God Is With You

God goes before you
behind you too
He is right beside you
on every side
Do you feel His presence
He is carrying you

He protects you
calms your fears
envelops you
within His mighty grasp
brings comfort
and relief
from all that comes against
 ... the staggering pain -
like spasms
that come and go

The dismal
dampness
and darkness
of the day
brings inner turmoil
agony
and distress

yet You O God are with me
If only I (would)
settle my eyes
on the heavens
and not inward thinking
of "woe is me"
If only I (would)
view each day
as The Day
The Lord has created
and be glad in it
regardless of
outward appearances.

The rains come
The joints ache
The bones burn
The pain unbearable
so it seems

Perhaps God is testing us
watching
how well or how poorly
we do when life
goes awry

Life is not perfect
Jesus never said
we would be free
of pain and sorrow

The stress of the world
is everywhere
internally and externally,
taking its toll
on our mind, our body, our soul.

How? ... to survive, overcome, live

Remember
to whom we belong
It is not to ourselves
But to Jesus
He gave His life for ours
We give our heart to Him
Remember His Love

Remember
His Truths

Rejoice in the Lord always for He is with us Eternally when we have Repented of our sins past present future and accept Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior. Meditate on the Scriptures - the word of God - for they are our instructions for living, an Example of how God wants us to live and not to live. Majestic Beauty of God's wondrous creation surrounds us - the mountains, sunrise and sunset, rainbow after a storm and much more. Blessings flow from above when we are one with Him. We must run the race set before us with Endurance. God enables us to continue on, to Endure, to Resist the Devil. We are Renewed daily when we seek God's will, look to Him. Cast All our Burdens upon Him and He will give us Rest.


Remember
day in day out
sunny warm days
and cool dark damp days
He is here
before you
behind you
beside you

He has your best interest covered,
in sickness and in health

With Him
our fears can be alleviated
With Him
hope abounds with every breath
With Him
every day is a new day
and it can be our best day
With Him
we have peace.

(c) April 19/20, 2012

There is no IF

IF Christ had not
did not
rise up
from death to life
from nothingness to somethingness
from eternal damnation and separation
to hallelujahs and eternal hope
IF He had not
did not
rise up...

then
the lives of we
we who profess faith
in Him
the Lord Almighty
would be meaningless
in shambles
chaos would rule
Satan would have won
Satan would have defeated
the Son of God ...

IF ...
But there is no if
Only FACT
Christ did rise up
He overcame death
He conquered sin
He defeated Satan
He lives

A forever life ...
A cleansing wind

and we
united with Him
in death
are born again
into a new life
in Him, with Him.

A cleansing wind
God's gentle caress
removes
the burden of our past
the bonds of sin that strangle us
the sprays of Satan's fiery tongue
and the sharpness of his pointy darts

We have been set free
to a new life
to be filled
with joyful wonder
to be surrounded
by God's beauty

A cleansing wind
to set our sights higher,
high in the heavens
to seek the best
to choose His plan
instead of mine
to endure
when it is tough
to see another future
Hope.

A cleansing wind has come

Has it swept into your life?
Have you be cleansed?
Are you free?
Is your life changed?
Does it show?
Can those outside see the difference?

Jesus died for your sins and mine
Jesus rose from the dead
Jesus lives

His Spirit lives within my heart
He can live in your heart too.

Reach out
Seek the cleansing wind
Seek Jesus

(c) April 18, 2012

God is pleased

His mistakes,
her anger,
doubts
do not need
to be mine

I do not need
to bring troubles
from their past
into my present

If I do, then I do
but it it not
God's plan or desire
that I cling
to another's burdens,
baggage in life.

If God wills me
to reach back
and strike a new chord
with a past relationship
of another's,
one I never knew,
then I will obey.

But a new relationship?
that remains
questionable.
Reasonably unlikely
if death has since come

You're too late.
You're too late.
You hear.
But are you? am I?

God sent me
on a mission
The mission was not
one from decades ago
but only a few
weeks
and I
responded

God does not make
mistakes.
His timing
is perfect.

Perhaps
it was too late
from their perspective

But my obedience
to God's call
was not
too late.
I was right on time.

And because
of my obedience
God is pleased
with me
and that
should be
reason enough
for joy.

(c) April 14, 2012

Thank you Jesus for Easter morn

Thank you Jesus for Easter morn
For without the risen Son
the life we claim
the hope we cling
is meaningless

You came
You moved about
with purpose
living the life
Your Father God called you to

You stood
before your accusers
silent until near the end
And then You proclaimed,
"It is finished."

But it is not
You were
born to die
to live
and live again
forever and always

The tomb
in which Your body lay
could not restrain You
It was not Your final resting place

You arose
Up from the grave
Your resurrected body

You are not dead
You are alive.
You have risen from the dead

And after 40 days
You ascended into heaven
where You reign
until You return again.

Thank You Lord Jesus
for Easter morn
Thank You for finding me
and loving me
and healing me
and saving me
Thank You for the new life
You have given me
Thank You for Your Promises,
Your Blessings,
Your Truth
Thank You for Your Word

Thank You Lord Jesus
for my new life
a life reborn
Thank You for Easter morn

You are risen
You are risen indeed!

(c) April 9, 2012

Staying the course

Stay the course
Bearing up
Perseverance
Patience
through and in
every experience
encountered
Stay through thick and thin

Not give in
to ways of the world
what is fine
on the outside
considered reasonable
is not necessarily such
when you claim to be
a child of God.

He wants a relationship
with you
and that alone
not one shared

He wants obedience
to His commandments
but not without love
He wants the love
He has for us
to be reciprocated by us
for Him
but He will not beg

He is not of this world
He created the world
in which we live
He allows our choices
to determine our end
He knows us
He knows what choices
we will make
yet He doesn't interfere

Stay the course
Stay true
to what you remember
as you pray and ponder and meditate
on His Word.

