Author: Toni Rypkema

I re-blog my writing from years ago for my sister Misty going in for round #3 of chemo. I love you Misty, but even more than that…the King of the Universe knows your very name. Receive every part of Him and call on Him today, He will answer you in time of trouble and I pray that today you can hear His voice, as your heart trusts fully in His Son that He sent, “I’ve got hold of you, you are Mine.”

The garden, my teacher.
Good soil. Water. Sun. Without the three, there simply is no garden.
Sad to note:  man can completely block any sight of the sun, simply by holding up a single – human  – thumb.
So the hand of the gardener, must be busy with the plow, breaking up the hard and thorny soil, so the seed of God’s love can miraculously grow- but the focus must be fruit, the focus must be love, the focus must be Today! Not yesterday or tomorrow!
Winter is past, springtime is here! The time of flowers and singing has come. (These are actual words from the Song of all songs!) (1).
But, unless the ‘soil of our heart’ is prepared and made ready, the seed of God’s love is simply trampled and eaten by the birds of the air, and we become unaware, that nothing is growing…God’s love is not sown, and we wonder what happened…when the love…is…all…gone. There is no love to be found. No love anywhere! (2).
With this kind of soil, ‘it will always be winter, and never spring!’ (haven’t we heard those words before? Yes, C.S. Lewis, in the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe). Winter forever? What a horrible thing!
“God help us!” we cry. “Where is the love?”As a daughter, as a son, as a mother, or a father. As a bride, as a groom: “We say, ‘I Do’, till death do us part! But then, what happens? There is no love… I can’t do it myself. The soil of my heart is …so …hard.”
The garden, my teacher. The garden, my friend. A place to be taught, under the Son, once again.
“The rocks, the weeds!” Is there no end to these?”
“They are the voices you hear over and again: “You don’t need the church. You don’t need those people. They are fake, much like plastic, just stick with ‘Mother earth’. The smiles, the kindness, it’s all selfish and  empty – you can ‘do it alone’, you will find you have plenty!”
Sad to note:  man can completely block any sight of the sun, simply by holding up a single – human  – thumb.  O God, We need a Shepherd, because as sheep we can be simply… _______!
 
It has been spoken by the True Shepherd Himself, Who reminds us, ‘He is the vine’ as well: “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” A humble, straight forward reminder,that we can’t go it ‘on our own’, so well… and time – does – tell!
“Ouch!” The sharp edge of the spade hit’s the soil real hard..but fruit is the focus! Fruit is the goal! The ‘fruit of the Spirit is love’ yes,  that is the focus – love – is – the  – goal!
Remove the rocks or there is no hope for growing ” Do you want to know God? His word gives great warning: “A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall. They stumble because they disobey the message…” (3).Read the message, and ask God  to help you obey! This is your call! This is your call!
God loves you already! He demonstrated that, when He sent His Son to die on the cross, for our debt to pay in full – for us all!”(4). For us all…
“What’s the purpose of the ‘church going?” you might ask? A place of stumbling at times, and  I want you to know that I understand – in that there is no perfect church – so why waste the time? But God Himself has told us to make it a practice to unite,(5) even if it’s to simply give thanks to Him- that you are breathing and living and that He’ll get you through ‘this hour of night!’
Perhaps the rocks have been taken out, and the motions to church have been made…but the weeds keep on growing, and there’s no room for God’s love in sowing – what then? what then?
Don’t give up! Ask God to give you a willing heart! Ask God to give you a willing heart!  A beautiful garden He will make. Read His love letter that has been written for you. “He who began a good work in you will complete it.” (6) He will make a beautiful garden out of you. ‘His word is true.’ (7).
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(1). Song of Solomon 2:12, “Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land.”

(2). Matthew 13:1-4,  “Later that same day, Jesus left the house and went down to the shore, ^2-3 where an immense crowd soon gathered. He got into a boat and taught from it while the people listened on the beach. He used many illustrations such as this one in his sermon:
“A farmer was sowing grain in his fields. ⁴ As he scattered the seed across the ground, some fell beside a path, and the birds came and ate it.”
(3). 1 Peter 2:8, “A stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they disobey the message–which is also what they were destined for.
(4). Romans 5:8, “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”
(5). Hebrews 10:25, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”
(6). Philippians 1:6, “And I am sure that God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in his grace until his task within you is finally finished on that day when Jesus Christ returns.”
(7). John 17:17, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.

