The Names of JESUS: Savior & February Scripture Memory (The J.O.Y. Experiment)

It sits stoically on it's perch.  Looking slightly out of place amongst the Valentine's Decorations.  But, that's the point...isn't it?  My visual reminder in 2014 of The J.O.Y. Experiment.  And, that come December...I will celebrate with purpose the birth of my SAVIOR & what that truly means.

In January, we looked at the name JESUS.  We learned that the name JESUS encompasses ALL His names.

In February, we will focus on JESUS as Savior.

I have a pretty active imagination.  And, as I typed that...I saw Jesus in a Superman suit...standing in front of the cross...his hands on his hips....his cape flapping in the breeze...and big BOLD "J" emblazoned on his chest.  Obviously, I have the active imagination of a 7 year old boy.  Or, I happen to be a 43 year old woman who loves her superhero movies...which I do.  A lot. Let's keep that between us...shall we?

A Savior is defined in the dictionary as a person who...

SAVES

RESCUES

DELIVERS.

So, the question is

WHY DO WE NEED A SAVIOR?

Ephesians 2:1 says that we were DEAD in our transgressions & sins.

I Thessalonians 5: 9 & 10 says, "For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.  He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him."

 

Galatians 5 talks about what kind of life we lead without a Savior & then when He swoops in & saves us!

 

^19-21 It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness; trinket gods; magic-show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants; a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits; the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of community. I could go on.

This isn’t the first time I have warned you, you know. If you use your freedom this way, you will not inherit God’s kingdom.

^22-23 But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

 My friends, I know this much....

I NEED A SAVIOR.

I think when we truly see & acknowledge our need for a Savior the more precious the gift of God sending His Son, JESUS, becomes.  

I have seen my life without a Savior.  I have lived that list above.  And, then...

by simply acknowledging that life & asking for His forgiveness...

HE SAVED ME.

The gift of SALVATION is FREE.

That life...that list....is forgotten.  As far as the East is from the West. 

 

If you haven't accepted this gift...if you need a Savior...He is right there, friend.  Ready & waiting to SWOOP in...

If you have questions or want someone to pray with you, please feel free to email me at justjilly@rocketmail.com.  It would be my privilege to share with you His salvation plan.  

Now, here is our scripture memory for February!

 

And, guess what???  I got smart and you can download it here!

For those of you who have left comments here, Facebook, Instagram or via email...thank you!  Your encouragement is like manna!  I pray for you.  And, I ask that you continue to pray for me as well.  

YOU. ARE. LOVED.