The Gift of God

/ Gail Johnson / 12 Comments

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23 KJV).

His Gift

I’m sure some of you are reading John this month while thinking about the resurrection of our Savior. His story is a familiar one. But the truth of that day never grows old when you live a life changed by His sacrifice. May the following scriptures bring to mind the wonderful gift given to us who believe.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth (John 1:1,14 KJV).

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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God (John 3:16-18 KJV).

Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father (John 10:17-18 KJV).

Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands (John 19:1-3 KJV).

Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away. And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst (John 19:16-18 KJV).

And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay (Matthew 28:5-6 KJV).

A Shelter in the Time of Storm

/ Gail Johnson / 14 Comments

Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy (Psalm 61:1-3).

Are you seeking shelter?

Vernon J. Charlesworth wrote “A Shelter in the Time of Storm” in a minor chord around 1880. Fishermen often sang the original tune when safely coming ashore amid a storm. Later, Ira D. Sanky removed several lines, added a refrain, and wrote another tune he thought people would find easier to sing.

If you’d like to read the original version, visit Hymnary.org.

A Shelter in the Time of Storm

The Lord’s our Rock, in Him we hide,
A shelter in the time of storm;
Secure whatever ill betide,
A shelter in the time of storm.
Refrain: Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land, 
A weary land, a weary land; 
Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land, 
A shelter in the time of storm.
A shade by day, defense by night,
A shelter in the time of storm;
No fears alarm, no fears affright,
A shelter in the time of storm.
The raging storms may round us beat,
A shelter in the time of storm;
We’ll never leave our safe retreat,
A shelter in the time of storm.
O Rock divine, O Refuge dear,
A shelter in the time of storm;
Be Thou our helper ever near,
A shelter in the time of storm.

Author: Vernon J. Charlesworth Public Domain

Tune: Shelter Ira D. Sankey

Faithful Promises

/ Gail Johnson / 7 Comments 
For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen,
unto the glory of God by us (2 Corinthians 1:20).

What are the promises?

Love, joy, peace, healing, salvation, and strength . . .

I could go on, but we’d be here for a while.

What do you need today? Whatever it is, remember God is faithful to fulfill every promise.

Journal Prompt

List the needs in your life. Alongside the need add a scripture of promise. You can do this by using a Topical Bible, searching the concordance in the back of your Bible, a Strong’s Concordance, or google “a scripture for —.” Once you have your list and scriptures, write Hebrews 10:23 at the top or bottom of the page. “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;).”

Prayer Prompt

Lord, you know my needs before I speak. You see my heart and know my thoughts. I’m thankful You love me enough to care how I feel. I am also grateful for every promise You have made to me through Jesus. Today, I bring my needs before Your throne and wait for Your answer. (List your needs.)

Photo courtesy of Agnese Lunecka on Pexels