Category: Articles

To overcome. That is our song.
We overcome by lifting our eyes and having conversation with God.
 
 
O God,  You know …
what a mess I can be …
pour out Your grace.
Undeserved, it’s true, but I ask Lord Jesus, Forgive me. Touch me. Heal me inside. You can see every part of me, I will no longer hide.
I want to move past where I am today. Never to look back. Never. For always.
In Your mercy, dear Jesus, fill me with Your love. That with each step forward  I move like You – unconditionally, without conditions, with every breath I take, high as the heavens, Your love conquers all, these are the steps I now make.
This world is a rude place. I’ve been part of its rudeness. But today is all new, You’ve cleansed my dark heart. Thank You Lord Jesus, for giving me my breath. I breathe in new. I breathe in life. I breathe in hope.
In You I rest, I lay down my strife.
This is my prayer of brokenness today, that the light of Christ might shine like the dawn, in my broken but redeemed life  in some way. “Today, Today!” That is Jesus call.
“I come Lord Jesus! I come, after all.”
 

“Come, ye sinners. Poor and needy. Lost and wounded …”

“O tame my tongue to peace … ” I read a Spurgeon poem this morning.
“And tune my heart to love; “ continues the eloquent piece.
I believe this power can only come from God.  Only God can tame the tongue and have power to tune hearts.
This morning I read a poem, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a prayer to the God Almighty. Without faith, it’s impossible to please Him. So, I read this poem as if it were my very own, a prayer from my very own heart. And I believe in a God Who is able to help, and today,  I make a start:
“O tame my tongue to peace, And tune my heart to love;
From all reproaches may I cease, Made harmless as a dove.
Faithful, but meekly kind; Gentle, yet boldly true; 
I would possess the perfect mind Which in my Lord I view.” (1)
Join me today? This poem our prayer? I want to be happy in this broken, sorry earth. Perhaps we choose peace. Peace and love others can see:  ‘Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin … with me.’
“Blessed — enjoying enviable happiness, spiritually prosperous [that is, with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions] — are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they shall be called the sons of God!” (Matthew 5:9, Amplified. Words of Jesus on the Sermon on the Mount.)
 (1) C.H. Spurgeon, Spurgeon’s Devotional Bible.

“The Lord is good, a strength and stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows  — recognizes , has knowledge of and understands — those who take refuge and trust in Him.” Nahum 1:7, Amplified.
When enemies of difficulty and discouragement and dis-unity surround, we easily make excuses, “It’s not time to turn around.”
We have our own righteousness that we choose to stand on, and God weeps and waits, for the day we change our tune. We go on each day, singing our own dreary song, and our Father in heaven watches, each day, and brings about rainbows, and flowers of all colors and hues, and stars in the evening to say, “I  – love –  you.”
‘The time is not now that the Temple be built,’ words from an old Book, Haggai 1:1 it is told. ‘God’s house can wait! It’s not the priority on this particular date!’ and God weeps and waits, He’s on the throne, in control. He knows the heart, and above all, He knows the date.
But the Story is written, and the words can be seen, the words of the prophet: “Thus saith the LORD.” 
‘Is it time for you to dwell in your freshly paneled houses? And let this House sit barren and lie in waste? Now, therefore listen,’  says the voice of the LORD, “Consider your ways.” Consider your ways! Hagai  chapter 1 verses 1-7! (Exclamation point mine, because these words come from heaven!)
Are you looking to happy? Seek the Creator, Your 1st Love. He came down from heaven, He’s the One sent from God. His name is Jesus, He gave instruction. The words in the plain Old Black Book. His love never ends, even when you want it to. He abounds in mercy and compassion and forgiveness as well. The Story has been written. God weeps and waits that you ‘Be still, and know … ‘  that you turn around, and read His good Book.
His Word is alive and true and filled with great power. He sat on a hill with a great multitude of people and He spoke about happiness while they all sat there still.
‘To be happy, my child, is to be ‘poor in spirit.’ A paraphrase of Matthew 5, it is true, but the message is simple, yet painfully hard; to agree with God … to agree with God …
that there’s no love in myself – I try. And I try, and I try once again, but there’s simply no power to do it!
But by faith in believing, and a surrender in your soul, and a lift of the eyes and your hand — I the Creator of heavens and earth,the One who made your dear heart, I will take your hand and help you to stand because I paid your large debt in full.
“My name is Jesus, and I want you to know, that I – love – you. I love you. I Do, love you so.”

