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Name Above All Names


madam3181 / Foter / Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

 

When I look at this picture, I’m reminded that the name of Jesus is higher than any other name! (Philippians 2:9-11)

As we get ready to observe Good Friday and to celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection, I just want to encourage you that Jesus is Greater than anything you may be facing! We can trust Him no matter what!

I pray you will have a deeper revelation of how much Jesus loves you and that you will walk in that confidence knowing that nothing can separate you from the love of Christ! May you be so filled with Christ’s love that you overflow and express His love to others!

Have a blessed Holy Week! Rejoice, He is Risen!

“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” (Matthew 28:6)

Did this encourage you? Please click “Like” or leave a comment below.

To get these posts e-mailed straight to your inbox weekly, and to get my free e-booklet MiraculousLovely Abroad: Lessons and Snapshots from the Mission Fields, click here.

For more encouragement, and to learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

 

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Tempted to Rebel?


Joe Shlabotnik / Foter / Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

 

I went to visit one of my dear sisters in Christ the other day and she was telling me about some of her 14-month-old granddaughter’s latest escapades.

One of the stories that stuck out to me was about the time she caught her granddaughter pulling a piece of fuzz from the couch. The little girl mischievously looked over her shoulder to make sure grandma was watching as she slowly inched the foreign object closer to her mouth.

My friend obviously recognized the danger and flew across the room to grab the object out of her granddaughter’s hand before the curious toddler had the chance to eat it.

As I heard this story, it gave me a picture of what we must look like to our Abba Father when we’re getting ready to do something we know we shouldn’t do.

Ever find yourself tempted to sin and sheepishly glance over your shoulder to see if God was watching? C’mon, be honest!

I’ve had moments when I’ve said, “Lord if you don’t do X, then I’ll do YZ.” I know that sounds terrible, but it’s true.

Thankfully, my loving Heavenly Father just lets me vent and then calls my bluff. He knows I don’t really want to willfully walk outside of His plans for my life.

But even when we are tempted to rebel and sin, many times isn’t it because we think God wants to spoil our fun or because we’re not happy with how He’s answering our prayers? In reality, He’s like my friend who wanted to protect her granddaughter from the awful consequences of eating that piece of junk.

God knows how harmful our actions, thoughts, or attitudes can be. That’s why He’ll send us warning signs to stop us from going down certain paths.

I don’t know what you may be struggling with, but if you feel the Holy Spirit convicting you and warning you not to do something please heed His voice. He knows what’s best for you!

Thankfully, when the enemy starts lying to us and tempting us to sin we can:

Resist Him – “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)

Fight Back with Scripture – Jesus was tempted three times while in the wilderness and each time He quoted Scripture. “Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” (Matthew 4:10)

Look for God’s Way Out – “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Confess our Sins and Struggles to Mature Believers – “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16)

Unfortunately, we sin every day though. The Good News is that as Believers we have forgiveness of sin through the blood of Jesus (Ephesians 1:7). When we do sin, we can repent and ask God for forgiveness.  “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Isn’t it wonderful to know that God forgives us and loves us unconditionally? That doesn’t give us a license to sin. It does give us the security to know that we can turn to God no matter what!

God will give us the strength to overcome whatever temptations we may be facing! What an Awesome God we serve!

Did this encourage you? Please click “Like” or leave a comment below.

To get these posts e-mailed straight to your inbox weekly, and to get my free e-booklet MiraculousLovely Abroad: Lessons and Snapshots from the Mission Fields, click here.

For more encouragement, and to learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Compelled by Love

Lessons Learned from Missionary Heidi Baker

I first heard about Heidi Baker while on my short-term missions trip to Honduras last July. Some of my fellow missionaries were talking about the tremendous work God is allowing Heidi to do in Africa.

Of course, I was intrigued.

Just a few weeks ago, I got to watch the movie about her life called “Compelled by Love.” It’s the story of her 20+ years as a missionary to Mozambique and other nations. (Please see the film trailer above).

The movie was a wonderful testament to what God can do through a yielded life! What made the evening even better was that Heidi was there and spoke to the audience afterwards. What a blessing to see her spend most of her time on the stage on her knees, before her open Bible. She ended the evening praying for those called into full-time missions, the NYC leaders and pastors that were present, and others.

She’s a humble woman, yet powerful! She walks in the authority God has given her. That’s inspiring to see.

