This Christmas Day

One lone star
amid the black sky of night
shining bright
leading us
to the Holy One
The Christ Child
asleep in manger bare

The shepherds
watch their flocks
One lone star
upon them
an angel before them
fear grips tight
but “Do not fear”

 Come
Follow the star
Good News awaits
Great Joy to all
for today
this Day
this Christmas Day
a Savior is born
His name is Jesus
and He is
Christ the Lord

Praise and glory and honor
unto Him
and on earth,
peace, good will
to all
who receive His grace
to all
who are called.

(c) December 25, 2014

A new day rises

A new day rises

Is it as dismal as days before
with our eyes of sight to see only pitch black darkness
our ears of sound to hear only unending silence
our hands of touch to feel nothing … no one
our minds of thought to think only selfishness
our mouths of words to speak only discouragement, defeat, complaints

A new day rises

every day
a new start, another chance

Is it the sun
that brightens your day
that clears your thoughts

or would you still live
in darkness
in silence
in selfish indignation

A new day rises

All
we are
creations
of God
Our physical birth
gives us life

and choices
as each new day rises

God
who rules the heavens
the earth
all everywhere
He is merciful
filled with compassion
and everlasting love
“They are new every morning.”
(Lamentations 3:23)

God is our Hope
as His Son, Jesus
He is our Savior

In Him, With Him,
Through Him
we are made new
Our spiritual birth
gives us new life

A new day rises

Fill your hearts
and what you see
hear
feel
think
speak
with love and peace
and joy and kindness
and goodness
and compassion

As each new day rises
the new you
will also rise
and Jesus’ love
will shine forever bright.

© December23, 2014

The Gift of God

The message comes   – It is given to all people

“… I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”                   ( Luke 2:10-11)

The gift arrives   -- It is delivered to all who call upon His name

“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.”   (John 3:16)

The promise foretold   -- It is unveiled to all who abide with Him

Isaiah 9:2-7 shows us the promises of Light, of Gladness, of Liberty, of Peace, of an Extraordinary King, of an Everlasting Reign.

In awe and wonder,
we praise and worship
Our Lord and King

 The Holy One

 whose birth
 is celebrated
on Christmas Day

whose death and resurrection
is commemorated
on Easter

 whose life
guides us
Every Day

Jesus Christ!

Our Immanuel – God with us

(c) December 22, 2014

Love came down as Jesus - the Light of the World

“To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” – Luke 1:79

“We walk by faith, not by sight.” – II Corinthians 5:7

Jesus is the Light of the World
sent down
to Earth
from above
by His Father.

Jesus -- a babe born
into a world filled with darkness of soul and mind,
endless pain and destruction
yet surrounded by the Light of God’s Everlasting Love

Jesus is the Light of the World
We, receivers of His Light
who once sat in darkness
to share with others,
who remain in darkness,
the Good News of His Coming
and the Gift He Brings.

Woe to you,
You who the darkness constrains
You who do not see the Light
You who fail to heed the Light
You who turn from the Goodness of God
and the faith once carried
to a place of wrongdoing and evil.

Jesus is the Light of the World
He shines into the hearts
of men and women and children
everywhere
He guides our feet
our hands
our words
our every action
into the way of peace, and love, and joy and hope

Abundant blessings flow
when we are one with The One
who is greater, greater still,
Greatest of all, over all.

© December 21, 2014

Turn. Turn.

You accepted Christ
a born-again believer
obedient
to the call of Christ

Until one day
an encounter
changed your thinking
No longer awake to His teachings
Small steps become giant strides
distancing yourself from all
that is God

Your newly chosen path
not pleasing to Him
not bringing eternal rewards
only temporary pleasantness

Is that enough?!
To be given new life only to waste it?
To live like the prodigal son (see Luke 15:11-32)
whose desires stronger;
and overcome,
he took and went
far away
and squandered
his livelihood.
Later, realizing
the error of his ways
returned
to his father
seeking repentance
asking forgiveness.
His father,
overwhelmed with love,
said,
“my son was dead and is alive again;
he was lost and is found.” (Luke 15:24)

Turn. Turn.
Turn away from.
Turn to … return to
The One
whose life was given
for yours

He took the old
and made new.
He is always with you.
He waits
in anticipation
of a joyful reunion
with a child
gone astray.

© December 17-18, 2014

“Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart.”  ~ 2 Corinthians 4:1

“…For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness …” ~ verse 6

“We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down but not destroyed.”  ~ verses 8-9

“The things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”  ~ verse 18

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”  ~ 2 Corinthians 5:7

“Therefore, we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.”  ~ verse 9

“For the love of Christ constrains us, because we judge thus; that if one died for all, then all died. And He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.”  ~ verses 14-15

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”  ~ verse 17

Saved, but

“Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you.”   ~ Isaiah 60: 1-2

“For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance.”  ~ Hebrews 6:4-6a

It IS impossible
Yes
It IS.
Jesus
died once
for you
for me,
Not over and over again,
repeatedly,
every time you fall away
and come back.

You soul be saved
but your life …
you’ve missed the boat
disobedient to His teachings.

No time do you make
to open His book
to read and study His Word
You may attend church
You may listen to the preacher
But do you apply what you hear to your life
Do you consider the consequences of every thought and action you partake
Do you pray

Do you seek God’s goodness all around you
or only folly

Be still
Hear My voice
Surround yourself
with My Presence
Do not dwell on that which you find wrong
with your surroundings
Seek My Presence
and My Glory will brighten the world around you
and you will see
and hear
and smell
and touch
and speak
an abundance of good things

When you refuse to come
into My Presence
I am grieved
but you too,
are filled with a sadness
unable to define

I offer you so much

But until you turn the page,
live life moving forward rather than backward
learn from the errors of your selfish ways
Until you want more of My Goodness,
more of My Love
More of My Joy
More of Me
Until you hear and obey My Voice,
you do not really know Me.

Your soul be saved,
but your life is being wasted. 

(c) December 16, 2014

Remembering ...

I was 10 years old.

