDS

"Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin."

Hebrews 4:14,15
King James Version

Jesus understands how we feel. He sees what is in our heart. Jesus has feelings too and He got upset when He was here on earth.

We read in the Bible. "And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves;" Mark 11:15

Just because I write daily devotions doesn't mean that I never am tempted to tell someone off if the person says or does something to hurt me. Jesus understands when we are tempted to get upset.

When we serve Jesus, it makes satan very angry and he 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.

When we are tempted to say something to hurt someone because that person said or did something to hurt us, we need to ask Jesus to help us. There have been times when I have asked Jesus to help me keep my big mouth shut when I am tempted to say something to hurt someone because that person hurt me.

We need to remember that there was only one perfect person who ever lived or ever will live and His Name is Jesus. Think about it. Jesus had never sinned or done anything wrong yet He allowed them to crucify Him on the cross for your sins and for my sins.

What a privilege is ours to be loved by the Saviour of the world. I love You, Jesus. One happy day I will have the privilege of seeing You face to face. Thank You for coming to me when i couldn't go to where You were. Thank You for loving me so much.

Squire Parsons wrote the beautiful heart touching hymn "He Came to Me" Have you allowed it to go from head knowledge to heart knowledge that Jesus came to us when we couldn't go to Him? I love these words in the hymn.

"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."

What a privilege is ours to be loved by the Saviour of the world. Do you love Jesus? If so, what are you doing to prove to Him that you love Him?

Joanne Lowe
February 10, 2022

 DON'T WAIT

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

1Peter 5:7
King James Version

We will be celebrating Valentine's Day soon and telling our family and friends that we love them. Don't wait to say "I love you". Say it every day.

Charles Weigle wrote the beautiful hymn "No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus". I love the words in this hymn because they are so true as no one has ever cared for us like Jesus and no one ever will care for us like our precious Saviour.

"I would love to tell you what I think of Jesus, Since I found in Him a friend so strong and true. I would tell you how He changed my life completely; He did something no other friend could do.

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

Have you told Jesus that you love Him? Jesus has feelings too and He wants us to tell Him we love Him every day just as He tells us that He loves us every day. It would break my heart if Jesus didn't tell me every day that He loves me.

A pastor I heard on the internet said that he had been meaning to call his uncle who had raised him and tell him how much he appreciated all his uncle had done for him.

However he kept putting off calling his uncle and the day he finally called the pastor was told his uncle had died that morning. Don't put off telling your loved ones how much you love them.

Joanne Lowe
February 9, 2022

 IMPOSSIBLE

"If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen."

1 Peter 4:11
King James Version

It is impossible to thank God for all He has done for us. Pastor Andraé Crouch wrote the beautiful hymn "My Tribute". The words in this inspiring hymn are so true.

"How can I say thanks For the things You have done for me? Things so undeserved Yet You gave to prove Your love for me The voices of a million angels Could not express my gratitude All that I am and ever hope to be I owe it all to Thee

To God be the glory To God be the glory To God be the glory For the things He has done With His blood He has saved me With His power He has raised me To God be the glory For the things He has done

Oh, just let me live my life Let it be pleasing, Lord to Thee And if I gain any praise Let it go to Calvary (Calvary) Oh, with His blood (His blood) He has saved me (He has saved me) With His power (His power) He has raised me (He has raised me) To God (to God) be the glory (glory) For the things He has done."

Heavenly Father, it is impossible to thank You for all You have done. I love You so much and I appreciate the privilege You have given me to write daily devotions for the last twenty years.

I pray for every pastor who is preaching the good news of our risen Saviour. Please encourage them and let them know how much You love and appreciate them.

I pray for my beloved Pastor Davis. I place him in Your arms of protection. Please protect him, comfort him and give him the strength he needs to serve You. Thank You for giving him to me as my Pastor. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Joanne Lowe
February 8, 2022

 INDEPENDENT BUT ALSO DEPENDENT

"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
King James Version

Someone told me that I am a very independent person which is true because I like to do as much as I can by myself. However, I am also dependent on Jesus. I can't do anything without Him. There are times when I am in so much pain that If Jesus didn't help me I couldn't get out of bed.

Annie S. Hawks wrote the beautiful hymn "I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR". The words in this hymn are so true. O how I need Jesus!
"I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord; No tender voice like Thine can peace afford. I need Thee, O I need Thee; Every hour I need Thee; O bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee."

If you are hurting and it doesn't matter if you are discouraged, in pain or feel like going to bed and staying there, tell Jesus. He is our great Physician and He heals us no matter what is wrong. He really loves us, so much that He died for us.

Rev. William Hunter wrote the hymn "The Great Physician". I love the words in this beautiful, heart touching and inspiring hymn.

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

Sweetest note in seraph song, sweetest name on mortal tongue; sweetest carol ever sung, Jesus, blessed Jesus."

O how I love You, precious Jesus. Thank You for dying for my sins, for giving me a new heart filled with compassion for others and for never leaving me.

Our family and friends have to leave us and go home but Jesus never leaves us. He is with us every minute of the day and night.

Have you told Jesus today that you love Him? He has feelings and even though He knows what is in our heart, He still wants us to tell Him that we love Him and appreciate Him. If you want to make Jesus happy, love others unconditionally as He loves you.

Joanne Lowe
February 7, 2022

 GIVE HIM PRAISE

"I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me."

Psalms 13:6
King James Version

Fanny Crosby wrote one of my favorite hymns "PRAISE HIM, PRAISE HIM". I wonder if we praise Him all the time? We should praise Jesus all the time for all He has done for us.