I’d like to share just a few lessons based on the film and what Heidi said to those in attendance:

Live a Life that Continually Says, “YES” to God – Heidi knows she has a BIG God and she’s not afraid to say, “Yes” to Him. She has made a habit out of continually surrendering to God. We’re called to do the same. No, we don’t all have to move to Africa, but we are called to obey and be led by the Holy Spirit.

Be Compelled by Love – Heidi doesn’t serve God because she’s afraid He’ll be angry with her if she doesn’t do everything He says or because she’s trying to earn His love. She does it out of her extreme love for God. Once we understand God’s love for us, we are set free to serve Him out of our genuine passion for Christ.

Spend time with God – Heidi shared that she makes it a priority to spend 5 or 6 hours with the Lord every day. She knows that we need to be filled before we can pour out to others!  We may not be able to clear our busy schedules to spend hours with God, but we can make some adjustments to be with our Maker. We can also talk to Him throughout the day.

Work with God – Heidi said she sometimes pictures herself as a little girl who is standing on her daddy’s shoes and walking with Him. (Guess she’s a Daddy’s Girl too!) She’s thrilled to be a part of what God is doing on earth. Many times it seems we’d rather wrestle with God or try to somehow boss Him around, instead of simply joining Him in His plans.

Heidi’s story reminded me what a privilege it is to be about our Father’s business. God is looking for willing vessels to fill so we can overflow into other’s lives.

Your mission field may be right in your office, on your block, or under your roof. I encourage you to be faithful. Love those around you. Obey God. Shine for Jesus. Trust Him to do the rest.

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” (Matthew 16:24-25)

Did this encourage you? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Please hit “Like” or share a comment below.

To get these posts e-mailed straight to your inbox weekly, and to get my free e-booklet MiraculousLovely Abroad: Lessons and Snapshots from the Mission Fields, click here.

For more encouragement, and to learn how I can come alongside of you as your Life Coach, visit my website www.aboundingfaith.com.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Reach Just One

 KatieDavis

I’ve had Africa on my mind lately.

I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the book “Kisses from Katie” by Katie Davis, who at 18 left for a short-term missions trip to Uganda for a week and ended up moving there. She adopted 14 girls, nurses sick children and adults back to health, and helps provide education to hundreds of kids! She’s still just in her twenties!

Last weekend, I got to see the movie “Compelled by Love,” which focuses on the amazing work that God is allowing Heidi Baker and her husband to do in Mozambique. (More on that next week).

Both women are humbly serving the Lord in the unique areas where God has called them. Both work with the destitute. They see poverty, illness, and extreme need up close and personal on a daily basis.

I can’t help but think that there will be a special place in heaven for Katie and Heidi!

God bless them for answering the call and saying, “Yes” to go and be the hands and feet of Jesus in Africa!

But you have to wonder, how can they keep from being overwhelmed by all the needs?

The common themes that I see in their lives are that they trust in God’s strength wholeheartedly, they are sold out completely for Jesus, and they choose to love the one right in front of them!

They know they can’t solve all the problems and meet all the needs. Not all at once. Not with just their own two hands or even with a large team. Instead of getting discouraged and giving up, they live to love the person in need that God places in their path at that moment.

I’m reminded of the parable of the Good Samaritan that Jesus told where He illustrated what loving your neighbor looks like. The Good Samaritan’s plans were interrupted. He was traveling and going about his day when he saw the man who was beaten, stripped of his clothes, and left to die on the road. The Samaritan could have ignored the man as the priest and the Levite had done. But he chose to take action.

“… when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’” (Luke 10:33-35)

My, what compassion he had on the man!

What about you and me? How are we doing with loving our neighbors? We don’t have to go all the way to Africa to help people (although if God calls you to do that, by all means GO!) There are people with needs all around us. It can get overwhelming to say the least.

But it doesn’t have to.

As you’re reading this, perhaps the Holy Spirit is bringing someone to mind and prompting you to help that one person. Not everyone. Today, it’s just that one. That friend, co-worker, senior citizen, wayward teen, etc…Maybe the Lord is asking you to call them, visit them, take them out for a meal. Will you obey that prompting? Will you stop and reach out to just that one?

I pray that God would soften our hearts so that we would respond to the needs we see around us and pour out the love of Christ. Yes, that we would shine for Jesus wherever He places us.

