Tuesday, October 27, 2009

GOD IS LOVE


Today is Thankful Thursday hosted by Lynn at Spiritually Unequal Marriage. I have come to really love this particular event as it so blesses me to visit all the happy, grateful hearts who participate. To find and read all the other blogs who participate, click HERE. You too will be so blessed if you do.

As always there are many things I could chose to focus on for this post. Honestly I have a hard time choosing. I am grateful Melody came for a visit and that all of my other kids were here as well to share a meal and some time together. There are so many of us, and with the busy times we live in today, it is hard sometimes to accomplish. But I think as I was dwelling on things this week, I decided to focus on God's love. It really is the foundation for everything it is I am so grateful for. My salvation and relationship with Him, is at the center of everything that means so much to me.

1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

I love this verse...It was one of the first all of my kids memorized, and has been put to song, so every time I read this verse, or hear it in any way, the song floats through my mind and memory and makes me smile.

The Scriptures are quite clear that God IS love,(1 John 4:8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love) and so when we don't love we can't know God intimately. There has been many times in my life where I have known someone for just a short while and yet discovered that they were a "kindred spirit".. Why? Because this person radiates the love of God. God's light truly shines through them...How sad it seems to me that there are so many people in this world who do not know of this love from God...how many people who feel truly alone and don't have the support and love of a good spouse or family...how many people whose lives are meaningless, desperate and empty? How grateful I am for the people in my life who love me, and for a God that loves us all with an unconditional and everlasting love.

1 John 3:11 For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another..

As a young girl growing up the words "I love you" were not ones I remember hearing almost ever at all. I don't think it was because I wasn't loved, just that it was never actually said. My relationship with my father was a difficult one, and I seldom "felt" much love from him either. So for me, saying those three sweet words have always been somewhat difficult. Looking back now I regret that I didn't say these words more often to all of my children, husband and loved ones over the years. It certainly wasn't because I didn't feel it for them, as my heart overflowed many times with an overwhelming abundance of love. But dwelling on it now, I feel it is important that these words are said OFTEN to all of our loved ones. People who know they are loved have a cheerier outlook on life. There is a sparkle in their eyes, and they can look you in the eye with a face that reflects confidence. This inner peace will radiate in all of their relationships. It is most difficult to not like someone who says that they love you. In fact, it is almost impossible to do so. So for all of those who know me GET READY you will be hearing these words A LOT from me....

1 Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent love for one another..

Romans 8:39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Much love to you all!

12 comments:

  1. Debbie, the scriptures you have shared here really do express how much we are loved by our Lord, and how we are to love Him and others in return. I could share stories that I hold dear in my heart, but I will just share that my family is a group of people that never let a moment go by without telling you that they love you. We know that we are rare, and that other people think we're weird, but we just can't help hugging and kissing and saying "I love you". My older granddaughter hates it, but the younger one thrives on it. I have to tell you this...my granddaughter called me the other night, in tears...I asked why she was crying, and she told me that she was reading in her devotional, and the words on the page told her that God loves her for no reason...no reason at all. Those were pretty much her words. I can remember the day that I "got" it, that God loves me. Your post today is just that...knowing that He loves you...it changes us. And telling others that you love them changes them. Like you said, its difficult to not like someone that tells you that they love you...so we need to say it often.

    I just got a chance to read your post yesterday about Mel, and I loved it...you are such a loving mom...no doubt she knows just how much she is loved by you, and it really does show in her joyful smile!

    God bless,
    Mary

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  2. hello!

    Thank you for visiting my blog for Thankful Thursday. I have enjoyed your post today and want to come back and look around more when I have a little bit longer. I'm about to head out this morning, just wanted to say have a great day! The scriptures were encouraging to me this morning.

    God bless,
    Bethany

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  3. Debbie,
    Just beautiful, as always so inspiring. So blessed by this post. Thank you for sharing your heart.I have had you and Mel on my heart and mind, and have been praying for you..... But just think a few weeks until Thanksgiving.
    Blessings,
    sue

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  4. Many people our age never heard those words often when they were growing up. Nowadays, people say it so often I sometimes wonder if it's truly meant. But knowing that we are so loved my our Heavenly Father gives me such peace and joy. His love seems to pour out of you even in the short time I'm getting to know you and I'm loving it Deb.

    Hugs to you,
    Debbie

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  5. Hi Debbie,

    Thanks for your visit and kind words of encouragements. I am keeping your sister in my prayers.

    I love this picture you shared. It is so beautiful and the verse is very encouraging. May God enable us to rejoice in Him and praise Him always, through all the changing scenes in life.

    Thank God for blessing you and your family in many wonderful ways. Time spent with loved ones are especially precious and a great blessing. May God continue to shower His love upon you and your family. Take care and have a blessed day!

    God bless you,
    Nancie

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  6. Bless you for sharing such a lovely post.

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  7. Wow Debbie,

    What a transparent post and one many people need to read.

    Thank you. Thank you for your boldness and truth. Love you. Hugs, Lynn

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  8. What a lovely post. I'm so sorry about your relationship with your dad growing up! But like your family, our family didn't go around saying "I love you" either. And I've made a point of saying it to my children at least once a day and every time we hang up on the phone with each other.

    I enjoyed your post tremendously!!!

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  9. What a great verse! Thanks for sharing this. I've really enjoyed reading it and can relate. God bless you!

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  10. Thank you Debbie, for such an inspiring post. It is true that God's love is the foundation that everything else is built upon. The verses that you included in this post were awesome, I am reminded why I say so often to my family that I love them; and am encouraged to show others the love of Christ who is in me. Thank you again and God Bless you and your family - and I am glad for you that you were able to have time with all of your children!

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  11. Love your Thankful Thursday! And I do know what you mean about discovering "kindred spirits". Just today I ran into a lady I don't know very well, but met through a Bible study. We had a chance to talk for a little while today and I left marveling at how easy the conversation flowed and the personal things we talked about even barely knowing each other! But we share a love for Jesus and that makes conversation love-filled and refreshingly genuine!

    Thanks for your sweet words on my blog! It is great to "meet" you, so to speak. What a beautiful family you have!

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  12. I thought I had visited and left a comment when I read this but maybe I didn't. Sorry about that. It's such a wonderfully encouraging post. Thanks so much dear sister.

    Love and blessings.

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I am so glad that you would take the time to comment on my thoughts and feelings, it is such a blessing to me!