Jesus

Love Is A Marvelous Thing

/ 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

/ 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!”

 

 

 

The Life and Death of Christmas

/ Gail Johnson / 6 Comments

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:13-19 (KJV)

And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. Luke 2:34-35 (KJV)

Life and Death

We are not told if Mary pondered these sayings also. But as a mother, I certainly would have!

Holding a baby in your arms doesn’t bring thoughts of death, but life. However, in reality, we are born to die.

Some may think that to be a grim outlook on Christmas while others may find it liberating.

Think of all the things one might lay aside if one lived as if they were dying. The busyness of our days would definitely slow to a more reasonable pace. Our to-do list would become nonexistent.

And those grudges, misunderstandings, and arguments, well, I’m sure we wouldn’t have the time nor the inclination to “hold” to them any longer.

We would drop the pretense and say what we mean. Hold our loved ones a little tighter. Determine to make a difference in our world. The simple things would become the important things. Yes, life would be different.

In her book, Jesus, Life Coach: Learn From The Best, Laurie Beth Jones tells the story a friend shared with her.

Joe Matthews’ best friend’s wife was diagnosed with cancer and given a short time to live. Joe watched as this couple began living with that knowledge. Near the end, Joe asked the wife how it felt to live each day knowing you were dying. Her answer was, “Joe, what does it feel like to live each day pretending that you are not?”

Celebrate

I love the story of Christmas. It’s the story of life—and death. It’s the reason we celebrate! His life brought hope and His death brought life. I could never repay Him for what He’s done for me. So I will rejoice in His coming and consider His sacrificial love during this season of celebration while wishing everyone I meet a very Merry Christmas!

Blessings