Jesus

One Of A Kind

/ Gail Johnson

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:30

My Yoke Is EasyAs I listened to someone speaking this weekend about the scripture above, I knew I had to learn more about yoke and oxen when he said, “A smart farmer would have a yoke fitted to his animals.”

According to tillerinternational.org , you should never use yoke and bows that don’t fit the team. You should always make sure the yoke fits well before teaching the team to pull.

What a beautiful picture of Matthew 11.

One of a Kind Purpose

I believe every individual on this planet has a gift—a purpose that only that person can fulfill. Now that’s not saying if they refuse to do the job that it won’t get done because the Lord will provide. But no two people will ever do a job the same way.

Designed by the Creator, we are one of a kind. No one compares. Paul was not a Peter, nor was Peter a John. But all three were called. Imagine if they constantly compared themselves to each other!

We, too, are called and given an individual purpose. I can’t wear your yoke, and you can’t wear mine. If we try, the ill-fitting yoke will cause an abrasion making it impossible to complete our tasks.

Therefore, it’s important that we are careful not to put our yoke on someone else or try to wear theirs.  Beware: when the yoke doesn’t fit the following problems can occur.

Turning the Yoke-The team pivots from the yoke by swinging their rear ends around in opposite directions until the yoke and bow is upside down.  The team is facing the load and the nigh steer on the right and the off on the left. Prevent turning the yoke by using a smaller yoke that won’t allow the team to turn the yoke and keeps the steers from turning their rear ends out.  Also, their laying down in the yoke is an opportunity to learn to turn the yoke. Drew Conroy, Assistant Professor, University of New Hampshire © 1995 Tillers International

So let’s review. When the yoke is too big, the oxen get turned around in the wrong direction; their focus is on the load, and their rear ends are sticking out.

Quite a picture, aye? 🙂

Thought for today:

You are unique in His design. Don’t waste time trying to be like another. Be yourself.

Reflection:

Have you ever fought His yoke? Have you tried wearing one that didn’t belong to you?

Hope In Trials

/ Gail Johnson / 2 Comments

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

  • Troubled on every side but not distressed:

Jesus said in this world we would have tribulations. At times, we may feel pressed in a narrow place, but we will not be crushed. Jesus said have courage. Through His name, we can overcome!

  • Perplexed but not in despair:

Sometimes we may see no way out of our present circumstance. We can find no peace as we face the “fightings without” and “fears within.” But we are not without hope.

  • Persecuted but not forsaken:

When the enemy pursues, remember we are not alone. Run to the Rock of Salvation! And if you can’t run, kneel. Help is on the way! No one is left behind.

  • Cast down, but not destroyed:

While on this journey we may be struck down. But we will not be destroyed. This mortal body will return to dust, but this soul will reign with Jesus!

 

Storm Ship

Celebration!

/ Gail Johnson / 3 Comments

Last month I celebrated a birthday. One year on WordPress. In the past year, I have met some wonderful people and reunited with family I haven’t seen in years. I’ve learned quite a lot and still have a lot to learn. But with your help, I accomplished some amazing things. So, I thought I would share it with you.

birthday-163362_1920

On a Facebook page, you are able to see how many people your post reached. And I thought you might be interested in how many we reached in the last thirteen months. I say we because it’s about us working together to accomplish a goal. And that goal, for me at least, is to spread encouragement. We all need a little of that, don’t we?

I didn’t add all the posts. Just the ones with 140 and above. But without your shares, this would not have happened. Woohoo for family and friends! They make everything better and much more interesting. Don’t you agree? 🙂

Also, I wanted to say I don’t always know who is sharing so I can’t always thank you. So here’s to you for all you have done to share my stories and the wonderful love of Jesus. Thank you!

Post—Reached

Don’t Stop Believing -241

Love Is a Marvelous Thing-129

The Life and Death of Christmas-397

Giving Thanks-229

Sparrows and Gravy-141

Now I Know In Part-309

Guarding Your Dreams, Guest post on Garden of Dreams-355

Plastic, Bugs, and Hot Irons-169

Submitting to the Master, article-281

Submitting to the Master, poster-159

Death and Chili-183

Choosing the Good Part-272

Memories-224

Season’s Purpose-312

Bible Journaling-277

Trust His Heart-192

Delay, Disappointments, and Detours-202

WDYB~What Do You Believe-230

Keep Pressing On-234

Some One Is Praying-299

Golden Truth-242

He Lives-157

Total-5234 Reached

 

Shared from Blog to Facebook

Saying Good-bye-117

The Life and Death of Christmas-53

Now I Know In Part-21

Submitting to the Master-28

Choosing the Good Part-20

Memories-34

Season’s Purpose-40

Bible Journaling-20

Trust His Heart-22

Maple Pecan Ice Cream-100 (Pinterest)

God is the Strength of My Heart-25

He Lives-50

Centering -21

Total-551 Shares

Yes, I know people may not have read the post. We can’t look at that. Our job is to get it into their hands—or in front of their eyes. So kudos to you for doing just that.

I am looking forward to another year with you. Hope you will join me on another year of adventure!

The gorgeous looking picture is courtesy of Pixabay, public domain.