God can use everything. Even broken vessels and frayed tapestries …
God uses broken things.
Did Jesus not us a small lunch from a willing child. Did He not first bless it. But then broke it. And again, and again – was the bread not broken that it might feed a multitude of men? (Matthew 14).
Didn’t God use clay pots to put torches in, as the story goes in Judges 6-8, to then be broken at a specific point in time to allow the light of the torch to shine that the enemy would be scattered? The victory plan included the breaking of clay pots.
A broken vessel is spoken of in Mark 14:6. An alabaster box of very costly oil was brought to anoint the head and feet of Jesus. The box was broken that the precious oils could pour out. Oh, there were those who were scoffing at the waste of costly oils, but Jesus spoke, “Let her alone… she has done a good work for Me.”
A vessel was broken that worship be given.
Shall we rejoice in becoming a broken vessel? Shall we choose victory over hunger, and battle, hardship, and sadness? Shall we watch and wait on the work of the King of all kings. For He knows all things.
If I accept that I am clay in the hands of the Potter. If I be broken in heart and even shattered. Can I worship the One who is able to accomplish a new work in me, even when I can’t see?
 
 
 
 
 
 

I’ve been given life today and choices free to make. Choices of destruction, or choices of hope and grace.
Looking at yesterday, it ties my heart in knots…today, I wake and finally make the time, to  pray… “O God, not my will – but Thine!”
The chaos turns to calmness. The agony and strife, to peace – as God Himself hears my prayer and He, Himself speaks:
“Can you think on the good things? Is there a good report – then see it. (1) Choose to give favor – even undeserved…that is what I give you, even though from Me…your heart has swerved… (2)
Don’t be offended, listen and hear My word:
‘All’ have ‘swerved’ and turned in heart! ‘All’ have missed My glory! (3) ‘All’ the souls that I created -struggle to read My Story!
There is none good but God. (4) Look everywhere –  you won’t find it – But I AM waiting for you to call My name, and I will  –  freely pour – out –  My Spirit.” (5)
Are you willing to let die…the past and all you hold on to? And lift your hands – yes, physically – and lift your eyes to ME and cry: “Abba Father come restore and rescue me!” (6)
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God,… never faints nor is weary,…He gives power to the weak – those who wait on Him… He gives strength to them. (7)
I sympathize  with your weakness. I was tempted as you yet without sin,  Come to My throne of grace. Obtain from Me mercy and gracious help in your time of need…I AM! I AM able to restore you again. (8)
Come to My house, I invite you. To eat at my Table of  broken bread and drink of the vine.  I invite you to come dine  to Remember Me. That you might see, My sacrificial love… for Thee.”(9)
Come to My house, I invite you. Will  you come or will you refuse? Look to Me, instead of the sheep – for I AM humble and lowly, yet… I AM King of all Kings. (10)
Come to Me, all you who are weary and are without hope. Come to Me, Follow Me, I will dwell in you and you with Me, and you will ask what you will – I will set you free.” (11)
Today, today, today…today, children, if this was my very last day, I would want you to know that I love you so, but there is One who loves you exceedingly abundantly – more than you can even understand.  Today I write, my story, my song…my story, my song is the Man Jesus- ‘yes, Jesus loves me. yes, Jesus loves me, Yes, Jesus loves me… come, be willing to sing along –
“The Bible tells me so!”
* * * * *
(1) Philippians 4:8, Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things.” (World English Version).
(2) Romans 5:8, “…but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (ESV).
(3) Romans 3:23, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
(4)Luke 18:19, “And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.”  Romans 3:19, ‘as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one;”
(5) Revelation 3:20, “Look! I have been standing at the door, and I am constantly knocking. If anyone hears me calling him and opens the door, I will come in and fellowship with him and he with me.” (Living Bible).
(6) Mark 14:36, Romans 8:15, Galatians 4:6, “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
(Romans 8:15), For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”
(7)  Isaiah 40: 28-31, “Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
    his understanding is unsearchable.
²⁹ He gives power to the faint,
    and to him who has no might he increases strength.
³⁰ Even youths shall faint and be weary,
    and young men shall fall exhausted;
³¹ but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
    they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
    they shall walk and not faint.”

When we feel the need to get away, and hang a hammock on a tree . . .

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).
—————————
(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.