Going back
in my mind
I can remember ...
that crisp cold December day

It was the 9th
the year was 1961
and I was 10
my sister, 7

We lived on 80 acres,
land farmed
first by my grandpa
and later by tenants
hired by my mother

My parents,
married 18 years,
split two years before,
The year I was 8

Childhood fragmented
Schooldays difficult
Yet only a few
saw my struggles
and even fewer cared
and reached out to me

One I remember, always remember
Though his name long forgotten
I see his face
his offer of friendship
someone to talk to,
to confide in
He was a school counselor
He helped me conquer hurdles
often too big and cumbersome
for me to handle alone

The year I was 7
1958

The following year

Two years later
I was 10
The Christmas season upon us
One more grief to bear
in too few years gone by

It was morning ...
the day my grandpa died

Forever missed
Forever remembered

George Arthur Stoner
July 20, 1880 - Dec. 9, 1961

Psalm 23:4 says,
"Yea, though I walk
through the valley of
the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod (protection)
and Your staff (guidance)
they comfort me." 

I wish
it was the Lord
I had known then
I wish
it was His Presence
I had felt
many years past
He may have been
but so unaware
was I
Yet I am grateful
for His Love
and His Mercy
now upon me
and I pray
for His protection
and His guidance
in the days
ahead.

I pray the steps I take
gazing backward
and marching forward
are those
He desires.

(c) December 9, 2014

Where am I?

The Lord is present
Where am I?
He does not leave
He has not departed
He is not absent
His promises are true
He said, He will not leave us,
He will not forsake us

Where am I?

Am I on the outside looking in?
Did I travel
the valley of despair
and release my grip on Him?

The Lord is present
So is Satan
But I gave my life to Jesus
not the devil!

Where am I?

I was lost
and then I found ... Him -- You
and now,
Where am I now?
falling, falling

Catch me Lord
Hold me Lord.

I reach out
The air so thin
a part of the greater good
yet separated
from that goodness

Hold me Lord
Wrap Your mightiness
lovingly around me

Take me away
The griefs of this place
too much, too much

Bring me back
Renew in me
the Spirit of love
and gentleness
and kindness
and patience

Bring all of me to You Lord
Return me to Your fold
so I will know
where I am

I do not like the paths traveled
yet I cannot turn around
unless it is You
who guides me,
who leads the way.

(c) December 8, 2014

Dear Lord: here I am, here I pray

Dear Lord Jesus,

Here I am today
thinking of that
which perhaps
should not
have been spoken
Concerns voiced
perhaps belonged
to Your ears alone
I am unsure

Dwelling
on insecurities
not useful for me
focusing on You
and your direction for me
much more fruitful

Lord,

I pray You keep me
always connected
to Your way
so I do not wander
this way and that way

I want to be
Your messenger,
and do Your will
for all it takes

Keep me ever mindful
of You
so I
will know the way
I go
is the way
You desire

For all I share
or show another
decisions made
choices chosen
belong to each one
separately

It is not for me
to choose
or decide
for another

We each pay
the consequences
whenever
and wherever
they come

Yet, I pray
You will intervene
Keep us all safe and secure
amid the wrongs
of what we say
and don't say
and what we do
and don't do
and bring us back home again.

I pray when judgment comes
it is on familiar ground
and the fire
we play with now
will not become full blown
but lessen, died out

I play the Holy Spirit's nudging
will be effective
upon us
and the ways we go
will be glorifying to You
always.

Amen.

(c) December 6, 2014 

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might.
And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart; you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up." (Deuteronomy 6:5-7)

"You shall not tempt the Lord your God ... You shall diligently keep the commandments of the Lord your God ... You shall do what is right and good in the sight of the Lord, that it may be well with you." (Deuteronomy 6:16-18)

"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Jesus. But he who does wrong will be repaid for the wrong which he has done, and there is no partiality."  (Colossiand 3:23-25)

Surely, He is

"Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it." - Genesis 28:16

I do not understand
what God is showing me,
where God is leading me
as excruciating pain radiates

The Lord says
to let Him, His Presence
override everything
every experience
to concentrate, focus on Him
not on the current situation -
the pain
the depressed feelings
that overwhelm

Do not let situations
of any kind
draw you away from Me

Pray for awareness
of My Presence,
and know
My comfort
My love
My mercy
My protection
My shelter
My strength
My promises
My peace

Remember,
"I am with you
and will keep (protect) you
wherever you go,
and will bring you back
to this land." (Genesis 28:15abc)

Know - without any doubt or question
The Lord IS in this place.
In the midst of all,
He IS ...  surely He is. 

(c) December 5, 2014

a lesson to be learned

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." 

- Ephesians 6:12

The darkness of the night
troubled my ability to see
and direction was almost lost
as steering took me (and others)
down wrong ways
and across bumpy median strips

What was going on?!
Was talking to others
a distraction from focusing,
from concentrating
on what was before me?

What was God showing me?
Was this an example
of how Satan enters our lives unaware?

God was with me
And then I was turned around
and I had no way
to remove myself.
The consequences were before me
I wanted to hide,
crawl under a barrel
and not have anyone see my stupid actions.

But God sees our every move,
stupid and foolish
smart and wise.
Oh my!
A word flew out of my mouth
not spoken in many decades
a word that didn't belong
but said nonetheless
Why that word?!
Why then?!
Why repeat it?!
Why remind myself of it?!

... to keep Jesus closer to me
so I do not unravel

The road God leads us on
is narrow
right in the midst
of the opposition

I look up and see
and wonder
more
why

The wrong way
can seem so clear
yet it is
rather fuzzy.

Have we stepped outside
of God's guidance
Do we not see
nor utilize
the protection
and security
He offers?

Do we fail to move
past ourselves and see only me?
My woes
My mistakes
My headache
My pain
My depression
My sorrows
My misery
My longings
My complaints
My worries
It is all about me

But it isn't.
It is not all about me
It is about God
It is about Jesus
It is about what He teaches us,
what we learn,
what we do with what we learn,
who we follow - are obedient to

The wrong way
is as clear as mud
Why do we go there
or stay there
stuck,
pulling us down continually

God's way opens doors
showers us with blessings
disciplines us to make us better,
more productive
He is always with us
loving us

We must step beyond
each of us
individually
go where He leads ...
into the Light
so when the darkness
of the night
comes upon us
we remain safe
and secure
in His loving embrace.

December 3 and 4, 2014

"that good part"

(Jesus speaking) "...Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."  - Luke 10:41-42

That good part

What is it?
Do you have it?
Do you utilize it regularly?
Is it about you?

Martha
and you
and me
and many others too
often worried
and troubled
about many things

For Martha,
it was about food preparation and serving
but it could easily be |
about financial woes
health
lodging
clothes
transportation
education

Jesus tells us
only one thing is needed.
and Mary
and some of us as well
have chosen that good part
which will not be taken away

That good part
always present

is our relationship
with Him - Jesus
our Savior and Lord
He will guide us
for every way
we should go 

Are you connected to Him?
He is the answer
to every moment
of  life
Whatever comes our way
reach out to the Lord
first and foremost
and go and do
where He alone directs

All the fixings
we think we have the power to accomplish
only weigh us down

Let the thoughts of your mind
stay on Jesus. 