Experiences
and with it
pain and suffering
come
new every moment
round and round
come and go

Keeping God in the midst
of our experiences
and not on the fringes
we come to realize
as we persevere,
earnestly pursuing patience,
defeat does not come
and in its place
hope.

Hope in the Lord Jesus
who lived and died
and lives again
and still lives

and in this hope
we have
peace.

"For He Himself is our peace" (Ephesians 2:14 NKJV)

In Him we have all we need
He is our everything

The world does not offer
the peace we desire

It can only be found
one place ...

at the cross
of JESUS

At His feet
I lay my burdens

and am comforted.
at peace ....

(c) April 7, 2012

Peace ...

Jesus carried
The cross
bearing every sin
known to man
belonging to man
because
of His great love
for every one,
each one,
believer and non-believer.

We
the Christian
a follower of Christ
are called
to carry
to bear up under
our cross,
every struggle,
pain
and
hardship
that comes upon us
because
of
our love
for Him
who loved us first.

The peace we seek
is not found
in a life
without chaos
turmoil
agony
misunderstandings.

Peace is found in Jesus
Peace comes to us
in the midst of
living life
and can last a lifetime
an eternity.

Peace
like a river gently flowing
no rocks upon which to stumble

Peace
no anxious waiting
but calm acceptance
Rest
in His strength
who carries us
where we are to go.

(c) April 5, 2012

The Blackness

The Blackness
dark
blank
deep.

Do we crawl under
Do we dig deeper

The walk we travel
is it
will it
are we okay
are our wishes and desires
different
have we given up,
given in
do we still feel safe
is the Lord protecting me
have we now become more real
more human
more guilty
are we closer to knowing,
to understanding
the meaning of
participation with God
in His suffering?
is this, this personal suffering,
yet abiding in Him

some days the blackness goes away
and we
see the light
And our desires
are to be with Him, our Father
but our hour has not come
He is not yet ready for us
Our rooms are not quite prepared
We must still wait

In our perception of good days
we hang on
me and they
they and me
each to each other
to memories we cling
to another's future
and wish we could
see them then
but we have them now
and it must be enough

The Future - the days ahead
not ours to know
not mine, yours or theirs

We walk on
slowly
quickly
with purpose
we have people to see,
places to go.

Remember,
God goes before you,
behind you too
He surrounds you,
He is right there beside you
Do you feel His presence
He is carrying you.
His love knows no bounds.

(c) March 30, 2012

Sinners we are, but forgiven

Sinners
we are
you and you
described
as "others"
unbelievers
and me too
once
upon a time

But, alas,
The Lord God Above
found me
and
in His finding,
showed me
His forgiveness
I accepted
His death
His burial
His resurrection
I accepted
His offering
of a new
and better
life.

And I,
still a sinner,
because different
became His
A child of the King
A new creation

Sinner still,
but no longer bound
Set free

I became a Christian
a follower
of the Living Lord
My Savior
My Redeemer

No longer
was I
one of the "others"
I was
I am
a believer
in and of
Christ Jesus.
I strive to trust
in His promises
be obedient
to His commands
to rest
in Him.

(c) March 25, 2012

More of God's Love

God's Love

is patient, kind

Not envious

Not jealous

Not proud

Not selfish

Not in a hurry

Not bearing grudges

Not rude

is passionate

Rejoices In the Truth

Not wrongdoing

Not a falsehood

Not a lie

(not even a little white one)

Sees clearly

Not with malice

is faithful

Not dependent on our courage or lack thereof

Not giving in when we fail

is miraculous

is mighty and strong, powerful

Not weary

Not weak

is perfect

Not to be feared

is complete

Not separated from the frenzied hurriedness,

busyness of our lives

Shares with others

Moves you to live righteously,

not as sinners

is gentle and compassionate

Not angry

Not quarrelsome

Not forceful

is supportive

Always concerned about the well-being of His children

Never fails

is like a lamb

Not a roaring lion.

is for us

undeserving,

without any thought of return

is calming

Pursues us

Not to punish,

but to have a relationship

because of love …

God’s Love.

God’s Love

is a reminder -

He is Pure and Holy,

without blemish

Not flawed

Not the deceiver

Not the enemy

God’s Love

is invisible, yet not

Surrounds you

Embraces you

Reveals His Son to you and reveals Himself as your Holy Father

is the Holy Spirit,

living within your heart

when you have accepted His Son

as your Savior.

God’s Love

Builds you up

Not a disappointment

Not conditional

Sets you free

Not enslaved

God’s Love

grows

Not stagnant

Fills you to overflowing

Instructs, guides you

on your life’s journey of twists and turns

Created you

Gives meaning and purpose

Understands your pain and anxiety

and gives comfort

Shows you the foolishness

you give in to

God’s Love

searches high and low

for you, His lost child,

and when He finds you,

there is much rejoicing

and gladness of heart

God’s Love

gives you reason to thank Him

always, continually

Shows us how expressing

our love for His Son, Jesus,

frees us

from the burden of our guilt

Knows you,

your innermost being

your troubled heart

Helps us

to forgive others

to let go of the past

is genuine

Not a list of errors

does He keep

is always with you

Always has your best interest

God's Love

expresses joy

in the face of a believer

when we give

sacrificially

to Him alone

a single solitary act

of returning His love

for us

to Him.

to Him alone.

God's Love

a longing for more and more

of Him.

God's Love

brought us

a mediator,

a savior

Jesus!

