HIS CLEANSING BLOOD

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

1 John 1:7 KJV

We can take a bath every hour and use all the soap in the world but we would still be dirty inside.  Only the cleansing blood of Jesus can take away the filth of sin in our heart.  Pastor Robert Lowry wrote a beautiful and heart touching hymn about the atoning cleansing blood of our precious Saviour.

This hymn is one of my favorite hymns “Nothing but the Blood”.  “Nothing can for sin atone, Nothing but the blood of Jesus; Naught of good that I have done, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”  We can’t work our way into Heaven or buy our way into Heaven although many people try to do it.

If we could work our way or buy our way into Heaven. Jesus wouldn’t have had to be beaten beyond recognition, cursed, mocked, betrayed and hung on a cross of torture for you and for me.  Do you understand yet how much Jesus loves you?  If you are reading this devotion, I mean you.

If you are going through a dark valley and feel like giving up and going to bed and staying there, Jesus understands.  Allow Him to pick you up in His loving arms.  He will carry you until the pain goes away and will set you once again on the mountain top of happiness.  O how I love Jesus!

Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus.  I pray for every pastor who is preaching the good news of our risen Saviour.  Please comfort them and encourage them and let them know how much You love and appreciate them.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

November 30, 2017

IT IS WORTH IT

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:”

1 Thessalonians 4:16 KJV

Esther Kerr Rusthoi wrote a beautiful hymn “It Will Be Worth It All When We See Jesus”.  It really will be worth it all when we see our precious Saviour face to face.  What a day of happiness and joy that is going to be.  O how I long to see Jesus and praise God, one day I will see Him face to face.

It is worth all the heartaches and dark valleys we have to go through just to know that we will see Jesus face to face.  Are you ready to meet Jesus when He comes back for us?  If you have never given your heart and life to Jesus, I urge you to do it now.  He loves you so much He died for you.

Joanne Lowe

November 29, 2017

HE HELPS US

“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”

James 4:6 KJV

Annie Johnson Flint wrote one of my favorite hymns “He Giveth More Grace”.  I am so glad this is true.  “He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater, He sendeth more strength as our labors increase; To added afflictions He addeth His mercy, To multiplied trials he multiplies peace.”

Heavenly Father, thank You for helping us when we grow weary.  You are a compassionate tender loving Father and I love You and appreciate You.  Thank You for all You have done for me and for adopting me into Your family.  I pray for all who are hurting.  Please comfort them.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

November 28, 2017

REST FROM OUR PAIN

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

Matthew 11:28 KJV

It doesn’t matter if we need rest physically or emotionally, Jesus will give us rest and help us to keep going when we feel like giving up and going to bed and staying there.  We have a Saviour Who knows how it feels to hurt and He cares about us.  If you’re hurting, tell Jesus and He will give you rest.

Joanne Lowe

November 27, 2017

HOW OFTEN

“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 KJV

How often do we pray without asking God for something?  How often do we just tell Him we love Him and appreciate Him and thank Him for all He has done for us?  If you’re a parent, you know how happy it would make you if your children just said thank you without asking you for something. 

A mother prayed every day for twenty years for her son to be saved but she only thanked God once for saving her son.  How that must have hurt our Heavenly Father.  God loves us and gave His beloved Son to die on the cross for our sins.  How often have we thanked Him for loving us so much?

Heavenly Father, thank You for being a tender compassionate and loving Father.  I love You and appreciate You.  Thank You for adopting me into Your family and for the privilege of serving Your Son.  Jesus, I love You.  Thank You for dying for me.  Holy Spirit, I love You.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

November 26, 2017

EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR

“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 KJV

My favorite radio station starts playing Christmas music on Thanksgiving Day and they play it until Christmas is over.  Think what would happen if they played Christmas music every day of the year.  I believe there would be a lot less violence and hatred and a lot more love in this world.

It reminds me of two friends who were talking to one another about Christmas.  One of the friends said “I’ll be glad when Christmas is over and we can put away the decorations for another year”.  I think that is what you and I do; we put away our love and forgiveness until Christmas time.

