This is a reading of 1 Peter 1:3-9 from ESV. I have adjusted pronouns and eliminated a few phrases. Do you believe in JESUS? Have you asked HIM to be your Lord and Savior? Congratulations! Be inexpressibly JOYFUL! You have Salvation! Let me know how that makes you feel! Now, don’t cover your cross — SPEAK JESUS!! God Bless You!
I miss him so! He passed in 2016 at age 67 – in his curmudgeon stage. We were good buddies on and off through life. When the years between our visits lengthened, the reunion was always as if we had been together yesterday. Born James Robert, known as Jimmy in his youth, He required the moniker, James R, as an adult. By the time I was giving Toastmaster speeches, he became “Old Jim” to me. We enjoyed the same Grandma, of course, but his connection with JESUS was interrupted at an early age. In his adult years he claimed to be an atheist, then an agnostic, and later on? Confused! What followed was an in-depth study of The Man Christ and his “story”. James R had read The Bible through several times! “I know JESUS lived; he was a very good man; I just can’t get the GOD part!” JESUS
My Grandma was a sweet, loving woman with a delightful giggle. She taught me a lot – by example. She always seemed to know when I was “stretching the truth”. She would have a story ready from her life — similar to the boy who cried wolf. When I couldn’t get along with my brother, she would tell me about life among her four sisters – she had examples from several age levels. Of course, the result would always be “what JESUS would say or do”. My regrets are that as I became a young adult, spending less time with her, I paid more attention to “the ways of the world”. Yes, I gossiped at work; yes, I became promiscuous; yes, my vocabulary deteriorated. I would have a “come to JESUS period” and then backslide. That happened a few times. But, as you can tell, those teachings from my Grandma
Grannies, it is vital to “Speak Jesus” to your family and friends. However, it is also important to demonstrate your faith. The modern term is to be an Influencer! When you might say something against someone, out loud ask JESUS to forgive you. Verbalize those little prayers, “Help me Lord JESUS”. Here’s how Joyce Meyer says it: “Teach not only by word but by example. If you’re a more mature Christian, you need to watch for younger Christians who need a more mature influence in their lives. Not only will you be helping them, you will be helping yourself. “ Joyce If you follow Joyce, you know her tag line: ENJOY THE JOURNEY! Enjoy Everyday Life! After getting your “pupils” interested in a relationship with JESUS, be sure to mention that being a Christian is not a “bowl of cherries”! (Do we use that phrase anymore?) JESUS cautioned his disciples:
When someone passes, family and friends will speak about him/her going to Heaven. That may not be true. We know that JESUS said it depends on loving HIM! When we love HIM, Father God will love us and take us to Heaven. “The one who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and the one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will reveal Myself to him.” JOHN 14:21, NASB JESUS also said that the ONLY was to get to Father God in Heaven is through HIM – by accepting HIM as our Savior and asking HIM into our heart. Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me”. John 14:6, NASB JESUS also added that we must follow HIS commandments. “Not everyone
JESUS LOVES ME! The RED LETTERS tell me so! Choose your translation – they all have the same message. He Loves who Keep His Commandments — John 14:21 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” NIV Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” ESV The one who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and the one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will reveal Myself to him.” NASB “The person who knows my commandments and keeps them, that’s who loves
But Grandma, how do you KNOW that JESUS likes that? I Read The RED Letters! They’re The Words Of JESUS!! HE is speaking to ME!! It was only since my renewed relationship with JESUS that I learned about the RED LETTERS. It was only a few months ago that I learned that JOHN 3:16 is RED LETTERS!! JESUS SAID: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. NKJV (My spirit did a “happy dance”) Reveal the importance of The RED Letters. Encourage your “student” to seek out the RED Letters. I would start in John, but all the Gospels hold The Words of JESUS. They’re Treasures of Truth. This would work for a young person AND… An adult who denies The Truth you have just spoken. The RED Letters often lead to more
Why am I talking to you as a Granny? You may be a Mom, an Aunt, a Sister, and most likely, a Granny someday. Grannies are people who love us like no other. Grannies treat us with special rules and tell us special stories. As I listen to testimonies, I often hear, “My Grandma told me…” I KNOW my Grandma Bradley had The Fruit of The Spirit growing and thriving in her heart. Hers were the sweetest smiles, the most cheerful giggles, and the warmest hugs. When she spoke about JESUS, I KNEW she was telling me THE TRUTH. She would bring JESUS into our conversations. “JESUS would like that.” “JESUS would not approve if we did that.” “JESUS would tell us to love your brother, Jimmy. Yes, even if he did that.” My response was always, “Why, Grandma?” Then she would explain – and teach me more about
JESUS found you “where you are”, you invited Him to be your Savior, He gave you Holy Spirit and you received HIM. WHY? The Holy Spirit, through “gentle promptings” will help you to change – to be more like JESUS, to be a Child of The Most High God. The Bible tells us, HE plants the Fruit of The Spirit in us. As we learn more of The Word, grow in our trust of God, and become closer to JESUS, the Fruit grows. The Fruit of The Spirit is: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23. What a GREAT GIFT – just for trusting and loving our LORD!! Think about all these ethical attributes, honorable characteristics, and pleasant feelings. I want ALL of them!! Do YOU? Receive JESUS as your Savior and… They’re YOURS!!
This is a reading of 1 Peter 1:3-9 from ESV. I have adjusted pronouns and eliminated a few phrases. Do you believe in JESUS? Have you asked HIM to be your Lord and Savior? Congratulations!
I miss him so! He passed in 2016 at age 67 – in his curmudgeon stage. We were good buddies on and off through life. When the years between our visits lengthened, the reunion was
My Grandma was a sweet, loving woman with a delightful giggle. She taught me a lot – by example. She always seemed to know when I was “stretching the truth”. She would have a story
Grannies, it is vital to “Speak Jesus” to your family and friends. However, it is also important to demonstrate your faith. The modern term is to be an Influencer! When you might say something against
When someone passes, family and friends will speak about him/her going to Heaven. That may not be true. We know that JESUS said it depends on loving HIM! When we love HIM, Father God will