Journaling with Jesus

For the love of the Lord

[journalingwithjesus]

The other day I was thinking about the love of God, and how unflawed it is. As I pondered, the reflections led me to the realization- that my human mind would never be able to fully understand what kind of love that is. And then it hit me.

“For God so loved the world; that He gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life”. For God so loved the world, that He gave Jesus. Jesus, an embodiment of God’s love. Of His passion, His selflessness, and generosity. Of His sacrifice and openness.

The reality is that the world does not believe that to reject Jesus is to reject love. Yet, there’s a famous quote by W.S Gilbert that states “love makes the world go round”

Believing in Christ leads one to the blessing of being aware that knowing Jesus is knowing love and that believing in Jesus is believing in the power of love through Him.

As believers, we know the reality that we are not here to be babied by the world, but we are encouraged to know about what the love of the Lord warrants us in the world. We are guaranteed the right to become His children, 1 John 3:1 tells us of this truth.

As children of God, we have the access to eternal life through Jesus. John 17:1–3 explains the power of Christ to give eternal life to those who believe in Him. Jesus defined eternal life in vs 3 as “that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” The word know here means to develop a relationship through meeting, spending time with, and being familiar with someone or something.

To be familiar with the one true God and Jesus Christ whom He sent is to know how God loves. Eternal life does not begin after death, but as soon as one receives Christ. He is Eternal Life. This gift of eternal life cannot be taken from a believer. Paul gives assurance in the word that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Romans 8:38–39 is a reminder of the everlasting love of God revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

To experience an everlasting love that is accessible to all who choose to receive. A love that touches different people in different ways. What kind of love is this? it’s unexplainable, but that’s everlasting love. The Lord’s love is security to one person, to the other, it’s patience, to another faithfulness. To one man it’s comfort, to another woman grace and mercy.

It’s no surprise that one of the prayers Paul said for the Ephesians was that they would grasp how wide and long and deep the love of Christ is in Ephesians 3:16–19.

All in all, we know because of His great love, the Lord is not willing that any should perish, but for all to come to repentance 2 Pet 3:9 makes us aware of this truth.

May we as the body of Christ be strengthened to share the love the Lord has blessed us with so that the world may know that Jesus is truly a gift of love. He makes the world go round.

[journalingwithjesus]

[journalingwithjesus]

Don't be afraid, God cares. You are special because God made you. He has a plan for your future. You have hope. Look at sparrows, they lack nothing. Have a blessed week.

[journalingwithjesus]

Your light shines in the darkness

so bright my Lord you shine. 

The darkness cannot comprehend

but in this heart of mine you are God. 

You are God alone, light of the world

A shining star, a precious pearl. 

My soul thirsts for you

It crawls out to reach to you. 

To cling, to get a glimpse of your bling 

You will never leave or forsake me, I have the victory. 

In you there is light, may I forever cling to see you shine so bright. 

[journalingwithjesus]

Part 1 

me: “So God, how do we do this? what do we do? 

God: “Be still and know that I am God”. 

Last night, I didn’t want to get out of the shower. I wanted to just stay under the running water and cry! I wanted to cry out all the pain I felt in the moment. I knew that pain felt familiar, I knew it could only be followed up with a cry. 

I just kept asking the Lord what to do about any and everything. I was blank, worried and shaken up by what I couldn’t and could think. Then “be still and know that I am God” was laid on my heart. I still wanted to cry because it was only right for the moment but all I did was sing: 

“when the oceans rise and thunders roar, I will soar with you above the storm. Father you are king over the flood, I will be still and know you are God”

but even after this, there was a part of me that didn’t want to be satisfied with “be still and know that I am God” because that was not what I wanted to hear or know for what was going on.

[To be continued ]...

[journalingwithjesus]

2020 for most people was a bleak, anxiety induced year, but with all the uncertainty we faced, there was one thing we could certainly hold on to: “God is good”. 

We will never get the world in a perfect state, but we have a perfect God who is compassionate and gracious to our pain. He knows the effects of our broken world so He calls us out to face the negativity with bravery, not because we can but because of the purpose we have in Him.”I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” John 16:33 

In 2021, no one knows what troubles we will face but may we see God’s goodness in each distressing situation.

