The Cradle and The Cross

 by A.S. Reitz

(published in The Speaker's Treasury of 400 Quotable Poems
compiled by Croft M. Pentz, (c) 1963)

When Bethlehem's manger first cradled the King,

And angels glad news to the shepherds did bring,
The blackness of midnight beamed like the sun,
As God gave to mankind His wonderful One. 

But when on the cross, as a sinner, Christ died,
With nail-pierced hands, and with spear-riven side,
The brightness of noonday was turned into night,
And men smote their breasts at the sorrowful sight. 

Yet Bethlehem's cradle and Calvary's hill
were all in the plan of God's infinite will.
The cross and the manger were made for this King
And heaven forever His praises wll sing. 

Today, Christ the light of the world will come in
And cleanse any heart from its midnight of sin.
His presence will banish the darkness of night,
And brighten the soul with His heavenly light.

All hail then to Jesus, our Lord evermore,
As men of all nations the Saviour adore.
To Bethlehem's Infant, to Calvary's King,
Our deepest devotion and homage we bring.

The Way that is His

(Based on readings in Isaiah 50:4-11 and Romans 1:18-22)

The Lord gives
instructions
to live
in the Light
of His Love

Do we hear
and comprehend
Do we speak
with the tongues
of angels
Are we awakened
morning by morning
aware of
His glorious Light
Are we obedient
to His teachings

or
are we rebellious
straying
down alleyways
filled with darkness
our words and actions
portraying anger,
hatred, impatience,
frustration, defiance …
that bring
shame
and remorse
and pain
to ourselves
and those around us?
Are we tormented
with thoughts
striking us down

or
do we trust
in the Lord
to bring us through
every trial

The Lord gives
comfort
to rest in Him
upon His lap,
at His feet
Are we refreshed,
encouraged
by His Life

or
do we grow old
and stale
with no life-giving fruit
of kindness, gentleness,
patience, goodness…
to pass on?

 The Lord gives
so we may know
how to talk and speak
hear and comprehend

 He shows The Way
into the Light
of His everlasting  Love

The way is open
We know the way
but
do we follow the way
Have we entered
into All of Him
or are we still standing
on the outskirts
doing life our own way

We make excuses
for why we do
what we do
but there is no excuse

We know the way of God
yet
we do not glorify Him
we are not thankful
for His provisions
we are not obedient
to His teachings

For all the wisdom
we think we possess
it is our foolish behavior
that shows better
what we deem important. 

(c) December 16-19, 2015

Your wants ... His wants

You wanted to know God
Do you?

You wanted to come to church
Do you?

You wanted to tell others
Do you?

He wants / desires a relationship with you
He wants worship and praise
He wants thankfulness
He wants His Holy Book opened
and His Word read and studied
He wants to give you joy and peace
He wants what is best for you
He wants to teach you life’s lessons
He wants your obedience

He loves you
He wants your love

He wants you
Do you want Him

Do you really want to know
                                       to come
                                       to tell

Or
do excuses become your answer
every time?

 (c) December 1, 2015

I cannot fix it

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye." ~ Psalm 32:8

"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 nothng. ~ John 15:5

"And we know that all things work together  for good to those who love God, to thouse who are the called according to His purpose." ~ Romans 8:28

I cannot fix things
I want to
I have tried to
I have made every attempt
to bring opposing views together
to help see the right and wrong
Sometimes I succeed
Most times I fail
I cannot fix people
I cannot fix events
I can only fix me
and that I must say
is a work in progress

It is only when
I seek the Lord’s help
His response to my distress
I want to solve problems
I want kindness and gentleness,
patience, love,
for everybody
Yet I cannot fix
what is not mine to fix

I can pray
I can come before my God
and make petitions
I can consider,
“What would Jesus do?”
at every questioning point
I can ask the Lord for guidance,
for myself, for another,
but no,
I cannot fix what is not my responsibility

My responsibility is to stay focused on Jesus,
to rely on Him
for my everything

My personal connected relationship
with Jesus is what counts above all
When I abide in Him and He abides in me
all things will work together for good.

 (c) November 30, 2015

A Bouquet of Thankful Blessings

God showers His children
with an abundance
of blessings

Throughout our days
we receive,
gathering
a beautiful
bouquet

of His Love
given on the Cross
at Calvary

of His Presence
always with us
in front
behind
beside us, hand in hand

of His Peace
guarding our hearts
calming our fears

of His Patience
to persevere
to keep on keeping on
to not give up
to not worry and fret

of His Strength
to carry us, weak and weary,
through every struggle
to give us encouragement
to defeat our foe

of His Wisdom
to teach us right from wrong,
good and evil,
obedience and trust
understanding

of His Forgiveness
when we sin

of His Guiding Light
by the Holy Spirit
who abides in our hearts
guiding our steps
so we do not falter

of His Gift
Eternal Salvation becomes ours
when through faith we accept the death, burial and resurrection
of The Lord Jesus Christ
and proclaim Him as our personal Lord and Savior.

All this
and more, much more
blessings we receive
Is it honor
and praise
and glory
we give with respect
this Thanksgiving Day
and every day

Are we filled with overflowing joy
to be in the presence of the Almighty God
Singing songs of worship
Surrounded by His love
joined in sweet fellowship.  

