J esus L ov es M e, T his I K N OW

E mbr acin g the pur e lov e of God a 21 day dev otional for w omen of all ages

Ka h Baile ty y

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JESUS LOVES ME, THIS I KNOW Printed by Budget Printing Tallahassee, FL Copyright 2009 Kathy Bailey. All rights reserved. Without the prior permission of the author, no portion of this book may be reproduced. To request permission, the author can be contacted via e-mail: krh628@gmail.com. Printed in the United States of America All Scripture references are used by permission and are from the King James Version.

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This book is lovingly dedicated to Gay Camp, from First Baptist Church in Owensboro, Kentucky Thanks for spending so much of your time with me back in 19781980, and introducing this broken sinful girl to the healing, everlasting love of Jesus!

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~*~ God may not always want to change our circumstances, but He always wants to change us. Only He can exchange our turmoil for peace, our confusion for understanding, our anxiety for rest. The change begins in prayer and ends in Christ. ~*~

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Foreword
Twenty-nine years ago, I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior. I grew up in church, attended Sunday School, GAs, Acteens, etc. and was active in my youth group. Externally, I appeared to be a happy, well-adjusted young girl. Internally, however, I felt very unworthy and dirty. Although I knew that Jesus had died on a cross for me and I was forgiven of all my sins, I had yet to discover just how deep His Love for me truly is and that He truly does make all things new, including me. Having suffered severe abuse as a child and not understanding that it was not my fault, I went through years of torment, developing a shamebased nature instead of growing in the grace and knowledge of who I was in Christ. For many years, I lived away from Gods plan for my life, looking for Love in all the wrong places and people. Then, through a series of events in the fall of 1996, I began to grasp that I do have the Pure, Unblemished Love of God and to live victoriously, I needed to be rooted and grounded in that Love. Because it has been said that it takes 3 weeks to form a habit, this book is 21 days of devotional thoughts, written specifically to draw your attention to the Amazing Love God has for you and making a habit of seeking that Love. My prayer is that each reader will learn to find peace that only comes from His Love and realize their significance and worth in Gods eyes. As you take this journey with me, may you re-focus your life on what really

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matters and learn to live each day completely captivated by the Love that Jesus has for you. By His Grace Alone, Kathy

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This book would not be complete without acknowledging some very special people who have been a blessing to me through the years and especially through the process of writing of this book. First of all, thanks to my mother, Judy Marlowe for always loving me unconditionally, for praying for me and never giving up on me when I strayed away from the Lord! I would like to say a BIG thank you to Aimee, Michelle, Susan, Sandi, Diana, Stephanie, Gina, Connie, Kathie, Donna, Kimmie, Tiffany, Ricki, Matilde, and Eleanor. Without your friendships, my life would be such a mess! Thanks to each of you for encouraging me to follow Gods call on my life, for loving me in spite of myself, for always holding me accountable for my thoughts and actions, and most of all for accepting me - warts & all! Your lives are all a true testimony to me of Gods Amazing Grace. There are definitely other friends I cherish that could be mentioned here, you know who you are thank you for causing me to seek a deeper walk with Christ more fulfilling than anything Ive ever known! Thanks to my Aunt Debbi and Uncle Donnie, for recommending publishers and for writing your own books that inspired me to

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follow suit. Your commitment to follow Christ at all costs has had such a powerful influence on me and my faith. THANK YOU! Although Uncle Donnie is now in heaven, his legacy of living out Christs Love lives on. MORE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Thanks to my sweet children, Heather, Joshua, Daniel, Matthew & David for giving me so many funny things to write about over the years, and for letting me be your StepMom. Having each of you in my life taught me so much about Gods Love and Mercy. Youll always be my lifes treasures and I pray that you never doubt how much you are deeply loved. May all your dreams come true as you learn to follow God with all your heart, mind, and soul. For my grandsons, Elisha & Malachi and my grand-daughters Alexis & Jazlyn know that Jesus and your Mimi loves you always and forever, no matter what! Most importantly: to my Lord and Savior, the Love of my life, my true best friend, Jesus thank you for saving me, for loving me and for continuously molding me into Your image. May I be a true reflection of grace for You, an image bearer to the world that reflects Your eternal, amazing love, compassion and grace. Im sure there are more people that I have somehow forgotten to include you know who you are. Please know that you are

