Tag: a hymn

God, I have a prayer . . .

“God, I have a prayer,  for the little ones and the old. May  children wake up surrounded, not by evil thoughts that are cold, but let the Spirit breathe on them, even words from long ago, hear our prayer:  “Raise the fallen, cheer the faint, heal the sick, and lead the blind…” (1)

God, I have a prayer, that vision would be giv’n to things that are unseen, that our minds would think above, that our souls would be set free.
That the prayer of our heart and exclamation of our tongues would be:  “More than all, in Thee I find!” Let Your Spirit refresh and our tongue repeat: “More than all, in Thee I find!”
You, Lord Jesus are what we need. To seek Thee first, is the key.
Oh God, may the world see the colors in Your hue.
May our eyes be opened to the sunrise of Your face. May the children of the entire human race, see that Your color, Dear Lord, is Grace!
“God, my prayer is written in this old Wesley hymn,“Just and holy is Thy name; I am all unrighteousness… that these words would be ours, our proclamation to you:  “Just and holy is Thy name; I am all unrighteousness…
As easy as ABC, yet harder than any Chemistry – there is no need for ‘outside clean-up’ jobs, the main event’s gotta happen inside, where the heart of the child sees their own mess, and finally cries: “Just and holy is His name.
I am all unrighteousness.”
False and full of sin I am; Thou art full of truth and grace.”
That children young and old would know, the words to the hymn, “Jesus, Lover of My Soul!”
“ALL the children of the world must admit, each in his own unique time and space:
 “I am all unrighteousness!”
Oh God, may the world see the color in Your hue, may their eyes be opened to the color of Your face – and that in Your image You created the entire human race, Your face, our Prince of Peace is full of Grace.
For “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” Your very own words, dear Lord God. Matthew chapter 5  – is full of the attitudes You, Yourself had spoken – to be remedy to the sadness, pain and cries. Be still, children. And, on God’s green sod, lie.
“The Kingdom of heaven is yours today, be poor in spirit and blessed you’ll be.” These are the words, the remedy. But not one man likes to hear words of this sound. Oh no,”poor in spirit?” that means “I have need.”
“God, I have a prayer that the children can say: “Other refuge have I none; hangs my helpless soul on Thee. Leave, ah, leave me not alone; Still support and comfort me!”
Dear Lord, that the children would sing, “All my trust on Thee is stayed; All my help from Thee I bring. Cover my defenseless head, With the shadow of Thy wing.”
Yes, God, I have a prayer that the children of the world that You laid Your life down for, would change their tune and sing an old song:
“Jesus, lover of my soul, Let me to Thy bosom fly, While the nearer waters roll, While the tempest still is high! Hide me O my Savior hide, Till the storm of life is past. Safe into the haven guide. Oh, receive my soul at last!”
That the children would trust as they rest in Your hand, and sing and sing, “Jesus, lover of my soul, Let me to Thy bosom fly, while the nearer waters roll, While the tempest still is high.” “God I have a prayer, that the children of the world to YOU would direct their cry!”
“Thou, O Christ, art all I want; More than all, in Thee I find.” That revival would spread like a fire in the forest, the children would pray,
“Raise the fallen, cheer the faint, Heal the sick and lead the blind. Just and Holy is Thy name, I am all unrighteousness. False and full of sin I am; Thou art full of truth and grace.” Yes, this is my prayer for me and for them!”
“Plenteous grace with Thee is found, Grace to cover all my sin. Let the healing streams abound . . .” I pray for the children, the children of the world, that they would turn around and speak this new ‘old’ song, “Make and keep me pure within.
Thou of life, the Fountain art, Freely let me take of Thee …”Spring Thou up within my heart; Rise to all eternity.”
This is the prayer, this is it, I say, “Spring Thou up within my heart;” May revival around us speak louder than the lies, “Plenteous grace with Thee is found, Grace to cover all my sin . . .
“Thou of life the Fountain art, Freely let me take of Thee. Spring Thou up within my heart; Rise to all eternity!”
“Let it be. Amen, let it be. Amen. For the women, the men and all the children.
“Thou, O Christ, art all I want; More than all, in Thee I find … 
“Spring Thou up within my heart; Rise to all eternity!”

(1) a hymn by Wesley: “Jesus, Lover of my Soul”

There is a place of quiet and rest . . .

There is a place of quiet and rest/there is a place of comfort sweet, near to the heart of God.

Do we long to be held. With acceptance and care. Do we long in our hearts for love. Where is it? Where?

Why is it, that oft’ times we don’t stop, until we are “made to” lie down. When all of a sudden, we are broken, and we have time to look around.

But the heart of God? It seems so far. When I try to focus, He feels distant as a star.

“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want, . . .”

I was taught as a young child that He never changes. I learned, He is the Shepherd that takes good care of His sheep.

But I’m wanting, dear Lord! What does all this mean?

Did I forget the Lord as my Shepherd this day? Did I move ahead of His lead? What can I say. It feels as if I’m trying, then failing. Trying then fail?

Sometimes I believe He’s forgotten my name.
But, “He makes me to lie down on green pastures.”

