A Love Like No Other

"I will heal their waywardness.
   I will love them lavishly. My anger is played out.
I will make a fresh start with Israel.
   He'll burst into bloom like a crocus in the spring.
He'll put down deep oak tree roots,
   he'll become a forest of oaks!
He'll become splendid—like a giant sequoia,
   his fragrance like a grove of cedars!
Those who live near him will be blessed by him,
   be blessed and prosper like golden grain."  Hosea 14:4-7, The Message

I know it's been weeks since I've posted anything.  Sometimes life takes over my life!!  lol  Know what I mean?

So I'm starting back kind of slowly.  I wanted to share this scripture with you.  I just opened my Bible, and it fell to this passage. 

Imagine a God who longs to love us lavishly.  Who pines for a fresh start with us.  Who desires to make us splendid.  Boy, that's a love like no other. 

There's a book called "Sacred Echos" by Margaret Feinburg.  I would urge you to read it!  (I have a copy if anyone wants to borrow it.)  In this book Margaret talks about how God is constantly and consistently echoing His love to us, all around us, drawing us closer to Him.

You'll hear a song, read a book, have a conversation, listen to a sermon . . . all about the same topic.  That's not a coincidence.  That's God, echoing His truth through your life.

I just want you to hear this truth today.  God longs to lavish His love on you.  On you!  Great big God, little tiny you.  God of the universe, Almighty Creator . . . and you. 

We can never understand this love.  All we can do is accept it and be grateful! 

This is a weekend of gratitude.  You don't have to only remember the men and women who have served our country.  Take this opportunity to remember all who have been in service to you personally, and be grateful.

And be grateful to God today.  Allow His lavish love to wash all over you! 

Bring the Rain

It's raining today.  It's perfect.

I know I've been quiet on here for the last couple of weeks.  God has really been dealing with me about some things and - well, I'll be honest.  It hasn't been easy.  I've been struggling.

Some of you who read this are good enough friends that you are going to want to call and find out what's going on.  I appreciate that so much.  But right now, I just need to know that you care without going into details about my struggle.

Because, honestly, it's hard to put into words.  Have you ever been that way?  Have you ever had burdens that reach so far down into your heart, you just don't have the words to explain?

All I know is that I need God now more than ever.

I've been leading a study called, "The Forgotten God" by Francis Chan.  It's about the Holy Spirit, His purpose and influence in our lives.  Last week we read this passage in Romans 8:26-27:  " In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will."

And that's where I am.  Groaning because words cannot express.

It's ok, though, you know?  This time in my life - no matter how long it lasts - is showing me my need for God.  And that's a good thing!

Finally . . . there's a song from Mercy Me called, "Bring the Rain."  I've copied the lyrics to the chorus and verse two below.  If you think of me today, pray this for me:  whatever it takes to praise Him.  Whatever it takes for my life to be His.  Whatever it takes.

I am Yours regardless of
The dark clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what's a little rain
So I pray
Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know there'll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that's what it takes to praise You
Jesus, bring the rain

No posts this week!  Check back next week!