"Like a River Glorious", or a Fruitful Bush I see

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

Perhaps a hymn will be enough for me:
Like a River Glorious
Like a river glorious, Is God’s perfect peace, Over all victorious In it’s bright increase;
Perfect, yet it floweth Fuller every day, Perfect, yet it groweth Deeper all the way. Stayed upon Jehovah, Hearts are fully blest; Finding as He promised, Perfect peace and rest. 
“Like a river glorious, is God’s perfect peace!
Hidden in the hollow Of His blessed hand, Never foe can follow Never traitor stand; Not a surge of worry, Not a shade of care, Not a blast of hurry Touch the Spirit there.
Words like peace and rest, victorious, and bright increase, are like the abundance of flowers on a common rose bush.
A devotional all on its own, the hymnal takes me, wherever I am, perhaps by a flowing river, where I rest on a hammock hung on a tree.
 
Hanging up the hammock on page 335, a familiar hymn caught my eyes:  ” Rock of Ages, cleft for me let me hide myself in Thee,”  But who would have thought that ‘the water and the blood from thy wounded side which flowed, … would wash me and cleanse me and refresh me enough, to look across the page to “Like a River Glorious!”
These words are living! There is hope! There is revival! There is power in the Spirit to  strengthen me again: “Stayed on Jehovah, hearts fully blest! Finding, as He promised, Perfect peace and rest!”
Are you refreshed as much as I! Then let us keep these words near our heart, and find peace and rest, and almost perfectness…
oh my! where did I put my keys!!

What is agape love?

There is often so much confusion. We have so many questions. We are human, we live in a fallen world.
Look in the Bible, you can’t even get to chapter 3 before man is in a huge mess, all because they heard a voice that questioned God’s word, “Did God really say this?”
We know the story; they believed a lie, were tempted,  their eyes were opened, they suddenly ‘knew’ they were naked, then they tried to cover up their nakedness  by sewing some large, itchy leaves together. Then God called, and they hid.
In no way was Adam and Eve seeking God at this point. They were busy, and probably anxious, and after they had put on the fig leaves, I think they were probably very uncomfortable and miserable – over their heads!
Yes, “outside there were conflicts,…” (2 Corinthians 7:6). We know the conflict, we live in this fallen world. Adam said:  “It’s the woman You gave me!” And Eve, “The devil deceived me! Hey, here are some fig leaves, let’s fix this!”
“Inside there were fears,”  words in 2 Corinthians… so  Adam and Eve said “Let’s hide!”
“Nevertheless God…”  Man wasn’t seeking God, but God was seeking man. Chapter 7 verse 6 in 2 Corinthians!
“And, I’m sure He was very angry,” you might be thinking.But open up God’s word –
It’s right there in Genesis 3:9, “Then the LORD God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?”
God didn’t ask, “What are you doing?” Or, “How come you did this?” No, He simply asked, “Where are you?” 
This is God’s question, to you and to me…for today perhaps, God asks this for each of us,  in our own time…
We can never take God out of the picture. Will we ever understand God’s Agape love?
God’s love passes our human knowledge. ‘God’s love is very patient…God’s love does not demand it’s own way.’ (1 Cor. 13:4). God’s love is loyal…no matter what the cost, because God’s love ‘bears all things.’ (1 Cor. 13:7). This is high. This if from above. This is the reason God’s word we adore!
He’s demonstrated this to us, ‘ in that while we we’re still sinners, Christ died for us.’ (Romans 5:8). This is beyond our comprehension! This is graciousness!
We can’t always believe the best about someone, But God…can.
We can’t always stand our ground in defending someone, (especially after we’ve been hurt by them), But God, because He is Agape, unconditional love that is beyond our understanding, He can! He does! He will… This is the truth of His great love for us: “Father, forgive them. They don’t know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34. 
These are His words to His Father after being nailed to the cross! These words are too great to ignore!
There is not one thing you or I can do to earn God’s love. He doesn’t love someone more for  their ‘good works’. God IS love! This is who He is. God is Agape. His love, loves, no matter what!
“God, will we ever understand Your Agape love?”
God is love. (1)
 Bottom line.
There is separation from God for all eternity, because of the fall so long ago. But God…He so loved us, that He gave His only Son to receive the punishment of death, instead of us – so that whoever believes on Jesus and calls on His name- receives forgiveness and healing and a brand new start.
We may never fully understand His great love. But God…He doesn’t leave us orphans. Jesus said this Himself : “I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.” (2)
And nothing can separate us from the love we receive…there is nothing in this world that can tear this apart . (3)
But we need help – we get confused, we can’t always see clearly. His word is given to restore and bring light.
Jesus speaks clearly, because He loves us. Satan always lies and makes us feel God is unreasonable – but ‘His burden is light’ compared to the oppression of guilt! Talk to God and ask Him to show you the way…His commands are gentle and there is great joy when we choose to obey…
If you don’t have a willing heart, ask Him to give you one.
He will not leave you alone. His name is hope and victory won!
“If you love Me, you will do the things I command. I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper. He will give you this Helper to be with you forever. The Helper is the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him because it does not see Him or know Him.
But you know Him. He lives with you and He will be in you.” John 14:15-17.
We might not understand God’s love, and we might not even know how to receive it, but Jesus tells us what it is we need ! He doesn’t leave us orphans to fend for ourselves, He gives us a Comforter, the Holy Spirit to help!
Oh how we need to surrender to God, oh how  need to receive The Holy Spirit from above! Apostle Paul writes so passionate about all this, “So I bow in prayer before the Father. Every family in heaven and on earth gets its true name from him. I ask the Father in his great glory to give you the power to be strong in spirit. He will give you that strength through His Spirit.”(Eph. 3:14-16).
Oh Lord that we hear and receive this!”
“I pray that Christ will live in your hearts because of your faith. I pray that your life will be strong in love and be built on love.”(Eph 3:17).
“And I pray that you and all God’s holy people will have power to understand the greatness of Christ’s love. I pray that you can understand how wide and how long and how high and how deep that love is.”(Eph 3:18).
“Christ’s love is greater than any person can ever know. But I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with the fullness of God.” (Eph 3:19).
“With God’s power working in us, God can do much, much more than anything we can ask or think of .” (Eph 3:20).
In His word we find great things- oh that we make time to glean and read!
These words are from the Living Bible, the words chosen for children to read…
because sometimes we need to hear it simply –
God’s word is to be read! God’s heart yearns for this, “Please!”
He knows we can’t understand, and He knows what we need. He didn’t leave us as orphans. Yes, we can understand His agape love, but only by the Holy  Spirit.
Jesus speaks to you and me, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things …(4)
So, is there hope?
There is always hope – “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts,…” Romans 5:5.

“How?” You might ask.  “How can the love of God be poured out in our hearts?”
“…by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (5)
What if we don’t have that love and we want the love of God poured out in our hearts?
We need to cry out to the Father in the name of the the Lord Jesus!
Today, and tomorrow and every minute! Breath by breath and step by step:
“Father, empty me of myself and  my sin, fill me with You and Your love,  and give me  O God, the Helper, the Holy Spirit, that I might grow to understand more and more Your  love. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Thank you God the Father for sending Your Son, and for hearing my prayers – and giving me understanding and power to experience Your agape love!
(1) 1 John
(2) John 14:18.
(3)  Romans 8:30.
(4)John 14:26.
(5).(Romans 5:4)
 

God: "_(your name)__, you are Mine." (Is. 43:1)

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…

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…" (Revelation 21)

“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…

“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!”
 
 

"Can't I walk a good and wholesome life, and be separate from claiming Jesus Christ?"

“Can’t I walk a good and wholesome life, and be separate from claiming Jesus Christ? Why does Jesus have to be the only way to secure heaven for me? Can’t God see that I’m good and kind and helpful each day, isn’t that enough? That’s my question today?
Questions of man. Big questions too. Asked from man to man in sincerity in truth…
This was me, years ago. Exactly! I wanted to know! (I put exclamation points after the thoughts because I understand if this is you- ’cause I was there…I read of Edward Casey and was out on a limb…), yes, I was there. Confusion and questions everywhere!
So, I must ask, instead of answer, my question to your thoughts:  “Have you taken your burden of unanswered questions to God? To God, do you ask? Have you asked Him directly? He is able to hear.
Just because your eyes can’t see Him, He hears and He speaks…if you really want answers to questions like these,
talk to God and ask Him sincerely…
but you can’t find the answers In the clouds, or the trees…they’ve been written, yes, written words, they’ve been breathed!
If you have trouble knowing what to do, start asking, seeking and knocking on The door of God’s heart. He will guide you out of the dark.
Open His word. Pray to Him. Ask for ears to receive. Open the Book, The Holy Bible. Ask Him what to believe!
God is faithful. God is good. He will show you the way…if you want more than to be understood!
Do you want to be ‘right?’ Or do you really want to hear? Hey, I was in your place with questions like this…But God…
He knew my questions were sincere.
He did more than just speak words on the page…He began to open my eyes to His love and His grace. He brought me to still waters,…
I could see the reflection of me, and my pride and compulsive and impulsive ways, and my resentful and selfish and easily angered sways.
There is peace like a river in His word if you choose.
So,  what about Jesus? He will show you the Truth. God will answer your questions, as you walk with Him through the Gospels of Luke, and John, and Mark, and Matthew!
You can really know someone by the prayers that they pray. ‘Suffer’, ‘allow’ me to share the prayer Jesus prayed – straight from God’s word, the rhyming will end… But I pray you are touched by God… Through Him:
“Father the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You,
“As You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him.
“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
“I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.
“And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.
“I have mane feared Your name to the men whom You’ve given Me out if the world. They were Yours, You gave them to me, and they have kept Your word…”
“I pray for them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me…
“Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are…
“O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me.
“And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the live with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”(John 17, in part… But please read it in its entirety)…
If you read this far, please let me know – if you believe and receive God’s   great forgiveness, through the blood of His Son whom He sent , Jesus !
He has washed your sins white as snow! How do we know? How can we know?
The Bible!  Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.