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appreciated and most importantly, that your life is important. Continue to seek Gods purpose and know that your humble service to Him is not in vain. Finally, to my dearest friend Phil - no words are needed, you already know. (Note: Phil was the first person to read the rough draft of this book. He died 4/28/07 after a 16month battle with brain cancer.) DAY 1 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 Amazing Love When I think about the amazing Love that our Heavenly Father has for us, I am so amazed that He would give up His Only Son just for me. What Love, to willingly make such a sacrifice so that we could have eternal life. Daily I am amazed that the God of the universe would love me enough to leave heaven, come to earth, die on a cross and rise again 3 days

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later, only to leave once again to prepare a place for me in heaven. Truly, there is nothing more amazing than this. I am filled with wonder and bewildered that such Love is available to me, no matter what I have done or where I have been Jesus Loves Me, this I know! I am so undeserving, yet that is the beauty of it this amazing gift of Love is free! All I have to do is accept it.

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***Keeping Love REAL*** Reflect today on His Amazing Love and thank Him for all He has done for you and for me. May you too be amazed at the depth of a Love that would sacrifice His very life, so that we could live forever. I encourage you to take the 21 days of this devotional and learn of just some of the facets of a Love that always fulfills, always satisfies, never leaves you, and always draws you to want and learn more! At the end of each day, there will be a Keeping Love REAL section like this where you will be able to write down your thoughts, prayers, challenges, etc. Please use each day to reflect and ponder what God would have you to know and write it down:

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DAY 2 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. II Corinthians 5:17 Transforming Love My grandfather used to collect

butterflies. From the time I was a young girl, I have always been fascinated by them and how an ugly caterpillar becomes so beautiful. And so it is too with us. How amazing it is to compare our life to the caterpillar that is surrounded by the cocoon and struggles until it emerges a beautiful butterfly. I pray that as I struggle through life's challenges, that I lean on the Lord and allow the cocoon of His love to surround me and the trials of this life to help

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mold me into the beautiful creature that He wants me to become.

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***Keeping Love REAL*** Write in the space below something youve been holding onto from your past:

Give it to God and pray: Father, forgive me for holding onto the past and not focusing on the new creature you have created in me. Thank You for all you have done to change me from the person I used to be. I praise you for Your Transforming Love and Grace! In Jesus name I pray, Amen!

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DAY 3 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24 Brotherly Love It is said that if a man has one true friend, then he is rich indeed. Well, I am very wealthy, for the Lord has blessed me with at least 5 true friends during my lifetime. Im also blessed to have two younger brothers, who would do just about anything for me if I needed it. Todays verse says that Jesus is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. What a comfort to know that my Lord and Savior Loves me so much that He will stick closer than even a brother! People eventually let us down, how wonderful to know that Jesus will never leave us or let us down. Its said that when you go through tough

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times, you find out who your true friends really are. I pray that Im that kind of friend to others, one that will be there, to stick close, even through the tough times. ***Keeping Love REAL*** Call or write at least one such friend today and let them know what they mean to you and just how much you appreciate them. Write down their name here: Then, pray and ask God to watch over them and bless them for being there for you during your difficult or traumatic time. Thank God for their friendship and when you see them, thank them again for being your true friend!

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DAY 4 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; Isaiah 61:1 Freedoms Love I once helped out with my former

churchs Prison Ministry. As these men have learned of Jesus freeing Love, I watched them turn their lives over to Him almost weekly. Now, I may not have ever been incarcerated in a literal prison, but have I lived in a prison of the heart, held captive by sin and guilt from past regrets. We should be encouraged when we read that Jesus offers liberty (freedom) to every captive heart! He alone can heal our broken hearts and He lives to do just that! When we give our broken

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dreams, mistakes, and guilt to Jesus... He will set us free! Take that step toward freedom today, trust God and let go. ***Keeping Love REAL*** Is there something in your life today that brings you pain or sadness over a past mistake? Does it keep you from moving forward for God, into being all that He wants you to be? Once again, I believe it is so important to let go of the past and the hurts that go along with it, that can become a prison that we choose to stay in, if we arent careful. Thats why there is more than one day in this devotional dedicated to this topic. So often we have unforgiveness toward ourselves that we need to deal with. Write down that painful mistake:

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Now, pray and ask God to help you to let go and let God set you free from your past so you can move forward, growing into all that God wants you to be!