We love and share at Christmas time but we should love one another and share every day of the year.  Jesus wants us to have a happy and an abundant life but we can’t be happy if we don’t forgive one another.  We must always remember that none of us are perfect.  Let’s have compassion for one another. 

“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).  Let’s make a special effort to be kind and loving to one another every day of the year not just at Christmas.  Let’s give unconditional love to each other.

Joanne Lowe

November 25, 2017

HAVE WE

“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 KJV

Jennie Evelyn Hussey wrote a beautiful heart touching hymn “Lead Me to Calvary”.  “King of my life, I crown Thee now, Thine shall the glory be; Lest I forget Thy thorn crowned brow, Lead me to Calvary.”  Have we crowned Him King of our life or do we still do what we want to do?

Joanne Lowe

November 24, 2017

IT IS A PRIVILEGE

“There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.”

John 4:7 KJV

What a privilege this woman had to give our precious Saviour a drink.  He has given us the privilege to serve Him.  As we think about all the things we have to be thankful for on Thanksgiving Day, the most important thing we have to be thankful for is the unconditional love Jesus has for us.

Let’s show our love for our Saviour by serving Him.  How can we serve Him?  We serve Him by shutting off the television, getting out of our comfort zone and telling others of the unconditional love He has for them.  Are you wiling to serve the One Who loves you so much He died for you?

Heavenly Father, thank You for being a tender loving and compassionate Father.  Jesus, thank You for dying for my sins.  I love You so much.  Father, holidays are sad for some people.  Please comfort and encourage all who need Your comforting touch.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

 

Joanne Lowe

November 23, 2017

EVERY MOMENT

“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 KJV

Evangelist Daniel Webster Whittle wrote one of my favorite hymns “Moment by Moment”.  I love these words.  “Never a trial that He is not there, Never a burden that He doth not bear, Never a sorrow that He doth not share, Moment by moment, I’m under His care.”  I’m so glad these words are true.

What a healing balm it is to our weary battle scarred heart to know that we are under His care and that He understands how we feel.  When Jesus was here on His mission, He was ridiculed, rejected, scorned, beaten, spat on, cursed and then He was crucified on the cross for our sins because He loves us.

Please join me in praising the “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS”.  He is the Great I Am, the Bright and Morning Star and the Fairest of ten thousand.  What a Saviour!  What a Friend, this Jesus of Nazareth!  All hail, King Jesus!  Worthy is the Lamb of God!  One happy day, we will see Him face to face.

Do you know this precious Saviour?  I didn’t ask you if you’re saved.  I asked you if you know Him.  To know someone, you have to spend time with the person.  How much time do you spend with Jesus?  Do you know what makes Him happy and what makes Him sad?  Jesus should be first in our heart and life. 

Joanne Lowe

November 22, 2017

OUR GUIDING LIGHT

“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 KJV

Philip Paul Bliss wrote one of my favorite hymns “The Light of the World is Jesus”.  I have cataracts and it’s hard for me to see so I love these words.  “No darkness have we Who in Jesus abide; The Light of the world is Jesus!  We walk in the light When we follow our Guide! The Light of the world is Jesus!”

If we are going through a dark valley, all the flashlights in the world won’t take away the darkness in our heart.  We need to cry to Jesus and ask Him to please shine His light a little brighter in our heart.  Not only will He shine His light in our heart, He will never leave us, not even for one minute.

Thank God for Jesus, our Light in a world of darkness and violence.  It doesn’t matter how dark it is outside, Jesus shines His light of love in our heart.  Someone said “We were in a cave and it was so dark, I couldn’t see my hand”.  Even though he couldn’t see his hand, the light of Jesus was in his heart.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus, our Light in a world of darkness.  Please comfort and encourage all who are lonely, discouraged, hurting and who feel like giving up.  Thank You for my Pastor who really loves You and proves it by his actions.  Please encourage him.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

November 21, 2017

WHAT ABOUT THE LIARS

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

Revelation 21:8 KJV

The news is filled with reports of people who have abused others sexually and with reports of murders and thefts and child abuse but what about the liars?  Jesus died for the liars just as He died for the murderers and people who do all those other things that hurt God and break His heart. 

To God, sin is sin.  We are the ones who say one sin is worse than the other sin.  The people who report the murderers and rapists are just as guilty because all of us have told a lie.  If you have ever told someone you felt fine when you didn’t, that is a lie.  It doesn’t matter why you said you felt fine.

A pastor said “If you will make sure your own heart is right before God, you won’t have the time to judge others."  I don’t know about you but it is a full time job to make sure my heart is in good standing with God.  It’s so easy to point the finger of guilt at someone.  It’s a lot harder to point it at ourselves.

Instead of judging and condemning others, we need to pray for and encourage others always remembering that we aren’t perfect.  All of us hurt God at times.  There was only one perfect person Who ever lived and His Name is Jesus.  May God help us to be encouragers instead of condemning one another.

Heavenly Father, I ask You to search my heart.  If there’s anything that hurts You, I’m sorry.  Please forgive me.  Please comfort all who are hurting.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

November 20, 2017

WE MUST KEEP MARCHING

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

2 Chronicles 20:15 KJV

Pastor Sabine Baring-Gould wrote “Onward, Christian Soldiers”.  I love these words in this inspiring hymn.  “Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus going on before. Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe; Forward into battle see His banners go!”

We must keep marching for Jesus no matter how many times satan lies to us and tries to defeat us.  It makes satan very angry when we serve Jesus and satan will do all he can do to discourage us.  However, we must always remember that Jesus won the victory when He died on the cross for our sins.

One of my pastors said in a sermon “If you never have any problems, you probably aren’t serving Jesus”.  I know from personal experience that when we are serving Jesus, we can expect to get discouraged even to the point where we feel like giving up but we must never give up.

Jesus didn’t give up when He was here on His mission and He had a lot more ridicule and obstacles than we will ever have.  Jesus understands when we grow weary and feel like giving up but He does not condemn us.  He just picks us up and carries us through every dark valley.  What a precious loving Saviour!

Heavenly Father, help us to keep going when satan attacks us.  May we always be loyal soldiers marching for Jesus.  Please encourage every pastor.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

November 19, 2017

OUR PILOT

“And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?  And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.”

Mark 4:38,39 KJV

Pastor Edward Hopper wrote a beautiful. inspiring and heart touching hymn “Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me”.  “Jesus, Savior, pilot me Over life’s tempestuous sea; Unknown waves before me roll, Hiding rock and treacherous shoal. Chart and compass come from Thee; Jesus, Savior, pilot me.”

Life is full of danger and we need Jesus Who is our Pilot to keep us safe.  We can depend on Jesus to protect us and lead us.  May God help us to trust Jesus, lean on Him and allow Him to keep us safe from the dangers that are waiting for us.  Thank God for our Pilot Who loves us so much He died for us.

Joanne Lowe

November 18, 2017

I’M STILL HERE

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

Hebrews 13:5 KJV

Have you ever been so discouraged that you felt like giving up and going to bed and staying there?  I have and then I heard our precious Saviour say “I’m still here”.  It doesn’t matter how many lies and vicious attacks satan hurls at us, we can depend on Jesus to understand and carry us through them.

Jesus understands how we feel because when He was here on earth, He was ridiculed, rejected, cursed and betrayed.  When our heart is breaking and the tears start to fall, not only will He wipe our tears away with tender kisses, He will also pick us up and carry us through the dark valley until the pain goes away.

This is why it is so important, even urgent, that we encourage one another.  The person who says he or she doesn’t need anybody is not being truthful.  Even our loving Saviour needed encouragement.  “Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me” (Matthew 26:38).

If Jesus needed encouragement, how much more we need to be encouraged and to be an encouragement to one another.  Also, we need to encourage our pastors.  I think we sometimes forget they get tired and discouraged just like we do.  If you have a pastor who loves Jesus like I do, thank God for your pastor.

Heavenly Father, I pray for everyone who is discouraged, please comfort and encourage them as You have done for me so many times.  In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen. 

Joanne Lowe

November 17, 2017

THE GREATEST INTERIOR DECORATOR

“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 KJV

My home is filled with beautiful things because my sister gave them to me.  Sometimes I am overwhelmed with how good and loving my sister has been to me.  She not only decorated my home, she has also helped me through some very difficult times.  I love my sister very much and thank God for her.

However, Jesus is the greatest Interior Decorator.  He not only died on the cross for our sins, He also gives us a new heart when we accept Him as our personal Saviour.  When I got out of the hospital, I hated everyone and didn’t trust anybody.  I’m so glad Jesus has given me a heart of compassion for others.

Have you allowed Jesus to take away your stony heart and give you a heart filled with love and compassion for others?  If not, I urge you to give your heart and life to Jesus today.  He loves you so much He died on the cross for your sins and allowed them to beat Him beyond recognition so you can be saved.

Heavenly Father, thank You for adopting me into Your family.  I pray for everyone who has never accepted Jesus as personal Saviour.  May today be the day they humble themselves and say yes to Jesus.  I love You, Heavenly Father.  I love You, Jesus.  I love You, Holy Spirit.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

November 16, 2017

NO MORE BILLS

“And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.”

Revelation 21:23 KJV

My light bill has gone up twenty dollars every month for the last four months.  I use more electricity than I used to use because I have to have more lights on because of my cataracts.  One day, there will be no more bills because Jesus will be the Light.  Jesus is also the Light of the world.

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).  If you want to have light in this world of sin and darkness, follow Jesus.  He will take the darkness away.

Heavenly Father, You are a compassionate tender loving Father and I love You so much.  Thank You for adopting me into Your family and thank You for the privilege You have given me to serve Your Son.  I pray for all who are discouraged, lonely and hurting.  Please comfort them.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

November 15, 2017

ARE WE DOING IT

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Matthew 5:16 KJV

Anna Belle Russell wrote the hymn “Be a Ray of Sunshine”.  “Be a ray of sunshine everywhere you go, Shining for the Savior with a steady glow; Bringing smiles to sad ones, wiping tears away, Make yourself a blessing every passing day.”  Are we doing it?  Are we shining for Jesus?

Heavenly Father, please help us to shine for Jesus and lead others to Him.  I pray for every person who is discouraged, lonely and hurting, please comfort and encourage them as You have done for me so many times.  Thank You for the privilege of serving Your Son.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

November 14, 2017

OUR GREAT COMMANDER

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

2 Timothy 2:3 KJV

Did we remember our great Commander on Veterans Day?  Elijah Taylor Cassel wrote the hymn “Loyalty to Christ”  “On to victory! On to victory! Cries our great commander, On! We’ll move at His command, We’ll soon possess the land, Through loyalty, loyalty, Yes, loyalty to Christ.”

When Jesus was here on His mission that His Father sent Him on, even though He was rejected, He never gave up.  He kept going even when He was ridiculed, cursed, beaten, spat on, mocked and finally hung on a cross of torture for you and for me.  O how He loves you and me!

Jesus could have given up.  He could have come down from the cross.  All the nails in the world couldn’t have kept Him on the cross but He stayed on the cross and died for our sins because He loves us.  Not only did He stay on the cross and die for our sins, He also forgave us while the blood ran down His body.

We read in the Bible.  “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots” (Luke 23:34).  We serve our great Commander Who loves us so much He was willing to die for our sins even though He had never done anything wrong.  Are you serving Him?

If not, why aren’t you serving Him?  When we serve Him, we have to shut off the television, get out of our comfort zones and tell everyone we see that Jesus loves them.  You may have been a Christian for many years.  You may be a pastor or a Sunday school teacher but do you know Jesus loves you?

Joanne Lowe

November 13, 2017

WHAT AMAZING UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

“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 KJV

Philip Paul Bliss wrote a beautiful hymn “Jesus Loves Even Me”.  “Oh, if there’s only one song I can sing, When in His beauty I see the great King, This shall my song through eternity be, “Oh, what a wonder that Jesus loves me!”  Every time I think about the Saviour of the world loving me, I get tears in my eyes.

Jesus left His Father, His home and all that He had to come to earth and die for my sins.  I have always known that Jesus loves you but one day I realized that Jesus loves me.  It is a privilege just to say the precious Name of Jesus.  What a Saviour!  What a Friend, this Jesus of Nazareth!

