Tag: LoveNeverFails

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Out of Balance

Several days ago, I was working in the resort office and a lady came in to tell me that the washing machine she was using was spinning out of balance.

Immediately my mind went to the commercials of the Maytag repairman that I remember from my youth. It was said he was the loneliest man in the world. Maytag machines were so dependable that they never broke down and so his services were never needed.

But this day we needed him or at least we thought we did. I directed her to one of the other machines, replaced the coins that were used in the machine that was working improperly and put “the guys” to work on it. It is now repaired and functioning correctly.

All of this got me to thinking. What do we do when the issues in our life are no longer in balance and spinning out of control? To answer that question, I found myself turning to the Psalms.

“God remembered us when we were down, His love never quits.
Rescued us from the trampling boot, His love never quits.
Takes care of everyone in time of need. His love never quits.
Thank God, who did it all! His love never quits!” Psalm 136:23-26 MSG

Unlike the Maytag repairman who never has enough to do, God, the Father, never quits. His love endures forever. That phrase is repeated in every one of the 26 verses in this Psalm. God, in His infinite wisdom, knows that the world is out of balance and so He provides us with His love that never quits!

The Apostle Paul asked and answered the question of God’s love and stabilizing influence in this way:

“Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture:

They kill us in cold blood because they hate you.
We’re sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one.

None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.” Romans 8:37-39 MSG

Nothing – absolutely nothing – will be able to separate us from the love of God. Staying focused on His love will keep us balanced, grounded, secure.

Remember His love is constantly working – His love never quits!

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Each Day Has Promise

I know some are waking up this morning filled with a sense of regret. Don’t let past failures, current obstacles or the devil’s lies rob you of this day’s promises.

“God’s way is perfect. The Lord’s promise always proves to be true. He protects those who trust in him.” Psalm 18:30 ERV

Embrace God’s promise for today. Let His word be your focus and sense of strength. Don’t let 3% of difficulties overwhelm the 97% of God’s goodness. In fact, the 97% of difficulty is never greater than just 3% of what God’s faithfulness can do.

“Lord, listen to me and understand what I am trying to say. 2 My God and King, listen to my prayer. 3 Every morning, Lord, I lay my gifts before you and look to you for help. And every morning you hear my prayers.

4 God, you don’t want evil people near you. They cannot stay in your presence. 5 Fools come near you. You hate those who do evil. 6 You destroy those who tell lies. Lord, you hate those who make secret plans to hurt others.

7 But by your great mercy, I can enter your house. I can worship in your holy Temple with fear and respect for you. 8 Lord, show me your right way of living, and make it easy for me to follow. People are looking for my weaknesses, so show me how you want me to live.

9 My enemies never tell the truth. They only want to destroy people. Their words come from mouths that are like open graves. They use their lying tongues to deceive others. 10 Punish them, God! Let them be caught in their own traps. They have turned against you, so punish them for their many crimes.

11 But let those who trust in you be happy forever. Protect and strengthen those who love your name. 12 Lord, when you bless good people, you surround them with your love, like a large shield that protects them.” Psalm 5 ERV

We are surrounded by His love!

The Father’s love protects and gives us strength!

This is our promise for today, it’s as real as the rainbow in the sky. Never doubt the Father’s love!

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Separated

The last several days we have experienced a real disconnect from cell and internet service. I know you recognize this as a common problem because I mention it when I am delayed with postings, sometimes by days and others by just hours.

But for some reason this time was particularly disheartening. I felt isolated, you see it was my birthday a couple of days ago and I was receiving notifications that I had messages and comments waiting but I had no way of reading them. It made me sad.

I was telling the Father about this yesterday morning and as the sun was coming up I looked out the window and saw this little glimpse of heaven’s beauty shining in. This glow of sunrise let me know that the Father was there and although I was separated from all of you, I wasn’t from Him.

“So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God’s chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture: They kill us in cold blood because they hate you. We’re sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one. None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.” Romans 8:35-39 MSG

“I’m absolutely convinced that nothing…absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love”!

