ARE WE SERVING JESUS

"Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ."

2 Timothy 2:3
King James Version

Jessie Pounds wrote a hymn that should challenge all of us "DARE TO SHOW YOUR COLORS".

"Dare to live for Jesus! Dare to bravely stand, Ready when He calls you, Waiting His command.

Dare to show your colors! Dare to own your king! Dare to be a Christian! Dare to serve and sing!

Dare to speak for Jesus! Dare to show the way From this land of shadows To the land of day.

Dare to work for Jesus! He has work for you, Something for His service, Something you can do."

I thank God for the privilege He has given me to write daily devotions about His beloved Son, Jesus. Every time I write a devotion, I feel closer to Jesus and one happy and joyous day I will have the privilege of seeing Jesus face to face when God calls me home to Heaven.

What a wonderful day of rejoicing and happiness that is going to be. How I long to see my precious Saviour face to face.

Are you going to see Jesus? Have you made room for Jesus in your heart and in your life? If not, you are hurting Him and breaking His heart.

One of my favorite hymns is "HAVE YOU ANY ROOM FOR JESUS?" I couldn't find who wrote this hymn.

"Have you any room for Jesus, He who bore your load of sin? As He knocks and asks admission, Sinners, will you let Him in?

Room for Jesus, King of Glory! Hasten now His Word obey; Swing the heart’s door widely open, Bid Him enter while you may.

Room for pleasure, room for business, But for Christ the Crucified, Not a place that He can enter, In the heart for which He died?

Have you any room for Jesus, As in grace He calls again? O today is time accepted, Tomorrow you may call in vain.

Room and time now give to Jesus, Soon will pass God’s day of grace; Soon thy heart left cold and silent, And thy Savior’s pleading cease."

If you have never made room for Jesus in your heart and life, do it now! Please don't keep hurting Jesus and breaking His heart.

Joanne Lowe
March 31, 2023

 DOES HE HEAR US

"Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice."

Psalms 55:17
King James Version

Yes, our Heavenly Father hears us when we pray. The question we need to ask ourself is "Does He hear me pray to Him?" If the only time we pray is when we need or want something, we are hurting Him and breaking His heart.

Take time every day to talk to Him. Don't just ask Him for things. Tell Him that you love Him and appreciate all He has done for you. The greatest thing He has done for us is give His beloved Son to die on the cross for our sins so we can be saved and go to Heaven.

One blessing we can thank Him for is our pastor. I have said this before and I'll say it again I have the best pastor in the world. Pastor Davis isn't perfect just as we aren't perfect but he loves Jesus and he loves his congregation.

When is the last time you told your pastor that you appreciate him and all he does for you? The greatest and the most important thing we can do for our pastor is pray for him and for his family.

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us, for giving Your beloved Son to die on the cross for our sins and for the assurance You will never kick us out of Heaven as some dads kick their children out of their house. I love You, dear Father. Thank You for everything.

Joanne Lowe
March 30, 2023

 OUR LOVING HEAVENLY FATHER

"For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."

Romans 8:15
King James Version

Fanny Crosby wrote the beautiful hymn "ADOPTED". I love the words in this inspiring and heart touching hymn.

"O what a blessing, how can I express it? Out of the fullness of rapture I sing, Now by the Father received and adopted, I am a child and an heir of a king.

I am adopted, O wonderful love, Heir to a heritage purchased above; Tell it, my soul, and joyfully sing, I am a child and an heir of a king.

O what a Father, how tenderly gracious, O what a Savior to make me His care; Tho’ I have slighted, rejected, and grieved Him, Still He permits me His kingdom to share.

O the unsearchable riches He giveth, Riches increasing from day unto day; Treasures in value all others excelling, Treasures that never will rust nor decay.

When I have finished the work He appoints me, When I have ended my journey below, Then to my Father and Jesus my Savior, Home to a beautiful palace I go."

Thank You, Heavenly Father. Thank You, Jesus for loving us and for all that You have done for us and for everything that You do for us every day even when we sometimes fail You and hurt You. I love You and appreciate all You have done for me.

Joanne Lowe
March 29, 2023

 DO WE

"So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep."

John 21:15-17
King James Version

Bill Gaither wrote a hymn that asks a question that each one of us has to answer "LOVEST THOU ME"? We can tell everyone we love Jesus, however Jesus can see in our heart and He knows if we really love Him or if we're just saying the words.

"Modern times have brought us many blessings. People live in wealth and luxury But the Master asks this question Lovest thou me, lovest thou me, more than these?

Lovest thou me, more than these my child? What will your answer be? Oh precious Lord, I love Thee more than all of these. More than fame More than wealth More than the world."

If we love money and our home, and our car more than we love Jesus, we are breaking His heart. May God have mercy on us and forgive us if we are hurting His beloved Son.

Joanne Lowe
March 28, 2023

 JESUS CARES

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

1 Peter 5:7
King James Version

Rev. Frank E. Graeff wrote one of my favorite hymns "DOES JESUS CARE?" I am so glad to know that Jesus does care about us and He proved how much He cares for us when He allowed them to crucify Him on the cross for your sins and my sins.

"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.

Does Jesus care when my way is dark With a nameless dread and fear? As the daylight fades into deep night shades, Does He care enough to be near?

Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed To resist some temptation strong; When for my deep grief there is no relief, Though my tears flow all the night long?

Does Jesus care when I’ve said goodbye To the dearest on earth to me, And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks, Is it aught to Him? Does He see?

Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares, His heart is touched with my grief; When the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares."

Yes, He does care when we are sick, have a broken heart or feel all alone. The question we need to ask ourself is "Do I care about Jesus? We need to remember that our precious Saviour has feelings. If you have been ignoring Jesus and only going to Him when you want something. Stop it! He has feelings too. I love You, dear Jesus. Thank You for dying for me and for all You do for me.

Joanne Lowe
March 27, 2023

 A BEAUTIFUL HYMN

"In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."

1 Corinthians 15:52
King James Version

Bill and Gloria Gaither sing one of my favorite hymns "Beyond The Sunset". I love the words in this inspiring hymn.

"Should you go first and I remain to walk the road alone I'll live in memory's garden dear with happy days we've known.
In spring I'll wait for roses red, when fades the lilacs bloom And in early fall when brown leaves fall, I'll catch a glimpse of you.

Should you go first and I remain, for battles to be fought Each thing you've touched along the way, will be a hallowed spot I'll hear your voice I'll see your smile though blindly I may grope The memory of your helping hand will buoy me on with hope
Beyond the sunset, oh blissful morning When with our savior, heaven is begun Earth's toiling ended, oh glory dawning Beyond the sunset when day is done."

Jesus is coming back for us. We don't know when He is coming but we need to be ready. Are you ready to meet Jesus if He should come today? If not, don't wait another minute. Don't miss out on spending eternity with Jesus. Give your heart to Jesus. Don't keep hurting Him. He loves you so much He died for you. I love You, dear Jesus. Thank You for dying for me and all that You have done for me.

Joanne Lowe
March 26, 2023

 ARE WE FAITHFUL

"Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."

Revelation 2:10
King James Version

Rev. Johnson Oatman, Jr. wrote a beautiful hymn "HE’LL COME FOR ME". I love the words in this hymn.

"Soon I will hear my Lord say, Come, To dwell with Him in yonder home, And when life’s daylight fades away, He’ll come for me at close of day.

He’ll come for me, He’ll come for me, To spend with Him eternity; If here I love Him and obey, He’ll come for me at close of day.
What tho’ the way is all unknown, Yet I will not be all alone; My Savior will point out the way, And come for me at close of day.

T’ward that fair mansion in the skies, I often look with longing eyes; But tho’ God wills me now to stay, He’ll come for me at close of day.

I want to do for God my best, Before I enter into rest; Then when I leave this house of clay, He’ll come for me at close of day."

Are we faithful to Him or do we just give Him what is left over after we pursue our own interest? May God have mercy on us and forgive us if we put other things before serving Him.

Joanne Love
March 25, 2023

 HAVE THE ANGELS SANG FOR YOU

"Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth."

Luke 15:10
King James Version

M. A. Dodge wrote an inspiring hymn that should make all of us search our heart "THE ANGELS’ JOY".

"There is joy among the angels, When the children seek the fold; How they tune their harps and voices, Gathered ’round the gates of gold.
Then to Jesus come away; Hear Him kindly, gently say, Suffer all the little children, Bid them come to Me today.
There is joy among the angels, When a soul by sin oppressed, To the Savior turns repenting, And receives the promised rest.
There is joy among the angels, As they bear the news to Heaven, Of a child on earth rejoicing, O’er the bliss of sins forgiven."
Rev. Elisha Albright Hoffman wrote a hymn that asks a question that all of us have to answer "Are You Washed in the Blood?"
"Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing pow’r? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb? Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Are you washed in the blood, In the soul-cleansing blood of the Lamb? Are your garments spotless? Are they white as snow? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Are you walking daily by the Savior’s side? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb? Do you rest each moment in the Crucified? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
When the Bridegroom cometh will your robes be white! Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb? Will your soul be ready for His presence bright, And be washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Lay aside the garments that are stained with sin, And be washed in the blood of the Lamb; There’s a fountain flowing for the soul unclean, O be washed in the blood of the Lamb."
Someone asked why do you always include hymns in your devotions? The Bible gives us the answer. " Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing." Psalms 100:2
I love You, dear Jesus. Thank You that on August 14, 1980, You saved me and gave me a reason to live and put a song in my heart.

