September 07, 2014

The appointed time

These are my feelings upon hearing news that the ministry we are currently serving may soon end. I am happy and excited for the congregation as they look to God for their new pastoral leadership. I wouldn't dream of dampening their enthusiasm, but I am saddened by the thought of leaving this place and the people God has brought us to.  

The time would come
The appointed time
He said it would

It's not yet good-bye
but it seems
the end of this chapter
is near

Another chapter may open
That is up to God
for us
is the choice
to go on

Sadness comes
But
it's not my wants
nor my desires
but God's ultimate purpose

I should not be
selfish

We here in the interim
between a former time
turned to mourning
and a new time
of rejoicing

We here
to encourage
and rebuild
as God desires

Yet still
sadness comes

Friendships formed
will they remain
or fall away

Remove my sadness Lord
and bring me
to the place You prefer --

a place
of fulfillment
wherever we are
wherever we go

a place
of faithfulness
and obedience

a place
of love
and hope
and truth

a place
where
You
may always
be found

a place
where
You
are
always near
always present.

(c) September 7, 2014

Who made you?!

God does not condemn those who are clothed in His righteousness. Our righteousness only comes to us through the death, burial and resurrection of His Son, Jesus. God abhors, sourly distastes the use of guilt as a means of motivation among Christians.

I am free
sin removed and given righteousness
through the Lord Jesus Christ

Who made you judge
Who placed the gavel
of sentencing another
in your hand

I am free
I am not perfect
and neither are you

Who made you more righteous
than another

Who instructed you
to tear down
to destroy another
who deserves My love
as much as you

Who made you more important,
more noble, more pure

Who made you less guiltless

You
All of you are sinners
Saved yes
but sinners nonetheless

Don't use your freedom in Me
to motivate your brother and your sister
through their guilt.

They, as you, are sinners saved by grace
My grace

Be loving
Be kind
Be gentle
Be helpful
Be teachers

Be no more
no less

Just be
You are My Child
You and you and you
My Children

Show by example
as My Son
showed you.
(c) September 7, 2014