So easy
it is
to be
swallowed up
by discouragement
discontent
distress
divisions
desolation
defensiveness
doubts

Our mind, instead of focusing
on that which is good
and kind,
patient and faithful,
gentle, loving, joyful,
on that which is Jesus,
we travel down roads
that speak of stupidity
and foolishness

The devil looks
for ways to bring us down
and we fall prey to it

We look for easy fixes
We think we have all the answers
when in retrospect
it is God
who knows all
who has all
who is all 

He created us
not vice versa

It is easy
to take our focus off 

The One
who is everything we need
and all that we desire
and put it
on ourselves

The "Me" syndrome
is childish behavior
but it is not solely
a child's thinking

Adults are
just as much
into themselves
as children,
sometimes more so.

Children learn
from their parents
and other caregivers

As adults,
we stay stuck

Too hard
we often think
to get out from under,
so why bother
Let's just focus
on me

Why get into His Word,
Why pray
Why pay attention
to a better way shown,
when 

Satan
has you believing
it is useless,
it is confusing,

it is too much work
to have a plan
and to stick to it

Focusing
on that good part
is hard to do
Hard to stay there
day in and day out
Hard to start over
when mistakes
and errors in judgment
are made

Life is not easy
God never said it would be

What do you look for?

Is it
the Light of God's Son
rising and shining upon you?

or
is it
the cunning, deceiving ways
of Satan infiltrating
every part of your life
and darkening every corner, 

taking you places you
should never go?

There are blessings
to be had

Choices


By focusing on God
and Him alone,
The Way to go
will be clear

Satan's plan
is always
to keep you way
from that good aprt

Christians are not free
from poor choices
nor
from the consequences
of those poor choices

Do you seek God's best,
God's blessings for you
or
do you settle for a whole lot less? 

(c) November 30 / December 2, 2014

Psalm 25: 1-21

"To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul, 

O my God, I trust in You; 

Let me not be ashamed;

Let not my enemies

triumph over me.

Indeed, let no one who 

waits on You be ashamed;

Let those be ashamed who 

deal treacherously without cause.

Show me Your ways, O Lord;

Teach me Your paths,

Lead me in Your truth and teach me,

For You are the God of my salvation;

On You I wait all the day.

Remember, O Lord, Your tender mercies

and Your lovingkindnesses,

For they have been from of old.
Do not remember the
sins of my youth, nor my transgressions;
According to Your mercy remember me,
For Your goodness' sake, O Lord.

Good and upright is the Lord;
Therefore He teaches
sinners in the way.
The humble He guides in justice,
And the humble He
teaches His way.
All the paths of the Lord
are mercy and truth,
To such as keep His covenant
and His testimonies.
For Your name's sake, O Lord,
Pardon my iniquity, for it is great.

Who is the man that fears the Lord?
Him shall He teach in the way He chooses.

He himself shall dwell in prosperity,
And his descendants shall
inherit the earth.
The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him,
And He will show them His covenant.
My eyes are ever toward the Lord,
For He shall pluck my feet out of the net.

Turn Yourself to me,
and have mercy on me,
For I am desolate and afflicted.
The troubles of my heart have enlarged;
Oh, bring me out of my distresses!
Look on my affliction and my pain,
And forgive all my sins.
Consider my enemies,
for they are many;
And they hate me with cruel hatred.
Oh, keep my soul, and deliver me;
Let me not be ashamed for I put my trust in You.
Let integrity and uprightness perseve me,
For I wait for You." 

Do we look for the Son everywhere?

"...Let the peace of God rule in your hearts..."(Colossians 3:15)

"For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting. And His truth endures to all generations." (Psalm 100:5)

Alone
with God

We may find
it easy
to meditate
and pray
and give thanks
behind closed doors

but then

our refuge
of God's
strength and protection

wanes

We exit
and come face to face
with the reality
of distractions

People
Places
Circumstances

The distractions
are everywhere

We fail to see
miracles
Our life is centered
on the negative --
complaints
and irritation
and frustration

We do not praise
our Father in Heaven

We are not thankful
for ALL that comes our way

We do not look
for the positive
in every situation

Our emotions run us ragged
Up and down

We do not see the Sun / Son Rising
We do not see the Light
of His Presence
saturating the whole earth

Somewhere it is sunny

Somewhere the Light of the Day is bright

Somewhere God's Light is shining upon those who strive to do His will

Somewhere annoyances do not roam, but peace settles

Somewhere His Light shines in the darkest dark

Somewhere another will know Him, will come to be His

Somewhere another will die, persecuted
by people
who lack understanding,
who do not see the truth, God's Truth,
who only see and understand their own truth

It is God's Truth that endures.
ALL will come to know
and all will come to bow
and the peace of God will rule.

(c) November 27, 2014

  

Thankfulness

Thankfulness
the language of love
does not deny reality
brings us closer to the Lord,
where we can hide
under His wings,
protected

He will give us stamina
for the troubles ahead
and keep us safe
from the troubles that come
our way
when with Him we abide

Feeling thankful
may be absent
we must step beyond
and give glory and honor
and praise to the Almighty One
who gives us life

Our faith is in God
and in His Holy Son
He deserves our praise
regardless
of what our emotions
say of us

"Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation." (Habakkuk 3:17-18)

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1)

I am:

