Posts Tagged ‘God’s love’

When Our Day’s Plans Change

Monday, January 16th, 2012

Snow blankets the world beyond my office window this morning. Traffic on the main road nearby is nearly nil—it seems people are choosing to stay home today rather than risk driving in icy conditions.

Snow falls on the world beyond my office window.

I made that choice early this morning, too. I was supposed to attend a Think Referral Network meeting in a neighboring city. When the alarm went off at 5:30,my husband looked out the window, saw the weather and said, “There’s no way I’m letting you drive alone on these roads.”

We set out at 6:20 AM, allowing 60 minutes for the 30-minute drive. The Trans-Canada highway was a mess, visibility was poor, and cars crept along at about 40 km/hr (25 mph). The radio traffic reporter told of school closures and cars in the ditch. “Stay home if you don’t absolutely need to go out today,” she warned.

Better safe than sorry, we reasoned. We took the first exit and retraced our route to the welcoming warmth and safety of our townhouse.

My day’s plans aren’t what I’d expected, but that’s okay. Instead of attending the meeting, I’m home today—working in my office, doing laundry, and cooking a pot of ham, potato, and green bean soup. The warmth makes me grateful for God’s protection. The savory aroma reminds me of His constant provision. The freshly-fallen whiteness reminds me of His promise to wash my sinful self whiter than snow. Not “as white as snow,” but whiter.

Rather than stress about the changed plans, I’ll embrace them as an opportunity to enjoy the unexpected and to rest in God’s sovereignty.

“Thank you, God, for every good and perfect gift. I feel enveloped by Your lavish love today.”

Last week, a reader sent me the words she speaks every morning. They, too, remind me of God’s love for His children. They blessed me richly, so I asked her permission to share them with you. She kindly agreed. (Thank you, Darlene).

“The light of God surrounds me.

The love of God enfolds me.

The power of God protects me.

The Spirit of God watches over me.

Wherever I am, God is.”

Whatever your day holds, my friend, I pray you’ll be consciously aware that God is holding you. By the way, what does your day hold? How has God evidenced His love for you?

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Another Prayer for 2011

Wednesday, December 29th, 2010

Hey, hey! Here’s a verse that makes an ideal prayer for 2011. Perhaps I’ll tape this one to the bathroom mirror where I’ll see it every morning. “Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you” (Psalm 143:8).

Frankly, you and I don’t have a clue what the New Year holds. But in the midst of uncertainty, we can be sure of this: God’s love for us is like a gushing waterfall that never runs dry, therefore we can trust Him implicitly with every aspect of our lives. Do you believe this is true? If so, I encourage you to incorporate this prayer (or something similar, based on Psalm 143:8) into your daily routine…

“Dear Father, open my eyes and ears to see and hear evidences of Your love for me today. I invite You to be Lord over my time, talents, tongue, money, mind, and health. Direct my steps and show me where to walk. Show me with whom You want me to speak. Show me to whom You want me to listen. Accomplish Your highest purposes through me. I’m Yours.”

Making this prayer a meaningful part of our daily lives could transform our way of thinking and the impact we have on others. I’m willing and eager to experience such a change. Are you?

Have you found a specific verse that you’d like to incorporate into your daily routine in 2011? If so, what is it?

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All You Need is Love

Monday, October 18th, 2010

Remember the one-time popular song lyrics? “All you need is love…all you need is love…”

I agree, although not with the type of love the singers were singin’ about.

All we need is God’s love, and He lavishes it upon us. How so? Here are a few examples:

  • He greets us with the rising sun every morning.
  • He soothes our fears by promising us His constant presence.
  • He provides for our material needs.
  • He sends heavenly hugs through a song or a friend’s email or phone call.
  • He surrounds us with the beauty of creation.
  • He gives us the gift of sleep to restore our bodies.
  • He gives us talents and gifts to develop, use, and enjoy.
  • He disciplines us when we behave like rebellious know-it-alls.

That list is by no means exhaustive; it’s just a teaser that shows some tangible ways in which God shows His love to those who love Him. He communicates His affection in other ways, too.

For instance, He speaks to us through His Word with affirmations such as, “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself” (Jeremiah 31:3). How sweet is that? But wait! There’s more…

Most of all, God loves us by giving us the free gift of eternal life. Thank goodness He doesn’t dole it out only to those with pristine behavior or sin-free status. If that was true, I’m afraid I’d be outta luck, along with the rest of the world’s population.