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ (Matthew 25: 37-40)

Did this encourage you to be a blessing right where you are? Feel free to leave a comment or hit “Like” below.

To get these posts e-mailed straight to your inbox weekly, and to get my free e-booklet MiraculousLovely Abroad: Lessons and Snapshots From the Mission Fields,  click here. You can find MiraculousLovely on YouTube, Pinterest and Facebook. For more encouragement, visit www.aboundingfaith.com.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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My Help Comes from the Lord

 

 

In the Bible study class I’m taking, we’ve been asked to write a prayer based on scripture. Since the Psalms is one of the books we’ve been covering, I chose Psalm 121. It’s one of my favorites. I love how it focuses on God’s protection!

There is something so powerful about using words straight out of the Bible in your prayers and using those words as inspiration to share what’s in your heart and on your mind. If you’re not sure what to say while praying, I encourage you to pray through the Psalms. They are filled with wonderful descriptions of God’s power, might, and love as well as honest expressions of the ups and downs of life!

Here is Psalm 121 as it appears in the Bible, and below is the prayer I wrote for class.

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.”

Here’s my humble prayer that I wrote for my class assignment. May it be a blessing to you!

Dear Heavenly Father,

I thank you that all I have to do is lift up my eyes and see you! You are Greater and Higher than anything or anyone. And my help comes from you, and you alone! You are all-powerful and matchless. You are the maker of heaven and earth. Yes, Heaven and Earth belong to you. We are made by you and for you!

I am never alone. You promise to not let my foot slip and to watch over me. You neither slumber nor sleep and because of that, I don’t have to fear. There is never a time when you’re asleep on the job. Nothing surprises you. Nothing catches you off guard. You’re always watching over me as well as my family and my loved ones. Thank you! Thank you for your divine protection. Thank you for being so mindful of me.

You are my shade. No matter what season I’m in. No matter what time of day. I can trust that you are there covering me from external threats as well as protecting my inner being. Nothing is too big or too small for you to handle. What concerns me, concerns you. And you are mighty to see me through anything and everything I face.

You promise to keep me from harm. Nothing comes into my life without your knowledge and permission.  And you’re working everything together for my good! You promise to watch over all of my life! You knew me before I was in my mother’s womb. You were with me when I was a child. You know everything I’m going through right now, and you already know what’s in my future. You are omnipresent. You are the Alpha and the Omega. The beginning and the end!

You watch over me wherever I go. You’re there when I’m traveling to and from work. You are with me at my job. You are here with me now. And you watch over me while I sleep. I can rest because you never rest. No matter if I’m here or traveling far. You are everywhere. Not just for today. Not just on good days. You are with me every day, all day long. And you will be with me when I see you face-to-face in heaven where we will spend eternity together. Thank you for loving me so.  Thank you for your tsunami of love, protection, grace, strength, and mercy. In you I live, and move, and have my being. You are God alone and beside you there is no other. You are worthy to be praised. I love you and thank you forever, Jesus. Amen.

To hear the beautiful song “My Help” by The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir that is based on Psalm 121, click here.

Did this encourage you? Feel free to leave a comment or hit “Like” below. For more encouragement, visit www.aboundingfaith.com.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

 

 

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The Master Storyteller

Foter / Public domain

 

I still remember being all excited about receiving my master’s in journalism, but as all of us fussed around with our caps and gowns before the graduation ceremony I couldn’t help but look around at the graduates in all the other majors and think, “um, I’m getting a master’s in … telling stories?”

It seemed a bit odd to me, especially since that’s what my undergraduate degree was in, but even now I can’t think of anything else I would have rather studied at the time. One of the best parts about journalism for me was telling other people’s stories and giving them a voice. The pen really can be mightier than the sword.

Back then, I also enjoyed being in seemingly full control of my life.

I had no idea that just a few months later I would be lovingly surrendering my life to God!

After giving my life to the Lord, I soon realized that I was no longer the one writing my life story. As much as the writer in me would like to direct how my script unfolds, over the years I’ve learned the beauty of continually surrendering the pen to Jesus and trusting that His plans for me are far greater than anything I can imagine.

What a delight it’s been to follow Jesus on this journey! Even with all the twists and turns.

Jesus is the Master Storyteller. It humbles and amazes me to think that Jesus would take time to carefully weave the story of my life together, with all its intricacies and nuances.