Nothing absolutely nothing.

The only thing that separated us at one time was our sin but the blood of Christ took care of that.

“God is sheer mercy and grace; not easily angered, he’s rich in love. He doesn’t endlessly nag and scold, nor hold grudges forever. He doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve, nor pay us back in full for our wrongs. As high as heaven is over the earth, so strong is his love to those who fear him. And as far as sunrise is from sunset, he has separated us from our sins. As parents feel for their children, God feels for those who fear him. He knows us inside and out, keeps in mind that we’re made of mud.” Psalm 103:7-14 MSG

Our Father has separated us from our sins!

He made the way for us always to be connected to Him; we are always in right standing because of His grace.

Nothing, absolutely nothing, can or will separate us from the Father’s love!

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Deeper than the Holler

I often wonder what people do who don’t like being alone with just their own thoughts.

My morning quiet time is filled with thoughts that seem to run amuck but then I find that they all come together at one destination. Take this morning for instance. I woke up with the words of a Randy Travis song running through my head.

“My love is deeper than the holler.
Stronger than the river.
Higher than the pine trees growin’ tall upon the hill.
My love is purer than the snowflakes,
That fall in late December.
And honest as a Robin on a springtime window sill.
And longer than the song of a whippoorwill.”

As I thought on those lyrics my mind was drawn back to yesterday’s Bible reading.

“14-15 As long as I live, show me the same kindness the Lord does. And if I die, never stop showing this kindness to my family. Be faithful to us, even when the Lord destroys all your enemies from the earth.” 16 So Jonathan made this agreement with David and his family, and he asked the Lord to hold them responsible for keeping it.

17 Jonathan loved David as himself, and because of this love, he asked David to repeat this agreement for himself.” I Samuel 20:14-17 ERV

Jonathan and David had an unusual friendship. Jonathan’s father was King Saul, whom David would replace as king. Saul hated David and made many plots to kill him. Jonathan’s friendship with David made him more loyal to David than to his father. There was a deep love between the two of them, so great was that love that they were willing to die for one another and willing to commit to raising the other’s family if something happened to either one of them.

Their love was deeper than the holler.

Now add a third thought – yesterday had been a rainy afternoon. The kind where you could only sit inside and watch as it poured down. It was an afternoon for movies. The first, Gods and Generals, we have seen a number of times before.

It is a movie about the Civil War and the love General Lee and General Jackson had for their homeland of Virginia. They were willing to lead men, like-minded men, into battle to protect their families and their homes. The second movie, The Terminal, starring Tom Hanks was about a son’s commitment to see his father’s final wish fulfilled.

These men had a love that was stronger than the rivers.

“I am the good shepherd, and the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep…17 The Father loves me because I give my life. I give my life so that I can get it back again. 18 No one takes my life away from me. I give my own life freely. I have the right to give my life, and I have the right to get it back again. This is what the Father told me.” John 10:11,17-18 ERV

Final thought.

Men love with an earthly love. God loves with an unconditional, sacrifical, willing to give up life love!

Now for the final destination of those thoughts. The love a couple have for one another is deeper than the holler. The love of two friends is stronger than a river. The love of country is higher than the pine trees and the love of a son for his father is purer than the snow.

But the love that Christ has for us immeasurable, incomparable and inexhaustible.

“And I pray that you and all God’s holy people will have the power to understand the greatness of Christ’s love—how wide, how long, how high, and how deep that love is. 19 Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with everything God has for you.” Ephesians 3:18-19 ERV

Now those thoughts are certainly worth more than a bank full of pennies!

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Words, Words, Words

Yesterday morning Dave and I took an early morning flight to visit our son and his girlfriend. The people in the airport were so happy to have the choice of wearing or not wearing a mask. (I promise I won’t get political) Even the flight attendants were remarking that it was so good to see people’s faces.

Anyone who has flown knows that every flight starts with the safety instructions before the plane leaves the terminal.