If you ever doubt that someone loves you and cares about you, remember the pain and suffering that Jesus endured for you when He died on the cross.  Jesus loves you with an amazing unconditional love.  There is nothing that you could do that would take His love from you.

Heavenly Father, thank You for sharing Jesus with us.  Jesus, I love You so much.  Thank You for loving me.  I long for the day when I will have the privilege of seeing You face to face.  Heavenly Father, I pray for all who are discouraged.  Please comfort them.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen. 

Joanne Lowe

November 12, 2017

OUR HEAVENLY FATHER LOVES US

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.”

1 John 3:1 KJV

Pastor Robert George Cullinan wrote a beautiful and heart touching hymn “Our Father’s Love”.  I love these words in this inspiring hymn.  “Our Father’s love, so vast and boundless—His arms of mercy opened wide—Has sent His Son on earth to save us Through nail-pierced hands and wounded side.”

Not only was our Father’s arms of mercy opened wide when He sent His beloved Son to save us, His heart of unconditional love was opened wide to us.  Our Father’s heart is still open to us.  He loves us so much and He longs to comfort, encourage and protect us.  What unconditional love God has for you and for me.

Heavenly Father, You are a tender loving and protective Father.  Thank You for everything You have done for us.  I pray that You will please comfort and encourage all those who are lonely, discouraged and hurting.  Thank You for the privilege You have given me to serve Your Son.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

November 11, 2017

THE MOST PAINFUL HEARTACHE AND HEADACHE

”Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.”

Matthew 27:26 KJV

I have heard many sermons on the crucifixion of our Saviour.  The pastors told about the physical pain that He endured but I have never heard a sermon about the heartache He endured.  Jesus had the most painful heartache and headache anyone has ever had or ever will have.  His heart was broken on Calvary.

One happy day when Jesus comes back for us, we will have no more pain or suffering.  The greatest thing of all is that we will see our precious Saviour face to face.  I get excited every time I think of seeing Him face to face.  How I long for that day!  Jim Hill wrote one of my favorite hymns “What A Day That Will Be”.

I love these words in this heart touching inspiring hymn.  “There'll be no sorrow there, no more burdens to bear, No more sickness, no pain, no more parting over there; And forever I will be with the One who died for me, What a day, glorious day that will be.”  We are going to be with Jesus forever!

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us so much You gave Your beloved Son to die for our sins.  Jesus, I love You.  Thank You for dying for my sins and for never leaving me.  Heavenly Father, I pray for every person who is lonely or discouraged.  Please comfort them.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

November 10, 2017

IT HAS TO STOP!

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV

A man killed a lot of people at a church on Sunday.  I just read about a man who was just married being shot and killed.  When people are killed it hurts God and breaks His heart and it has to stop!  We want to point the finger of guilt at politicians and other people but it is people who claim to be saved who are guilty.

We ask God to heal our land but He can’t until we get our hearts right with Him.  It is not an option to love others unconditionally; it is a commandment from Jesus.  “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another”.

We pray and ask God for a revival but it’s impossible for Him to revive someone who has never been on fire for Jesus.  Instead of praying for revival, we need to pray for an awakening.  When we don’t love one another as Jesus loves us, we are hurting Him and breaking His heart.

After all that our precious Saviour has done for us, He deserves to be happy.  We not only need to make Him happy, we also need to give Him the praise He deserves.  Please join me in praising Him.  He is the great I Am and the “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS”.  Worthy is the Lamb of God! 

Joanne Lowe

November 9, 2017

JESUS IS OUR BEST FRIEND

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

John 15:13 KJV

Eliza Edmunds Hewitt wrote a beautiful heart touching hymn about Jesus “The Very Friend I Need”.  These words are so true. “When I drink the cup of sorrow, When I tread the path of grief, Jesus is the very Friend I need; In His Word is consolation, In His presence sweet relief, Jesus is the very Friend I need.”

I have a lot of good friends who I love but they have to leave and go home.  Jesus never leaves me.  He has been with me every minute since I gave my heart to Him on August 14, 1980.  It was Jesus Who came to me so many years ago when I was lying under a bed in a mental hospital with no desire to live.

