Category Archives: God’s Love

Aug18

You’re Invited…

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You’re Invited…

“Come with me

by yourselves

to a quiet place

and get some rest.”

~Jesus

 

Mark 6:31b

 

Imagine going to your mailbox and finding a personal invitation from your best friend to a relaxing, weekend get-away at an off-the-beaten-path location beside a beautiful pristine lake.  Just the thought of that could begin to melt away stress and worries!

Read the words of the divine invitation above from Mark 6:31b, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”  Envision Jesus speaking this invitation directly to you.  Allow these words to penetrate your soul and pause to grasp the full meaning of each phrase.

“Come with me…”

 The Son of God is personally inviting you to join Him for a break from the busyness of your life.  He loves you, and He wants YOU to be with Him!

“…by yourselves…”

 The Savior of the World desires to have a personal relationship with YOU.  He longs for you to spend time alone with Him.  It’s difficult to get to know someone in a crowd.  True friendships are formed through one-on-one interaction, and Jesus is asking you to develop a one-on-one connection with Him.  He wants you all to Himself, without anyone else around…including your cell phone, computer, iPad or any other type of distraction…totally unplugged and disconnected from the outside world.

“…to a quiet place…”

 The Prince of Peace is inviting you to come away from your daily responsibilities and join Him in a quiet place.  There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to carry on a conversation with someone in a loud and distracting environment.  A quiescent place is tranquil and calm and free of disturbances.  It’s a place of peace, and the type of place you can focus solely on your interaction with the Messiah.  In that quiet place you can talk to the Wonderful Counselor and listen as He to speaks to your soul.  You can reverently honor Him and praise His power and majesty.  You can sense His presence and know that He is with you.  In Psalm 46:10a, God tells us to “Be still and know that I am God.”  Jesus’ invitation is encouraging us to come to a quiet place alone with Him so that we can truly know Him.

 “…and get some rest.”

 God knows the importance of rest.  Even the almighty, all-powerful Creator of the Universe, who never sleeps nor slumbers, rested from His work after He created the world and everything in it.  Jesus understands that we get tired and weary from all the demands and burdens of life, and He promises that a relationship with Him will provide rest for our souls.  (Matthew 11:28 – 29):

Dear Child of Mine,
 
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on Religion?  Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”  (Matthew 11:28 – 29 MSG)
 
Love, Jesus
 

How will you respond to Jesus’ invitation?  He’s patiently waiting for your R.S.V.P.  Relax in the unforced rhythm of His grace and mercy, and find rest and peace in this life-changing relationship.

 

 

 

May30

Nothing is too hard for God!

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By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,
Their starry host by the breath of His mouth.
He gathers the waters of the sea into jars;
He puts the deep into storehouses.
Let all the earth fear the Lord;
Let all the people of the world revere Him.
For He spoke, and it came to be;
He commanded, and it stood firm.

Psalm 33:6 – 9

When I watch beautiful displays of nature, I am reminded of Jeremiah’s affirmation to the Lord:

“Ah, Sovereign Lord, You have made the heavens and the earth with your outstretched arm.

Nothing is too hard for you!” 

 Jeremiah 32:17

If God can create the heavens with His word and the starry host with His breath, He can speak life into any situation that you or I face here on the earth He created.  Absolutely nothing is too hard for Him.  Since He also created everything in the earth…including you, He knows – and cares about – everything in your life.  If you face a problem that seems insurmountable, turn to the God who gathers the waters of the sea into jars for help.

 Your problem is not bigger than God.

Mar31

He has risen!

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“Don’t be alarmed,” he said.

“You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified.

He has risen!

He is not here.

See the place where they laid him.

Mark 16:6

 

“Who believes what we’ve heard and seen?
    Who would have thought God’s saving power would look like this?

The fact is, it was our pains he carried—
    our disfigurements, all the things wrong with us.
We thought he brought it on himself,
    that God was punishing him for his own failures.
But it was our sins that did that to him,
    that ripped and tore and crushed him—our sins!
He took the punishment, and that made us whole.
    Through his bruises we get healed.

The plan was that he give himself as an offering for sin
    so that he’d see life come from it—life, life, and more life.
    And God’s plan will deeply prosper through him.

