Love Is A Marvelous Thing

February 9, 2016July 15, 2016 / Gail Johnson

Every artist leaves his mark. Whether it’s his signature scrawled in the bottom right-hand corner, initials stamped on the underside, or a clue within the masterpiece itself, there is always something to identify the creator.

Physically marked or not, a person well acquainted with the artist will recognize his work immediately. Brush strokes, fingerprints, a chisel mark, are indicators of his talent.

Just as an artist leaves his mark, we as the Lord’s vessels should be marked. People should immediately identify us with our Creator. Jesus speaking to His disciples said,

“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

John 13:35

Love. It’s a marvelous thing. Mankind has climbed mountains, crossed oceans, and changed the world around them.

Love Can Heal A Wounded Heart

With love all things are possible. Lives are changed all because of this one little four-letter word!

So how did they change the world?

Their love for that one thing consumed them
They remained focused on their goal no matter the obstacles
They allowed their love to guide them when all seemed lost
Nothing deterred them from their vision

So how can we change our world?

Allow His love to consume us
Stay focused on His commission no matter the obstacles
Show love one for another even when things seem hopeless
When loving someone is hard, remember His love for us

This month is all about showing the one you love how much you care. Just think, if we showed everyone His love what a difference a month would make.

Today, show some love to those closest to you. Then, while out and about, show some love to the stranger you happen to meet. Who knows? You might just change a world!

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Jesus Is The Light

January 26, 2016 / Gail Johnson / 3 Comments

Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me. Micah 7:8 KJV

Night Light-2

Sometimes it seems the night has gone on too long. Our strength is no more. We sit in darkness with only our questions. We hear nothing but the Enemy’s boasts of triumph. We wait.

But then, the Father of lights whispers, “The night never lasts. I am your strength. Hold on. I will deliver you!”

Hot or Cold Coffee

January 19, 2016 / Gail Johnson / 6 Comments

I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. (Revelation 3:15-16 KJV)

I’m in mourning, again. The deceased is my coffeemaker. She was a good one. She worked for ten years, greeting me each morning with the perfect cup of coffee. Now, I am faced with the dilemma of finding another one that works as well as she did. (The current replacement doesn’t!)

Why not just buy the same kind?

Experience has taught me the same brand name doesn’t guarantee it will work the same.

By now, you understand I get emotionally attached to my things. I keep things until they just stop working. Never mind matching or upgrading. I think one of the reasons is I loathe buying a new untested product. True, it’s been tested by the company, passed inspection and given a stamp of approval.

Cold or hot coffee But the real stamp of approval comes from me, the owner. I’m the one that says whether it’s a great coffeemaker, or not. If I can feel the slight burn all the way down when taking that long awaited sip, then it gets my stamp of approval.

However, if after making my coffee, I have to microwave it, TWICE, before I finish it, well then…

In the above verse, Christ is speaking to the Laodiceans. They had placed their own seal of approval. Their assumption of being rich and in need of nothing was wrong. The Lord called them wretched, poor, blind, and naked. He counseled them to buy gold tried in fire, white raiment, and eye salve (vv. 17-18).

I’m sure with His rebuke came surprise and conviction. But with His loving correction came a conformation of His love and instructions: Be zealous and repent.

We understand why we must repent. But why must we be zealous (heat).

Because lukewarm is tasteless. Meh. Bland.

As a coffee drinker I totally get it. We like our coffee either hot or cold. Lukewarm coffee is usually spewed out, poured out, or thrown in the trash.

Just like this coffeemaker when I find a replacement!

Photo: Pixabay Public domain