And, I confess, I’m guilty of doubting and asking, “Pastures of green. Are You sure?”

He allows pressures and cares and warned me there’d be troubles here and there, but “He leads me beside still waters,”
“He restores my soul.”

And it’s true, He does. It’s just not easy getting there.
Time alone. Quiet, and rest. These moments prove to be a giant test.

He allows me to be broken that I might seek God’s heart. And God so loves me all that He patiently waits until, from all my own best efforts, I depart.

There is a place of quiet rest,
Near to the heart of God;
A place where sin cannot molest,
Near to the heart of God.
Refrain:

O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
Sent from the heart of God;
Hold us, who wait before Thee,
Near to the heart of God.

A spoon full of medicine brings relief at times, yet God’s Word and a Hymn revolutionize the mind. Words spoken like “Redeemer,” and “blest” refresh tired minds like dew on morning grass.

 

  • There is a place of comfort sweet,
    Near to the heart of God;
    A place where we our Savior meet,
    Near to the heart of God.
  • There is a place of full release,
    Near to the heart of God;
    A place where all is joy and peace,
    Near to the heart of God.

Today, while it is today- who will join me in seeking His face? Confessing sin and all the rest, that we might find peace and health near the heart of God. “There is a place of quiet rest . . .”

"Pull the 'Comforter' to your eyes and rest!"

 “You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.” (John 15:3).  Yes, I’ve heard, and yes, I’ve sung: “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound…I was lost, but now I’m found”
Yet, “Prone to wander, Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love…” Fill me Lord with Your Holy Spirit. Remind me again what is true about You! Speak to my fearful heart what You’ve said, remind me again what You have spoken. I so easily forget! I’m so quick to fret!”
“Lord, I want to yearn for You, because this world has lied, and the clouds are dark. God, I’m so hungry and thirsty inside. Breathe on me, Holy Spirit. Fall fresh on me. Deliver me as I surrender. Make me new again.”
“Pull the Comforter to your eyes and rest. Hear Me speak, Abide in My love. “I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you…Because I live, you will live also.” (John 14:18,19). Even now, Even now – if you only believe! Increase your faith, obey My word – remember Me – I loved you first!” (1 John 4:19).
“Remember My words to you and all the rest, “Blessed,…” (and in case you need a definition:)“Blessed: fortunate and happy and spiritually prosperous [that is, in that state in which the born-again child enjoys My favor and My salvation]…
“Do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit“, the fullness of Me! (Eph. 5:18). Speak the old lines of the hymns and the Psalms and discover the Comfort of truth and its power. “He who hates Me hates My Father also.” (John 15:23). I tell you the truth, run to Me, not away- My Father in heaven, loves you completely, but the deceiver, he hates you and wants you to die!” But put off your tears, and put on My love. Call out to Me, I AM Savior -that’s why!
‘Let Psalm 71 be the cry of your heart: “In You, O LORD, I put my trust;…incline Your ear to me, and save me…Let me never be put to shame. Be my strong habitation, to which I resort continually – You have given the commandment to save me,…”
“Save my life! Hear my cry“You are my rock and my fortress…In Your righteousness deliver me, and cause me to escape…O God, You have taught me, yes, taught me, from my youth;” And to this day I declare Your works of wonder…O God, who is like You?” (Ps. 71:19).
Your word is truth and You have said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,”(Matthew 5:6),
but even though that calls for pain and loss, You have comforted me and made me lie down, in pastures of green with Your word: “for they shall be filled!”  Yes,  Matthew 5 verse 6, I write with emphasis added! You’ve  Comforted me, Lord Jesus, with Your unmerited love! Your word has brought me rest, it revives. “Here’s my heart Lord, take and seal it, seal it for thy courts above!”

"Abide with me! Fast falls the even-tide…"

