Never Once

This morning at church our worship leader, Terry, sang the song posted above, entitled "Never Once", by Matt Redman. As Terry progressed through the song, how humbling to see people all over the building begin to stand acknowledging the words to this song as applicable to their lives. For me, truer words have never been written. Never once, have I ever been without God's grace, love, mercy, care, and forgiveness. God is definitely faithful and true to His Word. I have never been alone, nor will I ever be.  That's a great place to be!

 

PRAYER:  Dear God, thank You for Your faithfulness and for always always walking beside us through our victories and our struggles.  Thank you for loving us enough to be our constant source of strength and hope.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.

When I Don't Know What To Do

This song touched my heart tonight.  All of us have times when we cannot find the right words to say to someone else or even to God. Inevitably, all of us go through tough times as we seek His will for our lives, and as we strive to be all that He wants us to be. 

I pray that your spirits will be lifted by this song, knowing that even when you don't know what to do or say, by praising God and seeking and trusting Him in your situation, you will have all that you need.  He will never let you down!

Prayer:  Thank You Father for the words to this song.  Help us to always look to you in all ways as we strive to live our life showing others our love for them through our faith in Jesus Christ.  Amen.

God So Loved the World

"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. (NIV)

Our Pastor's message this morning was entitled "Love One Another." I want to also share some of my thoughts along this theme. The Pastor stated, "That as Christians, we are set apart--no longer our own, and are called to proclaim God's praises." We are called not only to love God, but people everywhere. We are truly called to love one another. We are not called to love only those who look or think like us, but ALL people. No matter what our differences or how others may treat us, we are called to love unconditionally. Many people might mistake this for weakness on our part, but this is far from the truth--this is our strength!

Personally, it took me more years than I would like to admit to begin to sense just how much God loves me. I failed Him so many times and felt totally unworthy of His love. You know what? I was unworthy, and still am today. But, through a closer walk with Him, and a deep desire to study and learn from His Word, I now have an inkling of His enormous love for me. No matter what circumstance may come into my life, I always feel God's presence and love. Although I will never be able to grasp the scope of that love in its entirety, I am confident that someday I will. One thing that I am certain of beyond a doubt is that there has never been, nor will there ever be a love like His. And, I am so thankful because this is where my inner peace originates--His unconditional love for me through Jesus Christ--and my deep love for Him. 

Through God's love, mercy, and grace we are set free to love others. We are able to share what a difference knowing Him has made in our lives. The most amazing thing is that God loves all of His creation equally. His unconditional love is never dependent upon a person's current relationship status with Him. God is good and His love endures forever. Let us go forth and love others in the same way.

During the morning message, we saw the video with song below by Charles Billingsley and I wanted to share it. 

  

PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us unconditionally. Now, help us remember to always love others in that same way. We need Your strength and help to do this, but we know that Your love, grace, and mercy extends beyond our abilities. We ask you to do Your work in us as only You can. Help those who feel that you have abandoned them to look into Your Word and rest on the promises found therein. I pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.