Faith

Yes, He Can

/ Gail Johnson / 18 Comments

Have you ever questioned if the Lord’s able to supply your need? Wonder if He understands how you feel in your present circumstance? If He’s forgotten you? Capable to see you through?

If so, you’re not alone.

The writer of Thessalonians tells us the One Who called us is Faithful.

Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. 

1 Thessalonians 5:24

I recently had a candid conversation with my daughter while driving. The song I’m sharing below was playing, and I said, “I never question if He’s able. I wonder if He will.”

My daughter glanced my way and replied. “And if He won’t, then tell me why, and I’ll go on about my business.”

I hope that made you laugh. It did me. She wasn’t being disrespectful, but honestly sharing her struggles. It was a rare moment. I think it even surprised her. LOL It also revealed how we differ in our thought patterns. Even as a child, she was fine as long as you told her why not.

I, on the other hand, have often asked why but never why not. Why? Because I’m too busy wondering if He will. And guess what? He did.

Ah! Remembering gives us hope.

All we have to do is look back. Like the song says, “Looking back…”

Look back, take inventory, and give thanks for the blessings.

Back to my daughter. She knows we don’t always get to know why. That’s life. And life isn’t about the why. It’s about faith. But she has to ask. That’s my Lulu.

Hope your summer is going well. If you’re like me, you are busy with chores. Enjoy the song. Take care! Blessings.

The Lord Is My Strength

/ Gail Johnson / 16 Comments

The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation. Exodus 15:2 KJV

Strength, according to Webster, is the ability to resist being moved or broken by a force.

Of course, we know we cannot resist being moved or broken by a force in our own strength. But there is a strength that keeps us spiritually steady, secure, and safe.

When we face seasons of heartache and pain, we must lean into Him, our Lord and Savior, and allow Him to become our song (praise). He is our salvation (deliverance, victory, prosperity, health).

 

The Lord is my

The winner of Some Form of Grace by author Dee Dee Chumley is Becky Gifford Smith.

Becky, thank you for participating. Congratulations!

Click to Tweet: Strength is the ability to resist being moved or broken by a force. https://wp.me/p5Dmel-1zs @GailJohnson87 #faith #encouragement

In what season did you discover His strength? Please share in the comments. We are made overcomers by His blood and by our testimonies (Rev. 12:11) and we offer hope to the listener.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay

The Garden of Life

/ Gail Johnson / 13 Comments

Spring has a way of turning my thoughts to the Creator. For instance, have you ever pondered the pollination process in light of our relationship with the Lord and with each other? No? Great! Allow me to share my thoughts with you this morning.

There are three types of pollination: self-pollination, cross-pollination, and artificial cross-pollination.

Self-Pollination

gailjohsonauthor.comSelf-pollination happens when an excess of pollen in a flower causes pollination to take place within that same flower.

Prayer turns my heart to the Lord and renews my mind. Fasting teaches me discipline and helps me to submit to His will and not my will. Biblical studies grow my faith and knowledge in Him. All of this, combined with the work of the Holy Spirit, helps me to produce that which God has planted in me.

Cross-Pollination

gailjohnsonauthor.comThe next technique is cross-pollination. This pollination takes place when small animals, rain, wind, and insects carry pollen from one plant to another.

I imagine the small animals as inconveniences that arise and hinder my plans, the rain as dark days that hide life’s sunshine, the wind as the storms that test my faith, and the insects as situations that irritate me.

Yet, I have a choice how I respond to the pollinators that God sends into my life. If I’m willing, each instance can produce fruit. The small inconveniences cultivate steadfastness and instruct me in diligence no matter the deterrent. The rain promotes contentment in every season of my life that I may know an unspeakable joy. The wind rocks me and loosens the earth around me allowing my roots to go deeper. And finally, those irritants urge me to have patience by teaching me self-control. All work to strengthen my faith in the Lord.

Artificial Cross-Pollination

Lastly, artificial cross-pollination occurs when a person gathers pollen from one flower, and then using a small brush or blower, applies it to another flower.

Gail Johnson © 2017Just like artificial cross-pollinators leave pollen, people leave a signature fragrance that remains long after they’ve gone. Some leave a sweet smell while others leave an unpleasant odor that may linger for years. Each produces its own kind of growth.

The “sweet” pollinate the Word along with encouragement into my life promoting deep thirsty roots of faith in Christ and juicy fruits of the Holy Spirit. On the other hand, the “odoriferous” flit about pollinating the latest gossip, strife, anger, and bitterness often disrupting my peace and stealing my joy.

Gail Johnson© 2017Unlike the flowers in nature, I have a choice to refuse or accept odorous pollen. The solution? Allow the Holy Spirit to blow upon me each day.

As a pollinator, I also have a choice. Brush people with the stench of this world or the sweet fragrance of Heaven.

To become a stinky pollinator, I need not do anything. But to become a heavenly pollinator, I must allow the Master Gardener to deadhead, fertilize, and water my spirit each day!

May we all be a sweet fragrance to those we meet along the way. 🙂

Click to Tweet: People leave a signature fragrance that remains long after they have gone. Some leave a sweet smell while others leave an unpleasant odor that may linger for years.