God's Love

is sufficient

deserves our praise, our honor

Not our mocking

Invades us

our very being

enfolds us with Him

bring us to Him

one with Him .... alone without Him

is never ending.

Eternal.

(c) October 30 / November 2, 2010

“... God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment.”  (1 John 4:16-18)

 “does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.” ( 1 Corinthians 13:6-8)

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become as sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.” (1 Corinthians 13:1)

“Thus says the Lord: Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight, says the Lord.” (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ... yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." (Romans 8:35, 37)

His song

Praying
singing
praising
rejoicing

Morning light
noon day fair
in the night
His Song -
The Song of Life
The Song of Joy
The Song of Sweet Remembrance

His Song -
shall be with me

(c) March 15, 2012

You shall love your neighbor as yourself

You shall love your neighbor as yourself
That is
The Lord's command

Your neighbor
All those around you

Your self

Love
does no harm
is the fulfillment
of the law
is all Jesus is
all Jesus does

I am
sorrowful
saddened
dismal

An encounter
with another
does not bring
does not bear
the fruit God desires
of each

Where is our love
and patience
and kindness
and self-control

Where is Jesus
to whom
we both
profess to be one with

Where indeed?!

We see instead
outbursts
of anger
selfishness
dissension
conceit
provocation

One provokes
One responds
but not
I tell you
in God's love

We provoke another
We respond in kind

Did it set us free?
No.

It gives Satan pleasure

but it saddens the Lord
and breaks our fellowship with Him.

We are
to do good
to all,
as the opportunity comes,
and especially,
to our brothers and sisters
in Christ.

We are
to walk in the Spirit,
as we live in the Spirit.

(c)  March 26, 2012

"Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another." (Galatians 5:26) 

"Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." (Galatians 6:9-10)

In our temptation, do we remember?

In the wilderness
when we
completely alone
no aid comes
we are
in solitude
tested
how well

God watches
sees
but does not show Himself
Is removed
from us
No one
for us to turn to
We call out
but He does not
answer.

We are
alone
in our weakness
our temptation
whatever it may be

Are we overwhelmed?

Jesus was not
Jesus withstood the test
40 days,
40 agonizing days
He spent
alone
weary, hungry
He remembered
His Father
He remembered
and He spoke
the Scriptures
again and again.

"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4 and Deuteronomy 8:3 NKJV)

"It is written again, You shall not tempt the Lord your God." (Matthew 4:7 and Deuteronomy 6:16)

"Away with you, Satan! For it is written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve." (Matthew 4:10 and Deuteronomy 6:13, 10:20, Joshua 24:14)

Do we turn to what we know,
what we remember.
Do we use God's word
to keep us away
from Satan's tactics
when faced with
that which looks good
and promising
but is really not?!

Be it 40 days
40 years
40 minutes
or even
40 seconds
the temptation
is God's way
of testing.

"And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these 40 years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not." (Deuteronomy 8:2)

How well do we fare?

(c) March 24, 2012

wanderings within

rejection
rational
honest
hope -- wasted?
more here than nothing
return return
to the love of your first
remember
from where you came
to where you go

to whom do you listen
who is calling

what is life
is it only a vapor
a mist
small and narrow
without meaning
without purpose
without joy?

is it all for naught?
to have some
but not all
to give up
you cannot make that decision
you can,
but you cannot

you belong to God
you are God's dear child.

do not turn away
do not escape
to an older path
perhaps as well-worn
as another
is it any safer?
is it safe at all.

illusions
wishful thinking
things
unnecessary
more here than nothing
you are more
you are life
a living being
created
by
a living God.

more
return
struggles remain
up the hill
down the valley
nothing easy

Yet you have hope
your burden lighter
less cumbersome
less painful

remember
from where you came
remember
He who brought you to His side
He who gave you new life
He who returned your joy
remember
and return
to Him
who knows your name
every speck on your body
every hair on your head
every part
of you
who loves you
completely
compassionately
fervently

remember,
return,
be mindful of Him
as He
is
mindful of you.

 (c) March 13, 2012

The Door is still open ...

Feelings

get in the way

of what God has said to us.

We ask for a sign,

we look for the open door,

and it is there,

ready for you to enter in

and explore and be

and do great things,

all for His sake.

But our feelings

about this or that,

whatever

we find

after we enter that door

God had readied for us,

stop us

from fulfilling

His plan for our life.

We see reasons

not to go on

we see our life lived

and then come up short,

all because

our plans

failed to come to fruition.

Our plans.

Our plans are only ours

in so far as they are in

God’s will.

Our plans may change.

We make choices.

What about God’s plan,

His will, His desire

for our life?

You heard the call.

Why do you

not hear it anymore?

Have you closed the door

He opened for you?
Have you decided

there is no reason

to go on?

Some doors God closes

because of

disobedience to Him.

But God

does not close every door.

A turn of events,

happenings

in our lives,

however humbling,

even disabling,

is not a closed door.

Perhaps our walk

has slowed.

Age or health,

even finances

may be deterrents.

But deterrents

are not

synonymous with a

closed door.

God did not say

life would be

all beautiful roses

for even roses have thorns.

You want to live

You want your life back

You don’t like the changes

appearing –

the good health has given way to poor  health

the great job has become no job

God desires us to walk with Him

all our days,

to not give in to feelings,

to not give up and close the door.

God has opened a door –

and you stepped inside.

The door

did not latch shut

and lock.

You are free.

Free --- to be,

to do, to fail,

to get up and go again,

free to live totally with Him.

Free to live a life 
centered on God.

Free too

to rely on outside influences,

free to allow conflicting

thoughts fester

and cause turmoil

and poor decisions.

Free to live a life 
centered on Self 
and feelings.

The door is open, still.

You stepped in.

What now?