(c) November 23-24, 2015

I AM the LORD your God

He, The Lord,
says to me -

My life
within you
changes you

like a baby growing
in your womb

yet I AM not.

like a disease spreading throughout
your body

Yet I AM not.

like a negative thought taking control
of your mind

yet I AM not.

It is Me - Jesus Christ
I AM He
who cleanses you
makes you new,
whole and complete,
radiant as pure light
filling you with the glory
of My love

My life
within you
changes you

I AM the LORD your God
and no foreign god shall be among you
No foreign god shall be worshipped
(Psalm 81:9-10)

like Allah
whose teachings are handed down
from the prophet Muhammad
who is a false god
whose Muslim followers bow to and profess is My Father

I AM not.

 like Buddha
a statue of stone

I AM not.

like the stars
the planets
water or fire
animals
nature

I AM not.

I AM the LORD your God
I AM Creator of the Universe.

“In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
He was in the beginning with God.
All things were made through Him,

And without Him nothing was made that was made.
In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.
And the light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness did not comprehend it.”
(John 1:1-5)

I AM the LORD your God
I AM Jesus Christ,
the Son of God
I AM God the Father
I AM the Holy Spirit

When you abide in ME
and I abide in you
My life
within you
is changed.

(c) November 14-15-16, 2015

The Door

You want the door to open
You stand in front of it
tugging, turning the knob
but it does not budge
You think the door is the key
to any and every happiness
Life would be better on the other side
if only we could get there.

But it is not the door
Every door we enter
or attempt to
will only get us so far
The greatness we look to achieve
becomes meaningless
Our desires do not bring us
fulfillment
We go  in and out
over and over again.

No, the door does not hold the answer.

The One who stands at the door -
of your heart - He is the key.

He holds the answer to your every quest.

You seek,
but are uncertain what it is you look for
You find,
yet you are lost
You follow,
but the way is confusing

If you seek the Lord -
the Lord Jesus Christ -
The One
who stands at your heart’s door
and waits
for you to invite Him in
That One
you proclaim you do not need,
do not want, have no use for,

Him -  Jesus Christ
If you seek Him,
you will find Him.

“If you seek Jesus, the Lord your God,
with all your heart and all your soul,
you will find Him.” (Deuteronomy 4:29)

 And when you have found Him,
you will have the key
to eternal life
to blessings
to peace
to strength
to love
to so much and more.

If you are connected
you will want to follow
If your communication
is two-way between yourself
and The Lord
for every thing
every time
every situation
be it good or bad
happy or sad
healthy or ill
frustrating or peaceful

If you tear down the barriers
If you don’t build walls
If you stay connected,
focused on and trusting in the Lord
Jesus Christ,
He will open the door for you.
He will show you the way
You won’t be lost
or confused
You won’t travel the wrong path
when you travel with Jesus.

“I  am the way, the truth, and the life.”  (John 14:6)

“With God, all things are possible.”  (Matthew 19:26)

 Without God, without Jesus,
you will not find the Way
you will not know the Truth
you will not live a meaningful Life.

(c) November 5, 2015

IF

If you have accepted
Jesus Christ
as your personal
Lord and Savior
You are
a Believer

If you are a Believer
and have died to sin
and rose to new life
You are
a Follower
of Christ

If you are a Follower
of His Way
His Truth
His Life
You are
An Obedient Servant

If you are Obedient
to His commandments
to love God and your neighbor
You are
Blessed
A Child of the King

But….

If you do not follow
are not obedient
Do not believe
or seek His Way,
His Truth
His Life
for yourself

Have you really accepted
the Lord Christ Jesus
as your Lord
your Savior

Is it all a pretense
Where are you
What do you have to show for yourself
What are you doing for the one
who matters most
the one who died for you

Do you have a heart of stone
or a heart of love

(c) November 2, 2015

Do you?

Do you hear
Are you quiet and still
or always in turmoil

Are you thankful
for His blessings
or is good news
an accomplishment of your own

Do you seek His guidance
listening carefully
following His principles
or is your way the only way

Do you look for the best
or expect the worst
and respond to your expectations

Do you teach your children
about God’s love
and grace and mercy
and forgiveness
or do they learn
your authority rules higher
than God

Do you hear His whisper
Are you listening to His voice
Are you obedient to His instructions
Do you follow His way
or do you stop up your ears
look to the world
follow the drumbeat of your own desires

Lost ….
Found…
a wayward child

(c) October 30, 2015

Like the leaves of Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter, He Is

Come
To Me
Come
into My Presence
Sit
awhile
Rest
Think only of Me

The leaves
like you
robed in splendor
My glory

In the Spring
budding
like newborn babes in Christ

In the Summer
green
and growing strong
in the knowledge,
heart and mind
of
My Son

In the Fall

arrayed in golds and reds
burnt orange
like mature believers
guiding others
to My Peace
My Protection
My Everlasting Love

In the Winter

a present
wrapping the whole earth
as a cover
to be covered
from the bitter cold
with  pure white snow,
like Jesus, My Son,
who, without blemish,
knew no sin,
came
covering the whole earth
with His love
offering Himself in the place
of every human being
a Perfect Gift
Eternal Salvation

Come
To Me
Come into
My Presence
Sit awhile
and rest
Think only of Me.