Joanne Lowe
March 24, 2023

 A NIGHT OF JOY

"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."

Luke 2:10, 11
King James Version
Fanny B. Earle wrote a beautiful hymn about our Saviour "THE ANGEL’S MESSAGE". I love the words in this inspiring hymn.

"In the calm of that long ago night, Far away on the Bethlehem hills, There was seen a most wonderful light, By the shepherds who faithful watch kept. And the voice of an angel they heard, Saying Fear not, good tidings I bring; To all people proclaim the glad word, That a Savior is born, Christ the Lord.

Then the heavens with glad anthems rang; Glory, glory to God, the refrain; As the angel and heav’nly host sang, On earth peace, and good will unto men."

I am so thankful that Jesus left His Father, His home and all that He had to come to earth and die on the cross and pay the penalty for your sins and for my sins. It was the most expensive price ever paid for anything, His precious atoning blood.

Our Saviour didn't stay in that tomb, He arose and because He died and rose again you and I have the privilege of going to Heaven to be with Jesus when we die.

I have said this many times and I will keep saying it until God calls me home to Heaven. No one loves us like our Heavenly Father and Jesus love us and no one ever will.

The next time you are sad, lonely, discouraged and feel like going to bed and staying there, remember all that Jesus did for you and that He is waiting for you to come to Him with His arms open wide and a heart filled with unconditional love for you.

Jesus, I love You so much. Thank You for all You have done for me, especially for loving me when I was so unlovely. One happy joyous day I will have the privilege of seeing You face to face. I am going to give You a big hug and spend eternity telling You how wonderful You are and how much I love You.

Joanne Lowe
March 23, 2023

 Jesus Died For Us

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

Luke 23:33
King James Version

Rev. William McKendree Darwood wrote the hymn "CALVARY". I am so thankful that Jesus loved us enough to die on the cross for our sins.

"On Calvary’s brow my Savior died, ’Twas there my Lord was crucified; ’Twas on the cross He bled for me, And purchased there my pardon free.

O Calvary! dark Calvary! Where Jesus shed His blood for me; O Calvary! blest Calvary! ’Twas there my Savior died for me.

’Mid rending rocks and darkening skies, My Savior bows His head and dies; The opening veil reveals the way To Heaven’s joys and endless day.

O Jesus, Lord, how can it be, That Thou shouldest give Thy life for me, To bear the cross and agony In that dread hour on Calvary!"

Have you allowed it to go from head knowledge to heart knowledge that Jesus loves you so much He died a painful death on the cross for you?

Thank You, precious Saviour for dying on the cross so we can have our sins forgiven and go to Heaven to be with You when we die. I love You so much, dear Jesus.

Joanne Lowe
March 22, 2023

 ARE YOU READY

"Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come."

Matthew 24:42
King James Version

Harriet E. Jones wrote a beautiful hymn "IF CHRIST SHOULD COME TONIGHT". The words in this beautiful hymn should make all of us certain that Jesus is our Saviour.

"If our Lord should come tonight, With the bright angelic host, Would He find us in His vineyard, Every servant at his post? Thro’ the precious cleansing blood, Are our garments clean and white? Are we dwelling in the light, Should our Lord appear tonight?
Are we watching, are we waiting In the raiment pure and white? Should we joy at His appearing If our Lord should come tonight?
If our Lord should come tonight, Come as King and Judge of all, Are there any here assembled who would tremble at His call?
Is there one, oh, is there one Far from Jesus and the light, Unrepentant, lost, undone, If the Judge should come tonight?

Christ as king and judge will come, ’Tis recorded in His book; He will bid us stand before Him, Not a soul will He o’erlook! Are we ready, every one? Are we in the raiment white, If the Judge of all mankind Should appear this very night?"

Every one of us has to answer this question. Just because we go to church doesn't mean that we are saved. I went to church for years before I asked God to forgive me and asked Jesus to come into my heart and save me.

Salvation is personal between you and Jesus. Your family and friends can't save you as much as they want to do so.

If you have never asked God to forgive you for your sins and asked Jesus to come into your heart and save you, do it now. Don't miss ou6t on spending eternity with the One Who loves you so much He died for you.

