Kathy Howard's Blog: Unshakeable Faith for Life, page 66

10 Benefits of God’s Unfailing Love

This is the last in a series of posts on God’s unfailing love. See the first in the series here.

How well do you love? Does your love have a positive impact on the people you love? Are they better off because you have loved them?

If you’re anything like me, the answer is “sometimes yes, sometimes no.” Sometimes we put others first and love them unselfishly, meeting their needs. But sometimes, we get in the way, we put ourselves first, and we “love” others half-hearted at best. Still other times we find it hard to love others because they “don’t deserve it.”

 

Thankfully, God loves us vastly different than we love each other. His love is based on His character and not on our worthiness. He loves us well because He is holy, perfect.

It’s so easy for us to take God’s love for granted. Unless we remind ourselves, we are quick to forget the greatness of His unfailing love. In Psalm 103, David purposefully recounted the benefits of God’s love and praised Him for them. Let’s follow David’s example. Below are 10 benefits of God’s unfailing love based on Psalm 103:

He forgives our sins.
He heals our diseases.
He redeems our lives from the pit.
He crowns us with compassion.
He satisfies our desires with good things.
He makes His ways known to us.
He does not treat us as our sins deserve.
He is rich toward us with abundant forgiveness, mercy, and grace.
He deals with us gently because He knows we are weak.
He will love us forever; His love never fails.

Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Psalm 103:1-2

Do you ever take the Lord’s love for granted? In what ways has He shown His love to you recently?

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Gospel Basics Scripture Memory Chart

If you’re a mom, you know how to be prepared for anything. You keep medicines on hand in case illness pops up in the middle of the night. You carry snacks in the car when you run errands because somebody will get hungry. You pack a change of clothes for play dates, just in case. But are you always prepared to share the Good News about Jesus?

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 1 Peter 3:15, NLT

In his first letter, Peter urged believers to always be prepared to tell others about the salvation found only in Jesus. In addition to preparing our personal story of our faith in Christ we should also be ready to share key Scriptures about salvation. The best way to always have those “ready” is to memorize them.

Verses to Share the Gospel

The chart below suggests 24 verses or short passages. The first 10 will help you show an individual her need for Jesus and how to place her faith for salvation in Him. The remaining passages will help you walk them through an overview of what it means to be a disciple or to follow Jesus daily.

If this is your first time to seriously memorize Scripture you may want to pick just one of the two monthly passages to memorize. If you are ready for more of a challenge, memorize both passages each month.  PRINT PDF VERSION

Additional Help for Memorizing Scripture

If you’re new to memorizing Scripture, you may want to check out this additional posts and resources:

Scripture Memory Tips   (PDF version)

7 Activities to Help you Memorize Scripture

6 Reasons to Memorize Scripture

Have you ever used memorized Scripture to share your faith in Jesus with someone? How did God use it?

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God’s Unfailing Love in Times of Trouble

If I’m sick, I go to the doctor. If my car breaks down, I call my husband. If I’m feeling down, I’ll have lunch with a friend. Unfortunately, sometimes I do all that before I call on God.

Where do you turn in times of trouble? Do you go straight to God or do you try to find answers and solutions on your own first?

David wrote the 86th psalm during a “day of my trouble.” His natural response to difficulty was to go to straight to God.

1 Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer; answer me, for I need your help.

2 Protect me, for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you.

    You are my God.

3 Be merciful to me, O Lord,

    for I am calling on you constantly.

4 Give me happiness, O Lord,

    for I give myself to you.

5 O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive,

    so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.

6 Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord;

    hear my urgent cry.

7 I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble,

    and you will answer me.

Psalm 86:1-7, NLT

David asked God to hear and answer his cry for help. He had complete trust that God would respond to his need because of His unfailing love. David also knew God could respond to his needs. “Among the gods there is none like You… For You are great and do marvelous deeds” (Psalm 86:8, 10).

David’s troubles weren’t easy, light, or few. David even knew days when “a band of ruthless men” sought his life (Psalm 86:14). At various times in his life, David  needed protection, mercy, joy, forgiveness, provision, strength, comfort, and guidance. God met every need, every time.