• GRATEFUL for my relationship with Jesus
• GRATEFUL He is always with me - in every event and circumstance that comes my way
• GRATEFUL for the people He has placed in my path
• GRATEFUL for Pastor Dan who listens and obeys God's commands
• GRATEFUL it was God's desire for Jim to serve the congregation at First Baptist - Dunkerton following the unfortunate death of their pastor Tommy Rucker
• GRATEFUL for continued service to Him through pulpit supply at Wilton Baptist - Wilton
• GRATEFUL God has wakened an intensity in Jim to go and preach His Word wherever sent
• GRATEFUL for our adopted family - Rocky, Christina and Austin
• GRATEFUL we can provide a place for them to stay as long as they need
• GRATEFUL for Austin, their son, our 3-year-old grandson, who brings joy and wonder and love into our lives
• GRATEFUL God knew they would come and we would open our home  and we would have so much we didn't have before
• GRATEFUL for learning experiences
• GRATEFUL for the freedom to worship when and where we please, to study God's truths, witness His blessings of days pst, present and future
• GRATEFUL for His love - His love that is patient and kind, that never gives up, this is always with us every step of the way to guide us, to show us the more excellent way for us to be and do
• GRATEFUL for His Spirit within me
• GRATEFUL for my Christian brothers and sisters all over the country
• GRATEFUL for prayers - given to others and received for me, for my husband, for all our loved ones
• GRATEFUL for my adopted mommy Anna, who also is my mentor, my dear sweet friend
• GRATEFUL for medical procedures that prevent cancer cells from growing
• GRATEFUL for humane doctors and nurses and technicians and thousands of others who give care daily
• GRATEFUL for all those who serve, paid and volunteer, past and present veterans of wars fought on our land and foreign soil
• GRATEFUL for those who share of their experiences, of what they have, of what the Lord has blessed them to provide for another - food, clothes, time - to visit or to listen, lodging, bills paid, extra funds
• GRATEFUL for Jimmy who came into my life at God's direction 
• GRATEFUL for the up and down travels in our lives, for without them, how would we ever know or come to understand God's plans for us
• GRATEFUL for memories, for shared dreams, for standing alongside each other through everything, for trusting in God to see us through the dark days that have come and gone and returned and will go away again
• GRATEFUL for the hope of heaven, our eternal home
• GRATEFUL for pets, for stuffed animals, each with their own personality
• GRATEFUL for laughter
• GRATEFUL for warmth, electricity, running water
• GRATEFUL for eyes that see, ears that hear, hearts that understand
• GRATEFUL for the pain that strikes with a vengeance, for without it, how could we be ever so grateful for the pain-free days? Christ endured so much.

With thankfulness, there is joy. With joy, there is peace.  With peace, there is love. With love, there is God. Always. And God is Good. All the Time. 

Amen. 

(c) November 24, 2014

Is it His Light we share?

Sunny skies.
If only our dispositions
could be as such
Words said lead down roadways
of ill content
You don't believe what another says
You weren't alert to hear
and elsewhere written copy
shows no indication
of something different

Seems to be
just like God's book
God's guiding Light
He gives us instructions
in His Word
through His messengers
for how we should live our lives

But we don't see
those guiding principles
and we don't hear
His words of wisdom
and if we do hear and see,
we don't understand

Jesus fed over 5,000
with 5 loaves of bread
and there were 12 baskets of leftovers

Jesus asks of us --
"Having eyes, do you not see?
and having ears, do you not hear?
and do you not remember?" (Mark 8:18)

"How is it you do not understand?" (Mark 8:21)

His Light shines for us
Yet our anger takes precedence
We do not see His love and mercy
We only see our own dismay and frustration

Satan's bow and arrow strikes
and our injury is the focal point

Not until we stop and listen
stop talking
stop thinking
and listen
do we come to understand

and then we are filled with sorrow
and our anger
is over our stupidity

How can we share His Light
that He has put inside us
if doom and gloom
is our only answer?

(c) November 20, 2014

Not my direction, but His

I cannot say
"This is the way you should go"
I can suggest
I can point you to The One
who is The Way
I can provide examples
of ways I have gone
that have led down sinful paths

It is for you to keep your mind on The Lord
For you to listen to His Voice
For you to study and meditate on His Word
For you to pray
For you to thank
For you to trust
For you to believe
For you to obey

Each of us has been given life
to which we owe our every fiber
to Him who died, was buried and rose again,
for us

You are free
in God, to whom you belong
But
Are you ... truly free?

Who is it who condemns
who judges
who punishes

It is not me
I am not the way
nor the truth
nor the life

My way leads to uncertainty
My truth is whatever I choose
My life is all about me, mine, myself

Jesus is The One
who says and is
"I AM the way, the truth and the life.
NO ONE comes to the Father except through Me."
(John 14:6)

How can we truly live
if our whole being
is not focused on
The Way of Christ
The Truth of Christ
The Life of Christ

It is not just in arriving, but in the journey.

(based on readings in Isaiah 30:21, Romans 8:1-2, John 3:16-18, John 10:27)

(c) November 17, 2014

My gifts

Believe and receive
Believe in Me
not yourself
Not in what you do
But in what I AM

You alone can do nothing
It is only through Me
My love for you
that you are enabled
to do and be

Believe in Me My children
Believe in My Son
who I sent to you
to die for you
who was raised up on the third day
to bring new life to you

Believe and Receive
The gift of My Son
The gift of eternal life
The gift of love,
of peace, of joy
The gift of abundant blessings
and thankfulness
and
May the pleasure of My giving
and the pleasure of your receiving
flow together in harmony

Belive in Me
and Receive
My Son
as your Savior
your Lord
The Ultimate Gift
for all.

(c) November 12, 2014

Seek Him

Psalm 105:4 says,
"Seek the Lord and His Strength; Seek His face evermore." 

Do we seek Him,
His power and strength
or
do we look within ourselves
and consider how best
we can handle what comes

I know,
from repeated experiences
when relying on me
I do not handle anything well
I get frustrated
and angry
I react and respond
with irritation in my voice
I slam doors
withdraw from those around me
pout, frown, glare

Oh I know
I am one in a crowd, right

No.
It is not only me,
but you too struggle to be composed
when life's moments
catch up with you
in one big gigantic pile
and all you really want to do
is bury yourself under a rock

It is called STRESS
At one time or another
it has hit us all
We are not immune
to the trials that come
and go and come again.

S ... Are we Selfish or Self-Controlled?
T ... Do we allow our Tongue to control us and cause untold damage on another
         or do we control the words we speak?
R ... Do we Rebel when things don't go our way
         or do we Reconcile our differences with another?
E ... Are we Empty of love, kindness, gentleness, patience
         or  do we Endure every step of the way?
S ...  Is Strife the way of our life?
         Do we Stumble and fall and react negatively every time a choice made causes trouble?
          or
S ...  Do we Seek the Lord's face and His arms of loving protection against the storms that come?
         Do we Study His word, Striving to understand and follow His instructions?

