Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Joy

Joy is perfume you cannot pour on others
Without getting a drop on yourself.
As Christians you cannot sing God’s songs
With all your heart and not feel His joy.
Dance for joy, God encourages us,
And feel your spirit lift.
For the ability to see joy in the simple
Things in this in life
Is one of the greatest gifts God has given us.
He is a wise man
Who does not grieve for the things
Which he does not have, but rejoices
For those that he has.
God’s joy lifts you out of pain and into
The realm of praise.
When you can praise in any circumstance
Then your heart can open to true joy.
“Joy unspeakable and full of glory,
Full of glory.
Joy unspeakable and full of glory,
And the half has never yet been told.”
Amen

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Such Christmas Changes

Oh see how you have changed,
Joy of my sweet remembrance!
For once you were the focus, infant babe,
Christ’s celebration Mass, Communion.
Faded, obscured by man’s own lusts.
The trees and lights go up, alas but why?
The masses seldom acknowledge Him.
A mere opportunity to indulge in excesses.
The songs learned long ago still blare away.
As if calling us back to a better time.
Mall owners view statistics and compare.
Will there coffers garner greater revenue?
Thirst for more surpasses thoughts of Christ.
For He fades into obscurity as the years pass.
Beware complacency tied with worldly strings
That pull you away so furtively, unaware.
Enticing you to live as mere worldly mortals.
Forgetting Christ’s birth, death and resurrection.
We must take care not to join the forces of those
That taunt and mock our very beliefs, our faith.
For they disclaim the very reason for this season.
Oh what fools we mortals be, to think good deeds
Earn us eternity; Christ’s sacrifice is the gift.
For Christ the child becomes Christ the King.
Returning soon to claim His rightful place.
Watch and wait, our redemption draweth nigh.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Take All of Me

This sack upon my back
So many cups of tears,
These baskets of fears.
Such nail biting worries.
Unreasonable expectations.
Intermingled judgements.
And the sense of failure.
All bundled up inside me.

I gave them to you.
I took them all back.
Faith that You gave me.
Quite suddenly I lack.
Oh how can I escape
Moments of despair?
Only as I come to you
In penitent prayer.

This list of compunctions
They fill me with shame.
For without faith in You.
Such stifling maladies
Will soon crush my spirit.
And destroy my service.
And my witness of You.
My faithful Father God.

Is your Spirit telling me
That Satan’s taunting me?
Grasping my weaknesses
Provoking this despair.
Attempting to turn me
From Your narrow road.
A foothold he requires
A crack in my armour.

He’ll lay waste my vision
Of my heavenly home.
And fill me with doubts
Rejoicing in my loss.

While reviling the cross.
But I will be the victor.
God will provide strength.
And fill me with His power.

I’ll rise above his wiles.
Discern his evil ways.
And rid him from my life
From Christ paid the price.
And gave me His power.
To lay hold of the devil
Demand he depart hence.
For I am Christ’s alone.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

My Bed

Lie here with me Lord, for it is far easier for me
When this broken body can lies flat upon my bed.
Pain so often flees for a while, like a bird set free.
Finally, it is just You and I, expectant and secluded.
Is it not glorious that I am blessed by You in this way?
I know that in an instance Your Spirit will fall upon me
Capture my mind and quieten me, so I wait upon Thee.
I am fed with nuggets of truth drawn from Thy word.
Many learned long ago that your Spirit hath recalled.
Or perhaps He will nudge me and allow me to see
People who need interceding prayer requiring me.
No matter what, no reason, why does there need to be
Thou art here, Thou art here.

Now please cover me Lord with your blanket of love.
This bed can become cold while I am steeped in prayer.
You have blessed me so much with Your presence Lord,
There is more of You if I set no restrictions on Your power.
Blessings do not need to be worldly goods or even health.
Intrinsic treasures, peace and joy that cannot be destroyed..
Serenity is a golden chalice that appeases the thirsty soul.
For I am lost without these gifts, my eloquence is nothing.
There is no need or limit that I cannot bring to You in prayer.
I desire no pious magic wanting to control You, to exhort;
Praying in such a way for the right things, sure to get results
For You must be the judge; my task to petition all to You.
Thou art here, Thou art here.


God’s promises to the prayerful: John 14: 12 - 17, 15 - 7 - 10, 16: 23 - 24
His exhortation to vigilant prayer: Luke 21:34 - 36, Matthew 24:32; 25:13

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Hold Fast

Hold fast to your faith, for if faith is lost
Life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly.
Faith is a substance that you cannot hold
In your hand, nor can you visualize it.

But you can know the bid-products of faith,
The joy, the peace and hope that lies within
Every believer; without faith it is impossible
To please our God, so says His Holy Word!

If you have faith you can see God, for He is
Everywhere in this world of ours, and you
Can have a place reserved for you in heaven.

But Satan roams about like a roaring lion
Seeking whom he may devour, beware he
Wants to steal your faith, he wants your soul!