© March 12, 2012

Jesus shows us the way

Jesus shows us the way

He is
the way
to salvation
He is
the solution
to Sin
He is
our redeemer
gifting us
with freedom
from our sins

He is
through His very life
He is
the illustration
of how we
are to live

He shows us the way

He is
all
about
being
obedient
to His Father
Being loyal
and trustworthy
faithful
and true
embracing righteousness
living responsibly

He is
the standard
our standard
He is
the Light
He is
Love

In Him
there is
no darkness
And we,
if we
claim fellowship
with Him,
if we
profess to abide
in Him,
we must not
walk in darkness.

In the darkness
sin awakens
and we stumble
and we do not practice
the Truth

Jesus is
the Truth.

Do you know
where you go
or
has an area
of darkness
overshadowed you
causing blindness

He is
the One who loves
the One who is love
the One to whom we love

He is
our guide
Do we pray for guidance?
He is
patient
Do we pray for patience?
He is
our encourager
Do we pray for encouragement?
He is
all powerful
Do we pray for strength to continue in the midst of struggle?
Do we pray for greater faith?
Do we pray for compassion?

Jesus shows us the way
It is up to us to go the way
Not just any ole way,
but His way

Are you committed?
Are you obedient?
In your life walk,
do you walk with Jesus
or apart from Him?

(c) March  10, 2012

God ~ Jesus

God can do it all
He created the heavens
He created the world
From dust He created man
and from man's rib He created woman

God does not change
He is not at your disposal
He does not move at your whim

God is Lord of all
He is love
He implanted the seed of life
in the woman destined to be
the mother of the Christ Child

God is that seed,
that baby,
the Son of God,
the Spirit within us

God is the I AM
He is everywhere,
wherever you are
and where you are not
In the silence before dawn
In the crackling thunder

God desires our faithfulness
He seeks a relationship
with each one

He has no favorites
We are all sinners
and He desires to set us all free
from the bondage of sin
that keeps us trapped
within our selves

God is one
All He does He does alone

And in that "oneness"
we are reminded --

There is only 1 Truth
There is only 1  Savior
There is only 1 basic problem with humanity -- Sin
There is only 1 solution for that problem

The Way, The Truth, The Life
is found in
Jesus!

"in Him we live and move and have our being" - Acts 17:28a NKJV

(c) March 8, 2012

Single-Minded Obedience: So simplistic yet so hard

To obey
To be obedient
To rely totally
always
only
on Christ
on His Word

Not on self
Not on peers
Not on feelings
Not on governments
peeling promises
resulting in half truths
and lies

But to cling
to all that the Lord is
to all the security He offers
no matter what the world
suggests

To remember
the dream
He gave you

To listen
to His still small voice
heard
during the nights you cannot sleep
or during an exam you struggle to comprehend
or even with another with whom personalities clash
Don't let barriers prevent you
from hearing
with your ears, your eyes, your heart

Jesus hears
He listens
He answers

Do you pour out your heart to Him
who does hear your agony and
frustration?

Do you wait for His reply?

Are you obedient in your response
when His answer
requires
a step of faith?

(c) May 27, 2011

I call

I call
You hear
I am Yours
yet disjointed
are my thoughts

Darkness all around me
But Lord
with You
there is Light

Loneliness comes upon me
even when surrounded
by many
But You remain
constant
You do not leave
my presence
and I am comforted

My body is weary
and restless,
movement escapes me
But You, O Lord
bring peace,
a calmness to my soul

Bitterness over turmoils
past and present
churns
But You
have enabled me
to endure
and be patient
as I go,
whatever the outcome

I do not understand
Your ways
But I know
Your Way
is the best way,
the only way,
the right way.

O Lord,
help me
to accept all
that comes
The good
with the bad

Help me O Lord
to live
fully live
to life
prolonged
to death
however soon

You will not give me
more than I can bear
for You are with me
You carry my burden
You enable me to endure
You bring me assurance
I can rest in You,
the shelter of Your wings.
I am free in You.

(c) February 29, 2012

Silence

Silent we
First Word
Last Word
Not mine
Not yours
But His

Waiting
Listening
Hearing
Speaking
Obedient to Him

Are we?

Silent to His Word?
Listening to His Word?
Hearing His Word?
Speaking His Word rightly?

(c)  February 27, 2012

A visit ...

We visit
We part
Steps retreat
The door closes
The silence
The longings begin

Replayed
over and over and over again
Why is it so
Why must it be
Is it useless, meaningless
Or is there some grand plan
to be gleaned
from everything
in a former day
that only our Father God
knows and in His wisdom,
leaves us to ponder,
however disturbing
that may be.

Remember ...
the past,
but not to dwell.
A visit.
Remember ...
you accepted.
Jesus died to bring you
new life
and you accepted ...
You accepted
His offering, His gift.
Accepted
the offering of a
new life, a better life.
Remember ...
yesterday,
many years ago,
last month,
the day before today,
but live ...
today,
this moment,
for it is enough.
Tomorrow ...
we plan, but
may it be with a
new hope,
not an old pain.

In looking back,
don't let that glimpse
be your destruction.

You gave your past life
to Jesus
Let Him build your life today
And live in a new life forevermore.

(c) February 20, 2012

In the mood?

We cannot be
in the
"right"
frame of mind,
"in the mood"
 before we have
an encounter
with God.

God
is all around us,
waiting for us
to join Him,
interact with Him,
but we cannot
wait
and wait
and wait
some more.

What do we wait for?
A better time?
There is
no better time
than now.
We wait and then
when our numbered days
are finished,
there is no time.

No time to wait,
no time to begin.
The right time,
the right mood
escapes us.
We are no more.

