Reflections of God's Love

Forgiveness Leads to Freedom

2011-10-24T01:14:00.000-05:00

Be angry, and do not sin.

Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still.

Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,

And put your trust in the LORD.

~ Psalms 4:4-5

No matter how justified we may believe we are in holding a particular grudge, the act of forgiveness feels so cleansing and freeing. Why is that? I believe it is because God calls us to forgive not just once, not seven times, but "up to seventy times seven" (Matthew 18:22). In other words, just forgive. God forgave us unhesitatingly when He went to the cross as Christ as an atonement for our sins. He forgave those who mocked Him, spit in His face, lied about who He was, placed a crown of thorns on His head and nailed Him to the cross. The Son of God, they nailed to the cross. Naked. And God forgave them. Is there anything, then, that prevents you from forgiving a debt against you? Do you hold fast to stubborn resistance? I find that some of the most stubbornly resistant people not only have the hardest time forgiving, but they also seem to have the hardest time submitting their wills to Christ. Therefore, they stay stuck in bad habits and addictions, unforgiveness and unresolved anger. They forfeit the fullness of life God intends for them to live. If you are stuck in unforgiveness, pray to God to open up your eyes and soften your heart to be able to forgive and move on. There is such freedom in forgiving even the most unforgivable debts. I pray that if this message speaks to you, that you will accept the forgiveness Christ offers freely to you, and in turn forgive those who have hurt you. There is such freedom in forgiveness.

Our Greatest Advocate

2011-07-19T11:02:00.000-05:00

Fear not, for I am with you;

Be not dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you,

I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

~Isaiah 41:10

When I start the day with these words, I cannot think of any reason to doubt that it will be an amazing day. Regardless of what series of events unfold, we have an Advocate who is there for us when we turn to Him.

Giving it back to God...

2011-07-15T02:58:00.003-05:00

Honor the LORD with your possessions,

And with the firstfruits of all your increase;

So your barns will be filled with plenty,

And your vats will overflow with new wine.

~ Proverbs 3:9-10

I used to think I was not a slave to my possessions, until I went through financial hard times and the meanings of "want" and of "need" became more clearly defined for me. I had always given freely to the church and to those in need, had no debt to speak of, and was extremely proud of my impeccable credit rating. I never would have classified myself as a foolish spender. In fact, I saved. I counted every penny and calculated my giving. I was proud of my retirement portfolio, and how lovely it all looked on paper. I thought I was "set". Then, like many business owners, the mix of a soured economy and outsourcing hit me hard. I walked through a "desert" in my life for about 5 years, digging my heals in to save my home and investments and praying it would all get better. I figured it had to, because I figured I had done everything right. What the Lord revealed to me was that I had an issue of pride. Pride is sin. Sin gets in the way of God blessing us. I had to let go of my attitude, as well as a lot of tangible, meaningless "stuff" (meaningless in view of eternity). Both are baggage, and both stand in the way of us coming to know and experience Christ, God's only Son who spent His adult years walking the earth without a home. I can now say I really appreciate the meaning of a roof over my head, food on my table, and bills when they get paid. I don't have new clothes every season, have never bought an iPod, reuse just about everything I can, and still have not repaired the damage my car suffered 3 years ago in a minor accident. It's just not important to me anymore to have a closet full of cute shoes. These days, these happy days, I have discovered the freedom of letting go and running barefoot through life. There is freedom in knowing my life is now led by my trusting and allowing God to make the decisions for me. I now know He knows better than I do what is right for me, and now I am listening for the Spirit's voice. While I once thought it was enough to honor Him with my financial firstfruits, I now understand what He really wants is my heart, my focus, my finances and my time, uncalculated. This is a God I will know for eternity, so it seems only fitting to get to know Him and trust Him now, because what we do here in life today matters. I have learned that sometimes the only way God can truly get our attention is to strip away the strongholds in our lives, the things that keep us self-centered. I was not aware I even had any, until He revealed them. Then, with the ability to see clearly as through an open window, one free of clutter and pride, there I finally saw the character of God, and each day has become a new journey with Him. And now, slowly but surely, my vats are being filled as with new wine, and my barns to overflowing.