Hold fast, don’t allow life’s adversities to
Rob you of your faith. Temptations will come,
Be assured and watch, and always be ready.
Satan will come at the least expected moment.

Watch, Pray, and be Ready!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Lord, Bindeth Me!

The dearest idol I have known
What e’re that idol be.
Help me to tear it from Thy throne
And worship only Thee!

Idols I have, not all of wood or stone.
To be sure they’re close to me.
Their beauty hath surely caught my eye,
Their numbers hath surely grown.

And hence they litter up this life.
Drawing me away from Thee.
Perchance they have caused me strife?
Lord would’st Thou set me free
From all that is a curse upon me?

Take from me, hence I can see,
The cross that bindeth me.
So that in This life I can gladly see
That I chooseth only Thee.
The idols of this world will no more
Will have no sway over me.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

How I Miss My Church

It’s not just the building I miss, it is so much more!
The smiling friendly faces, the hugs just as before.
I may be resigned to often lying down flat on my bed
But I know at my church prayers for me are being said.

The songs that we sing, Oh how they echo in my ears!
So often when I think of all I am missing there are tears.
I love the sharing for it adds names to my list of prayer.
There is something so liberating when we take time to share!

The best time of all is when our pastor opens up the word.
Even when it is a passage that I know I have already heard.
I find each time he preaches another nugget of pure gold
Hits me with fresh clarity what we are really being told.
And our church family fits the guidelines of God’s word.
In reaching out to others, the best message ever heard!

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Every Day Thankful to Follow Jesus

Hello Jesus! A new day lies before me.
And, Jesus, I want to give it all to you!
I want to be just a suit of clothing
For You to walk around in.

Jesus, I’m thankful that we found each other.

Hello Jesus! I’m so thankful that I’m yours.
And, Jesus, I want to place my feet in your steps
I want to walk as you would have me walk.
Say what you would want me to say.

Jesus, I’m thankful that you loved me.

Hello Jesus! each new day and when night falls
That is when I think of you most of all.
For me to follow in your way necessitates
I bend my ear and listen for the Spirit’s voice.

Jesus, I’m so thankful for our church family!

Hello Jesus! help me make my days a way of choice.
I want to surrender my life as a daily sacrifice.
Lead me to those that do not know you, and then
Speak through me the way of salvation.

Jesus, I want to commit myself to serving you.
EVERY DAY THANKFUL TO FOLLOW JESUS !

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Thank You Lord!

I thank you for the many prayers
That have been lifted up
To you on my behalf.

Thank you for guiding surgeon’s hands;
You are the great physician!
Thank you for the relief of pain,
For though slow, it has taught me patience.

Thank you for the schoolroom of pain
For it has brought me closer to you.
May I never stray far from you Lord;
Remind me of your constant presence.

These months of waiting for your healing Lord;
They have been so isolating save for You.
For I have clung to you like a tree
Whose roots have been uprooted by storms.

Needy, I have shared my every thought with You,
Our closeness is a thing of great joy.
No-one knows me like You do.
No-one knows the pain I have experienced save You.

You have taught me so much Lord,
And I fear losing the very essence that is You.
When the world once more draws me
Into the maelstrom that is every-day life,

Can I truthfully say that eight years of pain
Has been worth it all in order to
Dwell in the dessert with You and You alone;
I can say YES Lord, and weep.

With isolation came comfort,
And with the sense of hopelessness came
A greater longing for heaven;
To close my eyes and look upon your face;
To feel the presence of Your Spirit
In my sick room has brought such peace to me.

Your words are golden nuggets,
Food that I store for the dark nights when
All is quiet in the house and
It is just Your Spirit and I talking together.

It is at these times that I remember
Your Faithful prayer warriors. and I
Will ever be thankful for their vigilance and love;
Their prayers towards me.

Keep me ever close Lord.
Should You find me wandering away, please
Use your staff to bring me back
To your loving arms, whatever it takes Lord!
AMEN

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

The Grace of God

We have no need of patience with ourselves and with others.
With those below and those above us, and with our own equals.
With those who love us and those who love us not, for they are.

The greatest of things, and for the least of things we leave them
To God who knows our needs even before we even know them,
He who shares our hurts and our sense of failure with ourselves.

He watches against sudden inroads of trouble, and daily burdens.
For disappointments as to the weather, or the breaking of the heart.
In the weariness of the body, or the wearing of our souls; He knows.

In our own failure of duty, or others’ failure toward us; in everyday
Wants, or in the aching of sickness or the decay of age, He knows.
In disappointments, bereavements, losses, injuries, and reproaches;
In heaviness of the heart, or sickness amid delayed hopes. He knows.

In all things, from childhood’s little troubles to our bodies sufferings.
Patience is the grace of God, whereby we endure Satan’s evil even daily.
For it is in the daily unchanging love of God that we see His grace to us.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Contentment

To be content with what we have in life and not want more.
To not look over the neighbour’s fence and covet what we saw.
To always find fault with our body, the way that God has made us.
To look in the mirror and fret and fuss and never be satisfied.
To count all within our storehouse and to sadly find such lack.
To look and criticize our family for they always appear so slack.
To have difficulty discerning the difference between need and greed.
There is something dreadfully wrong with the life that we lead!