We need
to be
ready.
How to prepare
 It certainly
is not
by doing
all there is to do
whenever
we please
with no thought
of another.

We say
practice
makes perfect.
What kind
of perfect
do we
achieve.
Practice
makes things
come together,
jell.

Are you
"in the mood?
to practice?
Practice
living,
learning,
teaching,
hearing,
listening,
obeying.
Perhaps not.

Not inclined
to be
nor
inclined
to practice
to be.

But God
He is
still waiting
He waits
whether
we are
in the mood
or not.

He waits
for that
chance
encounter.
He waits
for you.

He waits with love.

(c) February 18, 2012

God frees us from our imprisonment

We are
all
imprisoned.
Perhaps
not
behind bars
within
small cubicles,
waiting ...
for release,
freedom.

But yet,
imprisoned
nonetheless.
Trapped.
Bodies
laden with
unending pain,
cancerous sores,
reminders
of
former days
broiled in sin
caring not for any
one
other.
Straddled between
what we wish
and
what is,
fearful
of
what happens
when we say no
to either side
and
fall;
over and over
we tumble
into an
unknown,
ever widening
hole.

Who will
catch us,
who will
be
our
protector?

We cry out,
but who
will hear
our
screams
of terror
in the
night
and
in the day,
hours unending?

God
will.
Our
comforter.
Our
counselor.
Our
protector.
Our
pillow of restful sleep.
Our
everything
every
time.

God.

Our release
from
agony
...
we can be
set free
like
a butterfly
from
its
cocoon.

Set free
to be.

God will.
God can.
He is
My rock
My hope
My redeemer

I am His.

(c) February 17, 2012

prayer ...

Prayer...
a flowing
of ourselves
to God
who knows
our
every
need.

(c) February 17, 2012

Only the best

I ask 

for guidance

I ask

for Him

to show me

a better way

I ask 

and He answers

Yet

the answer He gives

Is not

entrenched into my being

I do not hear the answer

I do not hear ... 

I ask

for guidance

and He provides

guidance.

He says,

“I wouldn’t if I were you.”

“Are you sure that is what you really want to do, my child?”

And where am I?

Why do I not hear?
Surely I am listening.

Is it because

Satan knows his part so well

knows how to dig deep

how to invade

into my

personal space

knows how to pursue

my desires and wants and wishes

how to snag me

so all thought of

pleasing My Lord

vanishes?

Oh!

woe is me.
The Lord is

not happy with me.

I  ask

He answers

He has answered before

Time and time again

I continue to ask

He still answers.

When will I hear?

When will the still small voice

Of my precious Lord

reach my inner being

and I will respond

in loving obedience?

He wants only

The best for me.

Do I?

(c) February 11, 2012

Complete ... separate

Is it like being dormant
and then awakened
refreshed
renewed

We are dust
the dust of the earth
from that
which the Lord God created
He created too
a human, a living being
a body and soul
together
and we are complete
and it is good
for God has
spoken so
in His Holy Word.

Sin had not
been born into
human hearts
until
that one moment
when
encounter
brought choices
and conscience,
and soul separated
from body

The remainder
of our days
we strive
to reunite
with
The One
who
gave us
Life
who
gave
His Life
who
gives us
New Life.

(c)January 28, 2012

"And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being." (Genesis 2:7 NKJV)

It's New!

It's New!
Brand new
Sparkling new
Shiny new

a new car
a new house
a new address
a new baby
a new friend
a new body
a new age
a new chapter
a new dream
a new plan
a new marriage
a new me
a new name
a new job
a new neighbor
a new pet
a new set of clothes
a new relationship
a new belief
a new faith
a new resolution
a new life
a new creation
a new song
a new story
a new hope
a new morning
a new day
a new decision
a new lifestyle

It's New!

Old, but new too
Used, but new

New is new
Is new always better
Is old not

Did you become new
as soon as
2012

Or ...

(c) January 2, 2012

"Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They (His mercies) are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness."  - Lamentions 3: 22-23

"Therefore, 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

"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. ... Therefore put to death fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, covetousness, which is idolatry. But now you must also put off anger, wrath, malice,blasphemy, filthy language. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge, according to the image of Him who created him. Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long suffering; bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complain against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts and be thankful." - Colossians 3:1-2, 5, 8-10, 12-15

A new beginning

a new year
a new beginning
perhaps

do you think
making a list
of better intentions
will pave the way
for a new you

do you think
it is all about you
and your wants
and your desires

It is not.

An illusion
a pretense
we spend
our everyday lives in
Day in -- day out
A better picture
A prettier picture
A plan to make all better,
more perfect

Nothing
Not up to us

Whatever we do
our hopes
falter, fade, die
and we start anew

But alone
by ourselves
we can do little

We have the past
but to move forward
to that new beginning
within yourself
and with your loved ones all
we must seek
a higher being

God
Only He
really and truly
can bring us
to a
new beginning

Only He
has the power

but we can pray
but in praying,
we must listen
we must hear
and listen
and follow.

Only God can bring us
to the new beginning
we seek

Only God
has all the answers

We have none

Our resolves
are meaningless
without Him
who gives our lives
meaning.

A new beginning
Where does yours begin?

(c) January 1, 2012

Day passes, year ends; 2011 ... 2012

Day is done
many
a full year
comes to a close

We remember
what has passed
and make no sense
of events
that have fallen
our way

Glad tidings
have come as well
Do they not
deserve more

And what of
Tomorrow
many there are
But
do not look back
in dismay
but forward
and upward
in hope and thanksgiving

Live these days
Live them well
Remember
to whom
they ultimately belong
and live them with Him,
The Lord Jesus.