Honestly, how many of us listen to their instructions? After a few flights, the things they are saying just become words, words, words. Only half of the passengers are even looking up to see their demonstration. However, the intent is for us to be as safe as possible should an emergency arise.

I think that’s how some people feel about sermons or reading the Bible. It just becomes words, words, words. After a while, they tune them out.

This morning I want to change our thinking just a little. Consider this, the Bible is a love letter. It was written by the Father to His children. His intent is to convey His love and all the wonderful blessings He has for us to inherit.

The Father is taking time to reveal the depth of His heart.

When God speaks He doesn’t waste words. Each word is filled with life changing meaning. Each story is packed with power. Each thought is a gift from God’s heart to our lives. It’s not just instruction for “in case of an emergency” but it is loving provision for every day of our lives.

“Praise the Lord! He is good.
    God’s love never fails.
2 Praise the God of all gods.
    God’s love never fails.
3 Praise the Lord of lords.
    God’s love never fails.

4 Only God works great miracles.
    God’s love never fails.
5 With wisdom he made the sky.
    God’s love never fails.
6 The Lord stretched the earth
over the ocean.
    God’s love never fails.
7 He made the bright lights
in the sky.
    God’s love never fails.
8 He lets the sun rule each day.
    God’s love never fails.
9 He lets the moon and the stars
rule each night.
    God’s love never fails.” Psalm 136:1-9, 232-26 ERV

Everything God does is to show us His love – the sea, the stars, the sun, the land, provision, health, protection – they are all indicators of God’s amazing love! And that love never fails!

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A Parent’s Love

Do you remember a time when you had to leave your child somewhere and it made your heart ache? Maybe it was the first day of kindergarten, maybe it was college or boot camp, it could have been at the door to the operating room in the hospital.

A sinking feeling for sure. Even now those times bring tears to your eyes and ache to your heart.

This morning I want to tell you about Hannah. She longed for a child. The Lord heard and answered her prayer and as a response of devotion to Him she gave her little boy to the Lord’s service.

“When the boy was old enough to eat solid food, Hannah took him to the Lord’s house at Shiloh…Then Hannah gave the boy to Eli. 26 She said to him, ‘Pardon me, sir. I am the same woman who stood near you praying to the Lord. I promise that I am telling the truth. 27 I prayed for this child, and the Lord answered my prayer. He gave me this child. 28 And now I give this child to the Lord. He will serve the Lord all his life.’ Then Hannah left the boy there and worshiped the Lord.” I Samuel 1:24-28 ERV

The story of Hannah and Samuel isn’t just a fable that makes a good read. It is the true story of a loving mother and godly woman. Imagine how she must have wrestled with her emotions as she made the decision to take Samuel to Eli, the priest, and leave him there.

Now imagine, if you will, another parent who was willing to give up their child. This time, however, the child was given as a sacrifice for the sins of the world.

“Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life.” John 3:16 ERV

Hannah gave her son to a loving God but God gave His Son to an unloving world. Hannah knew her son would be well cared for, God knew His Son would be hated and abused.

It’s important that we realize the great sacrifice our heavenly Father made in giving His Son. We can’t take it lightly. He gave Him so we can have life eternal.

He gave because of His great love for us!

“Christ died for us when we were unable to help ourselves. We were living against God, but at just the right time Christ died for us. 7 Very few people will die to save the life of someone else, even if it is for a good person. Someone might be willing to die for an especially good person. 8 But Christ died for us while we were still sinners, and by this God showed how much he loves us.” Romans 5:6-8 ERV

Maybe you’re going through a tough time right now. Maybe you feel that you have been abandon, left all alone – let me assure you that isn’t true.

“…for He has said, “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!” Hebrews 13:5 AMP

Our loving Father will never abandon or desert us. We can rely on Him!

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In A Fog

Years ago our son, youngest daughter and I drove from Spokane WA to Carlsbad CA over Spring break. I was so glad to have our son with me so we could share the driving. We were driving, in the wee hours of the morning, on the roads up by Mount Shasta. Traffic was light, just us and some semi’s. We made a bend in the road and drove right into a fog bank!

