SPIRIT INSPIRATION

A Look of Love

For those of us who have pets, we know that they are loyal to us and give us these looks that make our heart tender. They are a joy to us and give us companionship.

There is One who gives us looks of Love, Peace, Joy, Happiness, and Faithfulness. Jesus gives us these looks through other people. He has not been here for over two thousand years. He has left us to spread His looks of Love.

When others look at you, what do they see? Do they see a grouchy person with a bad attitude who dares others to smile at them? Jesus wants us to smile with Joy and Love at others.

I have a parakeet that is a gift from God, who fills me with joy every day and brings me happiness. Sometimes however, I get irritable if I am not feeling good and take it out on her.

God never gets irritable with us. He never takes anything out on us. He remains Faithful and Loyal no matter how we treat Him. Let’s start giving others a look of Love that will warm and encourage them.

Joanne Lowe
December 21, 2004
joannelowe8@cox.net

Empty Hearts

Many times I have asked God this question. Who am I that You should love me? Every time He says I am His child and I am precious to Him. When I finally realized who Jesus is and what a Great Friend He is, my life changed.

Our hearts are barren and empty of love for others until Jesus puts His Love in our hearts. All of us are born with a selfish nature, which carries over when we grow up. It is only by allowing Jesus to work through our hearts and lives that we can love others and be effective as He wants us to be for Him.

How about your heart today, is it filled with the Love of Jesus? Are others seeing the Joy of Jesus on your face? When you talk, do others hear the Compassion and Love of Jesus in what you say?

So many people are hurting inside and they desperately need this Joy and Love of Jesus. I urge you to let Jesus fill your heart with His Love and Joy so that you can be a vessel fit for the Master’s use.

Joanne Lowe
January 28, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

Happy Birthday Jesus

Why is it that we will sing Happy Birthday to everyone but Jesus? We need to realize that it hurts Him and breaks His Heart when we ignore His Birthday or treat it just as a time to get together with family and friends and give gifts.

This wonderful Baby was born to give Light, Hope, Salvation, Peace, and Joy to the world. We need to understand, however, that He is not a Baby now. He grew up and became obedient to His Father and willingly laid down His Life for you and I so that we might know the fullness of His Love.

The best way we can honor Him on His Birthday is by thanking Him for all He has done for us and by being kind and patient to one another. The Bible says, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me”. Let’s give Jesus a special Birthday Gift and spread His Love to family and friends and those who are lonely.

Joanne Lowe
December 10, 2004
joannelowe8@cox.net

It Hurts

Several years ago on Christmas Day, I sat in a hospital room with my sister while our Mother was dying. Mom would call out my sister's name over and over, but she never called my name once and she knew I was there. I was hurt deeply and I cried myself to sleep for almost a month after she died.

I was very bitter toward Mom and then one day God spoke to me and said, "She is not to blame. No one showed her My Love so she didn't know how to show it to others, even to her children."

I am convinced that the reason that people act so terrible toward one another and the reason that people kill, steal, and deliberately say hurtful things to one another is because they do not believe that anyone loves them.

Jesus has not been here for over two thousand years. He has left us to spread His Love and Compassion. Are you spreading the Love of Jesus to others? Do you feel the Love of Jesus for you?

I finally understood that it really was not my parent's fault that they didn't hug me and tell me that they loved me. It is because they had not been shown love and so they didn't know how to express love. It is like telling someone how to go someplace that you have never been.

I urge you to open your heart wider so that Jesus can pour His Love into it and in turn you can express the Love of Jesus to others. You never know, a hug that you give someone might literally stop him or her from committing suicide.

Joanne Lowe
January 30, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

Knees and Heart

The Bible says that we are to bow our knees before God when we pray. However, if we are just bowing our knees and not our hearts, it is in vain.

When we come to God in prayer we need to come with our hearts lifted up in joy and praise. Yes, we might be going through devastating heartache and circumstances but if we really have the Joy of the Lord in our hearts, satan can not get the victory over us.

The Bible says that the Joy of the Lord is our strength. There is nothing that you and I can do to generate that Joy. It is Jesus living in us Who is the Joy that flows from our hearts.

I was heavy hearted last night about something that I had heard and for a while I was really down. Then I started singing to Jesus and telling Him how much I love Him. I started laughing out loud because satan can not win the war because he is already defeated through the Precious Blood of Jesus. We may let satan win a battle but he will never win the war.

I urge you to let the Joy of Jesus in you overflow onto all you come in contact with and watch how Jesus will heal broken hearts and lives.

Joanne Lowe
January 26, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

Not Enough

There is a teaching tape by Joyce Landorf called "Balcony People" that I used to listen to every day and sometime two or three times a day. I was going through a period of severe depression at that time in my life and God used that tape to bring me out of my depression.

One of the things that Joyce says on the tape is that people used to come up to her and hug her and say, "Hi, how are you doing? Jesus loves you. Got to rush, bye". Joyce says that one day she told someone, "Well, that’s not enough. I need someone to put their arms around me and prove that Jesus Loves me".

We can tell people that Jesus Loves them but if we never do anything to prove it by our actions and not just words they are not going to believe us. We need to demonstrate the Love of Jesus and not just tell them that He Loves them.

When is the last time that you went up to someone and hugged that person? When is the last time you shut the television off and picked up the telephone and called someone that you knew was lonely and needed to hear a friendly voice?

Let me encourage you to not only tell people Jesus Loves them, prove to them Jesus Loves them by the way you act toward them. Yes, it might be inconvenient and not in our daily schedule for us to do these things but I am sure it was not convenient for Jesus to hang on that cross for us. He did it to prove that He Love us.

Joanne Lowe
January 22, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

Table of Love

We are instructed in the Bible "Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart". Are we following these instructions? Have we invited people to feast at the table in our heart by extending forgiveness and understanding?

All of us are guilty of telling someone; I forgive you, yet in our heart we continue to harbor resentment, unforgiveness, and bitterness. I have found out by personal, heartbreaking experience that you do not hurt anyone else by that attitude. You only hurt yourself and Jesus.

We need to realize that we hurt people also. We want their forgiveness and understanding, yet we are not willing to offer them the same forgiveness. What is wrong with our thinking? Clearly, it is not controlled by the Love of Jesus! How many times have we gone to God and asked Him to forgive us? How dare you and I ask Him to forgive us when we are not willing to forgive others?

We all need to realize that it is a privilege and honor to even say the Name of Jesus, much less ask Him for something. Is the table of your heart spread with kindness, honesty, understanding and forgiveness? If not, you have pounded another nail into the Hand and Heart of Jesus.

Joanne Lowe
October 13, 1999
joannelowe8@cox.net

Under the Bed

Many years ago I signed myself into a hospital because I was feeling suicidal. While in the hospital, I crawled under the bed because I was afraid of people and had no desire to live. The nurses would keep pulling me out and as soon as they left my room I would crawl back under the bed.

This went on for two weeks until one night on the midnight shift a nurse I had never met literally got down on her hands and knees and crawled under the bed with me and laid beside me. She took hold of my hand and told me that she wouldn't let anybody hurt me and it was safe to come out. I didn't believe her but I did come out after she laid there for about an hour with me.

There are many people who are under the bed in their emotions. They are afraid to show their emotions for fear of being ridiculed and put down. We need to open our hearts to others who are hurting emotionally and all of us hurt in one way or the other.

I encourage you to find someone you can trust, someone who won't judge you or make fun of you and open your heart to that person. I know from experience that the only way to get rid of all the hurt in our hearts is to start talking to others.

God said that we are to bear one another's burdens. It is impossible to bear someone's burdens if we don't know what they are. The best way to help someone is by sharing what you have been through so that person will know that you really do care and understand.

Come out from under the bed in your emotions into the Arms of Jesus. He Loves you so much and is yearning to fellowship with you. You have tried everything else and it didn't work. Try Jesus and you will be victorious through the Love of Jesus.

Joanne Lowe
January 22, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

Decorations of the Heart

As we look at the decorations on the Christmas Tree, we are filled with a sense of beauty and peace. Without the decorations on the tree it would look bare and not as pretty.

What about our hearts? Are they decorated with the Love of Jesus? When others look at us, do they see the Love of Jesus shining from our hearts?

My Mother told me that she always knew when I was happy, that my eyes would sparkle. Are our hearts sparkling with Love, Joy, Peace, and Happiness?

There are many countless people who are lonely and discouraged and they need encouragement. We can not encourage anyone if we do not have the Love of Jesus shining brightly in our hearts.

There is a song I used to sing in Sunday School that said, “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine”. Let me encourage you to let others see your light shining brightly so that they may not only be encouraged but also be filled with warmth and comfort.

Joanne Lowe
December 18, 2004
joannelowe8@cox.net

God’s Love Sale

A lot of us have had garage sales or we have gone to them. Many things in garage sales are broken and look terrible. We go through our closets and the rest of our home cleaning out things that we don’t want or use.

One day God had a Garage Sale. However, it wasn’t a Garage Sale, it was a Love Sale. It also was not because He didn’t want or use what He sold, it was to show His Love to us

God’s Love is free. There is nothing that we can do to deserve His Love. You might wonder about this title, “GOD’S LOVE SALE”. His Love is free to us but it cost Him everything. It is impossible for us to comprehend with our human minds how much God Loves us.

One day, God cleaned out His Heart and gave His Beloved Son for us. My heart has broken many times over the agony that God must have experienced. Not only was He giving His Son to die a cruel death, He was sending Him on a Mission and He was going to miss His Son.

I wonder what would happen and how many hearts and lives would be changed if one day we had a love sale that was free to others but cost us. Let’s open our hearts and give of our time and talents.

Joanne Lowe
January 28, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

In the Valley or on the Mountain

Are you in the valley of despair or on the mountain of Joy? If you are in the valley of despair, you do not have to stay there!

It is a lie straight from the pits of hell that we have to remain in valleys. The Bible says, “The Joy of the Lord is your strength”. The Bible also says in Galations 5:22 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith”.

These are the ingredients for us to use in our daily lives but too often we forget to put them into practice. God has given us all we need to live a daily, victorious life through Jesus. However, He is not going to do it for us. We can ask Him for strength and courage to do what we need to do, but we are the ones to employ these principles He has given to us.

I challenge you to let Jesus help you get out of the valley of despair and back up on the mountain of Joy. Never forget that God may want to use you today and you need to be ready.

Joanne Lowe
January 11, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

Jesus Understands

If you are experiencing problems with your children and are discouraged to the point of giving up, the most important thing I can tell you right now is that Jesus Loves you and He understands completely what you are going through and what you are feeling and it does not matter to Him.

He knows your heart and He knows that you love Him. If we truly love Jesus with all of our heart then nothing else matters.

I encourage you and urge you to reach down in your heart and let Jesus light your candle again, the candle that draws people to you and closer to Jesus. There are so many people that need what you and I have to give them, the Love of Jesus. Not everyone can give the Love of Jesus because they do not have His Love in their heart.

Remember Jesus could come back today even before you go to bed and there could be someone who is desperately lonely and maybe even contemplating suicide right now, and you may be the one that He wants to use.

Joanne Lowe
December 19, 2004
joannelowe8@cox.net

Never Forget Jesus

Many years ago I felt the call to missions and I told my pastor. He said there was an opening in the Missions Service Corps. He told me I would have to raise my own support so I went from church to church in our association speaking on missions and I raised my support.

They sent me to Phoenix, Arizona to the Indian Reservation. However, I only stayed two days and called my pastor and said this was not where I should be so he told me to come home.

We had Bible Stories for the children and different activities. At the end of the first day I went to the mission leader’s room and asked him what time we had devotions. He replied, “We are too tired at the end of the day and too busy at the start of the day for devotions”.

I didn’t say anything to him but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that the reason we were here was to spread the Love of Jesus. If we didn’t take time for Jesus, to talk to Him and thank Him and ask Him for help and guidance, then our labors would be in vain.

Everything that we do in life should be for Jesus. It is all about Jesus. He is the Giver and Sustainer of life. We must never forget Jesus or leave Him out of our daily lives. If we don’t receive instruction and support from Him, we will never be effective like He wants us to be for Him.

I encourage you to always remember and include Jesus in your daily activities. You will find that you will have a much better day.

Joanne Lowe
December 23, 2004
joannelowe8@cox.net

Still No Room

There was no room for Jesus when He was born and sad to say, it is still true today in a lot of people’s hearts. Today is Jesus’ Birthday and how many of us sang Happy Birthday to Him. We sing to our family and friends because we love them. How much more should we sing to Jesus, the Best Friend we will ever have.

Did you make room for Jesus today? When you woke up this morning, was your first thought about Jesus? Did you thank Him for this Joyous Day? As you gathered with family and friends today, did you stop and let Jesus into the activities?

I challenge all of us to make more room for Jesus in our daily lives. If making Jesus happy is not your reason for living, then I suggest you do a heart checkup and have a long, serious talk with Him. Open your heart to Jesus and let Him fill it with His Love, Joy, Peace, and Happiness.

Joanne Lowe
December 25, 2004
joannelowe8@cox.net

The Living Word

I have heard many people say and some say it almost in a bragging manner, “I have read the Bible through more than once”. That is wonderful! We should read our Bible but my question is, “Are you spending time with the Living Word?”

Jesus is not only the Written Word; He is also the Living Word. I have not read the entire Bible through word for word. I have tried many times but I would always get stopped when I got in the Old Testament where there is much law and history.

I do know the Heart of the Living Word! I know what makes Jesus happy and what makes Him sad. I don’t always please Him because I am human. However, He knows my heart and He knows how much I love Him.

Please keep reading your Bible but also spend time with the Living Word. Allow Jesus to rise with Joy in your heart. The Bible says that the Joy of the Lord is our strength. Let others see the Living Word shining brightly in what you say, where you go, what you watch, who you associate with, and what you do.

Joanne Lowe
January 17, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

What Now

A pastor once said in a sermon, “There was a man who wrote the entire Bible word for word by memory without making one mistake. However, that same man went home and beat his wife”.

We are to read our Bible. God said that we should but He also said not to hurt people. What good is it and what does it mean to us if we don’t employ the knowledge and instruction we receive from God?

Did you know that the Bible is God’s Love Letter to us? He tells us over and over again how much He loves us and how precious we are to Him.

It is no wonder at all that people do not want to go to church when they see the ones who profess to be Christians not acting like it. God said that He wants us to be either cold or hot and not lukewarm.

When you read a map it is useless unless you follow the directions, it is the same with the Word of God. The Bible was written to direct, inspire, encourage, and comfort us.

The Bible gives us all the ingredients necessary for life but it is like making a cake, if you leave one of the ingredients out it will not taste right.

Many years ago back in Texas I was going door to door on visitation from church and I will never forget what this one lady said to me. I asked her, “If you knew that God was telling you to sell your home and give all the proceeds to the poor, would you do it”? She did not hesitate. She said, “Absolutely not! I have worked hard for this home for many years and everything in it is mine that I bought with my own money”.

I didn’t say anything to that lady but later at home my heart broke when I realized that God gave the very Best He could give us, His Own Beloved Son, Jesus.

I have thought many times about how Jesus willingly left His Father and all the Beauty and Peace of Heaven and came to earth knowing that He would be treated worse than any individual would ever be treated. What Amazing Love!

Let’s stop just reading the Bible, let’s start living the Bible so that others will want the Peace and Joy that only Jesus can give a person.

Joanne Lowe
December 21, 2004
joannelowe8@cox.net

Trust Him

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

Hebrews 11:6 King James Version

We can teach, preach, sing, write, give to charity, and do all other good things, but unless we believe God then all this is in vain. God is not impressed with our titles, our education, our homes, our boats, or our money. What pleases Him is how much you and I trust Him and what we do to show Him that we trust Him.

We need to check out our faith level. What is the temperature of our faith today; is it hot or cold? Are we earnestly seeking Him above everything and everyone? Is He first priority in our lives?

Many times we grow weary serving Jesus because of the criticism and sarcasm that we receive from people. We need to remember that people also criticized Jesus and was sarcastic to Him. He also grew weary in His Heart of being hurt.

Even today, we are being sarcastic and criticizing Jesus when we say these devastating, cruel words to one another. It breaks the Heart of Jesus when we hurt one another. How is your faith level today? Are you trusting Jesus for everything?

Joanne Lowe
November 15, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

Be Thankful

"And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits. A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it."

Genesis 6:12-16 King James Version

God was so angry with the way that people were behaving that He destroyed the earth. Yet, even in the midst of His anger, He made sure that Noah and his family would be safe. What a Compassionate God we have!

As Thanksgiving Day approaches, we need to make sure that we devote most of the day to thanking God for His Protection and Provisions. I received an email today from someone who said that we should thank God every day. That is a true statement, but we have set apart this day for a special time of thanksgiving to God.

God not only provided a place of safety for Noah and his family and the animals, He told Noah how to build it so that it would be comfortable for them. We can take a lesson from Noah who believed God and obeyed Him. When God tells us something, then we need to listen, believe, and obey Him.

Joanne Lowe
November 16, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

God’s Homework

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

Matthew 6:33 King James Version

I was talking to someone on the phone yesterday afternoon when all of a sudden I heard her say, "Are you reading your Bible? You know, I don’t mind if you read it, but I want you to do your homework first". My first reaction was shock, and then anger, and then my heart broke as I realized that she just hurt the Heart of my Best Friend, Jesus.

The boy who was reading the Bible has been through severe emotional distress all of his life by the fighting between his parents and the things that happen in his home. He was reaching out for the only Comfort that he knew, and his mother said to stop reading your Bible.

I don’t want to be that mother when she stands before God on the Judgment Day. This verse says to seek God and His Righteousness first. When I was in college, before I took any test I always prayed and asked God to help me.

Parents, please don’t stop your children from reading the Bible. You should be more concerned about that than about their homework. Yes, homework is important and it needs to be done, but they can’t take it with them for Eternity.

Are you seeking God? Are you putting Him first in everything that you think, say, or do? We need to put Him first and then everything else will work out for our good.

Joanne Lowe
November 17, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

Still Room

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Matthew 11:28-30 King James Version

When I first read these verses several years ago, I didn’t understand them. I was thinking of a yoke like an ox has, and a burden that I couldn’t handle. I had never seen the Joy of Jesus in anyone’s face so I didn’t want to do this.

I had insomnia for many, many years and couldn’t sleep even with strong sleeping pills. When I gave my heart and all that I am to Jesus, everything changed. I have never had trouble sleeping one night. We will never be able to sleep with perfect peace until our hearts are right before Jesus.

The verse says that His burden is light and I have found that to be true. As I was typing these verses, I realized that not only is His burden light, it is the Light of Jesus. Are you carrying a heavy burden today? Come to Jesus and let Him give you an inner rest and a peaceful sleep at night. There is still room at the cross for you.

Some of us have never come to the cross with our hearts. We have come with our head and verbal acknowledgements, but that is all we have given to Jesus. Have you given your heart to Jesus? Is He the Master of your life? Do your actions and words bring honor to Him?

Joanne Lowe
November 18, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

Worth it All

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Hebrews 12:1-2 King James Version

There are times in our lives when we grow so weary of our daily schedules. We wish at times that we could just go on a vacation for a year. For those of us who have committed our lives to Jesus in full time service, we grow weary of criticism, misunderstandings, and being told what we are doing wrong.

I received an email from a Pastor who said almost the same thing. He said that even Pastors need encouragement, as they grow weary of all the criticism. We sometimes forget that Pastors are human just like us. They get tired and need a rest. They also need encouragement. It is not enough to just shake the Pastor’s hand after church, and then forget about him for the rest of the week. We need to pray for our Pastor and remind him that Jesus Loves him.

Jesus endured the Cross for the Joy set before Him. Like Jesus, we need to endure the criticism and discouragement for the joy of knowing that we are making Jesus happy.

Keep pressing on in your daily lives; keep serving Jesus and make Him happy. It does not matter if people turn against you. What matters is making Jesus happy.

Joanne Lowe
November 19, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

Protect the Children

"And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me."

Mark 9:36-37 King James Version

Jesus is very protective of children. He expects you and I to also protect our children. Children are being abused sexually, emotionally, physically, and spiritually not only by society, but sad to say, sometimes by their families.

Almost every website I visit has the Amber Alert for missing children. The families of these dear children are torn apart emotionally. We need to do everything in our power to stop children from being hurt.

We also need to protect the babes in Christ. We need to nurture and fellowship with the ones who have just asked Jesus into their hearts. As soon as a person is saved (made a heart commitment to Jesus), satan comes against that person with lies telling him or her that Jesus doesn’t Love him or her. We need to be available on a daily basis, and hourly, if needed to reassure them that they are saved.

If you see a child that is being abused and is in immediate danger, pick up the phone and call 911. Then, immediately pick up the hotline phone to God and ask Him to protect the child. Please protect our children. They are precious to Jesus!

Joanne Lowe
November 20, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

Be an Encourager

"They helped every one his neighbor; and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage. So the carpenter encouraged the goldsmith, and he that smootheth with the hammer him that smote the anvil, saying, It is ready for the sodering: and he fastened it with nails, that it should not be moved."

Isaiah 41:6-7 King James Version

Last night I had the privilege of talking to a Pastor that I had when I lived in Texas. God had laid the Pastor on my heart for two weeks and told me to call. I had called with the intention of encouraging the Pastor, but not only was the Pastor encouraged; I was encouraged also.

These verses tell us that we are to encourage one another. It says that he fastened it with nails. We need to be such encouragers to one another that satan will never be able to sneak up on our family, loved ones, and friends. All of us need encouragement; the person who thinks that he or she does not need encouragement is deceiving himself or herself.

Have you encouraged anyone today by telling him or her that Jesus Loves him or her? We can tell someone that we love that person and it may help, but it takes the Amazing Love of Jesus to give someone Peace, Joy and Happiness.

Joanne Lowe
November 21, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

God’s Dress Code

"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

Ephesians 6:13-17 King James Version

It has turned cold and I love the cold weather. However, it makes my arthritis really hurt. This morning when I was getting dressed, I put on two pairs of pants, two regular tops, one sweatshirt, and socks. I was dressing to prevent the arthritis from hurting so badly.

These verses tell us what we need to do every morning to stand against satan. The verse says, "quench all the fiery darts of the wicked". The reason why we have so many defeats in our daily life is because we are not putting on the armour of God.

If we don’t put on all of these things that He gives us, then it is our fault that we have a bad day. Many times we blame God for bad things that happen to us and it is not His fault. He has already provided the Protection. We just need to wear His armour.

Are you dressed for the battle with satan and the world today? Just as we dress for the cold weather, we need to dress for the attacks of satan.

Joanne Lowe
November 22, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

The Healing Lap of Jesus

"And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you? They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened. So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him."

Matthew 20:32-34 King James Version

When we are very little babies, our parents hold us in their arms and we fit because we are so tiny. However, when we get older we don’t fit in their arms any more so they sit us on their laps.

Many times I long to have Jesus hold me, so I have a special place where I can go to be close to Jesus. When I don’t feel well, or when someone hurts me then I go and lay on my bed, and I feel Jesus put His Arms around me. He tells me that He understands, and that everything will be okay.

Sometimes our hearts are blinded by anger, greed, sarcasm, and all other things that hurt Jesus. We need Him to have Compassion on us and heal our hearts, If our hearts are not right before Him, then we can not spread His Love to others.

Have you allowed your heart to be blinded by satan? If so, then you need to allow Jesus to put His Compassionate Arms of Love, Forgiveness, Understanding, and Mercy around you. Let Jesus take away the blindness in your heart.

Joanne Lowe
November 23, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

Prepare Your Heart

"In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you."

John 14:2 King James Version

People are already making preparations for Christmas. Stores have Christmas items for sale, and people are purchasing Christmas Gifts. My neighbor has already decorated his door and porch for Christmas. Some people buy Christmas Gifts all year long.

We need to prepare our hearts for Jesus. First of all, we need to give Him a place to live in our hearts. If you have never accepted Jesus as your personal Saviour, I urge you to open your heart to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you and save you.

The greatest gift we can give Jesus on His Birthday is to spend time with Him. We spend countless hours in the kitchen cooking delicious meals. We clean the house thoroughly because our family and friends are coming for Christmas. Yet, sad to say, we don’t give Jesus even two hours a day during our preparations for Christmas. Without Jesus, there would be no Christmas!

Have you thought about what you can give Jesus for His Birthday? You can give Him your time, and you can be kinder to your family, loved ones, and friends. You can pick up the phone and call someone who is hurting and alone.

Many people commit suicide during the holidays because they are so lonely, and feel that nobody cares about them. Let’s get back to the real purpose of Christmas, spreading the Love of Jesus to a hurting world.

Joanne Lowe
November 23, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

A Healing Touch

"And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased; And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole."

Matthew 14:35-36 King James Version

Jesus is our Healer. Just as the ones who touched the hem of his garment were made whole, when we allow Jesus to touch our hearts, we are made whole. Our hearts are full of anger, bitterness, envy, jealousy, sarcasm, criticism, and hatred until Jesus touches us and makes us whole.

The verse says that they brought unto him all that were diseased. We can’t bring anyone to Jesus unless we first allow Him to clean our hearts. Have you reached out and touched the Heart of Jesus and allowed Him to enter your heart and cleanse it?

There are so many people who are hurting, feeling totally alone, and some are suicidal. They desperately need someone to tell them the good news of the Love of Jesus. Will you be the one to tell them? Will you serve the Master with all of your heart? Will you give your all to the One who gave His all for you?

How is your heart today? Are you able to bring others to the Healing Touch of Jesus? Can you tell others with assurance that if they will touch Jesus, He will heal them?

Joanne Lowe
November 24, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

Joy Does Come

"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour:"

Isaiah 43:2-3a King James Version

These verses have been a Comfort to me many, many times throughout the years. However, never have they been so comforting to me than on Thanksgiving Day in 1979. I was raped on that day and it was dark so I do not know who it was.

Many times we blame God for bad things that happen to us, however this time it was my fault. I had gone to a tavern that night and drank so much alcohol, it is a wonder that I did not die. The man took me home and it happened. I never saw his face as it was dark in the tavern and dark at home.

After it was over and he left, I thought that I was trash, that I did not have a right to live. It took many years for God to convince me that Jesus died for my sins and that, indeed, He did Love me.

If you have done something in your past for which you can’t forgive yourself, remember if God can forgive us, we need to forgive ourselves. Pour out your heart to Jesus and let Him pour His Healing Joy in your heart.

Joanne Lowe
November 25, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

Not Much Time

"And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years."

Genesis 6:3 King James Version

I wasted the first sixty-two years of my life. I am praying that God will give me another sixty years to serve Him. We don’t have much time to tell others how much Jesus Loves them.

This morning, I read a testimony about a lady who had thought about taking her life. Even as I type this, there are people who have no hope in this world. They don’t know about Jesus. They may have heard His Name and acknowledge there is a God, but they don’t know He Loves them.

We need to stop wasting our time and start spreading the Love of Jesus. All other things are going to fade away, but His Love will last forever! We can write, sing, teach, and preach, but if we don’t show the Love of Jesus to others by our actions, then it is in vain.

When is the last time you hugged someone for Jesus? When is the last time you turned off the television and picked up the telephone and called someone who you know is hurting and desperately needs to know that someone cares?