How should the knowledge of God’s great love for us impact our lives? Personally, it gives me the ability to rest in His purpose for my life and in His ability to orchestrate the details to accomplish that purpose. Circumstances don’t always turn out the way I think they should, but I don’t need to fret of fear because I’m in His care. He knows what’s best for me and how to bring it to pass. Besides, is He not powerful enough to accomplish whatever He wants to do?  

All we need is love, folks. God’s love. It’s the best antidote for all that ails us. Wanna join me in humming a little tune? “All you need is love…ba ba ba ba ba…all you need is love…”

Tell me, how has God shown His love for you? How does the knowledge of His love impact your life?

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On to Slovakia

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

Our team traveled to Budapest where we spent the night and then went separate ways the next morning. Gene and I caught a shuttle van to Kosice, Slovakia with one of our team members who will now minister there in an evangelistic family camp with five other Canadian volunteers. She was transporting her personal luggage plus three suitcases loaded with camp supplies, so there was no way we were going to put her on a train to deal with that stuff on her own. Thankfully the van was air-conditioned; it’s hot as blazes and muggy here. Sweat trickles down our necks and backs, and our pants stick to our legs if we sit anywhere too long.

We stayed two nights in a little house down the street from our IM Canada career staff, Brad and Karla Thiessen. I was able to wash our clothes in a washing machine – yahoo! What a treat to do it this way as opposed to in a bathroom sink or on the floor of a hotel shower. I hung the laundry on a makeshift line and it dried in less than an hour, denims included.

I was glad to have several hours to review my manuscript for the study guide that will accompany Moving From Fear to Freedom. The editor has done her job on it and sent some suggested revisions. She also asked me to check several references – that’s a bit tricky to do because I didn’t bring the Bible from which I quoted. Hmmm…I’ll need to find a fix for that so the production process can continue while I’m away.

We had a delightful surprise here. Our IM Canada short-termers were invited to a “garden party” hosted by a woman named Irena and her husband. Irena was my translator when we brought a team to a Slovakian evangelistic family camp in 2008. She and I really hit it off then and have been friends every since. We didn’t know about the party until we arrived here, and she didn’t know that Gene and I were in Kosice until she opened her door and saw us standing on her doorstep. What fun to see the look on her face and to exchange kisses on each other’s cheeks! We even had a few moments to share from our hearts and to pray for concerns. “Thank You, God, for the gift of girlfriends worldwide who share my love for You.”

It was also a delight to meet our IM Canadian short-termers within hours of their arrival here. They didn’t know we’d be here so it was fun to surprise them and have dinner together. I felt sorry for them – they were heavy into jet lag. One of our women sprained her ankle in the afternoon so Irena set her on a futon with her foot elevated and then found ice chips to place on the swelling. Poor thing! She’s wondering what lesson God plans to teach her through this unfortunate accident. She needs our prayers, as does everyone on the team as they head to the camp venue and prepare for a week of sharing God’s love with campers of all ages.

IM short-termers and interns at Irena's garden party

My friend Irena (right)

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Of Brides and Bridegrooms

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

God’s love for us supersedes our wildest imagination. This morning I discovered a nugget in Isaiah that says He rejoices over us as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride (62:5b). Wow – think about that word picture!

Last month I had the opportunity to attend a family member’s wedding. When the pastor pronounced the couple as Mr. and Mrs., the new hubby’s smile lit up the room and his eyes spilled tears of joy. His love for his bride was obvious to all. He delighted in her, he was captivated by her beauty, and no doubt he couldn’t wait to whisk her away to celebrate their wedding night.

I must admit I’ve never really thought about God’s love for me in those terms. In fact, based on this verse, my understanding of His love has been a little warped or shallow. Why else would I think I have to perform well to earn His favor? Why else would I be afraid to say yes when He gives me an assignment? Why else would I ask forgiveness for the same sin over and over and over?

Scripture says God rejoices over me like a bridegroom rejoices over his bride. That makes me wonder…do His eyes light up when I put busyness aside to spend time in His presence? Does He smile when I tell Him that He’s wonderful? Does He spill tears of joy when I walk by faith because I trust Him? Does He long to be intimate with me, and me with Him? If Isaiah’s word picture is accurate, then the answer is yes.

This one nugget is so rich and deep. I think I need to ponder it, meditate on it, relish it…and let it change my life. How about you? What thoughts come to mind when you think about this word picture that describes God’s love for you?

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