(c) November 11, 2014

"Do not let anyone deceive you with foolish words; it is because of these very things that God's anger will come upon those who do not obey him."  ~ Ephesians 5:6

"... Let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up because of the cross!" ~ Hebrews 12:1-2

"You have been raised to life with Christ, so set your hearts on the things that are in heaven, where Christ sits on his throne at the right side of God. Keep your minds fixed on things there, not on things here on earth." ~ Colossians 3:1-2

"But the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility and self-control. ... And those who belong to Christ Jesus have put to death their human nature with all its passions and desires. The Spirit has given us life; he must also control our lives. We must not be proud or irritate one another or be jealous of one another." ~ Galatians 5:22-26

"Remember that there will be difficult times in the last days. People will be selfish, greedy, boastful, and conceited; they will be insulting, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful and irreligious; they will be unkind, merciless,slanderers, violent, and fierce; they will hate the good; they will be treacherous, reckless, and swollen with pride; they will love pleasure rather than God; they will hold the outward form of our religion, but reject its real power." ~ 2 Timothy 3:1-5

Whose way?

"Do not judge others, so that God will not judge you,  for God will judge you in the same way you judge others, and he will apply to you the same rules you apply to others. Why, then, do you look at the speck in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the log in your own eye? How dare you say to your brother, 'Please, let me take that speck out of your eye,' when you have a log in your own eye? You hypocrite! First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will be able to see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye." ~ Matthew 7:1-5 (TEV) 

God warns us
sends us warnings
through other people
through circumstances
through pain
showing itself physically, emotionally, spiritually

Are we paying attention
to those warnings?
designed specifically for us, each individually
or
do we only see how it applies to another?
do we only remind another of their shortcomings
and never see our own?

Are you so close to God
you need not take responsibility
for the warnings you receive?

Did God say
you have done well - Continue on the path you travel,
being disobedient to My instructions
and to those who offer a word of wisdom
in My name?

Why has love and kindness and gentleness
lessened
and instead
frustration and anger and anxiety
increased its hold on you?

The Bible is filled with warnings
that apply as much to us today
as they did in Biblical times

We profess to be Christians,
followers of Christ.
Yet do we ... are we following?
Are we living what we profess
or
do we still miss the mark
and follow the ways of the world?

Focus on Me
Rejoice in Me
Draw near to Me
Follow Me
Be with Me
Remember Me

Do we condemn another
because of our perceived thoughts,
which, if not fully centered on God,
are wrong?!

Where is God in us
How is God flowing through us
if it is not Him
with whom with live?

We cannot thrive and be
All God desires of us
if  the way we go
in all we do
and say
and feel
is not The Way of Christ.

(c) November 10, 2014 

My wish, my prayer

I wish Lord
Oh  I wish
Not worthless dreams
and desires
to pass the time of day
but that which may be
Your desire
entwined
You and I
us
together.

I wish
I wish
but no, it's not a wish
but a prayer
from this heart of mine
to You, O Lord.

A pastorate
as interim
for Your servant
Jim and I
to share
perhaps at
Wilton
or elsewhere
if it be
Your will.

A procedure
removal of tissue
with risk high
for dangerous
growth
accomplished
and to be no more.

Wise instruction
given
to be followed
rather than
doubts believed
and excuses made

The Bible
our guidebook for Life
Those who follow,
who walk in the Spirit
as professed they live
are blessed
The Lord
guides their steps
so they do not stumble.

This my wish, my prayer to You O Lord.

(c) November 3, 2014

Miss you

Jim and I were gone
eight months away
then one day
returned
and discovered

We were missed --
I was missed
by someone dear

such unexpected joy
She and I visited then
and later too

but often
Jim and I
were off
serving the Lord
wherever He led

One day
another day came
and she was gone
a sudden illness
struck
and she lay
quiet in a hospital bed

The stopped visits
became prayers lifted up
and within not many days
she entered
into the presence
of her Lord and Savior

and now
I find
I miss her.

but someday
we will meet again
she and I
and the reunion
will be forever
and ever.

In Memory of
Geraldine "Jerry" Grimm
5/29/1922 - 10/28/2014

(c) November 2, 2014

Ring those bells and hear His voice

(Based on readings in Psalm 100, Psalm 23 and Jeremiah 29:13-14a)

Ring those bells
Ring them loud and strong
filled with joy
and gladness

Hear those bells
in the stillness
of the night
in the clutter
of the day

Remember the promise
the bells
continually bring
I AM WITH YOU
I AM WITH YOU
I AM WITH YOU

Open the eyes of your heart
See God's glory all around
Hear the angels singing
Hallalujah to the King
and the bells of heaven
ringing strong, filled with joy
and gladness

Come into His Presence
with thanksgiving
and praise

The Lord
my Shepherd be
Giving me rest,
quiet moments,
guidance,
comfort,
protection

Listen! to the bells

Once you had sought and found
but now
I have been misplaced
and your searching
lays dim

Awaken! My child
and hear the bells
Seek Me again
and you will find
True Freedom
from all
that keeps you in captivity

Ring those bells
Ring them loud and strong
with joy and gladness
always remembering
I AM THE LORD
YOUR GOD
and
I AM WITH YOU

(c) October 30, 2014

The Light of Jesus lives in you .. walk in His Light

The Light of Jesus
lives in you
But the light
does not
shine through
so others
near and far
can see
the love within.

You chain yourself
to the ways
of the world,
giving way to
discensions
selfishness
jealousy
envy
frustration
hatred
negativity
discouragement
bitterness
outbursts of wrath.

You think yourself
above reproach
but you are foolish
(like the 10 bridesmaids --
five were prepared
and five were not
when it came time
to meet the bridegroom)
You cannot be filled
or refilled
with the Spirit
of God's Love
when days are spent
doing that which is contrary
to His will.

The Light of Jesus
lives in you.
When it shines through,
the love
and joy
and peace
and patience
and kindness
and goodness
and faithfulness
and gentleness
and self-control
will permeate the darkness --
the current state you are in
and you won't live there anymore

The Light of Jesus
lives in you.
Won't you walk in that very Light?

You are God's workmanship
He created you
for good works
to walk in them
not to give in to selfish desires
that do not uplift
yourself or those around you

You are weary and discouraged
You fail to share, to open yourself
to your personal struggles
So no one will see,
no one will know
you are timid, afraid
you are human

You hide behind doors
(not literal, but figurataive) --
you do not allow
another to enter

If you could, would only see
the error, the folly
of your ways
His Light
God's most Holy Light
His Son, Jesus Christ,
lives within you
You can do anything through Him
He is with you always

Step away from the darkness
that seeks control of your mind
Trust in Jesus
Believe in His promises
Be open to instruction
You are not always right
You do not know all the answers
but God does.

