Category Archives: God’s Grace & Love

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February 3, 2016

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Faith & Hope, Family, Friends & Fellowship, God's Grace & Love, Joy, Knowing Him, Thanks & Praise

BECAUSE HE LOVES US

For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time – to show us his grace through Jesus Christ. [2 Timothy 1:9 (NLT)]

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. [Ephesians 2:8-10 (NLT)]

passion flower (scarlet) - NBG736webOne morning, while getting ready to go out for a day with my friends, my husband brought me a small box. Upon opening it, I was stunned to find a beautiful silver and inlaid stone necklace that I’d admired more than six months earlier. When I asked what the occasion was, he simply replied, “I’ve been waiting to give it to you and thought it might match your outfit.” Flabbergasted at seeing the jewelry, I felt undeserving of this lavish gift and regretted my sharp words earlier that morning. It wasn’t my birthday, Valentine’s Day or our anniversary and I had done nothing special to deserve such a gift. It was just a beautiful, “Because I love you!” present. When we’re surprised with a gift like this, a gift from the heart, we tend to question our worthiness to receive it and feel uncomfortable because we have nothing but our thanks to give in return.

We are all undeserving of the most wonderful gift we have ever received: Jesus Christ. God gave His only Son and sacrificed him for our sins. That is the most magnificent and unwarranted gift ever and we did nothing to deserve this splendid present. In fact, we have done much that is wrong. That, however, is the astonishing thing about God’s grace: it’s not something we deserve and it’s not something we earn. It is something given to us by God simply because he loves us.

Thank you, Lord, for the gracious gift of your Son and our salvation. As unworthy as we are, fill us with your Holy Spirit. Empower us to do your work and honor this precious gift by the way we conduct our lives.

So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ. [2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 (NLT)]

Copyright © 2016 jsjdevotions. All rights reserved.

 

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February 1, 2016

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Challenges & Difficulty, God's Grace & Love, Knowing Him, Peace of God, Thanks & Praise, Trusting God, Worry

COMFORT ME

As a mother comforts her child, so I’ll comfort you. You will be comforted in Jerusalem. [Isaiah 66:13 (MSG)]

9-26-15Family-WEBRecently, a new mother I know had to leave a restaurant in the middle of dinner. The sitter had called in desperation; nothing would stop the baby from crying and she was at wit’s end. I’ve had that happen both as a sitter and a mother. We’ve probably all had an occasion when there is a fussy baby and his mother isn’t near; it is not a good situation! The infant is passed around from person to person. The baby is sung to, bounced, rocked, jiggled, walked, patted, and even tickled; the binky is offered, diapers are changed, funny faces are made, and a bottle is tried. The adults try in myriad ways to comfort the crying baby but absolutely nothing works. In fact, the child usually gets more agitated the harder everyone works at calming him down. Then, miracle of miracles, his mother returns to the room. She reaches out her arms and cradles her child. Almost instantly, he quiets. These are arms he can trust; he knows he’s loved and that all of his needs will be met.

We are God’s children and, sometimes, we’re not much different from that crying infant. Something is wrong in our lives and nothing and no one can still our troubled hearts. Fortunately, God is like that mother; while other people, try as they may, can’t calm us or ease our fears, He can. When we let God’s arms surround us, He will bring us comfort. We just need to be still, feel His embrace, and accept His reassurance; we are safe and loved.

Thank you, Lord, for the life you gave us. Thank you for nurturing and sustaining us through the years. Thank you for the comfort you offer us, the caress of your arms as you hold us, the tenderness of your voice as you soothe our troubled souls, and your gentle touch as you dry our tears.

Oh, love me—and right now!—hold me tight! just the way you promised. Now comfort me so I can live, really live; your revelation is the tune I dance to. [Psalm 119:76-77 (MSG)]

Can a mother forget the infant at her breast, walk away from the baby she bore? But even if mothers forget, I’d never forget you—never. [Isaiah 49:15 (MSG)]

Copyright © 2016 jsjdevotions. All rights reserved.

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January 25, 2016

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Attitudes & Behavior, Challenges & Difficulty, Faith & Hope, God's Grace & Love, God's Plan, God's Promises, Joy, Patience & Perseverance, Thanks & Praise, Trusting God

WINTER JOY

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? [Romans 8:38 (NLT)]

Steamboat Ski Area

As I stepped off the plane into biting wind and blowing snow, the shock of the bitter cold took my breath away. Having started the day at a balmy 70 plus degrees, I wanted to turn around, get on the plane and go back to where I’d been. The plane, however, wasn’t returning that night so neither was I. As I trudged across the tarmac, I questioned my sanity in leaving the warmth of southwest Florida for a stay in our Colorado home.

That first night in the mountains, I just wanted to go back. Once I traded my t-shirt for layers of fleece, my shoes for insulated boots, and my light jacket for a heavy parka, however, things improved. Once I saw the beauty in the aspens’ glistening hoarfrost, strapped on my snowshoes and enjoyed the snow instead of cursing it, and once I’d taken my first ski run down the mountain and embraced the wintery world in which we’ll live for the next two months, my attitude changed. Once I’d accepted and adjusted to where I was, I found joy in my surroundings.

We made the deliberate choice to spend part of our winter in the cold and snow but, sometimes, life drops us off in cold dark places not of our choosing. We end up at the funeral home, principal’s office, police station, or in the ICU. We find ourselves in cardiac rehab, divorce court, an Al Anon meeting, or across from an unsympathetic loan officer or angry boss. Bills pile up, loved ones get sick, tornadoes hit, accidents happen, children get in trouble, and dreams disappear. When those times occur, we want to turn around and go back to the way it was before—before sickness, bankruptcy, death, betrayal, or unemployment. God, however, does not offer return tickets to the land of before.

Several years ago, it felt like God left me in a cold dark place and I longed for the time before—before any of the bad happened, a time when everyone seemed happy and life was good. There was no going back, however, and it was fruitless to yearn for what had been but was no more. By trusting in God and His purpose, I surrendered my circumstances to him. Along with my tears were prayers and, with His guidance, I eventually adjusted my behavior, changed my expectations, stopped yearning for the before and looked with hope to the after. As for the after—while different, it’s possibly even better than the before! Granted, it didn’t happen overnight and it took more than wearing wool socks and long johns to get to a place of acceptance. It happened when I stopped asking God “Why” and started asking Him “What do you want me to learn from this?” It happened when I managed to find reasons for gratitude in even the darkest place. Eventually, out of the pain came not just acceptance but joy.

At some time or another, we all end up in cold dark places and enter a winter time for our souls. We need to find a way, not just to survive them, but to thrive in them. To do that, we must trust in the Apostle Paul’s words that while not everything that happens is good, God will bring good out of whatever happens. As difficult as that sounds, God will open our eyes to the good in the bad and we’ll find a way to have joy in all circumstances.

Thank you, God, for taking the broken pieces of our lives and putting them back together so they are stronger. Thank you for taking the cold winters of our souls and shining your love and light upon them, warming our hearts and enabling us to once again face life with joy.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. [Romans 8:28 (NLT)]

Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. [Philippians 3:1a (NLT)]

 

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January 11, 2016

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Attitudes & Behavior, Church & Worship, Family, Friends & Fellowship, God's Grace & Love, Joy, Love & Works, Obedience, Sharing Our Faith

RAINDROPS FALLING ON MY HEAD

Celebration community beach church
As you serve the Lord, work hard and don’t be lazy. Be excited about serving him! [Romans 12:11 (ERV)]

Do your best to be the kind of person God will accept, and give yourself to him. Be a worker who has no reason to be ashamed of his work, one who applies the true teaching in the right way. [2 Timothy 2:15 (ERV)] 

It rained in southwest Florida yesterday. While that is of little interest to most of you (especially if you are experiencing an Arctic blast in the north), it was of concern to our church. We have one of the most beautiful churches in the area—designed by God (with a little help from the park district)—but it has a leaky roof. Actually, since we meet outside in a city park, we have no roof at all! While God and the weatherman seem to cooperate most Sundays, every once in a while our sanctuary has mud puddles and the chairs are wet. Many find shelter in the nearby gazebo while the early birds crowd onto the band shell with the band and singers. The truly hardy (and latecomers) hunker under their umbrellas in the rain.

Pastor was asked if there would be an abbreviated service because of the weather. As long as we were without tornado warnings or lightning, the service would proceed as planned. If, in spite of the inclement weather, people came to our church, a full worship service is what they wanted and what they’d get. Without a doubt, I am sure there was a least someone there yesterday who desperately needed the entire service, not just a Reader’s Digest version that had been condensed because of the weather. I’m sure there was at least one person whose heart was moved by the words of Amazing Grace and more than one who needed to hear every word of Pastor’s message about truthfulness. There probably were many more who craved laughter and truly needed to hear each one of his jokes. There were many who were there, not just for music and message, but also for Christian fellowship. Along with worship, they needed the welcome, kind words, smiles, handshakes, and hugs that came with the service.

Yes, we are saved by faith alone. All the work in the world does not mean salvation and even our grandest efforts will not get us into heaven. That doesn’t mean, however, that we are not to put our best effort into everything we do for the Lord and His church. God expects a first-class effort, not a half-hearted attempt, even when it’s raining.

While those who passed by the park may have seen a rather bedraggled group of church-goers gathered together and trying to stay dry, I think God looked down from his heavenly throne and saw a grand cathedral filled with joyful worshippers. He didn’t hear just a few voices raised in praise, he heard a choir much grander than that famed one in Utah! He saw people expressing love—for one another and for Him. Yesterday, God was just pouring a little of his goodness down on us and I pray that His goodness continues to grow because everyone did his or her best during worship service. After all, “Into each life some rain must fall.”

Be still, sad heart, and cease repining; Behind the clouds is the sun still shining;
Thy fate is the common fate of all, Into each life some rain must fall,
Some days must be dark and dreary. [Henry Wadsworth Longfellow]

May the clouds in the skies above pour goodness on the earth like rain. May the earth open up to let salvation grow. And may goodness grow with that salvation, which I, the Lord, created. [Isaiah 45:8 (ERV)]

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December 24, 2015

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Bible Stories, Forgiveness, God's Grace & Love, Holidays & Holy Days, Knowing Him, Miracles

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

In the same country there were shepherds in the fields. They were watching their flocks of sheep at night. The angel of the Lord came to them. The shining-greatness of the Lord shone around them. They were very much afraid. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. See! I bring you good news of great joy which is for all people. Today, One Who saves from the punishment of sin has been born in the city of David. He is Christ the Lord. There will be something special for you to see. This is the way you will know Him. You will find the Baby with cloth around Him, lying in a place where cattle are fed.” At once many angels from heaven were seen, along with the angel, giving thanks to God. They were saying, “Greatness and honor to our God in the highest heaven and peace on earth among men who please Him.” [Luke 2:8-15 (NLT)]

shepherdEvery December, the Botanic Gardens sponsor “Night Lights in the Garden.” For two weeks, once the sun goes down, their landscape transforms into a Florida version of a winter wonderland. Thousands of twinkling lights adorn the trees, gardens, ponds and paths. Holiday music is performed, shimmering icicles hang from tree branches, palms are wrapped in colored lights, and glowing orbs light the lawns. New last year was a laser light show. As we stepped into a garden surrounded by trees, our breath was taken away when we saw shimmering light illuminating the trees all around us. Sparkling light in various configurations kept flashing across the trees; it was absolutely beautiful.

I’m sure the angels put on a better show that blessed night so long ago but, standing in the midst of such an amazing display, I got an idea of what the shepherds might have seen the night of Jesus’ birth. I could imagine hearing angels singing, “Gloria, in excelsis Deo!” in the midst of such radiance. I knew I was just viewing a combination of electricity and holographic laser light technology and what the shepherds saw and heard was of divine origin. Nevertheless, I was awe struck. I’ve seen cards, candy, wooden storks, enormous bows, and large signs used to publicize a baby’s arrival, but angels from on high in an exhibition of God’s splendor certainly wins the prize when it comes to impressive birth announcements!

Oddly, it wasn’t government leaders, priests or kings but lowly shepherds who were the first to get the announcement of our Savior’s birth. Shepherding wasn’t socially acceptable—the shepherds’ social status was similar to that of dung sweepers or tax collectors. Yet, God chose these lowly men, who couldn’t even serve as witnesses in a court of law, to witness the Messiah’s arrival. Perhaps it was because shepherds not only watched over the sheep but also had the task of separating the perfect firstborn lambs that would be used in temple sacrifices as atonement for people’s sins. How fitting that these shepherds should witness of the arrival of Jesus—the one who would become known not only as the good shepherd but also as the lamb of God. Perhaps they readily recognized the infant child both as one of their own who would faithfully watch over his flock and as the perfect one-time sacrifice that would atone for the sins of all time.

I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep. [John 10:11 (NLV)]

The next day John the Baptist saw Jesus coming to him. He said, “See! The Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29 (NLV)]

Copyright ©2015 jsjdevotions. All rights reserved.
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December 15, 2015

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Challenges & Difficulty, Faith & Hope, God's Grace & Love, God's Promises, Salvation: A New You

SAVED

The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going. [John 6:18-20 (ESV)]

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. [Ephesians 2:8 (ESV)]

Lifeguard rescue boat
Several months ago, two young men were fishing from shore at a nearby Florida beach. Seeing a sandbar further out and thinking better fishing might be found there, they swam out to it. Unfamiliar with the ocean, they hadn’t taken into account the rising tide. When they arrived at the sandbar, they found it to be ten feet under water. With no way to stand and rest, the exhausted men panicked and started to swim back to shore. One managed to save himself but the other young man couldn’t and drowned.

If a lifeguard had been present, perhaps this story would have had a better ending. Our southwest Florida beaches, however, have no lifeguards. Although onlookers did their best to find the man in the murky water, they were unsuccessful.

When encountering difficulty in the rough seas of life, sometimes we can save ourselves and sometimes we can’t. When it comes to our final salvation, however, no matter how good we can swim, there is no way we can save ourselves. Fortunately, we have a lifeguard on duty at all times, one who can walk on water, and He is the only one who can truly save us. He offers us the only salvation we really need—all we need to do is believe in Him.

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. [Acts 4:12 (ESV)]

If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. [Romans 10:9-10 (ESV)]