Dr. Charles F. Stanley book signing

2011-07-09T17:24:00.001-05:00

Today I was honored to meet one of my spiritual heroes, Dr. Charles F. Stanley (In Touch Ministries), at Family Christian Stores in Elgin, IL.

"Fleshly power and reasoning are worthless in a spiritual conflict. Therefore, we must submit our minds, wills, and emotions to the authority of God's Spirit."

~ Dr. Charles F. Stanley, from his book Handle With Prayer

The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD,

Searching all the inner depths of his heart.

~ Proverbs 20:27

God's Way

2011-05-20T02:30:00.000-05:00

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. ~ James 3:17-18

New Every Morning

2011-05-01T02:43:00.001-05:00

Through the LORD'S mercies we are not consumed,

Because His compassions fail not.

They are new every morning;

Great is Your faithfulness.

~ Lamentations 3:22-23

Pureness of Heart

2011-04-12T15:16:00.002-05:00

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

~ Matthew 5:8-12

He is Trustworthy

2011-01-11T23:00:00.003-06:00

When you question why things happen the way they do, trust that God's plan is better than your own. Sometimes it is a blessing when we don't get our way, because there is something better waiting for us. Just trust Him.

‎"For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways." says the LORD.

"For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts." ~ Isaiah 55:8-9

We can never know the full power of God until we fully trust Him.

Sacrificial Love

2010-11-10T11:36:00.002-06:00

And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”
And they divided His garments and cast lots. And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.”
The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.”
And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew:

THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.”
But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”
And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

~ Luke 23:33-43

If you like the mosaic cross design shown in this post, you can buy it as a mosaic treasure box here, along with other items in my shop.

Love

2010-10-28T14:23:00.002-05:00

He has made everything beautiful in its time.
~ Ecclesiastes 3:11

My Eyes in the Prize

2010-08-06T01:41:00.001-05:00

But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
~ Philippians 3:7-14

Forever Guided

2010-07-06T02:39:00.007-05:00

A man's heart plans his way,
But the LORD directs his steps.
~ Proverbs 16:9

The Greatness of God

2010-05-31T01:33:00.004-05:00

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD.
"For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.
For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven,
And do not return there,
But water the earth,
And make it bring forth and bud,
That it may give seed to the sower
And bread to the eater,
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."
~ Isaiah 55:8-11

Repentance

2010-05-23T09:22:00.006-05:00

So He (Jesus) spoke this parable to them, saying: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.
~ Luke 15:3-7

Heavy Words

2010-05-13T02:18:00.005-05:00

Then He (Jesus) lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said:

“ Blessed are you poor,
For yours is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are you who hunger now,
For you shall be filled.
Blessed are you who weep now,
For you shall laugh.
Blessed are you when men hate you,
And when they exclude you,
And revile you, and cast out your name as evil,
For the Son of Man’s sake.
Rejoice in that day and leap for joy!
For indeed your reward is great in heaven,
For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.

" But woe to you who are rich,
For you have received your consolation.
Woe to you who are full,
For you shall hunger.
Woe to you who laugh now,
For you shall mourn and weep.
Woe to you when all men speak well of you,
For so did their fathers to the false prophets.

“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.
“But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.

“Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”
~Luke 6:20-38

I intended to post the Beatitudes only, but there was so much more of Jesus's sermon in this chapter that moved me...heavy words.

Our Greatest Comfort

2010-05-06T23:43:00.004-05:00

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
~ Philippians 4:6-7

It amazes me how much God loves us.

The Lord Alone is my Judge

2010-04-26T15:39:00.005-05:00

Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.
~ 1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Dear Heavenly Father, Help me to walk with you, caring not about the judgments of others, nor even the judgments of myself, but in pureness of heart, only for You. Amen.