Frances R. Havergal wrote a beautiful hymn about our precious Saviour "I Gave My Life for Thee" Jesus gave His life for you and for me. What have we given to Him?

"1 I gave My life for thee, My precious blood I shed, That thou mightst ransomed be, And quickened from the dead;

I gave, I gave My life for thee, What hast thou done for Me? I gave, I gave My life for thee, What hast thou done for Me?
My Father's house of light, My glory-circled throne I left for earthly night, For wanderings sad and lone; I left, I left it all for thee, Hast thou left aught for Me? I left, I left it all for thee, Hast thou left aught for Me?

I suffered much for thee, More than thy tongue can tell, Of bitterest agony, To rescue thee from hell; I've borne, I've borne it all for thee, What hast thou borne for Me? I've borne, I've borne it all for thee, What hast thou borne for Me?

And I have brought to thee, Down from My home above, Salvation full and free, My pardon and My love; I bring, I bring rich gifts to thee, What hast thou brought to Me? I bring, I bring rich gifts to thee, What hast thou brought to Me?"
If you were standing before Jesus, how would you answer Him?

Joanne Lowe
March 21, 2023

 JESUS SETS US FREE

"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."

John 8:36
King James Version

The Gaither Vocal Band sings the beautiful heart touching and inspiring hymn "It Is Finished". It is one of my favorite hymns. I'm so glad the words in this hymn are true.

"There's a line that is drawn through the ages On that line stands an old rugged cross On that cross, a battle is raging To gain a man's soul or it's loss

On one side, march the forces of evil All the demons, all the devils of hell On the other, the angels of glory And they meet on Golgotha's hill

The earth shakes with the force of the conflict And the sun refuses to shine For there hangs God's son, in the balance And then through the darkness he cries

It is finished, the battle is over It is finished, there'll be no more war It is finished, the end of the conflict It is finished and Jesus is Lord

Yet in my heart, the battle was still raging Not all prisoners of war had come home These were battlefields of my own making I didn't know that the war had been won

Oh, but then I heard the king of the ages Had fought all the battles for me And that victory was mine for the claiming And now praise his name, I am free."

Have you allowed Jesus to set you free? If you have never confessed yours sins, asked God to forgive you and invited Jesus into your heart to be your Saviour, I urge you to do it even as you read this devotion.

Don't keep hurting Jesus and don't miss out on spending eternity with the One Who loves you so much He died for you.

I love You so much, dear Jesus. Thank You for all You have done for me.

Joanne Lowe
March 20, 2023

 MORE THAN A TOUCH

"A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh."

Ezekiel:36:26
King James Version

The Bill Gaither Trio sings one of my favorite hymns "He Touched Me". I am so glad that on August 14, 1980, Jesus gave me a new heart and gave me a reason to live.

"Shackled by a heavy burden, 'Neath a load of guilt and shame. Then the hand of Jesus touched me, And now I am no longer the same.

He touched me, Oh He touched me, And oh the joy that floods my soul! Something happened and now I know, He touched me and made me whole.

Since I met this blessed Savior, Since He cleansed and made me whole, I will never cease to praise Him, I'll shout it while eternity rolls.

He touched me, Oh He touched me, And oh the joy that floods my soul! Something happened and now I know He touched me and made me whole."

What a Saviour! What a Friend, this Jesus of Nazareth! I've said this many times and I will keep saying it until God calls me Home to Heaven. "No one loves you like Jesus loves you and nobody ever will."

Thank You, Jesus, for giving me a new heart, a reason to live, and for helping me write devotions about how wonderful You are. I love You so much and look forward to the happy joyous day when I will see You face to face and will be with You for eternity. You didn't just touch me. You gave me a reason to live and promised me that You will never leave me. O how much I love You!

Joanne Lowe
March 19, 2023

 HE DIED FOR US

"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

Alfred C. Jewitt wrote the hymn "PAST ARE THE CROSS, THE SCOURGE, THE THORN". I'm so glad Jesus does not have to die on the cross again.

"Past are the cross, the scourge, the thorn, The scoffing tongue, the jibe, the scorn, And brightly breaks the Easter morn. Alleluia.

Gone are the gloomy clouds of night; The shades of death are put to flight, And from the tomb beams heav’nly light.

And so in sorrow dark and drear, Though black the night, the morn is near; Soon shall the heav’nly day appear,

And when death’s darkness dims our eyes, From out the gloom our souls shall rise In deathless glory to the skies. Alleluia.

Then let us raise the glorious strain, Love’s triumph over sin and pain, Faith’s victory o’er terror’s reign. Alleluia.