“And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful…”
The Revelation of Jesus Christ Chapter 21 verses 3-7: “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away.
And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
And he said unto me, It is done.
I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.
I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

“Who is this Man who died on the tree? I’ve known of Him since I was just a baby. Mama always sang songs that I’d sleep – that He loves me so, and my soul He will keep.
But somehow, I don’t know how it all happened, it seems, that it’s just words, nothing moves me, when I hear the words: “He is Risen. He’s Risen indeed.”
The emptiness that I feel so deeply inside, is bringing me so much pain today…I cannot deny.
“God, I don’t have a willing heart. Will you give me one, even now, that again, I might start…
To start to feel again, somehow…the love You have given, to receive it and believe it, to start breathing again-Can You do this Lord, even now!
Jesus, today we celebrate Your Resurrection. Resurrect in me new life, O God. On me, Lord have mercy. That to You again, I might sing. Breathe on me, Lord Jesus, a newness of life- that today might be the first day, of the rest of my life.”
“He is risen! He is Risen. The grave is empty. Faith comes by hearing, even hearing Your word. Today I will trust You , right now, without feeling – I will walk in faith and I will trust You Lord Jesus, that You will ‘restore the years the locust has eaten’ and give me new life today, tomorrow, forever! You, Lord Jesus, You are my Savior!”
 
 

Eggs, eggs, colored eggs and bunnies, this brings back a rhyme that we sing with toddlers – but it’s not funny:

‘Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall, all the kings horses and all the kings men, couldn’t put Humpty together again”. An egg without hope – only broken pieces, but then…

There’s another version of this story; do you remember children, back in old times? “Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. Humpty Dumpty shouted “AMEN” God will put  me together again!”  Remember this? from those Mother Goose Christian nursery rhymes!

This is a version with hope. Hope is what we need, not in a man or a plan or lottery win – what the people need is …

a bended knee, and a broken heart, and a humble plea. To the God of the Universe Who gave power to the children, young and very old, to be part of the King’s family – when believing in His Son.

What is impossible with men, is possible with God- this is the good news of God’s word! This is the reason for the bunnies and eggs- new life in Christ – broken pieces put together- a symbol of birth and moving forward!

OK, so the rhyme is bad, but it’s time to rejoice. Don’t you know that God is able even if all the king’s horses and all the king’s men can’t fix it! Even when life seems broken up in pieces- Call on Jesus- yes, even with your voice!
So many books are written, but please open the One, whose words are Spirit and breathe a whole new tone. God speaks to you and me, otherwise known as Humpty Dumpty… Hey, let’s be honest- life breaks the best , but hear this and  be overwhelmingly blessed:
God is the same yesterday, today and forever, (1),He is holy and perfect and never messes up!
He is near when others have left. He meets us with light to shine in the darkness.
And not just once- over and over again… Can you hear Him say,”Come,  to My Table and sup…
With Me. Take the bread and break it in two, my body was broken on the cross, for you.
Don’t be confused and broken anymore. The Father  loves you so – and the ‘death’ that you  owe, because of the sin of Adam so long ago…  Hear the gospel: To rescue mankind from death – I die instead. My blood is shed, I wear a crown of thorns that you might wear a sparkling crown on your head.
This is the love God! That He sent His only Son! The cup at the table is the cleansing flood! Receive it, drink it, do this in remembrance of Me! I Am the resurrected One!
Death has no power! Sin has no sting. “Humpty shouted “Amen” God has begun in me a new thing!”
Through the resurrected power of His Spirit inside, when we choose to let Him in,to reside- He puts us back together, He creates a ‘new me!’
A Humpty that is whole and moving forward, no longer sitting on a wall! A Humpty whose heart feels thankful – even though there’s been a great fall.
Breaking is good, Because God steps in and speaks! And that Book was never opened, now greets my waking feet!
“Humpty Dumpty shouts, “Amen! Everyday, Jesus puts me together  and then…
While it is ‘today’, I will share this rhyme with the children
“Amen! And “Amen!” “God’s love never fails!  Amen!”

Even when I didn’t care and I didn’t  know. Time kept rolling on…
God was there…
Jesus walked the Via Delarosa for me, even if it was only me, He walked the steps, one …by… one, to Calvary,
so many years ago, with His eyes on His Father and His heart on me.
The world yelled and chanted, “Put Him away!” “Crucify Him!” He didn’t speak, He didn’t fight, Jesus set His eyes on the Light and power of heaven, so I could be with Him someday forever, for all eternity where the road is gold and there’s no end…
no end of joy. No end of happiness. No end to love. No end of good…No end of light, no end of life. Just an end to death and the dark, sleepless night!
So long ago – He walked the dry crusted earth, with the cross to carry, so I could have a friend that would stick even closer than a brother, or a sister or a mother or even a father. That I would have Him forever – He is the Bridegroom for the Bride –  for those who choose Him, to abide…
To protect, to provide, to cherish, to love. He was sent here for us, from the Father above. But many refused to believe in His name,…and even much worse, His name in time would be … used… as… a curse.
He knew my name, way back  before I was born, He knew He would come to suffer and die
but He still prayed and prayed, “Oh Father, can You take this cup from me? Nevertheless, I obey You dear Father. Not My will but Thine, … let it be.
With His eyes on His Father and His heart on me, Jesus suffered with each step… as He walked…beaten and sore, heartbroken with His flesh tore…  to the place where the payment would be paid in full, to the place of judgement, where I was to be, He walked the road,
instead of me.
This is the truth. do you believe it today? Jesus came to earth from the Father to rescue us – our sin has us chained. It’s O.K. if this is a language you can’t understand right now, ’cause Jesus ‘waits’ and He waits patiently, (somehow!) And there will be a day when you actually hear the knocking on the door of your heart. And it will be the day, that you open up to Him and discover for yourself, a new birth, a new start!
With His eyes on His Father and His heart on you…is today the day you receive Him, and His forgiveness of sin, and ask Him to give you life, abundant and new?