(c) October 27/29, 2015 

Gathering Together

Some go
Some stay
Some
claim busyness
Some
say it is futile, boring, tiring,
unnecessary

It is not for us
individually
to make determinations
reasoning to ourselves
For God has commanded
We unite

Do you not remember
what God’s holy word says --
“Do not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another.” (Hebrews 10:25)

To gather together
To Commune with our maker
To Worship with our Lord and Savior
To Glorify God our Father in heaven
To Come into the Presence of the Most Holy One
and give Him our undivided attention

Come, He tells us
into My Presence
enter into fellowship sweet
with fellow believers
be open
share the joy and love
He bestows upon us

Whether you go
Whether you stay
Where two or more are gathered
in His name, there He will be
among you
but not to do what pleases you
but to come into His Presence
to study and discuss His word
to give thanksgiving and praises
to proclaim
to worship
to glorify
The Living God.

(c) October 19, 2015

Where is your focus?

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, Because he trusts in You.” ~ Isaiah 26:3

Focus
Set your mind on things above
and the Lord Jesus
and all that is in the world - where you live –
will be revealed to you

Each step taken in trust
will guide you
steadfast and sure

Obstacles
that may block your route
such as large boulders of hatred
and wrath and murder
and small stones of complaining
and arguing and irritation
and tiny pebbles of pettiness
get you off course


 But for every situation that comes up,
no matter how miniscule or gigantic the stone,
IF you seek the advice of your heavenly Father
and abide by His command
every perceived roadblock
will vanish

 We see the world,
aware of what comes and goes
We cannot see God, but our awareness
of Him is far greater
than the world
when our attention is centered on Him.

(c) October 18, 2015

 

Does His Light shine in and through you?

Does the Light fade, grow dim
Does the darkness
reach past our bodies cold
and intrude upon our minds
into every corner
Does what we believe we have
no longer exist
Have we allowed our thoughts
of despair and sorrow,
of pain and anger,
of irritation and frustration
to become our reality
Do we listen to the worldview
of right and wrong
and abide accordingly
Have we missed The Truth
and The Way
Do we fail to follow
The Life that is His?

Is the Light in our hearts hidden
or does it shine before all

How can the Light of Jesus
shine in us
If His goodness
is not ours
If His Truth
we do not believe
If His Way
we do not proclaim
If His Life
we do not practice

His Light overcame
the darkness of Sin

With His Light in us,
His Strength upon us
and our Focus on Him,
we too can overcome
the darkness
that seeks to destroy.

(c) October 6-8, 2015

"You are the light of the world ... let your lights so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." ~ Matthew 5:14, 16

"He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotton Son of God and this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God." ~ John 3: 18-21

"I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." ~ John 8:12

I do ...

A special day
shared
begun

I will
I do
on this day
forward
to love
and
to honor
in sickness
and
in health
till
death
do
us
part

Together
two souls
united
as one

Golden rays
of Light
as God encircles us
with His love

And then
the rains
come
clouds of doubt
silence
before the storm
erupts
thunder
booms
Lightening
sharp
across the night sky

Where have you gone
God asks
Here I AM
with you

You had but to call
to whisper My name
to reach for My hand
through every storm
every silence
every heartache

I AM with you

Why do you fear
You are not alone
I see your pain
I hear your agony
I love you still

I know the wait is long
I know your every desire,
and what you need, as well
I know your struggles

Lean on Me
Look toward Me
Listen to Me
Love Me

The answer you seek
will come
It will be as
you desire
I will show you the way
Do not look to another
for affirmation
only onto Me
Follow after Me

The road followed in days past
saturated in mud
Seek Me
in the midst
of the
downpour
and the calm

I AM
a special day
shared
begun

I will
I do

Will you be
and do
and go
and stay
Will you
be united with Me
surrounded by My undying love for you?

(c) September 29, 2015

Come. Hear. Respond.

"The Lord God has given me the tongue of the learned,  that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary.  He awakens me morning by morning.  He awakens my ear to hear as the learned.  The Lord God has opened my ear;  and I was not rebellious,  nor did I turn away." ~ Isaiah 50:4-5

Come
Awaken
Hear

Respond
to
His
voice
Learn
Understand
His
wisdom

Stay
near
Rebel
not

Come
morning
and
evening
throughout

The
spirit
beckons

Come
to
Him
ready
willing
Sit
at
the
feet
of
Jesus
Commune
with
Him
in
the
stillness.

(c) September 26, 2015

Stay Connected. Trust Him.

"The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe." ~ Proverbs 29:25

Stay
connected.
Trust
Him
Every
step.

Commit
daily
your
life
seeking
Him
Above
All
pleasing.

Fear
judgments
condemnation
uncertainty
gone

Focus
the
path
ahead
The
One
Jesus
beside
you

your
protector
comforter
strength
healer
teacher
your
Everything

(c) September 25, 2015

Follow Jesus. Experience Life.

"I have set the Lord always before me; 

Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved." ~ Psalm 16:8

"You will show me the path of life." ~ Psalm 16:11a

First
Second                
Last

Always
Live
Stay
Aware

Him
His
Presence

Peace
envelopes

Love
Encouragement
given

Active
in
Removed
from
world

Follow
Jesus'
path

Experience
abundant
life

(c) September 24, 2015

That day gone by

Today could be Monday
it was a Monday
I seem to recall
19 years ago

I worked late
Time was fleeting

The hour was near
Soon to go home
to be with her Father in Heaven
and all her loved ones there

A long fight
Eight months it was
from first diagnosis
to final breath

She is gone
But not truly gone

She lives on
in the hearts
of those left behind
Fewer and fewer there are
Yet her daughters remain
her grandson too

as I pen these words
in memory of
My Mother
Mae Stoner Orrick
July 31, 1910 - September 23, 1996

(c) September 23, 2015

Who rules your world?

