Joanne Lowe's Meditations

EVERY TIME

“Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.”

Matthew 18:21, 22 (King James Version)

Have you ever heard a parent say to a child “You told me five minutes ago that you wouldn’t do that any more and you just did it again”? Have you ever said that to your children? I think if we will listen with our hearts we will hear Jesus saying to us “You told Me you wouldn’t do that again but you just did it”.

No matter how many times we fail Jesus and hurt Him, if we tell Him that we’re sorry and ask Him to forgive us, He is faithful to forgive us. If the Saviour of the world forgives us every time we hurt Him, how much more we should forgive those who hurt us.

How dare we ask God to forgive us if we are not willing to forgive those who hurt us. We need to remember that none of us are perfect. There was only one perfect person who ever lived or ever will live and His name is Jesus. He never sinned one time yet He died for our sins.

If we want our families and friends to forgive us, we had better forgive them. No matter how many times they hurt us, we need to forgive them. Do you forgive from your heart or do you just tell them that you forgive them? Are you only giving them lip service?

May God have mercy on us if we are harboring unforgiveness in our hearts. Heavenly Father, please forgive us for hurting You and for not forgiving those who hurt us. Help us to forgive from our hearts and not just give them lip service. Thank You. Amen.

Joanne Lowe

joannelowe8@cox.net

www.joanne-ourprecioussaviour.blogspot.com

Joanne Lowe's Meditations

THANK GOD FOR THE CROSS

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Hebrews 12:2 (King James Version)

The cross that Jesus endured was a cross of shame, horror and excruciating pain. However, it was also a cross of unconditional love, mercy, grace, compassion and forgiveness. Our precious Saviour not only gives unconditional love; He is unconditional love.

Pastor Alfred Henry Ackley wrote a song that should challenge every Christian “Take Up Thy Cross”. Every time I read or sing these words, they challenge me. “Take up thy cross and follow Me.” I hear the blessed Savior call; How can I make a lesser sacrifice, When Jesus gave His all?”

After all that Jesus has done for us and does for us every day, may God have mercy on us if we don’t take up our crosses and follow Him. If ever someone deserves to be praised, adored and honoured, it is Jesus! He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

Heavenly Father, we give You thanks for Jesus, our precious Saviour. Thank You for opening Your heart of compassion and sending Jesus to pay the price for our sins. Please forgive us for not taking up our crosses and following Jesus.

I love You, Heavenly Father. I love You, Jesus, and I appreciate all You have done for me and all that You do for me every day. I love You, Holy Spirit. Thank You for being my teacher. All hail, King Jesus! Worthy is the Lamb of God! Amen.

Joanne Lowe

joannelowe8@cox.net

www.joanne-ourprecioussaviour.blogspot.com