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DAY 5 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. Luke 10:27 Neighborly Love Between May of 2004 and September 2005, I lost five family members. One of them was my dear Uncle Donnie, a Marriage Counselor/devoted husband/ father of ten and an encouragement to all who knew him. He was my cheerleader, always cheering me on to pursue my dreams. He was always kind and patient with everyone he met, truly loving God with all his heart, soul and strength. I should know how short life can be. So many things can take away a life quickly. Accidents, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, etc. can change a person's health and life in the blink of an eye. I want to share with everyone

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as if they are my neighbor, redeeming the time now, before it is too late.

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Dear Lord, time and grace heals our wounds, but time is not always a friend. What about my friends who have not heard Your words of life? What if they were to die today? Lord, please help me to be bold, the speak Your words of truth and life to those I love, my family and friends, before time runs out. Help me to be a living testimony for You. I want to reach a dying world, to share Your love and Your hope for the future. ***Keeping Love REAL*** Share Jesus with at least one person this week, preferably someone you dont know. Practice loving them as your neighbor, invite them to church. Ask them if they have a need you can pray with them about or help them to meet in a tangible way. Write it down here, and then remember to pray for them:

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Show neighborly love today!

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DAY 6 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness. Malachi 3:3 Refining Love Just as silver is purified in what is called a refining fire, so we too as Christians are developed and refined through the fiery trials of life. This walk of love and faith we are on is not always lined with feathers. We are only strengthened for the journey as we go through Gods refining fire, a fire that purifies our desperately wicked hearts (Jeremiah 17:9). Sometimes, I would rather just be refined with feathers (it sure would feel better and be a lot easier.) But, then again, we are called to be utterly consumed by the Holy Spirit and truly

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that will not occur in our lives without much refining, nor will it be an easy, quick process. We often seek the power of His resurrection, but forget that we must first endure the fellowship of His sufferings, a road not easily traveled. I believe our hearts must experience tremendous grief before we can be used in a capacity even remotely worthy of His glory and honor and praise. When you go through the fire, remember that God is there, refining you until you are a beautiful reflection of Him! ***Keeping Love REAL*** Write down an instance of a fire that God allowed you to go through:

Thank Him for always being there, for loving

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you and using every trial and hurt to one day refine you into His glorious Image!

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DAY 7 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief. Proverbs 28:15 Fearing Love I remember hearing as a child the phrase She needs the fear of God put in her. It usually occurred after someones child had gotten into trouble for something but didnt seem to care about the impending punishment. Sin most certainly has its consequences, and while we get to choose the sin, we do not get to choose the consequences. We should fear sinning against a Holy, Righteous God, and take comfort in the fact that when we believe, faith and love will deliver us from the fear of eternal wretchedness. Todays verse says happy is the man that fears always. We are to have a healthy fear,

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one that doesnt want to offend God or sin against Him. That fear begins with a soft heart toward God and His commandments. He empowers us by Grace, through faith, to avoid falling into mischief. ***Keeping Love REAL*** If you have hardened your heart, and somehow lost or misplaced having a healthy fear of God, I urge you to repent today. Our Loving Heavenly Father will forgive you and restore you with a soft, pliable heart. He longs to show you a better way. The consequence of pursuing Him and His righteousness brings honor and blessing. Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, In this area of my life I have not been fearing and honoring You. Please forgive me, cleanse me and restore my

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joy and fellowship with You. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

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DAY 8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8 Debt of Love Wouldnt it be nice if we all had no debt here on earth? The bible says we are to owe only one debt to man to love one another. But, that debt isnt one that is easily paid. You mean I owe a debt of love to the friend that betrayed me? And the boy who took advantage of me when I was only seventeen? And when my teenager says they hate me or really hurts my feelings? Or when I get angry while driving and the college student cuts me off in traffic? Yes, thats what it means. Now, I dont mean we should just lie down and be doormats, but when we are offended, we are to take that offense to God and let Him handle it. And then,