(based on readings in Ephesians 2:10 and Hebrews 12:1a-15)

(c) October 29, 2014

The Leaves

The leaves fall

If leaves could speak
would one think of another
why do you still cling
when I am falling,
falling,
falling
one another another
upon the ground
hard

Fallen,
the leaves lay silent
or are scattered
blown here and there
by breezes light
and winds strong

some caught, sucked up
and discarded
burned to nothingness

others, still arayed in beautiful
reds and oranges
become a covering
fading to shades of brown
upon the ground
no longer green and plush

Are we like leaves ....

Do we cling
when we should let go?
when past experiences reveal
The Truth

Do we let go
when we should stay?
when our focus belongs on He
who made us who and what we are

Have we fallen
are we scattered about
not knowing what to do or where to go?

or
do we follow The Very One
who is The Way
and The Truth
and The Life?

"Jesus says, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.' " ~ John 14:6 

(c) October 28, 2014

Don't become preoccupied ... unless it's upon God

Preoccupation
hangs on

God tells us
keep your focus,
your concentration
on Me
not on what may develop
nor on future plans and decisions

The what if's
are not where to dwell

God says
My child
stay close
be aware
and more aware
of all I AM
No need to go
round and round
in circles
without end

Abide in Me
Where I lead you
you should go
for I know the way --
I AM The Way.
I will not lead you astray

The path,
filled with adventure
will show you much
you don't know
Follow Me
Stop and see
the good,
the blessings,
and be
grateful

Don't transport yourself
down the road
of negativity
It won't bring glory
to Me
and it won't help you
be fruitful

Be conscious of Me
at all times
See My wonder everywhere
you go
See the blessings,
see the good

and Be a blessing
to him and her,
all those around you.

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye. Do not be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding, which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, else they will not come near you." (Psalm 32:8-9 NKJV)

(c) October 27, 2014

Sun (Son) rising...

"Through the tender mercy of our God, With which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace." (Luke 1:78-79 NKJV)

"For behold, the day is coming, Burning like an oven, And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up," Says the LORD of hosts, "That will leave them neither root nor branch. But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings; And you shall go out And grow fat like stall-fed calves.
You shall trample the wicked, For they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet On the day that I do this," Says the LORD of hosts." (Malachi 4:1-3 NKJV)


Dayspring
Sun (Son) rising

The world
much lies in darkness
sin and wickedness
we let it be
our fear
greater
than our faith
in the Almighty One
who was and is and is to come

The sun (Son) has risen
Day has sprung forth
but clouds permeate
the skies
The Light
hidden
Our visual view
absent
as is
our hearts of love
for the
downcast
and
downtrodden

The fog may lift
Will our heartlessness
our selfish attitudes
also

The sun (Son) bright
and intense
burns through
cleansing
all within its path
Intensity building
No more
will the opposition prevail

The sun (Son) will return
when day has come
The Day that is coming
The Day of the Lord

All who do wickedly
will become as cinder
burned to a crisp
beyond recognition
Caght in the fires of hell

And the righteous
will arise
and live

(c) October 24, 2014

We are given...His Word, His Joy, His Truth, His Glory, His Love

(Based on John 14:12-26)

Given
God the Father
to
Jesus His Son
to
us His Children,
who believe
and accept Him
as their almighty Lord
and Savior
and abide in Him

We are given
His joy (v. 13)
His Word (v. 14)
His Truth (v. 17)
His Glory (v. 22)
His Love (v. 23)

We are set apart
No longer united with the world
but sent out into the world

to bring others
to saving faith
in Christ
the Son of god,
having been sent Himself
from the heavens
into the world
by God His Father

to be one --
in unity

As God the Father
and God the Son
are one,
abiding in us
we are one
through God the Holy Spirit

We petition you to witness the Love
that brought God the Father to His knees,
coming to earth as the Christ Child,
declaring to all mankind,

"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. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:16-17)

(c) October 23, 2014

Do you?

Do you have a heart of stone
or a heart of love .... which is Jesus, our Rock?

"I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by my own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice, and there will be one flock and one shepherd."  ~ John 10:14-16

(c) October 18, 2014

The slide

The slide of my youth is all shiny and new
waxed for so much fun
down straight and curvy slopes

begun high
where fear sometimes sits  ... where dreams and ambitions may be born

because we are alone
and those around us are unaware

We climb the steps -- sometimes our mom or dad or grandparent watches

They sometimes see our fear and think of their own fears
They sometimes see our pride and  think how brave and strong their child

as we step out and up
onward we go
in this journey called Life
They let us go

One time I fell off the slide.
A short detour, but a long way down
hurling through space.
a broken arm
the result of my thud
when I hit the ground

My arm in a cast
and later a sling
Careful I was
in returning to this place
of doubt and fear ...  of high hopes and expectations

I had to face the doubts ... the anxiety
the fears that loomed high in front of me
and plagued me with questions
too immense for a child.

Preparation for a future time
The future just around the corner
One step in front of another
Take the steps
Don't let fear of the unknown overcome you
Don't let pride and greed become your downfall

The slide of today
seems more frightening
The unknowns are far greater
and the thud at the bottom
harder, more painful
and we remember
the questions of yesterday
and wonder.

Between the years of then and now,
we found God.
He knew where we were,
where we are now
Always
All the time

Not until I let go
of all my perceived notions
reached up
looked up
Did I find the answer.

(c) October 16-17, 2014

"I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." ~ Psalm 34:4 NKJV

"Take head and beware of covetousness (greed), for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses." ~ Luke 12:15

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God in all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." ~ 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4

Jesus Loves You

Jesus loves you
I do know
He loves me too
His Word tells us so

He sees and hears
all we do and say and feel
and covers us
with His Love
His forever, unending Love

He offers His hand
to walk with us
through every high
and every low

He extends His arms
to carry us
when our footsteps
are so worn and weary

He stops to dine
to sit with us
and share a word or two
His wisdom
brings
understanding
and hope becomes trust
and belief more and more true

In the beginning was the Word
and the Word was God
He was and is Life
and that Life is our Light
(based on John 1:1-4)
but in our life's journey
we have lost our way
and the light shone
we cannot see

Jesus loves you
I do know
He loves me too
His Word tells me so

His Word
His Life
His Love
shines
Seek Him out
wherever you are
Come into His presence
and find
peace.

"The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
and give you peace."  (Numbers 6:24-26)

He is the Savior of my soul
The Lord of my life
I Love you, Jesus
and you, praise God, love me.