Someone asked me if it is difficult for me to write about my past.  The answer is yes.  I had crawled under the bed in the mental hospital because I had been abused physically and emotionally and was afraid.  Jesus put His loving arms of compassion around me and told me it was safe to come out.

Jesus told me that He loves me and that He will never leave me and He hasn’t left me.  Is it any wonder why I love Jesus after all He has done for me?  He told me that He loves me.  Nobody had ever said “I love you, Joanne” until Jesus told me that day.  One happy day I will see my precious Saviour face to face.

Do you understand yet how much Jesus loves you?  He died for you and shed His blood on the cross for your sins.  He had never done anything wrong yet He allowed them to beat Him beyond recognition and crucify Him for your sins.  O how He loves you.

Joanne Lowe

November 8, 2017

IT IS URGENT

“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 KJV

We need to understand that it is urgent to tell everyone that God loves them.  However, we must do more than just tell them that God loves them, we must prove it to them by our kind and loving words and actions.  This world is filled with violence, hatred, rapes, murders and all other things that hurt God.

How it must break the heart of our Heavenly Father to see the violence and hatred in this world.  It also hurts Him and breaks His heart when people reject His Son.  For some people, Jesus has been knocking at the door of their heart for many years but they have not invited Him into their heart.

Heavenly Father, we need Your help.  Please soften hearts and stop all this violence.  May we show Your love to everyone we see by our kind and loving words and actions.  I pray for every person who is hurting.  Please comfort and encourage them as You have done for me.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

November 7, 2017

WE NEED TO STOP JUDGING

“Judge not, that ye be not judged.  For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.  And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?  Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?  Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.”

Matthew 7:1-5 KJV

All of us are guilty of judging someone and that includes me.  How dare we judge someone else when we do things and say things that hurt God?  None of us are perfect.  There was only one perfect Person Who ever lived or ever will live and His Name is Jesus.  Instead of judging, we need to pray for others.

Someone made this comment “He is guilty to doing this thing”.  Yet, the person who said this had just told a lie.  To God, sin is sin.  Jesus died for the liars just as He died for the murderers.  Lying is a sin just as killing someone is a sin.  The person who says “I have never told a lie” is probably not being truthful.

If people ask us how we feel and we tell them we feel wonderful but we aren’t feeling good, we are lying.  It’s time we stop judging others and start praying for them.  A pastor said in a sermon “If you will make sure your own heart is right before God, you won’t have the time to judge and condemn others”.

The only place people should be judged is in a court of law.  It is so easy to point the finger of guilt at someone.  It’s a lot harder to judge ourselves.  We need to stop judging people.  May God forgive us for judging others.

Joanne Lowe

November 6, 2017

OUR ANCHOR OF LOVE

“Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;”

Hebrews 6:19 KJV

Priscilla Jane Owens wrote one of my favorite hymns “We Have an Anchor”.  “We have an anchor that keeps the soul Steadfast and sure while the billows roll, Fastened to the Rock which cannot move, Grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.”  I’m so glad these words are true and that we are anchored in Jesus.

Henry Lake Gilmour wrote another beautiful and heart touching hymn about our precious Saviour “The Haven of Rest”.  “I’ve anchored my soul in the “Haven of Rest,” I’ll sail the wide seas no more; The tempest may sweep over wild, stormy, deep, In Jesus I’m safe evermore.”  Jesus is our Haven of rest.

Have you anchored your soul in Jesus?  You may be saved but do you trust Jesus?  A pastor used this illustration in a sermon.  The pastor said “Do you know we have more faith in a chair than we do in Jesus?  When we sit down in a chair, we don’t wonder if it will hold us, but we don’t always trust Jesus”.

How we must hurt Jesus and break His heart at times.  May God help us to trust Jesus with everything.  Have you answered the call to serve Him?  Jesus gave His life’s blood for you.  What have you given to Him?  I urge you to not only give your heart to Him but also to give your life to Him.

Joanne Lowe

November 5, 2017

EVERY DAY

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”

Luke 2:11,12 KJV

Christmas is a time of rejoicing about the birth of our Saviour.  We give gifts to one another and are kind and loving to people.  However, something happens after the decorations are put away and the tree is taken down.  We also put away the love and compassion for our loved ones and friends.