What do you need today? God will respond to your call because He is full of unfailing love for you. God can meet your need because He possesses all power and authority.

As you listen to this song, think about the last time you took your needs to God? What was it? How did He respond?

Click here to view the embedded video.

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9 Tips for Choosing the Right Bible Study Material

I have dealt with Bible study from almost every conceivable angle. I have studied my Bible and used Bible study materials for decades. I have participated in countless Bible study groups. I have led Bible study groups. I have organized women’s Bible study for several churches. And I have written Bible studies.

Yet, there is one question I still must grapple with again and again. “What study material should we use for this group at this time?” With so much great material available, the answer is seldom easy. The sheer abundance of choices can be overwhelming. Add to that the scope of your options – everything from looking at classic TV shows with a biblical lens to in-depth, exegetical Bible book studies – and the task becomes daunting!

However, these tips can get help you narrow down your choices.

Establish your purpose – Recall why you and your women study the Bible and keep that foremost in your mind. Through His Word, God reveals Himself, His ways, and His will. Our primary goals should be to know and experience God more deeply and to allow Him to make us more like Jesus. A good Bible study will have the same goals for its readers.
Contemplate the needs of the students – For instance, do they need the doctrinal basics or are they ready for something deeper? If part of your purpose is to appeal to seekers, consider a study on a topic such as parenting. Young moms have different life needs and interests than empty nesters. They also have less time! Make sure the topic and the time required will fit your group.


Consider the experience of your leaders – Less experienced leaders will benefit from a study that has a solid, helpful leaders’ guide. Those with more experience won’t necessarily need one. If your leaders are inexperienced or not confident, look for a study with lots of leader helps!


Enlist a few trusted friends – Enlist 3 or 4 women who have lots of Bible study experience to help you in the process. First, ask for study and author recommendations. Then later, after you have gathered a few possibilities, ask them to help you read through and review the selections.


Do a little research – Visit your local Christian bookstore and browse the Bible study section. If you’re looking for a very specific topic, check the non-fiction or Christian living section. Many trade books now include group discussion questions. Also do topic searches on online bookstores like Amazon and ChristianBook.com to find lots of options!


Explore a few new authors – During your research, take a look at a few authors you’ve never used before. We all have our favorites, but different voices can bring freshness and encourage us to look at timeless truths in new ways. Visit the authors’ websites, check their “statement of beliefs,” and check out reader reviews.


Gather some options – After your research, narrow it down to a handful of options and purchase a single copy of each. Review those choices with the help of your enlisted friends.


Check the doctrine – Just because a book is published by a Christian publisher doesn’t mean the author’s doctrine will line up with your church’s understanding of God’s truth. Some things are insignificant like how often we should partake of the Lord’s Supper. Others – like how we are saved – are non-negotiable. Make sure the material is on solid ground!


Confirm the material encourages spiritual growth – Go back to your purpose to make your final decision. Some material can be engaging and even grow our biblical knowledge, yet not encourage application and growth.

Cover it all with prayer and you’re ready to select the next Bible study for your women. Happy studying!

How do you make a decision about Bible study material? For yourself? For a group?

 

 

 

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Finding Strength

I’m excited to have Heather Strickland as my guest today! Her passion is to encourage women with the truth of God’s Word!

I’m Mama to three small boys. Some nights I’m so tired I can’t think straight. Cooking meals, washing dishes, teaching school, and folding laundry can overwhelm me. Sometimes, it feels like there isn’t enough of me to go around and I’m burdened with weariness.

But, God’s Word reminds me I don’t have to do it all on my own. He urges me to call on Him for strength and the ability to do my work. He waits for me to come to Him. He longs to help me. I don’t have to be overwhelmed when I lean on my Father.

God waits for you, too. Humble yourself before Him. With His help you can complete your tasks and fulfill your calling. Like a tired child who climbs up into her father’s lap to rest, come to God to find your rest.

God wants to encourage you and fill you with His strength. Go to His Word and find spiritual renewal. Humbly ask for His help and give Him the glory for accomplishing what only He can.