(c) October 12-13, 2014

Is your light shining?

To shine
like the glowing sun
at noon day bright
or like the twinkling stars
across a wide expanse
of night sky

We are to be
like Him -
The Lord

Loving
Joyful
Peace-filled
Patient
Kind
Good
Faithful
Gentle
Self-Controlled

All He says
All He wills
All He commands

Not less

If our days, our nights
are weary
and we do not shine
with the light from above
we travel a path
not pleasing to God

Our tendencies to grumble
and complain
overcome a better plan
and we give in to
self-pity, hatred, anger, envy
SIN

The light of God dwells in us
We must not keep it hidden
Jesus' death and resurrection
destroyed Satan and Sin

Be all that God intends for you

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of
evil, to give you a future and a hope."  (Jeremiah 29:11)

Do not let the light diminish

Focus on the Lord above
to guide you
through every day and every night.

(c) October 9, 2014 

Who ... is it God?

When we cease trusting God
and listen instead to our own desires,
following those wants over the Lord's will and commandments,
we also cease pleasing Him.

Who do you trust - is it God?
Who do you please - is it God?
Who do you follow? - is it God?
Who do you obey? - is it God?
Who do you love - is it God or is it self?

(c) October 8, 2014 

We can't go back ... where are you?

We can't go back
We think we can
We think things will be the same
the way they were
when last we saw,
even if only a few hours
or days have passed
but change is already evident
Our memories keep it all together
The good and bad, the indifferent, the grief and remorse, the good-byes, the hellos

Beyond our memories, there is no return to what was
We can stay glued to the current situation
or we can move forward into the light
The light of hope -- Jesus
Our light, Our hope.

Where are you --

Are you caught up in memories?
Are you stagnant?
Are you charting new territory with God as your guide?

(c) October 6, 2014

God says, Yes you can, Yes you can

How Lord?
I started
Stopped for study
Discovered a different plan
revealed by You Lord
I see the benefits
I have prepared the groundwork
Yet I don't understand
the way to bring it all together
I think to myself, I can't do this.
But I hear You say, Yes you can.
Like the childhood storybook,
"The Little Engine That Could"
Yes I can, Yes I can
Belief.
In my abilities, yes,
and primarily in God
who will shape my thinking,
my words
who will locate the many pieces
scattered in numerous journals
and within me
struggling to find release
I have begun
I am excited
I am also scared
unsure of myself
I remember
God says,
don't focus on yourself.
Focus on Me
I will bring you through
I will be with you every step
Do not falter
Let Me be your guide
Continue where you have left off
The journey is unending
This is but a glimpse
So much you have to share
The gift I give you
to pass on
will show My glory
to the utmost.

(c) October 4, 2014

A glimpse of God's beauty

A glimpse
of God's beauty
of His wonder
in the morning light

Tree limbs
upward
outward
reaching
Leaves
of orange
and red
and gold
and green
come together
joining
like a spiderweb
in technicolor
A spot of sky
blue
gray
white
Sun so bright
dances
among the leaves ....

and then it's gone.

Rushing wind
bending limbs
leaves
a coat of many colors
struggling to cling
scatter to the ground
cascading
one on top of another

Storms coming
Winter
is
near.

(c) October 3, 2014

Who do you refuse? Who do you accept and believe?

John 10:10 -- "The thief (Satan) does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." 

James 4:17a -- "to him who knows to do go and does not do it, it is sin."

God tells us
to go
and
to stay

He lets us know
when
the time is right
for what we are to do

When we go against Him
and purpose
in our hearts
what we will
or will not
do
we can expect
an answer
from the Lord
showing
his anger
and
displeasure
over
our lack
of obedience
and
trust.
We will pay.

You think not?!

Our just punishment
will come.

If we say
we are His
and do not
live accordingly,
the way
we think we go
will be
cut off

Seek what is right
and true
Seek the Lord
at all times
Do not harden your hearts
Be open to all the Lord
has to say to you.
See His goodness
all around you
Witness His judgment
when His instruction
you refuse.

The enemy
is everywhere
into every tiny crevice
he strides
He has no fear
His goal is to destroy
however he can
whatever it takes ...
through your mind,
your job,
your co-workers,
your computer,
your phone,
your family,
your next-door neighbor,
the guy or gal at the grocery store.
Wherever you are and go,
the enemy -- the devil, Satan
will work to put you down
and keep you down.

Is that really where you
want to be?

Don't claim this is who you are.

If you believe all that
Satan says of you
what does that say to you
about Jesus --
Jesus is the one who died for you.
Satan didn't.

Satan's goal
is to kill and destory.

Jesus' goal is for you to live ...
abundantly.

Return to Him
Stay with Him
everytime,
all the time.

Say no to all that is evil.

With Jesus
in your court,
you possess all the power
you need to overcome.

Who do you refuse?! Who do you accept and believe?!

Is it God and His love

or is it the Devil and his lies

Do you want to be built up
growing strong in His love

or
Do you want to be torn down
weakened by endless lies

(c) September 30, 2014

He lives ... He reigns ... He is the way

He died
His body is no more
Yet He lives
He reigns

He died and
was buried
and when
the women came
bringing spices
He was gone

Absent
unaccounted for
Yet He lives
He reigns

Where
Who
Why
When

The questions
bounce off
each man
each woman
each child
beloved ones of Jesus

He
born
of God
and the virgin Mary -
betrothed to Joseph,
a carpenter

He
grew,
raised up
by His mother, Mary
and His stepfather, Joseph
in the grace of His Father God
to be
and
to do
the will of His Father
The Almighty God
who lives and reigns
in heaven and here on earth

He stepped out
when but a lad
pursuing the way
He must go.

At 30
His earthly ministry
begun
but the end
near

He died
Yet He lives
He reigns

"It is Finished"
He proclaims

Yet
It has only begun

Jesus came
Jesus left
Persecuted
charged with crimes
we alone are guilty of
Wept
overwhelming sorrow
for His Father -
separated from
and the many us (es)
clinging to
sin
not righteousness
Died
hung on a cross
gave up His life
for you and me
Undying Love
Unending Love
Buried
Three days lay
and He arose
He lives
He reigns

Jesus Christ our Savior
Forever

God sent His Son
Jesus
to be the way
and a helper
The Holy Spirit
to remind us
His way
of obedience and trust
and faith and love
and patience and kindness
and gentleness
should be our way too.