Jesus died for us. What are we doing for Him? After all He has done for us, He deserves to have our heart, our time and everything we have. I love You so much, Jesus. Thank You for all You have done for me.

Joanne Lowe
March 18, 2023

 JESUS CARES AND LOVES US

"Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping. The LORD hath heard my supplication; the" LORD will receive my prayer."

Psalms 6:8, 9
King James Version

Rev. Frank E. Graeff wrote one of my favorite hymns "DOES JESUS CARE?" I'm so glad the words in this inspiring 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.

Jesus care when my way is dark With a nameless dread and fear? As the daylight fades into deep night shades, Does He care enough to be near?"
Yes, Jesus cares about us. If He didn't, He would never have allowed them to crucify Him on the cross for something He hadn't done. If you ever think Jesus doesn't love you, remember the cross and all the pain and heartache He suffered for you.

Jesus loves us so much that He cries when we are sad and hurting. We read in the Bible where Jesus cried.

"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 11:33-36.

When you cry, Jesus cries with you and when you are happy, He rejoices with you. Thank You, Jesus, for caring and for understanding when the tears start to flow. You are a loving Saviour and You prove every day how much You love us by the things You do for us.

I love You and appreciate all You have done for me and all You do for me every day. Thank You!

Joanne Lowe
March 17, 2023

 STILL CALLING FOR US

"And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee."

Mark 10:49
King James Version

Will L. Thompson wrote a beautiful hymn about our Saviour "SOFTLY AND TENDERLY JESUS IS CALLING". Yes, Jesus is still calling us.

"Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling, Calling for you and for me; See, on the portals He’s waiting and watching, Watching for you and for me.

Come home, come home, You who are weary, come home; Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling, Calling, O sinner, come home!

Why should we tarry when Jesus is pleading, Pleading for you and for me? Why should we linger and heed not His mercies, Mercies for you and for me?

Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing, Passing from you and from me; Shadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming, Coming for you and for me.

O for the wonderful love He has promised, Promised for you and for me! Though we have sinned, He has mercy and pardon, Pardon for you and for me.

Come home, come home, You who are weary, come home; Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling, Calling, O sinner, come home!"

Jesus tells us in the Bible to come home to Him. For some of you, He has been waiting for many years. He did not have a place of comfort when He was here. Please open the door of your heart and let Him come in and give Him a place of rest.

We read in the Bible "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."

Jesus loves you and He proved how much He loves you when He died on the cross for our sins. Please open the door of your heart and let Him come in and give Him a place of rest. Please don't keep rejecting Him and breaking His heart.

Joanne Lowe
March 16, 2023

 SHOUT THE VICTORY

"I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death."

Revelation 1:18

King James Version

Charles Spurgeon Brown wrote the beautiful hymn "FOREVERMORE". I love the inspiring words in this heart touching hymn.

"From the grave He came victorious, Our Redeemer King all glorious! Death had no pow’r to hold its prey, For angels rolled the stone away.

He lives, our mighty Head, He lives, who once was dead! He lives, our birthright to restore, He lives forevermore.

Roman seal and guard no longer Could defy, for He was stronger; The whole earth trembled at the pow’r Divinely brought to bear that hour.

Death was conquered once forever! We shall fear it henceforth never! A light is shining ’mid the gloom To guide us safely thro’ the tomb."
Sometimes we act like Jesus is still dead. He is alive and is able to protect us, comfort us and guide us. When satan tries to discourage you, tell him Jesus is still alive and is protecting me.

I love You, precious Jesus. Thank You for dying for my sins and for all that You do for me every day.

Joanne Lowe
March 15, 2023

 WHAT HAVE WE GIVEN HIM

"He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,"

Luke 24:6
King James Version

One of the greatest hymns ever written is "O WHAT A SAVIOR". Marvin P. Dalton wrote this beautiful inspring and heart touching hymn. The words in this hymn are so true! Bill and Gloria Gaither sing this hymn.

" Once I was straying in sin's dark valley, No hope within could I see, He searched through Heaven, and found a Savior To save a poor lost soul like me.

O what a Savior, O hallelujah! His heart was broken on Calvary, His hands were nail scarred, His side was riven, He gave His life-blood for even me.

He left the Father with all His riches, With calmness sweet and serene, Came down from Heaven and gave His life-blood, To make the vilest sinner clean.

O what a Savior, O hallelujah! His heart was broken on Calvary, His hands were nail scarred, His side was riven, He gave His life-blood for even me.

Death's chilly waters I'll soon be crossing, His hand will lead me safe o're, I'll join the chorus in that bright city, And sing up there forever more.