When you worry
When you fret
The way of the world
is what you get

Pulled down and away
your thoughts are selfish
your actions are contentious,
strife erupts
your words swallow and spew
hatred and anger
The way of the world
clamors for your attention
more and more
as the life you lead
the life you have
becomes less and less
about God

Awareness of God
and His Power
His Strength
His Presence
is blocked

You fail to see the good around you -
the blessings God bestows upon you daily

You see instead only pain
and you react to that pain
You see your life spiraling downward
and you want it to stop
but you can’t see how
Everything all negative
Outbursts of anger and bitterness
begins and ends the day
and each situation brings
only more anger, more pain
You want this life you’re living
to Stop.

The Devil has infiltrated your brain
into believing his every lie:

- give up
- it’s no use
- it won’t work
- there’s no way out
- you are worthless
- he or she is lying or cheating
or doesn’t deserve your forgiveness
or your love
- no one cares
- you hear words of condemnation
- you are put down for every comment
You feel so disconnected

You want your life to be pleasant,
enjoyable,
peaceful,
filled with goodness,
kindness and gentleness
and love
You want encouragement

Listening and believe and reacting
to the Devil’s lies will not
get you where you want to be

You must turn away from him and the darkness
and turn to God.

You do well to accept the Lord
as your personal Savior,
but it doesn’t stop there.
There is more
much more to the Christian life
As children of the Living God
we show our faith
and our love of, in and for Him
by demonstrating to others
His Way,
His Truth,
His Life.

Not our way,
or our truth
or our life,
but HIS

When we are disobedient
to the Lord’s teachings,
He is not pleased – with our attitudes or behavior

He wants a relationship
with each of us

When we are seeking the Lord
for everything,
studying His word,
worshiping,
so much of our pain
goes away

We still have hardships
but dealing with them
much easier to bear
The Lord God is with us

Look to the Father
Turn away from Satan
Jesus conquered the enemy
from the cross for you and me
We do not have to give in
to the unfruitful works of Satan

Live in the Light
Follow the Light
Look to the Light
Our God will lead you
out of the darkness
that seeks to erode
your every thought and deed
and bring you into
the joy of knowing Him.

(c) Cathy Orrick Luders

September 20-21, 2015

Who?

Who...
says the old man
from wisdom of ages past
present and yet to come

Who do you listen to
Who do you hear

Whose voice is it
whispering in the dark of night
making your heart pound

Who brings satisfaction
to your soul

Who hastens you
to move
to accomplish more

to be joyful
in the midst of agony
and apparent defeat

Who loves you
unconditionally
is always with you
does not depart

Who is the answer
to your every problem
every need

Who brings beauty
into your life ...
sunrises, sunsets, changing leaves,
a dandelion
a rose

Who develops a new life
Who grows a marriage
of two individual people
into one complete unit
a blossoming friendship
a baby
a family

Who stands beside you
Who walks your path
Who waits in the wings
for you to come back
to take that step
of love and courage
to remember
a past time
when you gave your life
to Jesus
The One who died for you

Who do you listen to
Who do you hear

Is it your co-workers
your boss
your teacher
your neighbor
your pain
your desires
your complaints

Do you hear only noise

Do you listen to encouragement

Do you hear love in the air
gentleness
kindness
patience

Do you listen
Do you hear
the cries of sadness

Who do you listen to
Who do you hear

and how do you answer

(c) September 12, 2015

I think ... I know ... I think again

I found a poem I wrote last year - June 21, 2014, that I didn't post.  When I searched for it by date, I found another -- titled  "I can pray for you."  It is good to review past posts.  The one I didn't post I wondered if it was worthy of posting.  Now I think perhaps it was and is.

I think and that gets me in trouble
I know God is the answer to everything that is and was and is to come.
I believe this in my heart as well as know it in my mind.
However, sometimes when I stumble, I forget and  think there is more.
And then I am reminded, there is not more.
God is it.
He is enough.
If you don't have Him, you need Him.
And if you have Him, but don't walk steadily with Him
100 percent of the time, you need to return to Him.
Thank Him for His grace. His love. His mercy.
Thank Him for everything every time,
even for those times we find ourselves struggling,
which is often,
and for those other times when it is good.
For every part of our life, God is what we need.
He has every answer.
We only have thoughts ...
Thoughts on what we think,
thoughts on what another thinks,
thoughts on what we perceive.
God's thoughts are higher. And purer. He knows.
His answers bring us hope. And Truth. And always Love.

(c) June 21, 2014

published September 11, 2015

Did you?