Made New in Christ

2010-04-03T10:15:00.004-05:00

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
~ 2 Corinthians 5:17

Renewal

2010-03-20T01:34:00.003-05:00

This is the day the LORD has made let us rejoice and be glad in it.
~Psalm 118:24

Whatever happens to you today, God knows and is there with you. Every day is a chance for renewal. Happy Spring, everyone!

When You Don't Know What to Pray...

2010-03-16T01:12:00.006-05:00

For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
~Romans 8: 24-28

I have found myself in a "desert place" in my life for a while now. In my confusion, I find my prayer life has been suffering. I have not even been able to find the words to say to God lately. At church last Saturday, I was reminded of these verses in Romans, chapter 8. It was like the hug you get from a good friend when the words won't come...and you realize things will be alright.

A Fine Flower

2010-02-16T10:48:00.004-06:00

Who can find a virtuous wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.
The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
~ Proverbs 31:10-12

Rejoice!

2010-01-07T23:08:00.002-06:00

The Lord is my strength and my shield;
My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped;
Therefore my heart greatly rejoices,
And with my song I will praise Him.
~ Psalm 28:7

Forgiven

2010-01-07T10:31:00.004-06:00

For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
~ Psalm 103:11-12

My Deliverer

2009-12-27T02:48:00.006-06:00

I sought the LORD, and He heard me,
And delivered me from all my fears.
~ Psalm 34:4

When God Seems Distant

2009-12-18T02:31:00.004-06:00

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.
~ Jeremiah 29:11-13

Sometimes we feel ready to give up on God, simply because He doesn't seem to be answering us when we pray to Him. This is a common assumption we make as humans. We hate being ignored!

Although I had read the first sentence of this passage from Jeremiah several times over the years, it wasn't until I read on that I made a discovery that changed my relationship with God. Go back and read the entire passage as it is written above. It says that "then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart".

It dawned on me that God really does desire relationship with His children. He does not want us to half-heartedly ask Him for things. He wants us to first want Him, to actively go and pray and seek and search Him with all of our hearts. I have found that in doing so, my desires and requests have begun to align more with His desires and will for me. I am happier. I see the fingerprints of God in my life every day, and it fills me with joy. I am never alone.

God wants us to be like the Psalmist, who wrote:

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.
~ Psalm 42:1

What a beautiful truth!

A Morsel of Wisdom

2009-12-15T23:33:00.005-06:00

Commit your works to the LORD,
And your thoughts will be established.
~ Proverbs 16:3

Love

2009-12-09T22:30:00.003-06:00

My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
~ 1 John 3:18

He is Faithful

2009-12-04T02:22:00.004-06:00

Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”
~ Matthew 14:22-33

Father, sometimes we ask for Your help to "walk on water", and then we doubt and lose faith when we notice the turmoil stirring around us. Maybe we ask you to meet our financial needs, but then the next moment we worry and wonder how we will pay the bills. Maybe we take a leap of faith to try to witness to a friend who does not know You, only to back down when we wonder if we will lose their friendship. Father, help me to trust You. And thank You, that when I find myself sinking in the midst of turmoil, I can cry out to You, "Lord, save me!", and You are there.

The Narrow Gate

2009-11-28T12:38:00.003-06:00

"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.
Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it."
~ Matthew 7:13-14

Isolation

2009-11-17T01:51:00.003-06:00

A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire;
He rages against all wise judgment.
~Proverbs 18:1

Praises for a Monday

2009-11-16T11:23:00.005-06:00

O God, You are my God;
Early will I seek You;
My soul thirsts for You;
My flesh longs for You
Where there is no water.
So I have looked for You in the sanctuary,
To see Your power and Your glory.
Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,
My lips shall praise You.
Thus I will bless You while I live;
I will lift up my hands in Your name.
My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness,
And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.
When I remember You on my bed,
I meditate on You in the night watches.
Because You have been my help,
Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.
My soul follows close behind You;
Your right hand upholds me.
~ Psalm 63:1-8 (one of my very favorite passages of Scripture)

Please help me to stay focused on You, Lord, as I continue through this week. Whatever trials await, help me to rely on Your power and not my own. Thank You for new opportunities that You put in front of me.

Our Safe Refuge

2009-11-14T12:41:00.004-06:00

God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be moved,
And though the mountains be carried
into the midst of the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling.
~Psalm 46:1-3

The Lighted Path

2009-11-13T14:22:00.004-06:00

But the path of the just is like the shining sun,
That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.
~Proverbs 4:18

God of Second Chances

2009-11-12T10:31:00.006-06:00

If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
~ 2 Chronicles 7:14

Dear Father, You are the "God of Second Chances". Thank You that You tell us clearly what we need to do, yet give us the freedom to choose Your way or our way. Thank You that You have never stopped loving me, but have always welcomed me into Your family. Please, Lord, guide me through this week and reveal Your presence to me and encourage me. Help me also to be an encouragement to others. In Jesus's name, Amen.

The Promise of Heaven

2009-11-11T18:54:00.005-06:00

"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."
~Revelation 21:4

Right Before Your Eyes

2009-09-30T13:04:00.003-05:00

Keep me as the apple of Your eye;
Hide me under the shadow of Your wings...
~ Psalm 17:8

Do you pause long enough to see that which is in front of you? What is God trying to show you today? When you pray for His protection, do you also seek to know His heart?

The Edges of His Glory

2009-08-27T02:45:00.005-05:00

By His Spirit He adorned the heavens;
His hand pierced the fleeing serpent.
Indeed these are the mere edges of His ways;
And how small a whisper we hear of Him!
But the thunder of His power who can understand?
~ Job 26:13-14

If it is God's Will...

2009-08-20T23:53:00.005-05:00

Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, "If You are willing, You can make me clean."
Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, "I am willing; be cleansed."
As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed.
~ Mark 1:40-42

It can be confusing praying for God's will to be done. We think, "God is good. Surely therefore it must be His will that He will heal my child, my spouse, my grandfather, (whomever)..." But that is not always the case. God decides when and how He will heal, if He chooses to heal at all. He may choose not to heal, so that His greater will may be done in our lives.

My 20's were book-ended by the loss of each of my parents, first my dad and then my mom. When my dad became ill, I was only 21. I thought for sure God would heal him...I could not imagine that it would be the will of God to take my dad at 54 and leave my family and me without him. But He allowed my dad to die.

My mom became ill when I was 29. She and I prayed to God to heal her, and I had faith that He could if it was His will. But....again God chose not to heal. I was in shock. My mom was gone; it was so final. God, I thought, had failed me. My heart still aches 12 years later as I sit at my desk and write about it.

But as I look back I see now with clarity God's hand in those situations. My dad's death made me question more deeply the truth about God, life and death, heaven and hell, and who Jesus was...and what it all means for me and my life. It began a very confusing time for me, a time of deep and fervent searching. But in all of this turbulence, God was there, gently revealing Himself to me. He became real to me, my Father in Heaven, my safe refuge.

I have to admit to you that when my mom died, things did not go as well. Suddenly everything about God scared me. I was in shock that He would allow her to die in a matter of only weeks. I thought surely God knew I would not be able to handle the blow He had dealt me, the feeling that a part of my flesh and my identity had been torn and ripped from my body and my heart had been crushed. I was scared. God scared me. He still does at times.

But now I see that God was revealing Himself to me. God is Love, and sometimes love hurts. But if God had chosen my will and not His, I would not be who I am today. I now know compassion, tolerance, grace, forgiveness and understanding in ways I would not have experienced if life had gone smoothly and God had healed my parents and spared me the pain of losing them in my 20s. I now am a joyful, well-adjusted, grateful young woman of 41 who loves God and experiences Him daily. There are times I am in awe and fear of His power, and His love does not make sense to me. But the Bible says,

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways." says the LORD.
"For as the heavens are higher then the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts."
~ Isaiah 55:8-9

I choose now to believe that in God's infinite wisdom, His will is better than my own, and I trust Him.

