God is Love: Kerry Teravskis

Showing posts with label Kerry Teravskis. Show all posts

Friday, August 26, 2022

Devotionals for the Heart: True Love

God’s Steadfast Love for You
A devotional by Kerry Teravskis

“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning, great is Your faithfulness.”

–Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)

Steadfast. Resolute. Firm. Faithful. Loyal.

Do we even know what this word means anymore? I mean, really? In our consumer-driven society, we do not stick around when the tough times come. Or when we lose interest, we move on. We are a fickle people. We change relationships, jobs, homes, churches about as often as we change shoes.

Maybe I am being a bit harsh. But, the amount of change I see and hear about has me scratching my head. People tell me they stopped praying because it didn’t work. They stopped coming to church because it was at the wrong time—you know, they have young children. Or, they are so busy that they just don’t have time to read the Bible. They are busy, can’t you see?

It does sound harsh, I get it. But in comparison to the steadfast love of God, our lip service is pathetic. The reason these verses, along with an old simple chorus that accompanies it, have been playing in my head nonstop for the last four days is this stark reality–God’s love remains.

In love Jesus Christ left the throne, humbled Himself as a babe, endured ridicule, betrayal, mockery, beatings, the Cross. He became sin who knew no sin. And because of that His Father, His beloved Abba, had to turn His face away when Jesus was on the Cross. It was because of God’s steadfast love that Jesus came in obedience to His Father’s will (John 3:16).

Think of this: Jesus knew loneliness, abandonment, suffering, pain, hunger, anguish, mockery – all these were done by the hands of man but also within the Sovereign will of the Father.

Now consider this: Jesus knew love, laughter, kindness, companionship, mercy, grace, obedience, goodness, worship, prayer, a shared meal, an inside joke, the feel of a child’s hand in His, the touch of the sick. He saw faith in action, humility displayed, sacrifice given.

Oh how great is the Father’s love for us! Overwhelmed would be the best word to describe my heart. I’m overwhelmed at the price Christ paid, the ransom for humankind that was paid in full by Him, the crucifixion suffered for me and you when Jesus was fully innocent! The Lamb of God who was without sin. Jesus took my place, our place, on that cross. We deserve God’s wrath and punishment and not a place at God’s table. Instead because of Jesus, we receive mercy, grace, steadfast love, a room in His mansion (John 14:2) and a place to sit on His lap.

The steadfast love of the LORD never ever ceases!

Let’s Pray: O Lord, I am indeed overwhelmed with Your love. It is faithful, complete, good, resolute in its capacity for me. You are amazing and I stand in awe of You. I now bow in worship of You. I now am at Your feet in humility of You, my Lord. Lead me. Guide me. Bless me. Protect me. Help me follow Your Son all the way to Heaven! In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Jesus Paid It All” (song) by Kim Walker-Smith. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

As a wife and Marmee to three adult children and one brand new daughter-in-love, my life is very full.

My husband and I met in college and served in the mission field for a few years before settling down back in the States to raise our family.

We were a homeschooling family for 20 years and enjoyed it immensely. For the last 22 years we have lived on a small farm in Northern California where we have raised many farm animals, along with growing and preserving our own food as well. Our farm has been a great source of enjoyment and a place to host many family gatherings, and we have an open door for dear friends, old and new.

Following and serving Jesus is an integral part of my life as well as that of my family. Whether it’s singing in our church choir, teaching children or leading and lecturing at a women’s Bible study, I love to demonstrate my love for Jesus by giving to Him in service.

I’ve been a blogger for seven years, a Bible study writer for a year and have spent this last year writing devotionals about finding God’s Sovereignty in our pain and suffering.

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Connect with Kerry:
Blog: https://www.sovereignblog.com/home
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerry.teravskis/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sovereignblog/
https://www.instagram.com/ksteravskis/

Friday, June 24, 2022

Devotionals for the Heart: God as the Good Shepherd who holds you close

Gathered by God
A devotional by Kerry Teravskis

“He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.”

—Isaiah 40:11 (KJV)

Newborn lambs are precious.

We’ve had a few on our farm over the years and they have a way of stealing your heart from the start. Lambs grow quickly and are adult size in no time. However, each lamb still needs attention from its mother and shepherd for many months filled with food, care, direction, shelter and love.

Lambs usually stay close to their mothers, but the proverbial green grass does beckon at times. Curiosity also sets in, especially for these playful youngsters. Isaiah 40:11 says God will gather the scattered lambs—some that are close to the Shepherd (Jesus Christ) and others that are in a nearby pasture. But the point is they will be gathered by Him.

God does not delegate the gathering; He does it Himself. Our loving Heavenly Father is walking through the pasture, looking for His lambs and collecting these sheep unto His presence.

Sheep hear the Shepherd’s voice and they follow (John 10:3-5). Our sheep—Palestina, Salome, and Shalom—usually come to us when we call. Notice I didn’t say, come running. You have probably heard sheep are stubborn, but they can also be naughty. They love to tarry, do their own thing and wander. But Jesus, the Good Shepherd, gathers His lambs in His arms. He scoops up the wooly animals and places them close to His bosom.

According to Strong’s Concordance, ‘bosom’ is an old word and in Hebrew it means “hollow, to enclose, midst”. Picture the hollow of Christ’s chest—an unique spot reserved for His precious ones. The Shepherd places His gathered lambs close into His chest for they are held close to His heart. A shelter. A tender, intimate place.

What’s so unique about it?

Let’s read what Deuteronomy 33:12 KJV says: “The beloved of the LORD shall dwell in safety by him; and the Lord shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders.”

Dwelling between the shoulders of the Lord is a safe haven for a child of God. He or she feels His heartbeat. They feel His warm skin touching theirs. God’s voice softly sings over His child. They feel His hair brush against their cheek. The scent of Heaven tickles their nose. They feel secure in His strong yet warm and tender embrace. A child of God does not want to leave this place because it is safe, secure, and filled with love.

Beloved, can you picture yourself in Christ’s arms, receiving His love for you? Do you hear His voice whispering a love song to you? Does this promise envelop you with hope as you are reminded of His love for you? Do you know that He wants to gather you to Himself?

Will you allow yourself to remember that you are God’s beloved, His little lamb, His chosen one?

Will you thank God for this promised gathering?

Let’s Pray: Oh, loving Shepherd and Heavenly Father. You are incredible. You gather Your sheep close to Your heart. You enclose them in Your love. You whisper, “It is well.” I thank You for enclosing me in Your bosom, protecting me and keeping me close. Please continue to draw near to me and keep me. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

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Note from Alexis: Kerry’s devotional message today reminds me of the song “Reckless Love” by Cory Asbury. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

As a wife and Marmee to 3 adult children and one brand new daughter-in-love, my life is very full.