We need to be about the Master’s Business while there is still time to serve Him. We need to get our priorities straight and put Jesus first before anything or anyone.

Joanne Lowe
November 26, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

Forget It

"Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert."

Isaiah 43:18-19 King James Version

So often, we focus on our past. When we have an argument with someone, many times we bring up the things that person has done wrong in the past. Jesus said to forget them. When He plants His Forgiveness and Love in someone’s heart, he or she is a new person.

We need to stop dwelling on our past and start living for each new day. We can’t change what we have done wrong in the past. We can’t take back all the cruel, hateful, and sarcastic words we have said to someone. However, we can ask Jesus to help us be the person He wants us to be.

I spent many years wandering in the wilderness of despair, heartache, and tears. One day, Jesus reached His Nail Scarred Hand down to me and lifted me up and I have never been the same. I can honestly tell you that each day is filled with Joy, Peace, Happiness, and Contentment. I still have problems just like you do, but I have found the Joy of Living, my Wonderful, Beautiful Saviour, Jesus!

Are you still bringing up the past when you have an argument with someone? Are you dwelling on your past mistakes and failures? Forget about them and concentrate on today, and on making Jesus happy.

Joanne Lowe
November 27, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

God’s Report Card

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

2 Timothy 2:15 King James Version

When that mother told her son to do his school homework before he read the Bible, she was saying that his school homework was more important that studying the Bible. The Bible says that we are to study His Word so that we will be able to learn and tell others of Jesus.

We take many tests during our lifetime. We take tests at school and on the job. One day, God is going to look at the Report Card that He is keeping on our life. I want to have the best grades I can get so that I will make Him happy.

We won’t have a chance to study harder and make better grades. The Report Card that He is keeping is how we live our lives. He is documenting all the times we have hurt people, said cruel things to one another, and our actions toward others.

He is also recording all the good things we do for Him. Every time that we give someone a hug, tell people that Jesus Loves them, and do things to make Him happy, He writes that down also.

What does your Report Card look like when Jesus looks at it? Is it filled with good things that make Him happy, or is it filled with things that bring shame to Him?

Joanne Lowe
November 28, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

Get Up

"For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat."

Hebrews 5:12 King James Version

There were many years when all I did was warm the pew that I sat on in church. I didn’t read the Bible at home and didn’t pray. I still needed to be taught. There comes a time when we need to get up from the pew and teach someone else.

There are people who have just accepted Jesus as their personal Saviour and they need someone to encourage, nurture, and disciple them. If we are still drinking milk, we will be unable to help anyone.

It is a lot easier and safer to just sit in the pew and let others do the work that Jesus has called us to do. When we start serving Jesus, satan immediately comes against us with criticism and doubts.

We are to learn from those in authority that God has set over us. We need to be in submission to our pastor. We need to encourage our pastors and pray for them daily.

Are you still drinking milk and warming the pew, or are you eating meat and helping new Christians? The person sitting next to you in church may need encouragement and God may want to use you.

Joanne Lowe
November 29, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

God’s Thermostat

"Now King David was old and stricken in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he gat no heat."

1 Kings 1:1 King James Version

When the weather turns cold, I start putting on extra clothes for warmth but sometimes I am still cold and have to get in bed and cover up until I get warm. It is the same with our hearts. Many times our hearts are cold with anger, hatred, jealousy, unforgiveness, and bitterness.

I tried to change my heart but it didn’t work. It takes the Cleansing Blood of Jesus applied to our hearts to change us. Jesus is the only One that can warm and change our cold hearts.

Sometimes I have to turn up the thermostat until the house warms up. We need to allow Jesus to turn up His Thermostat in our hearts so high that His Love will overflow to everyone who sees us or talks to us. There are many people whose hearts are cold with loneliness and despair. God can’t use us to warm others with the Love of Jesus unless our hearts are at the right temperature.

What temperature is the thermostat in your heart today? Is it on fire for Jesus, or is it icy cold from satan? If it is cold, allow Jesus to put His Thermostat of Love, Forgiveness, and Warmth in your heart so that you can warm others with the Love of Jesus.

Joanne Lowe
November 30, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

Make Room

"And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head."

Matthew 8:20 King James Version

Christmas is the Celebration of the Birth of Jesus. There will be parties, family and friends gathering together, gifts, and a lot of delicious food to eat. Please make room for Jesus in the midst of all these activities.

We have allowed the real meaning of Christmas to be lost. All of us need to stop and reflect on the Baby that was born in a manger for us. This Precious Baby grew up and gave His life for us so that we can have our sins forgiven and be with Him for Eternity.

Have you made room for Jesus in your heart? Have you allowed Him to clean out all the bitterness, envy, anger, hurt and jealousy from your heart? Jesus didn’t have a place to lay His head when He was on earth. We need to allow Him to lay His Head in our hearts.

Last Christmas before I did anything, I read the Christmas Story from Luke aloud to my parakeet. You may think that’s crazy, but she is very smart. While I was reading, she cocked her head and listened. Then when I started singing, she started singing too.

Please make room for Jesus on Christmas Day. Without Jesus, there would be no Christmas. Give Him a special gift by spending time with Him. It will make Him happy.

Joanne Lowe
December 1, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

God’s Tender Emotions

"Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep."

Romans 12:15 King James Version

I have a beautiful leather recliner that was given to me as a gift. After I had sat in it for a while, the leather started peeling off and it looked terrible. I covered it with a sheet that matches the carpet in the living room because I didn’t want anyone to see it.

We do the same with our emotions. We don’t want anybody to know how we are feeling because we are afraid of being ridiculed. This verse says that we are to rejoice with them that rejoice, and weep with them that weep. It does not say to give advice, scold them, or make them feel worse than they already do.

We are to extend to them the Love of God when they are hurting, and we are to rejoice with them when they are happy. All of us need each other for encouragement. The person who says that he or she does not need encouragement is not being honest.

Joanne Lowe
December 3, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

What Love

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."

James 1:17 King James Version

The first Gift that was given was when God gave us His Son, Jesus. What Amazing Love and Compassion He showed to us that day! Today, I received an early Christmas present. An officer from my bank came to my home and gave me some groceries and said it was a Christmas present from the bank.

As you are out buying presents for your family, friends, and loved ones for Christmas, keep in mind that giving something practical like groceries is very wise. For people who are on Social Security, a gift certificate for groceries would be appreciated. There are young parents who would appreciate diapers as a gift. It is not necessary to spend hundreds of dollars to show the Love of Jesus.

Have you thought about what you are going to give Jesus for His Birthday present? It is wonderful to give money to missions and charity, but how about the rest of the year. We need to give Jesus something special every day of our lives. One of the greatest gifts we can give Him is our time.

Let’s spread the Love of Jesus to everyone and tell them how much Jesus Loves them. The real meaning of Christmas is the Love of Jesus. We don’t deserve this Love. We can never do anything good enough to repay this Love. This Love is a free Gift from God. Have you received the Gift of the Christ Child in your heart? If not, I encourage you to open your heart to Jesus and allow Him to change your heart.

Joanne Lowe
December 2, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

Do You Care

"Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?"

Matthew 26:38-40 King James Version

Jesus asked them to share His pain and sorrow, yet they fell asleep. Today, we do the same thing to Jesus. He asks us to share one another’s burdens and pray for them and many times we allow other things to detract us.

A dear Pastor friend of mine in Texas said in a sermon, "When someone asks you to pray for him or her, do it immediately". He said that he used to write the prayer requests down and pray for them at the end of the day when it was less hectic. He told us that many times he was so exhausted at the end of the day from his busy schedule and emotionally drained because of counseling fifteen to twenty people a day, that he started to pray and fell asleep. He said that now when someone asks for prayer, he immediately prays for that person.

God has convicted me of the same thing. I would write the requests down to pray for them at the end of the day, and then I would fall asleep. Now, as soon as someone asks me to pray, I immediately say "Father, in the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, I lift my brother or sister up to You asking You to please meet the need".

The length of our prayers does not impress God. What touches Him is the condition of our heart when we pray. It is not necessary for us to know every detail to pray for someone. God knows all about the prayer request and He is waiting for someone to intercede for it. We need to make sure that our hearts are right with Jesus before we pray for someone else.

Do you care enough to shut off the television when someone calls and asks you to pray, or do you have to wait until the program or game is over? How much do you care about your family and friends?

Joanne Lowe
December 4, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

Tell Them Now

"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver."

Proverbs 25:11 King James Version

I sent out a prayer request yesterday to some of my closest friends. Within an hour, I had received fifty-two emails praying for me. God spoke to my heart and said that if we would encourage and say kind things to one another all the time, satan would have a very difficult time trying to discourage us.

I am just as guilty as everyone else. I do not send encouraging emails, or call people as often as I should. One of the greatest gifts we can give our loved ones and friends for Christmas is to tell them how much we love them and how much they mean to us.

When someone dies the pastor or someone says something in honor of the person, but the person that has died does not hear it. We need to tell people how much they mean to us right now. It might stop someone from committing suicide.

Have you told Jesus today how much He means to you and how much you love Him? He is waiting to hear from us. He longs to fellowship with us. Please tell Jesus, your family, loved ones, and friends how much you love them right now.

Joanne Lowe
December 5, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

A Rewarding Path

"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."

Luke 9:23 King James Version

What does it mean to deny ourselves? Sometimes, it means to let someone get the last word. It also means to shut off the television and go visit someone, or call someone on the telephone. God has impressed upon my heart that if we spend as much time visiting and calling people as we do watching television, there would be a lot less depression in this world.

We will have obstacles placed in our path every day, but we must go to Jesus and ask Him to please help us climb over them. Many days we have people who criticize us, ridicule us, and tell us what we are doing wrong. We still need to take up the Cross of Jesus and follow Him.

When I was married, I always had to have the last word, especially if I knew that my husband was wrong. It didn’t solve anything, and just caused more conflict and bitterness between us. We don’t have to have the last word even if we are right. Jesus knows our hearts, and He will reward us for being quiet when we want to get the last word.

Yes, the path to serving Jesus is sometimes rocky and full of criticism, but the reward of serving Jesus is worth it all. Not only do we have a less stressful life by keeping quiet when we want to say something, we make Jesus happy. Making Jesus happy should be the reason that we do or say anything.

Joanne Lowe
December 6, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

The Blood Stained Painting

"But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water."

John 19:33-34 King James Version

My sister and I went out to eat yesterday and as we were driving along, both of us commented on the beautiful sky. I said that no person could paint something this beautiful. One day, Jesus painted my heart with the Precious Blood that He shed for me on the Cross.

Christmas will be here in less than three weeks and it is a Celebration of the Birth of the Christ Child. Yet, Jesus grew up and went to the Cross for us and suffered such agony and torment that no words can adequately describe it.

A soldier pierced His side with a spear, and today we pierce His Heart by the way we treat people. He has asked us to be kind to each other and to extend His Love to others. We can’t do that unless He has painted our hearts with His Blood.

What color is your heart today? Is it red with the Precious Blood of Jesus, or is it black with the ugliness of satan? The best gift that you could give Jesus on His Birthday is to give Him your heart. What will you give to Jesus for His Birthday?

Joanne Lowe
December 7, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

God’s Peace

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful."

Colossians 3:15 King James Version

When we think of a ruler, we think of someone who has complete control. This verse says that we should let the peace of God rule in our hearts. So often, we are disturbed, angry, and filled with hatred. There is no peace in our hearts.

One of the songs that we sing at Christmas has the words, "Peace on earth, good will toward men". There will never be any peace in our homes, on our jobs, or in our schools unless we have the Peace of God, Jesus, in our hearts. Do you have this Peace in your heart?

This is a great gift that we can give to our family and friends for Christmas. We need to let others see the Peace of God in our words and actions. There are many people whose hearts and homes are in turmoil. If we have this Beautiful Gift of Peace, Jesus, in our hearts, then we can help others by sharing this Peace with them.

It would be a wonderful gift to give to Jesus on His Birthday if we would allow Him to take complete control of our hearts and let Him rule in our hearts like He desires to do. When someone has a birthday, we try to do everything we can so that person will have a wonderful, happy day. Let’s make Christmas, the Celebration of the Birth of Jesus, a happy and joyous day for Him.

Joanne Lowe
December 8, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

Every Day

"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."

Hebrews 10:26 King James Version

I am not able to go to church any more due to my arthritis and not being able to sit on the folding chairs or in the pews. However, all the years that I did attend church was just a show for others. It is the accepted thing to do and I didn’t want anyone to criticize or ridicule me. As soon as I walked out of the church, I went right on living the same way.

I had heard sermons preached about repentance, but I never really listened to what it meant. True repentance is being sorry for your sins and asking Jesus to forgive you, and then stop doing those things. It means to make a complete change in the way you live your life. We are powerless to change ourselves. It takes the Precious Blood of Jesus applied to our hearts to change us.

Someone asked me a couple of days ago if I went to church, and I told her that I was unable to go because of my arthritis. I told her that I have church every day. If we aren’t having church every day in our hearts, then going to church is just a show for others.

We need to be praising God, singing, and praying every day to Him in our hearts. We need to be fellowshipping with Jesus every day. How about you today? Are you having church every day in your heart, or are you just putting on a show for others?

Joanne Lowe
December 9, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

Who Did You Say

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."

John 10:27 King James Version

Many years ago, I called my Mother and told her that God had called me to be a missionary. She said, "Who did you say called you?" I said, "God called me." She said, "You talk like He is real." I submit to you on the Authority of the Word of God that He is real.

When I first felt the call to missions and called my Mother, I wasn’t even living for Jesus like I should have been. I didn’t even know that He Loved me. I only knew that I wanted to do something for Him.

If you can’t hear Jesus speaking to your heart, then you need to spend more time with Him. You need to get to know what makes Him happy and what makes Him sad. When you spend a lot of time with someone, many times you know what he or she is thinking because you know him or her. It is the same with Jesus, if you know His Heart, then you will know what He desires of us.

I received an email yesterday asking me how I knew Jesus was speaking to me. He asked me if I heard a voice or had a vision. I said that He just spoke to my heart like He always does. I don’t hear a voice, or see a vision. I just know His Heart and what makes Him happy. I stay in tune with Him all day so I am ready when He says something to me. Have you heard from Jesus lately? Has Jesus heard from you today?

Joanne Lowe
December 10, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

Always the Same

"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."

Hebrews 13:8 King James Version

We don’t know what kind of mood our spouse; family, loved ones and friends are in when we need to talk to them. Jesus is always in a good mood. He never changes and we don’t have to worry about disturbing Him.

The same Jesus who saves us from sin and puts His Love into our hearts will also save us from the attacks of satan and the criticism of the world. He Loved us yesterday, He Loves us today, and He will Love us forever. It does not matter how much we hurt Him, He still Loves us.

When I was going through all those years of devastating depression and suicidal thoughts, I never lived in one place very long. The only Christian doctor I ever had at one of the hospitals I was in told me, "Joanne, what you need in your life is stability. You have never had a home or enough food to eat so it is no wonder at all that you are so depressed".

Since Jesus deposited His Love into my heart, I have stability. I have a Friend who will never leave me, will never hurt me or say cruel things to me. He has promised me that I am His for Eternity and nobody can take His Love from me! What a Saviour! What a Friend!

Do you know this Friend of mine? Have you allowed Him to deposit His Love and Forgiveness in your heart? If you are lonely, hurting, desperate, and wandering in the darkness of your life, run to Jesus and let Him heal all the pain and heartache in your life.

Joanne Lowe
December 11, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

Too Late

"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."

Proverbs 15:1 King James Version

The day that I got married, I was so excited that I sprayed hair spray under my arms, and put deodorant on my hair. When I realized what I had done, there was no time to take a bath and wash my hair.

Many times we get angry and upset and in the excitement of the moment, we say things that we really don’t mean. It’s too late to take them back. Once they are said, the arrows of criticism, harshness, and hatred pierce the person’s heart. We can apologize and ask for forgiveness, and they can forgive us, but the wounds are still open and raw. It takes the Love of Jesus to heal these wounds.

When someone hurts me and says criticizing, sarcastic words to me, I really want to say something to that person that will hurt him or her. It has taken Jesus many years to take the terrible temper that I had away from my heart. I still have to rush to Jesus and ask Him to help me keep my big mouth shut when someone attacks me.

We need to make a special effort and not say sarcastic remarks back to someone who has hurt us. We can’t do it in our own strength. It is only accomplished through allowing the Love of Jesus to so flow through our hearts that we will be quiet when someone attacks us. How is your temper today? Does Jesus control your heart and mouth, or are you still allowing satan to run your life?

Joanne Lowe
December 11, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

Too Little

"Thus saith the Lord the maker thereof, the Lord that formed it, to establish it; the Lord is his name; Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not."

Jeremiah 33:2-3 King James Version

Many times God has given me an answer before I even asked Him for what I needed. God does so much for us, and we do so little for Him. Something wonderful happened to me today and I was amazed. However, I shouldn’t have been because God is so Wonderful and Loving. Just when I think I couldn’t be any happier, He does something that I never even thought about. What a Loving Father we have!

Yesterday, satan attacked me all day long and I was so weary that I went to bed early. Now, I know why he attacked me so strong. It is because of all the victories that Jesus won today. I kept doing what I needed to do yesterday and today He rewarded me for my faithfulness to Him. However, I need to do much more than I do for Him.

Everything good that we have is from God. He gives us air to breathe, food to eat, a bed on which we sleep, clothes to wear, families, loved ones, and friends. God does so much for us and we don’t deserve any of it. It is only through His Amazing Grace, Love, and Compassion that we have what we need in this life.

What have you done for God today? Have you called upon Him and told Him you love Him? Have you thanked Him for the bed you sleep on, and the clothes that you wear? There were many nights in my life when I slept on the floor. I thank God for my bed. Give God thanks for your bed tonight.

Joanne Lowe
December 12, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

An Embarrassing Day

"Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen."

Revelation 1:7 King James Version

I’m sure a lot of us have had embarrassing days. One of my embarrassing days was when I had diarrhea and was unable to get to the bathroom in time. Another embarrassing moment happened at Wal-Mart. I had gone to the restroom and when I came back out into the store a lady leaned over and whispered in my ear that the paper toilet seat cover was hanging out of my pants.

While those events embarrassed me, if I don’t live my life serving Jesus and telling others how much He Loves them, I will really be embarrassed when I see Him face to face. I will be very embarrassed when I remember how I pierced His Heart when I said cruel, spiteful, and sarcastic words to people.

When you see Jesus, how will you feel? Will you be able to look Him in the eye without being embarrassed for the way you lived your life? How many times have you pierced His Heart by your words and actions to others?

We need to live our lives to please Jesus and make Him happy. He does so much for us and asks so little of us. If we have made a heart commitment to Jesus and He lives in our hearts, we need to not embarrass Him by the way we treat others.

Joanne Lowe
December 13, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

The Greatest Name

"And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end."

Luke 1:30-33 King James Version

I was talking with a friend of mine over the phone this afternoon and he mentioned working with a man who is well known in the political field. My immediate thought was, it is not what we know in this world that sometimes helps us, it is whom we know.

I have a Friend, and His Name is Jesus. His Name is the only Name in which we are assured of a Home in Heaven if we have made a heart commitment to Him.

It is sad to say, but it is possible that more people have heard the name of this man in politics, than have heard the Name of Jesus. The reason they have not heard the Name of Jesus is because no one has said it to them. They have heard the name of our favorite sports team, the name of our favorite singer, and the name of our favorite television show, but we have neglected to tell them about the Greatest Name of all, Jesus.

His Name is above every name, and one day at the Name of Jesus every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord! (Philippians 2:10) Yes, there is no Greater Name than that of my Best Friend, Jesus. Have you told someone today about Jesus? If not, then please tell someone who may never have heard the Beautiful Name of Jesus.

Joanne Lowe
December 13, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

How Many Times

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Proverbs 3:5-6 King James Version

My parakeet has a bad habit of pulling on my hair. I think she wants to build a nest. I have been telling her, "NO" for months and she still does it. I got exasperated a little while ago and said to her, "How many times do I have to tell you NO"? If you are a parent, you can understand how I feel.

How many times does Jesus have to tell us to trust Him? He proves over and over again that He is Faithful to help us and yet we still don’t trust Him like we should. I’m sure that it hurts Him when we don’t trust Him.

Sometimes we pray and ask Him to take care of a situation and as soon as we get finished praying, we immediately try to solve it ourselves. How can He answer our prayers if we don’t get out of the way and allow Him to work on our behalf?

We need to stop relying on others, and ourselves and fully lean on Jesus. He is the only One who will never fail us. If we will surrender all to Jesus, He will lead us in the way that He wants us to go.

Are you depending on yourself and others? If so, put your trust in Jesus alone and you will never be disappointed. He will never leave you, or hurt you.

Joanne Lowe
December 14, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

Be Careful

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. Whom resist steadfast in the faith, know that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world."

1 Peter 5:8-9 King James Version

Christmas is almost here and we need to be careful that satan does not sneak up on us in our Celebration of the Christ Child’s Birthday. A lot of us will be getting together with family, loved ones and friends for Christmas.

Many people who never think about Jesus all year, or give Him any time at all in their daily schedule might go to church as that is the thing to do and people would be watching them. When Jesus is lifted up and praised, it makes satan angry so he attacks harder and in a sneaky manner.

Do not allow satan to ruin your Christmas by fighting with your spouse, family, loved ones, and friends. Some people might go to an office party and have just one drink to be sociable. If that person has had a problem with alcohol in the past, satan will use this to lure him or her back into drinking. Be careful, and stay on guard!

If you get irritated with someone, immediately resolve the issue, even if you have to say that you are sorry. It would make satan very happy to see Jesus ignored on His Birthday. Please stay alert and be careful during this time of Joy and Rejoicing.

Joanne Lowe
December 15, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

The Missing Piece

"And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."

Matthew 24:30 King James Version

Have you ever put together a jigsaw puzzle and when you finished it there was a piece missing? One day Jesus is coming back and all the questions that we have will be answered. We will shed no more tears and there will be no sorrow in Heaven. If you have not asked Jesus into your heart, then you have a missing piece in your life.

Many people become workaholics to escape from the pressures of home. Other people become alcoholics trying to drown their sorrows in a bottle. Other people turn to sexual activity and other people for their happiness. None of these will ever satisfy the longings in our heart for Peace and Happiness.

It is only through a personal relationship with Jesus that we can find this Peace, Joy, and Happiness which He gives to us for Eternity. There is no better time to begin a relationship with Jesus than right now.

Christmas will be here in nine days. What better gift could you give Jesus for His Birthday than your heart? For those of us who have already asked Jesus into our hearts, have we given everything to Him? Have we given Him our life, our talents, and our time?

Invite the Christ of Christmas into your heart, home, and life. Let’s make Christmas special for Jesus this year. I urge you to give the gift of your heart and life to Jesus for His Birthday Gift.

Joanne Lowe
December 16, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

A Family Christmas

"Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Joshua 24:14-15 King James Version

We have a choice to make on Christmas Day. We can choose to fellowship with Jesus and with each other, or we can turn on the television and watch movies and sports. There is nothing wrong with watching television unless it comes before the time you spend with Jesus and your family.

When I was growing up, we never had a Family Christmas of spending time with Jesus. I remember stringing popcorn to put on the Christmas Tree, but I don’t remember the Christmas Story, the Birth of Jesus, being read to us.

How do you spend the time on Christmas Day with your family? Is Jesus put first before anything or anyone? Do you read from the Bible about the Birth of the Christ Child to your children?

Jesus said that we are to choose this day who we will serve. We can either serve Jesus or we can serve the gods of this world. It would be a wonderful Birthday Gift for Jesus if you and your family would say, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord".

Joanne Lowe
December 17, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

Listen to the Children

"And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart."

Luke 3:49-51 King James Version

Jesus was obedient to his parents, but his mother remembered what He had said to them. Our children are to obey us, but we also need to listen to what they are saying to us.

A month or so ago, a mother told me that her son had told her that he didn’t feel good. However, his mother insisted that he go on to school. Within a couple of hours, the school called and told her to come get her son, that he was running a high fever and sick to his stomach.

Sometimes our children will test us to see how much they can get away with and then other times they are being genuine. We need to get to know our children so we will know when they are sincere. Yes, we clean up after them, cook for them, act as a chauffeur for their friends, but do we really know them?

Often a child is hesitant to go to his parents for fear of being ridiculed or disbelieved. If we tell our children on a consistent basis that we are too busy to listen to them when they want to talk to us, then they are not going to come to us again.

Dad, if your child comes to you and says that he or she needs to talk to you, shut off the television and give the child your full attention. Mother, stop baking and cleaning and listen to your child. The time we have with them is very short.

Joanne Lowe
December 18, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

What Will He Say

"Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased."

Luke 3:21,22 King James Version

When I was reading this verse, I realized for the first time that God is going to say something about my life. I want to please Him and make Him happy.

There were many years that He would have said that He was very displeased with the way I lived my life. I certainly did not make Him happy by harboring all the anger, hatred, distrust, and malice that I had in my heart toward others.

What is He going to say about your life, and the way you are living it? Is He pleased with the time you give Him? We need to make a special effort to please Him. God gave us the greatest Gift He could give us, His own Son, Jesus.

Search your heart and see if God is pleased with the way you are treating your spouse, children, siblings, relatives, and friends. Are you making Him happy, or are you making Him sad?

Joanne Lowe
December 19, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

What Are You Called

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God"

Matthew 5:9 King James Version

I was known as a troublemaker for many years. I was distrustful of everyone, and hated most people. I definitely was not a peacemaker.

Since I surrendered all of my heart to Jesus on January 24 of this year, my life has completely changed. Jesus changed my heart and my attitude and now I desire to serve Him every day of my life for as long as He gives me.

With Christmas coming in just five days, we need to keep peace in our homes and with one another. Sometimes in trying to do everything at once, we become stressed and irritable. If you find yourself snapping at your spouse or children, stop doing whatever you are doing for a while.

We may have our homes decorated beautifully, the garden looking wonderful, and the car polished. However, if our hearts are not decorated with the Peace and Love of Jesus, then everything else is in vain.

Are people looking at you and calling you a peacemaker, or are they calling you a troublemaker? What is Jesus calling you today? Is He calling you His child, or does He see you serving satan and the world?

Joanne Lowe
December 20, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

Unclench That Fist

"And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched."

Mark 9:43 King James Version

Joanne Lowe
December 21, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

A Good Report

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

Philippians 4:8 King James Version

Someone asked me if I watched the news on television and I said that I didn’t because it is all negative and depressing. She replied, "That’s life".

I submit to you on the Authority of the Word of God that we are to think on things that are of a good report. Yes, it is true that there is crime, murder, rapes, and terrible things that happen every day. However, Jesus said that we are not to think on those things.

I’m wondering how many people after hearing about someone getting shot or raped prays for that person. Why do we watch the news? It just upsets us. Yes, we need to be knowledgeable about what is happening, but what are we doing about what we hear?

The next time you watch the news or hear a bad report about something, take it to Jesus and ask Him to please Comfort, Heal, and Encourage the person.

Joanne Lowe
December 22, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

A Happy Day

"Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh."