Psalm 40, Living Bible:  I waited patiently for God to help me; then he listened and heard my cry. ² He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out from the bog and the mire, and set my feet on a hard, firm path, and steadied me as I walked along. ³ He has given me a new song to sing, of praises to our God. Now many will hear of the glorious things he did for me, and stand in awe before the Lord, and put their trust in him. ⁴ Many blessings are given to those who trust the Lord and have no confidence in those who are proud or who trust in idols.

⁵ O Lord my God, many and many a time you have done great miracles for us, and we are ever in your thoughts. Who else can do such glorious things? No one else can be compared with you. There isn’t time to tell of all your wonderful deeds.
⁶ It isn’t sacrifices and offerings that you really want from your people. Burnt animals bring no special joy to your heart. But you have accepted the offer of my lifelong service.^{[a] 7} Then I^[b] said, “See, I have come, just as all the prophets foretold. ⁸ And I delight to do your will, my God, for your law is written upon my heart!”
⁹ I have told everyone the good news that you forgive people’s sins.^[c] I have not been timid about it, as you well know, O Lord. ¹⁰ I have not kept this good news hidden in my heart, but have proclaimed your loving-kindness and truth to all the congregation.
¹¹ O Lord, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me! My only hope is in your love and faithfulness. ¹² Otherwise I perish, for problems far too big for me to solve are piled higher than my head. Meanwhile my sins, too many to count, have all caught up with me, and I am ashamed to look up. My heart quails within me.
 

“All we need is love…”  a song from yesteryear. The Beatles bring a melody to a common thought on the human mind. Perhaps you don’t know the song; the words say it all: “All we need is love.”
It all sounds so ‘simple’ yet is far from all that. God’s love is deep, real deep – it only depends on one thing – God’s love alone, depends on Him! He is love-He is faithful. He’s trustworthy, always the same –  Jesus laid down His life for us, not because of great things we have done, – not at all , that thought’s insane!
it’s simply because God’s love is ‘other’s centered’ –always, unconditional, even non-reciprocal! He loves, because He is Love…it doesn’t depend upon us! God’s love keeps on loving even when not received, even when it is made to ‘be quiet’, even when there is no response – God’s love isn’t, “I’ll love you if you love Me.”
God’s love is not ‘give and take’. God’s love ‘Gives, then waits…’
Who is patient and suffers long anymore? God is…to be sure. Read His word and walk with His Son-not one bit of political correctness in Him, will you find.
The letters are written. The Book is complete. Gems tucked in the pages that do even more than speak. There is power in the word, that cuts to the heart…
“Come to me and I will give you rest—all of you who work so hard beneath a heavy yoke. Wear my yoke—for it fits perfectly—and let me teach you; for I am gentle and humble, and you shall find rest for your souls; for I give you only light burdens.” Matthew 11:28, Jesus’ own invitation, and yet many simply delay…they believe the lies that He points His finger, “Do this”, or “Do that, or I won’t love you this day!”
That is not Jesus! That is mankind – the natural man who is nothing by himself- only conditional love to find! Are we kidding ourselves, that ‘good lies within.’ Let’s be honest- there is a self-centeredness inside… and God calls this ‘sin!’
“That’s what I mean, Christians are so judge-mental!”  you might react and cross your arms in front of your chest  but let’s get the perspective from God up above, “ALL have sinned and fall short of His glory.” (2). This includes you and me and every race! This includes the good, the bad and …you know the story.
Here is love calling, Himself, calls and speaks:  “Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” This is love, in Jeremiah 31 verse three.
and God waits,…He suffers long. He is patient and kind and seeks not His own way. He is not rude, He’s not puffed up. (1).
He’s misunderstood, He’s rejected each day. He’s the ‘Father of Light’, and He loves…He loves…He is our example, moment by moment –  He is the Way.
His love is like no other. Human brains cannot comprehend. But there is no power – no power at all, to love…with ‘true’ love,…without Him.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (2).
“Yes, yes, yes, I’ve heard that before!”  I even could recite it when I was only 4!”
God’s love depends on God alone. God’s love is faithful. Beyond earthly thought, so far above…trusted always and forever – above all we can imagine! Higher than the heavens, uncomprehensible!
It was never about us, being acceptable and good… We have been messed up since Eve ate the fruit!
God’s love is always willing, to see the best about the person you can’t.
God’s love is always ready to defend the one  that is last… and the broken. He is willing for ‘the least’ to stand.
Behold! Look! Hear and glean…this is God’s love in 1 Corinthians 13!
(1) 1 Cor. 13. “God’s love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud,never haughty or selfish or rude. God’s Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out. If you love someone [with the kind of love that God gives and supplies ],  you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, always expect the best of him, and always stand your ground in defending him. God’s love never fails.” (Living Bible).
Today, can we sing a melody and even add a harmony – with 3 major chords and a minor in the middle. We sing about God’s love, God’s love is able. What the world needs now is God’s love- but how? Winter’s been long, it’s time for spring – Can we put off the old, and allow God to ‘do a new thing?’
“Come to Me, I allow you to be ‘you’. Don’t hide who you are. I even know right now, it’s true. I can take your anger and all your disappointments, I can listen to your bitterness and take all your sin – other’s can’t handle all that’s in and within!
I AM able to do exceedingly abundantly above all you can imagine, (3). I offer forgiveness and grace and mercy and compassion. Come to Me now, lay your life down. Surrender your way and the sin that has chained you. I have the key to restore and much more  than that – with the love and the grace that I give to you, you will then be able to follow through – and have that love and grace to forgive others too!
The joy of the Lord will again be your strength. Even when others refuse to love you, you will will be strengthened to let My love continually flow, yes My grace is sufficient wherever you go. ‘Surely goodness and mercy shall follow you, and you will dwell in My house as I dwell in your praises. You are washed and made clean, set aside what you ‘know’ and grow and grow in My grace, seek My word and My face!
“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (4). And the Spirit of the Lord…is love. Can you hear My voice now? “I have loved you with an everlasting love...” with lovingkindness have I drawn you? My dear child, talk with Me now.”
“When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and through the rivers, they won’t overflow you; when you walk through the fire, you won’t be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord…You are precious in My sight and I love you. ” (Isaiah 43:2-4).
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(1) 1 Corinthians 13.
(2) “John 3:16.
(3). (Ephesians 3:19,20,21)“…and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God. 20Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, 21to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.
(4). 2 Corinthians 3:17.

These words are written to remind you and me, what the ‘Bible tells me so!’ It’s that simple, yet it becomes difficult – but the fact of the matter is: Jesus loves us, and oh, how we need this, to know!
Birthdays are special…well, as the numbers grow larger, there is a bit more ache and pain and worry and strife -but birthdays are precious – it’s the day where you were introduced to the world of light…
and eyes and voices and hands holding you! Each birth is a miracle -a miracle of God. As the baby opens his eyes – he takes a breath… and sobs!
Welcome to a world where there are many variables: where you are born, rich or poor,  in the boondocks or town – so many variables that I can’t write them all down.
But I write for the child born today or even  decades ago…God knows your name, even before you were called. He knows the numbers of your hair, if numbers are great or close to bald!
If you hold a map of the whole entire world, and think of all the people and the children all over – God so loved each and every one, each country and each little baby born… “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…” (1).
Why do I write all these thoughts as I go? Because we need to be reminded that the Bible tells us so!
Babies need milk, then they need solid food. They need to learn to say, “Thank you!” and  to say, “Please.” Children grow  fast, they need to eat ‘green’ things and of course, they must learn to sing their A,B,C’s.
This poem seems a bit rocky in it’s rhyming scheme, but then, when you think about life…day in and day out, it’s not always smooth, some days fall apart at the seams!
Rules are made and often made to be broken, in this life that we live – so much is not spoken!
Schooling happens, in many different ways. Our world is unique- communities – so vast – the children, the children, they grow up so fast!
There is ‘show and tell’, then the reports. Math basics, graphs and charts. There is language, there is science, there is social studies and health. Education is important…and the birthdays come and go, the number grows larger… but does the child know?
Does the child know, that Jesus loves him so? God’s love letter is the Bible- it is in the Bible that they will know!
‘God’s thoughts are not our thoughts. God’s ways are not our ways.’ (2)
This kind of instruction might be hindered in public school, but it happens in the kitchen, in the front drive, the living room, or a neighborhood pool!
So we speak and remind:  God is the center of everything! God is Creator of all we see!
Just look at the map of the whole entire world- God loves all the children- all the boys and girls. God loves. God is love. (3).  Can we see that in the sky above? Can we see it in the people? For children…love?
There is a problem. Something is wrong. And we don’t learn in college how to ‘fix-it’ ourselves. The problem is what separates us from God and His ways, the problem is sin…and “all have sinned” (4) is what the Bible says.
There aren’t ‘bad people, and ‘good people’.  Our Creator Who loves – gave us choice! “For God so loved the world He gave His Son to pay the debt of of our sin…and The Book, the Holy Bible is His ‘still quiet voice!
It is sin that has separated us from God, dear little children, young and old. It is in His word that His revelation is told. He didn’t just create us and send us off and say, “Now go and be kind…” No! He gave us His word – to show us, the Way:
The revelation of God is whole
    and pulls our lives together.
The signposts of God are clear
    and point out the right road.
The life-maps of God are right,
    showing the way to joy.
The directions of God are plain
    and easy on the eyes.
God’s reputation is twenty-four-carat gold,
    with a lifetime guarantee.
The decisions of God are accurate
    down to the nth degree. (5). This is God’s word, translated in the Message. This is good news. There is hope altogether. God’s word is His love letter!
Is it hard to be kind, to do what’s right, to stay on track?   Is it hard to forgive…people? God knows. He knows you, and that’s a fact:  ‘For God so loved you, that He gave His only Son, that when you believe in Him…” you will be completely…forgiven  –
and made whole and made free and your heart will be clean, and a 2nd birth occurs, (6), that’s what the Bible says, and the angels in heaven have great celebration, and ‘Nothing can ever separate you from God’s love,(7) ever, because you are kept in His power, the power of His resurrection!
This children, young and old, This is education: Jesus loves me…He who died. Heaven’s gate to open wide. He will wash a way my sin, let His little child come in. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. The Bible tells me so!
Let’s be fully educated in our lives this day. Have you met the One Who knew your name, even before you saw the first light? A second birth happens the moment you say, “Come into my life Jesus. Have Your own way!”
Take some time to think of the cost. Jesus laid down His life for you and for me. He is faithful and will hold our hand, through… all  …we… go… through – from now…to eternity.
And I hear the streets are made of gold in heaven and glory and majesty are present, and there is no sun to shine by day because Jesus lights the way!
These words are written to remind you and me, what the ‘Bible tells me so!’ It’s that simple, yet it becomes difficult – but the fact of the matter is: Jesus loves us, and oh, how we need this, to know!
 
(1) John 3:16. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life.”
(2) Isaiah 55:8,9. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.”
(3) 1John 4:8. “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”
(4) Romans 3:23. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
(5) Psalm 19:7-9, The Message.
(6) 2 Corinthians 5:17, “¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:^[a] The old has gone, the new is here! (NIV).
(7) Romans 8:35.
 
 

I began writing after battling breast cancer. Well, I was always writing, but only on scrap paper here and there, and if you ask my kids, ‘everywhere!’ But my son helped me to get organized, (a bit) by getting me on this wordpress, thank you Jared) I wrote this soon during my cancer fight! The battle is raging still today…for some, a cancer fight, for others physical, emotional, and financial battles – so I share this again to remind me why I write:

Today, I am speaking plain and hard.
For those who have heard news like: “You have cancer.” or “There’s nothing more we can do.” or, “You need a new liver or you die.” or… you just read the news and shake your head, “Is this really happening? I don’t understand…”
I will not even type more words…but you, yourself- and the whole of  the history of man, witness loss, and pain…
and have asked the tough and hard question, “Why?!”
And quite honestly there is no comfort that human flesh can bring. Quite honestly, any words that I might say, bring about a ‘sting’. Except, perhaps, the words, that don’t change the pain and the ache, but simply speak forward:  “Just do the next thing!”
It’s not always good news. And we may never know ‘why.’ But, we have the choice- to read what we will, to believe what we will, to do as we choose –
because God is love. He loves me, and He loves you…
You see, ‘in the beginning’ yes, if you are believing, ‘God created…’ all that makes YOU.
And there is no ‘love’ – without truth. There is ‘NO LOVE’ in a lie. Yet, we cling to the things that tickle our ears, yet, they actually ‘steal, kill and destroy’ and we don’t even notice what’s died!
We can turn the page, or click the remote – but God is God, He IS ABOVE -Above all things, whether we believe it or not- and He loves us MOST! He gave us CHOICE – so that we might choose from our heart to turn to our Creator and say, “Thank You! I acknowledge Your LOVE!”
“But how can a God of love cause all this pain?”
“Let us not forget the beginning again!” ” In the beginning, the fruit of the trees ALL, except the one… Thus, the fall…
He didn’t create us to be robots! He didn’t wire us to ‘HAVE TO’ love Him. NO!
He gave us the choice to acknowledge His care, to see His provision, in everything that’s there! “The Lord is my Shepherd…” He’s a personal God, if we don’t call Him ‘MINE’ He waits…
…and He sometimes ‘MAKES us to lie DOWN…’ when it wasn’t part of our plan –
But He opens our eyes and we see…’He makes us lie down on pastures of green’ and ‘His grace taught our hearts to fear’ and what was blind now is seeing that HIS HAND… has a hold of me, even here.
So what might not be ‘good news’ in the beginning actually becomes ‘Good News’ in the end – because God our Father in heaven, has provided His Son and His grace, and all the bad and even the ugly, He somehow has dimmed,
because He lifted my head and He touched my brokenness brought on by sin. Not with ‘itchy’ coverings sewn by myself, but by covering me with the blood of the Lamb and giving me peace and forgiveness of great wealth!
He made it all work together, ‘all’ work together, for good. The waves still go crashing, but He…
He’s got His Hand guiding my course, and He says, “You are Mine! and I praise Him and thank Him and melt in His Hand and say, “Dear Jesus, I love you! I am completely Yours!”
So we walk this dusty and desert-ly earth, but God gave us each other and His most precious word! ‘Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God’…let us fill our hearts, souls and our minds with Truth, that we will raise – even if He makes us to lie down in brokenness and pain…may we discover that He has made us to lie down on green sod, He restores our soul there… He heals us as we praise.
Let us Praise Him who loves us…  Let us lift our eyes and shout. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me, all the days of my life. I will keep my eyes up and cary my scars with me, but God, in Jesus Christ gives me choice and I believe- He has healed me, He has healed me…
He has healed me completely!
“The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters…
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell…
in the house of the Lord…
forever.”  Psalm 23.
 
 

Stories. They speak volumes at times… So, in this day of speeches and many words of, “I will do this…, and,  I will make this happen, etc. etc.
I found a story that many years ago, in London’s Hyde Park, on a day where free speech was being exercised, a Socialist proceeded at the microphone amongst a crowd of people and focused on a poor and needy senior citizen and said, “When we are in charge, we will put new clothes on this poor woman!”  The story continues that a pastor in the audience courageously responded, 
“When Christ is in charge, He’ll put a new woman in those old clothes!”
Our God reigns, even still.
God doesn’t see the same way people see…But the LORD said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1Samuel 16:7).
Power? Not in man, but in God through a Man named ‘Jesus…. Jesus. Sad hearts weep no more. He has healed the broken hearted, open wide the prison doors! He is able to deliver evermore.’ ( His name is Jesus, old spiritual).
“Consequently, from now on we estimate and regard no one from a [purely] human point of view…”(2 Corinthians 5:16),
(Oh Lord, we do though, we do!) Bring a pastor to the microphone to remind us:
“…if any person is in Christ, the Messiah, he is (a new creature altogether,) a new creation; the old ( previous moral and spiritual condition) has passed away. 
Behold the fresh and new has come!”(2Corinthians 5:17).
 The story is told, of the lowly ol’worm crawling about… ‘In quiet and rest was his confidence’ …he was given a ‘garland of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a heavy, burdened and failing heart’ ( Isaiah 60:3)…
Not through a program some man came up with, but through the power of the Almighty God, that all eyes be on Him- let God be glorified!
“All hail the power of Jesus’ name, let angels prostrate fall! Bring forth the royal diadem and crown Him Lord of all! Bring forth the Royal diadem and crown Him Lord of all!
Let every nation, every tribe in this terrestrial ball, to Him all majesty ascribe, and crown Him Lord of all!
To Him all majesty ascribe, and crown Him Lord of all!”( All Hail the power, a hymn).
It is time to secure our citizenship in heaven! No line, no wait! Just knock on the door that says, “Jesus.” He will open it right up to you!

Who feels a ‘heaviness of spirit?’ Do you? I believe we all do.”Sigh”…is there a ‘remedy?’
Perhaps the remedy is a ‘change of garments.’ The Bible teaches that there is a‘garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness’.(Is. 61:3).
We are ‘heavy in heart’. Some of us know why. Others don’t, but there is a ‘heaviness’ of pressure! Our heads hurt, we take a ‘remedy’. Our stomachs ache, we look for a ‘remedy’. The list goes on and on physically and even emotionally, doctors have ‘remedies’ of some sort. But we are not 2 dimensional – what about the Spiritual?
There is a Great Physician, and He wants his children WHOLE! His office is always open. His price is affordable, that is if ‘FREE’ works for you!  He is only visited by those who are broken and weak and at the end of their own resources -but He is available 24/7, to any of those!
He hears those who come ‘whole-heartedly’ to Him. The cry of His patients are very often: “Save me, O God; for the waters are come up to my neck – they threaten my life. I sink in deep mire,…  I have come into deep waters, where the floods overwhelm me.” (Psalm 69:1-2,Amplified). “O God, save my life! I’ve come back again!”
These are the cries of the ‘poor in spirit. Not just once , but in repetition: “Rescue me out of the mire, and let me not sink; let me be delivered from those who hate me and from out of the deep waters. Let not the flood waters overflow and overwhelm me, neither let the deep swallow me up…” (Ps. 69:14). But the Great Physician knows, He Hears the cries.  He sees it all before they even look in His eyes! He knows our name before we even speak, and He knows the very reason we cry in His ears: “I am weary with my crying; my throat is parched; my eyes fail with (hopefully) waiting for my God.”(Psalm 69:3).
He says, “Follow Me.” (Matthew 9:9). “I make you lie down in pastures of green. I will bring you to  still waters. I will restore your soul. I will comfort you with My words and My Helper will come and remind you that I AM, even though NOT SEEN!” My words are not as the world professionals speak,  but My Word brings Peace, a peace that will go beyond even all you can understand and see.  By ‘faith’ and faith only will you receive My Words. Faith is the key to the R-E-M-E-D-Y!
“Choose for yourself today- you may choose the ‘prescriptions from the world’  or you may choose ‘wholeness from the Lord’. Would you prefer to ‘go it alone’ and ‘do it your way’ or would you like to follow Me, are you willing to hear what I say?  Take off the ‘old-dirty’ garments and I will provide you with garments of praise. I will. I AM the Great Physician:“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me; because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor; He has sent me to heal the broken hearted,…” do you want to hear more? ” “… to proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;…”(Is. 61:1). I AM the great Physician,  in whom healing and wholeness is found!”
The Great Physician, the I Am is waiting: ” …to comfort all who mourn, To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…”(Is. 61:3).
Is this an ‘acceptable time?’ “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. “Therefore if your enemy hungers, feed him; If he thirsts, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:19-21).
Perhaps all this pain and agony has brought about an ‘acceptable time’ to meet the ‘Great Physician face to face,  not just once, but everyday!’ The remedy, the remedy for our heavy hearted souls. Today, tomorrow, this prayer never grows old:
“But as for me, my prayer is to You, O Lord. At an acceptable and opportune time, O God, in the multitude of Your mercy and the abundance of Your loving-kindness hear me; and in the truth and faithfulness of Your salvation answer me.” (Psalm 69:13).”…I am poor and sorrowful, and in pain. Let Your salvation, O God, set me up on high. I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving.” We Exalt Your name on high! The Father, Son and the Holy Spirit – No longer, Me  – Myself –  and I!”
Can you see the gracious smile of our God the Father in Heaven, as He gestures to His Son to ‘speak the prescription’, the words that He spoke on the hill to the crowd:  “Now go and be blessed and happy, even to the point of being envied and spiritually prosperous ! Be filled with life-joy and satisfaction with My favor and My salvation, for the ‘kingdom of heaven’ ITSELF is yours. (Matthew 5).
I AM able ‘to do exceedingly abundantly above all you ask or even think, according to My power that works mightily in you.’ (Eph. 3:20.) I Am ABLE !  And I will open Heaven’s Doors!”
The Key is Faith, the Remedy is ME: “For the Lord hears the poor and needy, and despises not His prisoners [His miserable and wounded ones]. Let Heaven and earth praise Him…!” (Psalm 69: 33,34). Today, tomorrow, over and over again, “Let – the – praise-  begin!”
Do not fret if you can’t find a garment! For the older, try on:  “Praise God from whom all blessings flow…” For the young, we know the song:  “Jesus loves me this I know!”

Towels were placed on the Elementary school-room floor. The kids had no idea what in the world they were for!
So they sat, (with great amount of movement all around), as we tried to get started with our ‘shshsh fingers’ until there was not a sound.
The list comes out, “what should we do first”? “Pray” says a child, not quietly, but with a shout!
These kids are so smart, we can learn so much from them. Eager to pray aloud among friends, tender voices talking to God, asking Him, ‘to bless them.’
Then a song was played, not a top 10 kind of song, but the motions and the words got them all to sing along…“Come on everyone, we’re gonna have a ton of fun- and before the day is done, we will learn about God’s Son: He paid the Price for everyone!” (1)…
Come and see the glory of the Lord, as I bring you into a Good News Club – trust me, you will not be bored – and you will be surprised and amazed, because God works in mysterious ways.
With movement that would make even the fit out of breath, the second verse of the Good News song speaks loud and clear, and the children shout these words so dear: “Jesus is the way, the one and only way to say, all my sins are washed away – and now I’ll read His word and pray -” (1)
And this is all amazing, but I must admit, I always chuckle inside as I hear a room of children, loudly say:  “And I’ll obey Him everyday!”  (1)
So the list is brought out again – what is the next thing? as the children find security in  repetition – ‘Introduce the team, shout the Up Rules, explain the Quiet Seat Prize’- and then, with each  new Bible lesson we do,
there is always a great surprise: God’s word comes alive!
With a prayer team scattered in their work places praying – God is present, and His Spirit is evident- when the lesson is shared in about a quarter of that hour – oh, the power…the power, God’s present Word is…power!
Come and see the glory of the Lord, as we read through Mark chapter Four:
We get  on the towels as if sitting in a boat! The kids begin rowing. I ask them to repeat, all the words that I speak:
“Jesus is with us! We’re rowing in the boat.” (“Jesus is with us! We’re rowing in the boat.”)
“Let’s go over to the other side of the Sea of Galilee.” (Let’s go over to the other side of the Sea of Galilee!”)
“Jesus is with me!” (Jesus is with me!”)
“It’s coming on night! It’s getting dark!” (It’s coming on night, it’s getting dark!”
The wind and the waves are getting hard! (“The Wind and the waves are getting hard!”)
“Jesus is in the boat with us!” (“Jesus in in the boat with us!”)
“A ‘furious squall’  has come over us!” (“A ‘furious squall’ has come over us!”)
“And Jesus is in the boat with us!” (“And Jesus is in the boat with us!”)
“The water! the waves! are breaking over the boat!” (The water! The waves! are breaking over the boat!)
“The storm! The winds! The waves! We are sinking! We can’t stay afloat!” (The storm! The winds! The waves! We are sinking! We can’t stay afloat!”)
“Where is Jesus? Where is Jesus?” (the kids look at the picture shown on the wall),  He is sleep -ing! He is sleeping shout 25 kids in all!
“Does Jesus look worried? Does Jesus look afraid?” A child shouts out: “He looks like He’s resting. It’s been a long day!
“Doesn’t He care about us? We are going to die! But He’s here about us!” Shake Him and shout out – “Jesus, Save us ! Don’t You care about our lives?!’
25 children shout out together, “Jesus Save us! Don’t You care about our lives?!”
And the power point changed, and  we all looked in hope, the picture has Jesus standing, with His arms held out wide, “Peace, Be Still!” as the fierce winds, subside…the story from Mark chapter 4 verse 39.
WORD UP: “Jesus is all Powerful!” The children shout!…and the Team helpers and everyone in the room feel the presence of God all about!
“Where two or more are gathered in His name”(2),  it is told, that Jesus is present- and “in His presence is fullness of joy”.(3) Everyone in the room, was glad they came!
The memory Verse for today, we just experienced: “Your kingdom come, Your will be done…”(4) Jesus was in the boat with us! He has come and His will is that we ‘cry out with our whole heart soul and mind, “Jesus Save us!
A Savior to be, to me  –  personally. Be my Savior completely!
Come in my life for now and forever. Make my heart that was hard and dark with sin, be washed by Your blood that was shed on the cross, as You held out Your hands to bring Peace to …all of us.
“Red, brown, yellow, black, and white, they are precious in His sight…”(5) Jesus laid down His life for us, and took our punishment and paid our debt,
as He willingly obeyed the will of His Father, that we might be close and separated from God no longer!
All eyes were closed. The invitation was given. “If you have decided to ask Jesus in your life today, show me by looking at me in my eyes. Today, today is like a 2nd birthday! New life for you – because Jesus rose from the dead! He is alive! He is alive!
He is alive in you!”
Kids, let’s end with our brand new song – “Just Turn Around”, come on, and sing along:
“Just turn around! Look to God above. Just turn around and see Christ’s great love. He gave His life to pay for your sin; Believe and He will come live within. Just turn around! Look to God above. Just turn around and see Christ’s great love.”
“I’m turned around. Christ is my Savior! I’m turned around. In my behavior! I will plan to read God’s word and pray, and claim Christ’s power to live each day. I’m turned around. Christ is my Savior! I’m turned around, in – my – be-hav-ior!”
P.S. I recently read: “Do what you love, love what you do!” Sharing Good News to people all around is what will keep God’s people healthy, and joyful and with a mind that’s sound! People-read your Bibles, pray every day…and God will meet you and shine a light for the Way.
“Your Kingdom come...” He’s in the boat with you. He’s not worried or afraid…”
Your will be done…” His will for you and me, each and every day we breathe – is, “Cry out to Jesus.” Cry out His name!
“On earth as it is in heaven…” Don’t go it alone, ‘where two or more are gathered in His name...’ find such a place and be there, because ‘in His presence is fullness of joy…’ and ‘heaven is found on this broken earth, when we are finally at our ‘whits-end’ and we cry out to Jesus, our Savior and Friend!
This is my story, this is my song. Praising my Savior,
all
the
day long.
Do you need ministry? Let the little children know that Jesus loves them…and tell them HOW it is you know!
 
 
(1) Good News Song: “What’s the News.
(2). Matthew 18:20.
(3) Psalm 16:11
(4) Matthew 6:10.
(5) Jesus loves the little children (song).
 
 
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