O what a Savior, O hallelujah! His heart was broken on Calvary, His hands were nail scarred, His side was riven, He gave His life-blood for even me."

Jesus gave His life for us. What have we given to Him? Have we given Him our heart, our time and everything we have? It all belongs to Him. I love You, dear Jesus. Thank You for all You have done for me.

Joanne Lowe
March 14, 2023

 HAVE YOU CALLED

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved."

Acts 2:21
King James Version

Have you asked Jesus to save you? Jesus paid the most expensive price ever paid to save you. He gave His life for you and allowed them to crucify Him for something He had not done. O how our Saviour loves you.

Jesus is calling you to come to Him. Fanny J. Crosby wrote a beautiful hymn about our Saviour "Jesus is tenderly calling thee home". I'm so glad He loves us so much that He not only died for us on the cross, He also calls us to come home to Him.

"Jesus is tenderly calling you home Calling today, calling today, Why from the sunshine of love will you roam, Farther and farther away?

Calling today, calling today, Jesus is calling, is tenderly calling today.

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.

Jesus is waiting, O come to Him now, Waiting today, waiting today, Come with your sins, at His feet lowly bow; Come, and no longer delay.

Jesus is pleading, O list to His voice, Hear Him today, hear Him today, They who believe on His name shall rejoice; Quickly arise and away."

Please don't keep hurting Jesus. Invite Him into your heart. O how He loves you!

Joanne Lowe
March 13, 2023

 LEAN ON JESUS

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

Matthew 11:28
King James Version

Rev. Elisha A. Hoffman wrote the inspiring hymn "LEANING ON THE EVERLASTING ARMS". We need to lean on Jesus in this world of violence.

"What a fellowship, what a joy divine, Leaning on the everlasting arms; What a blessedness, What a peace is mine, Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Leaning, leaning, Safe and secure from all alarms; Leaning, leaning, Leaning on the everlasting arms.

O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way, Leaning on the everlasting arms; O how bright the path Grows from day to day, Leaning on the everlasting arms.

What have I to dread? What have I to fear? Leaning on the everlasting arms; I have blessèd peace With my Lord so near, Leaning on the everlasting arms."

Thank You, Jesus, for Your arms of safety. You are so precious. I love You and appreciate all You have done for me.

Joanne Lowe
March 12, 2023

 THANK YOU

"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

Thank You, Jesus for loving us. We need Your love because we are living in a world that is filled with violence and all other things that hurt You and break Your heart.

What a healing balm it is to our weary battle scarred heart to know You will never leave us and will love us even when we hurt You.

I love You and appreciate all You have done for me, especially for never leaving me. Thank You for coming to me when I couldn't go to You.

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

Joanne Lowe
March 11, 2023

 IT BROKE HIS HEART

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day."

Genesis 1: 1-5
King James Version

Have you ever done something for your children and they didn't appreciate it? It broke your heart, didn't it? That is what happened to our Heavenly Father. He made the earth for us and we don't appreciate it or take care of it.

We throw garbage on the ground and spit on the ground. Jesus walked many miles to heal us. How it must break God's heart when He sees the way we treat the earth He created.

I'm just as guilty because I used to throw all kinds of things out the window when I was in my car. It breaks my heart to know I hurt our Heavenly Father.

It is time that all of us, including me, start treating God and Jesus with the respect They deserve. How many times do we go to Them and thank Them for all They do for us without asking for anything? If we're honest, we will say that we ask more than we thank Them.

Heavenly Father, I'm sorry I have not always shown respect for You. Please forgive me. Jesus, I love You so much. Thank You for all You've done for me. Thank You that I can depend on You to never leave me, not even for a minute. I look forward to the happy joyous day when I will have the privilege of seeing You face to face.

Carrie E. Breck wrote one of the most beautiful hymns ever written "FACE TO FACE WITH CHRIST, MY SAVIOR". Every time I think about seeing my precious Saviour face to face I get so excited I feel like I'm going to explode.

"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?

Face to face I shall behold Him, Far beyond the starry sky; Face to face in all His glory, I shall see Him by and by!

Only faintly now I see Him, With the darkened veil between, But a blessèd day is coming, When His glory shall be seen.

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

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."

If you have never asked God to forgive you for your sins and invited Jesus into your heart, I urge you to do it even as you read this devotion. Don't miss out on spending eternity with Jesus. Don't keep hurting Him by not asking Him to come into your heart and be Your Saviour. He loves you so much He died for you.

Joanne Lowe
March 10, 2023

 ARE WE PRAISING HIM

"Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee."

Psalms 63:3
King James Version

Jesus wants us to come to Him with our burdens and heartaches but we should also go to Him with thanks and praise.