Luke 6:21 King James Version

One day, Jesus is coming back for us and we will laugh with happiness and excitement. If you are hungry for love, open your heart to Jesus, and He will fill you with so much Love you won’t be able to hold it.

I received an email recently from someone who said that her husband said critical and harsh words to her. When someone attacks us verbally, we need to listen very carefully and we will hear Jesus saying, "I Love you, My child. You are so precious to Me. I feel your pain and I will never leave you. I will hold you on My Lap of Love and will carry you in My Compassionate Arms through all the storms of life".

Yes, one day we will laugh with Jesus. There have been two or three times when I was visiting with my sister and brother-in-law and someone said something, or did something that started us laughing. My sister got the giggles and couldn’t stop laughing. I believe that when it penetrates our hearts how much Jesus Loves us, we will start laughing and not be able to stop.

Are you bringing laughter to your family and friends, or are you spreading sadness and harsh words? Are you making Jesus laugh, or are you making Him sad by the way you live your life and the things you say to others?

Joanne Lowe
December 23, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

Christmas Love

"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not til she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS."

Matthew 1:23-25 King James Version

Tomorrow is Christmas Day and the children are very excited because they know they will get to unwrap their presents in the morning. I submit to you on the Authority of the Word of God that the children and all of us should be this excited every day of our lives.

We will celebrate the Birthday of Jesus tomorrow, but every day we should celebrate the Love of Jesus for us. If we wake up in the morning, then He has given us another day to serve Him. We should be so excited that the King of Kings and Lord of Lords Loves us. None of us are worthy of this Love that He extends to us.

Parents, you need to live your lives with such excitement that your children will ask you why you are so happy every day. We need to teach our children that Jesus gives us Gifts every day. He gives us the bed we sleep on, the food that we eat, the clothes that we wear, and the families and friends that we have.

If you don’t have this excitement every day when you wake up, then you have not opened your heart to the Christ of Christmas. There is such joy and happiness in serving my Best Friend, Jesus. Please open your heart and life to the Christ of Christmas.

Joanne Lowe
December 24, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

To Jesus

“And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.”

Matthew 2:11 King James Version

Today is your Birthday, Jesus, and I don’t have any money to give to missions. I don’t have any material possessions to give to others. However, I pledge to You anew my heart, my time, and my life.

When I think about Your Love for me, I am filled with amazement and awe. You are the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, yet You Love me. I wish You the best Birthday You have ever had. If ever anyone deserved all the gifts in the world, You do.

Jesus, thank You so much for being my Friend, for Your Faithfulness, Protection, and Mercy to me. If there is something that I can do for You that I am not doing, please tell me and if You will help me, I will do it for You.

You are the Great I Am. You are the Beautiful Rose of Sharon. You are Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. You are the One who thrills my soul. You are the Reason I’m living today. To You, I say again, thank You for caring for me. Thank You for Loving me when I was so unlovable. I love You, Jesus.

Have a wonderful Birthday, Jesus! I pray that everyone will spend time with You and sing Happy Birthday to You. I long for the day when I will see You face to face. Until then, I will keep Your Light shining brightly in my heart and life with Your help.

Joanne Lowe
December 25, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

Until Next Year

“And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.”

Acts 5:42 King James Version

Have you ever heard the comment “I’m glad it’s over because we can put all of these decorations and costumes away until next year”? Several years ago, I heard someone who had been in a Christmas Festival at a church make that comment.

Since I am physically unable to sit on the pews and the folding chairs at church, I don’t attend church anymore. Yesterday, I tried to find on television, church programs with special Christmas Music. I found three that sounded nice and the churches were decorated very pretty, however not one of the choir members was smiling. The only smile I saw was on a man who was singing a solo.

If we have allowed the Christ of Christmas to fill our hearts and lives, and if we have fallen in love with Jesus, then we should always smile when we sing about Him. Sometimes, we concentrate so much on whether we are going to sing off key, miss a note, or someone is going to do something wrong, that the music is no longer a love song to Jesus.

If we would put as much time, effort, and all the beauty of a Christmas Festival into each day that we live, we would have a revival that the world has never known. Have we allowed singing to become so full of technical issues that we are no longer singing to Jesus?

Joanne Lowe
December 26, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

Jesus Cares

“But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.”

Psalms 40:17 King James Version

Many times we think that no one cares or thinks about us. The Bible says that Jesus thinks about us. When we were in need of a Saviour to save us from sin and the punishment that we deserved, Jesus thought about us and walked that long, lonely hill to Calvary.

Jesus thought about the thief that was hanging on the other side of Him, and said “Today thou shalt be with Me in Paradise.” He thinks about us when we are in pain and sorrow. He thinks about us when we are happy and rejoicing.

When I think about the King of Kings and Lord of Lords thinking about me, I am in awe. Jesus, the One Who is Worthy to be praised, takes time to think about us. What a Beautiful Saviour and Friend I have!

If you don’t know this Wonderful, Awesome Jesus, then I urge you to get to know Him. You may be saved, but do you really know Him? Do you know how His heart breaks when we hurt other people? Do you realize how much He misses you when you don’t talk to Him every day?

Yes, Jesus thinks about us. The question we need to ask ourselves is “Do we think about Him”? If we do think about Him, what are we doing and saying to show our love to Him?

Joanne Lowe
December 27, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

God’s Conditioner

“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

My sister and brother-in-law went out of the state for Christmas, yet she took the time to call me on Christmas to wish me Merry Christmas. They had given me a beautiful, professional office desk for my office here at home. Plus, they gave me some other very nice gifts. She asked me what I liked best of all the gifts they had given me. I told her that I liked all of them.

This morning, after washing my hair I started to put on the conditioner and realized that the gift that touched me the most from them was when she called me. She had taken her valuable time to call me.

Her phone call was the Conditioning of the Love of Jesus. The gifts that we give can be broken and wear out, but the Love of Jesus that we spread to others will always remain in the heart.

We can point people to Jesus and lead them in the sinner’s prayer, but we need to allow Jesus to Condition their hearts. We need to encourage them and prove to them that Jesus Loves them by our actions.

Thank God that one day He Conditioned my heart with His Son’s Blood and I am assured of a Home in Heaven. Have you allowed Jesus to Condition your heart with His Precious Blood?

Joanne Lowe
December 28, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

Not Our Job

“So shall my word be that goeth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”

Isaiah 55:11 King James Version

I almost didn’t send the writing that I did yesterday because I thought that it didn’t make sense and that I wasn’t expressing it correctly. However, I received emails telling me how much they appreciated the writing.

A pastor friend of mine in Texas said “I went home from church this morning feeling discouraged because I didn’t think that I presented the sermon as it should have been, yet I have received more feedback about this sermon than any other sermon”.

I think that sometimes we try to take over God’s job. It is not our responsibility for the end result. The results are in His Hands. Our job is to preach, teach, sing, write, and use our talents for Him. We think that what we do has to look and sound professional before we allow others to see or hear it. May God forgive us!

Some of us plant, some of us water, but it is God Who gives the increase. Let’s sing, teach, preach, write, and use our talents to point others to Jesus and exalt His Precious Name.

Joanne Lowe
December 29, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

Our Wonderful King

“Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

1 Timothy 1:17 King James Version

Jesus, the Name above all Names! How can I possibly describe in words how Great Jesus is and how much I love Him? I think about where I was even a year ago, and I am filled with awe and wonder. The King of Kings Loves me so much that He completely changed my heart and life and now I am happy and excited every day.

He not only is my Friend, I have the privilege and honor of being called His friend. How my heart thrills that one day every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus is Lord! If ever someone deserved to be Praised, it is my Best Friend, Jesus.

Do you know this King? Have you been to His Throne Room and knelt in adoration and praise? One day, He is coming back for us. Are you ready to meet Him if He comes today? We do not have a guarantee of tomorrow, or even another hour. Please don’t put it off, invite Jesus, the King of Glory into your heart and life today.

We are almost into a new year. I can’t think of a better way to start the new year than to invite the King of Kings into your heart and life. We have a choice to make. We can choose to serve Jesus, or we can choose to serve satan, ourselves, and the world. What is your choice?

Joanne Lowe
December 30, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

A Heart Checkup

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Psalm 139:23, 24 King James Version

Tomorrow is a new year should Jesus tarry His return. Today we need to do a heart checkup. I can think of no better way to start a new year than knowing that we are in good standing with Jesus.

As the world celebrates the New Year with alcohol and partying, we who claim to be Christians should go to Jesus and ask Him to search our hearts. I received an email yesterday from a precious friend whom I have known for many years. She said that perhaps someone would accept Jesus as personal Saviour through reading the words that Jesus inspires.

You and I need to be ready at all times to spread the Love of Jesus to a world that is hurting, lonely, and desperate. We may think that we can call that person the next day or even in a few hours. That person may not have a few more hours to live.

I have a pinball game that I play on my computer. I love playing it because it was given to me as a gift several months ago. However, I have found myself stopping in the middle of a game to contact someone I don’t know to tell them about Jesus.

Is your heart right before God today? Can you say with absolute certainty that if Jesus were to come back today that you are ready to meet Him? Let’s start the New Year with a heart that is pleasing to Jesus.

Joanne Lowe
December 31, 2005
joannelowe8@cox.net

Praise or Complain

“This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

Psalm 118:24 King James Version

Today is the first day of a new year. We have a choice to make for today and every day that God gives us. We can choose to rejoice and praise God, or we can complain to Him about all the things that we want and don’t have. There are many things that we want that are not good for us, or is not in God’s will for us. Some of the things we want we don’t even need.

For those of us who have made a heart commitment to Jesus, every day should be full of excitement, Joy, and Peace. Yes, we will have obstacles and heartaches each day. However, Greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world. We do not have to let satan get the victory in our daily walk. All we have to do is to say the Beautiful Name of Jesus, and He will step in and help us.

Each minute that we spend complaining could have been used to tell others about Jesus. If we would ever allow it to sink into our hearts that people are hurting and desperate, we would ask Jesus to forgive us for our constant whining and complaints.

For so many years, I lived a life of selfishness. Thank God, that one day Jesus deposited His Love in my heart and gave me a new heart. Reach out to someone today and hug that person. A hug for Jesus will warm someone’s heart and may just stop that person from committing suicide.

Joanne Lowe
January 1, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Searching for Gold

“I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of O phir.”

Isaiah 13:12 King James Version

I have read stories of people who were looking for gold. Some of them had spent all of their money on prospecting equipment. Many of them looked all day until it was so dark they couldn’t see any more. O that we would put that much money and time into telling others about the Love of Jesus!

When is the last time you called someone and invited him or her over for lunch or dinner, or took that person out to eat? How many hours a day do we spend on ourselves and how many hours a day do we spend on people who Jesus Loves?

The Bible says that a man is more precious than fine gold. Jesus is a lot more interested in whom we encourage and comfort, than He is in how much money we make. Have you ever been discouraged and wanted someone to call or visit you? There are many people who feel the same way. I received an email today from someone who is hurting because no one calls or comes to see this person.

We need to make a special effort to go searching for people who need to hear that Jesus Loves them. What better time to start than right now, the beginning of a new year. I urge you to spread the Love of Jesus to a hurting and lost world.

Joanne Lowe
January 1, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

None of Us

“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”

Matthew 5:48 King James Version

We know that there was only one Person who was perfect on this earth, and that was Jesus. All of us sin every day in one way or the other. Sometimes we do and say things that we shouldn’t. Other times, we should do and say things that we don’t. We are to love one another as Christ Loves us. We are to allow the Love of Jesus to flow out of our hearts and yet we fail every day.

Mothers, if Jesus would grade you every day on the way you clean your house, would you get an A or an F? Fathers, if Jesus would grade you on the way you lead your family in Devotions, what grade would you receive? Yet, we expect our children to get excellent grades every day in school.

Sometimes we are hurting physically and emotionally and are unable to clean house and lead our family like we desire. It is the same with our children. If they have heard their parents argue, or if they don’t feel well, then they will not be able to get an A every day either.

We need to encourage our children to make good grades in school, but at the same time we need to create an atmosphere of love and acceptance no matter what grades they receive on their report cards.

It is the same with our brothers and sisters in Christ. You and I fail Jesus every day, yet we expect them to be perfect. May God forgive us for our critical attitudes! Let’s start encouraging one another to do better instead of criticizing each other.

Joanne Lowe
January 2, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Rejoice and Give Thanks

“Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.”

Psalm 97:11-12 King James Version

We have a brand new year to rejoice and give thanks to Jesus for His Love, Mercy, and Grace to us. The Bible says that there is gladness for the upright in heart. If we are constantly sad, then we need to go to Jesus and ask Him if there is something that is not pleasing to Him.

The Scripture says light is sown for the righteous. If we are stumbling in the darkness of our sins, then we need to ask Jesus to forgive us and illuminate our hearts and lives with His Light.

Jesus gives us so many things to be thankful for each day. If you are having trouble rejoicing and giving thanks to Jesus, start thanking Him for the air you breathe, the homes you live in, the clothes you wear, the food you eat, the families you have, and the Love that He gives to us.

Yes, we can rejoice and give thanks to Jesus for many things. Even as I am typing this, I am thanking Him for my fingers and that I am able to type for Him. I thank Him that even though I experience pain with my arthritis, I am still able to serve Him.

I urge you to rejoice and thank Him today for all He has done for you and is doing for you right now. We take Him for granted most of the time. None of us deserve any good thing. It is only through His Love, Blood, and Mercy that we are privileged to call Him our Saviour.

Joanne Lowe
January 3, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

A Wounded Heart

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”

Isaiah 53:5 King James Version

Jesus was beaten cruelly for us and wounded, but His Heart was also beaten and wounded. The tragic thing is that today His Heart is still being wounded by the things we say and the way that we treat one another.

I suffered many years of extreme depression and suicidal thoughts and had no desire to live. However, as devastating as that pain was all those years, it is only a half fingernail compared to the excruciating pain and heartache that Jesus went through for us.

Every person that has ever lived, except for Jesus, is rotten all the way through. None of us are any good. It takes the Precious Blood of Jesus applied to our hearts to cleanse us from our selfishness, jealousy, anger, hatred, bitterness, backbiting, and criticism.

They beat Jesus and He had never sinned one time, had never done anything wrong. I have heard people give testimonies and say, “I’m glad I wasn’t one of them that beat Jesus the day He died for us”. Every one of us has beaten Jesus in one way or the other. We may not have been there to physically beat Him, however by our actions and words to one another, we continue to beat Him and wound His Heart.

O that we would fall in love with Jesus of Nazareth! May God forgive us for our cruel words and actions and for breaking His Heart.

Joanne Lowe
January 4, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

The Loving Mercy of Jesus

“He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness. And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left.”

Psalm 106:9-11 King James Version

I received an email recently that was full of criticism and hatred. For a couple of hours, I stopped praying for this person because it appeared that the person was trying to play God, or become God. I sent an email to some friends asking them to pray for the situation. I received a lot of encouraging email with different responses to the situation. One said that the person was jealous; another said the person thought he or she was perfect.

When we step out into full time service for Jesus, there is always going to be people who think they are better than anyone else. We need to remember that the Bible says, “There is none that doeth good, no not one”.

If you have been attacked because of your service to Jesus, then start rejoicing because it means you are doing something right or satan wouldn’t be so angry. It is sad but many times we allow satan to use us to attack our brothers and sisters. As soon as I recognized what was happening, I started laughing and told satan that he will never win so he might as well give up.

May God forgive us if we are the ones who have attacked someone who is serving Jesus! We will stand before God and give an account for every critical and judgmental word that we have said to them. We need to pray for our enemies and get out of the way and let Jesus take care of the situation.

Joanne Lowe
January 5, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Faithful to His Calling

“Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”

1 Corinthians 4: 2 King James Version

This verse does not give us options. If God has called us to do something, we need to be faithful to that calling. So many times we think this verse only applies to tithing. It also applies to our time, talents and abilities.

If God has given us the ability to sing, write, preach, or teach and we do not do it, then we are not pleasing Him. If we have the ability to construct something or fix something and we don’t do it, then we are failing Him. All of us have twenty four hours each day that He gives us. We should be giving at least a portion of each day to Him. If He has called us into full time service, then we need to dedicate most of the day to Him.

Jesus was faithful to His calling to die for our sins. He set the example for us to follow. He never quit. He walked up that lonely hill to Calvary in Love and Obedience to His Father, and out of Love for us.

How many hours a day do we spend serving Jesus? How many hours a day do we spend watching television? If we are spending more time watching television than we are serving Jesus, we are not being faithful to what He has called us to do.

Joanne Lowe
January 5, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Packed and Ready to Go

“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: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 King James Version

What a power packed passage of Scripture filled with expectancy, hope, and comfort! You probably have heard someone shout at a sporting event, or sad to say, at a member of your family or even at you. I believe that when Jesus descends and shouts, that shout will equal and perhaps excel any trumpet we have ever heard.

Someone once told me that she got a little down and discouraged if she didn’t have a trip planned or something that was going to happen. One day, Jesus is coming back for us. We don’t know the date or the time but there is no doubt about it. He is coming back for us and I am filled with excitement and longing to see Him.

My bags are packed and I am ready to go. I make sure that I go to Him daily and ask forgiveness for my sins. I ask Him to please keep my heart in tune with His Heart so that others will see and hear Jesus in me. I fail Him many, many times but He still Loves me and forgives me.

Just as we have to keep our cars tuned up, the pressure in the tires checked, and the car polished, so we have to allow Jesus to tune our hearts on a daily basis. We need Him to take away all the things that are displeasing to Him. Have you allowed Jesus to take away the things that hurt Him?

Joanne Lowe
January 6, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Pick Up the Phone

“And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.”

Acts 27:3 King James Version

My brother-in-law just called me and his phone call was right on time. I have been in a lot of pain this morning from my arthritis and my legs, neck, and back are really bothering me. While the pain is still there, my heart was warmed by him taking his valuable time to call me.

There are so many people who are hurting physically, emotionally, and spiritually. They need someone who cares enough to call them or go visit them. All of us, no matter how busy our schedule may be, can take five minutes and call someone.

All of us need family, friends, and loved ones. We can’t make it alone. I think that is why the Bible says that we are to encourage one another. The person who thinks that he or she does not need anyone is deceiving himself or herself.

Have you ever had trouble sleeping and it seemed like it would never be morning? That is how it is in a lot of people’s hearts. The darkness of satan has crept into their hearts, and they desperately need somebody to tell them about the Light of the Love of Jesus.

Will you take time today to call someone? Tell that person how much Jesus Loves him or her and reassure him or her that Jesus does understand and care.

Joanne Lowe
January 7, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Every Year

"Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded."

1 Peter 2:6 King James Version

Joanne Lowe
January 8, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Encourage Your Pastor

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!”

Isaiah 52:7 King James Version

I have received several emails from Pastors who told me they are discouraged because of criticism from the church members. One day, those church members will stand before God and give an account of every cruel word they have said to their Pastor and every critical word they have said about their Pastor to someone else.

God has set apart and commissioned your Pastor. We are to pray for our Pastors and encourage them. We are to submit ourselves under their leadership because they will have to give an account to God for our souls.

Joyce Landorf says on one of her teaching tapes, “A woman came up to me in the airport and pointed to herself and said “Pastors and their wives need encouragement”. Your Pastor is human and he gets tired and discouraged. He needs your prayers and encouragement. It is not enough to just shake his hand at the door as you are leaving church.

As we begin this new year, it would be a wonderful thing if we would commit to pray for our Pastor and family every day. A Pastor friend of mine in Texas said one time “When I see you smiling or hear an Amen when I am preaching, it encourages me”. Please pray for your Pastor and family.

Joanne Lowe
January 9, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

God’s Interior Decorating

“Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them.”

Exodus 26:1 King James Version

God lovingly prepared a beautiful tabernacle. As I look around my home, I see all the things that He has so graciously given to me and my home is beautiful. Perhaps, other people wouldn’t think it is because it doesn’t have drapes on the windows, or luxurious carpeting, or plush furniture. However, it is beautiful to me because everything I see He gave to me.

God has decorated my heart with the Precious Love and Blood of Jesus. He has painted my heart and removed the black of satan and replaced it with the Red Blood of Jesus. What a Loving Father we have! One day, He opened His Heart and sent His Son to die for us so that we may have this Precious Blood in our hearts.

You may have the most beautiful home and furniture, the latest model of car, a swimming pool, and elegant carpet, but if you have not allowed Jesus to decorate your heart with His Precious Atoning Blood, then all of that means nothing.

Joanne Lowe
January 10, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Guard Your Family

“And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.”

Luke 15:20 King James Version

This afternoon, I watched a family DVD that was given to me as a gift. The dad in the movie made a career change, and the mother went away for a few days to work on publicizing her book. However, the few days turned into two weeks and the dad was left to take care of the family plus work.

What had started out to be a happy family that played and conversed together turned into a sad family full of anger and loneliness. In the end the young boy ran away and all the family went looking for him. The dad finally found him on a train going back to the town where they had lived when they were so happy.

We need to guard our family because satan will use anything to keep us apart. Sometimes, both parents have to work to pay the bills but the parents still need to spend quality time with each other and with their children. We need to stop and hug our children and listen to their hearts and not just their words.

Have you allowed satan to come between you and your family? Are you constantly at work and never see your children or spouse? If so, you need to pray and ask God to help you find time for one another.

Joanne Lowe
January 10, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

His Precious Arms

“And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that is might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. And sitting down they watched him there; And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

Matthew 27: 33-37 King James Version

Several months ago, my parakeet, Baby, perched on my finger and sat there for twenty minutes sleeping. My arms were aching very badly because of the arthritis, but I wouldn’t have moved for anything because I love her and had always wanted her to take a nap on my fingers.

One day, my Precious Saviour and Friend allowed us to crucify Him because of His Love for us. None of us have ever experienced the physical and emotional pain that He endured that dark, lonely day on the Cross of Calvary.

It is extremely difficult for me to write this because I can hardly bear to think about the way that my Best Friend, Jesus, was treated. What is even more heartbreaking is that each day you and I crucify Him anew by our actions and words to one another.

His Precious Hands were nailed on that cruel cross for us but He didn’t move. He endured agonizing, excruciating pain for us but He stayed on that cross so that we might be saved and be with Him for Eternity. Please don’t allow satan to keep you away from Jesus. His Arms of Love are waiting for you.

Joanne Lowe
January 11, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Just Ask Him

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”

James 1:5-8 King James Version

Several years ago when I lived in Texas, I would kneel by my bed and say this Scripture to God. I would say, “Father, You said if any man lacks wisdom let him ask You and You would give it to him”. I said this same verse aloud to Him every day for two months. I had heard my Pastor say in one of his sermons, “When you pray, pray the Scriptures and make them personal”.

I also started saying aloud Psalm 23. I said, “The Lord is Joanne Lowe’s Shepherd, Joanne Lowe shall not want”. I said the entire Psalm that way putting my name in it so Jesus became real to me in a personal way.

I received an email yesterday and this man asked me, “Is this all you do all day? How many of these do you turn out a day”? To this question I reply with a loud and joyous, “YES”. When this man allows Jesus to penetrate his heart and not just his head, he also will do this all day.

It is not enough to have the knowledge of the Love of Jesus in your head; you have to allow Him to deposit His Love into your heart. Then, you too, will reply with a loud and joyous “YES”. We must be about the Master’s Business because none of us have a guarantee of even another minute. Please fall in love with Jesus and serve Him.

Joanne Lowe
January 11, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Planting Precious Seed

“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”

Psalm 126:5-6 King James Version

Sometimes we get weary serving Jesus as the road gets rocky and difficult at times. Today, I have been in more pain than I have in a year with my arthritis. I sat down at the computer four times to do the daily devotional, but nothing came because of the tears of pain. Anytime you receive a devotional you can rest assured that Jesus inspired it because I can’t just sit down and write.

There are some people who have been witnessing to their families for years and praying for them. Stay faithful to the task that He has given you because the weeping we do will be replaced with joy and gladness. I have heard people say that they were never called to serve Jesus. I submit to you on the Authority of the Word of God that all of us are called to pray for our families and weep for their salvation and happiness.

Keep on telling others of the Love of Jesus. Keep on hugging for Jesus and encouraging one another. One day, you will be rewarded for your faithfulness, but far more important, you are making Jesus happy.

I have said this many times and I am saying it again because it is so true. There is no One like Jesus. There is no Friend like Jesus. There is no One who Loves you like Jesus. Lift high the Precious Name of Jesus for the world to see in your actions and words.

Joanne Lowe
January 12, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

An Emotional Death

“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.”

Psalm 147:3 King James Version

All of us are guilty of hurting someone emotionally. That is a strong statement, but Jesus wouldn’t have to heal the broken in heart if we didn’t hurt them emotionally. Before I made a heart commitment to Jesus, I am sure that I killed a lot of people emotionally. The tragic thing is that a lot of the times we don’t even realize we have hurt them, but yet by our judgmental, critical, and harsh words we do it every day.

Every time that we say something unkind to people, it makes them feel less secure. When we make a promise, we need to keep it. When I was in the hospital, a nurse told me that she would come visit me when I was discharged. She was trying to cheer me up and coax me out of my depression. I believed her and that started me talking again. However, when I got out of the hospital she never called or came to see me.

We get very upset and angry when we read about a person being killed, especially if it is an older person or a child. We need to get that upset and angry when we see someone killing someone emotionally. We need to be careful that we don’t hurt someone emotionally.

The only medicine for a broken heart is the Love of Jesus. Only Jesus can heal the broken in heart. Only Jesus can wipe away the tears from our hearts. We need to be careful what we say to others because when we break someone’s heart, we are breaking the Heart of Jesus.

Joanne Lowe
January 13, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Our Family

“Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee. For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country.”

John 4:43, 44 King James Version

Someone once said, “My family doesn’t believe that I’ve changed. They don’t take my ministry serious. They treat me like I am still a child.” We need to remember that our family has seen us at our worse. Yet, at the same time, Jesus has seen us at our worse and He Forgave us, Cleansed us, Loved us, and Sanctified us.

Yes, it would be very nice to have your family support and encourage you in the calling that God has given you. I received an email from a dear, dear friend today who said that she was proud of me for serving Jesus. That was the watering of the Holy Spirit. All of us need encouragement because all of us face criticism.

If you have a member of your family who has committed his or her life to Jesus in full time service, then you need to be encouraging and praying for that person. Someone once told me many years ago, “Family is the most important thing”. That is a true statement so we need to be supportive of one another.

We should live so that our families will see that we have changed. All of us fail Jesus every day of our life in some way. None of us are perfect. We all have character flaws that we need to give to Jesus. Let’s prove to our families that we have changed by the way we treat them, by our words, and by the way we express our love to them.

Joanne Lowe
January 15, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Almost There

“Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.”

2 Corinthians 2:11 King James Version

Jesus has given me the privilege and honor of serving Him for almost a year. In nine days, it will be one year of full time service for Jesus. We know that makes satan very angry so he is trying to discourage me with computer problems, emails full of criticism, and people who say the Bible isn’t true. I just laugh because I know it is satan trying to discourage me.

If you are serving Jesus and it seems like everything is going wrong, don’t get discouraged, start laughing because it means that satan is angry because Jesus is getting the Victory once again. Jesus has already won the Final Victory on the Cross for us, but satan still tries to defeat us through circumstances, trials, and sad to say, sometimes our families.