When there are thousands homeless, hungry and dying
When wars rage on and we know nothing about self-denying.
When we measure others by the mass of their accumulation.
When we live above our means to compete it is regressed!
When we carelessly use our world’s resources and rape our land.
When we sit and do nothing as another abortion clinic is planned.
When we see our seniors mistreated and do not lift a hand.
There is something dreadfully wrong with the life that we lead!

For it is time now to be counted and not cause Him more shame.
For we do know better, those of us that are called by His name.
For it is the selfish act, the lustful thought, and striving for more.
For God will call us into account when finally we stand in His court.
For it is only God’s Spirit that can crush Satan’s heel in this world.
For you will only be content when you follow the path He set out.
For He knows the way, happy the man who follows where He leads.
There is something dreadfully wrong with the life that we lead.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Worship

You Lord are the light that brings joy into my world.
At times all those mundane tasks of everyday life

Drag me down the steps of depression and despair,
Just the mention of your name is like sunshine to me.

Out of clouds you come, filling me with your warmth.
I whisper "Jesus" and I desire to utter it again and again.

It sweeps away the cobwebs and permeates my mind.
Amazing, just the thought of Thee erases despondency

Filling my heart with sweet songs of praise to Thee!
Words learned long ago are as valid today as yesterday.

I was created to worship you, no wonder it lifts me up!
It is obedience to your will that heals my anxious soul.

Worship opens wide the doors of intercessory prayer,
And I know Father that is what you planned all along!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

By Rote

You will find that poems that are repeated time after time,
Begin to lose all their meaning and scatters their rhyme.
This begins to happen when we pray by wrote to our Lord,
Frequent repetition loses meaning even joined in one accord.

Scriptures too can lose power when it becomes mundane.
Like mutterings and chanting or following another’s refrain.
But memorized scripture is always hidden within your heart,
And the Spirit brings it to mind, words for a brand new start.

The guidelines and passages God has designed just for you,
Not to rule or dominate, but gently guide you in what to do.
God’s word always comes to you like a soft music refrain,
And your heart soars and wants to sing it again and again.

"Thy word was found and I did eat it, and it was unto me
The joy and rejoicing of my heart", Lord let it always be!
You need to search in order to find, and dig into the word.
With hunger, seek out new verses that you have never heard.

Seek and we shall find; like a blind man searching the way.
Knock and it shall be opened unto us, and as we begin to pray
It will be unceasing, and we will want to knock likewise.
If God’s word is a lamp and a light that shows us the way
Shouldn’t we be inspired to read more and called upon to pray?

With words alive from in our hearts and not from any book
For praying should be inspired by the Spirit and not mistook
As taking someone else’s words and claiming them as yours.
God wants your heart, your mind and all your own thoughts too
For His word is all that you need and all that He desires is you!

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Hello God

Hello Father, it’s me here again, on bended supplicant knee.
This pain is gnawing, eating me up and my life is no longer free.

I can no longer concentrate, focus on prayer, no longer sleep or eat.
And I am no quitter Lord, but I am now waving a flag of defeat.

Just waiting daily for a miracle from you is so very hard to do.
But I feel I am at the end of my rope and don’t know what to do.

I know you work in amazing ways; I’ve seen your power before.
You have answered many of my prayers but now I’m hurting sore.

It is almost like there are boulders impossible for me to move.
But your power Lord is mighty and You have nothing to prove.

And dwelling upon my pain has never done me one iota of good.
It is not where blessings lie, and that I have always understood.

Father, when my thinking again starts to focus only upon me,
I begin to remember how you suffered and die upon that tree.

It is the only way I know to draw my thoughts back to you.
And to have your Spirit lead me into praying for others too.

I do not believe in the worldly ways of meditation for pain.
I believe prayers for others brings my thinking into line again.

You may not heal me instantly Lord, but what you always do
Is send to me the comfort of another believer who is led by you.

I have learned so much in the schoolroom of continued pain.
Now this world is far more temporal, I think more of heaven again.

lead me once more into the believer’s mantra of "Trust and Obey"
For I know that to be truly happy in You there is no other way!
 