Humpty Dumpty…a whole new story!

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!”

…with His eyes on the Father and His heart on me.

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.
 

Sometimes, it's best to sit with a hymnal!

“Give to the winds thy fears; Hope and be undismayed; God hears thy sighs and counts thy tears, God shall lift up thy head.” (Paul Gerbhardt, translated by John Wesley, 1737).
We are tempted to be dismayed –  how I love these words translated by Wesley in 1737: “Give to the winds thy fears; hope and be undismayed.”
‘Hope and be undismayed!’ That is what the hymn that speaks tells our ‘tempted hearts’ to say.  We must speak to our souls and give them words to think – today, today, in 2016 perhaps these words are what we must repeat:
“Give to the winds thy fears; Hope and be undismayed; God hears thy sighs and counts thy tears, God shall lift up thy head.”
Why not be dismayed?! These are times of great trouble. Persecuted Christians imprisoned, economic struggles, deceptive governments, struggles in the church, physical illnesses, and losses… of great magnitude.
Where is comfort when struggling with loss? Where is hope when we can’t see the end? Perhaps the Spirit breathes truth in the night when we speak to ourselves words from old hymns:
“Through waves and clouds and storms, He gently clears thy way; Wait thou His time; So shall this night soon end in joyous day.”
“Leave to God’s sov’reign sway to choose and to command; So shall thou, wond’ring, own that way, How wise, how strong His hand!”
“Let us in life, in death, Thy steadfast truth declare, And publish with our latest breath Thy love and guardian care.”
“Far, far above thy thought, His counsel shall appear, When fully He the work hath wrought that caused thy needless fear.”
I have today. I don’t know what tomorrow brings, so today I will think on these things and write what God shows me:“Leave to God’s sov’reign sway, to choose and to command; So shall thou, wond’ring, own that way, How wise, how strong His hand!”
“For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth…;” (Is. 55:10,11).
“…It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” (Is. 55:11). “Through waves and clouds and storms, He gently clears Thy way; Wait thou His time; so shall the night soon end in joyous day.” 
“Will you believe Me, even in this?” I hear the Lord speak to my heart. I have a choice to make. Either a ‘faith’ choice to believe or a choice to fear and fret. I have a choice today. ” Oh, God, what does Your word say?”
“Do not fret…trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness…commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass…rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret – it only causes harm.” (Psalm 37:1-8).
“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.” (Is. 55:8,9). 
‘Let us in life, in death, Thy steadfast truth declare, And publish with our latest breath Thy love and guardian care.” “Far, far above thy thought His counsel shall appear, When fully He the work hath wrought That caused thy needless fear.”
“Faith choices Lord! Help me make ‘faith choices – and believe Your word:
“For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace; The mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you, And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress tree, And instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree; And it shall be to the  LORD for a name, For an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.” Is. 55:12,13).
So today, I choose to do and believe:  “Give to the winds thy fears; hope and be undismayed; God hears thy sighs and counts thy tears, God shall lift up thy head.”
Today I choose…to praise in the waiting. To worship while I wait…
“Lord, how they have increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against me. Many are they who say of me, “There is no help for him in God.” Selah   “Through waves and clouds and storms, He gently clears thy way; Waith thou His time; so shall this night soon end in joyous day.”But You. O LORD are a shild for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head. I cried to the LORD with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill.    Selah  (Psalm 3:3,4). 
Pause, and think calmly of that…
“Speak out to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, offering praise with voices [and instruments], making melody with all your heart to the Lord.” (Eph.5:19, Amplified).
 

"All we need is love…"

“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).
———————-
(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!'

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.
 
 

"these afflictions eclipsed by glory…"

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:

Why does God allow for us pain?

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.
 
 

Sometimes a story paints the whole picture…

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!