(s) September 29, 2014

We are God's temple

God's temple is holy

Whatever God enters
becomes holy
We as
believers in Christ
are holy
because
God's Holy Spirit
entered us
when we
accepted
God's Son, Jesus,
as our Savior

We are
God's temple
for
God's Spirit
dwells
within
us

But when we
or another
come against
and defile
the temple of God
Destruction
and
Death
will come

For God said,
He would destroy
anyone 
who defiles
what is His.

^"Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?  If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are." (1 Corinthians 3:16-17 NKJV)

(c) September 27, 2014

I am a child of the King

I am
a child of The King
Daughter of The Most High
Son of the Living God

Wherever I am
He is ...
there
everywhere

Whoever I am
communicating with
He hears and listens
and makes suggestions
through His Spirit
who abides
within my heart

Whatever I feel
stress - anger - loneliness - depression
Just emotions
They do not
define me.

I am above the world
I live in the world
but
I am not of the world

My home
My heavenly home
is heaven
Jesus
is my brother
my friend
my Lord, my Savior, my King
God, His Father
is mine too

He is with me always
when I am joyful
when I am troubled
He is there
in sunshine and rain
He is never far
He restores my soul
He lightens my burdens

Always remember
He is your Rock
He is No. 1
For all you seek --
whatever it is,
whenever it happens
wherever you are,
whyever the reason
-- go first to Him.

(c) September 26, 2014

Be aware ... and focused

Be aware
stay aware
of
The Holy One

He will keep you
steady
and firm
on the path
He has set
before you

He is the anchor
that holds us
secure

Trust Him
above all
with all
that is around you

Do not fear
the thoughts of others
the outcomes
of
another day

Keep Him
front and center
so nothing can
come to distract us
from Him

Keep our
awareness
of Him
central
so we do not
become distracted
in our service
of love and encouragement
to others

He is the potter
We are the clay
He molds us
makes us
in His image
after His will

We follow
His rules
and regulations
We listen
to His guidance
for
He knows best

The deep valleys
we fear
how will we escape
Strongholds that capture us
like stress
and other negative influences
bring us down down down

He -- the Lord God
is constant
He does not waiver
unlike we

We must stay
connected
to The Lord
with every step
we take

It is through
His almighty power
we are enabled
to accomplish
many things

We must remain
focused
and aware,
faithful,
loving,
true to God
to achieve
the peace He offers.

(c) September 25, 2014

Benefits and Blessings

Benefits and blessings
abound
We receive
when our days,
moment by moment,
are filled
with God-given thought
rather than
dark areas infiltrating
to negative
selfish
worldly thinking

Difficulties always
present
by why be ruled by
have nots

Thankfulness
and praise
comes when
the benefits and blessings
are seen
when we are grateful
for what is given
in the spirit of His Love
without complaint
without expecting payment

Remorse takes us backward
Sunshiny skies forward
Doom and gloom backward
Joy and laughter forward

Wouldn't we rather be
making forward-moving strides

We all have occasions
when backward glances
sadden our faces
but joy
is in
the morning.

Let us be glad,
stay in tune, in time
with His step.
He will never
lead us astray.

Keep me near you Lord.
All the time.

(c) September 23, 2014

All we are is less than He

All we are
is
always
less than
He --
God the Father
who created us

less than
He --
God the Son
who died for us

less than
He --
God the Holy Spirit
who lives within us

He --
I AM
Truth --
Perfection --
Love

There is
none
greater.
No
not
one.

(c) September 22, 2014

Listen ....

He's not in the noise
around us,
but afterward ....

Listen
for His still small voice
weaving
its way deeper
into
our
hearts.

We must
stop!
bogging
our mind down
with
painful
clutter
that
circulates
and
recirculates
distracting us
from Him
and
His perfect voice
that
calls
to us
continually.

Bring it all
every big
every little
all to
to Him
and
wait!
in
anticipation
of
His reply.

Listen! 

(c) September 21, 2014

God is the answer ... every time

I want to be
and do and act
whatever ways God desires
yet I seem to fail
day in, day out

Is He ever pleased with me?

Where is my kindness
My gentleness
My patience
My love
Where did it go
Did I ever possess those attributes
Do I now

Am I really on a road God designed

I do not know.

Jesus tells me to look up
Keep my focus steady on Him
I do.
I try.
I am not very successful.

I make errors.
I am accused of things
that are not true.

So did Jesus --
He didn’t error,
but there were many,
and still are,
who accuse Him
of things that are false.

Yet,
He was kind
and gentle
and patient …

There were times too
for His anger
and condemnation
and judgment.
He knew what and when
to say what was needed.

Where is my discernment?

I am at a loss --
for words and action
I am tied in knots
So,
I become silent
and even then,
silence is not golden
but wrought with tears
and dismay.

I cry out to God
I cry within

God hears my pain
He knows my heart
And,
He points me to Himself.

I AM
the answer,
All you need
is found in Me.
Do not lose hope, courage.
Do not stop
what has begun.
Carry on.
Step out
on the faith
you have in Me.
I will help you
be effective.
Rely on Me,
not on yourself.
Rely on Me.
Remember,
I am with you Always.

(c) September 16, 2014

Who is leading your life?

Are you constantly in a game
with yourself
 of choosing
between
What you want to do
and
What you should do?

Who is leading your life?

If you accepted the Lord as your Savior,
He is
or
He should be,
BUT
if you refuse to be obedient
to His leadership,
then  you are still directing
your life’s paths.

Are you listening to suggestions
or refusing?
Are you obedient to instructions
or disobedient?

If God is the true leader of your life,
you will not fall prey
to the evils lurking around you
in every form,
including your thoughts.

IF WE WALK IN THE SPIRIT -- 
if we read – study – meditate - pray
to our Father in Heaven,
worship His holiness,
give Him the honor and glory due Him,

we will not get caught up
in the desires of our flesh – our sinful nature,
which includes
sexual immorality
impurity
lustful pleasures
hostility
quarreling
jealousy
outbursts of anger
selfish ambition
envy
drunkenness
wild parties
division
sorcery
idolatry
(Galatians 5:19-21)

The Lord lives within you
But what are you doing --

Do you open His Holy Book?

Do you study His passages?

Do you consider what He says to you?

Do you thank Him daily?

Do you give Him honor and glory?

Do you come to Him in worship?

Do you sing of His greatness?

Are you grateful?

Are you obedient?

Are you trusting and believing Him?

Are you loving?

The Lord lives within you. Are you abiding in Him?

 “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.” – Galatians 5:24-26 New Living Translation

(c) September 13, 2014