 
**Mantra can also mean "Devotional or Hymn"

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

My Father and I

My Father and I are able to talk and to speak of all things.
No secrets from Him do I withhold, no hidden agendas.
He knows all of my fears and the reasons for my tears.
He understands my pain, both the physical and emotional.
God is my confidante; in Him I have placed all of my trust.
There are times when I have thought He has forsaken me,
Closed His ears to my cries, the skies have been my ceiling.
I have been angry, but know I am forgiven, He understands.
But I have found we can be silent but in reverence commune.
My thoughts are not always pure, but He forgives yet again.
He wipes them away; with His healing hands they are no more.
He is an exacting task-master; I would have Him no other way.
To what would I aspire? How can He prune and challenge me?
His nod of approval is all that I need to feed my hungry soul.
His Spirit lives within me, ever prompting, always helping me.
He teaches me discernment and shows me a more sure way.
He leads me out of dark pathways and draws me into His light.
My body fails me He calls upon fellow believers to bind me up.
Hand in figurative hand we can walk this road, or when I tire
He gives me sweet rest for my thirsty soul; Fill me up Lord!
A day has not gone by without Him giving me cause to praise Him.
Exalting His name lifts me, causes me to rejoice in my circumstance.
His all seeing eye watches over me; His greatest concern is for my soul.
There is joy in serving Jesus; like a precious jewel you need to seek it.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

The Great Exchange

I am but a work in progress; God has not finished with me yet!
Sitting yet again in the schoolroom of "A Life Growing In Christ",
But alas, so very often I fail all the lessons He has assigned to me!
Wet cement, I am not yet hardened with the adversity of life itself.
I want to be what He wants me to be every moment of every day.
That is what I say, but saying and doing are so often my undoing.
My focus is drawn away so that again in the same schoolroom I stay.
Scattered thoughts, poor choices, bring no blame to Christ Himself.
It is I that make wrong choices, not looking up or asking directions.
Lessons God has assigned me are tools to graft me onto the tree of life.
A slit is made into that tree; so that gently I am grafted onto the source.
Consider the source of all knowledge, it is He, Jesus Christ my Lord!
When I am grafted onto Him I draw nourishment and strength for life.
It brings to my mind that tree upon which my Savior hung and died.
The bitter hyssop, the sword thrust in His side, and the broken heart.
He gave His life and shed His blood that I might make the right choices.
The great exchange, Christ’s life on earth for my life forever in heaven.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

God Understands

God knows all about your present weaknesses and trials.
He Understands.
He knows what you are doing through, no matter what.
He Understands.

He understands your hurts, your fears and worries too.
He Understands.
He has not forsaken you or forgotten about you, ever.
He Understands.
Jesus Christ, the Son of God went through great suffering.
He Understands.
And it is He who comes to strengthen you in your affliction.
He Understands.
Listen for Him, bend your ear and wait for His voice.
He Understands

 
THE BIBLE SAYS:
"Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you." I Peter 5:7
"Taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.
Psalm 34:8
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Psalm 34:19
"Because He {Jesus} Himself, suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted."
Hebrews 2:18

Thursday, July 8, 2010

I Marvel

I marvel at creation, not just the world around us, but man.
How can anyone ever imagine this was not part of a plan?
We didn’t happen by chance or just crawl out of the sea,
We’re wonderfully and marvelously made, can’t you see?

If you’ve ever witness a baby born, or heard a newborn’s cry
You’ll know that there is a God who created you and I.
I marvel that God loves me, yet knowing me deep inside.
Nothing I cannot share with Him, nothing I can hide.

A Father unconditional, who knows what’s best for "ME"
One whose vision stretches far and can see what I cannot see.
What a blessed child I am to have a Father just like Him!
One who surrendered His own Son as payment for my sin.

Oh Father, to enter into Thy Heaven I earnestly aspire.
Lord, create in me a burning of the Spirit’s Holy Fire.
May I be ever ready to give testimony of your love.
Cause such longing in my heart for your home above.

That I may be only living in this world and not of it,
One day soon by your heavenly throne in heaven I will sit.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

A Sojourner

I am a flaneur walking through the streets of life.
And, as people stroll by I wonder if they know you,
And if not, what can I do to open their eyes and hearts.
So many people Lord, strangers to your love and grace.
Blind followers of the world’s finest, climbing a ladder
That leads nowhere, searching for what they know not.
I want to jounce them awake, point them to the answer.
But at the risk of appearing foolish, scorned for my zeal
I am reticent, just whispering a prayer for each of them.
Spirit of the Living God touch their soul and claim them.
Can I do more? Am I lacking in courage, a white feather?
Am I a foreigner passing by whose heart only you know?
Is my mission to call them to you by the power of prayer?
If so, I gladly comply to such a simple task, a daily plea..
Offering up to you a request for the souls of strangers.
It is not I that does the persuasion but your Holy Spirit,
That gently prods the hearts of all unbelievers. A whisper
That touches their very innermost being and calls them.
"I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep"
I am but a sojourner here and I am on loan to this world.
To do your will Lord is my desire; I listen for your call.
May I be ever sensitive to your voice; bend my ear Lord,
For I have become lax, in repose, confident that my way
is secured at great price; I need to be aroused to the plight
Of others all around me, for if I truly believe in a heaven,
Then I need to be aroused to the fact that there are people
Around me that are blinded and bound for Satan’s pit.
I tremble at the consequence of my falneance and pride.
I often reach towards the prize of a soul won for Christ,
But think little of the lost souls, lost opportunities that
I failed to stop and take time to share Salvation’s plan.
To weep sore at heaven’s door at all I could have done.
Can I look into my Father’s eyes with the knowledge
That I have done my best and finished the race that He
Set before me in this world; will I hear "WELL DONE?"