Helen L. Dungan wrote a beautiful hymn about Jesus "PRAISE THE NAME OF JESUS". I love the words in this inspiring hymn.

"Praise the name of Jesus for His tender care, Watching o’er me every day; He will bear my burdens, hear my feeble prayer, And will guide me when I stray.

All the way, all the way, I will praise His name every day; I am happy in my blessèd Savior’s love, And I’m singing all the way."

Are we praising Him or only complaining? I love You so much, precious Saviour. Thank You for everything You have done for me.

Thank You especially for never leaving me and for comforting me when the tears start because I'm hurting.

Joanne Lowe
March 9, 2023

 OUR ENCOURAGER

"I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you."

John 14:18
King James Version

Rev. Charles P. Jones wrote one of my favorite hymns "COME UNTO ME". I love the words in this inspiring heart toucning hymn.

"Hear the blessèd Savior Calling the oppressed O ye heavy laden, Come to Me and rest. Come, no longer tarry, I your load will bear, Bring Me every burden, Bring Me every care.

Come unto Me, I will give you rest; Take My yoke upon you, Hear Me and be blessed. I am meek and lowly, Come and trust My might. Come, My yoke is easy, And My burden’s light.

Are you disappointed, Wandering here and there, Dragging chains of doubt And loaded down with care? Do unholy feelings Struggle in your breast? Bring your case to Jesus— He will give you rest."

It is wonderful to have friends and we all need friends but Jesus is the best Friend we will ever have. He never shouts at us, makes fun of us, or ignores us when we are talking to Him. However, the greatest thing He does for us is He never leave us, not even for a minute.

Do you realize what a privilege it is to be loved by the Saviour of the world? He proved how much He loves us when He walked that long lonely road to be crucified for something He had not done.

If anyone ever tells you that nobody loves you, remember Jesus loves you. He loved you yesterday. He loves you today and He will love you forever. Thank You, Jesus, for loving us and for encouraging us.

Joanne Lowe
March 8, 2023

 HE IS STILL ALIVE

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

Mark 16:6
King James Version

In this world that is filled with violence and heartaches, we have the assurance that Jesus is still alive and is ready to comfort and encourage us.

I have said this before and I will say it until I go to Heaven to be with Jesus. No one loves us like Jesus loves us and no one ever will. His love is unconditioinal and unending. What a privilege is to to be loved by the Saviour of the world.

Bill and Gloria Gaither wrote one of the most beautiful hymns ever written "Because He Lives". Has it entered your heart what a privilege is ours to be loved by the Saviour of the world?

"God sent His son, they called Him Jesus; He came to love, heal and forgive; He lived and died to buy my pardon, An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow, Because He lives, all fear is gone; Because I know He holds the future, And life is worth the living, Just because He lives!

How sweet to hold a newborn baby, And feel the pride and joy he gives; But greater still the calm assurance: This child can face uncertain days because He Lives!

And then one day, I'll cross the river, I'll fight life's final war with pain; And then, as death gives way to victory, I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives!

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone; Because I know He holds the future, And life is worth the living, Just because He lives!"

Yes, Jesus loves us. Do you love Him? Have you told Him today that you love Him? If not, you are hurting Him and breaking His heart. May God have mercy on us if we are hurting His beloved Son.

Jesus, I can't put into words how much I love You but you can see into my heart and You know how much I love You. Thank You for coming to me when I couldn't go to You. I look forward to the happy joyous day when I will see You face to face.

Joanne Lowe
March 7, 2023

 THE VICTORY

"Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place."

2 Corinthians 2:14
Kiing James Version

Alice Jean Cleator wrote a beautiful hymn "THE TRIUMPH SONG". I love the words in this hymn.

"There’s a gleam of light in the skies of morn, There’s a great stone rolled from the grave away; To the waiting world there’s a hope new born Of a joy to last for aye!

Ten thousand voices sound the word Through gleaming courts on high; The mighty One, the risen Lord, Hath gained the victory."

Bill and Gloria Gaither sing one of my favorite hymns "Victory In Jesus". I'm so glad Jesus won the victory over death and satan.

"I heard an old, old story, How a Savior came from glory, How He gave His life on Calvary To save a wretch like me; I heard about His groaning, Of His precious blood’s atoning, Then I repented of my sins And won the victory.

O victory in Jesus, My Savior, forever. He sought me and bought me With His redeeming blood; He loved me ere I knew Him And all my love is due Him, He plunged me to victory, Beneath the cleansing flood.

