One Word

There aren't too many words in the English language that can change the course of your life in an instant. Saying the word "pudding" or "billy goat" or "addition" doesn't usually have much of an impact on the course of your day. But, then their are those words that do change a life in an instant. Words like "cancer" or "wedding". When we hear these words- life changes! The words bring a string of emotions with them, a string of "what ifs" - life changes!

I was thinking this week that there is another word that has the same effect-hearing it can change your life. When we hear the word, we think of so many additional words...love, forgiveness, wholeness, eternity, humility....

Jesus!  

A few  years back I had the experience of hearing Billy Graham's daughter speak. She is a true southerner from the great state of North Carolina. She has a drawl like no other when she speaks! Her words are long and drawn out. She takes her time when she speaks. She speaks with passion and fire. She says things like "Law...yer" and "ya'all". And when she says the name of Jesus, she really says the name of Jesus:

"JEEEESUSSSS!"   

Our family took a liking to the way she says His name and we have begun to copy her North Carolina drawl  in our home! My children, husband and I will say His name in the same long, drawn out manner:

"JEEEESUSSSS!"   

"JEEEESUSSSS!"   

Just taking the time to draw out the name of our Lord and savior does something for my body. It has an effect on my mind and my spirit. I absolutely fill up when I say His name in this manner... 

"JEEEESUSSSS!"   

One word can change your life! In ways that are vastly different from other words in our English language, the word, Jesus, can change your life!  Just saying it, thinking about it, meditating on it, can change your life. You see, the word Jesus, is so much more than a word. It is a representation of the man who came, and willingly gave His life for mine. It is a representation of my sin being nailed to a cross in forgiveness. It is a representation of a solid rock on which to plant my life! It is a representation of a changed life, of a life of darkness turned into light!

"JEEEESUSSSS!" can change your life! 

Today, take all that comes with Him...love, forgiveness, humility, care, wholeness, guidance, and most importantly eternity with Him!

Psalm 145:18

"The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth."