Recently, I was asked to review a poet's writing,
to share my thoughts and encouragement
to a lad who had a tough start in life,
and share my love of the written word.
I read the young hand's scribble
excited by the teen's dialect,
so familiar to my own longings...tho' vastly different.
Similar of me 35 years ago
when I, too, was sad and angry,
blaming others and unaware of how to gain control.
Different than me today, and even 17 years ago
when God cast my evil-affliction away
and led me where He wanted me to go...
...into the arms and heart of one whose love and commitment
will never be comparable to God-Himself,
but in-and-of-himself, a spouse who is devoted and forever kind.
I was asked to read a young poet's writing
and while I read, I frowned in recognition.
In the note I wrote back to the babe seeking praise,
I gave it! I meant it! I hope it encourages him to heal!
To be praised and to heal...we all deserve it.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
What Shall We Give Him?
"But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you: to love the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to obey his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul." Joshua 22:5
"He that says he abide in Him ought himself also so to walk even as He walked." John 2:6
Don't be simply careful to keep the Ten Commandments - BE VERY CAREFUL! Parallel to us walking on egg shells; like our lives depend upon it (which our eternal lives do). Even the most devout Christians can falter as the Evil One attempts to derail us in every circumstance. We wary, watchful, and very careful to obey God's laws! Hear His commands and then strive to be obedient by applying them. No one said life on this fallen earth would be easy, but the prize of His love (and all His benefits) are our rewards. We will no doubt be subject to persecution, but do not let that deter your righteousness. Jesus said there would be days like this. He also said our reward awaits us in heaven!
Love the Lord your God - worship, praise and cleave to Him. Embrace Him and all He represents, long to spend time with Him in prayer, long to share Him with others...PLANT THOSE SEEDS! Seek to mirror Jesus life: His kindness, commitment, patience, obedience plus an array of holy attributes. In Jesus case, He is thrilled when we are copy-cats. Imitation is the greatest flattery. King Jesus delights when we show by our actions that He is in our hearts, that our love is real, and not merely shallow 'lip service.' Others will see Jesus in our works. We must allow others to know it is Jesus Who lives inside us. We are serving our Savior. Love your neighbors as you love yourself...and forgive them, as your Father in heaven forgives you. Hard to do, yes, but necessary.
Our motivation: to please God. His opinion of us is the only opinion that matters. Family, friends, neighbors, politicians and acquaintance's opinions, when not centered on God, are sometimes well meaning, but corrupt through the influence of one who wishes we'd turn our backs on God. Due to humans being born sinners, those who aren't saved are bound to have agendas and motivations that differ from ours. We have promised God our devotion and service. We believe wholeheardely in the first commandment.
If people in our lives purposely choose to deny the Father His rightful priority in their lives, they are not holding fast with their hearts and souls. They are holding fast to themselves first. They are denying God's No.1 place in the heart of the righteous. THE GOOD NEWS: at any time they are welcome to humble themselves. To be a willing student and servant of God. To believe in Jesus purpose, to claim Him as their Lord and Savior. To humble themselves and not be embarrassed to admit their devotion to God and King Jesus! Why would they be embarrased to have the best friend? We want the best for ourselves and our loved ones. I want the best for those I love...
In doing so, they too can enjoy the calm that imbues the faithful, righteous christian. A calm in knowing God's promises, knowing God loves them and will never leave them. They too will join us in eternity, where there is no pain, no suffering, no satan...only peace, joy, praise, and love...and the greatest of these is LOVE!
They will understanding that to "....hold fast to Him...with all our heart and soul" will please the the Lord. That God will open His heart to each and every believer. He will give His grace, something that none can ever earn. Grace for the forgiveness of sin bought by the blood of Jesus at the cross. God wants to work in their lives to bring glory to His name. Those new devout followers will understand the wisdom of wholehearted love and devotion. They too will cling and cleave to the Lord as in marriage. Nothing shall come between theirs nor our relationship with God. Our Holy Father will be our first priority.
We are "to serve Him with all our heart and soul." Serve the Lord with all our being. Strive to focus all our efforts in serving Him wholeheartedly and without reservation. The Lord delights in a cheerful giver. He longs to given us earthly gifts. What shall we give Him when all we have is His?
I belive you know the answer!
"He that says he abide in Him ought himself also so to walk even as He walked." John 2:6
Don't be simply careful to keep the Ten Commandments - BE VERY CAREFUL! Parallel to us walking on egg shells; like our lives depend upon it (which our eternal lives do). Even the most devout Christians can falter as the Evil One attempts to derail us in every circumstance. We wary, watchful, and very careful to obey God's laws! Hear His commands and then strive to be obedient by applying them. No one said life on this fallen earth would be easy, but the prize of His love (and all His benefits) are our rewards. We will no doubt be subject to persecution, but do not let that deter your righteousness. Jesus said there would be days like this. He also said our reward awaits us in heaven!
Love the Lord your God - worship, praise and cleave to Him. Embrace Him and all He represents, long to spend time with Him in prayer, long to share Him with others...PLANT THOSE SEEDS! Seek to mirror Jesus life: His kindness, commitment, patience, obedience plus an array of holy attributes. In Jesus case, He is thrilled when we are copy-cats. Imitation is the greatest flattery. King Jesus delights when we show by our actions that He is in our hearts, that our love is real, and not merely shallow 'lip service.' Others will see Jesus in our works. We must allow others to know it is Jesus Who lives inside us. We are serving our Savior. Love your neighbors as you love yourself...and forgive them, as your Father in heaven forgives you. Hard to do, yes, but necessary.
Our motivation: to please God. His opinion of us is the only opinion that matters. Family, friends, neighbors, politicians and acquaintance's opinions, when not centered on God, are sometimes well meaning, but corrupt through the influence of one who wishes we'd turn our backs on God. Due to humans being born sinners, those who aren't saved are bound to have agendas and motivations that differ from ours. We have promised God our devotion and service. We believe wholeheardely in the first commandment.
If people in our lives purposely choose to deny the Father His rightful priority in their lives, they are not holding fast with their hearts and souls. They are holding fast to themselves first. They are denying God's No.1 place in the heart of the righteous. THE GOOD NEWS: at any time they are welcome to humble themselves. To be a willing student and servant of God. To believe in Jesus purpose, to claim Him as their Lord and Savior. To humble themselves and not be embarrassed to admit their devotion to God and King Jesus! Why would they be embarrased to have the best friend? We want the best for ourselves and our loved ones. I want the best for those I love...
In doing so, they too can enjoy the calm that imbues the faithful, righteous christian. A calm in knowing God's promises, knowing God loves them and will never leave them. They too will join us in eternity, where there is no pain, no suffering, no satan...only peace, joy, praise, and love...and the greatest of these is LOVE!
They will understanding that to "....hold fast to Him...with all our heart and soul" will please the the Lord. That God will open His heart to each and every believer. He will give His grace, something that none can ever earn. Grace for the forgiveness of sin bought by the blood of Jesus at the cross. God wants to work in their lives to bring glory to His name. Those new devout followers will understand the wisdom of wholehearted love and devotion. They too will cling and cleave to the Lord as in marriage. Nothing shall come between theirs nor our relationship with God. Our Holy Father will be our first priority.
We are "to serve Him with all our heart and soul." Serve the Lord with all our being. Strive to focus all our efforts in serving Him wholeheartedly and without reservation. The Lord delights in a cheerful giver. He longs to given us earthly gifts. What shall we give Him when all we have is His?
I belive you know the answer!
Friday, March 4, 2011
God's Garden
fluttering about, darting in and out of moments in time
that never stands still, except in dire straits.
Butterflies of yellow and orange with a sprinkling of black,
decorations of beauty, marked with signs of resilience.
Cold cocoons having dropped to the ground, fading,
as God's garden sparkles with gentle, fragile wings,
with hearts of warmth that only God can feel.
In His garden grow wildflowers of varying shades
and shapes with no two mimicking,
with perfumes and nectar that tease bumble bees
and lady bugs as they stroll out on a date.
Zipping by with skillful wings a hummingbird darts
and then another, as they feed on juices...food to the God
Who created all forms of life to be enjoyed
by he and she and toiled hard but rewarding after harvest.
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