Oh my goodness! That was scary. Lots of prayers were being said like “Please don’t let any semi’s come up behind us and don’t let us come up behind any of them either”. And then, just as soon as we had come into the fog, we made another bend and the road was clear.

This happened several more times before we out of the mountain pass. Very stressful to say the least. That was physical fog. Spiritual fog can be just as unnerving.

Have you ever been caught up in a chore of some kind and just had thoughts come flooding into your mind? Maybe you’re doing the laundry or driving to work or out riding or mowing the grass or just daydreaming and something that has frustrated you or even brought you pain comes rolling in like the coastal fog or a wave to the seashore. I have – and if I’m not careful I start to mull it over, re-hash it and find that the hurt, worry or betrayal are still there. That’s when I realize I haven’t completely turned it over to the Lord.

“Love does not remember wrongs done against it. 6 Love is never happy when others do wrong, but it is always happy with the truth. 7 Love never gives up on people. It never stops trusting, never loses hope, and never quits.” I Corinthians 13:5-7 ERV

Love doesn’t remember a wrong!!!!

Now that’s a hard one to swallow. But thank God he doesn’t. You notice I said He doesn’t because God is love and it’s in His nature to “not remember”. He isn’t holding our sins against us – quite the opposite! When we accept His forgiveness, He chooses to forget our past.

Aren’t you glad that you can come to Him and He won’t bring up all our failures and shortcomings? All things are new.

“And I will forgive the wrongs they have done, and I will not remember their sins.”” Hebrews 12:8 ERV

Is there someone in your life that needs you to forget their past? I know there is in mine, and I am making the determination to forget. Forgiveness allows that fog to lift and vanish. I’m so glad that I’m forgiven!

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Growing Up

I’m going to ask you to do something a little different in today’s blog. I would like you to take a few minutes and assess your growth in 2021. No, I’m not talking about any weight you may have gained or lost; I’m talking about growth in your capacity to love.

When our kids were younger, we had a spot in the kitchen where we marked their growth. It was interesting to see how much taller they had become over a year’s time. It was also interesting to see how their growth slowed once they reached their middle teens.

Yesterday, we read the Apostle Paul’s prayer that we would understand the depth, height, width and length of God’s love for us and that in understanding we would grow in that kind of love. With a true understanding of God’s kind of love we grow – we grow to be filled with everything God has for us.

The reoccurring theme of the Bible is that – understanding and growing in God’s kind of love. Remember Jesus talking to his disciples, how many times did He tell them to love one another? He said that their love for one another would be proof to the world that they were His disciples.

Paul carries that theme forward in the letters he wrote to the different Christian fellowships he discipled. Yesterday’s teaching was from Ephesians, a letter written to the Christians in Ephesus. Today I want to share with you some more of his writings from that same book.

These verses are a “growth” chart in love.

“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient and accept each other with love. 3 You are joined together with peace through the Spirit. Do all you can to continue as you are, letting peace hold you together…13 This work must continue until we are all joined together in what we believe and in what we know about the Son of God. Our goal is to become like a full-grown man—to look just like Christ and have all his perfection…We will grow to be like Christ in every way. He is the head, 16 and the whole body depends on him. All the parts of the body are joined and held together, with each part doing its own work. This causes the whole body to grow and to be stronger in love.” Ephesians 4:2,3,13,15-16 ERV

Christians are often referred to as the body of Christ; Christ is the head, and we are all parts of His body. It’s important that we develop, we grow, to be like Christ. It isn’t enough to say that we love the Lord, there needs to be tangible evidence of that love.

I have to admit that there have been seasons in my life where there wasn’t much evidence of growth. I was concerned about my own needs and wants. There have been times that I have been selfish and unforgiving – no upward development at all.

