He opens our ears and our hearts ... and we ...

We hear
We go forth in response
to the Holy Spirit’s nudging
We begin a new chapter
in this journey called Life

We seek to be obedient
to our Lord’s commands
We read and study and meditate
on His word
We strive to comprehend
the language
that seems foreign to us
and how His words
of wisdom
apply to us personally

We are passionate
about Him – Jesus,
who loved us so so much
He, sent by His Father
came to Earth
He became the ultimate sin offering -
His life for ours
a debt we can never repay
His love for us
brought Him here to us
He offers a new life
a life born
from above
Jesus
the pure, unblemished
lamb of God
sentenced to a brutal death
on a cross

Yes, we are passionate
His death and burial
gave way
to victory
Victory – Hallelujah!
Praises to His name
He is risen!
Risen from the grave
Risen from death
He has overcome
the power of
sin and Satan
of death and darkness

We are passionate
We go forth
into our communities
We are witnesses
to the Gospel
In what we say,
how we act

We strive to stay true
to the path
God has directed our steps to take

In the midst of our walk
with the Lord Jesus
we are challenged
by situations and events
by other individuals
who can become deterrents
to the way
God desires for us

We falter
We fear God can’t or won’t use us
because of mistakes,
errors in judgment
because of what others say

We hope we are wrong
We remember
King David and Bathsheba
a man after God’s own heart
Still, he did wrong
He sought forgiveness
from the Almighty God
and was granted asylum,
given rest

We remember God’s word
and hold fast
to His promises
even when there are others
not of similar thought

We move from one
chapter to another
in our journey of life
Encouraged by some
Put down by others

Yet, we remember again
God is with us --
We who are one with Him
He is always present
ready to listen
to teach
to discipline
to enable
to love

We are reminded
of His grace
and His mercy
and His love
of our need to
Trust Him
and be obedient
to do and go
as the Lord leads us,
each personally

God is the one
who opens our eyes
and our hearts

We do not all see the same
Circumstances in our lives vary

It is our faith that opens
our understanding
and comprehension
of the Scriptures

We are called
To salvation – to the Good News
of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection

We are called
To go out into the world and share that Good News

We are called
To give honor through our worship and praise
To rejoice always
To  glorify God in All we say and do

We are called
To visit and heal the sick and downhearted

We are called
To give – joyfully
with kindness

We are called
To give thanks and be thankful in everything

We are called
To pray without ceasing
To study
To meditate on God’s word
To build up another
To speak truthfully, lovingly, patiently

We are called
To refrain from all appearances of evil

For some,
We are called
To be Teachers
and Preachers
and Pastors

God calls us
We do not call ourselves
It is that nudging
of the Holy Spirit
within us
that calls us to a
specific task

It is in our listening
and hearing
that we respond
favorably or not
to His voice

We will be equipped
The Lord Jesus
is our instructor
Our perfect example
As we go out
wherever it is
He is with us
He will provide us
with all we need
for whatever comes our way

The Lord says
to each of us
Trust Me
I will not steer you wrong
Follow Me
Stay near to Me
Do not lean on your own understanding
Without Me you can do nothing
With Me, all things are possible.

I AM with you always,
even to the end of the age.
Be still and know that I AM GOD.

“And he opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.”             (Luke 24: 45)

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (James 4: 8)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him,  and He shall direct your paths..”  (Proverbs 3: 5-6)

“ I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”  (John 15: 5)

“… with God all things are possible.”  (Matthew 19:26)

“teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28: 20)

“Be still, and I know that I am God” (Psalm 46: 10)

(c) April 28-29, 2014