Monday, August 23, 2010

Amazing Love


He spoke the world into existence. Plants and animals appeared at His command. He created man in His own image. Man chose to disobey his Creator. But God made a way for fellowship to be restored. A sinless sacrifice was required. Only Jesus Christ could pay the price. He, "...made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (Philippians 2:7-8; KJV). Amazing love!


Over and over, throughout the Bible, God demonstrates His power and love. Only an all-powerful God could deliver the Israelites from the Egyptian ruler, Pharaoh. The children of Israel had been slaves to the Egyptians for four hundred, long years. Using His servant Moses, God freed the people and brought them to the banks of the Red Sea. All seemed hopeless, until the mighty hand of God, "...caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left" (Exodus 14:21b-22). God cared for His people.


Remember the walls of Jericho? Only a mighty God could cause the walls of a fortified city to fall down flat, using only trumpets and the shouts of people. An amazing feat? Not so much, when you consider an amazing God who is, "long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9b). Before Jericho's walls came tumbling down, one of the cities' residents and her family was rescued: Rahab, her dad, mom, and brethren. Rahab had chosen to believe in the God of the Israelites to the saving of her family. She was convinced of God's love and experienced His provision.


I'm sure the orphan, Esther, never dreamt of being in a beauty pageant, let alone being chosen as the queen of Persia. When she realized the role for which she had been chosen by God, she saw His mighty hand at work. In spite of King Ahasuerus' edict that called for the execution of all the Jews on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, Adar, Esther approached him, risking her life to beg for the life of her people. It wasn't that easy, though. You see, what was put into law by the King, could not be revoked under any circumstance. But the King of Kings triumphed. King Ahasuerus issued a decree that the Jews would be able to defend themselves on Adar 13th. God's plan prevailed and as a result, "many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them" (Esther 8:17).


What are you facing today? Remember that the God of the universe is all-powerful. Whatever you think He's capable of, He's capable of more! His love for you is vast and beyond measure. "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39). Praise Him today, for His amazing love!


Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the all-powerful God who loves me. No matter the challenges I face, help me to turn to Your Word that I may re-discover Your greatness. Praise You Lord for who You are!

16 comments:

  1. Thank you Maria, great post. Romans 8:38-39 are my favorite verses from the Bible. I needed this today!

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  2. Marja - So good to see you! It's so difficult to narrow it down to just one or two favorite verse(s). These ARE great verses! Praise the Lord for His unconditional love for us! Have a blessed day! :)

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  3. When I come here, I always end up reading a verse that speaks to my heart. I have been greatly discouraged this morning--same of some stuff, and some new, and it is easy to sink down really low in that mud and not believe that our Lord even knows or cares. I love that you are faitful in proclaiming His word.

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  4. Terri - So glad you stopped by! When I get down and discouraged, it always helps me to remember that God is so much greater than anything I can imagine. You and your husband are on my weekly prayer list! Bask in God's Word and hang in there, sister! :)

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  5. Hi Maria,
    Thank you for sharing your post-it has spoken to me today!
    You are a blessing.
    Hugs

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  6. This seems to be a reoccurring theme lately... and an important one at that! Our God is all powerful. We CAN rely on Him.

    Blessings,
    Lyn

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  7. His love is amazing! Thank you for this reminder.
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  8. What an encouraging post, Maria. I love thinking about what an awesome Creator God is, and the scripture verse you finished with is one of my favorites!

    Thank you for great words of Truth to think upon tonight!

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  9. Hi Maria -

    I usually get bogged down when I look at the circumstances. A friend once gave great advice: "Look at it from God's perspective." Ah, that changes everything.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  10. Blessings to you Maria, Thank you for your faithfulness in sharing His truth-it is much needed for me. I am blessed each time I visit with you.
    Hugs tonight,
    Noreen

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  11. Thanks, honey, for reminding me of God's amazing love. I know it's big enough to overcome my little bitty problems; I just needed to hear it again!

    Love
    Jen

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  12. Amen and Amen!! God is in Control!

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  13. Today I am facing a fortified walls and I am waiting for the trumpet sound! I know God IS CAPABLE!!! Thank you for such an encouraging post!

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  14. Sister, your posts are always so encouraging and uplifting . . . praying for you always . . . continuing to pray for your daughter as well.
    Love, hugs, and prayers,
    Cherie

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  15. There is a reason these stories are in the Bible ... we need the awareness and assurance of what God can do in our lives. Great post!

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  16. Thank you Maria. You have reminded me of God's total AWESOMENESS. I truly needed that. Some days we get so mired in the trials of this life, we can forget that THE MASTER IS IN CONTROL. HE still is God. All powerful, all loving and he watches over us. He sent our blogging community Maria, didn't he?

    Praying for you. Hugs and love. :)

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