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Lord of All of Me

Eyes that remain closed and do not see.
I pray that those eyes don’t belong to me.
Ears that are closed and refuse to hear.
Open my ears so that I can hear clear.

Lips closed, not proclaiming your word.
May I be ready to share what I’ve heard.
Hands slack, not helping my brother’s needs
Are dividing hands that sow bitter seeds.

Feet that are slow to move in serving you.
May I be quick in walking your work to do.
A mind that is stubborn, so set in its ways.
Clear my mind Lord of what the world says.

A stubborn heart that doesn’t follow you.
Oh please remind me Lord to always be true!
A body drawn to the world’s lustful ways.
Keep me close Lord when my heart strays.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Thirst

I am thirsty for you Lord, so I seek my hiding place.
I remove all distractions from my eyes, closing them.

There is no noise here to draw my ears away from you.
Only you can clear my mind, to focus entirely upon you!

I ask You, Lord, to draw my thoughts in like a magnet.
Remove all the clutter and the detritus of every day life

That I may see clearly, look upon your face and worship.
Cause me to drink deeply from your river , Oh Lord

Quench my thirst with your wisdom, for it is endless.
Softly, I speak to you and sense your Spirit falling on me.

Like soft Summer rain You come and I lift up my face,
I now find great refreshment; and my tears flow freely.

The gift of your Spirit is so precious and it quenches
The thirsting in my soul.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Judging

Vonnie wrote this poem on her way home from church this last Sunday morning...


Judging shrivels not only others but it destroys you.
You are hoping it will make you feel superior too!
It will have the opposite effect for it triples inferiority.
Proof that you are not making Christ your priority.

If Christ lives in you He will guide you how to deal
With all of the things in your life that make you feel
You have to pull down others to make you feel good

You need to ask Him to seal up your ears and eyes
To the faults of others that are sometimes just lies.
The plank you have is bigger than the mote you see
In your brother’s eye, so pray about it and let it be

Something you can ask the Lord to change in you,
A far better attitude towards brothers than you do.
If you go through life with your magnifying glass
Searching for faults, you will find them en masse.

But I guarantee that more miserable you will be
Miserable and lonely without friends don’t you see.
God’s focus is about all the good that you do.
Happier you will be if you just worry about you!

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Trust

TRUST
One of life's great blessings is to have someone that you can trust.
Completely! With everything!
Between you and the one you trust there has to be total openness,
Completely! Confidence always!
The one you trust will never fail you or leave you no matter what.
Completely! Forever there!
God is someone like that, someone you can trust with all things
Completely! Without fail!
He has given you His word that He will never forget you or fail you
Completely! His word is true!

He will never grow weary of listening to you; He will never leave you.
Completely! Always listening!
When your trials increase He will stand by your side and be your fortress.
Completely! Your Guard!
God wants to be your Friend; He wants you to trust him with everything.
Completely! His hand in yours!


The Bible says:
"Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me."
Psalm 5015
"When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?"
Psalm 56:3,4
"The Lord is my light and my salvation - Whom shall I fear?"
Psalm 27:1"The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, A stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you. For YOU, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you."
Psalm 9:9,10

Thursday, May 27, 2010

The Bible

Look at that big black book lying dormant on the shelf!
The corners are wrinkled, the leather dusty and cracked.

Grab hold! You will find in its depth endless knowledge.
Everything that has ever been known and that yet to be.

Questions you desire answered are written on its pages.
Wisdom and advice are there for each new coming day.

Help for all of your daily needs, hope to fill your heart.
Love that teaches selfless giving, counsel to find your way.

Dig deep within, and you find love, beauty and holiness
That lie betwixt pages of war, bloodshed and even death.

All the educations of this world cannot begin to match
The tomes that are hidden within the depths of this book.

No novel can surpass the excitement lying within its pages.
In them you will find the road to peace and happiness.

Commandments meant to guide and not just restrict us.
Christ’s healing stores are better than any fictitious book.

His Spirit has survived through the ages, unfailing, true.
The greatest commandment to love one another changes us.

This book will transcend any literature you have ever read.
Do not abandon this life altering book on the shelf forever,

Better its pages bent, its text well marked, thoughts used.
For in this book lies food and life for your body and spirit.

It has been called the greatest love story that was ever told.
And deep within its pages lies your passport to eternal life!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Ascension - a poem for the Day of Ascension

They saw you, Father, and they believed!
Excitement!
Their Saviour lived again, they were not deceived.
Belief!
They remembered, ancient prophesy had come to pass
Opened Minds!
They were the witnesses to the miracle of rebirth.
Breathless!
He was going to send them what His Father promised.
Curiosity!
They were to stay in the city until they had been clothed on high
Obedience!
He told them to follow Him to Bethany, a little ways away.
Follow!
He lifted up His hands to them and He blessed them.
Bless Me!
They saw Him leaving them, and taken up into Heaven
Bereft!
Close your eyes, Imagine, Worship, and Believe! 

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

This Empty Vessel

You say in your word we need to be emptied of self
In order to be filled with you.
Self left long ago, and so I now pray that my eyes
See from your point of view.
I long for your perception to have pre-eminence
Over my own thought life.
And the one thing that I truly desire is to cease
This self-created life of strife.
And close my ears to that which walks by me
As enticing worldly ways.
If I don’t hear sins feet I will not be enticed
By what the Devil says.
Satan’s wiles have deceived and fooled me
For far too many times.
And if your Spirit directs me I’ll be able to
Watch ahead for the signs.
"Stop" and "Go" are not just rules to read
And then to just drive by,
They are guidelines for life your word calls me
To go ahead and try.
The more I die to self and learn to live for you
The more that I can be
Walking in the Spirit, and can feel that
You can truly set me free.
If I but surrender control of my eyes and my
Ears and my tongue,
The more I trust and know that your Spirit
Keeps my heart true and strong.
A well that is empty and dry is no help to me and
Will not quench my thirst..
But this empty vessel here is a result of truly
Putting my Savior first.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Worry

Christians, do you ever feel cast down by some consuming worry?
Knowing how you should respond, guilt causes you to feel sorry.
But your burdens are so heavy, your heart is weighed down low.
God’s word is so very clear, and such scripture you already know.

And the consuming guilt chases you around in a wheel of despair.
"You should take the burdens to the Lord and leave them there."
You are not the only Christians that are feeling despair this way.
God does not judge, dole out a punishment and cause you to pay

Some "Worry" infraction He has seen and meted out upon you.
Our worry is compounded in this life of "Far too much to do".
Remember that trouble is not just a case of "If" but of "When".
You cannot wipe your trouble out with the quick stroke of a pen.

God did not promise us an anxiety-free gradient road in life.
If Satan is the author of fear, is his hand involved in this too?
This overwhelming struggle that at times wants to consume you?

That is why we have each other, to call upon and ask to pray.
It is what unites us together in such a spectacular, healing way.
When I determine to pray for you,, the more God constrains me to.
"Worry Schoolrooms" are perpetual, and He bids me to ask you
To please pray for me, my brother, and I’ll reciprocate for you.

You need a praying friend, and then a message you must send.
For who can we call upon? And upon whom can we depend?
Christians who experience worry, are warriors who will stand.
And help you win this "worry battle", stand and hold your hand!

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Faith

Faith is not merely praying
Upon our knees at night.
Faith is not merely straying
Through darkness to the light.

Faith is not merely waiting
For glory to may be.
Faith is not merely hating
The sinful ecstasy.

Faith is the brave endeavor.
The splendid enterprise.
The strength to serve, whatever
Condition may arise.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Conversations with God

So Softly, quietly your voice comes down to me.
Just before dawn, when sleep has flown free.

So I lie here and allow You control of my mind.
I ask you for names that I could never find.

People whose needs fill them to overflowing.
Those that only You have any idea of knowing.

And so one by one, as your Holy Spirit leads,
Prayers flow from my lips like ripe fertile seeds.

I present each and every last one back to You.
Asking you to plant and sprinkle with morning dew.

It is so early, Lord, the ground is so wet and ready.
And these people You give me are so very needy.

This two-way petitioning is precious at this hour.
The world outside sleeps, I sense your Spirit’s Power.

Needs pass down to me like a vision urgent and new.
I’m not an author just a conduit You flow through.

I want to be moved by others, be available to you.
I desire meaning and want to have purpose too.

Life is so very empty when it is not useful to you.
Praying for others is the work that I want to do.

I’ll never be out of work and my guide will be you!
Oh Lord, I so love these early mornings times to pray!
I know you woke me up, now please tell me what to say,

Your Spirit has blessed me with so much joy and peace
I never want our special prayer times to ever cease.
If it took this pain in me to bring me to my knees,
May you ever remind me of what this schoolroom sees.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

No Regrets

You are never going to be sorry for thinking before acting
For taking the time to listen before you pass judgment.
For forgiving your enemies, and forgetting words said too.
For helping a fallen brother, be it someone known or not.
For being honest in business and in all you say and do.
For thinking before opening your mouth and speaking.
For being faithful to your church family and to your God.
For standing up for your principles, doing what is right.
For covering your ears to gossip, and let it stop with you.
For bridling a slanderous tongue and let it not be yours.
For harboring evil thoughts; let your thoughts be pure.
For having compassion with suffering, the mind of Christ.
For being courteous and kind to all that pass your way.
 
Matthew 20:25 - 40
THE MESSAGE
"Jesus responded, ‘You have no idea what you’re asking.’ And he said to James and John, ‘Are you capable of drinking the cup that I’m about to drink?’ They said, ‘Sure, why not?’
Jesus said, ‘Come to think of it, you are going to drink my cup. But as to awarding places of honour, that’s not my business. My Father is taking care of that.’ When the ten others heard about this, they lost their tempers, thoroughly disgusted with the two brothers. So Jesus got them together to settle things down. He said, ‘You’ve observed how godless rulers throw their weight around, how quickly a little power goes to their heads. It’s not to be that way with you. Whoever wants to be great must become a servant. Whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave. That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not to be served ... and then to give away his life in exchange for the many who are held hostage.’
As they were leaving Jericho, a huge crowd followed. Suddenly they came upon two blind men sitting alongside the road. When they heard it was Jesus passing, they cried out, ‘Master, have mercy on us! Mercy, Son of David!’ The crowd tried to hush them up, but they got all the louder, crying, ‘Master, have mercy on us! Mercy, Son of David!’ Jesus stopped and called over, ‘What do you want from me? 'They said, ‘Master, we want our eyes opened. We want to see!’ Deeply moved, Jesus touched their eyes. They had their sight back that very instant , and joined the procession."

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Easter

(This poem was printed on the front cover of last Sunday's worship folder at South Langley Church)


Three days and I will surely
rise again, that’s what Jesus said.
And just like He promised He did
rise again from the dead
But to get to that empty tomb,
we have to first see the cross.
We have to share in His suffering,
and feel His followers’ loss.
But then Hallelujah! The glorious
resurrection, He truly lives!
To all who believe the promise
of eternal life, He freely gives.
This is something to rejoice about,
to sing and yes, shout about
We that know Him will see Him again,
this we have no doubt.
He never once reneged on any of His
promises! Amen!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

My Own Way

Just once in a while I want things all my own way.
And then I rebel against what the Spirit has to say.
I begin try to rationalize just what I am trying to do,
I endeavor to open doors that God has closed too!

Disaster strikes when God then allows me my way.
I finally stop to listen to what the Spirit has to say.
I’ve walked this road so often, wanting my own will.
You would think I would learn to stop and be still.

God’s leading is obvious when you walk close to Him.
It is when I rebel that my way walks right into sin.
Listening is an action word telling me to wait and pray.
Not to move ahead until I know what Jesus has to say.

At times His answer takes too long and I run ahead myself.
Then I tend to ignore God’s word and leave it on the shelf.
It is not until I reach rock bottom that I cry out to Him.
"Dear Father please help me for I find I’m locked in sin!"

I ignore the Spirit’s voice as He’s called "come this way".
I run ahead and ruin things, not caring what He has to say.
"Forgive me Father, can we wipe my slate clean again?
Every time I try to rule my life, it always ends in pain.

This schoolroom is familiar, the one of "My Own Way".
The lessons are so costly for its with my growth I pay."
Like a stubborn goat that keeps banging against a wall
I refuse to surrender myself to Him until I take a fall!

I want to be used of Him and not such an impatient child.
Why can’t I learn to be more gentle, meek and even mild?
My own way has always lead to such a disastrous walk
Once I rebel against you, I neglect to listen to You talk.

Oh Lord, if only your Spirit could jolt my point of view
Point me in the right direction, point me right to YOU!"

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Worry - The Plan

Some people simply name them “worry beads”
But I know in myself these are Satan’s seeds.
If worry is of Satan and not an impulse of man
This spore that grows inside me is part of His plan.
If he can chase myriad worries around in my head,
My thoughts are not my own but are His instead.

He captures my mind, His seeds flourish and grow
Then those seeds of doubt He will carefully sow
Quickly they consume and then they shackle me
So that my life is no longer God’s, no longer free.
That is how the subtle Prince of Darkness begins.
We’re unaware worry and doubt are His cache of sins.

If He can capture our thought life He knows He has won.
For we will have little time left for knowing God’s own Son.
If we cannot leave all our burdens at the foot of the cross.
Then this new life in Jesus we can count it all but loss.
Worry , dis-ease of the body, Satan’s occupation for man..
I think He spends all His time creating such a plan.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Distraction

It is as if a living entity transgresses my unseen mind.
Filling my head with thoughts that I never expected to find.
I am deep in prayer, thoughts of God refreshing my soul.
Then in an instant all is changed and he tears my life apart.

It is then a fleeting shadow, Satan captures me once again.
With needless trivia he causes me so much shame and pain.
For he has stolen my thought life, destroyed my desire to pray.
And he has replaced it with endless lists or needless fears
More abhorrent is the fact that he’s been doing this for years!

He doesn’t restrict his thought-theft to my devotions at home,
He even attacks me when I am listening to music all alone.
I’ve even found him in my church pew sitting right next to me.
His critical spirit changes my focus until through his eyes I see.

I’ve caught him before Communion; learned to prepare ahead.
If I didn’t fight to contest him, the message goes over my head.
He is wily and so wicked and he knows the weakest part of me.
I feel such a deluded failure when his scheming I do not see.

Depart from me I often shout, for I know your name so well!
Oh if only I could send you to the deepest depths of hell!
These thoughts have no part to play in God’s own worship time.
I want no portion of you here and I stand and draw the line.