(c) December 31, 2011 

"No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." - Luke 9:62

His Gift of Love

The gifts
under the tree
seem unnecessary

whether there is little
or much to give
and or receive
The gifts
are not important

If there is little,
we become desolate
If there is much,
we become proud and arrogant

We share and show
our love for another
but what have we to give
to Jesus?

Does He have need of material things --
toys or clothes or books
I think not.

It is love
and compassion
patience,
kindness,
comfort,
goodwill to another

He looks into our hearts
in the midst of wherever we are
He knows who we are
and what we are
He desires us to know Him.

There is no amount of good
we can ever do or achieve
to obtain the gift
of love
Jesus freely offers

We have only to accept
Accept, believe, obey, trust, love.

Love.
Trust.
Hold onto the promises.
Never forget,
Never let go.

Remember the baby
It is God
who chose to come
to earth
to be for me and you --
among us
to bring us new new life
to save us from our sins

Love Him
Trust Him
Never cease to remember
who He is,
the Mighty King
Jehovah Jirah,
Our All in All
Never lose sight of
His Glory,
of the Love
He has for you,
He has given us.

Do we owe Him any less?
Not as an obligation,
but of love.

Love and reverence,
Love and joy,
Love and trust.
He is worthy.
Trust Him.

There is nothing we can do
ourselves.
There is nothing we are
or can ever hope to be
without the Lord Jesus -
our lives are incomplete.
Without Him, we cannot
accomplish His purpose.

Remember
Always remember

It is His love for us
that is the true gift
of all
Our response
is our love for Him

Be it ever true,
full of faith
and hope,
but most especially,
full of love.

(c) December 21/22, 2011

Jesus is the Promised One

Real and certain
In days long past
it was a promise to come
In days future
it is a promise of His return
In days present
it is a promise fulfilled.
God's divine child
Our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ.
He is
... the promise of Light
... the promise of Gladness
... the promise of Liberty
... the promise of Peace
... the promise of Extraordinary King
... the promise of Everlasting Reign

(c) December 17, 2011

"For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulders. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)

IF ... then I

"Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? 
He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart." - Psalm 15:1-2

If ...
you walk,
you obey,
then
I ...
I will be ALL that I AM
The Lord Your God

your Provider, your Shelter, your Overcomer, your Protector, your Friend, your Counselor, your Strength, your Teacher, your Friend and Confidante, your Deliverer, your Judge and King, your Compassion, your Comfort, your Door to New Life, your Hope, your Good Shepherd, your Peace, and more.

IF
you do not walk (with Me), and
do not obey (My commandments)
then
still
I ...
I will be ALL that I AM ...

Judgment
pronounced
The door to new life
closed.
The hope and peace you think you have
dashed in a second
Deep despair, overwhelming pain
as the fiery flames climb higher, surrounding you
penetrating your very being
This
your permanent home
as you face
Eternal Damnation

I AM the Lord God Almighty

(c) December 16, 2011 

Windows

Shadows peaking
Sunlight floods my soul
When I'm not looking
It's dark
Where do they go?
Death comes
stealing our dignity
Windows
Everywhere
I don't want to go
I don't want to stay
Life is easy compared to this
Life is full of moments
Death is full of pain.

Not always
But here, now
It is.
Windows
One way
I am the way
Jesus is the way
Windows
Reflections
Memories
Going away

(c) September 16, 1996

one week before my mother's death
(11:25 p.m. Sept. 23, 1996)

He came ... do you know Him?

He came.
God came.
He saw
all we are
and came.
It was promised,
foretold,
years and years
and years before.
a baby
would be born
lying in a manger;
son of Man
son of God
to search out the lost
to bring renewed hope
to save us from damnation
for eternal, everlasting, glorious
life.

He came.
God came.
Himself,
as a child, a babe,
in the midst of
sinfulness,
weakness,
wretchedness,
misery.
He came
and lived among us.

God
creator of all that is
and is to come
and has already been
He Is
The I AM

No one,
no, not one
is greater than He

He came.
God came
as Himself
as an infant
born of the Virgin Mary
Holy,
divine,
without blemish.

His name is Jesus Christ.

A miracle of life
and love
for all of humanity
proclaimed
anew
year after year after year
At Christmas.
When His followers --
those who believe in Him,
those who trust in Him,
those who obey His commandments,
those whose heart is focused on Him --
Celebrate
His birth.

Christmas is the season
we celebrate
the birth of our King
and give gifts
that bring glory to Him.

Christian is the name
His followers
came to be known by
(Acts 11:26)
Christianity
embodies Christ
as the God-head
and His followers
as the church

Jesus is not Santa Claus
Christianity is not Islam
Is not Buddhist
Is not Jehovah's Witness

Christianity is not living a "good life"
Is not "being good"
Is not a feeling
Is not "I hope so."

Christianity is knowing
It is true and factual,
It is based on faith alone
On The One and Only
Jesus Christ.

Do you know Jesus?
Are you one of His followers?
Do you admit you are a sinner?
Do you believe in Him as the Son of God?
Do you confess your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?

(c) December 14, 2011

We are at odds

We wait for His birth
We wait again
Season after season
time and time again
the waiting is near
yet so far away

The Christ has come
The babe is born
to manhood He grows
to teach and instruct
to make ready
to give His life
to be the sacrificial lamb
to love
and love again

We wait for His return
and remember
His life
His death
His rebirth

He lives
in me, in you
our hearts
sing with joy

In this season of love
we wait
for His coming again
when all things
will be made new.