Someone was talking to her friend and said “I love Christmas.  I love the parties and the food and the decorations but I don’t understand why people sing at Christmas.  This is a time to have parties and be with friends but what does Jesus have to do with Christmas?”  How that must have hurt Jesus when she said that.

One of the things that really upsets me so much that I have to ask Jesus to help me keep my big mouth shut is when I see “Merry Xmas” instead of Merry Christmas”.  Without Jesus there would be no Christmas.  One of the signs that I love to see is “Jesus is the reason for the season”.

Christmas is next month.  Let’s not wait for Christmas to give love and compassion to one another.  To me, every day of the year is Christmas because the Gift that God gave us, “the Baby Jesus” never leaves us.  He is with us every minute of every day.  Let’s make a special effort to show love to our loved ones. 

Joanne Lowe

November 4, 2017

TESTIMONY TIME

“And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;”

Revelation 5:9 KJV

Frances Jane Crosby wrote a beautiful hymn.  It is one of my favorite hymns “Redeemed, How I love to Proclaim it!”  When it’s testimony time in your church, do you give your testimony?  Are you telling everyone that Jesus has redeemed you?  We should be so in love with Jesus that we tell the world.

I have heard many wonderful testimonies but one man gave a testimony I will never forget.  He said “I am saved today because my mother prayed for me every day.  I saw her kneel beside her bed and heard her praying for me”.  What a faithful and loving mother this man is privileged to have.

I have to be honest and say that I didn’t give my testimony for many years but since I have fallen in love with Jesus, I want to tell the world what my precious Saviour has done for me.  Jesus not only redeemed me with His own blood from my sins, He also gave me a new heart.  We have a compassionate loving Saviour.

We read in the Bible.  “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).  When you have testimony time in your church, I urge you to stand up and tell what Jesus has done for you.

O how I love Jesus!  He is the Joy of my heart and the reason I’m living.  He is the “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” and one happy day I will see Him face to face.     

Joanne Lowe

November 3, 2017

HE BEARS OUR BURDENS

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

1 Peter 5:7 KJV

Charles Austin Miles wrote the hymn “All Alone”.  I’m so glad these words are true.  “When I have burdens to bear which no one can share, I take them to Jesus, the Man of Calvary; When I have crosses to bear, my Savior is there, And always takes the heavy end, and gives the light to me.”

Our loving Saviour is faithful to bear our burdens when we feel like we can’t take another step or give another smile.  Have you ever told someone about a burden you were carrying and thought the person didn’t understand?  Not only does Jesus understand what we are going through, He really cares.  It breaks His heart when we are sad.

We need to share our burdens with Jesus.  Pastor Charles Price Jones wrote the hymn “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.”

Joanne Lowe

November 2, 2017

WE ARE RELATED

“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;”

Ephesians 2:19 KJV

Bill and Gloria Gaither wrote a beautiful hymn that I love “The Family of God”.  “You will notice we say “brother” and “sister” ’round here; It’s because we’re a family and these folks are so near. When one has a heartache we all share the tears, And rejoice in each vict’ry in this fam’ly so dear.”

We need to get used to our brothers and sisters in Christ because we are all part of the family of God.  A pastor of mine said “Christians should be kind and loving to one another because they are a family”.  I have never forgotten what my pastor said in his sermon. 

Someone asked me if I ever get upset with anyone.  The answer to that question is yes.  I sometimes say things that hurt people and when I do, I also hurt Jesus.  It breaks my heart when I hurt Jesus.  However, none of us are perfect.  We all hurt Jesus at times and break His heart.

Someone said “It’s only natural for families to fight”.  That is a lie straight from the pits of hell.  It is not natural.  God did not create us to argue and fight.  We need to love one another so we won’t hurt Him.  May God help us to be kind and loving to each other and also encourage one another.

Heavenly Father, please forgive me for sometimes saying things that hurt others.  I never want to hurt You, dear Father.  Place in all of us the desire to be kind and loving to one another.  May we encourage one another instead of discouraging each other by our words and actions.  In Jesus’ Name, I pray.  Amen.

Joanne Lowe

November 1, 2017