But alas my peace he has broken and filled my heart with fear!
For if I commence talking to Satan he has stolen my very ear!
Through a ‘chink’ in my mind he then controls my worship hour
Causing me to cry out to God, “Send down Your Holy Power!”

To annihilate this devil who knows where my weaknesses lie
To allow this spawn of darkness to invade my worship time.
With thoughts so wicked I scarcely can believe they are mine!
I determine to become more aware, I will not cower and cry.

I have the power of the Spirit given to me with full control.
I have been given plenteous verses of scripture available to extol.
God’s word says he searches to and fro to find whom he may devour,
But my God is always listening and I must draw upon His power.

Being more assertive I will strike even before I commence to pray.
Using stronger language claiming Jesus blood, demand he goes away.
And one day I am going to meet the devil on equal battle ground.
I will then have all of my armor on, and scripture will be found.
He’ll whisper a word, a sly suggestion, in that way he tends to do.
And I will be prepared for him, Lord the battle will be won by YOU!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

SONlight of My Day

Barely has another new day begun
When you come to me as the morning sun.
Breaking the light after a night of pain.
Showing me your love and care once again.

Sometimes the sun shines ever so bright,
But inside there are clouds as dark as night.
I thank you Lord that you are my all in all.
You sooth my pain when there is a squall.

No matter how difficult the road I travel gets
You hold my hand until once again the sun sets.
Always by my side, always you are my guide.
You experienced pain and rose again, death defied.

How can even I murmur at my own happenstance!
It was you that died and offered me a second chance.
My Praise of you obliterates the focus on myself.
I’m certain it is prayer that is changing my health.

You wipe my tears and make the pain go away.
You let hope shine bright when troubles are at bay.
You inspired life in me when no-one else could.
You’re my rock, my stronghold where I have stood

You told me to be aware and keep my armour on.
The victory of battle was one that you have won.
I will stand at your gates when they open wide.
I will thank you Lord for always being on my side.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

The Road

This road I travel seems far too long
And the weight that I carry far too heavy.
The burden of pain was not intended for me.
I reach out to You the origin of my life.
And I beg you, Lord, please to not tarry.
I lift up my hands in reverence to you.
You can take up my burden and carry me too.
One’s focus can be distorted measured by pain.
My eyes tend to waver away from you again.
I know this is temporal and surely won’t last.
Healing will come and I’ll soon forget the past.
The future is what I should now be looking to.
Heaven and the joy of being forever with you.
Whenever the pain distorts all of my thinking,
The fountain head is where I should be drinking
More of you Lord, I want still more of your way.
Seems such a small price that I have to pay.
A glimpse of heaven through the mist of my pain,
Renews my spirit and I can see you once again.
Clasp me Lord, send your army from above.
Branding this body, sealing it with your love.
I will never recant my confession of faith.
Satan’s darts bounce off me, you keep me safe
I am forever yours no matter what happens to me.
I long for that day when finally I am set free.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

The Closet

Father, why the closet, why the closing of the door?
I have questioned this and pondered why before.
Quietness, darkness or private communing with you?
What were you saying when advising me what to do?

Was it to help me remove the shackles that bind my mind,
So that in a cloister I could be quiet and more easily find?

In dark seclusion time set aside in reflection of you.
I walked into a small dark room intent on finding out
What your word meant, what the closet is all about.
Sitting there in utter darkness with nothing else to do.

Your Spirit in there with me revealing my sins to me,
And I unburdened my heart and feel release so free.
Something happened in that closet in closing that door.
Time just stood still and my fretting was no more.

Sitting was something I should have done long ago.
The act of subservience that you taught me, I know.
Tears of repentance for all that you have done for me;
For you are the great deliverer that set this sinner free.

Just waiting in your presence with a longing deep inside.
Was a beautiful experience that I never want to hide.
This is our quiet time, for you always hear my cry.
Raising my hands in worship I breath a cleansing sigh.

I now walk out that door feeling refreshed and clean,
Knowing that by others my pilgrimage was unseen.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Seven Days of Prayer

Seven days of prayer renew my mind and change my perception
The more time I spend with you the more you show me direction.
“Living on the daily bread and drinking at the fountain head”
They are not just words of a song that are so easily said.

They are words of praise acknowledging the very essence of you.
I know, because I choose to spend my time praying through.
Bubbling up within my heart is eagerness and not defeat.
It is a burning inside me, I simply must sit at your feet.

Prayer is such joyous conversation to share daily with you.
Words of praise I give to a God whose word is ever true.
No quick platitudes or verses said as I fly out the door
Not satisfied with my wants, digging deeper I want more.

If only I had realized the importance of prayer in my life.
It would have saved so much struggle and vanquished strife.
I want to love you freely and to see you in the light of salvation,
Stripped of vanity and pride, and from you no condemnation.

I know that if I had simply surrendered all my burdens to you
You would not only take up my burdens you’d carry me too.
How complex I am that I come to lay troubles at your feet
But only when I reach the point that I realize my defeat.

Yes, the seven days of prayer mean a heavenly point of view.
If I am in your chosen place here I am ever talking to you.