I heard about His healing, Of His cleansing pow’r revealing. How He made the lame to walk again And caused the blind to see; And then I cried, “Dear Jesus, Come and heal my broken spirit,” And somehow Jesus came and bro’t To me the victory.
I heard about a mansion He has built for me in glory. And I heard about the streets of gold Beyond the crystal sea; About the angels singing, And the old redemption story, And some sweet day I’ll sing up there The song of victory."

Thank You, Jesus, for what You did for us on the cross when You shed Your blood and died for our sins. There is no way we can ever repay You for Your unconditional love for us. I love You so much and look foward to the happy joyous day when I will have the privilege of seeing You face to face.

Joanne Lowe
March 6, 2023

 JESUS 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

One of my favorite hymns is "JESUS NEVER FAILS". I'm so glad the words in this hymn are true and that we can depend on Jesus to understand and care.

"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 and for never leaving us. Thank You for the assurance that we can always depend on You. Please help us to live so You and depend on us.

Joanne Lowe
March 5, 2023

 WE BREAK HIS HEART

"My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up."

Psalms 5:3
King James Version

Why is it that we can make time to read the paper, watch the news and even get up early to go fishing or on vacation but we don't take time to talk to Jesus in the morning? If we have time to do other things, we have time to talk to Jesus.

I believe there are times when we hurt Him and break His heart because we only talk to Him when we have time or want something.

If we don't have time to talk to Jesus, we are too busy and we need to rearrange our schedule to make sure Jesus comes first.

I think there are times when we put Jesus on the shelf like we do a puppet and only take Him down when we need something or want something.

How we must hurt Him and break His heart. We need to remember Jesus has feelings too and it hurts Him when we ignore Him. If He didn't have feelings, He would never have walked that long lonely road to Callvary and allowed them to beat Him beyond recognition, pound nails into His hands, spit on Him, curse Him and crucify Him for something He had not done.

Heavenly Father, please forgive us for not putting Jesus first in our heart, in our time and in everything we do. I know it breaks Your heart to see Your beloved Son ignored at times and then hear us asking Him to do something for us.

We're sorry we hurt You. Please help us to put Jesus first in our heart, in our time and in everything we do. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Joanne Lowe
March 4, 2023

 HE UNDERSTANDS AND CARES

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

John 4:6
King James Version

Jesus knows how it feels to be tired and need to rest so He understands when we get tired and need to rest. Rev. Charles P. Jones wr"ote one of my favorite hymns "COME UNTO ME".

"Hear the blessèd Savior Calling the oppressed, O ye heavy laden, Come to Me and rest. Come, no longer tarry, I your load will bear, Bring Me every burden, Bring Me every care.

Come unto Me, I will give you rest; Take My yoke upon you, Hear Me and be blessed. I am meek and lowly, Come and trust My might. Come, My yoke is easy, And My burden’s light.

Are you disappointed, Wandering here and there, Dragging chains of doubt And loaded down with care? Do unholy feelings Struggle in your breast? Bring your case to Jesus—He will give you rest."

Thank You, Jesus, for caring and for giving us rest. You are so wonderful and I love You. I look forward to the happy joyous day when I will see You face to face.

Joanne Lowe
March 3, 2023

 WE CAN TRUST JESUS

"Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,"

Luke 24:1-6
King James Version

In this world filled with violence, we can trust Jesus to take care of us. Bill and Gloria Gaither wrote a beautiful inspiring hymn about our loving Saviour "Because He Lives". Every time I hear these words or sing them, I get tears of love for Jesus in my eyes to know how much He loves us.

"God sent His son, they called Him Jesus; He came to love, heal and forgive; He lived and died to buy my pardon, An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow, Because He lives, all fear is gone; Because I know He holds the future, And life is worth the living, Just because He lives!

How sweet to hold a newborn baby, And feel the pride and joy he gives; But greater still the calm assurance: This child can face uncertain days because He Lives.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow, Because He lives, all fear is gone; Because I know He holds the future, And life is worth the living, Just because He lives!

And then one day, I'll cross the river, I'll fight life's final war with pain; And then, as death gives way to victory, I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives!

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow, Because He lives, all fear is gone; Because I know He holds the future, And life is worth the living, Just because He lives!"

Yes, we can trust Jesus to protect us and love us unconditionally even when we hurt Him. I have said this many times and I will keep saying it "No one loves you like Jesus loves you and no one evr will".
If you have never invited Jesus into your heart to be your Saviour, I urge you, I plead with you to do it even as you read this devotion. Don't miss out on spending eternity with the One Who loves you so much He died for you. Don't keep hurting Jesus and breaking His heart.

Joanne Love
March 2, 2023