I received an email two weeks ago from a lady who said her husband was extremely critical of her serving Jesus. I told her to keep serving Jesus and pray for her husband. Do not let anything or anyone keep you from serving Jesus. When Jesus was here, He didn’t let anyone keep Him from completing His Mission.

Last night I was starting to feel a little discouraged because of the computer problems. I shut off my computer at ten minutes to midnight and went into the bedroom to go to bed. I didn’t even get to undress before Jesus gave me the writing that I sent out this morning. It’s worth it all to make Jesus happy. Keep serving Jesus and don’t let satan deceive you.

Joanne Lowe
January 15, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Parts and Labor

“And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”

Luke 22:41-44 King James Version

The monitor and CD drive on my computer are defective and new parts are being shipped to me. I don’t have to pay for them because I am still under warranty. However, when I was setting up the order for them to be replaced, I told them that I lived alone and was unable physically to replace the CD drive myself. I told them they needed to have one of their techs come to my home and replace it for me when the part was delivered.

They told me they would be happy to make that arrangement for me. After doing the paper work, they informed me that it would be thirty nine dollars. I reminded them that it was free because it is still under warranty. They said the parts are free, but there is a charge for the labor.

Thank God that He Loves us so much that He does not charge for His Labors for us. One day, Jesus sweat so much that it was as great drops of blood falling down to the ground. There is nothing we can do to buy salvation. It is only through accepting the finished work of Jesus on the Cross that we are forgiven. Please, if you haven’t invited Jesus into your heart, do it now.

Joanne Lowe
January 16, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

No More Pain

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

Revelations 21:4 King James Version

I just made some macaroni and pea salad and as I started to open the can of peas, the electronic can opener wouldn’t do anything, not even make a noise. I had to use a manual can opener and it took me two minutes to open each can because of the pain in my hands from the arthritis.

One day, there will be no more pain. One day, God is going to wipe away all of our tears from our eyes. I believe that He is going to kiss away our tears and tell us how much He Loves us. For those of you experiencing physical or emotional pain, one day you will hurt no more. One day, we will be pain free from our body and from our heart.

It says that there will be nor more death but we have to die to self and invite Jesus into our hearts. Have you made a heart commitment to Jesus? Has there ever been a time in your life when you realized that all of your good works, money, and talents will not get you into Heaven?

One day, Jesus will have no more pain. One day, He will hurt no more. It hurts Him to see the way we treat one another and to hear the things we say to one another. It hurts parents to hear their children put down or see them mistreated. It hurts the Precious Heart of our Saviour to see His children abused.

Joanne Lowe
January 16, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

A Free Gift

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Ephesians 2:8-9 King James Version

I have received a few very disturbing emails which stated that I needed to let my readers know that they had to do something to be saved. I submit to you on the Authority of the Word of God that there is nothing you can do to earn your Salvation. It is a free Gift from God. If we could do something to be saved, then it would not have been necessary for Jesus to suffer for us and die on that cruel Cross of Calvary.

It is God’s Amazing Grace and Love which lifts us out of the stench and garbage of our sins and washes away all the filth. Please don’t let anyone deceive you into thinking that if you are just good enough you will be saved. That is a lie straight from satan!

People who think they are good enough to be saved apart from the Cleansing, Atoning Blood of Jesus are not only deceiving themselves, they are calling God a Liar. God says that Salvation is a free Gift from Him, and not of works so that we can’t boast. Do not listen to people who tell you that you have to work to earn Salvation. Flee from them because they are telling you something that is against the Word of God.

If you have never opened your heart to the Christ of Calvary, then I urge you to invite Him into your heart right now. There is no better time to be saved than right this minute. Give your heart and life to Jesus. It will make Him happy.

Joanne Lowe
January 17, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Not Another Minute

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

Isaiah 40:31 King James Version

The other day my electric can opener would not work. I tried it six different times and it didn’t make a sound. Today, just to see what would happen, I plugged it in and tried to open a can. It opened immediately so maybe it was just tired and needed to recharge.

We are like that can opener. We get tired and need a recharge from Jesus of His Amazing Love and Mercy. Sometimes, the trials of this life overwhelm us and it seems like even our close friends fail us. If we go to Jesus and ask Him to help us, He will fill us with His Peace, Love, and Understanding.

The verse says, “they that wait upon the Lord”. That does not mean just sitting down and waiting for Jesus to fix everything. We need to be serving Jesus as He has asked us to do. Many times, we don’t feel like writing, singing, preaching, or anything else He has assigned to us, however we must be found faithful to the task.

Jesus walked up that long, lonely road to Calvary even when He was in pain. How can we not serve the One Who gave His all for us, His very Life!

Joanne Lowe
January 17, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

All One Family

“So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.”

Romans 12:5 King James Version

No matter what church we attend, we are all one body in Christ. We are all brothers and sisters. We should not treat our church like it is a club and unless you attend my church, then I won’t have anything to do with you. That is contrary to the Word of God.

When we get to Heaven, there won’t be different groups meeting at different places. We will all be together worshipping and praising our Blessed Saviour. What a day of rejoicing that will be when in unison we all lift our voices together to sing praises to Jesus!

It hurts Jesus when we ignore people just because they aren’t a member of our church. Let’s reach out and fellowship with one another. God may want to use us to pray with someone who attends another church.

Joanne Lowe
January 18, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

It is Sin

“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”

James 4:17 King James Version

I received a package today and the man that delivered it was someone I had given one of my writings to when he delivered another package a month or so ago. He said, “I really appreciate the writing. It helped me a lot”. He then went on to tell me something that he said he had never been able to share with his family or pastor.

Had I not already printed my writings so they were available to hand out, I would not have been able to give it to him and I would have sinned! God has told us that when He calls us to do something, we need to be faithful in executing that duty. I had planned to wait until I had enough writings to put them in a book format. I praise God that I started printing them out as Jesus inspired them.

We think that we have to have everything professional and perfect before we do anything. If we can write, sing, speak, preach, teach, or anything else God has given us to do, and we don’t do it, the Bible says that we are sinning.

If God has called you to write, print them out as soon as you do them. If you can sing, do not wait until you have a professional CD or Cassette. Just sing a few songs on a cassette even without music, and have them handy when someone is discouraged. Many people are on Social Security and they don’t have the money to buy books and CD’s. Let’s give out what Jesus has given to us.

Joanne Lowe
January 18, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Worthy of Our Praise

“To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.”

Isaiah 61:3 King James Version

For about a week, I have been going through something in my life which if I allowed it, could become very discouraging. Instead, I have been praising God and thanking Him for the answer that He is going to give me. For many years, I lived with a sprit of heaviness constantly. I had no joy in my life at all. That was because I had not made a heart commitment to Jesus.

I have received several emails in the last two months from people who are going though heartache, despair, and turmoil. I have told all of them to run to Jesus and start praising Him. Not only does it keep the spirit of heaviness away from us, it makes Jesus happy when we praise Him.

The next time you are feeling down and discouraged, look up to Jesus and start telling Him how Wonderful He is, and how much you love Him. Thank Him for all He has done for you, and how He has graciously saved you from going to hell for Eternity.

Let’s praise Jesus because He is Worthy of our praise. There is no One like Jesus! There is no Friend like Jesus! Only Jesus can take away the heartaches, loneliness, and despair that we have in our lives. Praise the Beautiful Name of Jesus!

Joanne Lowe
January 18, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Please Hug Them

“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

Ephesians 6:4 King James Version

I can remember several times in my life going up to my Dad and giving him a hug. He never looked up from what he was reading and hugged me back. The most I ever got when I hugged him was a grunt. It made me very angry and made me more depressed than I was already.

I don’t know why I kept hugging him when it hurt so badly. I guess I was hoping that one day he would hug me back. I also was very afraid of him because Mom said several times, “Wait until your father gets home”. Parents, do not do this to your children. If you are a mother, don’t make your children afraid of their dad. Dads, don’t provoke your children to anger.

Parents, hug your children even if you don’t think they deserve to be hugged because of their disobedience. Jesus hugs us when we are disobedient to Him. He is the One Who opens His Arms and Heart to us and waits for us to run to Him.

I understand now that my dad was incapable of showing love because no one had showed it to him. It was not his fault. I would give anything to be able to tell my Mom and Dad how sorry I am for the things I said to them and the way I treated them. Please, if your parents are still living, call them immediately and tell them how much you love them.

Joanne Lowe
January 19, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

If You Love Me

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.”

John 14:15 King James Version

Some people think that to be saved they have to obey the commandments. That statement is calling Jesus a Liar. He said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” This is how we prove our love for Him.

When people adopt a child into their family, that boy or girl is a member of their family no matter what he or she does. If the child loves their parents, they will do what the parents tell them to do. There were times when my Mother said to me, “I wash my hands of you”. She may have meant it, but she couldn’t do it because I was born into her family and I was still her daughter no matter how upset she was with me or how I behaved.

When we invite the Christ of Calvary into our hearts, we are saved and there is nothing that we can do to lose our salvation. If that were the case, then Jesus would have to die for us every day. When we don’t obey Him and keep His commandments, then we don’t love Him. If we have made a real heart commitment to Jesus, then we will love Him and obey His commandments willingly and gladly.

If we are not obeying Jesus, then we need to ask ourselves if we have ever invited Him into our hearts, or did we just make a verbal and head commitment to Him. Have you opened your heart and life to Jesus, or have you just acknowledged Him with your mouth?

Joanne Lowe
January 19, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Birth and a Choice

“And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? Come, and let us sell him to the Ish’me-el-ites and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh. And his brethren were content.”

Genesis 37:26-27 King James Version

Most of us know the story of Joseph. We know that his father made Joseph a coat of many colors and his brothers were jealous and angry so they turned against him. This is a lesson for parents not to play favorites with their children because it causes conflict between brothers and sisters.

Their father caused the conflict, but in the end Joseph forgave his brothers and embraced them. We have no choice about our family when we are born. However, we do have a choice to make about how we will treat our family. We can choose to argue and fight, or we can choose to treat one another with kindness and love.

My sister and I used to fight terribly. We made a choice to forgive one another and love one another. Do I still get angry with my sister and does she still hurt me? Yes, but it doesn’t matter because I choose to love her no matter what she says or does. Does my sister still get angry at me and do I still hurt her? The answer is yes, I still hurt her. The difference is we don’t intentionally do it. A lot of times we aren’t even aware we have hurt one another.

Are you still fighting with your brothers and sisters? You need to make a choice to forgive and forget because you have hurt them also. Please make the choice to love your brothers and sisters and treat them as Jesus would have you to treat them. It will make Jesus happy.

Joanne Lowe
January 19, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

The Hills of Love

“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.”

Psalm 121:1-5 King James Version

Sometimes we are too excited to sleep, and other times pain and concerns keep us awake. We are tempted to call someone and talk to them but it is the middle of the night and we don’t want to wake them. Jesus never sleeps. He is always awake and alert to listen to us when we call Him no matter what time we call.

If you are facing difficulties in your life and are having trouble sleeping, look up to Jesus because He is waiting for you. Jesus understands because He suffered also. He knows what it is like to feel pain, sorrow, and loneliness.

When we climb a hill, it takes a lot of effort but Jesus is our Hill of Love and all we have to do is reach out our hand and He will grasp it and pull us up out of the valley of despair, pain, heartache, and loneliness.

When the heat of satan and criticism becomes more than we can bear, He will be our Shade and Comfort. I urge you to open your heart to the Hill of Love.  Allow Jesus to be your refuge when the pain is too much to bear.

Joanne Lowe
January 20, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

From a Heart of Love

“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

Matthew 25:40 King James Version

I have received emails from people saying that their ministry was being criticized. I have told them “If you are serving Jesus, and He has told you to say it, then do not back down”. We need to understand that every time we say something critical to someone, we are saying it to Jesus. Every time we say something nice to someone, we are saying it to Jesus.

We have a choice to make in the way we talk and the way we treat people. Are we making Jesus happy or sad by our words and actions? When we see Jesus face to face, will we be ashamed of the way we have treated people? If we would ever grasp this verse in our hearts, I think we would be a lot nicer to people.

If we honestly think someone is mistaken, then we need to ask Jesus to show it to that person. We can’t change anyone, only Jesus can change a person’s heart. If we are responding out of self righteousness, then that is the wrong motive. We need to be responding from a heart of love for others just as Jesus responds to us from a Heart of Love.

If we are truly concerned about one another, we will pray for each other. I am just as guilty of this as everyone else. I need to pray for the person who is attacking me. Let’s never forget that when we hurt others, we are hurting Jesus.

Joanne Lowe
January 20, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Does it Encourage

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”

Ephesians 4:29 King James Version

It is very important to not say things that are discouraging to each other. If we are saying things that we know will discourage someone, that is against what we read in this verse. If what we are saying does not encourage someone, we should not say it.

A lot of times we think that it is our responsibility to lecture people about what they believe. That is God’s Responsibility. We are to pray for one another. God has given us pastors to lead us, guide us, instruct us, and shepherd us. We are to be in submission to our pastors because they will give an account for our souls.

Many times, we just want to show off our knowledge of the Bible. We need to be quiet and pray for each other because only Jesus can change a person’s heart. When we stand before God, we will give an account for every harsh and critical word we have said to one another.

Have you said harsh and critical words to someone about what they believe? If so, not only are you hurting that person, you are making Jesus unhappy. If we would concentrate more on making sure our hearts are right before God, we wouldn’t have so much time to criticize each other.

Joanne Lowe
January 21, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

All Praise to Him

“I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.”

Psalm 9:2 King James Version

Worthy is the Lamb of God! All praise to Him Who reigns above in Majesty Supreme! What a Beautiful Saviour we serve! It does not matter what trials and heartaches we are experiencing, we can still praise Him. There is always something for which we can praise Him.

I praise Him that I have fingers to type this Devotional. I praise Him for my legs, arms, hands, fingers, ears, eyes, nose, mouth, hair, and feet. Indeed, He is Worthy of our Praise. He Comforts us when we are hurting. He Heals us when we are sick, and He Protects us from our enemies.

God led the people through the wilderness and provided all their needs, and yet they soon forgot and started complaining. We do the same thing. He provides for us every day and yet we complain about something. May God forgive us!

If you are going through heartache and difficulties, praise Him anyway because He is Worthy to be praised in all circumstances. Jesus gave His very Life for us. If we can’t find anything else to praise Him for, we can certainly praise Him for His Amazing Love and Sacrifice.

Joanne Lowe
January 22, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Arms of Love

“The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.”

Deuteronomy 33:27 King James Version

There are many times in our life when we desperately need someone to hold us and tell us everything will be okay. Jesus is waiting with His Arms of Love open wide for us to run into them. Sometimes, the situation we are going through seems to overwhelm us, and we feel like giving up. He is our Refuge and He has Everlasting Arms that never tire of holding us close to His Heart of Love.

These Precious Arms of Love were stretched out on a cruel Cross for us so that we might be saved. Jesus endured an agony that you and I will never experience. We only have half a fingernail of comprehension of the pain and anguish our Precious Lord experienced that day on the Cross.

Is your heart heavy today? Are you facing family problems, financial difficulties, health problems, and work problems? Take them to Jesus because He is waiting for you with His Arms of Love to enfold you and embrace you.

Joanne Lowe
January 22, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Daily Walk

“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”

Luke 9:23 King James Version

Many times we are tempted to stop serving Jesus because of criticism and discouragement, but this verse says that we are to take up our cross daily and follow Jesus. Jesus faced rejection, criticism, and discouragement every day while He was here, yet He continued to show Love and Mercy to the people.

Tomorrow is my one year Anniversary in full time service to Jesus. My prayer is, that in this coming year and for the rest of my life, that I would allow His Love to flow through me to everyone, even to the ones who are judgmental and critical to me.

Yes, Jesus won the Final Victory over satan on the Cross, but we still are in a war against satan and his followers. We still have to face family, friends, and the world who try to discourage us from serving Jesus. We need to cry out to Jesus for help and encouragement to face the criticism.

When we comprehend even a little how much Jesus Loves us and the Amazing Mercy He extends to us, then it is not a cross to bear. Instead, it is a labor of love for Jesus. This is one way to make Him happy.

What are you doing to make Jesus happy? Have you talked to Him today? Have you told Him you love Him? There is no one like Jesus! There is no Friend like Jesus! He is the Beautiful Rose of Sharon, the Lily of the Valley, the Bright and Morning Star, and He is Worthy to be praised!

Joanne Lowe
January 23, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

God’s Special Blessings

“And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.”

Mark 10:13-14 King James Version

Children are very special and important to Jesus. He Loves them very, very much and is extremely displeased when they are mistreated. Children are a gift from God and they are given to us as a trust to raise them for Him.

Sometimes He gives us special blessings by sending a special needs child into our family. If you have a special needs child, you need to start rejoicing and thanking God because He only gives them to people that He trusts.

If you have ever tried to adopt a child, or know of someone who has gone through the process, then you know it is a long process. The agency checks the family out thoroughly and makes sure the environment and parents are suitable for the child. The child is the priority in the placement and his or her welfare and happiness is protected. How much more Jesus protects children and places them with parents that will love them!

A special needs child will bring love, joy, and happiness into a family. The child will teach the parents and siblings the meaning of patience and kindness. They look to their parents for almost all their needs and place their trust in their parents. Thank God for His special blessings of special needs children!

Joanne Lowe
January 23, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Hungry for Love

“But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat.”

Matthew 14:16 King James Version

There are many hungry people in this world. Some are hungry for food and some are hungry for love. I have read of a committee being formed to set up committees to discuss feeding the poor and hungry. If a person is hungry, they don’t have time for us to discuss their hunger.

Jesus said in this verse, “give ye them to eat”. He didn’t say to discuss it, He said to take action. It is almost impossible to tell people the Good News of Jesus if their stomachs are growling and empty. If we know of someone who needs food, we need to be obedient in feeding them if we are able to do so.

There are people who are starving for love. They desperately need someone to hug them and prove to them that Jesus Loves them. We can talk all day and tell them that Jesus Loves them, but if we don’t take actions to prove it, they will not believe it.

When is the last time you hugged someone for Jesus? When is the last time you called someone? There may come a day when you are hungry for food and love and if you don’t give from your heart to others, it is very doubtful you will receive food and love. This saying is so true, “You get back what you give out”.

Joanne Lowe
January 24, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Today Not Yesterday

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 3:13-14 King James Version

Yesterday is gone. We can’t bring it back. God heard what we said and saw what we did yesterday. Was He pleased or displeased with our words and actions yesterday? We can’t change what we did yesterday, but we can strive to do better today.

Don’t live in the past because you can’t change your past. For years, I lived in the past and felt so guilty because of the way I treated people. I was horrible to people. I said judgmental and critical things to them and about them. I hated everyone and certainly didn’t trust anybody.

Praise God! One day Jesus reached down His Nail Scarred Hand and lifted me up out of the garbage bin of my life and filled me with His Love and Forgiveness. He gave me a new heart, a heart filled with love for Him and for others. Am I perfect? Absolutely not! I fail Him every day just like you do. There is always something that I could have done that I failed to do. There is always someone I could have encouraged, but didn’t.

No, we can’t change yesterday, but we have a new day today. We can choose to serve Jesus, or to serve satan and the world. What is your choice? Is Jesus first in your life, or is the television and the world first?

Joanne Lowe
January 25, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Touching the Heart of God

“And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo, a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Matthew 3:16-17 King James Version

I recently sent out an email to everyone on my mailing list asking for their children’s birthdays. I have received more responses from that email than any other email I have ever sent to them. A lot of them included things about their children and said wonderful things about them.

Just as it touched the hearts of these parents to talk about their children and have their children recognized, how much more it touches the Heart of God when His Son, Jesus, is recognized. When we praise Jesus, it makes God happy. When we acknowledge the Birthday of Jesus, God rejoices.

It hurts parents when their children are ignored. It even hurts me when my parakeet, Baby, is ignored because God has given her to me and she is my child. How we must hurt God when we ignore Jesus! God has feelings or He would never have sent His Beloved Son to die for us. None of us have even a glimpse of the pain and sorrow God experienced when His Son died on that cruel Cross.

We need to start acknowledging Jesus in our daily activities. Our mission every day should be to make Him happy. May God forgive us for hurting Jesus!

Joanne Lowe
January 26, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Our Precious Saviour

“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Philippians 2:10-11 King James Version

One day, Jesus will hurt no more. One day, all the skeptics and doubters will fall on their knees before Jesus and proclaim the Greatest Name of all! When someone says critical and harsh words to us, we hurt. It is the same with Jesus when people curse Him and ridicule Him.

One day, we will see Him face to face. I’ve tried to imagine what it is going to be like when I see my Best Friend, Jesus. I think I will just hug Him and never let Him go and tell Him over and over for Eternity how much I love Him and how much I appreciate Him.

He is the Rock of our salvation, the Bright and Morning Star, and our All in All. He heals the broken hearted and sets the captives free. He reaches down His Nail Scarred Hand and lifts us up out of all the filth and stench of our past life and gives us a new life. He gives us a life filled with Joy, Love, Peace, and Happiness.

Have you allowed this Precious Saviour to fill your heart with His Love? Have you allowed Him to flow from you onto others so they may feel His Love and Compassion? Has there ever been a time in your life when you realized that without Christ you are on your way to hell?

Give your heart and life to Jesus. Allow Him to take all the hurt and shame from your life and give you a new heart. There is no One like Jesus! He is a Friend beyond compare!

Joanne Lowe
January 26, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

A Real Friend

“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.”

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 King James Version

A real friend does not judge, criticize, or condemn. A real friend encourages, loves, and cheers us on. We need to be an encouragement to one another because all of us crave and need love, acceptance, and friendship.

One of the greatest examples of friendship that I have ever seen was on television. I saw soldiers risking their lives to rescue a fellow soldier who had been shot. I don’t think the soldier said to the one he rescued “You should have ducked”. I think he held his friend and said “It’s going to be okay, just hang on”.

There are many people who are going through divorce, difficult situations with their children, financial hardships, and health problems. They desperately need a friend to hold them and say “Hang on; it’s going to be okay”. What they don’t need is someone to point out their mistakes and tell them all the things they are doing wrong. They just need to be loved and accepted for who they are and where they are in their life.

If you know someone who is hurting in any area of his or her life, then you have a responsibility to pray for that person and to encourage that person. The Greatest Friend that anyone could ever have is our Blessed Saviour, Jesus! He Loves us even when we make mistakes. He doesn’t criticize us, put us down, or condemn us. He opens His Arms wider and waits for us to run into them. What an awesome privilege to be loved by Jesus!

Joanne Lowe
January 28, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

A Celebration of Love

“But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

Matthew 26:29 King James Version

When a man and woman get married, they have a reception after the wedding to celebrate their love. One day, there will be the greatest Celebration of Love that the world has ever known. One day, we will feast with Jesus at His Celebration of Love.

There is going to such Joy to be able to be in the Presence of Jesus and celebrate with Him. Are you going to be there at His Celebration of Love? Will you be able to rejoice with Him?

Some people have dined with presidents, kings, and high officials but none of this compares to dining with Jesus. We will have a Celebration that will never end. What a privilege it will be to be in the Presence of my Best Friend, Jesus!

Please open your heart to Jesus so that you will be there at this great Celebration. Is your name written in the Lamb’s book of Life? You may be listed in “Who’s Who”, but if you’re not listed in the Lamb’s Book of Life then you will not be at the Celebration of Love with Jesus.

Joanne Lowe
January 28, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Please Encourage Him

“Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?”

Matthew 26:36-40 King James Version

I think this is one of the most heartbreaking passages in the Bible. If ever someone needed to be encouraged, Jesus did. He asked them to watch with Him while He prayed and they fell asleep. How that must have broken the Heart of our Saviour!

There have been many times when we have cried out to God in desperation for relief from some situation. However, none of us have ever faced or ever will encounter such despair as Jesus did that day. When He said, “O my Father”, that prayer was full of anguish, loneliness, torment, and sorrow.

Yes, Jesus needed them to encourage Him that day and they fell asleep. You and I do the same thing the disciples did. He asks us to go visit and call someone who needs encouragement and comfort, yet many times we fail to obey Him.

We can encourage Jesus by encouraging one another. It makes Jesus happy when He sees us treating one another with love and kindness. Are you encouraging Jesus, or are you discouraging Him?

Joanne Lowe
January 29, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

God’s Call

“The Lord God hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned. The Lord God hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back.”

Isaiah 50:4-5 King James Version

When God called me to be a missionary on October 4, 1998, this is the Scripture that He gave me for my calling. Since I spent the first half of my life in despair, torment, and heartache, He knew that I would be able to relate well to those who are going through trials. God has given me the gift of encouragement.

All of us have a gift from God. We just need to ask Him what it is and then use it for His Glory. You may not be called to be a missionary, a teacher, a writer, a speaker, a singer, or a preacher, but there is something that God has for you to do for Him.

Some of the most important things that we can do for God at a church are maintenance, cleaning, and cooking. Then there are the people who fold the bulletins and send out the newsletters. There are those who are the Pastor’s prayer partners. These people are vital to the Kingdom of God.

God never called anyone to just sit on the pew and warm it. He called us to witness to others. You may be uncomfortable witnessing to others, but the greatest witness anyone can give is the way you live your life. Are you using the gift God has given you, or are you just sitting down and waiting for others to do the work?

Joanne Lowe
January 29, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Rock Or Sand

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.”

Matthew 7:24-25 King James Version

If you have ever built a house, then you know you must have a firm foundation. It is the same with our lives. We must allow Jesus to be our Foundation. When we have Jesus as our Foundation, then all hell can come against us and we can still stand in His Strength.

For years, I allowed the world and people to be my foundation and I fell every time. When we place our hopes and expectations on things of the world, we will be disappointed every time because satan likes nothing better than to discourage us.

Jesus is our Rock, and satan is the sand. We have a choice to make in this life. We can choose to build our lives on the world and satan, or we can build our lives on Jesus. What is your choice?

Recently, I went through a very difficult time and if it were not for the fact that Jesus is my Rock and Foundation, I would have gone to bed and stayed there. However, because I know Jesus will always get the Victory in any situation, I just kept praising Him.

If you are facing obstacles in your life, then I urge you to make Jesus your Foundation. He will never fail you, or hurt you. Jesus is Trustworthy because what He says, He will do. Praise the Rock of our Salvation!

Joanne Lowe
January 30, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

God’s Antivirus Program

“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

Most of us who own computers have an antivirus program. However, sometimes the program may fail to update and a virus invades the computer. The virus can wipe out all our files and they are gone for good.

The world and satan tries to attack us daily with their viruses of hatred, prejudice, criticism, judgment, and holier than thou attitudes. When Jesus died on the cross for us, we received a permanent Antivirus Program from satan through the Precious Blood of Jesus. Just as we have to do updates on the antivirus on our computer, we have to do updates with our heart to be sure we are in right standing with Jesus.

Many times we allow the opinions of someone else to keep us from serving Jesus. If you have surrendered your life in full-time service to Him, satan will attack you with every virus he has available. We need to daily and sometimes hourly allow Jesus to take away the bitterness and hurt from our hearts.

Many of the computer antivirus programs have to be purchased. The Blood of Jesus which keeps the viruses of satan away from us is free to us, but it cost Jesus His Life. Do you have this Precious Blood applied to your heart? Have you said “Yes” to Jesus? Open your heart to Jesus and let Him protect you from the viruses of satan and the world.

Joanne Lowe
January 31, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

We Need Help

“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.”

1 Peter 2:21–23 King James Version

All of us when we are criticized, threatened, and attacked verbally want to attack that person who is putting us down. It is extremely difficult to not say harsh and critical words to the person who is hurting us. Yet, the Bible says that Jesus did not revile when He was reviled.

For years I tried to keep quiet when someone hurt me or made me angry and I never succeeded. It was only when I gave my tongue to Jesus and asked Him to please help me not say things to hurt other people, that I was able to not say something back.

None of us are able to do this in our own strength because we are in the flesh and our natural instinct is to protect ourselves no matter what we have to do. We desperately need Jesus to help us in this area of our lives. We need to immediately run to Him and ask Him to help us keep our mouths shut when someone attacks us.

We need to ask Jesus to fill our hearts with so much love for others that we will be able to give a kind answer when someone attacks us. We need Jesus to help us love others as He wants us to love.

Joanne Lowe
February 1, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Looking for Your Name

“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”

Revelation 20:15 King James Version

As I was checking my email when I got up this morning, I found myself looking first for names of my family. One day, the Book of Life is going to be opened and if our names are not there we will not go to Heaven. We will have utter darkness, desolation, and torment for eternity instead of fellowshipping with Jesus.

None of us have ever experienced or ever will experience the darkness and torment of hell. We can’t even imagine how terrible that is going to be, but the worse thing about hell is that it is eternal separation from Jesus. If I didn’t know for certain that one day I will be with Jesus for Eternity, I would give up, go to bed and never get up again.

If you have never invited the Christ of Calvary into your heart and life, there is no better time than right this minute. Many people have parents who have been praying for them for years. I have heard and read many testimonies of people who said “The reason I’m saved today is because of my parents who prayed for me and never gave up on me”.

Parents, if you haven’t been praying for your children’s salvation, please start today. However, if you aren’t saved yourself, then you need to give your heart to Jesus. You have provided clothing, food and shelter for your children all their lives, but the greatest thing, and also the most important thing, you can give your children is Jesus. Let your children see Jesus living in you through your words and actions.

Joanne Lowe
February 2, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

The Warmth of His Love

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

John 3:16-17 King James Version

When I am hurting physically, emotionally, financially, or just want to be alone with Jesus, I go to my bedroom and close the door. I turn on the fan so I won’t hear my parakeet chirping and get in bed and cover up and just bask in the Love of Jesus for me. There is no other love like the Love of Jesus. The Warmth of the Love of Jesus penetrates my entire body and energizes and revives me.

The verse says “For God so loved the world”. Most of us know this verse by heart and can quote it to anyone. However, sometimes we take it for granted just as we do the words to the songs we sing. Sometimes we sing the same songs so much that we don’t even think about the words we are singing to Jesus.

If you are hurting or just need to feel the Love of Jesus anew, pick out a place in your home where you can go and be alone with Jesus. It is wonderful to have family and friends and we all need each other, but only Jesus can quench the hunger in our hearts for Unconditional Love.

Just as we long to hear Him say to us “I Love you”, so He longs to hear us say to Him, “I love You”. If we would ever realize how we hurt Jesus when we don’t tell Him we love Him, I think we would tell Him over and over again. Have you told Jesus today that you love Him? Do you love Him?

Joanne Lowe
February 2, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Remove the Barrier

“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.”

Isaiah 59:1-2 King James Version

God is willing and waiting to bless us with all good things. He Loves us more than our earthly parents love us and He desires to see us happy. These verses say that He can hear, but He will not hear because of our sins.

God has already provided everything we need to live a Joyous life here on earth. Everything that we need is in Jesus. He is our All in All. He is the Saviour of the World. He is the Bright and Morning Star, the Lily of the valley, and the Beautiful Rose of Sharon.

Jesus gives us a reason to get out of bed in the morning. He holds our hand and leads us through the dark valleys. He satisfies the thirsty soul. He gives us the air that we breathe, the food that we eat, the beds that we sleep on, the clothes that we wear, and our homes.

Jesus is never at fault when we have a bad day. Sometimes, God has to turn His Ear from us because of what we have done and are doing. We are the ones to stop hanging around with the wrong crowd. We need to stop criticizing, judging, and hurting other people.

We need to remove the barrier of sin from our hearts. Jesus paid the price for our Salvation. We are the ones to allow Him to flow His Precious, Atoning Blood through our hearts.

Joanne Lowe
February 3, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

No Words

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”

Psalm 19:14 King James Version

Last night when I went to bed, I started to pray and I couldn’t find the right words to tell Him what I wanted to say. I just said these two words over and over again “Jesus” “Hallelujah”. I started saying them in my heart quietly and then they became a joyous shout, and then I said them in awe of my Great Saviour and Friend.

Jesus understood everything I said in those two words. He heard my gratitude for all He has done for me. He heard the prayers of my heart for my family and friends. He heard every prayer request for the people who have emailed me asking for prayer.

Joyce Landorf says on one of her teaching tapes, “Friends have given me gifts and food. I walk pass the refrigerator and have a worship service because that is the real meaning of the Love of Jesus”. I don’t know if she meant that she literally had a worship service, but I literally have a worship service.

I look around my trailer and I see all the wonderful things that Jesus has given me through my family and friends and I stand in awe of the Love Jesus extends to me. What a Saviour! What a Friend! I have food, clothing, electricity, water, furniture, a computer and printer, telephones, carpet, towels, washrags, sheets, blankets and pillows, and shoes for my feet.

How can we not give our lives in service to the One Who gave His all for us!  Do you have a daily, personal relationship with Him, or is He just Someone you call when you need help?

Joanne Lowe
February 4, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

The Pastor’s Wife

“The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children.”

Titus 2:3-4 King James Version

I have a dear friend who is eighty years old whose husband was a pastor. She sends me encouraging emails almost every day. She takes time out of her busy schedule to write me. Many times God has used something she said to encourage me when I was feeling discouraged.

She is still active and serving Jesus where she lives. There is no telling how many lives and hearts have been won to Jesus through her faithfulness to Jesus. We need to pray for our Pastor’s wives as they have the responsibility of encouraging, comforting, and being a help to our Pastors.

Joyce Landorf says on one of her teaching tapes “I was at the airport and a lady came up to me and pointing to herself said “Pastors and their wives need encouragement”. One of the greatest Pastors I ever had used to call his wife up to stand beside him at least once a month at the podium. He would put his arms around her and give her a kiss and tell her how much he loved her and how he thanked God for giving her to him as his wife.

A pastor’s wife many times has to do the jobs in the church that no one else has volunteered to do. She has to keep their home clean and comfortable and make sure that her husband has time to study without being interrupted. Thank God for Pastor’s wives! Please tell your Pastor’s wife how much you appreciate her.

Joanne Lowe
February 5, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

A Day for Jesus

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”

Matthew 1:21 King James Version

We have Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day, Valentine’s Day, and our birthday, but we don’t have a day set apart for Jesus. You might think that Christmas is set apart for Jesus, but in most cases that is not true. We might give Him an hour at church, but the rest of day we do what we want to do.

When we celebrate Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and someone’s birthday, we usually devote most of the day to the occasion. We need to have a day that we devote just to Him. The Bible says in Matthew 25:40 “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” This is how we can make Jesus happy by encouraging, calling, and visiting people.

Jesus has done so much for us and continues daily to do things for us. Can’t we set apart just one day for Him? We may never get it on the calendar, but we as Christians can set apart a day just for Jesus and then every year keep that day just for Him.

How we must hurt Jesus when we go about our busy schedules and ignore Him most of the day, only fitting Him in when it is convenient for us. One day, we will see Him face to face and I don’t want to see the hurt and sadness in my Saviour’s Eyes because I ignored Him most of the day.

Joanne Lowe
February 5, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Do Not Yield

“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?”

Romans 6:16 King James Version

I received another judgmental, criticizing email yesterday and it made me laugh because after he had said everything that I was doing wrong, he said and “I don’t believe you sin every day”. What he doesn’t know is that my first impulse was to send him a harsh, criticizing email in reply.

We have a choice to make when we are attacked, and if we are serving Jesus we will be attacked. We can choose to do what we want to do and say hateful things in return and obey satan, or we can choose to keep our mouths shut and obey Jesus.

I’ve heard this statement made several times in my life. “Some people have to put other people down to feel good”. I think this is a sad but true statement. Many people are insecure about themselves because they have never been shown love and so they don’t know how to love.

For those of us who claim to be a child of God, we have a responsibility and a privilege to show them that Jesus does Love them by the words we say and the way we act toward them. The Love of Jesus is the only thing that will change a person’s heart and life.

The next time we are tempted to be hateful to people because they have been hateful to us, we need to remember that Jesus was criticized more than we have been and He wasn’t hateful. He showed Love, Mercy, Forgiveness and Amazing Grace by giving His Life for us on Calvary. 

Joanne Lowe
February 6, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Still in the Oven

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”

1 Peter 5:8 King James Version

I heard an evangelist say one time in a sermon “If you don’t like what you see, hang around because I’m still in the oven and God is still baking me”. We need to be vigilant in our daily lives because satan would like nothing better than to discourage and defeat us.

It is tragic but even people who claim to be Christians allow satan to use them for his purpose. I received two hateful emails from the same lady this morning, and yet on her website, she talks about the Love of Jesus. If we really love Jesus and want to make Him happy, we won’t criticize people out of spite and jealousy.

None of us are perfect. All of us are still in the oven and God is still baking us. Praise God! One day, we will be with Jesus and we will have no more ugliness and hatred in our lives. If you are criticizing others, please stop it and pray for those people. Only God can change a heart and life.

I have received many emails asking for prayer because of broken homes and broken hearts. We need to encourage one another instead of being so judgmental all the time. We need to remember where we were, and where God brought us from in our sinful lives.

The next time we are tempted to criticize out of jealousy, spite, and malice, we need to run to Jesus and ask Him to forgive us and help us keep our big mouths shut! God’s Oven may be hot but it’s better than spending an eternity in hell with satan.

Joanne Lowe
February 7, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

All Alone

“Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.”

John 16:32 King James Version

I have received several emails from people telling me they feel all alone in this world. Everyone left Jesus, but He said He was not alone because His Father was with Him during that heartbreaking time. We are never alone if we have Jesus as our personal Saviour and Friend.

I felt all alone for years and especially when I was with people. There are no words to describe the pain when you feel totally alone. It took the Amazing Love, Mercy, and Grace of Jesus deposited in my heart to give me a purpose and reason to live. Without Jesus, life is meaningless! He is the Rock of my salvation, the Air I breathe, and the Joy of my heart.

Many times when we are in a group setting, we tend to ignore new people and that hurts them. When we visit a church and nobody speaks to us, we feel very isolated and alone. One time when I was searching for a new church back in Texas, I visited three churches and not one person spoke to me. A couple of people did shake my hand. We need to be sure that we aren’t the ones who ignore people, especially visitors to our church.

If you’re feeling all alone today, reach your hand up to Jesus. He understands and will take you by your hand and walk with you. You will never feel alone again if you have invited Jesus into your heart.

Joanne Lowe
February 8, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

In a War

“And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.”

Exodus 17:11-12 King James Version

Moses knew that he had to hold up his hands, but he grew weary and his hands became heavy. As much as he wanted to keep them up he couldn’t, so Aaron and Hur helped him hold his hands up. We desperately need friends like Aaron and Hur to hold up our hands.

Sometimes we become so weary in the struggles of our daily lives. Some people struggle with poverty, others struggle with family problems, and others struggle with their children. All of us need each other. There is no one who can make it alone in this world and that is why God tells us to encourage each other.

It is nice to have loved ones and friends to hold our hands up and encourage us, but we also need to be an encouragement to our loved ones, friends, and the world. We need to live our lives in such a manner that others will see Jesus in us and be encouraged.

Have you held up someone’s hands recently? Have you picked up the phone and called someone or sent an email of encouragement and hope? Have you told someone today how much Jesus Loves him or her? We sometimes really need a hug; have you hugged someone today?

Joanne Lowe
February 8, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Do We Love Him

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

Romans 8:28 King James Version

Sometimes it seems like nothing is going right in our lives. This verse says “All things work together for good to them that love God”. Do we really love God? If we do, then why do we treat Him and our family and friends like we do? Just because we go to church, sing in the choir, teach Sunday School, or play the piano does not mean we love Him.

Love isn’t just saying verbally, I love You, Jesus. Love is showing Him that we love Him. When we are kind and loving to each other, we are being kind and loving to Jesus. We can tell people that we love them but if we never do anything to prove it, they will not believe it. The saying “Actions speak louder than words” is so true.

Jesus is the Saviour of the world! He shed His Precious Blood for us on the Cross of Calvary that we may be saved and have Joy, Peace, Happiness and Love not only for Eternity, but also while we are here on earth. Without Jesus in your heart, you will never experience real Joy and Peace.

We need to love Jesus first, and then to love each other as we love ourselves. Are you in love with Jesus? Is He first in your life before anything or anyone? If you will make Jesus the first Priority in your life, then you will not only show Him you love Him, you will have a wonderful life.

Joanne Lowe
February 8, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

The Shelter of His Name

“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.”

Ephesians 4:26-27 King James Version

For the last five days, I have been running to Jesus almost every hour and saying His Precious Name. There is shelter and safety in the Name of Jesus. I have been going through a situation that I haven’t told to anyone, except Jesus.

I have lost my temper every day for the last five days at the situation. Jesus said “Be ye angry, and sin not”. It was okay for me to get angry but if I had acted on my anger like I wanted to do, it would have become sin to me.

I had a terrible temper before Jesus saved me and changed my heart and satan will always attack us in the most vulnerable areas of our lives. I don’t want to lose my temper because it doesn’t help the situation and it certainly doesn’t point others to Jesus.

The situation was resolved five hours ago and everything is wonderful now. However, only Jesus could have given me Peace in the midst of this attack by satan. If you are going through trials and you feel like you are losing control, run into the waiting Arms of Jesus and whisper His Precious Name.

Joanne Lowe
February 9, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Strength and Song

“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.”

Isaiah 12:2 King James Version

What a Mighty God we have! What a Loving Saviour we serve! Jesus is our Strength and our Song when satan and all his helpers attack us. Not only does Jesus save us from hell through His Precious, Atoning Blood, He saves us daily from discouragement, sorrow, and defeat. There is no One like Jesus! There is no Friend like Jesus!  Hallelujah to the Lamb of God! Worthy is His Precious Name! Shout Hosanna to the King of Kings!

Many times in our daily lives we have situations and people who would try to discourage us from serving Jesus. When we are weak, He is our Strength. When we have lost our song, He restores it back into our hearts. His Love is Amazing, Tender, Faithful, and True. He never, ever fails us. He is never too busy to talk to us or listen to us.

Jesus knows our hearts. He knows if we love Him or if we are just giving Him lip service. He understands that we are still in the flesh and fail Him and others, sometimes on a daily basis. He does not condemn us when we fail. He forgives us and encourages us to try again.

Do you know this Loving Friend of mine? Do you know the Saviour of the world? Has there ever been a time in your life when you realized that you are a sinner and on your way to hell for eternity? Invite the Christ of Calvary into your heart and life and you will have such Peace and Joy that you will not be able to contain it.

Joanne Lowe
February 10, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Look to Jesus

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Hebrews 12:2 King James Version

Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith. We must keep our focus on Him and not on the world. Our family and friends will fail us as they are human, just as we will fail them. Only Jesus is completely Dependable. He will never fail us or leave us alone. He will be with us in the midnight hours when the tears flow and we face our fears and loneliness.

There is no situation that Jesus can’t fix. There is no broken heart that He can’t heal. He is the Saviour of the world! He is the Bright and Morning Star! He is the Beautiful Rose of Sharon! He is the dearest Friend we will ever have!

One day if we have made a heart commitment to Jesus, we will see Him face to face. What a glorious Day that will be! How my heart yearns for my Best Friend, Jesus. I long to put my arms around Him and give Him a big hug, and try to tell Him how much I love Him and appreciate Him. I am going to spend all Eternity with the One who Loved me so much that He stretched out His Precious Arms on the Cross of Calvary and died for me.

There is no real Peace without Jesus in our hearts and lives. Worldly possessions and everything the world has to offer doesn’t begin to come close to the Peace and Joy that Jesus gives us when He deposits His Love into our hearts.

Open your heart and life to the Saviour of the world. He is waiting for you to invite Him into your heart and life. Without Him, everything is meaningless.

Joanne Lowe
February 11, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Cling to Jesus

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

2 Corinthians 12:9 King James Version

I have not been feeling well for three weeks. I think I had a virus as I had all the symptoms that I have had many times. It has been over a year since I have felt so weak. Today is the first day that I am not running a little fever. I just cleaned the toilet and I felt so weak that I had to sit on a chair to clean it.

There are many times in our lives when we get spiritually weak. It can happen from not reading the Bible, not praying, and not keeping our eyes on Jesus. It also can happen because we are going through a very painful, devastating situation and we just don’t have the strength to do what we need to do. We don’t even have the strength to pick up the Bible.

Jesus says that His Strength is made perfect in weakness. Just as I had to sit down to clean the toilet, we need to cling to Jesus when the world comes against us and we want to give up. He will be our Strength. He will fight our battles against satan and the world.

Thank God for the trials of our lives because without them we would not fully appreciate all Jesus does for us. He is our Anchor in the storms of life.

Are you hurting today? Cling to Jesus and He will give you strength. Reach out your hand to Jesus as His Hand is stretched downward to lift you out of your heartaches and pain.

Joanne Lowe
February 11, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Forever

“O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever.”

Psalm 118:29 King James Version

All of us need His Mercy every day because all of us fail Him every day in some way. I have received many emails from people who said that they failed Jesus that day. Praise God for His Mercy which will never end!

We need to try and do better every day with His help, but when we fail then we need to immediately go to Jesus and ask Him to help us with the situation. He may not answer us immediately, but He is Faithful and He will help us.

One of the ways that satan tries to discourage us is by reminding us of all the things we have done wrong in our past. For years, I listened and became more depressed every year. We need to understand and believe that when Jesus forgives us, He never holds it against us again.

If you are living in the past, let it go! Jesus paid an agonizing price for us on the Cross so that we don’t have to bear the burden of our sins. Give your past sins and failures to the One Who gave His all for you. Allow Jesus to give you a new heart and a new life.

Joanne Lowe
February 12, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

The Right Kind of Heat

“Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.”

Matthew 25:41 King James Version

When I got up this morning it was cold so I turned up the heat on the thermostat. I thank God for the heat and the shelter of my home and that I am not outside in the cold. Sometimes, we receive heat that is not the right kind. We receive the heat of criticism, sarcasm, and hatred.

There are times when spouses and families are in the heat of an argument. Pastors and their spouses receive heat from the remarks of the congregation. People who claim to be our friends turn against us and say cruel, cutting things to us.

Jesus has this kind of heat every day because people are disrespectful to Him, criticize Him, doubt Him, and ignore His Commands. We should be warming the Heart of Jesus with love and gratitude. He endured the heat of the Cross for us; He shouldn’t have to endure the heat of the world now.

We need to be very careful that we don’t give someone the wrong kind of heat. We need to be giving affirmation, encouragement, and love to our family and friends, and not criticism and sarcasm.

Has your heart been heated by the Cleansing Blood of Jesus? Have you allowed Him to take away the hatred from your heart? What kind of heat are you giving to Jesus and to your family and friends?

Joanne Lowe
February 13, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Where Are You Welded

“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: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 King James Version

Yesterday, I was sitting at the computer in my office when all of a sudden I heard a loud bang that sounded like a gunshot. I got so frightened I almost fell off my office chair. I had put on a pot of water to heat so I could make spaghetti and the burner had shorted out and literally welded the pan to the burner. I tried to take the pan off and so did the manager, but it would not come off no matter how hard we pulled on it.

When Jesus descends and lets out that shout, I believe it’s going to be a shout of Joy, Love, Triumph, and Happiness. The shout is going to be louder than any shout or noise we have ever heard. When He comes again, nobody will be able to pull you out of hell. If your name is not written in the Book of Life, you are welded to hell, and no one in your family, none of your friends, or anyone else will be able to pull you out of hell.

Dear friends, please don’t miss out on Heaven. Not only is hell a place of eternal fire, it is total separation from Jesus for all Eternity. Jesus died for you so that you don’t have to spend eternity in hell. Give your heart and life to Jesus. Allow Him to take away all the hatred and hurt from your heart.

Are you ready for the shout of Jesus? Do you know without a shadow of doubt that if He comes back today, you are ready to meet Him? Is your heart welded to Jesus, or is it welded to satan?

Joanne Lowe
February 13, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Stop Doubting

“For with God nothing shall be impossible.”

Luke 1:37 King James Version

I have heard people make this statement “She will never change. My child will never change. They will never change”. Someone said “I kept going to him and saying I’m sorry, and I kept waiting for him to say I’m sorry too, but he never did and he never will”. The Bible says that nothing is impossible with God.

Many people have sent me emails saying their children are out of control and being disrespectful to them. If we don’t show respect to others, they won’t know how to show respect. If they see us being disrespectful to our spouses, other people, and to the laws of the land, they will grow up thinking that is normal.

I submit to you on the Authority of the Word of God that is not the normal thing to be disrespectful to anyone. The Bible says that we are to treat others as we want to be treated and that we are to love others as He Loves them. If our children see us speeding down the road and yelling at the other drivers, they are going to think that it is okay to do that.

We need to realize that we teach our children by the words we say and the things we do. Children are very vulnerable and can be led to do right or wrong. No, nothing is impossible with God. He can do anything. However, we need to do our part in setting the right example for our children.

Joanne Lowe
February 14, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Jesus is Calling

“Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness.”

Hebrews 3:7-8 King James Version

If we will listen, we will hear Jesus calling us. He is calling us first to repentance and salvation. He is also calling us to live a life that draws others to Him. Many times we harden our hearts to His call.

The greatest and loudest call He has given us was when He hung on that cruel Cross for us so that we might be saved. Unless we answer this call first, we won’t be able to answer the other calls because without Jesus in our hearts it is impossible to serve Him.

Sometimes He calls us to do things through something we hear or read. He uses other people to call us to do things for Him. He calls us through our Pastor. We need to keep our ears and hearts open to hear His call.

A pastor wrote in my guestbook that it was his prayer that these writings would some day become a daily devotional. When I read that, I thought that was a nice comment. However, in a couple of months, I realized that Jesus was calling me to send daily devotionals and He had used that Pastor’s prayers.

Have you answered the greatest call of all, the call to Salvation? Is your heart right with Jesus? If He were to come back today, are you ready to die? Give your heart and life to Jesus and open your ears and heart to His calling.

Joanne Lowe
February 15, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Good or Bad Fruit

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

Galatians 5:22-23 King James Version

Have you ever noticed that when an apple falls off the tree that eventually it rots? The same is true with us if we stray from Jesus. We must stay on the Tree of Jesus. We must allow Him to prune us daily to keep bitterness, envy, malice and hatred from our hearts.

The verse says “longsuffering”, and yet many times we allow our tempers to flare at the slightest thing. Jesus puts us with our failures so we certainly should be willing to put up with someone when they fail. None of us are perfect. Every one of us has shortcomings and failures daily.

If we would stop looking at other people and trying to change them and concentrate on keeping our own hearts in tune with the Heart of Jesus, we wouldn’t have time to be so critical and judgmental. We need to be certain that we are producing good fruit and not bad fruit.

What kind of fruit do others see when they look at you? Do they see the fruit of the Spirit, or do they see the fruit of satan and the world? Are you giving good fruit to your family, loved ones and friends?

Joanne Lowe
February 16, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

The Keys of Freedom

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”

Galatians 5:1 King James Version

Jesus paid a precious price for our freedom from bondage. Many people for years have been locked up by their past. They have allowed satan to lie to them, to tell them that Jesus couldn’t love them and that they don’t have a right to be happy. I submit to you on the Authority of the Word of God that when Jesus sets you free, you are free!

I think one of the reasons that the Bible tells us over and over again to bear each others burdens, and to encourage each other is because Jesus understands how difficult it is to keep fighting satan and the world by ourselves. None of us are perfect. All of us have made and will make mistakes in our lives. We need to claim the precious Blood of Jesus for our liberty.

If you know someone who is hurting and feeling all alone in a situation, reach out and reassure him or her that Jesus does Love him or her. All of us have weak spots in our lives and we desperately need a friend to stand by us. We need a friend who will not judge, who will not assume a “holier than thou attitude”.

Jesus provided the Keys of freedom for us when He died on the Cross. It is through His Love, Grace, Mercy, and Understanding that we are set free from satan and the world. If you feel like you can’t do it alone, cry out to Jesus for help. He is the Only One Who can set a person free. We need to do our part by praying for and loving the person who is hurting. We need to be an encouragement to each other.

Joanne Lowe
February 17, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Only Jesus

“The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.”

Psalm 145:8 King James Version

This verse says that not only is Jesus Compassionate, He is full of Compassion and of great Mercy. All of us need His Mercy and Compassion every day. The verse says that He is slow to anger for which we should be thankful because all of us hurt Him and fail Him in some way every day. Thank God for His Amazing Love!

I have received several emails in the last week telling me that they needed encouragement because they are going through very difficult situations. We need to be an encouragement to one another. We need to love and pray for each other, but when it comes right down to it, only Jesus can take the hurt and pain away from our hearts. Only Jesus really understands how we feel.

I received an email this morning from someone who said that the Devotionals I send daily was the only encouragement she had been getting. What a sad statement, and what a condemning statement to those of us who claim to be Christians! We need to be extending to others understanding, compassion, and forgiveness.

Let’s make a special effort to encourage someone today by telling him or her how much Jesus Loves him or her, and then proving it by the things we say and the things we do. Never forget that someday you may be the one who needs understanding, love, and encouragement.

Joanne Lowe
February 17, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Our Vine

“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”

John 15:5 King James Version

When I got up this morning and turned off my fan, I heard a popping sound. I thought the fan had finally given up. I turned it on again and it would not work. Yet, when I plugged the fan into another outlet in my bedroom, it worked.

I called my friend who lives by me and asked her if she would please send one of her sons over to check my fuse box. I had looked at the fuse box, but it looked okay to me. He looked and said the breaker had tripped and it was in the middle.

This is what happens to us when we stop clinging to Jesus; we lose our power and effectiveness for Him. We must stay on the Vine because without Jesus we can’t do anything. If we want to win souls to Jesus, we must be obedient to Him and allow Him to prune our hearts daily, and sometimes hourly.

Are you on the Vine today? Have you allowed Jesus to become your Vine of Salvation? If not, don’t put it off because tomorrow may not come for you.

Joanne Lowe
February 17, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

You May Be the One

“A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!”

Proverbs 15:23 King James Version

I had a very disturbing phone call this morning with someone who claims to be my friend. She hurt me very deeply. Thank God that I did not lash out at her like I wanted to do. Instead, I told her that I wouldn’t call her again and just hung up the phone. Twenty minutes later I received a very sweet email from a dear friend who said many encouraging things to me. Thank God for loyal friends who really do care!