(c) December 4, 2011

For "He, who sat on the throne said, 'Behold I make all things new.' " -- Revelation 21:5

Look up, Look up ... to Jesus

Look up
Look up
wherever you area
The Lord has come
is coming again

He seeks you
at every turn
every corner
every roadblock

He understands your pain
surrounds you with
love and compassion
is everywhere
you go
everywhere
you are

Look up
Look up
into the heavens high
The Lord has come
will soon return

This is the season -- Christmas
A time of Love
We remember the reason --
God the Father
came as flesh -- one of us,
a human being
His Son
Our Lord
Jesus Christ

Look up
Look up
wherever you are
in dark of night
and dark of day
Star-studded sky
brightly shine
One pointing the way.

Look up
Look up
wherever you are
Do not delay
There is no time
The Lord is coming
The Lord has come

The Lord is here --
in your midst,
all around,
within your heart

He beckons still
to those lost
and forlorn
Don't despair

Look up
Look up
It is Time.

(c) December 3, 2011

"Redemption Draweth Nigh" by Ernie Haase 

Only One

Between The Beginning
and The End,
The Alpha and The Omega,
there are many roads
to travel
but
Only One True Path
to follow
to set us free
from sin
to make us whole
and complete.

The path
that leads
to our salvation,
Jesus Christ,
The Son of God
Our Savior
Our Redeemer
Our Lord
and Master
and King
to our eternal home
in the heavens most high.

Only One Path
Only One Life --
We are many
but He,
The Lord,
is One
and
it is His Life
with whom
we pattern our life.

Only One Savior
Jesus!

The God of the universe
created you,
formed you
from dust,
loved you
unto death

and He -- as flesh --
Jesus,
The begotten Son of God,
came
into the world of mankind
to show ...
"whoever believes in Him 
should not perish 
but have 
everlasting life.
For God the Father 
did not send His Son 
into the world to condemn
the world, 
but
that the world 
through Him 
might be saved." 
(John 3:16-17)

Only One
Path
One Life
One Problem -- SIN
One Solution
One Truth
One Savior

(c) December 1, 2011

Is life ...?

Is life ... vanity ... is it grasping for the wind ... or is it more? 

A child is born 

A child dies 

To all there is 

in everything, 

there is a season

a time 

appointed by God 

to take that first breath of air 

to have 

to hold 

to rejoice 

to dance 

to laugh

to encourage 

to build up 

to keep 

to speak 

to comfort 

to learn 

to work and labor 

to embrace 

to find fulfillment 

but too, 

appointed by God

that last gasp of air

to mourn 

and grieve

to break down 

to cry 

to discard 

to kill 

to labor and labor and

constantly toil 

to discourage

to tear down

and destroy 

to keep silent

and in between,

precious moments

that last however long

God has given us. 

All of time 

belongs to God

is appointed by Him

We cannot,

should not approach life

like it belongs solely 

to us,

think whatever 

we do 

can enable 

whatsoever we desire. 

God gave us life 

each and everyone 

of us 

Individually

it is our 

earthly mothers and father

but beyond, 

it is our 

heavenly Father 

and in everything

there is a season, 

a time 

appointed by Him 

The Lord Almighty

A time to love .... 

and to hate 

A time of war ...

and of peace.

In all of life 

there is love 

and hope 

and faith

but the greatest 

of all 

is love 

Love takes you 

to and through 

places 

unknown to you

Without love 

in every aspect of our life

we are not,

have not, 

do not 

and sometimes, too, 

with love, 

we find ourselves 

lacking, 

sorrowful 

deep within

for all 

we are not, 

all we have not

all we do not.

"Seek those things 

which are above -- 

where Christ is. 

Set your mind on things 

above,

not on things 

on the earth." 

(Colossians 3:1-2)

Love

The Love God bestows 

bears all things 

believes all things 

hopes all things 

endures all things.

Without failing, 

feelings of failure,

of fear, 

of worry

Memories 

of precious moments 

hold together 

our love 

for another 

who has passed from us. 

Pursue life 

given us by God

Pursue love 

given us through Christ 

Pursue God

our creator, our sustainer, our everything

stay one with Him,

walking with Him, 

and even in the midst 

of much trial and suffering,

we will be at peace. 

(c) November 24/28, 2011

(Thoughts taken from Scripture found in Ecclesiastes 1-3 and I Corinthians 13:7, 13)

Are you sure Lord?

Are you sure Lord I am okay?
I am where I am to be for this moment?
Probably not.
Always seeming to be unsure.
Always it seems
I look to what others see in me
and wonder if what they see is real
is what you Lord desire them to see
I fear I am not.
Not even among friends
or those I think are friends
do I feel secure in that friendship
Fearful
I should not care
I imagine
I should just move on.
Rely totally on you.
Perhaps I am not
I never feel good enough
I'm not good enough
I will never be good enough
But friendship is important is it not?

Tell me Lord what I should do.
I feel sometimes no matter what I do, it's not right.

How should I
How do I
rise above
all that I feel
all the remorse
and sadness I feel

It isn't where I want
to be.

How Lord
How

I don't know how.

.... I can choose
to dwell
on negative thoughts
or I can choose to dwell
on Godly thoughts.

The choice is always
ours alone to make.

I am because of God
because of who God is
and what He is

No matter how strong
another thinks he is
God is stronger
God is more powerful.
God is mightier
God is.

And because of God
I am

Not because of me
But because of Him
who is greater
than I will ever be.

That doesn't make me a failure
God doesn't make failures.
Only in our own minds,
when we dwell there
and become distraught,
disillusioned within
we think we are a failure
But not to God
To Him we are a work in progress.

Today's devotional
Flawed and Frail
reminds me
The Lord is not
looking for super heroes
but rather those who are
frail and flawed.
That I am.
Through our frailness
and our flawedness
The Lord brings about strength and grace

Be willing
Be available
God will work in you
Through you
To reach another.

