Tag: God’s love

The Father’s Plan

March 22, 2021
The Father’s Plan

A memory just came to me that reminded me of our Father’s love for us. When I was five, I stole a pack of gum while in the checkout line with my mother. I remember I was so mad that she told me “no”, that I took it anyway.Then, as I tried to walk out of the store slowly so the gum would not fall out of the cuffed waistband of my jumper, I was sure I had a “bad girl” sign stamped on me.

What had I done?! I couldn’t put it back now. Everyone would see! All I could do was wallow in my “bad girl” situation that I created.

Later that evening, at bedtime, my mom called me down to talk about the gum. I do not remember getting a spanking, though I expected one. What I do remember…she gently told me…

“This is not something Jesus approves of so we can never do it again. We do not steal in this family.” The next morning, I had to go back to the cashier and apologize and ask her to forgive me.

She looked at me and said, That’s okay.” Her being so gentle with me when I did something wrong, made me feel worse. How could she be that way? I deserved punishment! How could my momma love me still and be gentle with me when I had gone against her rules?

The same way God does. He knows we are human and have a tendency to be selfish and sinful. But, like a loving Father, He made a plan to teach His, much better, way! He cares more about teaching us and having a good relationship with Him, than condemning us for our sin. He sent Jesus to die for the whole world. Let that sink in. That means He did it for you, me, all of us!

For God so loved the world, that He gave us His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 KJV

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 NIV

Father,

Thank You for Your plan to forgive me of my sins and teaching me the way to be with You forever. Even as an adult, I mess up when my selfishness takes over my heart. Please forgive me. I will do my best to learn from You, because You are my heavenly Father that I want to please. Give me opportunity today to tell someone else about You. I love You so much, Father God! Amen

Love and prayers to all. Have a great Monday!

Just me. Just His.

Christina

Let’s Glory in the Morning

December 12, 2020

This is a picture my husband took of our view of the sunrise. Isn’t it beautiful God art? It may seem strange that I chose a beautiful picture and am getting ready to quote Lamentations. After all, the book was authored by a poet of Jerusalem that was lamenting the horrible destruction of his city. There is a method to the madness though…

See, the author was angry at God for not helping the Jews as the Babylonian army took over their city. I can’t blame him… I can hardly stand to read about the atrocities he saw and experienced! The book of lamentations are the result of the poet going through stages of immense grief, in a way. He experiences sadness, grief, anger, and also self-reflection. He realizes the Lord had promised to punish sinfulness and has kept His promise because:

Jerusalem has sinned greatly and so has become unclean. ( Lamentations 1:8 NIV)

Isn’t it a “hard pill to swallow” when we recognize our sin? We are fortunate enough to have a Savior and a God that will always forgive us. The lamenting poet sings a new song when he remembers this about God:

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  Lamentations 3:22- 23 NIV

Thank you, Lord for each new day! You forgive our wrongdoings and give us reasons to glorify You anew! We love You and thank You for Your faithfulness and love. We will do our best to give You the same! Amen