God calls us to tasks beyond our ability, so we’ll rely on Him. I have never felt like I could be a good mother, but God works through me to be the mother He desires me to be. It’s amazing to feel His presence working in and through me.

The words written in the Bible are effective and can have such an impact on our lives. They can carry us through hardships, guide us in making decisions, and encourage us when we are burdened. Our Father loves us and wants to see us succeed so we can give Him the glory and praise. Get in His Word and let it fill you up.

What verse or passage of Scripture has encouraged you recently? In what way?

Mississippi born and raised, Heather Strickland is a stay-at-home wife and mother with a passion to encourage others through writing. She enjoys sipping coffee on her front porch, flipping through the pages of a good book, and holding hands with her love. When she isn’t serving her family, Heather blogs regularly at Becoming Titus 2 Women, Laced with Grace, and The Imperfect Wives. But her primary ministry is to her husband and three boys. The encouragement Heather receives from God’s Word gives her a desire to help other women experience the same thing. Her new devotional book, At the Master’s Feet, is the result. Whether you are in the midst of trials or joys, triumphs or defeats, good times or bad – Heather encourages the reader to turn to God’s Word for encouragement. Sit at the Master’s feet and learn from Him. You may contact Heather on Facebook at Becoming Titus 2 Women or email her at the.stricklands06@gmail.com

 

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Soul Satisfaction of God’s Unfailing Love

Note: This post is the 6th in a series of posts about God’s unfailing love as found in the Psalms of David. See the first post here.

What do you long for? What do you spend your time pursuing, thinking about, planning for?

Maybe your dream house. Or a family vacation. Perhaps a better job or a higher education. What person or thing makes you think:

If only I could have __________________, then I’d be happy. I’d have everything I want.

And perhaps when you get it you are happy. For a little while. Until the desire for something else starts to grow. Something bigger, newer, better, more exciting.

David had everything this life could offer. He was king of Israel and lived in a palace. He had food, clothing, money, power, and women. Yet he discovered that none of those things truly satisfy.

In Psalm 63, David expresses his longing for and the soul satisfaction he found in the Lover of his soul.

1 O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you.

My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you

in this parched and weary land where there is no water.

2 I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory.

3 Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you!

4 I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer.

5 You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy.

6 I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night.

7 Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.

8 I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely.   Psalm 63:1-8, NLT

David longed for God like a thirsty man on a desert pilgrimage longs for water. He valued God more than anything this world has to offer.

He got a taste of God’s unfailing love and then wouldn’t let go. He responds to God’s love for Him with praise and declarations of commitment.

There would be no other god for David. No other lover of his soul. Nothing else would satisfy. Nothing else would do.

I don’t know about you, but I want that special intimacy with the lover of my soul. God does not hide from us. He wants us to find Him. He waits, holding out to us that which alone can satisfy.

Our responsibility is to seek God and cling to Him. When we do, we will find that God’s hesed love brings deep satisfaction of our soul that nothing else can provide. Won’t you seek Him today?

While you listen to the song below, praise God for His unfailing love that’s “better than life.” How has God’s love brought you “soul satisfaction?”

Click here to view the embedded video.

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Spiritual Power Walking: Learn & Apply God’s Word

I’m honored to welcome my friend, author Poppy Smith, to the blog today. Poppy gives us a glimpse into what it looks like to not only learn God’s Word by to also strive to apply God’s Word!

A couple of weeks ago I went for an hour’s walk, determined to not only exercise my “temple” but also my brain. I decided to memorize what the Apostle Paul said in Acts 20:24 and consider how I could apply God’s Word to my life.

“I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me-the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.”

As I mulled over each part of this verse, heart-probing questions filled my mind.

Four questions I wrestled with:

Do I really consider my life worth nothing to me? Or do I want and go after what pleases me?


Am I still eager to finish the race, or am I being side-tracked and enticed to take it easy?