(c) November 8, 2008

Me oh My

My legs itch.
My selfishness gets the best of me at times
My plans go awry
Me
Me
Me
My feelings
My loss
My dreams
My everything

What does God think of me?
Where am I

Is He happy with me?

Can He see my love for Him?

Is He ashamed of me

Does He consider me an evil doer
a foolish woman
a prayer warrior?

Is God pleased with my attempts to honor Him?

Does God consider me
His daughter?
Or am I alone

Should I withdraw into myself
Should I hide
Should I withdraw from activities

No one sees
No one responds

My fears
My concerns
My desires

What does God see in me?
Where am I

Am I sunshine
or clouds of gray
Am I caring
Or do I care less

Do you Lord see my love for others
Or have I betrayed you

What does God think of me
Am I growing
or am I stagnant

Is this all selfishness
to write so much
about nothing
Am I nothing


Who am I Lord
Where am I

Am I in the midst
of others with greater

I know where you are Lord
I talk to you daily
I read your holy Word
I think about what you
have to say to me
You are here, right here,
in my heart.
But where am I Lord?
Who will answer?
Ed Ames once sang a song,
"Who will answer?"
Who am I Lord
Where am I

Am I where you want me to be
Are you pleased with me

Do I bring you any joy
or only anguish

It's not all about me.
But always there is a me.
The body of me make up mankind.

Woe is me

(c) November 3, 2008

I AM with you

"Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." - Isaiah 41:10

It happened
The unimaginable
A child dies
A job is lost
Health deteriorates

Our concern
gives way to anguish
as we pursue
over and over
and over again
in our minds
the possible reasons

But the source
of all that is
The One
who knows
the whys
and wherefores
stays silent

Where do we go
What is the next step
How do we move on
past this point
of deep despair?

He tells us
to stay focused
not on the what if's and buts
not on the what once was
and is now gone
not on what we wish could return
No,
He tells us
to remember Him
to "Fear not,
for I am with you;
Be not dismayed,
for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes,
I will help you.
I will uphold you
with my righteous right hand."
(Isaiah 41:10)

We see,
but do we see Him?!
Does the brokenness of our hearts
cause us to dwell
more on our pain
than on the Lord
who can heal us?

Jesus,
our beloved Savior and Lord,
shows us
the way to peace.
Through Him
we find comfort and consolation,
we find beauty and love,
we find hope.

We must be in His Word,
study His Word,
talk with Him,
listen to Him.

We must not settle
our selves on events
in and of the world
that will cause us to stray
from
The One
who gives us life,
who is our life.

(c) November 18/19, 2011

Guilt

Guilt.
Amazing how another can make you feel
Not build you up
Not encourage you
Not say I'm praying for you
Not asking how a loved one is doing
   or how you yourself are doing ...

simply amazing.

You receive what you think
is an act of kindness
but find it is not.
Given under false pretense,
wrong motive

Guilt.
Feeling you need to apologize
for the situation you're in
Feeling you need to explain
why laundry and dishes
and grocery shopping
and preparing meals
don't get done
in a timely fashion.
Feeling you need to come to your own defense.
Of course I know how to cook.
I know how to do laundry
and wash dishes
and buy groceries
and pay bills.
Knowing how is not the issue.

Guilt.
Feeling the need to rest,
to relax,
to put your feet up
and do nothing for an hour or two
is wrong.

I am guilty before God,
but He does not condemn me.
He forgives me for all of my shortcomings.
He forgave me at the cross.
He forgave me when I asked Him into my heart.

(c) November 16, 2011

Near or far, He is there

Far far away
He is
but NOT.
We don't seek Him
We don't care.
We live,
thrive
on day-to-day pleasures
disinterested in our personal
eternal security.
We endure
the pain
and weariness
for what!?
What do we gain --
Our strength is weak
Our despair overwhelming
We collapse under our load
of guilt and remorse and
yes, frustration too.
We miss His nearness
yet, He is near.
He is always near
It is us, you and me
who has moved.
He seeks
always searching
We not necessarily so.
He is near
He is beside you
He is within you
He gives your life purpose
He is your purpose
He is forever faithful.
Our faith,
ever so small,
we think futile,
but not so.
With God
nothing is impossible
He is our hope
In Him,
we find comfort
forevermore.

(c) November 13, 2011

Help me Lord

Help me continue to move forward
Not go backward.
Bring me relief
from pain
and weariness
Let me feel your loving arms around me
Bring me encouragement
as I encourage my Jimmy
Give me time
Help me know
what is important
day by day
minute by minute
what your preference is
for the needs
and must do's
You are my comforter
yet I of late feel so
disjointed.
So much to do
So little time
Still,
I continue to find time for You.
Without You I am nothing,
nowhere
Yet,
sometimes,
I feel so alone.
But I'm not.
But the aloneness comes
and I feel helpless in it
feel I'm being
swallowed up
and the devil laughs.
I will not surrender.
Help me Lord
I pray
Help me
to continue to move
forward
one step at a time.
Amen.

(c) November 10, 2011

Help me to wait, to not be hurried

What is, was
What will be, has
Round and round
The lives of all revolve
Struggle to maintain balance
sanity
clearness of mind and thought
Fearful of the unknown
So much there
God said He would be with us
All
Nothing
is so perfect we can move without thinking
We cannot be in a hurry
But hurried we are
Harried too
Must rest
Must pray
Must stay rooted
Must seek His guidance
Must
Must
Must
So hard
Help me Lord
Help us all
Keep us mindful of all You are
Help us to not be in a hurry over anything and everything
Nothing is trivial
Everything we go through You are aware of it
Help me, help us to wait
Help me to be confident
in You, to trust in You,
Your answers, Your timetable.
I pray in your name.

(c) November 11, 2011