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we are to treat the other person with love. And this can only be done through Jesus. In and of ourselves, our capacity to love like this is frugal at best. ***Keeping Love REAL*** Pray today that your life will be one marked with a debt of Love. May we take this debt so seriously that Jesus Love is expressed to everyone we meet. When we do that, others will see a difference in us and want to know more about Jesus, the One who paid our debt of sin, so we may have a life marked by Love. Write down the name of someone who has offended you: Pray for that person today, remembering that according to Gods word, you are in debt to them, a debt of Love. Ask God to help you to treat that person with love and kindness.

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DAY 9 We love him, because he first loved us I John 4:19 Because Love Ill never forget one Sunday when my teenage boys were complaining that church was sometimes boring. My sweet grandson Elisha (6 years old at the time) piped up and said I dont care if church is boring or not, I go to church anyway because I love Jesus and Jesus loves me - no matter what! Without experiencing such unconditional love, no-one would be able to share His Love with others just because. Humanly speaking, we just dont have that type of love in us. It only comes because He first loved us. Only then are we able to love the unlovely, to reach out to those in need and offer them such love. Have you ever had someone in your life who loved you just the way you were?

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Someone who enabled you to love beyond yourself because of the confidence in knowing that they loved and supported you regardless of your imperfections? Well, it is rare, but a treasure to the one who has received such love. Jesus has that same kind of love for us, yet on a deeper level than our minds and hearts can even conceive. Thank Him today for loving you warts and all. ***Keeping Love REAL*** As you are praying a prayer of

thanksgiving for Jesus unconditional Love, ask God to show you how you can share that same love with someone close to you today (a spouse, child, sibling, parent, co-worker, or friend). Remind them that no matter what you love them, but more importantly, Jesus loves them! Write their name here and pray for them:

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DAY 10 He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love. Song of Solomon 2:4 Banquet of Love If youve ever been around a child who has experienced hunger, you will notice that they get very excited when they see a buffet of food in front of them. It can almost be overwhelming to be offered so much and be told to eat as much as you want, until you are completely full to overflowing. So it is with our Heavenly Father. He brings us to His banquet table. His invitation to us is I love you, please eat all you want. Why do we settle for crumbs from the banquet of Love our Lord offers when He has prepared a feast? Every day, we should eat His Word, learning to digest it, growing to walk firmly planted in its truth, applying to our daily

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lives. There is so much waiting for us and for some reason, we arent hungry enough. ***Keeping Love REAL*** Pray: Dear Lord, may I yearn to devour your Living Word and meditate on it each day. I pray that I will not skip any meals of Love you have prepared for me. Forgive me when I seek to fill myself and my life with the food of this world, food that never satisfies. May I be reminded daily of all that You have prepared for me and seek to know and love you more.

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DAY 11 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins. Proverbs 10:12 Covering Love The story is told of the wildfire that destroyed many acres of land and the firefighter who found a mother bird, dead, with her wings spread out. Underneath were her babies, untouched by fire, unharmed and alive. She had covered them and therefore shielded their lives from death. Sometimes when those closest to us have hurt us, we want to lash out in hatred or anger. But, the bible says that is not the best response. We are to be willing to cover the sins committed against us with Gods unfailing love. A love that is willing to be a covering, is often what the Lord will use to soften that other persons heart and bring them to Christ. And ultimately shouldnt that always be our goal as

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Christians - to show Gods Love and Mercy to others, just as He has shown it to us? His Love guards and protects us from harm. ***Keeping Love REAL*** Ask Him today to show you someone who needs you to share His Covering Love. If it is someone who has hurt you deeply, or perhaps betrayed you, choose not only to forgive them, but to cover them. Do all you can not to bring it up again, or tell others what they have done, instead be committed to praying for them, loving them as God loves them. Write their name and offense here:

Give it to God and show them His covering love today.

