GODIS LOVE

NEW 10/14/99

Hello,
I'm Thomas Hipp, a retired HVAC Contractor, until I was forced to retire over two years ago on disability. Now I spend my time trying to praise the Lord and what he has done for me and will do for you, if only you ask.� In my site I would like to share my feelings and thoughts on "GOD'S LOVE" for you and me. Also I would like to show you the consequences if we turn away from "HIS LOVE" that was given freely with His death on the cross for all mankind. He has always come first in my life, for without Him nothing would be possible. I hope you will follow my "pages" on your trip to "GOD'S LOVE." I feel you will find them a blessing and a pleasure to ponder.
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In Sunday school I learned that Jesus loved us, I've believed it all my life. As an adult, I thought I really understood how much God cares for us.But then tragedy hit. I was forced to reach into the spiritual well being within me, and I came up lacking, I asked the Lord why good people suffer. Night and day I prayed, pleading with God to either perform a miracle or change my heart and remove the pain. I felt abandoned.Then I decided I simply must discover the magnitude of God's love and learn to know him on a deeper spiritual level. I couldn't depend on circumstances for proof of his love and approval. Even though I had been through trials before, I needed to learn that his love transcends both good and bad circumstances. That is when he spoke clearly to me through Jeremiah 31:3:

The words struck me hard, I was stunned, overwhelmed. It was as though God personally put his loving arms around me and said, "Thomas, I don't promise that my children will never suffer in this life, but I assure you that through every experience I'll love you with love that is everlasting. I'll constantly draw you to myself with my loving-kindness in spite of anything you're experiencing."
The greatness of his love-even through sorrow and tragedy-changed my life. Jeremiah 31:3 became my life verse. I labeled myself a "Loved Person," and I've continued to believe it. Though I've lived through other hardships since that time, I've never lost my awareness of his love for me.

I have loved you with an everlasting love;
I have drawn you with loving-kindness.

God wants us to take part in this love relationship because it is the foundation of life. This love is everlasting, unchanging, forever. We can each consider ourselves a Loved Person, not because of our circumstances or situations but simply because God loves us perfectly, totally and eternally.

NIV