Did you take
a wrong turn
wandered down a path
of lies and misguided information
that goes on and on
an endless road
going nowhere

Did you miss
the fork in the road
the one that read
“All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth.”
(Psalm 25:10a)

Did you forget
to ask directions
from the one
who knows The Way
and then follow

“Show me Your ways, O Lord;
Teach me Your paths.
Lead me in Your truth and teach me.”
(Psalm 25:4-5a)

Did you turn away
going your own way
taking the wrong turn
following your own thoughts,
your own ideas,
your own beliefs

or

 Did you repent, turn back
ask for help
seek a better way

Did you remember
The Lord –
"He will keep you in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Him.”  (Isaiah 26:3)

(c) September 9, 2015

God's call to Come

Based on Psalm 42

Come
to the inner circle
I do not condemn you
You are one of Mine
and I shall abide with you
all of your days

Come
into My Presence
There is much that saddens you
brings distress and weariness to every bone
Against you they have come
but I will hold you up
higher than they tear you down

Come
be not afraid
Let the Light of My Love
shine upon you, through you, within you
as you enter in
Praising Me and My Holy Name
moment by moment

(c) September 8, 2015

a rebel nation

(Based on Genesis 16)

"Where have you come from?
Where are you going?" God says.
He knows
but still He asks.

Fleeing,
running away
We see
understand
to a point
but how accurate do we see?

We despise another
and that one sees it -
dismayed, disheartened
the response is to lash out.

And we run

but we are sent back
tail between our legs
we return
submitting to a higher authority.

Mistakes made
errors in judgement
We think our thoughts, our plans
are just as high as God's
or higher,
but foolishness
is upon us.

He is Creator God
and we are created by Him
He is our Master,
our King
We only dust
a whisper in the wind
created.

We look for a word from God
"I will multiply your descendants exceedingly." (verse 10)
Your child you carry
a son
Ishmael
wild
"His hand against every man and every man's hand against him." (verse 12)

And it is as it is written.
Ishmael is a rebel
The beginning of a nation
destined to kill
any standing in its way.

(c) August 30-31, 2015

As the leaves of autumn change, so do our lives

The days are cool

The nights chilly
The warmth of the summer sun
shines upon us
ever so briefly
It is August
closing down
making way for September
when the air becomes crisper
and the leaves
begin to change
into a beautiful array
of many colors
green to yellow and orange and red
and even brown
Such a magnificent
transformation
of God’s creation.

We too change.
With each passing day
our lives are transformed
into that which is good
and acceptable to God
or that which is not so good
more acceptable to ourselves
and the world we live

Where do the changes
in  your life take you?
Is goodness,
kindness,
gentleness,
patience,
faithfulness,
self-control,
love
your path
or do you travel
down the alleys
of adultery,
uncleanness,
idolatry,
sorcery,
hatred,
contentions,
jealousy,
outbursts of wrath,
selfish ambitions,
envy,
murder,
drunkenness,
conceit …
What rules you?

The colors of autumn
are grand
How about the colors of your life? 

(c) August 28, 2015

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service, and do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."  ~ Romans 12:1-2

My Presence - Let it shine

nearer
closer
My Presence
speaks
inside walls
of those hiding
in fear
loneliness
terrified
of the evil one
seeking
to crush the glow
and curse His Light

His cleansing power
washes through
every crevice
of the evil one
and those who travel
in the darkness
The blood of My Son
of Jesus the Christ
overcame the world
Sin will not
does not
rule
Sin is not the winner
Satan stands
and pushes and pulls
but his eternal existence
dies
and those who follow
his path,
believing every lie is truth,
will do likewise

nearer
closer
My Presence
The Light of the world
Let it shine
within you
and through you.

(c) August 24, 2015

Success brings satisfaction when we live God's adventure depending on Jesus

A question posed -
How do you define successful?
I thought,
replied.
Successful is accomplishing what the Lord has willed, proposed, designed for me and being satisfied with it.

But then,
what
would your response be
if someone has
and is not…
satisfied

 

Woe to you
I  say

Do not expect
success
to come to you
when you fail
to abide
in
The Lord Jesus
The One
you proclaim
as your Savior,
your King
Your Master

Your Teacher

If you abide in Him
fully and completely
and
have accomplished
His will

His proposal
His design
for you,
why would you be dissatisfied

I must confess
I do not know
and wonder
where your allegiance lies
I have no words; I  must pray
for guidance
for trust

The Lord sets us on an adventure
every day
and when we are dependent on Him
and not on personal gain
we will witness joy
and be at peace
find fulfillment
and be satisfied

for you cannot be
all you are meant to be
without His guidance
His instruction
His wisdom

If dissatisfaction grows
and failure clings to you

I ask,
Where is your relationship with the Lord?
Is He no longer central to your life
Is your focus settled on you alone, your desires, your perceived needs,  your wants
Where is Jesus?

Depend on God
Do not fret
or be envious
of what others have
and you do not

Trust in God
Dwell where He has placed you
Read, study, meditate
on the faithfulness
of God – He is always with us
Commit your every day life
to Him

Trust in God
Wait for His response
Do not be anxious
He will show you the way
He will deliver the very response you need
Do not be angry
Do not fret
Pray for guidance

Depend on God
for everything
You think you can
fix whatever the problem
You think it’s is such a little thing
You think it’s no big deal

but
everything that comes,
every situation is
… a big deal
no matter what it is,
when it hits you
square in the face
you are aware
of your every inadequacy

Depend on God
Open your heart
to Him
Pray
Talk
to Him

Read
Study
His word
Contemplate
Meditate
on Him

Dependency …
your child needs you,
depends on you
as you,  a Child of God,

needs Him
and are to
depend on Him

You and you and you
All of us are His Children
All have need of Him
through every step of life

(c) August 20-22, 2015

“If the ax is dull, and one does not sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; But wisdom brings success.” ~ Ecclesiastes 10:10

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delights in his way.” ~Psalm 37:23

“He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied.” ~ Isaiah 53:11

God says, Stick to The Way

This is a second message from God re: the book He has given me to write.