My heart was hurting after I hung up the phone, yet I still had Joy and Peace in my heart because of how I responded to the situation. When we are in situations where our first response is to hurt that person, we need to realize that if we say something hurtful to them, it hurts Jesus.

God used my dear friend’s email this morning to heal the hurt in my heart. You may be the one that God wants to use to say something kind and encouraging to someone. A lot of times we just sit back and think that we don’t have anything to contribute, and that we don’t know what to say. If you don’t know what to say, just tell the person that Jesus Loves him or her.

We need to be very careful that we don’t say hurtful things to others. What we say can never be unsaid! If we would ever understand that when we hurt people, we hurt Jesus, I think we would stop doing it. Are you the one Jesus wants to use today? If so, is your heart right so He can use you?

Joanne Lowe
February 18, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Stand Fast

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness.”

Ephesians 6:13-14 King James Version

Christians are in a battle with satan and the world, especially if we have committed our lives in full time service to Jesus. All hell will come against us daily trying to discourage us from serving Him. These verses tell us to stand! If we know that we are doing what God has called us to do, then we should not let anyone or anything keep us from serving Jesus.

Get ready! Be prepared because you will be attacked for your stand for Jesus. You will be ridiculed, scorned, criticized, and treated badly. Start rejoicing because they did the same thing to Jesus! We need to be thankful that we can understand just a little of what He went through on this earth so that we will appreciate His Love and Sacrifice for us.

When satan hurls his fiery darts at us, we need to stand in the Power of Jesus. We don’t have any power or strength. It is the Blessed Son of God living in us that is our Power and Strength. He will stop the darts of criticism and hatred. What a Loving Protector and Friend we have!

Sometimes people allow satan to use them to attack other Christians. We need to stay alert and be certain that we don’t let satan sneak up on us with his hurtful barbs. Stand fast and watch Jesus knock satan down again!

Joanne Lowe
February 18, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Our Solid Rock

“And he said, The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; The God of my rock, in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.”

2 Samuel 22:2-3 King James Version

If ever we needed a firm foundation, it is now as we are living in the midst of violence, chaos, and heartache. When we feel ourselves slipping off our Rock, we need to get a rope and tie ourselves securely to Jesus.

He not only is our Tower, He is our High Tower. He is a Fortress from our enemies and the world. Blessed be the Rock of our Salvation! Great and Mighty is Jesus! There is nobody or nothing that can give us the Security and Love that He extends to us.

Without Jesus, our Beautiful Rock, life would be meaningless. He is the Reason for living. He is the Joy of my heart. He gives me Comfort, Security, Assurance of His Love, and best of all, He gives me His Salvation.

Are you standing on the Solid Rock, or are you slipping in the sand of satan and the world? Do you know this Amazing Rock, our Awesome Saviour? If not, then I invite you to open your heart and life to the only One Who can give you a Home in Heaven for Eternity. Tie yourself on the Rock of Jesus today.

Joanne Lowe
February 18, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Our Precious Lamp

“For thou art my lamp, O Lord: and the Lord will lighten my darkness.”

2 Samuel 22:29 King James Version

For many years I was in total darkness in my heart, my mind, and my life. Life was meaningless. I wasn’t living; I was just existing. I hated everyone and I certainly didn’t trust anybody. I thought everyone was out to get me and that I didn’t have a right to live.

One day out of His Loving Mercy and Grace, my Precious Lamp, Jesus, reached down His hand to me and pulled me up out of the darkness and crippling depression and sat me on His Lap of Love and I’ve never been the same.

None of us deserve His Love. His Love is Unconditional. We can’t do anything to merit His Love. It is freely given, and we are to love others like He Loves us. There are many people who are hurting desperately and they look fine and talk like nothing is wrong, but inside they are dying.

It is so important that we be kind and loving to one another instead of being judgmental and critical. The harsh words that we say may be the trigger that pulls a gun and someone takes his or her life. Love is the greatest gift you could ever give anybody. All worldly possessions will fade away, but the Love of Jesus that you extend to others will last forever.

If you are hurting today, reach up your hand and take hold of the Master’s Hand. He is the only One Who can set you free from a life of pain and desperation. Don’t wait any longer; you are not alone. Jesus is holding His Hand out to pull you into His Arms of Love.

Joanne Lowe
February 19, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Our Compassionate Saviour

“Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst. Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing; their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not.”

Nehemiah 9:20-21 King James Version

If I am on my feet more than an hour, they swell and my legs ache terribly. Our Compassionate Saviour sustained them for forty years in the wilderness and they lacked nothing. Their clothes didn’t wear out and their feet didn’t swell. He also fed them and gave them water.

Many of us have wandered in the wilderness of the world for many years trying to find happiness. There is no real happiness to be found in the world. Cars, houses, boats, swimming pools, and all other possessions may be nice to have, but they don’t give lasting happiness.

The only real Happiness is to be found in the Arms of our Compassionate Saviour. He gives us Peace, Joy, Hope, Love, Victory, Assurance, and Comfort which will never end. He also instructs us in the way to live and treat others.

If you’re wandering in the wilderness of doubts, fears, loneliness, confusion, heartache, and depression, open your heart and life to Jesus. Let Him give you the Peace and Love that nobody and nothing can give. He will take away all the hurt and pain and replace it with His Healing Balm of Love.

Joanne Lowe
February 20, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Our Words

“But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.”

James 3:8 King James Version

I received an email from a dear friend this morning who said that she has a hard time believing that people care for her. I also felt that way for many years because of the things that had been said to me. Our words can either encourage people, or discourage people.

It is vitally important that we say encouraging and loving things to one another. All of us have trials and difficult situations that we go through, and we desperately need to know that someone cares.

If you don’t know what to say to people, or are shy in saying things, reach out and give them a hug. A hug says more than a million words could possibly say. Give them a smile and then do something kind for them.

Our words can literally cause someone to take his or her life. When I was growing up, there was a person that really influenced me. She had been to Bible School and taught in a Christian School. I moved away and years later I called her sister who is also a good friend and she told me that her sister had committed suicide because of the constant verbal abuse of her husband.

We need to pray constantly and ask Jesus to help us only say things that are encouraging. Are you hurting people by your cruel words?

Joanne Lowe
February 21, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Just One Word

“And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.”

Exodus 4:10 King James Version

God had asked Moses to speak to the people and Moses used all kinds of excuses and it made God angry. We do the same thing today. God has told us to tell others of the Good News of Jesus and to spread His Love. However, a lot of times we say that we don’t know what to say, or are uncomfortable saying things.

I received an email last night in reply to a letter I had sent to the people on my mailing list. All that was in the reply was one word “wow”. That word said everything. I understood exactly what that person was saying to me. The person was saying “wow” what an Awesome Saviour we serve.

When I started writing, I didn’t know what to say. I can’t just sit down and write something. I have tried it many times, but nothing comes. I have to wait for Jesus to inspire me. However, I asked Him to please help me say what He wants me to say.

Moses wasn’t willing to talk for Jesus. Before we can do anything, we have to have the Power of Jesus motivating us. It does not matter what we are called to do, be it cleaning the church, cooking at the church, folding bulletins, preaching, singing, writing, or anything else He tells us to do, if we are willing to do it, He will help us.

Are you willing to open your mouth for Jesus? More important, are you willing to open your heart to the Saviour of the world? You can’t do anything for Jesus unless you first invite Him into your heart and then let Him control your life.

Joanne Lowe
February 22, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Healthy Words

“Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.”

Proverbs 16:24 King James Version

I was still in a lot of pain last night and then a special friend who is very dear to my heart called me last night and after we finished talking I could hardly feel the pain. I slept better last night than I have in three days. Maybe we need to tell our spouse, family, and loved ones more often how much we love them.

This verse says that pleasant words are health to the bones. Perhaps that is why all through the Bible we read how much Jesus Loves us. I don’t think that anyone told Jesus that He was loved while He was here on earth except his mother. Jesus understands how we get lonely and need reassurance that someone really does love and care for us.

I’ve noticed that Jesus has inspired me to write a lot about words and I think it is because it is so important to say kind words to each other. Physical abuse is terrible and it hurts a lot, but verbal abuse goes straight to the heart and the scars are there for a lifetime. Jesus heals our hearts from verbal abuse, but the scars are still there.

While it is vital that we tell others we love them, we should never say I love you to someone unless we mean it. These three words are very special and should not be used as a common phrase. They should come from our hearts.

Jesus tells us every day how much He Loves us. Have you told your loved ones that you love them lately? More important, have you told Jesus that you love Him?

Joanne Lowe
February 23, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Put the Knife Down

“And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.”

Mark 5:5 King James Version

I had a neighbor who told me how she would cut herself with a knife because she felt like nobody cared if she lived or died. I know two other people who have done the same thing. Many people cut themselves emotionally by putting themselves down all the time.

For many years I did the same thing. I thought that I was no good and didn’t have a right to live. I never cut myself physically, but I sure cut my heart emotionally. I believed people who told me that I was no good, and that Jesus couldn’t love me.

It’s bad enough when people tell you that nobody will ever love you because you are fat and ugly. However, when people tell you that Jesus will never Love you, they might as well put the gun to your head and pull the trigger. Without the Love of Jesus, life is meaningless and empty.

If you are putting yourself down because you think you are fat and ugly, stop it! Jesus Loves you just as you are. We are to take care of our bodies, but He is more concerned with what is in our hearts. We can be the perfect size, wear the best clothes, drive the best cars, have the best homes, but if our hearts are ugly, we are ugly no matter how we look on the outside.

Stop cutting yourself physically and emotionally, and allow the Precious Love of Jesus to flood your heart. You will experience a Peace that you have never known, a Peace that you will never find in worldly things.

Joanne Lowe
February 24, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

All We Need

“Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.”

Isaiah 55:1 King James Version

In the last three weeks, I have received more emails and telephone calls from people who are hurting emotionally and financially than I have in the last year. I used to think that I was the only one hurting and my sister would tell me that there is always someone worse off than you. She was so right.

I said many times if I have bread, milk, and Pepsi, then I can handle anything and go without other groceries. Since I allowed Jesus to fill my heart with His Unconditional Love, I don’t even have to have those items to handle things. Jesus is all I need. It is nice to have a lot of groceries and have extra money to buy things I want, but as long as I have the assurance that Jesus Loves me, I can face tomorrow.

Several months ago a pastor emailed me and said that even pastors hurt emotionally and need encouragement. Sometimes, we neglect to tell our pastors and their wives how much we appreciate them. I would encourage you the next time you see your pastor and wife to express your gratitude for their service to Jesus, and for their service to you.

When someone is hurting, the most effective remedy is a hug from someone who really cares. If we are unable to hug them in person, we can pick up the phone or send an email and tell them we love and appreciate them. Yes, Jesus is all we need, but He expects you and me to extend His Love to others so that they will also feel His Peace, the Peace that passes all understanding.

Joanne Lowe
February 24, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

The Needful Thing

“And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:39-42 King James Version

I used to think that my house had to be spotless all the time, and that if I didn’t make my bed, it was terrible. A lot of times I can be in the middle of house cleaning, and God will lay it on my heart to stop and send an encouraging email to someone. It is important that we keep our homes clean, but it is more important that we take time for Jesus.

No matter what we are doing, if Jesus lays it on our hearts to call someone or send an email of encouragement and love, then we need to be obedient and do it as soon as He tells us to do it. It is more important that people be reassured of the Love of Jesus, than it is to make our beds.

Sometimes we allow our focus to be placed on temporary things instead of on things that will last for Eternity. The thing that will last forever is the love that we give to Jesus, and to one another. We concentrate on how we are feeling, rather than on how someone else is feeling. God may want to use us to encourage someone today and we need to be ready.

What is the most important thing in your life today, material things or serving Jesus? If serving Jesus is not your first priority, then you need to do a heart checkup.

Joanne Lowe
February 25, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Our Burden Bearer

“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”

Psalm 55:22 King James Version

Many of us are carrying around heavy burdens and we don’t need to do so. Jesus said that He will sustain us. When all hell comes against us, He will be our Fortress and Protector. Jesus does not want us to carry these burdens.

There are people that we sit next to in church that look fine, and talk good, but inside they are hurting. They desperately need someone to hug them and prove to them that Jesus Loves them. It is almost impossible to convince people that Jesus Loves them if we never extend His Love to them.

The Bible says that we are to bear one another’s burdens. We need to listen and be an encouragement to each other. All of us are in a battle with satan and the world. None of us are exempt from his sneaky tactics. It would make satan very happy if he could keep us discouraged, lonely, and heartbroken.

It’s time to give our burdens to Jesus. He is the only One Who can mend a broken heart and take away the pain of our past. We need to do our part by loving and encouraging one another.

Joanne Lowe
February 25, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Give Him Thanks

“Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever. Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? Who can shew forth all his praise?”

Psalm 106:1-2 King James Version

Someone asked me “Why do you thank Jesus so much? He knows you appreciate what He has done for you”. When someone was in darkness in his or her heart for as many years as I was, then it is only natural to praise and thank Him. He may know that I appreciate Him and thank Him, but just as you and I long to hear that someone loves us, He longs to hear us express our love and gratitude to Him.

Some of us have prayed every day for years for something, and then when our prayers were answered we only said thank you to Him one time. I prayed for years for someone with whom I could share my innermost feelings and thoughts with and He graciously gave me someone I could trust.

Jesus sent me a very dear and precious friend with whom I can share my heart and say anything without fear of ridicule or being criticized. I intend to thank Him the rest of my life. I may forget to do so every day, but it is my intent to thank Him.

One day He reached down His Loving Hand of Mercy, Grace, and Understanding and sat me on His Lap of Love and kissed away the tears of pain in my heart. There is no One like Jesus! There is no other Friend like Him. Our friends on earth will fail us, just as I will fail them because we are human, but Jesus never fails!

His Love is Unconditional and Eternal. Do you know this Precious Friend of mine? Have you thanked Him today for His Unfailing and Unending Love to you?

Joanne Lowe
February 26, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

You Are of Great Value

“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.”

Matthew 10:29-31 King James Version

My parakeet flew out the door this morning because I didn’t have a chance to catch her. My heart is hurting right now, but I trust Jesus to take care of her. God used her to teach me about real Forgiveness and Unconditional Love. Even when I got exasperated with her, and would scold her, she always forgave me and started chirping when I told her that I was sorry for getting upset with her. She loved me no matter what I did. Truly she was an example of the Love of Jesus for us.

If today you are feeling lonely, depressed, suicidal, or hurting, Jesus is telling you that you are of more value than many sparrows. If He takes care of the birds, how much more will He take care of us. He Loves us with a Love that we can’t possibly understand. He Loves us even when we fail Him so many times.

Yes, you are of great value to Jesus. You are very precious to Him. He cares about you and understands all of your heartaches and tears. He sees the tears that you shed in your heart and He longs to kiss them away.

I urge you today to open your heart to the only One Who can set you free from the pain of the past, the sadness of today, and the fear of the future. Jesus is waiting with His Arms open for you to run into them. He longs to Comfort you and give you Peace, His Peace, the Peace that nobody or nothing can take away.

Joanne Lowe
February 26, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

His Peace

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”

Isaiah 26:3 King James Version

Yesterday was one of the most heartbreaking days of my life, yet through it all I felt the Peace of Jesus in my heart. I cried and was very sad because my parakeet flew away but I knew that Jesus would take care of her.

I received many emails and phone calls of comfort and encouragement and I desperately needed them. However, only Jesus could give me the Peace that would last, the Peace that nobody or nothing can take away. His Peace is soft like a mother holding a new born baby. He whispered to me all day that He Loved me and it was going to be okay.

There are times when even the kindest words do not help. It takes a hug from Jesus to heal the hurt and pain in our hearts. I live by myself so there was nobody to give me a hug, but I felt the Arms of Jesus around me all day long.

When you are hurting and don’t think you can go another minute, take another step, or give another smile, climb up on the Lap of Jesus and let His Soothing Peace fill your heart.

Do you have this Peace in your heart? Have you given your heart and life to Jesus? If not, please don’t wait. I urge you to give your heartaches to the One Who Loves you dearly.

Joanne Lowe
February 27, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Our Anchor

“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.”

Isaiah 40:8 King James Version

Often in our lives we have trials and heartaches that we have to go through, but we have an Anchor, our Blessed Saviour, Who will keep us from drowning. When there is no rain for a long time, or there is too much rain, the flowers and grass fade and wither. It is the same with us if we don’t have a steady diet of the Word of God.

Sometimes our strength grows weak, and our determination falters, it is then that we need to cling to Jesus, our Anchor in the storms of life. If we are unable to run to Jesus, or even walk to Him because we are hurting so badly, then we need to crawl to Him, or ask someone to lift us up to Him.

It does not matter what heartache, problem or crises we are facing, the Word of God is true and will stand forever. Many people scoff at the Bible and at those who believe it. Get a rope and tie yourself to the Anchor of Love, Jesus. As long as we are anchored in Him, all hell can come against us but we will be held safe and secure by His Love and Faithfulness.

Is your strength weak today? Do you feel that you aren’t able to go another day? Turn to the only One Who can give lasting Comfort and Support. Yes, Jesus is our Blessed Anchor of Hope and Safety. Thank God for His Anchor of Love!

Joanne Lowe
February 27, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Yesterday is Gone

“Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.”

Isaiah 42:10 King James Version

Yesterday is gone and we can’t change it. We have a new day to serve Jesus and to share His Love with others. Every day of our lives we should sing a new song of love to Jesus. We can choose today to dwell on our problems, or we can choose to praise Jesus for His Unending Love to us.

Many of us have family and friends who have never made a heart commitment to Jesus. If they don’t see the difference Jesus can make in a life surrendered to Him, they will never come to a saving knowledge of our Blessed Saviour.

I’ve received many emails from people who said that they wished they could undo what they did the day before, and take back what they said to their spouses. We can’t change yesterday, but we can change what we say and do today. We can put down our weapons of criticism, sarcasm, and doubt.

If you are beating yourself up for the hurtful things you said or did yesterday, ask Jesus to forgive you. Then ask Him to please help you to react in situations as He would have you act. Do not allow satan to keep you feeling guilty. Don’t give him the satisfaction and let him think that he won over Jesus. Jesus will always win over satan!

Yesterday is gone, but we have a new day so let’s use it to make Jesus happy. Jesus deserves to be happy after all He has done for us. Worthy is the Lamb of God!

Joanne Lowe
February 28, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Which Color

“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.”

Isaiah 61:10 King James Version

For many years, I wore the black color of satan in my heart, in my life, and in my thoughts. One day, Jesus deposited His Love in my heart, cleansed me with His Precious Red Blood and gave me a new heart, a new life, and the robe of righteousness.

Great is the Lord and He is Worthy to be praised and adored! He came to me when I couldn’t go to Him. He told me He Loved me, clothed me with the garment of Salvation, and told me He would never leave me or hurt me.

The world is black with hatred, jealousy, malice, unforgiveness, sarcasm, and criticism. We need to stop being unkind and cruel to one another. There are so many people who are desperately seeking someone to understand what they are going through and to reassure them that someone cares.

I received an email today from a person who is hurting and needs a fresh touch of the Love of Jesus. All of us need a fresh touch from Jesus every day, sometimes several times a day. We need to be encouraging one another. None of us can make it alone. We all need someone who cares and will not judge us.

Is your heart red with the Blood of Jesus, or is it black with the hatred of satan? When others look at you and hear you talking, do they see and hear the Love of Jesus? Are you dressed in the garment of Salvation?

Joanne Lowe
February 28, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

No More Shackles

“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

John 8:32 King James Version

Children sometimes say cruel things to each other without realizing it. We, as adults, say cruel things and know what we are saying. If you have ever been told that you’re fat, ugly, and no good, you believe it. This verse says that if we know the truth, the truth shall make us free. The truth is Jesus Loves us no matter how fat or skinny we are.

Many people are in shackles in their hearts because of depression, suicidal thoughts, criticism, sarcasm, and being told that they are no good. May God forgive us if we have contributed to the shackles in someone’s heart because of what we have said or done to that person.

I have been set free by the Amazing Love, Grace, and Mercy of Jesus. He has washed me in His Precious Cleansing Blood. I am His for all Eternity, and He is mine. Jesus Christ is the Saviour of the world and will set us free!

Is your heart in shackles today? Allow Jesus to set you free by His Unconditional and Unending Love. Do not listen to the people who tell you that you’re no good. Listen to Jesus as He whispers softly in your ear that He Loves you. Listen as His Heart says to you, “Come to Me. I Love you and will remove the shackles from your heart”.

If you know people who are in shackles, allow them to see the difference that only Jesus can make in a life. Put your arms around them and hug them so that they will know that Jesus does Love them. Let’s be huggers for Jesus.

Joanne Lowe
March 1, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

No Hugs

“And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.”

Matthew 8:20 King James Version

Yesterday, I was so excited over a package that I had received that I wanted to hug somebody. However, there was no one to hug since I live alone. We all need hugs. We need them when we’re sad, and also when we’re happy because they express emotion that is sometimes so difficult to put into words.

As I was thinking this morning about not having a hug yesterday, I realized that Jesus not only had no place where to lay his head, He didn’t get hugs. The pain that went through my heart as I really thought about Him not getting hugs was sharp like a knife cutting my heart.

I’m sure Mary and Joseph gave Him hugs and perhaps His siblings when He was young. However, when He was preaching and teaching, no place do I read in the Bible that He received hugs from people. If ever somebody needed a hug of encouragement and love, it was Jesus!

Why is it that we will spend money on medicine for our family when they are sick, but won’t give them hugs? Many times in my life when I was going through all the despair and devastation of crippling depression if someone would have just given me a hug, I could have made it through the day without feeling so alone.

We can’t hug Jesus until we see Him in person, but we can reach out and hug our family, loved ones and friends. How His Heart must have broken because nobody hugged Him!

Joanne Lowe
March 2, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

A Little Baby

“When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”

1 Corinthians 13:11 King James Version

I was talking to a very close friend on the phone today and I told her that when I used to go for a walk with my baby in her stroller, everybody would look at her and smile and tell me that she was beautiful. The reason we smile at babies and want to be around them is because they don’t hurt you with cruel words. They are innocent babies.

This verse tells us that we need to grow spiritually. However, we need to go back and act like a child in our actions and words to one another. I received five emails today from people whose hearts are breaking because of cruel words that were said to them.

O that we would become like children in our attitudes and thoughts. We need to stop being so suspicious and reading something into everything someone says or does. Many times when someone tells us that he or she loves us, our immediate reaction is “What does he or she want from me”.

We need to accept love when it is extended to us because for some people it is extremely hard to tell someone “I love you” for fear of being rejected or ridiculed. We need to be showing the Love of Jesus to everyone we meet.

What about you today? Have you become cynical and suspicious of everybody? Let’s become as innocent babies in our words and actions to one another.

Joanne Lowe
March 2, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Guard Your Tongue

“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.”

Isaiah 53:7 King James Version

When someone attacks us verbally and says cruel, hateful, criticizing, and judgmental words, our first response is to lash out at them and hurt them in return. This verse says that Jesus didn’t open His mouth. Where would you and I be if He were to say criticizing and hateful things to us when we fail Him?

If we claim to be a Christian, then our words should glorify Jesus and draw others to our Blessed Saviour. I had a terrible temper before I was saved, and Jesus is still working on me concerning this issue. Thank God, I don’t respond like I used to do, but sometimes I do lose my temper. When I lose my temper, instead of pointing others to Jesus, I am pointing them to satan.

Many of us have suffered devastating pain in our heart by the cruel words that have been said to us, yet nobody has ever or ever will suffer like Jesus did. If He could keep quiet, when He had never done anything wrong in His life, how much more should you and I keep our big mouths shut.

Instead of saying hateful words in return to people, we need to take them to Jesus. Only Jesus can change a person’s heart. I am convinced that a lot of people lash out at others because they don’t feel loved. We need to love them with the Love of Jesus, with Unconditional Love.

Is your heart right with Jesus today? Have you made Him Saviour and Master of your life? If not, please don’t put it off as you may not have even another hour to live.

Joanne Lowe
March 3, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Whose Peace

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”

Isaiah 26:3 King James Version

The world is full of violence, hatred, prejudice, greed, and disappointments. If you look at television this is what you see and hear, sex, murders, crime, cursing, and filthy suggestive sexual talk that not only leads our teenagers astray, it causes adults to have sex with someone other than their spouses.

There is no peace in this world. You may think that you have peace when you are taking drugs and drowning your problems in alcohol, but that is not peace. It is a temporary dulling of the senses. When the effects wear off, you have the same problems.

The only real Peace is in the Lord Jesus Christ. He is our Peace. He is the Beautiful Rose of Sharon and the Bright and Morning Star. He is the Saviour of the world. He extends to us by His Amazing Grace and Mercy, His Unconditional Love and Salvation.

This verse says that not only can we have peace in Jesus; we can have perfect peace if we focus our mind on Him. When we dwell on negative things, be it on the television, in the newspapers, or on personal problems, then our minds and hearts are in turmoil.

The world tries to tell us that we can have peace if we have material possessions. That is a lie straight from the pits of hell. All the money in the world will never buy us true peace and happiness. I urge you to turn to Jesus for He is our Peace.

Joanne Lowe
March 3, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Let It Go

“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

Matthew 6:14-15 King James Version

When I lived in Oklahoma, I used to have a dog that would bury his bones and then dig them up again. We do the same thing with forgiveness. We tell people we forgive them, but we dig the bones up again. How dare you and I ask God to forgive us for our trespasses when we are not willing to forgive others?

If ever someone had a right and a reason to not forgive, it is Jesus! He never did anything wrong and yet He was attacked viciously not only physically, but emotionally. He didn’t have to forgive us, but because Jesus is Love, He made the choice to forgive us. When Jesus forgives us for something, He buries the bone and never digs it up again.

We can be so self righteous at times. We think that we are right, and everybody else is wrong. We need to realize that we hurt other people also. None of us are perfect. All of us fail Jesus and hurt our family, loved ones and friends at times. We need to let go of the unforgiveness in our hearts once and for all.

I don’t know about you but when I see Jesus, I want to be able to look Him in the Eyes with a clean heart knowing that while I hurt other people, I didn’t do it on purpose. How is your heart today? Is it filled with hatred and unforgiveness?

Let’s bury the bones of unforgiveness and leave them buried. If Jesus, the Saviour of the world Who suffered anguish and pain that you and I will never experience is willing to forgive us, then how much more should we forgive others.

Joanne Lowe
March 4, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

A Broken Heart

“Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.”

2 Corinthians 7:9-10 King James Version

I used to be happy if I hurt someone’s feelings after he or she had hurt me. Then, after I was saved I was sorry that I hurt them in return. However, the closer I get to Jesus and the more I grow to love Him, my heart breaks when I realize that I have hurt Him. Now when I hurt others, even if I don’t do it on purpose, I literally get nauseous. I know that when I hurt others, I am hurting the Heart of Jesus.

People who commit a crime are sorry when they are caught, children are sorry when they are caught skipping school, and when we miss an appointment we are sorry. However, this passage of Scripture is talking about a sorrow that breaks your heart.

