I will share about Christian books I have read or listened to.
I will be sharing about my life before and after Christ. I will include stories about my pet and other pets I have encountered.
The Great Love of Jesus
Love is the beginning of everything. You and I have life and breath at this very moment because God loves us. God created us because He wanted a people to love, and we are the recipients of His great love.
In 1 John 4:9, John tells his readers that the primary way God showed His love toward us is through Jesus. Even while we were considered enemies of God, He sent Jesus to earth on our behalf. While Jesus was on earth, he lived a sinless life as a representative of humanity to God. His death and resurrection made a way for us to be forgiven of our sins and begin a relationship with God.
God now gives us His love freely. There is nothing that we can do to earn His love, and there’s nothing about us that deserves His love. This is why John says love comes from God (1 John 4:7).
Love is our greatest responsibility in life. Jesus made it very clear to His disciples that loving God and loving others are the two greatest commandments. But the basis for all of this is the love of God through Jesus.
John tells us in 1 John 4:7-8 that those who truly know God will also love others. Our relationship with God is the model for how we should love other people. We should never deny someone something we’ve been freely given. And since we have freely received love from God, we should also freely give love to others.
Consider some ways you can love the people around you. Sometimes simply spending time with people is the best way to love them. There might also be someone you know who needs encouragement, or help meeting their needs. Think of one or two things you can do this week to show love to someone in your life.
Holy is His Name
Have you ever found yourself feeling uncertain in life, or weighed down by your circumstances? In times like these, it can feel almost impossible to praise the Lord for all He has done.
Life's trials can often cloud our vision, making it difficult to see past our present struggles. Mary's declaration in Luke isn't solely about her blessings; it's a testament to the unchanging character of God. Despite her uncertainties and forthcoming challenges, she found the strength to proclaim the greatness of God and the holiness of His name:
"For the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name."
Luke 1:49 NIV
Even when we don’t have all the answers, we can declare, "Holy is his name." Even when we’re faced with hardships threatening to steal our praise, we can declare, "Holy is his name." Even when the weight of fear presses down on us, we can declare, "Holy is his name."
Our declaration, like Mary's, is rooted in the belief that God’s faithfulness remains ...