Sometimes He gives me glimpses of what’s up ahead, which I’m so grateful for! Other times, He completely surprises me and keeps me on my toes. When something unexpected comes up, no matter how unpleasant, I’ve learned to remain calm knowing that this didn’t surprise Jesus. He’s not making things up as He goes along.

Consider this:

  • Jesus Knows Everything! “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” (Revelation 22:13)
  • He Already Knows How Our Story Will Turn Out! “My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” (Psalm 139: 15-16)
  • Our Steps Are Ordered By The Lord: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)

As believers, we can trust that Jesus is writing our stories with love, grace, and mercy! And as a Good Shepherd, He is committed to leading and guiding His sheep.

What if we don’t like or agree with how our story is being written? We can rebel, go astray, and take matters into our own hands. The choice is ours.

As believers, the loving shepherd will welcome us back after we repent. That’s the beauty of Grace and Mercy.

But why break fellowship with God and run from His plans for us? Why not trust that He knows what He is doing and that our story will work out exactly the way it’s meant to be?

If you’re struggling to hand over the pen to Jesus, could I encourage you that Jesus loves you and wants the best for you? Yes, that will include times of tests, trials, and tears. That’s part of the human experience. But God will see you through all of that. As God said to the nation of Israel:

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

We don’t know all the details about our story, but God Almighty does! The pen is safe in Jesus’ hands. After all, He is the “author and finisher of our faith”. (Hebrews 12:2 KJV)

Let’s see what’s in the next chapter!

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)

Did this encourage you? Feel free to leave a comment or hit “Like” below. To get my free e-booklet MiraculousLovely Abroad: Lessons and Snapshots From the Mission Fields and to get these posts e-mailed straight to your inbox, click here. Find MiraculousLovely on YouTube, Pinterest and Facebook. For more encouragement, visit www.aboundingfaith.com.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

 

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Moving Forward!

Announcing the launch of my website www.AboundingFaith.com

Abounding Faith header NEW for MC

There is a time to dream and there is a time to DO! I’m excited to announce the launch of my new website www.aboundingfaith.com, and that I will be available to speak at churches and events. I’m also ready to life coach.

For the past few years I have felt the Lord drawing me to speak and write for His Glory, but I didn’t know how to put the puzzle pieces together. God, in His great mercy, showed me step by step. He continues leading me in this Great Adventure that He has for me!

Now I hear Him saying it’s time to Move Forward!

This process has been long and hard but after much prayer, and waiting on God, and after testing the waters, and getting wise counsel, I am at peace about taking this next step. And I invite you to continue this journey with me!

No worries, I plan to keep blogging here every Monday. From time to time, I’ll give you updates about how things are going with the site.

My goal is still to encourage you in your walk with the Lord and to celebrate God’s extravagant love for us! I will be doing that here and at Abounding Faith.

I firmly believe that if the Lord is not in something, it’s not worth doing. When the Lord is truly in something, it would be foolish not to go for it! We’re to stick close to Him at all times though.

As Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

This is unchartered territory for me, but the pioneer in me is looking forward to seeing where the Lord leads. The exhorter/evangelist in me is excited about all the new people I’ll get to minister to.

Stepping out in this new adventure is pretty much like deciding to trust God to board a plane to AFRICA or the Amazon.

It can be a little nerve-wracking but I’m a Daddy’s Girl, and I have a history with my Heavenly Father. Over the years, He has asked me to take leaps of faith, and He’s always been there to catch me!

I’m reminded of Peter when he saw Jesus walking on the water. He wasn’t content to stay in the boat with the others. He wanted to be right where Jesus was and in the middle of all the action! But he wasn’t about to exit the boat unless Jesus invited him.

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

 “Come,” he said. (Matthew 14:28-29)

I wonder if Peter even understood the magnitude of his request. And yet Jesus graciously obliged. The ball was now in Peter’s court.

Jesus called. Peter answered. As a result, Peter got to walk on water! In that moment, he let his faith in God overtake any fear he must have felt.

That’s how it is in our lives. Jesus says, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

Jesus calls us to follow Him wherever He leads. It’s our choice to trust Him and move.

Oh the rewards that come from obeying God’s call and following after Jesus! Is it easy or popular? No. But Jesus never promised it would be easy. He did say that He would be with us and that we have the victory in Him.

“…In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

What is God calling you to do? However big or small it may seem to you, I pray you will have the courage to run, walk, or take baby steps towards what God has placed in your heart and that you will enter into all that God has in store for you!