How can I
I see
God has shown
The stones
of sin
and righteousness
of truth
and lie
of wise
and fool
All and every question and answer
found
in His Holy Word

 so

How can I
I repeat
The task
too great
How can it be
accomplished
How can I fulfill
Your request
How can it come together

Stick to the stones,
He says
The stones that take one away
from Me
and show The Way
to the Rock
of My Son – Jesus Christ
who is their Deliver
and yours too, My child. 

(c) August 10, 2015

Have you come ... Do you enter?

“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” ~ Matthew 2:2

“We give You Thanks, O Lord God Almighty, The One who is and who was and who is to come.”  ~ Revelation 11:17

"This is the day the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it."
~ Psalm 118:24

Have you
Do you
come
enter
The Holy of Holies
His House
of Worship
with fellow believers
to meet and greet
The Lord Jesus Christ
He who sought you and bought you
with His redeeming blood?

Have you come
Do you enter

Have you made ready

Is your heart open
to receive
His glorious Truths
and eternal Promises
Is your mind alert
eager to learn
how to apply
His Teachings
to your life

Have you come
Do you ener
into songs of praise 
and gladness
for His Blessings
big and small

Have you come
Do you enter
The Meeting Place
The Temple of God
His Church
where believers,
also a temple
of The Holy One
gather
in honor and praise,
thanksgiving and love
of our precious Lord,
Jesus Christ

(c) August 7, 2015

The path

“…I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress. Concerning the works of men, by the word of Your lips, I have kept away from the paths of the destroyer. Uphold my steps in Your paths, that my footsteps may not slip.”    ~ Psalm 17:3-5

The path taken
Everyday
sameness
yet not

Thoughts come
Words spoke
Movements step
in
out
up
down
Whose direction
followed?
my own
another’s
a higher power -
Our Lord Jesus

He sees
He hears
He watches
He enables

O Lord
The path
is uneven
I start out
full of hope
and promise
Looking forward
to Your miraculous day
and then
struck down
The destroyer meets me
at the door
as complaints
arguments
physical pain
anxious moments
push
against me
my balance is off-center

O Lord
yes, You, my Lord
help me
keep me away from the worldly path
of destruction
and deliver me
Keep me close, closer still, to You
and Your will
so my steps do not slip
and my balance is steady.

 (c) August 6, 2015

Hear My Voice

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them,
and they follow Me.  And I give them eternal life,
and they shall never perish;  neither shall anyone
snatch them out of My hand.”  (John 10:27-28)

Hear Me
My voice
I call
I know you
You respond
and come

I AM
everywhere
I bring
love
and peace
life eternal

forever
mine

but some
are they
I call
deafness
surrounds
My voice
rings true
but you
do not hear
going out
as coming in
dead in your sin
You live in a world
of evil

Hear Me
My voice
I call

Be forever mine
safe and secure

or

follow the path
of eternal destruction.

(c) Cathy Orrick Luders

July 25, 2015

He ... endures

"His truth endures to all generations." - Psalm 100:4b

Enter into His Presence
with thanksgiving
and praise
Bless His Holy name
because He Is
All and Forever

The real deal
filled with loving kindness
gentleness
goodness

The Light
filters
through 

the darkness
of our mind
Remember
He who is in you
Is greater than he
who is in the world

He who is
The Great I AM

of the universe
His love forever
His truth endures
to all peoples,
all generations

Do not lose your way
to feelings of dismay and doubt

that strike
bringing fear to your being
Do not give in nor give up
Do not listen to the past
rearing its ugly head
and raining down 

Remember the love
of those around you
and of our Lord
Jesus,
who loved us,
loves us still
so much
He gave His life
for ours

Do not travel roads
of remorse and falsehoods
The past is not the present
You are surrounded by love
Do not allow your thoughts
to settle upon you
so you fail to see 

all that is good and loving

Reach out to Jesus.
Trust Him.
He will provide
for your every need.
He will walk with you
Side by side, hand in hand.

(c)Cathy Orrick Luders
 July 24, 2015

Learning a choice

We to learn
in every circumstance
whatever it is
whenever it is
wherever it is

A choice
our thinking
His thinking

Patience
Trust
Thankfulness

to give, to receive
to and from Him
who Is

(c) Cathy Orrick Luders
July 24, 2015 

He talks to me - do I hear?

"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." ~ Romans 12:2 New Living Translation

He talks to me
He talks to you
do we hear
what is He saying
what do we hear
are we listening
is it clear
or muffled
Are sounds around us
robbing us
of what we need to hear
is it only dull noise
deafening our thoughts
that bring unrest

We get caught up
in anothers' thoughts
as much as our own

The still small voice
of God
so soft
so quiet
so gentle
never loud nor demanding

He talks to me
and to you
what is He saying
what do we hear

We cannot know
what He says
if we cannot discern
good from bad
right from wrong
truth from falsehoods

We cannot hear
what He says
if we do not listen
and
we cannot listen
if we do not tune out
all that distracts us
in the world
and in our own thinking

We cannot be at peace
if we do not spend moments
of quiet solitude in His Presence.
(c) July 9, 2015
Cathy Orrick Luders

We see so dimly

"For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known." - I Corinthians 13:12

Jesus tells us "I am The Way, The Truth and The Life." - John 14:6

Dim
dimmer
all I see
in the mirror
I peer into
is pain
that flows over me
in waves

My head
throbs
the pain grips
and explodes
masking briefly
that surfacing elsewhere
hips
back
shoulders
neck

Too much to do
Too little done
Push Push
There is no end
Where am I
I cannot handle
I am tired
Sleep comes
but I do not
wake refreshed
muscles ache
joints sore

Day after day
I go
I look for answers
I know He is near
I cry
Surely He hears my agonizing cry

His reply
I hear constant
Keep your focus on Me
Look unto Me
not into yourself

Look up
up to the heavens
not down
I will guide you
on the way to go
Stay close, closer still
Do not wander
down paths that
take your thoughts
away from Me

I AM The Way
The Truth that leads to freedom
The Life that shows you how to live your life

Follow Me

(c) July 8, 2015

Cathy Orrick Luders

We live in an evil time - Do our lives reflect His Love?

We live in an evil time
destruction is all around
division meets us at every corner
One strikes
and we respond
dismayed by the evilness
we do not expect
The darkness
is hidden
we do not always see
the same path the Lord sees
The Lord answers
our anquished cries
and comes,
rescues us from that
which seeks to hold us in
We are forever indebted
He loves us so
Do we love Him
enough to forgive those ones
who strike out
against us
Do we love Him
enough to love those ones
who have lost sight
of who the Lord Jesus is
of what the Lord Jesus did
for them
Do we love Him
as much
as He loves you and me?
Do our lives reflect
His Love
in the midst of every evil.

(c) June 21, 2015

Arise and shine!

"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)

Darkness was your mindset
before I became Your Light
But even now
darkness settles over you
and you do not see Me

You flounder, helpless and hopeless
undermining relationships
fueling fires
with words
to bring another down
instead of building up

seeing ugliness, imperfections
instead of beauty

curses
instead of blessings

complaints
instead of thankfulness

Where is your patience
your kindness
your gentleness
your self-control
your goodness
your faithfulness

I took away the darkness
yet you return to it
day after day

When My child
will you see Me --
the Light that came to you
when you believed
and accepted My love

When will you move away
from the darkness
that is destroying you
and come into the Light
of My Presence
to live
for all your days
to grow into the man / woman
I know
to be a beacon
to others to grow
within your household
as others are beacons
of My Light
of My Presence
to you.

(c) June 6, 2015 

We are precious

"...in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." _ John 16:33

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last." _ Revelation 22:13

"...and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:7

We, like precious stones
and flowers in full bloom
created
for His glory
for His purpose
yearning to reach Him
His Son
rescued
cleansed
redeemed
saved
sanctified

We, through the blood
the death, burial and resurrection
of Jesus
are one
of His

precious in His sight
coming into full bloom
through obedience, trust,
faith, love
in He
The Alpha and The Omega
The First and the Last
The Beginning and the End
who is Peace
offers us peace
beyond the world
for He has overcome
the world

We have the Trinity
God the Father
God the Son
Jesus Christ
and God the Holy Spirit
He is
all we ever need
He is
He has
We face trials
The trials do not need to overcome,
overwhelm us
Reach
in Him you can have peace
Come to Him
walk with Him
Stay true to Him

Turn away
from the focus of the world
and rein in your gaze
to God
whose peace,
which surpasses
all understanding,
will guard your hearts
and minds through the Lord Jesus.

(c) May 26, 2015

Our choice

Our choice

The Lord
or
others
who we serve
who we desire
to please
who we respond to
by our actions
who we listen to
meditate on
through His word.

Our choice
to get tangled up
in knots
over perceptions
defensive
because of
another’s comments
or pray
the Light
of God’s love
will shine
within us
and enable us
to be
more like Jesus
less like
any other
who are not
more or greater
than ourselves.
We are
all equal
in God’s eyes.
All sinners
saved by grace
all human
all powerless
without
Him.

Our choice
to be
imprisoned
in a cell
without bars
bowing down
to the realities
of the world
we live in
and deciding
it is just fine the way it is
or
kneeling
before the throne of God
to what is true
and grounded
standing firm
on the realities
the promises
the miracles
the unconditional love
of the Lord Jesus.

Our choice
to see
only our circumstances
to look for security
in the things
we have
or think we need
or
to see
what cannot be seen
looking beyond ourselves
beyond our spouse,
friends and family
to the grace
God extends to us
when we accept
His Son Jesus
as our Lord
and Savior.

Our choice
to ask questions
seek answers
gain knowledge
and understanding
to step beyond
our selfishness
and spend time
with the Lord
our Father in Heaven
in His Holy Book.

Our choice
to dust off the book
sitting stagnant
on a shelf
only to be used weekly
or less
and open its pages
Our choice
to read
and study
and meditate
James
John
Ephesians
Philippians
Psalms
Proverbs
a few


Our choice
to find the answers
in this most knowledgeable
of books
filled with useful information
as much today
as in yesteryear

Our choice
to live as the Lord
desires us to live -
with Him at the helm
or to live
focused solely on
the “me” in each of us.

Our choice
What have you chosen this day?
What will you choose tomorrow?
Do you choose the Lord
for every day
or is it still only you
that is important?  

(c) May 3, 6, 2015

Are you looking in all the wrong places?

