"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." -Romans 5: 8

Love Lifted Me

I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more,
But the Master of the sea, heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me, now safe am I

Love lifted me! Love Lifted me!
When nothing else could help
Love lifted me!

James Rowe and Howard E. Smith wrote the words and music for that great hymn in 1912. Its message is still powerful today. Inspiration for that song came from Matthew 14: 29-31. "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"

Can you relate to Peter? I can. When my focus is on Jesus I feel as if I can do anything, even walk on water. But there are many times when my focus shifts to the 'wind,' the 'waves' or the 'storm' and then I begin to sink. In desperation I call out to the One who can save me and He is always faithful. He stretches out His hand and catches me. His love lifts me up!

Where would I be without love? How about you? The love of my family, friends, and most of all, my Lord, has seen me through difficult times. How great is this love that God has for us? "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,..." (John 3: 16) Those of you who are parents, can you imagine sacrificing your child? What did I do to deserve this love? "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5: 8) I did nothing to deserve it but 'while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.' WOW! He didn't wait for me to clean up my act. He didn't wait for me to be 'perfect.' He just loved me, forgave me, and encouraged me "I am the way and the truth and the life..." (John 14: 6) How powerful is this love? "Love never fails..." (1st Corinthians 13: 8) So powerful that it 'never fails!' "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." (1st Peter 4: 8) So powerful that it covers a 'multitude of sins!'

Where would I be without love? How about you? Is your focus on Jesus and His love? What a great place to be. Praise God for that. Are you seeing the 'wind,' the 'waves,' the 'storm?' Then be like Peter and in desperation 'cry out!' Remember the words to that great hymn and know that Jesus is stretching His hand out to you...'Love lifted me! Love lifted me!' Thank you Lord! Amen!

Take a moment and encourage somebody this week.

I pray that all is well with you. Please let me know if you have any prayer concerns or praises. Have a great week and remember to smile :), the Lord loves you!

In Christ,

Shan D. Hartsough

"Love never fails..."
-1st Corinthians 13: 8

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