I thank God that there is always purpose in pain. James 1:2 encourages us to view our struggles with grace. “Consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith produces perseverance“. Trials are meant to draw us closer to Him because they make us dependent on His love. This year, with whatever pain we face, I pray that we take a step closer to experience the Lord’s love. 

GO HIGHER UP, COME FURTHER IN to the Most High this year. Have a blessed 2021. 

[journalingwithjesus]

 When life’s problems attempt to devour our peace, Christ is the one person who can truly satisfy the famished areas in our lives. However, sometimes the knowledge of Christ being the only satisfaction also begins to drown in life’s pool of problems. 

With ongoing situations especially in recent times, it is easy to be pulled left, right, down and away from a sound mind. However, there is always a gentle reminder to run back to Christ who is at the center of all things and is the giver of peace. 

I get encouraged when I’m gently reminded that it is more valuable to seek God’s face,and not His hand. To seek Him for who He is, and not only what He can do for me. After all, the good Lord promises His children that if we seek His kingdom and His righteousness first, all these things will be added unto us. Matthew 6:33. 

I’m learning that God would rather I draw closer to Him and get to know Him better instead of worrying about temporary things that I will eventually be blessed with by His grace. 

Distractions come and go but there’s one person that remains steadfast in one’s heart. He is Jesus, He is God, He is everything. 

Prayer: Thank you God for gently reminding me to always focus on you. Thank you for not giving up on me when I get distracted. Please continue to satisfy my heart with the knowledge of who you are. I am blessed because you have called me into a relationship with you. Your face Lord will I seek when my heart says “Seek His face” Amen. 

[journalingwithjesus]

First time I laid eyes on this scripture, it brought me great comfort. I was comforted in such a way that I knew only Jesus could provide. I couldn’t help but ponder that indeed God is the strength of my heart and portion forever when my flesh and my heart fail. When my feelings are fickle, my thoughts won’t stop racing and the cares of this world are making me anxious, the only remedy to the craziness in and around me is the love of God. God is love and love is eternal. The depth of His love knows no bounds and that constant reminder brings such peace and comfort.

The word of God never fails to remind me of the love of the Father which makes up for times my brokenness is in the way. The love of the father is true and unchangeable, it is patient and kind in all its ways, so why wouldn’t it be the strength of my heart? 

Prayer: God thank you for your love, grace and mercy. Without these I am nothing. Lord, there are days I feel overwhelmed by my thoughts and the cares of this world that take over the peace in my spirit. Whenever I feel this way, please come to my rescue and save me with your love. I know there is nothing too hard for you and it is your delight to always bless your children with the peace of your presence. Please continue to be the strength of my heart and portion forever. Amen 

[journalingwithjesus]

 Song by Jean Pederson 

Jesus, you’re my sunshine on a dark and cloudy day; You told me that you love me, and you’ll never, never, never away.

Because you are the lily of the valley, You are the apple of my Father’s eye, You are the fairest of ten thousand  You are the only one that will not lie.

Even when I’m lonely, And I don’t know what to do; Jesus you’re my best friend And I know that I can always talk to you.

Because you are the lily of the valley, You are the apple of my Father’s eye, You are the fairest of ten thousand You are the only one that will not lie.

This song reminds me about how Jesus is always ready to listen to rants and deep thoughts, no matter how dark they are. He knows us completely, yet loves us so deeply. That’s the God I serve! He is kind, compassionate and merciful. Sweet Jesus is available to anyone who is willing to invite Him into their business. 

[journalingwithjesus]

  One of my heart’s desires has been to be able to tirelessly say “thank you Jesus” in all circumstances regardless of my feelings. This is going to be a lifelong process, and knowing that feelings and circumstances are always changing, there’s the need to find a secure place to be when changes are not favorable. I’ve found that security in Christ. He never changes, God is faithful.“For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does” Psalm 33:4

 Believing in the power of thanking the Lord always, especially in darker times is a bigger blessing than it’s seen as. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (NIV)

I know the truth, that God is always good and that all things work well for those who love Him and are called to His purpose. It’s important to keep in my heart that the crooked paths would certainly be made straight one day. I’m going to keep utilizing the principle of being thankful, for it is one of the materials needed on the way to the secure place. 

Thank You Jesus for life, love and every good gift you have to offer. I am thankful for the bad, the uncomfortable, and the circumstances thrown at me from the cracks and crevices of this broken world.