Are You Burdened?

2009-08-17T12:03:00.004-05:00

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
~ Matthew 11:28-30

This verse was pointed out to me by a friend about 15 years ago, before I became a Christian. I have always found this verse comforting, calming, and reassuring. In these past 15 years since then, it has also proven to be true. I have found rest for my soul in Jesus.

Rest for Today

2009-08-16T08:56:00.005-05:00

Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught.
And He said to them,"Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.
~ Mark 6:30 - 31

A friend pointed me to this verse this week, a reminder to take time to rest in the midst of busy-ness.

Perfect Peace

2009-08-15T14:55:00.005-05:00

You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
For YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength.
~ Isaiah 26:3-4

We can have peace in the most uncertain of times if we learn to put our trust in God to handle the details of our lives. It doesn't mean life will get easier and our problems will disappear. However, there is peace in knowing that God is ultimately in charge of our lives, every breath we take, and we are not created to handle life on our own. In fact, to try to handle life on our own is to take the position of power from God. It just doesn't work.

Great and Mighty

2009-08-12T09:53:00.005-05:00

Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.
~ Jeremiah 33:3

An Attitude of Gratitude

2009-08-11T13:03:00.003-05:00

A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance,
But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
~ Proverbs 15:13

Choose today to focus on your blessings.

The God of Second Chances

2009-08-10T12:30:00.003-05:00

If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
~ 2 Chronicles 7:14

Sometimes we don't even know we are on the wrong track until we realize that God has a better plan for our lives, if we would just turn toward Him. He is always ready to hear our prayer and show us a better life.

Safe With God

2009-08-06T12:25:00.003-05:00

You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in your word.
~ Psalm 119:114

Crowned With Glory and Honor

2009-08-02T02:03:00.004-05:00

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
The moon and the stars, which You have ordained,
What is man that You are mindful of him,
And the son of man that You visit him?
For You have made him a little lower than the angels,
And You have crowned him with glory and honor.
You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands;
You have put all things under his feet,
All sheep and oxen—
Even the beasts of the field,
The birds of the air,
And the fish of the sea
That pass through the paths of the seas.
O LORD, our Lord,
How excellent is Your name in all the earth!
~ Psalm 8:3-9

Humble as a Bumblebee

2009-07-31T01:20:00.003-05:00

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
~ James 4:10

Trust Him

2009-07-29T18:08:00.004-05:00

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
~ Proverbs 3:5-6

I am finally learning to trust God fully. If you've been hurt or betrayed, as most of us have, this is easier said than done. But the trusting is worth the rewards.

God of Comfort

2009-07-28T11:39:00.003-05:00

For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand,
Saying to you, "Fear not, I will help you."
~ Isaiah 41:13

Begin Today

2009-07-27T13:26:00.004-05:00

Delight yourself in the LORD,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
~ Psalm 37:4
As I have grown to know God, the desires of my heart have become more in line with His plan for me. What more could I want?

God of Mercy

2009-07-25T01:30:00.004-05:00

Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?” This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear. So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”
~ John 8:3-11

Pressing On

2009-07-24T00:19:00.005-05:00

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended, but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
~ Philippians 3:13-14

This beetle looked to me as though he was doing his daily push-ups...a reminder to us to be diligent today as we press toward our goal of the upward call of God.

With Wings Like Eagles

2009-07-22T23:17:00.007-05:00

Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
The everlasting God, the LORD,
The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Neither faints nor is weary.
His understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the weak,
And to those who have not might
He increases their strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall,
But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
~ Isaiah 40:28-31

Welcome to Reflections of God's Love!

2009-07-22T00:28:00.002-05:00

When You said, "Seek My face,"
My heart said to You, "Your face, LORD, I will seek."
~Psalm 27:8

The idea for this blog was born from the desire to share with others little timeless morsels of God's Holy Word along with photography and art which celebrate life. Each day is God's gift to us, and what we do with it is our gift back to God. I pray you feel uplifted today!