Out of that terrible travail of soul,
    he’ll see that it’s worth it and be glad he did it.
Through what he experienced, my righteous one, my servant,
    will make many “righteous ones,”
    as he himself carries the burden of their sins.
Therefore I’ll reward him extravagantly—
    the best of everything, the highest honors—
Because he looked death in the face and didn’t flinch,
    because he embraced the company of the lowest.
He took on his own shoulders the sin of the many,
    he took up the cause of all the black sheep.”

Isaiah 53:1,4-5,10-12 MSG

The suffering, death and resurrection of God’s only son, Jesus Christ, resulted in forgiveness made available to all mankind…including you!  No matter what you have done in your life, no matter what sort of sins or wrongdoings you have committed, no matter how unworthy you feel of God’s love, Jesus’ work on the cross included YOU.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8

Believers in Jesus are forgiven in the sight of God, not by their own works, but by the great work of Christ, the Messiah, on the cross.  By claiming Christ as our Savior and Lord, believers are stripped of the condemnation brought on by their sins, and they are clothed in the goodness of Jesus.

 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16

“Who believes what we’ve heard and seen?  Who would have thought God’s saving power would look like this?”

Do you believe in the saving power of Jesus Christ?

Feb6

Dearly Loved

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Feb1

The Most Excellent Way

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And now I will show you the most excellent way.

If I speak with the eloquence of men and of angels,

But have no love,

I become no more than blaring brass or crashing cymbal.

1 Corinthians 13:1

 Love is the greatest of all human qualities.  In fact it is an attribute of God Himself; 1 John 4:8 tells us, “God is love.”  So if we possess special abilities, such as eloquent speech, but we don’t have God, then those gifts are useless ~ nothing more than a noisy bell, a clanging cymbal, or the creaking of a rusty gate.

 Love makes our gifts and talents useful.  God’s love working through our lives is directed outward toward others.  He has blessed each of His children with unique and special gifts, and His great plan is for us to use those talents in the work of His kingdom serving others.  He desires for us to use our skills and abilities to build up and strengthen others in our sphere of influence. 

 We all don’t possess the same types of talents and abilities, but love is available to everyone.  By allowing God to live through us, we are able to show His love to others.   God’s love blended with our talents creates a dynamic synergy with divine purpose.  This is “the most excellent way.”

 

Jan21

Standing Firmly on the Rock

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He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
    out of the mud and mire;
He set my feet on a rock
    and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth,
    a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear the Lord
    and put their trust in Him.

Psalm 40:2–3

 When you experience a season of emotional or physical upheaval in life, it is easy to begin feeling like you are trapped in a deep, dark, slimy pit filled with mud and mire.  Your footings are unstable and no matter what you do to try and pull yourself out of this dismal situation, you seem to slip right back down to the bottom.  Every step you take becomes bogged down in the thick quagmire of your problems.

 If you find yourself in a dark place like this in life, do not give into the feeling of hopelessness.  You are not alone!  There is no depth so deep that God is not watching over you.  There is no place so dark that His light cannot penetrate.  Nothing can ever separate you from His love.  Instead of trying to climb out of the pit on your own, call out to God, and He will hear your cry of despair.  Lift up your hands to your Heavenly Father and allow Him to lift you out of the mud and mire.

He will place your feet upon a solid Rock and give you a firm place to stand.  Even in the midst of tumultuous situations, you will have a solid foundation with God.  The winds of controversy may gust, and the stormy problems may howl, but you will remain firmly rooted in God’s love and protection. 

The Lord will give you a new song to sing.  Your focus will turn from your problems and difficulties, and instead your thoughts will be centered on praising Our Savior.  Your life will be a testament to others.  They will see what God has done for you and be amazed.  As a result, many will also place their trust in the Lord.

Let your roots hold firmly to the Rock!  With Him you will never be shaken.

 

“Truly He is my rock and my salvation;
    He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”

Psalm 62:2

Jan12

Listen for His Song

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The Lord your God is in your midst,
A Mighty One who will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness;
He will quiet you by His love;
He will exult over you with loud singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

Take a moment to let the words of this scripture penetrate your mind and permeate your heart.  The same Mighty God who created the universe is in your midst.  As His child you are never alone.  Your Heavenly Father is beside you every step of the way.  He is always present in your life.  When the going gets tough, He’s not going to bail out.