“ Never be bitter, angry, or mad. Never shout angrily or say things to hurt others. Never do anything evil. 32 Be kind and loving to each other. Forgive each other the same as God forgave you through Christ.” Ephesians 4:31-32 ERV

We have to be honest with the Father and ourselves if we are to grow. We need to recognize our failings and ask for His help. When we do, we can be certain that He will provide us with the strength to change.

Let’s make 2022 the year we grow up in love!

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A Child Is Born

I know some of you are probably getting up this morning with only a few hours’ sleep. Moms and dads work through the night putting presents under the tree and assembling others that are too big to wrap. We do this to see the joy on our children’s faces.

God knows about bringing joy to His children too. The most important gift of all was wrapped in humanity over 2000 years ago and then delivered by Mary and wrapped again in strips of cloth and laid in a manger.

The Father’s gift, planned through the ages, brings hope and peace to us even in our darkest times.

I have friends who are experiencing the loss of loved ones this year. Some just in the last few days and Christmas celebrations have been set aside to make room for grieving. Others have been diagnosed with life threatening disease. They’ve all had merrier Christmases than the one this year.

It’s easy to celebrate when you’re rested, strong and doing well. It’s something completely different to choose to celebrate in a time of sorrow, sickness and frailty. But you see, that’s the reason He came.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 KJV

He came to be MIGHTY in our weakness; He came to be PEACE in our turmoil and fear; He came to be WONDERFUL in our disappointment and He came to be COUNSELLOR in our grief and heartache.

“ I want you to know all about Christ’s love, although it is too wonderful to be measured. Then your lives will be filled with all that God is.” Ephesians 3:19 ERV

May you find all you need in Christ this Christmas. His life is what makes ours complete!

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The Last Two Minutes

We ended our day watching a Hallmark Movie and as we were heading to bed last night I said, “The kiss always comes in the last two minutes”. Dave laughed and said it sounded like a good title for a blog.

Happy endings, the perfect way to end each day and they are a part of God’s plan.

“Love never gives up on people. It never stops trusting, never loses hope, and never quits. 8 Love will never end.” I Corinthians 13:7-8 ERV

God has promised us that His love will never end!

Life isn’t a Hallmark Movie, it’s so much more than that. The challenges that we face, the victories we celebrate, the mundane, the heartaches, the overwhelming joy, the hope, the peace…His love endures forever.

“I will sing forever about the Lord’s love. I will sing about his faithfulness forever and ever!
2 I will say, ‘Your faithful love will last forever. Your loyalty is like the sky—there is no end to it!'” Psalm 89:1-2 ERV

Jesus told the story of a young man who wanted to be out from under his father’s control. He wanted to live life on his own terms. The young man collected his inheritance and went off on his own. He was impetuous. He was foolish and I’m sure he was taken advantage of. Life led him down a path of loss.

At his lowest point, he decided to go home and ask to be a servant on his father’s estate. As he was coming up the road, his father saw him. What the young man didn’t know is that his father had been watching and waiting for his return. The father ran to his son to welcome him back.

Now, wait for it…

“I will leave and go to my father. I will say to him: Father, I have sinned against God and have done wrong to you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. But let me be like one of your hired workers.’ 20 So he left and went to his father. While the son was still a long way off, his father saw him coming and felt sorry for him. So he ran to him and hugged and kissed him.” Luke 15:18-20 ERV

There it is – the kiss! The forgiveness, the reconciliation, the connection, the love!

The Father’s love never fails. His love is unconditional, His mercy lasts forever and His grace is amazing.

“But the father said to his servants, ‘Hurry! Bring the best clothes and put them on him. Also, put a ring on his finger and good sandals on his feet. 23 And bring our best calf and kill it so that we can celebrate with plenty to eat. 24 My son was dead, but now he is alive again! He was lost, but now he is found!’ So they began to have a party.” Luke 15:22-24 ERV

Sometimes we get “lost” in life. All we need to do is come back to the Father and He welcomes us with open arms. He celebrates our return.

May I encourage you to take “the last two minutes” of each day to thank the Father for his never-ending love. And if you wait for it, I know you’ll sense His loving kiss.

 

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