If you have ever looked in the eyes of a parent after someone has said or done something to hurt their children, then you see a mixture of emotions. You see anger, hurt, and disbelief. I don’t want Jesus to look at me with Eyes of hurt because I have said or done something to hurt one of His children.

If you only feel a little uncomfortable when you hurt someone and then just forget about it, I urge you to search your heart because that is not godly sorrow. Every one of us should dedicate our lives to making Jesus happy. If ever someone deserves to be happy, it is my Best Friend, Jesus.

Joanne Lowe
March 4, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Shower of Love

“But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”

Matthew 10:30 King James Version

My sister cut my hair a couple of days ago. I didn’t realize how thick it was and how much I had until I saw it falling on the floor and all over me. I was reminded of this verse that says our hairs are numbered. Jesus knows every hair on our heads. He knows how many hairs my sister cut off my head.

My sister cut my hair in a shower of love because she was not feeling well, was in a hurry, and had been in bed for a couple of days. Yet, she loved me enough to cut my hair even though she still didn’t feel well. How I praise God for my sister! I love her dearly because time and time again she has shown me by her actions how much Jesus Loves me.

After she left, I took a shower because I was covered with hair. As I got into the shower, my heart was made to rejoice because God had provided the tub, the water, the soap, the washrag, and the towel for me. I took a shower of Love.

Just as Jesus provides the water for us to take showers, He gives us His Cleansing, Atoning Blood to wash away the sin in our hearts. I could have taken the shower all day, but if my heart wasn’t already washed in the Precious Blood of the Lamb, I would still be dirty.

Has your heart been washed in the Blood of our Saviour? Have you allowed Him to take away the hatred, prejudice, and criticism from your heart? Step into the Shower of Jesus and He will clean your heart for all Eternity.

Joanne Lowe
March 5, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

The Only One

“I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.”

John 14:18 King James Version

I talked to a person at midnight last night whose heart was very heavy and hurting. The person said, “It hurts so badly”. I told the person to run to Jesus as He is the only One Who can get us through the storms of life. When all hell comes against us and everybody leaves us, Jesus will be with us. He is the only One Who will never leave us.

Our family, loved ones, and friends will fail us, just as we fail them because we are human, but Jesus never fails! He stands by us through the heartaches and hurts of this life. He takes our hand in His Precious Hand and walks beside us. He turns to us and gives us a big hug and tells us that He Loves us. What a Friend we have in Jesus!

O dear people, if you are hurting today, turn to Jesus because He will give you a Peace that you have never known. Many times He has put His Arms of Peace and Love around me and held me close to His Heart. He whispers in my ear, “I Love you, Joanne. You are precious to Me and I will carry you through the storms of life. I will never leave you or fail you. You can depend on Me because I Love you so much I died for you”.

Jesus never criticizes me; He encourages me to do better. We need to pattern ourselves after the Love of Jesus. Instead of criticizing one another, we need to encourage one another because all of us have weaknesses. All of us fail Him. Nobody is perfect. If we would ever accept that we are not better than someone else, I believe that we would start treating people as Jesus has told us to treat them.

Joanne Lowe
March 6, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Hide It

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.”

Ephesians 5:11-12 King James Version

There are people who have to hide their magazines when they have company because they are ashamed for others to know what they are reading. There are people who visit adult chat rooms and porn sites thinking that will satisfy the longing in their hearts. I submit to you on the Authority of the Word of God that only Jesus can quench the longing in your heart.

We are to witness to people who are in darkness, but we are not to be close companions with them. The verse says to reprove them; it does not say to judge them. We are to pray for one another. Every one of us faces temptation. Even Jesus was tempted, but yet He never sinned, not one time!

When I made a heart commitment to Jesus, I had to make a choice between some people or Jesus. I chose Jesus because He is the One Who reached down into the garbage of my life and lifted me up out of the stench of my sins and my rotten attitude.

Jesus hates sin, but He doesn’t hate the sinner. You and I need to take lessons from Him. He forgives us when we falter and fail Him. He doesn’t condemn us; He encourages us to do better. The more that we fall in love with Jesus, the easier it is to withstand temptation.

If you are involved in something that you can’t do before your family and friends, stop it! You may think that nobody knows, but Jesus knows. He sees everything that we do and it breaks His Heart when we leave Him and turn to the world.

Joanne Lowe
March 6, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

His Satisfying Love

“Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

Psalm 103:5 King James Version

There is no love like the Love of Jesus. No other love satisfies like His Love. No one can come close to His Matchless, Unconditional Love. He proved His Love for us on the Cross of Calvary. Every day, He proves His Love to us over and over again by all He does for us.

He gives us food to eat, clothes to wear, family and friends to love and that love us, the air we breathe, the bed we sleep on, electricity so that we can see at night, and the water that we drink.

He also Loves us through our families and our friends. I wasn’t feeling very well today, but then I received emails from some of my closest friends and my heart was made to rejoice and I immediately felt better. Yes, His Love is Amazing and Faithful.

He always knows just what we need, and when we need it. He is always on time, just when we think we can’t go another step, give another smile, or go another day. Jesus has asked us to love for Him. We are the ones to hug for Him.

 All of us need daily affirmation, especially the ones who say they don’t need to be encouraged. If you want to be Loved Unconditionally, open your heart and life to the One Who gave His all for you. He will fill your heart to overflowing with His Satisfying Love.

Joanne Lowe
March 6, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Our Restorer

“And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.”

Joel 2:25-26 King James Version

There are times when we lose our peace, our joy, and the feeling that we are worthwhile. The enemy, satan, comes against us daily with accusations, temptations, and lies. Jesus is our Restorer! He will restore His Peace, Joy, and assurance of His Love to us. He will hold us in His Loving Arms close to His Heart and whisper to us, “I Love you”.

For those of us who have struggled with something for a long time, He will in His Perfect Timing restore our enthusiasm and zeal once again. Our Restorer not only restores things we have lost, He restores marriages, friendships, and relationships. He takes a broken home and puts the pieces together again.

Sometimes the night seems so long, and we feel so alone, it is then that Jesus comes and stands beside our bed through the long night. There is no trial, temptation, or hurdle that we can’t conquer with Jesus at our side. Indeed, He is the Restorer of broken hearts and broken lives.

If satan has stolen your marriages, homes, and loved ones, be patient and wait for Jesus. He loves you and He will restore you again. It may not be the way you think, but His Ways are far above our ways. Parents, don’t give up on your children. He is Faithful and He will protect and restore your children.

Joanne Lowe
March 7, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

A Song of Love

“Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.”

Psalm 100:2 King James Version

On one of the Gaither Homecoming Videos that I have, one of the singers wrote a song to her husband to try and tell him how much she loves him. As she sings to him, you can see the tears flowing down his cheeks. The same is true with Jesus; as we sing love songs to Him tears of happiness run down His face.

Since Jesus deposited His Love in my heart, I am filled with love for Him and for others. Many times I try to tell Jesus how much I love Him, and how much I appreciate all that He has done for me. I get frustrated at times because I can’t find the right words to adequately describe how much I love Him. I start singing to Him in my heart, and then I can’t help but sing aloud to Him.

Jesus is the Saviour of the world. He shed His Precious Blood so that you and I might be saved and live with Him for Eternity. He is the Best Friend you will ever have. He never leaves you, not even for a minute. When you are weak, He is strong. When you cry, He cries with you. When you are happy, He rejoices with you.

Jesus is the Song in my heart. He Loves me, forgives me, cleanses me, carries me, and understands me. He is the One Who gives me the Joy that I have in my heart even in the midst of heartbreak. To Jesus I say, “Worthy is the Lamb of God”!

Do you have this Precious Song in your heart today? If not, I urge you to open your heart to the Saviour of the world. He will give you a Joy and Peace that nothing or nobody can give you. He will stand by you when everybody else leaves you

Joanne Lowe
March 8, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Open Your Heart

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28–30 King James Version

In the past month, I have had five phone calls after midnight from people who are hurting and needed to talk right then. This morning I received two emails from people who needed someone to listen to what is in their hearts. One of the emails I received this morning said, “I’m afraid to tell people what I am going through for fear of rejection and ridicule”. If Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords can open His Heart to us, and none of us deserve His Love, how much more should we open our hearts to one another.

We do not have any right to ridicule, judge, or put someone down because we don’t think they are doing things correctly. There is no one living that is perfect and if we would ever understand that, life would be a lot easier for our families, loved ones, and friends. All of us fail Jesus every day and we shouldn’t point the finger at anyone. What we should do is point the finger at ourselves and clean up our own hearts.

If Jesus were to criticize us all the time for the things we do wrong, we would constantly be in trouble. All of us can be kinder to one another. We should be showing the Love of Jesus, the Unconditional Love that He so graciously gives to us. May God forgive us for not demonstrating the Love of Jesus to people who are hurting, and some of them with suicidal thoughts!

Joanne Lowe
March 8, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Why

“And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, E’li, E’li, la’ma sa-bach-tha’ni? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”

Matthew 27:46 King James Version

There are times in our lives when we feel all alone. The question comes from the depths of our hearts just as the question came from the depths of the Heart of our Saviour.

God can not look on sin so He had to turn His Eyes away. Even if God could have looked on sin, I don’t think He could have watched His Beloved Son tortured, beaten, spat upon, and verbally abused. I am unable to watch a Passion Play. I have tried several times, but I have to get up and leave as I can not bear the thought of Jesus being hurt like He was.

Today, you and I still hurt Him by the way we treat one another. He doesn’t ask much of us considering all He has done for us, but He does ask us to love one another. Many times, we fail to love like He wants us to love. We love with a conditional love, not with His Unconditional Love.

We wonder why we have to suffer so much in our marriages, our families, and in our friendships. I’m sure that Jesus wondered the same thing. He, Who had never done anything wrong in His entire Life, had never said an unkind word to anyone, was left alone to die the most horrible death than anyone has ever experienced. His very Life’s Blood was shed for you and me on that cruel Cross of Calvary.

The question that we need to ask ourselves is “Why do I hurt Jesus by my words and actions”? Let’s stop hurting Jesus and start making Him happy.

Joanne Lowe
March 8, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

A Lifting Saviour

“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.”

Jude 1:24-25 King James Version

It matters not how many times we fall and fail, what is important is how many times we allow Jesus to lift us and set us on the right path again. Someone told me “I wake up full of determination to keep my eyes focused on Jesus but many times during the course of the day I take my eyes off Him and put them on my problems”. Determination will never win the battle for us. We need to allow Jesus to be our Lifting Saviour.

Jesus will one day present us faultless. What a glorious day that will be when we stand in the presence of the One Who lifts us out of the stench of our past! We need to do our part. As soon as we realize that we have taken our eyes off Jesus and put them on our circumstances, we need to ask Jesus to lift us up once again.

He not only can present us faultless; He can keep us from falling. However, our hearts have to be right before Him. We can fool our family, our loved ones, and our friends, but we can never fool Jesus. He knows our every thought even before we think it. He sees into our hearts and knows our motives. We can do kind things for one another, but if we are doing them just for show, it makes Jesus sad.

If you have strayed from Jesus, allow Him to lift you up once again. He is Faithful and will finish what He has started if you will trust Him.

Joanne Lowe
March 9, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

A Joy and Excitement

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”

Psalm 16:11 King James Version

There is a special joy and excitement when we are in the presence of Jesus. I love my sister, brother-in-law, and my cousin with all of my heart. I have many friends that I dearly love. I have one special person in my life that is embedded in my heart. As much as I love them, they are not able to fill me with Joy like being in the presence of Jesus does.

Sometimes I get so excited when I realize that the Great I Am, the Saviour of the world Loves me, that I start shouting with happiness and excitement. There is no friend like Jesus! He is the Best Friend that you could ever have. He never leaves us, not even for one second. We sometimes leave Him, but He doesn’t shut the door on us. He opens the door and His Arms wider and waits for us to come Home to Him.

All the world has to offer us doesn’t hold a candle compared to the Joy to be found in the presence of Jesus. We do not have to wait until we get to Heaven to be happy. I am so happy right now that I honestly can’t imagine being any happier. Even in the midst of heartache, struggles, and sorrows, my heart rejoices because Jesus Loves me.

O’ friends, if you want to experience Joy in your hearts on a daily basis, become the friend of Jesus. He is your Friend; are you His friend? A friendship is like a marriage in that it must be watered and nurtured on a daily basis. You don’t have to pray every second of the day to be in His presence. If you will allow Him to Love through you, you will experience a Joy and excitement that nobody or nothing can give you.

Joanne Lowe
March 9, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Royalty for Dinner

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

1 Peter 2:9 King James Version

A friend stopped by to see me the week of Christmas and I had my Christmas China sitting on the table. She told me how beautiful it looked sitting there. I said thank you, but I think I spent my money foolishly because I only see it a couple of weeks each year. She said that I should use it every day.

Tonight while I was doing dishes this verse came to me. If we have accepted Jesus into our hearts as our Personal Saviour, then we are children of the King. Every time we sit down to eat, there is royalty sitting at the table because we belong to the King.

I started wondering why we don’t use our good china and other good things and just save them for company. I think many times it is because we don’t feel like we are worth while; that we’re not important enough to use our good things every day. I have been washed in the Precious Blood of Jesus and His Royal Blood flows through my veins and that makes me royalty.

Have you allowed Jesus to deposit His Royal Blood and His Unconditional Love in your heart? You will never know real happiness or peace until you make Him the King of your heart and life. Thank God that one day this Royal King adopted me into His Family.

Joanne Lowe
March 9, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Don’t Be Deceived

“Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 3:12 King James Version

I received an email yesterday in response to one of my writings and the person said “I am exactly where I need to be in all levels of my life”. O my friends, don’t be deceived. None of us are perfect and this is one of the ways that satan tries to get the victory over us. There is always something that we could have done or said to encourage someone, and failed to do so.

We are in a battle with satan and the world. Yes, the Victory has already been won through the Precious, Atoning Blood of our Saviour, but satan still attacks us.

The more that I learn about the Heart of Jesus, the more I realize that I have a long way to go to make Him happy. However, He knows my heart and He knows how much I love Him. If we really love Him with all our hearts, then He will help us with the daily attacks from satan.

Have you searched your heart today? Is your heart pleasing to Jesus? Are you allowing His Love to flow through you to your family, loved ones, and friends? When people look at you, do they see a smile on your face, or do they see a frown. There is no such thing as a gloomy Christian.

Fall in love with Jesus today. Give Him control of your heart and everything that you say or do. Allow Him to Love through you so that people who are hurting will feel the Peace that only Jesus can give to us.

Joanne Lowe
March 10, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

A Whisper of Love

“I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.”

Psalm 6:6 King James Version

There are people who smile and laugh with their family and friends, but in the stillness of the midnight the tears of heartache flow. It is then that Jesus whispers in our ear very softly with a whisper of Love. There are some things that we are unable to share with family and friends due to fear of ridicule and judgment. Jesus knows our hearts and He Loves us.

Jesus knows what it is like to be criticized and judged. He has felt the pain that we feel when our hearts are breaking. He says to us, “I Love you and I will never leave you. You are precious to Me. There is nothing that you can do to take My Love from you. You may hurt Me at times, but I will always forgive you”.

I was raised in a family where love and encouragement were never expressed. I don’t ever remember anybody saying to one another, “I love you”. When you don’t get that loving feeling from your parents, it is extremely difficult to believe that anybody could possibly love you.

Is your heart hurting today? Allow Jesus to whisper in your ear His Tender Words of Comfort and Compassion. He Loves you. You are precious to Him and He longs to see you happy. He will never leave you.

After Jesus fills us with His Comfort and Love, then we need to spread His Comfort and Love to each other. Remember one day you may be the one who needs a hug. Reach out and hug for Jesus.

Joanne Lowe
March 10, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

It Still Hurts

“And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.”

Luke 7:13 King James Version

Jesus is Faithful to take all of our hurts from our hearts in His Compassionate Love. Sometimes, however, painful memories come back and we need a fresh touch from Jesus to heal the anguish in our hearts. This is why it is so important to be loving and kind to each other because memories stay with us.

We need to be certain that we are leaving kind and loving memories in people’s hearts, and not critical and judgmental memories. My heart is breaking as I realize that Jesus also has painful memories. Yes, He has forgiven and forgotten in the sense that He will never hold it against us for crucifying Him, but the memories of all the abuse and criticism are in His Heart.

We may not have been there the day that Jesus was crucified on the Cross, but every time that we say something cruel to somebody, or hurt somebody by our actions, we are just as guilty as the ones who pounded those painful nails into Him.  We are so quick to point the finger at somebody else and point out all their faults, but we don’t like to acknowledge our own faults.

Yes, memories can be happy, or they can be painful. Are we giving Jesus happy memories by the things we say and do, or are we giving Him sad memories and breaking His Heart?

Joanne Lowe
March 11, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

White As Snow

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

Isaiah 1:18 King James Version

I have a very dear friend who I have known for over a year. She has proven herself to be a faithful friend. She is extremely busy, yet she takes the time every day to email me, sometimes several times a day. I have a picture of her on my desktop with her standing in the snow. I put it there because every time I receive an email from her, I feel the Love of Jesus in her words.

Thank God, one day Jesus washed me in His Precious Blood and now my sins are as white as snow. I fail Him every day just like you do, but He knows my heart and He knows how much I love Him and desire to make Him happy. Red and white are my favorite colors; red for the Precious, Atoning Blood of Jesus, and white for the cleansing of my sins.

Jesus said, “Let us reason together”. He is saying to us that when we do things to hurt Him and others, we need to confess our sins and make it right with Him and with other people. I want my heart to always be whiter than the snow.

What color is your heart today? Is it scarlet with sin, or is it white through the Cleansing Blood of Jesus? Is your heart right with Him? If He were to come back even as you are reading this, are you ready to go? Do you have any unconfessed sins? I urge you to keep your heart in tune with Jesus.

While the snow that falls on the ground is pretty, it is also cold. Allow Jesus to warm your cold heart and give you a Peace that you have never known.

Joanne Lowe
March 11, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

His Lap is Wide

“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

If you have more than two children, it would be hard for all of them to sit on your lap at one time. Jesus can hold the entire world on His Lap at one time because His Heart is big enough and Loving enough for everyone.

I don’t remember sitting on my Mother’s lap. I’m sure I did when I was a baby, but I have no memories of it. We all have a need to be loved, cherished, and appreciated. Even Jesus when He was here on earth needed to be loved and appreciated. How heart breaking and tragic that He never had anyone go up to Him and hug Him!

When I didn’t feel good, I used to call my Mother and she would tell me the same thing every time “You may not look the same, but you’ll live”. She didn’t even say it in a gentle, soothing tone. However, she was my Mother and I needed to hear her voice. She is no longer living, but sometimes even though I’m sixty-two years old, I long to be able to sit on her lap and have her kiss my tears and pain away.

If you are hurting, sit in the Lap of Jesus and He will kiss your tears away and Comfort you as only He can. He Loves you unconditionally. There is nothing that you could do that would take His Love from you. He is waiting with outstretched Arms for you to run into them. He longs to hold you and protect you from the heartaches and sorrows of this world. What a Loving Saviour we have!

Joanne Lowe
March 12, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

The Heart of Our Saviour

“The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.”

Jeremiah 31:3 King James Version

I am sitting here crying with tears flowing down my cheeks, but they are happy tears. I have been reflecting on all the things that My Best Friend, Jesus, has done for me. It is extremely difficult for me to believe that people love me, but I have no doubts about the Heart of my Saviour. His Heart is filled to overflowing with His Amazing Unconditional Love.

I have hurt Him and failed Him so many times, but He Loves me anyway. One day, He reached down His Hand to me, took me from underneath a bed in a mental hospital, lifted me up and sat me on His Lap of Compassionate Understanding and Love. I have never been the same since that day. When I think about the Saviour of the world Loving me, I am filled with awe and gratitude.

The Heart of our Saviour is so Loving that He willingly died for us. He suffered anguish, emotional and physical torture, and loneliness that we will never experience. How can we continue to make Him sad by the way we treat each other? It breaks His Heart when we are unkind and say critical words to each other. He has told us to love each other, not to judge each other.

Do you know this Wonderful Saviour? Has there ever been a time in your life when you invited the Christ of Calvary into your heart and life? If not, please do it today. His Heart breaks when we reject Him.

Joanne Lowe
March 12, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

A Question

“And the Lord said unto Cain, where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper?”

Genesis 4:9 King James Version

Today Jesus is asking us the same question “Where is thy brother”. We have a responsibility to each other. We need to know if our loved ones are hurting.

Jesus has burned it into my heart over and over again that when we hurt people, we hurt Him. We are to forgive others, but when we hurt someone we need to say I’m sorry. All of us hurt others, and sometimes without even realizing it.

Our family and loved ones may look fine and say the right things, but their hearts are broken and they desperately need to know that someone really does care. We can talk forever assuring them of our love but if we never do anything to prove it, they will not believe us.

We need to put our arms around them and prove to them that Jesus Loves them. Just yesterday, I received sixteen emails from people whose hearts were broken. One person said “If I just knew for sure that someone cared, it would really help”.

The only way we can love others as Jesus wants us to love them is by having the Love of Jesus in our hearts. Do you have the Love of Jesus in your heart today? Have you allowed Him to take all the bitterness and anger from your heart? Have you made Jesus the Ruler of your heart?

Joanne Lowe
March 13, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Behind the Mask

“I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick.”

Ezekiel 34:16a King James Version

I just walked to the end of the trailer court to mail a letter and on the way back to my trailer I saw the resident manager. His wife left him last year and moved to Ohio. I asked him how his wife was doing and if he ever heard from her. He said that she was doing great and was glad to be away from the possibility of hurricanes.

We talked for about thirty minutes about different things and then I asked him how he was doing. He said that he was doing great and was busy building a new kitchen and bedroom in his trailer. I finally looked him in the eyes and said “How are you really feeling, I mean in your heart”? Then the mask came down and the flood gates opened. He got tears in his eyes and shared what is hurting so badly in his heart. I reassured him that Jesus does Love him and cares.

All of us wear masks to hide our emotions because when we allow others to see what is in our hearts, we become vulnerable and set ourselves up to be ridiculed, judged, and criticized. It’s time for us to love others with the Unconditional Love of Jesus. He doesn’t ridicule us, so we should not ridicule someone else.

What is behind your mask today? Do you have loneliness, pain, and despair in your heart today? Run into the waiting Arms of Jesus. He Loves you and wants you to be happy. We need to do our part by encouraging and loving each other with unconditional love.

Joanne Lowe
March 13, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

God’s Schedule

“He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

Revelation 22:20 King James Version

A friend of mine sent me an email several days ago asking me “When do you sleep”. The answer to that is I sleep when I can’t go any longer. Having been locked up in the prison of my suicidal thoughts for over thirty years, I know there are people who need to know that Jesus really does Love them. They need to know it now because Jesus is coming back quickly, and because they are hurting right now.

Sometimes, I get so excited about something that I can go for hours without sleep, or very little sleep. This morning I woke up at three to go to the restroom fully intending to go back to bed. Then, I decided to send a quick note to a friend. I went to visit her website and started reading and the time just flew. I finally got back in bed at five this morning and slept two more hours.

If you are having trouble sleeping, fall in love with Jesus and start giving His Unconditional Love to your family and friends, and you will have trouble staying awake. There are so many people who are hurting inside and they try to cover it up for fear of rejection or criticism.

I prayed and asked God to please give me a ministry where I could spread His Love. He answered my prayers and my heart rejoices that I can tell others about the Joy, Love, and Peace that only comes from the Heart of our Saviour.

Are you working for Jesus? Are you on His Schedule or are you on your schedule? Are you telling others of the Love of Jesus, and then proving it to them by your actions?

Joanne Lowe
March 14, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Jesus

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”

Matthew 1:21 King James Version

Have you ever stopped to realize what a privilege it is just to think about Jesus, much less say His Beautiful Name? His Name is so precious to my heart. When the heartaches of this life overwhelm me, I breathe in saying, “Je” and I breathe out saying, “sus”. I keep saying His Name until the hurt goes away.

O dear friends, there is no one like Jesus! There is no other friend who cares for us like Jesus. He is the only One Who never leaves us, never fails us, and never puts us down. He came to me when I was so lonely and heartsick and put His Loving Arms around me and has held me close to His Heart ever since that day when He deposited His Love and Salvation in my heart.

He is the Beautiful Rose of Sharon! He is the Bright and Morning Star! He is Wonderful, Loving, Gracious, Tender, Kind, Trustworthy, Compassionate, Caring, Sharing, Giving, and He Loves me! One dark heartbreaking day, my Beautiful Saviour walked up that long, lonely hill to a Cross of torture for me. He gave His Life’s Blood for me. How can I give less than my life in full time service to Him?

He has held me many times in His Loving Arms when all the world seemed to come against me and whispered to me softly, “I Love you, Joanne. I won’t let anyone hurt you”. What a Saviour! What a Friend! Jesus, only one Word, but this Word is the very breath I take. If you don’t know Jesus, I urge you to invite Him into your heart and life.

Joanne Lowe
March 14, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Our King

“And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it.”

Luke 23:3 King James Version

Many times we allow people and material possessions to come before Jesus. I don’t have a car and I had a friend for many years who would take me to church, to the grocery store, and where I needed to go. She also would pick up two other ladies every Sunday morning and night to take us to church.

I remember several times she told us “If I ever meet a man, I will probably stop serving Jesus”. We all laughed because we thought she was kidding. The tragedy of it is that she was serious. She met a man and refused to take me to the grocery store or even come get my list when I was ill and unable to get out of the house. She stopped serving Jesus.

When we allow people and things to come before serving Jesus, then we do not love Him. Jesus should be the reason we do anything. Everything we do should be to make Him happy. If ever anyone deserves to be happy, it is my Blessed King!

When we do something kind for someone, or say encouraging and loving words to each other, we make the Heart of our King happy. He has commanded us to love one another. This is not an option. It is a command.

There is a song that says: “Love is a flag flown high from the castle of my heart, and the King is in residence there”. Is Jesus the King of your heart today? Have you pledged your life to Him in service?

Joanne Lowe
March 15, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Nothing Wrong

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

2 Corinthians 5:21 King James Version

Someone made the comment “I haven’t done anything wrong”. All of us at one time or the other has hurt someone. None of us are perfect. We need to lose our “Holier Than Thou” attitudes. The only perfect Person there was or ever will be is Jesus! He had never, ever done anything wrong, but yet He was tortured and abused beyond recognition for our sins.

I used to be so guilty of doing this very thing. For years, I thought to myself “It’s not my fault. I didn’t do anything wrong. I never hurt him or her”. After I was saved, I prayed and asked God to reveal all the things that I had said and done that hurt my family and friends.

God began to peel the layers of hatred away from my heart and I did not like what I saw. When I finally realized that I was just as much to blame as they were, my heart broke and I sobbed for hours before God and asked Him to please forgive me and give me a heart of love for Him and for others.

When we are in a relationship, be it a marriage, a sibling relationship, a parent-child relationship, or a close friendship with someone, it must be nurtured and watered by the Love of Jesus. When we have a disagreement with someone, we need to realize that we might have said or done something to hurt the other person.

Let’s stop being so self righteous and admit our own faults. If we will clean up our own heart, we won’t have time to judge others.