I hope you will visit me at www.aboundingfaith.com and will be blessed by the encouraging videos and inspiring photos and free downloads on the site. Please tell your friends and family about the site, too!

Let’s see what the Lord is doing! He’s always at work! Thankfully He never slumbers nor sleeps.

Did this encourage you? Feel free to leave a comment or hit “Like” below. To get my free e-booklet MiraculousLovely Abroad: Lessons and Snapshots From the Mission Fields and to get these posts e-mailed straight to your inbox, click here. To find MiraculousLovely on YouTube, click here. To find MiraculousLovely on Pinterest, click here or on Facebook, click here.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

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A Time for Everything

We’re finally thawing out here, so it was nice enough outside to shoot this new short video. Blessings to you!

Did this video encourage you?  Feel free to leave a comment or hit “Like” below. To get my free e-booklet MiraculousLovely Abroad: Lessons and Snapshots From the Mission Fields and to get these posts e-mailed straight to your inbox, click here. To find MiraculousLovely on YouTube, click here. To find MiraculousLovely on Pinterest, click here or on Facebook, click here.

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Find Beauty in Every Season

photo

Seeing snow during Christmas is nice. Being walloped by snowstorm after snowstorm throughout January and February, not so much!

I’m definitely tired of shoveling the same path over and over again only to have it covered with mounds of fresh snow. I’ve had enough of almost literally cross-country skiing and ice skating all the way to the train station every day. Getting to work shouldn’t be an Olympic sport!

I think it’s safe to say that most folks in this area are tired of winter.

But having said all that, there is a beauty to this season. I snapped the picture above on a recent sunny day when the snow was soft and thick and my neighborhood looked like a winter wonderland.

If we stop for a moment and look around, we might be happily surprised by all the loveliness right where we are.  There is something so beautiful about the different seasons.

Winter won’t last forever. Spring will be here in a few weeks (thank God!)

In the meantime, it’s important to remain mindful of all the blessings in this season.

The same is true in our lives. Are you in a “winter” season right now? Please take heart that it won’t last forever! Seasons do Change!

God is at work in your life. You may not see it, but that doesn’t mean God isn’t orchestrating things behind the scenes and preparing you for what’s to come.

Looking outside right now, it seems ridiculous to think that flowers will soon be budding all around, but even now they’re getting ready. Just give it a bit more time and they’ll sprout before our eyes!

Don’t give up just because things may look bleak today. Find the miraculous lovely in each day and rejoice. And remember, spring is coming!

God’s ways are not our ways. His thoughts are not our thoughts. His timing is not our timing. But His timing is perfect. There’s a mystery to God, but that’s OK. We don’t have to understand everything He’s doing. We just need to trust Him! When we know how much God loves us, it makes it that much easier to trust Him with every detail of our lives. Then we can be content in whatever season we’re in!

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
(Galatians 6:9)

Did this encourage you?  Feel free to leave a comment or hit “Like” below. To get my free e-booklet MiraculousLovely Abroad: Lessons and Snapshots From the Mission Fields and to get these posts e-mailed straight to your inbox, click here. To find MiraculousLovely on YouTube, click here. To find MiraculousLovely on Pinterest, click here or on Facebook, click here.

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

 

 

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No Greater Love!

heart tree2

I had to snap a picture of this tree I saw last spring. It looked too much like a heart for me to ignore. Doesn’t it make you smile?

As people everywhere get ready to celebrate love this time of the year, it’s good to remember that every day is a great day to celebrate God’s love for us!

We tend to think of love as being heart-shaped like the tree above. Really, God’s love is shaped like a cross. Love came down when Jesus was born, and the ultimate act of love was when Jesus paid for our sins on the cross on Calvary and redeemed us. As Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13)

The Bible, which is God’s love letter to us, is filled with examples of God’s extravagant love for us! Here are just a few verses to encourage you:

God’s Love for Us is Beyond Measure: “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:16-19)

God Won’t Stop Loving Us: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)

God’s Love Lasts: “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” (Isaiah 54:10)

God Showed Us His Love By Giving Us the Ultimate Gift:  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:16-17)

To read more verses about God’s love for us, feel free to read my post from last year Love is in the Air.

I pray you will feel God’s amazing love today and every day! Blessings!

 

THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

 

 

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