Our Thursday noon Bible study group has been studying the Max Lucado book “You Are Not Alone” based on the book of John. I love the book of John because it is so concise and direct. It is full of the story of Jesus but it abounds in memorable quotes that we can all use in our own life struggles and to also help others in theirs. The use of scripture is important if we are to bring people to Christ. It is in the book of John that most of my most memorized verses are to be found. As we prepare for this special holiday that celebrates the birth of our savior, I think it is important to remember not only his birth, but his life, the lessons he taught us, the brutal death he suffered for us, and ultimately his resurrection which conquered death for our salvation!
Christmas will come this year, whether the gifts arrive in time or not. It has amazed me this season, that all the news can talk about is whether the supply chain issue will ruin Christmas. As if it could! People who think that really have missed the point and maybe have missed the boat altogether. And what a tragedy that would be! I think as Christians we have to do a better job of communicating the message and meaning of Christmas to our families, our friends, and the world. If we don’t, who will?
I am going to share with you some of my favorite verses from John. Feel free to tape to your frig or put in your Bible. They are worth memorizing. I hope you find this helpful. All verses are from the NIV translation.
John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world that he gave his only son that whoever believes in him shall have eternal life. For God did not send his son to condemn the world but to save the world through him.
John 6:35 Jesus declared: "I am the bread of life. Who comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
John 8:12 I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.
John 10:11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
John 11:25 I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.
John 13:34-35 A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know you are my disciples, if you love one another.
John 14: 1-3 (One of my personal favorites) Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My father’s house has many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
John 14:6 (Another of my favorites) I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 15:4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself. It must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
John 15: 12-13 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down his life for one’s friends.
John 16: 33 In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
God will have the final say. So rest in God’s great love, His grace, and His peace and be ready to be a part of His story because our stories are rewritten in Him when we give our lives to Him. He is ready to use us to further His kingdom but it is still our choice. I pray that each of you will find your story in 2022 filled with the love and hope found only in Christ.
I pray blessings and protection for each of you and your families this Christmas and in the year to come.
Love and Blessings to all,
Helen Earls