God loves you unconditionally.  He celebrates and sings because of YOU.  As a mom of three sons, I know how it feels to “rejoice” over my children.  Be assured that my voice will be the loudest one cheering in the stands whenever there’s a home run, touch down or game winning basket.  I also celebrate other accomplishments with them such as good grades on a report card, learning a new skill, or making the team.  Truthfully, I rejoice over my boys each morning when I wake them up and each time they walk in the door from school.  So if an earthly parent can have such joy over her children, I can’t imagine how much more our Heavenly Father, who created each and every one of us, rejoices over all His children.

When you are fearful, hurting or sad, He quiets you and comforts you with His love.  Our All-knowing, All-seeing, ever present Lord knows your every need and thought.  He senses the pain you may be feeling.  He knows your circumstances and understands your fears with complete clarity.  Just imagine His divine arms wrapped tightly around you, holding you, consoling you, reassuring you, soothing you and calming all your fears.

God’s word is true.  So we can believe without a doubt that the Mighty One who will save is in your midst.  He is rejoicing over you.  He is quieting you by His love.  And your Heavenly Father is singing loudly over you with joy.  Acknowledge His presence in your life.  Sense His joy and gladness over you.  Feel His comfort, and listen for His loud singing throughout your day.

Jan11

God’s Answers

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Each day untold numbers of negative thoughts can swirl through our heads.  It is often difficult to control those thoughts, but I have found that the best remedy for negative thinking is through God’s powerful and positive Word. When you feel discouraged, weak, too tied to go on, unloved, condemned, depleted, confused, incompetent, fearful, guilty, unsure, defeated, worried, sad, or alone, God has an answer for you.   Say these verses out loud until you have memorized them.  Repeat them to yourself each time that negative thought creeps into your mind.  God loves you unconditionally!  He speaks to you through His Word.  Listen to His voice of truth instead of the lies that may be playing on “auto-shuffle” in your mind.

Here are just a few examples to get you started:

God’s Answers to our Negative Thoughts:

YOU SAY GOD SAYS BIBLE VERSES
You say: ‘It’s impossible’ God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27 NIV)27 Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” Luke 18:27
You say: ‘I’m too tired’ God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV)28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
You say: ‘Nobody really loves me’ God says: I love you (John 3:16 NIV)16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
You say: ‘I can’t go on’ God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15 NIV)II Corinthians 12:9

9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

Psalm 91:15

15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
You say:  ‘I can’t figure things out’ God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5- 6)5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
You say: ‘I can’t do it’ God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13 NIV)I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
You say: ‘I’m not able’ God says: I am able (2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV)8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
You say: ‘It’s not worth it’ God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28 NIV)28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
You say: ‘I can’t forgive myself’ God says: I Forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1 NIV)1 John 1:9

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness

Romans 8:1

8 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,
You say: ‘I can’t manage’ God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)New International Version (NIV)

19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
You say: ‘I’m afraid’ God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7)New International Version (NIV)

7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
You say: ‘I’m always worried and frustrated’ God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7 NIV)7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
You say: ‘I’m not smart enough’ God says: I give you wisdom (James 1:5 NIV)If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
You say: ‘I feel all alone’ God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5b NIV)God has said,

“Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you.”
Jul23

God’s Limitless Love

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If you ever find it difficult to comprehend the vastness of God’s love for you, He has placed a constant reminder in the beauty of the heavens. Lift your eyes from your daily grind and earthly concerns. Take a moment to gaze at God’s handiwork in the sky. Hear the whispers of His limitless love and embrace the truth of His eternal faithfulness to you.  Understand that His great love is for everyone…including you.

As surely as the sun rises and sets each day, His boundless love for you continues into eternity.

  • “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him.” Psalm 103:11
Jul10

Dear Child of God…

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Dear Child of God~

 “Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. 

  I’ve called your name. You’re mine.
When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. 
   When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down.
When you’re between a rock and a hard place, 
   it won’t be a dead end—
Because I am God, your personal God, 
   The Holy of Israel, your Savior.
I paid a huge price for you…
That’s how much you mean to me! 
   That’s how much I love you!
I’d sell off the whole world to get you back, 
   trade the creation just for you.”

“So don’t be afraid: I’m with you.”

With My Unfailing Love,

                Your Heavenly Father

Isaiah 43:1b – 5a (MSG)