The Never-Ending Purchase

Monday, July 5, 2021
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Psalm 136:1 – Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever. (NIV)

Living in northern Canada takes its toll upon one's skin, especially during the long, cold, dry winter. Thus, sixteen months ago, on the spur of the moment while I was doing my monthly shopping, I grabbed a bottle of a new, foaming face cleanser. In my opinion, the product was rather pricey for such a small container, but I was hoping that it would be worth the expense. I am delighted to report that it was. In fact, it still is. I expected the product to last at least a few months, but here I am, sixteen months later, still on the first bottle. Now, that's not a good deal — but a great one! Over the last six months, especially as I have continued to keep pumping out an allotted amount each evening, I have come to think of it as the never-ending purchase, as it just keeps going and going.

This little incident brought to my mind something else that just keeps going and going, though I never had to purchase it. It was a free gift. My face cleanser will in due time run dry, but the love of God never will. No matter how long we live, or what we do, or where we go, the love of God endures forever. What an amazing thought and truth! Human love waxes and wanes, but not the love of God. It continues faithfully throughout every season and situation of our lives:

  • Whether we are surrounded by friends and family or have been abandoned by all;
  • Whether we are blossoming with health or lying upon a bed, sick with pain and frailty;
  • Whether we are rich or poor;
  • Whether we are serving God with zeal and might or have fallen away and are wandering in darkness.

God's love endures forever. When fully grasped, this is a truth that compels us from deep within, just as it did the psalmist, to give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever and has the power to sustain us from birth through death and beyond.

Today, may all of our hearts unite as we say aloud, "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever", and may each one of us pray:

Prayer: Father God, I often ponder why You love such a one as me. Yet Your Word boldly proclaims that You do, and that Your love is never-ending; it endures forever. I pray that in light of this amazing truth, I will forever and ever give thanks to You, Lord, for You and You alone are indeed good. In Christ's name, I pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Just what I needed today! Thanks.


    Great analogy. So very true. Thanks for sharing.


    Yes! God is good, indeed! Thanks for sharing. Blessings and prayers.


    A devotion we should read every day and indeed give thanks. Thank you.


    Lynne,
    Great reflection. Thanks,
    (CA)


    Thanks Lynne, this is one of my favorite bible quotes. It always brings comfort in challenging times. Blessings to you!


    Your face cleanser was a great bargain. What a deal!
    Our Lord’s enduring love is even a greater deal—it ensures forever! We are blessed.


    Hello Lynne
    Your beautiful devotion has just completely warmed our hearts
    Many thanks.


    Hello Lynne
    This is such an amazing truth!! praying more people will experience this love for themselves!!!
    God bless.


    Lynne, you bring God’s word into sharp focus, keeping it fresh in my heart.
    May you continue safe and strong amidst pandemic, wildfires, and whatever else lands in your path.


    Lynne, today’s devotional was a good reminder that regardless of our present spiritual state, God still loves us. We have certainly been counting on His blessings through this Covid crisis.


    Dear Lynne,
    How comforting to hear again that God’s love endures forever. What confidence we can have in Him. And, how nice to have bought a product that keeps on giving. Blessings.


    I hear you, Lynne. Hoping you will share the NAME of this illusory product (as indeed more than a few of your readers are hoping too.) Though that definitely was NOT the point, eh? Thanks for writing it and sharing. It.


    Thank you for your good thoughts and it reminded me of those last words at the end of every verse in Psalm 136 and the first four verses as well as the last verse of Psalm 118. Praise the Lord His mercy, love and grace abide.


    Good morning Lynne.
    This is a very good devotion, thank you so very much.
    May you stay safe and have a great day.
    Blessings.


    Hi Lynne
    Amen. God’s love does endure forever. Praise God for His enduring love.
    I don’t use skin cleansers, but I sure do use and need God’s enduring love.
    I saw Atlin on the News last night.
    Blessings.


    Hi Lynne!
    Your devotion reminded me of the old-time hymn, “Isn’t the love of Jesus something wonderful?”
    Thank you and keep on writing!
    (ON)


    Dear Lynne,
    I really enjoy your writings. There is always something to learn from them and I find them so interesting.
    I was born and raised in Alberta and I can identify with the cold weather and a lot of snow.
    Thank you.


    I am a faithful reader of the Presbycan Daily Devotions. Thank you for your messages. I am a senior and will continue reading your devotional messages. Thank you and God bless you.
    (On.)


    Dear Lynne,
    Thank you for your very meaningful devotional today. You have expressed so well the greatest and most lasting love and care we have no matter the length of time or circumstance! Our loving Lord is there for us at all times. His love truly endures forever and at no cost. All we need do is ask and He is there with an abundance of provisions. You submit such beautiful and reassuring devotionals and I always look forward to your writings. Many blessings as you continue to contribute to the devotionals program.


    Dear Lynne;
    Thank you for your message this morning. The image of your delight in the face cleanser which you needed but thought wouldn’t last was a fabulous way to introduce the ever-giving, ever-lasting love of God.
    I needed to hear your words today.
    Your style of writing reminded me of “children’s time” at our services, my favourite part. Because months later, I can still remember the story and the point, yet the sermon has long since been forgotten.
    (Ontario)


    Good morning Lynne,
    I try to figure out from the title of a devotional, where the writer might be going with the story. The Bible verse helped me with my thinking through where it might be going. I know the feeling when something I purchase meets my expectations. I sometimes take God’s love for granted. Not that I don’t appreciate it but because I have always known about it, I probably don’t value it as your devotional talks. It is like my husband handles doing the garbage around the home each week and puts it out. It always happens and I take it for granted. Your devotional and prayer sparked with in me that I should always take the time to thank God for always being there for me during the good times. During the more difficult times, I grow closer to God, and I need to show my appreciation at all times. Thanks for the wonderful prayer and the nudge to do better. May you enjoy your “never ending purchase” and your “never ending gift”.


    Good morning Lynn.
    Good words indeed.


    Thank you for this devotional today.
    Have a blessed day and I’ll look forward to more of your words.

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