Do I know what task the Lord Jesus has given me? Am I taking it seriously? Do I sincerely long to complete what He uniquely designed for me to do? (Eph:2:10)


Am I testifying to the gospel of God’s grace in the ways God has equipped and called me? At home with family, through words, hospitality, generosity, acts of kindness, staying in touch with unbelieving relatives and friends?

Spending an hour with these questions and asking the Holy Spirit to search my heart unveiled a lot of stuff I needed to acknowledge. But you know, and I know, that merely acknowledging our failings with humble repentance is not the end goal of times like this. God wants us to make changes—otherwise our repentance is merely sentimentality.

Keep Going. Don’t Stop.

To further emphasize His point that we are called to complete the tasks He has for us, God declares through Paul:

“Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV).

I need that message every day. My mind needs challenging when I dwell on the obstacles, pressures, stressors, and negatives. It needs reminding that inertia, laziness, self-indulgence, and faithlessness is not the way of Jesus nor of His followers.

Paul challenges us to “run the Christian life with focus, train, compete with passion, fight with purpose, master the flesh, and work to receive an eternal reward” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Leadership Bible).

Are you challenged by these verses? Are you convicted as you look at your priorities? Will you take time to pray over what the Spirit is saying to you about your view of living the Christian life?

I’m glad God’s Spirit is “working me over,” speaking to me through numerous Scriptures, prayer, and other books that challenge me to live fully for Him.

Do you need to ask Him to work a changed heart and perspective in you, too? What perspective of yours doesn’t line up with God’s?

Poppy Smith is funny, warm, and passionate about helping women grow spiritually and personally through her speaking and writing ministry. She is a former BSF teacher and has a Masters in Spiritual Formation. Her most recent book is “Why Can’t He Be More Like Me?” For more information, visit PoppySmith.com. Connect with Poppy on Facebook and Twitter.

 

 

 

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The Scope of God’s Unfailing Love

Last spring I traveled to Bangladesh in southern Asia. It took four planes and about 36 hours to get there. That was definitely the furthest from home I’ve ever traveled. Yet, that’s nothing compared to the size of our solar system.

The earth is about 93 million miles away from the star we orbit. The sun’s light – traveling at 186,000 miles per second – takes about 8 minutes to reach us. And we are just one solar system in the Milky Way galaxy.

Let’s go further. Scientists theorize that our galaxy could contain as many as 100 billion solar systems. The Milky Way galaxy is so huge that even at the speed of light it would take 100,000 years to travel across it! And we are just one galaxy in the universe.

Is your brain overwhelmed yet? The truth is, God’s creation is so vast, our best scientists cannot measure it. We cannot even begin to comprehend the scope of the heavens.

It was no coincidence that David used the heavens as a measuring stick for God’s love. Just as the heavens seemingly have no end, so God’s love is endless.

5 Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.

6 Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the ocean depths. You care for people and animals alike, O Lord.

7     How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings.

8 You feed them from the abundance of your own house, letting them drink from your river of delights.

9 For you are the fountain of life, the light by which we see. Psalm 36:5-9, NLT

God’s love has no end. It is as vast as the heavens He created. His love is faithful and righteous. His unfailing love stands firm and majestic like the mountains and runs still deeper than the ocean depths.

God's unfailing love is as vast as the heavens He created.
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We can’t outrun it. We can’t hide from it. God offers His love to all people. He does not extend it to some and withhold it from others. Because He loves us, He provides for our needs in abundance.

Think for a moment about how much you love your spouse or your parents or your children. Even if you love them to “the moon and back” it is like one drop in the ocean compared to the way your Heavenly Father loves you.

As you listen to this song of praise, contemplate the scope of God’s love for you. Feel free to post words of thanksgiving or worship or praise in the comments.

Click here to view the embedded video.

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8 Sites that Offer Great Bible Study Resources

God reveals Himself to us through creation, His Son, and His Word. In the Bible, God displays His character, His will, and His ways. He uses the Bible in our lives to build Christ’s character in us and equip us to do His work.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.                2 Timothy 3:16. NIV

It’s so vital for believers to regularly and intentionally read and study the Bible! That’s why it’s so exciting there are so many Bible study resources accessible online. We have a vast library at our fingertips! We can dig into the context of a passage or the historical significance of an event or get more information on the original language and more! And so much is free! You can access many resources, tools, and writings that will enrich your Bible study on the internet. Just keep in mind that everything you find on the internet will not be truly biblical. Check everything you find against the truth of God’s Word.