Let's do what we sing in this hymn.
"Praise Him, praise Him— Jesus, our blessèd Redeemer, Sing, O earth, His wonderful love proclaim. Hail Him! hail Him! highest archangels in glory; Strength and honor give to His holy name!

Like a shepherd, Jesus will guard His children, In His arms He carries them all day long: Praise him! Praise him! tell of his excellent greatness. Praise him! Praise him! ever in joyful song."

Jesus, thank You for all You do for me. I love You and look forward to the day when I will have the privilege of seeing You face to face. You are so precious and dear to my heart. Thank You for dying for my sins and for giving me a new heart.

Joanne Lowe
February 6, 2022

 DOES HE REALLY CARE

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

1 Peter 5:7
King James Version

Someone said "I wonder if Jesus really cares about me"? I think there must be many times when Jesus wonders if we really care about Him? Rev. Frank E. Graeff wrote the beautiful hymn "DOES JESUS 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."

There are times when we treat Jesus like He is a puppet. We put Him on a shelf and only take Him down when we need or want something. How we must hurt our precious Saviour at times and break His heart.

When we say hateful words, criticize one another and do and say things that hurt our precious Saviour, it breaks His heart. We need to remember that Jesus didn't die for just your sins and for my sins, He died for every person in the world. We are all precious to Him and it's time we stop hurting Him and breaking His heart.

Joanne Lowe
February 5, 2022

GOOD OR BAD

"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."

1 Timothy 4:12
King James Version

My cousin told me that when I was a little girl that I used to cry when they would wash my hair. She said that my sister would wash her hair so I would know it didn't hurt.

I don't remember when I was little but to know that my sister loved me enough to let me see that it didn't hurt to have my hair washed brings tears of happiness to my eyes.

God knew that I would need a lot of encouragement when I was a child and He loves me so much that He gave me a wonderful loving and caring sister. Is she perfect? No, just like I am not perfect and you are not perfect but she really cares. What a privilege is mine to have the best sister in the world.

The greatest example of love and compassion was when Jesus died on the cross for our sins so we can be saved and go to Heaven to live with Him when we die. O how our Saviour loves us! His love is unconditional.

Jesus loved us yesterday. He loves us today and He will love us forever. Not only is He our Saviour, He is also the best Friend we will ever have. Jesus never leaves us, not even for one minute.

Do you realize what a privilege it is to be loved by the Saviour of the world? Jesus allowed them to spit on Him, mock Him and beat Him beyond recognition for something He had not done.

What kind of an example are we setting for our children? Do they hear and see the love that Jesus has for them in our words and in our actions? If they see us doing kind things and hear us saying kind and encouraging words they will know how important it is to be kind.

One day we will stand before God and give an accout of the way we treated Jesus and our loved ones. I don't want to have to hang my head in shame because others didn't see and hear the love that Jesus has for them in my words and in my actions.

Jesus, thank You for all You have done for us and for loving us even when we sometimes hurt You. One happy and joyous day I will have the privilege of seeing You face to face. Thank You for leaving Your Father and Your Home to come to earth and die on the cross for my sins. I love You.

Joanne Lowe
February 4, 2022

 HAVE YOU ANSWERED

"That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I."

1 Samuel 3:4

King James Version

Do we answer His call and say "Here am I" when He calls us to do something for Him? If we are too busy to spend time with Jesus, we are too busy and we need to rearrange our schedules so Jesus comes first.

After all that our precious Saviour has done for us, we should be willing to give Him first place in our heart, in our life and in our time. How often when we are talking to someone do we include what Jesus has done for us in the conversation?

We talk about our family and sometimes show pictures of our family. We need to let others see Jesus in our actions and hear His love for them in our words.

Baylus B. McKinney wrote the beautiful hymn "LET OTHERS SEE JESUS IN YOU" Do others see and hear the love Jesus has for them in our words and in our actions? I love the words in this hymn.

"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." May God help us to let others see Jesus in us.

Jesus, You are so precious and I love You so much. Thank You for dying for me and paying the price for my sins that I could never have paid. One happy and joyous day I will have the privilege of seeing You face to face.

Every time I think of seeing You face to face I get so excited I feel like I'm going to explode with happiness. Thank You again, dear Jesus, for all You have done for me.

Joanne Lowe
February 3, 2022

 HAVE YOU ANSWERED

"That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I."

1 Samuel 3:4
King James Version

Jesus may not have called you to be a pastor or missionary but He calls all of us to serve Him. Have you answered His call? We read in the Bible.

"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

There are some people who will go to another country to serve Jesus but are not willing to get up in the middle of the night to visit someone who is lonely and sick. All of us need encouragement and friendship.

May God help us to want to be an encouragement to one another and especially to our pastor. Pray for your pastor every day and invite your pastor to dinner. Pastors need to know they are loved and appreciated just like you and I need to be loved.

Joanne Lowe
February 2, 2022

 OUR REFUGE

"Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah."

Psalms 32:7
King James Version

L. R. Tolbert wrote the hymn "HIDE THOU ME". I love the words in this inspiring hymn. "Sometimes I feel discouraged, And think my life in vain; I’m tempted then to murmur, And of my lot complain; But when I think of Jesus, And all He’s done for me, Then I cry, O Rock of Ages, Hide Thou me."

Jesus, what a precious Friend. How I love Him. Do you know Jesus? You may have invited Jesus into your heart but do you know Him? How much time do you spend with Jesus? How often do you tell Him that you love Him? Have you ever told Him that you love Him? If not, you are hurting Him and breaking His heart.

Joanne Lowe
February 1, 2022