When you find yourself cornered
burdened with circumstances
beyond your control
yet looking for a way of escape
Do not get caught up
in acts of desperation
and confusion
leading you down lonely roads
away from where
The Lord
of your life
desires you to be

Reach for Him
He has no angles
No evil intent
You belong to Him
He is everywhere
There is no one
who is or will be
more to you
than Jesus

Come to Him
in the midst
of your pain
Concentrate on His love
for you
His plans for you
His Presence in you
Turn to Him
The Lord is not hidden
He see you
He is Everywhere, Everything, Every Time
If you do not see Him
Are  you looking in all the wrong places?

Turn away from where your mind wanders,
sidetracked by all that isn’t right
Turn to Him
Rely on the Lord
not on yourself
Come to Him
He will ease
the load you carry
He is All we need
Always.

(c) April 25, 2015

Be still, and know

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

God is here
with us
His Presence
our refuge
our hiding place
our strength

Be still
Will yourself
to focus
on Him
who is …
GOD

Remove
yourself
from endless thinking
planning
for any and every
circumstance

It is not easy
Keeping yourself
away
from where
you should not be
should not travel

Oh Lord
guide my steps
my every step
guide my thoughts
so I am not
led places
that are unfruitful

You are my Light
How can I be
fruitful
and multiply
if I stumble
along the path
before me?

You, Lord
show us
love
and joy
and peace
Patience
Kindness
Goodness
Faithfulness
Gentleness
self-control (Galatians 5:22)

to show
another
the way
to You
the way
You lived
the way
You are
the way
for us
to become
like You

So much
seeks
to destroy
our walk
our life
with the Lord
Selfish desires
become
a higher priority
than
God’s desires  (Galatians 5:19-21)

We hear
but not
that which
God wants us
to hear
We see
but our vision
is cloudy
We think we
comprehend
but are misguided
True Understanding
escapes us

Do not fear
but we are afraid
The Almighty God
creator of the universe
and of us
lowly humans
We fear His Promises
are not real
We fear His Presence
is not surrounding us
We fear His Power
is not enough

Oh we of little faith
Where is our trust
We make ourselves
bigger
We are so small
so insignificant
yet God loves us
Loved us
so much
He sent His Son
to be
the sacrificial lamb
to die
in our place

Be still
and know
Ask for  all
you do not receive
Seek all
you do not find
Know
as much as
He will share
and understand
He Is.

(c) April 24, 2015  

Our All in All

God gave
God gives
so much
All to us

and what do we see
or hear
or understand
of
His love to us

He gives
Through beauty in nature
all around us
Through His creation
Through His Son
and His Word

Have we lost sight of it all

Do we love in return

Or does our pain
in every cubicle of life
escalate
higher and higher

The child
we were
once filled
with wonder and pure delight

Have we turned away

His Love
His Presence
is everywhere

Why do we not rest in Him
His glory
bright
surrounding

Be still

Bask in His Everlasting Love
Surrounded by His Holy Presence
Believing, Trusting
in His every Promise

Be still
and know
fully
completely

He is
our All in All

Within me
is my Lord …
His Love
His Presence
His Peace

(c) April 24, 2015

Hidden Treasure

Have you
found
what was hidden
Do your findings
brighten your day
your heart
are you filled
with joy and gladness

Or are you glum
unhappy
unsatisfied
Do your findings
only bring you down
to the pit
of despair

Signs
of the
Lord’s Presence
are everywhere
even when
your days
may be cloudy
or dark
or foggy
or rainy
His Presence
can brighten
your
own little corner

See the blessings
He gives
See the goodness
all around you
Be thankful
in everything you have
and receive

If you only see
what is wrong
what is incomplete
what is unfinished
what is negative

You have not found
the treasure
of God’s eternal truth
undying love
everlasting joy

Jesus.

What do you do
when
you’ve found
the treasure
and share
the treasure
but
allow life’s circumstances
to seep into every fiber of your being
and you,
for all you have
found
are failing to believe
failing to trust
failing to focus
failing to obey
failing to ask
failing to plead
failing to love
failing to hope.

Where
is the treasure
hidden
... from your eyes
...from your heart

(c) March 30, 2015

“I AM the Lord, and there is no other;
I form the light and create darkness,
I make peace and create calamity;
I, the LORD, do all these things.”  ~ Isaiah 45:6b-7

“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. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”  ~Jeremiah 29:11-13

The time is coming

“For the Lord will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3)

The time is coming
It could be around the next bend
you – believer!
nearer,
nearer still
The time
of our salvation
when we first believed
and accepted
The Lord
Jesus Christ
as our Savior
That time
is coming
Stay in the Light
Remain in the Light
Give up, cast off
all that keeps you
secluded, on the fringe
of the darkness

 You toil
you rest
Do not let your rest
bring strife,
envy, anger, fear
But walk in the way
of the Lord
uprightly, without prejudice
without scorn
 Put on Love
The Love of
The Lord
 You will see His Love
You will see what is hateful
what is unnecessary
 You will hear His commandments
You will hear what is unimportant
the world
 You will understand God’s purpose for you
You will understand what is wrong
 You will walk toward the ungodly
and bring the freshness
of the Lord’s saving grace
into their midst
You will walk away, turn away
from negativity
You will bring possibilities
and you will be at peace.
(based on readings in Romans 13: 8-14)

 (c) March 16, 2015