Joanne Lowe
March 15, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

The Difference

“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 King James Version

I received an email tonight from a very dear friend who I have known for over twenty years. She was my Social Worker and Counselor when I was at the lowest point in my life. She saw me when I was in utter despair, without hope, and extremely suicidal. Tonight she told me that she is glad that God is in my life now. Thank God that she sees the difference that Jesus has made in my life!

Some friends have asked me if it bothers me to write about my past and make it public. The answer is yes, it does bother me because basically I am a very private person. However, this verse says to let our light shine so that God will be glorified.

I can’t imagine life without Jesus now. I honestly don’t know how I made it through all those years except to realize that God had a plan for my life, and that He knew that one day I would serve Him. Without Jesus, there is no reason to live because Jesus is Life! There is no real happiness, peace, or love without Jesus in our hearts.

How is your light tonight? Is it burning brightly for Jesus? Do you have the Light of Jesus in your heart? Are others seeing the difference that Jesus has made in your life?

Joanne Lowe
March 15, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

God’s Matchmakers

“And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.”

Luke 14:23 King James Version

There are some people who are matchmakers. They are so happy in their marriages that they want all their friends to be married and they do everything they can to match them with someone. We need to be God’s Matchmakers.

It is so sad that we are willing and eager to set up a blind date for someone, but never think about matching someone up with Jesus. If we really care about our friends and want to see them happy, then we will introduce them to Jesus. Jesus will Protect them, Love them, and Cherish them.

It is impossible, however to introduce someone to Jesus if we don’t know Him ourselves. I’m not talking about having Jesus as our personal Saviour. I’m talking about knowing Jesus, knowing what makes Him happy and what breaks His Heart. If we haven’t experienced the excitement and thrill of being with Jesus, we will never be able to be a matchmaker for God.

Do you know Jesus tonight as your personal Saviour? Have you made Him the Lord and Master of your life? Is He the first Priority in your life? Does your heart beat with Joy when you think about our Beautiful Saviour?

I urge you to become one of God’s Matchmakers. You will know a happiness that you have never known in your life. I remember the first person I led to accept Jesus as personal Saviour. I shouted for an hour when I got home. Let’s get excited about the privilege and honor of being God’s Matchmakers.

Joanne Lowe
March 15, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Back at You

“The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee.”

Jeremiah 31:3 King James Version

I had sent an email to someone and told the person I was praying for the situation. I received an email from the person this morning saying, “Ditto, back at you”. How sad, dear friends, that we aren’t able to even say I am praying for you. I think many times that we don’t realize how it feels to get a message like this one.

Jesus tell us, “Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love”. He tells us in words that He Loves us; He doesn’t say “Back at you”. There are many times when my heart is overflowing with love for Jesus and I crawl up on His Lap of Love and put my arms around Him and tell Him how much I love Him. I think if He were ever to say to me “Back at you”, my heart would break.

If Jesus can express Himself verbally, then you and I need to do the same thing. The Bible says “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so”. I remember the first time I gave my testimony in church, I was really nervous and afraid I wouldn’t say it right. There are no right words to say when giving a testimony or telling someone I am praying for you, or I love you. The words should not be memorized and repeated. They should come from our hearts.

It would break the Heart of Jesus if we were to say in response to Him telling us that He Loves us, “Back at you”. We need to open our hearts and express our love to our Saviour and to one another.

Joanne Lowe
March 16, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

God’S Woodshed

“And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.”

Hebrews 12:5-6 King James Version

This afternoon I said something unkind to someone and really didn’t think about what I was saying until I had said it. Ever since then, I have been nauseous like I always get when I hurt Jesus. I am so thankful to know that when He chastens us, He does it out of Love for us and not out of hatred.

I have been to God’s Woodshed many times in my life. Thankfully, the trips are getter fewer and farther apart. His spankings go straight to the heart. If you have ever been there, then you know how I feel right now.

This is why I sent a letter to everyone on my mailing list right before Christmas telling them not to put their eyes on me because I am human. I sin and make mistakes just like you do. We need to keep our eyes and our focus on Jesus.

One of the things I have learned as a result of being chastised is that satan will try to use it to defeat us. God does not hold it against us. When we tell Him we are sorry and ask Him to forgive us; He forgives us and never brings it up again.

If you’re struggling with something that you have done that you know hurts Jesus, confess it to Him, ask forgiveness, ask Him to help you never to do it again, and then let it go.

Joanne Lowe
March 16, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Hurting Our Saviour

“And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.”

Luke 22:61-62 King James Version

Many times we hurt the Heart of our Saviour. Most of the time we are not even aware of it. When we say something unkind or cruel words to someone, it hurts Jesus. The verse says “And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter”. One day, Jesus is going to turn and look at us. O how I want to see happiness in His Precious Eyes when He looks at me. I don’t ever want to do anything or say anything to hurt my Wonderful Saviour.

The verse says that Peter wept bitterly. If Peter was like me, then he was feeling nauseous for hurting Jesus and was weeping for hurting Him. Even while Peter was weeping, Jesus was crying. We need to understand that Jesus has feelings. If He didn’t, He would never have suffered such mental and physical abuse and torture for us.

A dear friend called me yesterday and we talked for about twenty minutes about hurting Jesus. The more I fall in love with Jesus, the more my heart breaks when I hurt Him. He Loved me when I was in the garbage dump of life. He lifted me up and removed the stench of filth from my life and gave me a new heart. There are no words to describe the love in my heart for my Best Friend, Jesus. What a Saviour! What a Friend!

We get upset when someone hurts us. Dear friends, we need to get a lot more upset when we hurt Jesus. Have you trusted Jesus as your Personal Saviour? Are you in love with the Best Friend you will ever have, a Friend Who will never leave you?

Joanne Lowe
March 17, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Words

“But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.”

Matthew 10:19-20 King James Version

Many times we don’t know what to say, or for fear of showing our emotions, we just say “back at you”. I recently posted a Devotional where I said that it was wrong to say “back at you”. I did not word it right. What I meant is if someone says something kind to us and we just say “back at you” to be flippant or smart alecky, that is not nice.

I can write things on paper, but when it comes to telling someone face to face how I feel, I am unable most of the time to put it into words. I try so many times to tell Jesus how much I love Him, and I can’t find the right words. There are no words to express how much I love my Best Friend, Jesus.

It’s not the amount of words we say that matters; it is the thought behind them. Several times I have received emails saying how much they were helped by the Devotionals that Jesus inspires and they express their gratitude to me. It means a lot to me to receive affirmation, as all of us need to be affirmed. However, I don’t know how to express it so I just say thank you.

We do need to tell others of the Love of Jesus. We do need to make it public after we have accepted Jesus as our personal Saviour. Have you accepted Jesus into your heart? Are you ready to meet Him if He comes back today?

Joanne Lowe
March 17, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

A Legacy of Love

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

John 15:13 King James Version

I was watching a Gaither Homecoming Video tonight and some of those dear people who I have grown to love through the years have gone Home to be with Jesus. Fifteen years ago, I had taken a full bottle of sleeping pills and put them in my hand trying to get up the courage to take them. There were two things that stopped me. One was what it would do to my sister, and the other was Gloria Gaither singing “Because He Lives”. The words to that beautiful song are stamped permanently on my heart and I made them personal to me. I sent Gloria a letter telling her how God had used her.

“Because You live, Joanne can face tomorrow. Because You live, all fear is gone. Because I know You hold Joanne’s future and life is worth the living just because You live.” Gloria and all of these wonderful gospel singers are leaving a legacy of love. A legacy filled with the Love of Jesus for a dying and hurting world.

The money we make, the big beautiful homes we have, the luxurious cars that we have, the heated swimming pools that we have, and all the worldly possessions that we have will never take the place of leaving a legacy of love for your family and friends.

We need to open our hearts wider and let our families and friends know how much we love them and how much they mean to us. Jesus left us the greatest Legacy of Love when He gave His Life for us. How can we do less than what Jesus did for us?

Joanne Lowe
March 17, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

A Precious Saviour

“He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.”

John 1:41-42 King James Version

When two people fall in love, a lot of times they take their loved one home to meet their parents. How sad dear people, that we don’t take our loved ones to meet Jesus. Yes, we pray for them, but many times we turn them away from Jesus by the way we live our lives and the cruel words we say to them.

A friend of mine came to my house several months ago very excited because she had made her mother something with her own hands and was anxious for her mother to see it. Yet this mother does not know Jesus and my friend never told her about Him. Many times we don’t have the right words or feel uncomfortable about sharing Jesus with our families and friends. It does not matter what we say to someone; if we don’t live a life consistent with our words, they will never see Jesus in us.

It is so important that we live a life that draws others to Jesus. If we walk around with a frown all the time, never smiling or laughing, they will not see the Joy that Jesus gives to us. Sometimes, it’s hard to smile because of heartaches and situations, but if we have Jesus in our hearts then we have a reason to smile and rejoice.

Before you can bring someone to Jesus, you must know Him yourself. Do you know Jesus today?

Joanne Lowe
March 18, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

A Calloused Heart

“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

I have a callous on my finger which is very hard and sometimes when I accidentally brush it against something it hurts. However, as long as I keep putting hand lotion on it, I don’t even notice it because it is soft.

Many times because of all the judgmental and critical words and the things that hurt us, we allow our hearts to become hardened and callous to protect us from being hurt. It is then that we need to go to Jesus and ask Him to put His Soothing Lotion of Love and Compassion on our wounded hearts.

It is very painful at times to reveal what is in our hearts to someone else. Mostly, I think for fear of being rejected, judged and criticized. However, we must be honest with our families and friends. Any relationship should be built on honesty, love, and respect for one another.

Jesus could have allowed His Heart to become hardened and calloused while He was here on earth. He certainly had reason to do so, and even today, He would be justified if He developed a calloused Heart toward us. However, Jesus is Love and it is not His nature to have a hardened Heart. His Heart is soft like a pillow.

Dear friend, don’t allow your heart to become calloused with unforgiveness and bitterness. Put your heart in the Hands of Jesus and allow Him to soften your heart.

Joanne Lowe
March 18, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

God’s Hospital Bed

“But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children.”

1 Thessalonians 2:7 King James Version

I sleep in a hospital bed due to some cartilage being gone from my back. Most of the cartilage is gone from my knees. I am unable to have surgery as I don’t handle anesthesia well. I am unable to sleep on more than one pillow or put my legs on something because it hurts terribly. So, the doctor ordered a hospital bed for me. It is electric so when my legs are hurting or I need to put my head up, all I have to do is push the buttons.

Sometimes we carry a heavy burden in our hearts and we are not able to carry it alone. This is when we need to run to Jesus and ask Him to help us bear the pain. He uses people as His nurses to encourage each other and to share the burdens we bear.

I had a very heavy burden for a couple of months regarding a certain issue. Finally today, I shared it with a very close friend and she shared the burden and pain and now it doesn’t hurt anymore. All of us need one another. We all hurt in some area of our lives. We need to also remember that it is okay for a man to hurt and cry because Jesus wept.

If you are carrying a heavy burden in your heart today, ask Jesus to help you. Share it with someone you can trust; someone who loves Jesus and will give you Godly advice. Be certain when someone gives you advice that it lines up with the Word of God. Open your heart to your family and friends and share their burdens.

Joanne Lowe
March 18, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

A True Prayer

“Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

James 5:16 King James Version

The Bible says that when someone confesses a fault to us, we need to pray for them. It also says to “Confess your faults to one another”. All of us have faults and we need to lose our “Holier than thou attitudes”. The verse does not say to judge or to point a condemning finger; it says to pray for each other. If we are just criticizing and judging, and do not pray for that person, then we need to keep quiet.

If we were to be honest with each other without fear of being rejected and ridiculed, we would have a lot less heartache in this world. There are many times when we get angry with someone and say something hateful to them. The Bible says that it is okay to be angry; it does not say that it is okay to say hateful words back to the person who hurts us.

A true prayer comes from our hearts. We need to pray for that person to feel the Love of Jesus in their hearts and lives. Remember, it is not our responsibility to change a person. Only Jesus can change a person’s heart and life. Sometimes, even with the best of intentions, we get in the way of Jesus working in someone’s life by our critical and harsh words that we say to that person. Words of criticism turn people away from Jesus, instead of turning their hearts to Jesus.

I have received several emails in the last six months regarding this issue. Let’s start praying for each other, and then allow Jesus to change the person’s heart.

Joanne Lowe
March 19, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

A Cry From the Heart

“Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord.”

Psalm 130:1 King James Version

I have been taking a stroll down memory lane today, and they were bittersweet memories. Every time I remember this particular event it makes me very happy, but at the same time brings tears of heartache. I shared it with my closest friend and she was so supportive. I thank God for her because she always points me to the Heart of Jesus and His Love for me.

Sometimes, sharing with someone isn’t enough. It is then that we need to crawl on the Lap of Jesus and rest our heads against His Loving, Compassionate Heart. I put on a Gaither Video and fell asleep watching it. Any time that I watch Gloria Gaither, I feel closer to Jesus. She is one of my Spiritual Heroes.

Jesus is Faithful to take away the hurts from our hearts, but we still have memories that are painful. We have to allow Jesus to apply His Soothing Lotion of Compassion and Understanding on our scarred hearts. I cried from the depths of my heart to Jesus tonight and told Him that I was hurting very badly and would He please Comfort me as only He could. What a Compassionate Saviour we have!

If your memories are hurting you, cry from your heart to Jesus. He will be Faithful to ease the pain and kiss away your tears. There is no Friend like Jesus. He alone can see into our hearts and feel the depths of our pain. I’m sure that He has memories that hurt Him, memories of an Old Rugged Cross.

Joanne Lowe
March 19, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

One Point

“For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.”

James 2:10-11 King James Version

Someone made the statement in an email, “My husband is always scolding me for smoking, yet he drinks alcohol”. We are so quick to judge people and point out their sins. We adopt an attitude that says “I would never do that”.

We place so much emphasis on sexual sins and on someone who kills, yet we need to realize that if a person does not commit a sexual sin, but kills someone that person is just as guilty of a sexual sin. All of us at one time or other in our lives has killed someone’s heart by our hateful and criticizing words.

Instead of concentrating on all the terrible things that someone else is doing, we need to concentrate on keeping our own hearts right before Jesus. We need to stop being so critical of others, and start praying for them with a heart filled with love for them.

Yes, sin is wrong and we are to hate the sin, but we are to love the sinner and realize but for the Grace of God, it could be me. O friends, if we would fall in love with Jesus and pattern our hearts and attitudes after Him, we would have a support system that all hell couldn’t tear apart.

If you are struggling with something in your life that you know makes Jesus unhappy, give it to Him and allow Him to help you stop doing it. Sometimes, the struggle is long and we are weak, it is then that the Grace, Understanding, and Saving Power of Jesus goes to work in our lives.

Joanne Lowe
March 20, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Storms of Life

“He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowing. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?”

Matthew 16:2-3 King James Version

I think Jesus probably said this with a mixture of anger and hurt. We have all kinds of expensive equipment to predict the weather and spend a lot of money on the equipment. Yet, we can’t even take someone out to eat who is hurting. May God forgive us! If we would spend as much time and money on the ones who are broken hearted and feel all alone, we would make the Heart of Jesus happy.

The weather reports say that we have a good chance of having strong storms tonight. O dear friends, there are strong storms raging every hour in the hearts of our families and friends. If we would only take the time and effort to get to know a person’s heart, we would see the hidden pain.

Today alone, I have received sixteen emails from people who are hurting and they desperately need to know that someone cares. They need to know that they are loved for who they are, and not for what we expect from them.

If we don’t love others as Jesus has asked us to do, then I think we need to search our hearts and see if we really love Jesus the way we should. Jesus gave His Life for us. How can we do less than give everything we have to Him? It all belongs to Him anyway.

Joanne Lowe
March 20, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Out of the Dark

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

Psalm 27:1 King James Version

I have the most beautiful afghan hanging on my living room wall with this verse on it. It is a Thomas Kinkade afghan. My dear sister gave it to me a few years ago. O how I love my sister! Not because she buys me things, but because she gives me her time, her love, and her understanding. We don’t always agree on things, and sometimes get upset with one another, but our friendship is firmly anchored.

I wandered in the darkness of my heart for many long and painful years. I could not see the end of the tunnel. I couldn’t even see the tunnel. All I saw was blackness in the world and in my heart. I gave my heart to Jesus on August 14, 1980, but I didn’t know that He Loved me. I didn’t think it was possible for Him to Love me.

When I think of the Saviour of the world reaching down His Nail Scarred Hand and lifting me out of the darkness of sin and pain, I stand in awe of Him. He came to me when I couldn’t go to Him. He Loved me when I was so unlovely, when I was critical, judgmental, and hateful to everyone.

If you don’t know this wonderful Saviour; if you have never opened your heart to the Christ of Calvary, I urge you; I plead with you to invite Him into your heart and life even as you read this. Your family and friends want to meet you in Heaven. He will be the Best Friend you have ever known. He will Comfort you, Protect you, Cherish you, and Love you for Eternity!

Joanne Lowe
March 20, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

How Soon We Forget

“Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.”

Exodus 17:6 King James Version

I washed a load of laundry this morning. I was going to wash another load after this load was almost dry. Thankfully, I did not start the second load because when I turned on my water to wash my hands, there was no water. They are doing work on the road in front of the trailer park where I live and perhaps they hit something.

When all those terrible hurricanes hit us last year that caused so much property damage and devastation to people’s lives and hearts, we didn’t have electricity or water. I was so grateful when the water came back on because I felt so grimy from not taking a bath. The wet wipes are great, but they don’t take the place of water. I drank a lot of water for a long time.

Many times we forget all the wonderful things Jesus has done for us. When we are in a situation and it seems there is no relief, we sometimes ask God or think it, why aren’t You helping me. The same is true in our dealings with each other. We forget the kind things that have been said and done for us by our families and friends. Instead we dwell on the misunderstanding that we are having right now.

If your heart is dry from lack of love, turn to the only One Who can give you a Love that will never end. The Love of Jesus is Unconditional and Eternal. He will make the dry places in your heart to become a river of Joy, Peace, and Happiness.

Joanne Lowe
March 21, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Language of the Heart

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

John 15:13 King James Version

I was watching a family program on television just now, but I had to stop in the middle of it to write this. It was about a boy who could not talk and how frustrated his dad was because they couldn’t communicate. He refused to send his son to school because he would never learn so why waste the time when his son could be helping him.

There was a girl who taught the boy sign language and the boy learned rapidly. The last part of the program that I watched showed the girl trying to convince the dad that he could now communicate with his son by sign language. The dad still didn’t believe her. She asked him, “Why won’t you believe me? What do you want to say to him”? He said, “Tell my son to show me his mother’s picture”. The girl showed the dad how to sign it to him and his son brought the picture.

The dad got all choked up and said “I want to tell my son that I love him”. The girl showed him how to sign it to his son and his son signed it back. The dad and son hugged each other with great emotion on their faces.

If we would concentrate on the language of the heart, we wouldn’t have as many heartaches and problems in our marriages and relationships with siblings, parents, and loved ones. Jesus shows us His Love every day through people. Let’s look beneath the words our loved ones say to what they are saying with their hearts.

Joanne Lowe
March 21, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

A New Commandment

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

John 13:34-35 King James Version

Jesus has given us a commandment to love one another as He has Loved us. This is not an option; it is a command. If we were to concentrate on loving each other instead of focusing on all the things that we think other people are doing wrong, we would pray more often for our families and friends.

Joyce Landorf says on one of her teaching tapes “The early Christians could not be public with their faith. I think they were huggers; I think they were touchers. They would draw a sign of the fish in the sand and say by the sign O I really love you”.

What are we saying to others by our attitudes, words, and actions? Are we saying “O I really love you”, or are we saying you are not loved? I received an email last month from a person who feels unloved and unwanted. She told me “It hurts so much and I don’t know how to make them love me”.

We can’t make anybody love us. If we could, the love would not be a real love. The love has to come from the heart of the person. The more I fall in love with Jesus, the easier it is for me to love others especially the ones who hurt me. I need to be more loving toward others.

Are you loving others as Jesus has commanded? Are you reaching out and hugging for Jesus? Do you love Jesus with all your heart?

Joanne Lowe
March 22, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Encouraging Words

“But Joshua the son of Nun, which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither: encourage him: for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.”

Deuteronomy 1:38 King James Version

Yesterday while walking back to my trailer from the mailbox, the maintenance man stopped me and asked me if I had walked behind the trailer and saw how he had cut the grass and made it look nice. All of us need to be encouraged.

Several years ago during the week of Christmas, I called the operator and when she asked me what number I wanted, I told her that I was just calling to wish her Merry Christmas. Her voice got choked up and she said that she had been an operator for over thirty years and this was the first time anyone had ever called just to say Merry Christmas.

How sad, dear people, that we are so blind to the needs of other’s hearts. We want people to say kind things to us and many times get offended and hurt if people don’t recognize something we have accomplished, yet we neglect to encourage the same people.

If we would only take our eyes off ourselves and our problems and focus on the needs of our families and friends, we would not only make them feel they are loved and accepted, we would make the Heart of our Saviour to rejoice.

The encouraging words you say can stop someone from taking his or her life. Remember when you are saying kind things and encouraging your families and friends, you are encouraging the Heart of Jesus.

Joanne Lowe
March 23, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

The Needs Of Our Hearts

“For he shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper. He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.”

Psalm 72:12-13 King James Version

The words to a lovely song say “He looked beyond my faults and saw my need.” Jesus looks with Compassion and sees the needs of our hearts. He sees the need for us to be loved and accepted by our families and friends. Even when we fail Him, and all of us fail Him, He still cares for us and Loves us. A friend of mine said that when we sin He looks upon us as a naughty child.

O friends, you may think that nobody loves you or cares about you, but I can tell you on the Authority of the Word of God that Jesus Loves you just as you are. There is nothing that you can do to make yourself presentable to Him.

All the money we give and all of the good deeds that we do will never buy us a Home in Heaven. We can only be accepted through the Precious Atoning Blood of Jesus applied to our sinful hearts. Jesus sees our need to be cleansed from our sins and faults and He is waiting with outstretched Arms to welcome us into His Heart and into Heaven.

I don’t know what the need of your heart is today, but Jesus knows. If you need Him to save you, cry out to Him and ask Him to forgive your sins. He will gladly welcome you into His Heart. All of us need Him to reassure us of His Unconditional Love. Yes, “He looked beyond my faults and saw my need”. Praise the Precious Name of Jesus!

Joanne Lowe
March 23, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

A Dry Land

“O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is.”

Psalm 63:1 King James Version

There are times when our hearts are so hungry to know that somebody really loves us. I was talking with a friend over the phone a few minutes ago and she told me that she puts on her mask of being happy when she goes out and is with others, but inside she is hurting. I think that if we were honest with ourselves, and with each other, all of us put on a mask to some degree.

We don’t want to let anyone see how we really feel for fear of being rejected and hurt. I did the same thing for many years. I would pretend that everything was just fine, but inside I was hurting so badly it was like someone twisting a knife in my heart all the time.

Jesus has not been here for over two thousand years. He has left us to hug for Him. We are the ones to reach out and let others know how much Jesus Loves them by the way we treat them. We need to understand that when someone is hurting, that person needs to know right at that moment that someone cares and understands.

There are committees formed to discuss hunger and how to meet the need financially. People who are hurting don’t have time for committees. If we would only open our hearts to each other, we could assure that person of the Love of Jesus for him or her. If your heart is thirsty today for love and acceptance, reach out to Jesus. He Loves you Unconditionally and He understands and feels your pain.

Joanne Lowe
March 24, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

A Hurting Heart

“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

Someone shared with me yesterday that she had to have her husband arrested because of his cruelty to her. She said that he doesn’t pay attention to her anymore, that he is more interested in sports than in her. O dear friends, we do the same thing to Jesus. If He were to have us arrested because of the cruel things we say and do to Him, we would always be in jail.

There are many people who at one time were serving Jesus and telling everyone about His Love. However, they allowed themselves to become more involved with things rather than with the Saviour of the world. If we are so busy that we don’t have time to spend with people who are hurting, then we are too busy.

We can’t take our money and material possessions to Heaven. They don’t impress the Heart of our Saviour. What touches the Heart of Jesus is the love that we give to Him and to a world that is hurting desperately! We do have to work to pay our bills but if we allow ourselves to become so engrossed in providing for our families financially that we don’t provide for them emotionally, we are making Jesus sad.

I’m reminded of a man who said “My wife knows I love her because I married her”. We know that Jesus Loves us because He proved His Love for us on the cruel Cross of Calvary, but if He didn’t tell me every day that He Loves me it would break my heart. Is the Heart of Jesus hurting because you are too busy to take time for Him?

Joanne Lowe
March 25, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Sin is Sin

“For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.”

James 2:10 King James Version

Someone make the remark “If I don’t want to talk to someone, I told my husband to tell the person that I’m busy”. We are living in a world that is based on deception and lies. Many relationships are built on lies and deception.

We focus so much on alcoholics, drug addicts, homosexuals, and murderers, but bury our own sins under a “Holier than thou attitude”. This attitude stinks in the nostrils of Jesus. Sin is sin!

We need to stop being hypocrites, and that includes me because sometimes I tend to judge other people. We need to be honest with each other. We would have a support system that the world has never known if only we could be genuine with our feelings. We would have no need to go to mental hospitals if we were able to say how we felt without fear of judgment, criticism, sarcasm, and ridicule.

We need to practice what Jesus has told us, to love one another with unconditional love. We need to understand that when someone has a sin in his or her life that is a struggle, but for the Grace of God we would be struggling with the same issue. All of us have sin in our lives and we need to be encouraging one another and praying for one another as Jesus has commanded.

It is time to put the sharp knife down and extend the Love of Jesus to our families, friends, and to a world that is hurting desperately. We would make Jesus very happy if we would love one another as He has commanded us to do.

Joanne Lowe
March 25, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

Always There

“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 King James Version

I heard a Pastor say in a sermon one time “I dearly love my wife and children. I dearly love my parents and my wife’s parents and I believe they love me, but if all of them deserted me and if all my friends turned their backs on me, I have a Friend Who will never leave me and His Name is Jesus”.

The day I heard my Pastor preach that sermon is the day I realized that Jesus could also Love me. Dear friends, I echo the words of that dear Pastor. My family and all my friends could turn their back on me, although I don’t think they ever would, but if they did, I have a Friend Who will never leave me, and His Name is Jesus.

Jesus is the Dearest Friend you could ever have! He Loves us Unconditionally and when we fail Him, He opens His Precious Arms wider and pulls us into the biggest Hug that we will ever receive. We never have to make an appointment with Him. He never tells us that He’s too busy to listen, and He always leaves us with a feeling of being Loved.

If you have never felt the Love of Jesus deep in your heart, then I urge you to open your heart to Him and let Him deposit His Love in you. He is the Beautiful Rose of Sharon! He is the very breath I take, and best of all; He is the Saviour of my soul. It’s not enough for Him to Love us; we must love Him also. Do you love my Best Friend, Jesus?

Joanne Lowe
March 25, 2006
joannelowe8@cox.net

If you would like to view additional daily words shared by this author visit her at: