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

Is His message foolishness to you?

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
~ I Corinthians 1:18

You say you are a Christian,
but are you?

You say you turned your life around,
but have you?

You say He is with you always,
but are you always with Him?

You say you pray,
but is it unceasingly?

You say you are wise and knowledgeable,
but do you read and study His word regularly?

You say you understand what the Lord says to you,
but do you apply it to your life?

You say you are saved,
but where is the power of God in you?

where is His love in you to share
with those around you?

where is His strength in you
to enable your every weakness
to be under His control? 

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."  ~ II Timothy 1:7 


Be still
and see
Be still
and hear
Be still
and consider ALL
He has to say
and understand
and
give Him,
The Lord God,
all glory and honor. 

(c) March 13-14, 2015

A - S - K

Ask
God
for wisdom
in faith
without doubting
and
it will be given
you will receive
answers

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.” ~ James 1:5-6

Seek
God
through prayer
through Bible study
through worship
through praise
through Thanksgiving
through the day
above everything
and
you will find Him
and hear
His voice
His still small,
calming voice

“Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore!”  ~  I Chronicles 16:11

“But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” ~ Matthew 6:33

Knock
a chance encounter
may lead
to opportunities
wherever
God directs
our willingness
to go
to do
to preach
The Gospel
of Jesus Christ
in word or deed
however  the Lord
prepares, instructs
The door
is
opened
to you
by the Lord
to plant
the seed of faith
to water
and to give
all glory and honor
to God
the rescuer
of the perishing
from
death
to
life
through
His Son,
Jesus.

“…to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord.” ~ 2 Corinthians 2:12

“For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. … Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.” ~ 1 Corinthians 16: 9, 13-14

(c) March 10, 2015

The sun / Son is always shining

The sun / Son
is always shining
in the sky
in our hearts
if we
believe
in God Almighty
and Jesus Christ,
His Son

The sun / Son
is always shining
It’s the clouds
in the sky
and in our hearts
that cover the light
of day
and the Light of His Presence

The sun / Son
is always shining
when gladness and joy
fills our hearts
and God’s love
fills our souls
as each new day
begins …
and ends,
bringing rest
and peaceful slumber.

(c) March 6, 2015

Do not let the ways of the world destroy you

We cannot
fix – repair - change
the one (s) we love

It is
not
our
responsibility

We
are
held
accountable
only
for
ourselves

The best
The very best
The most excellent
we
each
can do
for him
for her

 is

to love them
unconditionally

 to forgive them
without fail

 to pray for them
unceasingly

and in between
to listen
to laugh
to cry
to live!

Change
if you already
proclaim yourself
a Christian
happened
the moment
God brought you
to Himself
and you became
His child

You are not
what you were
You are different
You are changed
and you change every day.
If you are
the Christian
the follower of Christ
you claim to be
your allegiance
is to Jesus
not
to yourself

If you want
to be
a better parent
a better husband
a better wife
a better person,
go to God
First,
Second,
Third,
Always
He is your first
resource,
your first
line of defense
never your last

Ask
Seek
Knock

“For everyone who asks receives and he who seeks finds and to him who knocks it will be opened.” ~ Matthew 7:7-8

If you do not ask God in prayer
how will you receive all that the Lord has for you?

If you do not seek God’s wisdom,
how will you find the answers to every life issue faced?

If you do not knock at God’s door
how do you expect His blessings to be opened to you?

How can you know Him better … Trust Him more?

If you do not Ask, you will not receive
If you do not Seek, you will not find
If you do not Knock, the door will not be opened

You are not
what you were

If you say you are
If you proclaim
“This is who I am. I can’t change.”
Then perhaps
you are NOT
the believer
in Jesus Christ
that you say
you are

“Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Prove yourselves. Do you not know yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you? – unless indeed you are disqualified.”  ~ II Corinthians 13:5

You cannot be
who you were
and who you became
in Christ Jesus

You are one
or the other

You live to yourself
and your selfish desires
and wants

or

You live to Jesus
whose very life and death
transformed you
made you whole
and complete

If you claim
allegiance to
the Lord Jesus
our Savior
for all eternity
then it is to Him
you must live your life
You must repent, turn from
all that goes against
His way
For it is His way
you must follow
and not your own

He knows more
about us
than you or I
who we are
what we need

Listen to Him
Open His Word
Study His Life

Come again and again
to The One
who constantly seeks
you out
to fill you
with His Light
His Love
His Presence

“Do not be deceived. God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh, will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the spirit will of the spirit reap everlasting life.” ~ Galatians 6:7-8

Do not grow weary
Do not lose heart
Do not hunger for that which destroys the good work God put in you. 

“And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” ~ Galatians 5:24-26

Satan seeks control over your every move.
Satan has no desire to see you live or walk in the Spirit of God’s Love .  His plan of attack is for you to live and walk in the way of selfishness, to be forever blinded to what you know is wrong, to what God has said is unrighteous.

You know what is wrong – you know what is right.

 Do not be jealous

Do not be argumentative

Do not be envious of another

Do not look for a quarrel

Do not be negative-minded

Do not be hateful

Do not be scornful

Do not be resentful

Do not be filled with destructive behavior

Do not look for revenge

Do not be overcome with intense anger

Do not lie

Do not be a know-it-all

Be loving

Be joyful

Be peaceful

Be patient

Be positive

Be kind

Be faithful

Be gentle

Be respectful

Be helpful

Be prayerful

Be grateful

Be thankful

Show goodness

Have self-control 

Everything changes when God is in your life. 

Everything changes when you take God out of the equation as well. 

Don't take the wrong path.  Don't stay on the wrong path. Don't give in to desires and wants. Do not let the ways of the world destroy you. Turn away, turn from what is wrong, and turn to God. 

(c) March 3-4, 2015

a prayer

Lord of Light, Lord so bright
Your Love within me every night
I pray for comfort, I pray for peace
I pray for him, I pray he'll be all right.
And have this prayer fulfilled I pray tonight.

(c) February 26, 2015

A new day dawns within

“…a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.” – II Peter 1:19a

A new day dawns
The Son is risen
The Bright and
Morning Star
shines
His Light
within you
His Resurrection Power and Strength
overcomes
the darkness
and the coldness
seeking
to penetrate
your heart.

(c) February 18, 2015

You are a New Person ... but do you live as one?

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6

“…if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.” – II Corinthians 5:17

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you.”  - Matthew 7:7

You are
a new creation – a new man, a new woman
The lies, sins
of the world you lived
no more.

Or are they?!

 Do you continue
keeping a firm grip
on that which you desire
but only brings
shame
and discouragement
to you
and to loved ones
around you?

Do you think
because you are
a new creature,
a new person in Christ,
you are above reproach
and the Lord
will not
discipline you
or bring judgment?

The deeds of your past
must die
if what you profess
to be
is true

Do not lie
nor pretend the old things are gone
if you are not obedient
to the way of Christ

The Holy Bible
that sits idle
week after week after week
is your lifeline
your instruction book
your manual to daily living,
to family life

When you
do not
open God’s word
you are clueless
to His every desire for you
to His every guiding principles
to His blessings

Don’t let your personal wants,
desires and misconceptions
get in the way
of God’s Reality and God’s Truth.

(c) February 17, 2015

Turn ... away from the darkness and to the Light of God's Son

“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

When
with
God
He
asks
that
we
accept
where
we
are
as
His
intention

He
knows
our
route
as
He
designed
but
along the way
choices
still ours
to make

God still
can
miracles make
from bad
to better
to best
when
with Him
we travel.

Never  alone
He conquers
our fears
in the night
shadowy corners
toying
with our minds

Escape

Go!
Run from where you are
you cannot hide
the mistakes
you make
the ones you refuse
to own up to
will bring judgment

You play word games
“Catch me, Catch me,
if you can.”
You think
you are
beyond
the law

You
already caught
the devil laid
his trap
you took the bait
Living a lie

You
among many
dazed
in a stupor
The lie
your life
meaningless
a forever nightmare
death and destruction
the end being

You lie
ruination
surrounds

You
and
significant
others
bent on
pleasure
bringing
no real
reward

The dungeon
lay
dark and damp
miserableness
in every corner
the night
consumes you

Morning
brings
a new day

but
there is
no newness
to your
days

Your desires
of the
night
deceive
over
and over
and
over again

You are
hidden
behind walls
of emptiness
No one listening
No one seeing
No one hearing
No one caring
to understand

So far away
pain strikes
yet feeling
is gone

The lie
you live
a pattern
can be torn
in two

Like the veil
of the temple
was torn
top to bottom
when the
Lord Jesus
Son of God
breathed His last

 The sins of all
you and me
upon Him
bruised
beaten
killed
the sacrificial lamb
given
and
God His Father
appeased
satisfied
all for you… and me

Come out
Come out
Remove yourself
from every uncleanness
that holds you in
and sucks dry
the goodness
buried deep in your heart

Abandon the lie
you think is your destiny
and reach for the
Truth
that God reveals

Go out
but not
as you came in
and do not
look back
to that darkness – a world
filled with evil
and rebellion
and be remorseful
over what you
have no more

Look ahead!
To the One
in the Light
who Is the Light
whose very presence
rebukes, destroys
the devil.
God’s power over you
is stronger
than the world’s hold
but you must
surrender,
turn away from
every deed
that hinders
your reaching
the full potential
God has for you

Accept His love
Receive His grace
given to you
at the cross
and be redeemed
reconciled
filled with the joy and peace
only found
in a personal relationship
with Christ Jesus

The life of the lie
you led
or lead now
brings rejection
resentment
resistance

The life of God’s Truth
brings rejoicing
restoration
renewal

Come now into His Presence
Be set free
Find refuge from the dark
and live
in the Light
of God's Son,
Jesus.

(c) February 11-16, 2015

Based on these Scripture readings: Mark 15:37-38, Ephesians 4-5, Psalm 23, John 8: 7-12