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DAY 12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:12-13 No Greater Love Christ's love to us should direct us to love each other. If we say we are Christians, which means Christ-like, then our lives will be marked by sacrificial love. I know as parents, we sacrifice a lot for our children, but often fail to teach them to do the same. They grow up thinking that the focus is all about them, when it is to be all about God and His plan, not our own. I hope that I have modeled to my children a sacrificial love for others and instilled in them a desire to put others before themselves. No Greater Love has ever been known than the Love of Jesus, Holy and sinless, yet

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willing to die. Are we willing to die to our own selfish needs and desires to fulfill the requests for Love of those around us? And sometimes that means loving the homeless, the criminal, the prostitute, the pregnant teenager, etc. When we reflect on the Love of our Savior, may we yearn to share that Great Love unselfishly with those that the Lord places in our paths each day. ***Keeping Love REAL*** Pray and ask the Lord to give you a life marked with sacrificial love toward others. List ways that you can show your family and friends that you are choosing to follow Gods plan and purpose, sacrificing your own needs and putting their needs first:

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Ask God to forgive you if you have neglected to extend this type of love to them and start doing so today!

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DAY 13 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Comforting Love I love the chorus to a song Bring the Rain by MercyMe: Bring me joy, bring me peace, bring the chance to be free. Bring me anything that brings You glory and I know therell be days, when this life brings me pain. But if thats what it takes to praise You, Jesus Bring the Rain Throughout life, we face so many trials: divorce, miscarriages, infidelity, abuse, depression, discouragement, etc. There have been many times in my own life that I have questioned God as to the meaning of these experiences. And each time, I am drawn back

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to this verse. I cannot even number the women who have approached me after a speaking engagement and said they received comfort by hearing that someone else had endured the same trial they had been through and yet emerged victorious. Past trials encourage faith and hope and compel us to trust in God for time to come. May we consider it our duty to help one another in prayer, praise and thanksgiving. Then our trials will end in good not only for ourselves, but also for others. Remember that God uses our tragedies to show Himself and His comforting Love to us. If we let Him, He will teach us through each difficult circumstance to let His love shine through, so we may share with a hurting world that amazing, comforting love that only comes from Him. ***Keeping Love REAL***

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Pray and ask God to reveal to you someone who needs comfort today. Write their name here:

Pray for them, go to them, share a hug, a listening ear, and let them know that you are here for them in their time of need, desiring to be a comforting friend.

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DAY 14 The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy. Psalm 145:20a Preserving Love The Bible says our hearts are deceitful and desperately wicked. I have made many bad decisions in my life that are painful reminders of that truth. I know that on several occasions I have done many things that broke the heart of my Heavenly Father. Yet, I have many more instances of times that I was so overwhelmed with the Goodness of God and realized that He also kept me from more sin and regret numerous times too. His Love is always there, ready to cleanse and preserve my heart; for He lives in me. Daily, God alone can and will recover and redeem our lives. He can take the broken

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pieces of our hearts and lives, bringing us beauty for ashes.

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***Keeping Love REAL*** Pray today for remembrance. Ask God to gently and lovingly remind you of the times you have broken His heart, and yet He has forgiven and restored you when you repented and turned back to Him. Search your heart now. See if there is anything in your life currently that He is just waiting to redeem. Turn and give it all over to Him, humbly asking for complete restoration. Put your trust in Him alone and remember to thank Him that when you put your faith in Him, His Loves preserves you.

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DAY 15 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 Guiding Love My daughter once asked me When do I get to be the boss of someone? When you have kids, I replied. Do I ever get to be your boss?, she asked. Im afraid not, I replied. She quickly replied, Well I still want to be the boss. And so it is with us. We want to call the shots, to be the boss. Sometimes, as adults, our quest to be in charge causes us to think that we can tell God what to do. Our prayers go something like this, Dear God, I need you to do this. And when you do, then I will do ____. And we fill in the blank with any number of promises to be better or do better for God once He answers our prayer, of course. We are

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so quick to forget where all our strength really comes from. How foolish we are to believe that God can be manipulated by our selfish need to be in control or that we were created to be the boss! We forget just Who is really in charge and it isnt us! ***Keeping Love REAL*** Pray: Oh Heavenly Father, forgive me for wanting to be the boss, Help me to remember that You are lovingly in control of every detail of my life and following You is best. Thank you for loving me and leading me. May I rest in knowing that You are guiding me and will never let me down.

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DAY 16 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Proverbs 8:17 Seeking Love I remember once when I was living far away from the Lord and I felt the Lord drawing me back to Him. It was about 2 a.m. and I was just getting off work at my job as a bartender in a local club. I got home and when I sat down on my bed, I picked up a devotional book that was lying beside my bed. I opened it up and read God is not finished with you yet. As I sat there and began to read the story of a loving Heavenly Father who meets us where we are, but loves us too much to leave us there, tears filled my eyes and my heart began to break. The next morning (that same morning actually), I got up early and started to read my Bible. I cannot describe the wooing of the Holy

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Spirit that began that day and has continued for many years since. The sweet Lover of my Soul had a different path, a much better, happier and more peaceful path for me - all I had to do was seek Him. ***Keeping Love REAL*** If you have turned away from Jesus, or even if you just havent been seeking Him with all your heart, I urge you to seek Him early - go to Him and He will guide you once again to walk in righteousness and Love. Pray that He will be the One you seek first in every area of your life, honoring Him in all you say and do!

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DAY 17 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 Love Works I love this quote I read in a commentary on this verse: Every providence tends to the spiritual good of those that love God; in breaking them off from sin, bringing them nearer to God, weaning them from the world, and fitting them for heaven. When the saints act out of character, corrections will be employed to bring them back again. And here is the order of the causes of our salvation, a golden chain, one which cannot be broken. There is one word in particular that I love in this verse: all. Not just some things, but ALL things will work together for our good. Gods loving hand allows many things into our lives and waits as we make decisions that are

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against His will for us. And then, when we turn to Him and begin to follow Him again, He reminds us that His Love Works. His is the only True Love that can transform our lives. He can take the dark clouds that loom above and make a way, for He is much Greater than anything we go through. By suffering on the Cross, he made a way to truly work ALL things together for our good! Praise Him today for such incomprehensible Love! ***Keeping Love REAL*** Pray: Thank you, Lord that all things, good and bad, that occur in my life, You are using together for my good and your glory. Help me to be reminded today that your transforming Love truly does work within me and my every circumstance of life!

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DAY 18 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 Spirit of Love I remember once when my daughter was about three years old, her father and I were in another room and we heard her grandmother scream, Heather, get down from there, youre going to hurt yourself. As we came into the kitchen, we were shocked to see her swinging from the dining room chandelier. When asked why she wasnt worried about falling, she said Its okay - my Daddy will catch me. She had no fear, for she completely trusted him to be there. Now, of course she could have fallen and he might not have been there. But, with God, we never have to be concerned about this. Our Heavenly Father will always be there to catch

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us and carry us to safety when we fall. God has not given us the spirit of fear, but the spirit of power, of love and the courage to meet difficulties and dangers, knowing He will carry us through them. Only with the strength and power of God can we endure the tribulations we must face here on earth. We can know with confidence, He will catch us and through His Holy Spirit, we can rest knowing that to be true. ***Keeping Love REAL*** Pray: Thank you, Father for giving me Your Spirit, to strengthen me and allow me to have no fear, your love and peace that passes understanding. As we go through life, we often face many falls (sickness, death, hurt, betrayal, anger, wayward children, parents or loved ones, loss of jobs, homes, etc.) May we daily be

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reminded that in You, we have power, love and a sound mind and are never alone, but given a spirit of love and not fear to face what each day brings our way!

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DAY 19 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. John 15:10 Abiding Love My grandchildren visit me every Sunday and Wednesday and go to church with me. But, they do not live with me, they only visit. To abide means to live in, and remain fixed and stable. Gods word says we are to abide in love. And this form of abiding requires obedience. Sometimes we believe that we do not need to live in Gods Love, but can just visit when we think we need to. We only want to keep His commandments when we feel like it. But Gods word says we are to Walk by Faith, not by Sight. In order to do that, we must abide in Him and His Love. Each day, we are to search His Word for direction and guidance and

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then abide in it.

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***Keeping Love REAL*** Pray: Dear Lord, please forgive me when I stray from abiding in You. May your allencompassing Love be what I cling to and learn to live in as I strive to keep Your commandments and love You. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.

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DAY 20 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. 2 John 6 Walking Love When my granddaughter Alexis had just learned to walk, she would be unsteady at times. When she saw me, she thought she was supposed to be carried. Often, I purposely didnt pick her up, so she could practice walking and therefore get better at it. Instead, I would hold her hand. From the beginning of our walk with the Lord, He lovingly teaches us to walk in His commandments. I love to think of God as tenderly coming alongside me and holding my hand, so that I do not fall. What a beautiful picture of Love that is to me. I am a toucher. I am a hand-holder. I love to hold my

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grandchildrens hands as I talk to them. I love to caress their faces and look them in the eyes when I tell them how much they are loved. I try to be careful to praise them and tenderly show affection, not only when they behave, but also when they disobey. I believe that is what My Heavenly Father does for me each day. ***Keeping Love REAL*** Walk in His Love today. Take the time to hold the hand of a loved one and tell them you will walk with them through life. Pray: Thank you, Jesus for your Loving Hand and the comfort of knowing you are always right there beside me.

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DAY 21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. John 14:21 Keeping Love Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary says of this verse: Christ promises that he would continue his care of his disciples. I will not leave you orphans, or fatherless, for though I leave you, yet I leave you this comfort, I will come to you. I will come speedily to you at my resurrection. I will come daily to you in my Spirit; in the tokens of His love, and visits of His grace. I will come certainly at the end of time. Those only that see Christ with an eye of faith, shall see him for ever. As you finish this 21-day devotional, it is my prayer that you do see Christ through the

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eyes of faith. I want everyone who reads these short daily thoughts and verses to know, without any doubt, that Jesus Loves you, that He died to take away your sin, and lives to give you eternal life, if you will only trust in Him. Come to Him today, just as you are. He will love and keep you safe forever. If you have made that decision today, go to the last page of this book and fill out the form available. When you mail it to CIA Ministries, we will follow-up to help you in your new walk of love and faith. May the Lord continue to bless you daily and remember: Jesus Loves Me, This I Know! ***Keeping Love REAL*** If you already know this Keeping Love of Christ, I pray these past 3 weeks of devotionals have been a reminder to you of His love, His desire for you to love others and to share that

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amazing love with those around you. God Bless You! By His Grace, Kathy

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RESOURCES TO HELP YOU GROW AND LEARN Grace for the Moment - Max Lucado Believing God - Beth Moore Breaking Free - Beth Moore Get Out of That Pit - Beth Moore When Godly People Do Ungodly Things - Beth Moore Wild at Heart - John Eldridge Sacred Romance - John Eldridge Captivating - John & Stacy Eldridge Purpose Driven Life - Rick Warren A Purpose Driven Past - Dr. Don Dunlap Forgive and Never Forget! - Dr. Don Dunlap Lies Women Believe - Nancy Leigh DeMoss Surrender - Nancy Leigh DeMoss

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Your God is Too Safe Mark Buchanan Fool-Proofing Your Life Dr. Jan Silvious

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RESOURCES TO HELP YOU GROW AND LEARN Every Young Woman's Battle - Shannon Ethridge Every Young Man's Battle - Stephen Arterburn The Power of a Praying Husband - Stormie Omartian The Power of a Praying Wife - Stormie Omartian Sanctuary - David Jeremiah How Good Is Good Enough - Andy Stanley The Air I Breathe - Louie Giglio Silver in the Slop - Cathy Lee Phillips Gutsy Little Flowers - Cathy Lee Phillips The Purse Driven Life - Anita Renfroe The Best Is Yet To Come - Ann Platz Starting Over Again - Joanne Wallace

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Crazy Love Francis Chan Hoping for Something Better Nancy Guthrie

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The Cup of Life My life is like a new teacup, I can choose: give a drink to others, Or just be used up. Fragile, yet strong delicate, yet wise, God hand-painted me, Im one of a kind! Each new dawn a fresh choice life brings, What will fill up this delicate thing? A cup of bitterness, unforgiveness, hate? Or Love, Joy, Peace? You see, I choose the fate. A sip for a friend, co-worker or neighbor A long draught for my family amidst all of their labor Oh Heavenly Father, my Potter, my Guide, Fill me to overflowing, your love to imbibe An article of beauty, a vessel of Grace May my cup be a reflection of your Precious Face!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathy Bailey is an author/speaker who brings a variety of insights and experiences to Christian women's ministries. She has a passion for souls and a Christ-like compassion for the challenges today's women face. Because His strength is made perfect in weakness, the Lord has taken Kathys weaknesses and adversities and given her a burden to minister to women. By sharing her own personal experiences and oftenhumorous insights, Kathy enjoys speaking about the timeless truths in Gods Word that transform lives. Kathy strives to be an instrument of Gods grace, used by Him to encourage women to take these truths and live their lives full of Christ-like compassion and grace. A believer in Jesus Christ since early childhood, her ministries have included speaking at women's retreats and banquets, leading a weekly prayer meeting for women that focuses on Biblical accountability, teaching a Ladies Sunday School Class, F.A.I.T.H. evangelism, and publishing a monthly newsletter for women, Reflections of Grace. In addition, she has also served in nursing home ministries.

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For almost 10 years, Kathy had the privilege of being a step-Mom to four wonderful step-sons, Joshua (26), Daniel (24), Matthew (21) & David (20). Kathy also has one daughter, Heather, two grandsons, Elisha (8) and Malachi (6) and two granddaughters, Alexis (4) and Jazlyn (born 6/18/08). Kathys newest step of faith is offering free Womens Conferences to churches in the Southeast. For a love offering, Kathy and a team of women devoted to giving their all for Christ, deliver a dynamic conference titled Get Real Stay Real. This 2-day event focuses on the Renewal, Encouragement, Affirmation and Love that all women seek, but few seem to be able to find and hold onto. There are breakout sessions that encourage women to live transparent lives, loving and encouraging one another to live their lives full of compassion and grace. For more information, please see details below: Website: http://www.ciaministries.org or write to: CIA Ministries, Inc. P. O. Box 16524 Tallahassee, FL 32317-6524
I understand that I am a sinner, who needs a Savior. Just as the bible says that sin must be paid for, I believe that when Jesus died on the cross and rose again three days later, my sin debt was paid for. Today, I accept His payment for my sins, turning to Him alone to save me, asking Jesus to come into my heart and forgive me for my sins. I want more information about your ministry and

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getting to know Jesus better.

Name: ___________________________________ Address: __________________________________ City/State: __________________________________ (Check a box, cut out blue section & mail to address above)

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Jesus Loves Me, This I KNOW not I think or I guess, but I know!!
For many years, Kathy spent her life wondering how a Holy, Righteous God could love someone like her. Abused as a child and making many sinful choices as an adult, guilt and shame seemed to be her closest companions. Through many trials and adversities, God began to show her what True Love really was and how much she was loved and valued. This book is a 21-day journey through the truth of Gods Love and how His Love can enable you to overcome any insecurity. Grow in your faith as Kathy candidly shares how being rooted and grounded in Christs Love will truly transform your life!

Endorsements & Testimonials: I have known Kathy since the day she was born. As I've had the privilege of watching her grow up, I have witnessed her life as she has faced trials and adversities. Many people never emerge victorious from the difficulties they encounter. Kathy has not only endured, but has developed Christ -like character along the way. Her life is a living testimony to the transfor ming power of God's grace. Kathy shares from the humility of one who is deeply grateful for the work of God in her life. - Dr. Don Dunlap, PhD, www.biblicalcounseling.com Being fortunate enough to having heard Kathy speak, I have witnessed first hand her God-given ability to bring a sense of compassion and insight to her audience. Kathy is able to speak on a level that subtly brings her message into your heart and makes you feel as though you've been hugged by Jesus! - Christi Jones, APR

Price: $8.99 2008 Kathy Bailey

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