Here are 8 great sites to begin:

BibleGateway.com

20 English versions of the Bible with keywords and topical index
 Several commentaries, dictionaries, lexicon, and more


BibleStudyTools.com

Harmony of the Gospels
Easton’s Bible Dictionary
Nave’s Topical Bible
Several commentaries and dictionaries


BlueLetterBible.org

Outlines, charts, maps, Strong’s, Commentaries, Lots of misc.


BibleHub.com

Search and study tools including parallel texts, cross references, Treasury of Scripture, and commentaries, plus access to topical studies, interlinears, sermons, Strong’s and many more resources


StudyLight.org

Bible commentaries, encyclopedias, dictionaries, lexicons and original language tools


BibleHistory.com

Drawings, photos, timelines, archeology, calendars


E-Sword.net

This must be downloaded, but it is free


Christian Classics Ethereal Library

Writings of the old Church Fathers such as Tertullian, Athanasius, and Augustine.

If you missed last Monday’s post, be sure to check out “7 Must-Have Bible Study Resources.”

Would love for you to share your favorite site!

Enrich your Bible study with these 8 online resource sites.
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Falling into God’s Unfailing Love

A couple of years ago, I went on a search to find the perfect little dog as a companion for my mom. It didn’t take long to find the one that fit all the criteria at an area rescue shelter – a darling little Yorkie mix named Sadie.

I kept her at my house for a couple of weeks until I could make the trip to my parents’ house for the delivery. About the second day, I decided to take Sadie into the front yard to potty to avoid the “curiosity” of our own two male dogs. I quickly discovered why she was at a rescue shelter.

Without the hindrance of a fence, Sadie was off and running immediately. She bolted out of the yard, across our street, around the corner, and towards the park in the next block. I chased her the best I could in my flip-flops screaming her name the entire time. Oh, and did I mention it was a cold and wet spring day?

Thankfully, a low area that drains into the small lake adjacent to the park stopped her progress. She ran into it at full speed and quickly discovered the water was deeper than expected. I was able to catch up to her before she could make her way out again.

The water hit me about mid-calf. It was cold and the muck underneath tried desperately to keep my shoes. But I managed to grab the runaway. I walked home holding a dripping, shivering dog at arm’s length, scolding her for trying to make a getaway.

My amused husband met me in the front yard with two towels – one towel for me and one for the dog. After I gave Sadie a thorough cleansing in a warm bath, I held her in my lap so we could “re-bond” after our experience. I wanted her to trust me and feel loved. (By the way, my mom absolutely loves this dog!)

When was the last time you ran away from God? We’ve all done it. We’ll all do it again. David had plenty of experience too. He knew what it felt like to be estranged from God because of his sin. And he also knew the power of God’s forgiveness and unfailing love.

1 Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!

3 When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long.

4 Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat.

5 Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.

8 The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.

9 Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.”

10 Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord.  Psalm 32:1-5, 8-10

We all have the freedom to choose to turn away from God, to disobey Him. He does not control us without our consent. He does not force us to do His will like a rider forces a horse to turn to the right or left with a bit and bridle.

He does give us His commands for our good and ask us to follow Him, to stay close by His side. Unfortunately, like Sadie in the front yard, we all take off on our own from time to time.

But, praise God, we can trust Him with our failings. We can always find forgiveness when we turn back to Him. He will always be waiting for us to come back, ready to wrap us in His loving embrace.

Even in our sin, we are surrounded by God’s unfailing love. In love, He calls us to repentance. In love, He forgives and restores. In love, He protects and guides as we follow Him in obedience.

Have you strayed away from God recently? Do you need to repent and return to His loving embrace? Don’t wait another minute! As you listen to “Mighty to Save” by Hillsong, talk to your loving heavenly Father.

Click here to view the embedded video.

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