God's Love and More

“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word” (II Thessalonians 2:16).

I always enjoy seeing the colorful Valentine’s Day decorations at this time of year, and it’s an appropriate time to meditate on God’s priceless love. This verse is a favorite of mine, because it reminds me not only of His great love for me, but of the other blessings I am given as well.

Love and grace: God loved me enough to send Jesus to the cross for me, though I did nothing to deserve or earn this (Ephesians 2:5). His love is everlasting, and no pain, illness, or difficulty can separate me from it (Jeremiah 31:3, Romans 8:39).

Eternal encouragement: God’s support and help will never end. They are as eternal and boundless as He is, and He always hears my cry (Psalm 10:17).

Good hope: When my hope seems gone, He miraculously restores it through Scripture and the comforting power of the Holy Spirit within me (Romans 15:4, 13). I have hope for my eternal future, and I am given continual daily hope as I face the frustrations and disappointments of my disabilities.

Strength: I am given God’s divine power to live this life, even in weakness, trials, and pain (II Peter 1:3), and I am constantly protected against Satan’s attacks (II Timothy 4:18).

When I feel overwhelmed and unable to keep going, I remind myself of what I possess. Just as the cheerful red of February is a bright spot in the midst of a gray winter, so the comfort of these divine gifts lifts me up on my darkest days. I can make it — through this day and through this life– because of God’s love and more.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, how I praise You for Your unending love, grace, encouragement, hope, and strength. Teach me to live my days in the power of these truths. Amen.


About the Author:

Bronlynn Spindler is a wife and mother of three grown daughters and lives in Fredericksburg, VA. God’s grace and strength give her the ability to deal with chronic back pain, depression, headaches, and fibromyalgia. You may contact her at spindler@cox.net and view her blog of devotionals at http://www.aplaceofsprings57.blogspot.com/.

Posted by: Rest Ministries

Beautiful Days Of Autumn

Beautiful Days of Autumn

~ Angela Hall Dobbins

Autumn leaves swirl ‘round in circles

O’er the beautiful, shimmering pond,

And, in the meadow, wildflowers wake

Into the misty fog beyond.

The sparrows seem to dance a ballet

‘Round the oak tree’s branching bows,

And the mockingbirds sing their melodies

In the time to them nature allows.

Little cottontails scamper ‘cross the meadow,

All covered in sparkling dew,

To drink from a stream of rainwater

That has freshly fallen anew.

The squirrel is gathering nuts

For the winter yet to come.

And, though it seems he’s plenty,

He’s always lacking some.

These beautiful days of autumn

The beholder will long remember,

For each reveals the Creator’s heart,

In all its glorious splendor.


Photo art by Angela Hall Dobbins

For more Christian poetry and bits of wisdom, visit True Life Family Ministries