“Abide with me! Fast falls the even-tide. The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide!” This is a cry of Henry F. Lyte in 1847. This is a cry of ours besides: “When other helpers fail And comforts flee, Help of the help-less, O abide with me!”
“Swift to its close, ebbs out life’s little day. Earth’s joys grow dim; Its glories pass away. Change and decay In all around I see; O Thou, who changest not, abide with me!”
“I need Thy presence Every pass-ing hour. What but Thy grace Can foil the temp-ter’s power? Who, like Thyself, My guide and stay can be? Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.”
“I fear no foe, With Thee at hand to bless; Ills have no weight, And tears no bitterness. Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory? 
“I triumph still, If Thou abide with me.” (“Abide with Me, Henry F. Lyte).
“But Lord, there is death, there is destruction, there is hate and trouble all around…”
God hears the cries of the people! God’s word speaks to the  broken hearts of His children. As we ‘cry out’ the very words of the hymn “I need Thy presence Every passing hour! What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s power?…”
God’s powerful word speaks. ‘Hear, the word of the Lord’:
“The thief comes only in order that he may steal and may kill and may destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance– to the full, till it overflows.” (John 10:10, Amplified). “If the world hates you, know that it hated Me before it hated you.” (John 15:18).
“Abide with me! Fast falls the even tide. The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide! When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me!”
“Remember that I told you, A servant is not greater than his master — is not superior to him. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept my word and obeyed My teachings, they will also keep and obey yours.” (John 15:20), Amplified).
“But they will do all this to you — inflict all this suffering on you –because of [your bearing] My name, and on My account, for they do not know or understand the One Who sent Me.” (Johne 15:21, Amplified).
“I need Thy presence Every passing hour. What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s power? Who, like Thyself, My guide and stay can be? Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.”
“But [this is so] that the word written in their Law might be fulfilled, They hated Me without a cause.” (John 15:25, Amplified).
“So, ‘speak to one another in Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual songs, make melody in your heart to the Lord.'” (Eph. 5:19), Don’t run away, take courage and stand: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Eph. 6:10,11).
“Don’t run away in fear! ‘Do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,…( Eph 5:18).
“But when the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener) comes Whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of Truth Who comes (proceeds) from the Father, He [Himself} will testify regarding Me. But you also…
But you also…
But you also... will testify and be My witnesses…” (John 15:26,27, Amplified, emphasis, mine).
“I have told you all these things so that you should not be offended — taken unawares and falter, or be caused to stumble and fall away, and to keep you from being scandalized and repelled. They will put you out of the synagogues –expel you. But an hour is coming when whoever kills you will think and claim that he has offered service to God. And they will do this because  they have not known the Father nor Me. But I have told you these things now so that when they occur you will remember that I told you of them. ” (John 16:1-3, Amplified).
“I fear no foe, With Thee at hand to bless; Ills have no weight, And tears no bitterness. Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, If Thou abide with me!” (Abide with Me, Henry F. Lyte, 1847).
The song empowers, the song restores, the Psalms, the hymns, the spiritual song is a what my heart must continually…adore –  to keep me standing in the midst of the battle! “Praise before the battle, yes Praise brings back the breath!  Then the words, “Rejoice Always. Pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God… begins to make sense! (1 Thes. 5:16-18) …Yes, these are the words I will hold on to as I pray, for brothers and sisters  who suffer  so greatly today. Dear Jesus, pour out Your grace, pour out Your mercy on these difficult –  most dark and confusing, and dreadful (at times), LAST days.

"Tell the people to sit down…:

The story is told, and it would be good to imagine the pictures in our mind, that ‘a great multitude was coming toward Jesus’. (John 6:5). (How I pray that this would again be the case, today, that the hearts of men, in a ‘great multitude’ would come toward Jesus).
But before ‘a great multitude was coming toward Jesus’, the words are written, “After these things…”(John 6:1).
After ‘what’ things? we might ask. After – Jesus had changed water into wine at a wedding feast in Cana.  After – Jesus had given the promise of eternal life to a Pharisee named Nicodemus,  After – Jesus asked a  Samaritan woman for a drink of water, only later to tell her about her life’s decisions, and she speaking of the Messiah who will tell them ‘all things’ and Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.”, (John 4:26), and then she went out and told her whole city about Him! After- Jesus healed a ‘nobleman’s son’ from a distance, a paralytic was healed and made well by the pool of Bethesda. And after speaking to the Jews who sought to kill Him because “He not only broke the Sabbath, but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God.” (John 5:18). “After these things… ‘a great multitude was coming toward Jesus!”(John 6:1,5).
Word got out about Jesus! People were talking about all His wonderful works!
Back to the story: “And Jesus went up on a mountain, and there He sat with His disciples. (John 6:3). “He said to Philip, “Where can we buy bread for all these people to eat?” John 6:5.
What would you say if you were Philip?
We would probably say just what he said: (my paraphrase), “a half a years pay wouldn’t be able to buy enough bread for this many!” But the brother that always had to be known as ‘Simon Peter’s brother, (Andrew) said, “Here is a boy with five loaves of barley bread and two little fish. But that is not enough for so many people.”John 6:8.
There is SO much in this story! The Bible is the most amazing living Book! But today, for me, I write what is magnified on the page. I write the words that totally knocked me over:
 Jesus said, “Tell the people to sit down.” (John 6:10).

The Bible tells us that it was a very grassy place and that there were about 5,000 men who sat down there. But there were women and children there as well, so we are looking at close to 10,000 people perhaps.
Have you ever tried to tell  even just fifty children to sit down? It is an effort. Now imagine telling 5,000 men plus more women and children – to sit down! I don’t think they had a megaphone, and we know that they did not have a microphone!
“Make the people sit down.” Jesus said.
These were His words,…for me. Are they for you too?
Today in this society we see the words, “Stay calm and …” Well, here in this story, Jesus doesn’t say, “Send them away to get their own lunches! He planned on having them sit and watch Him take the bread and give thanks to His Father and give them to His friends who then fed the crowd, and the same with the fish! (John 6:11).
Often times,obeying the Lord is hard. Often times, obeying the Lord  doesn’t make any sense at all.But EVERY TIME it is good to ‘trust and obey’ the Lord!
“Make the people sit down.”(John 6:10)…. This makes me think of Psalm 23, “the Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want, He makes me to lie down in green pastures…” (Ps. 23:2).
God’s word against the reality – often times leaves us with a struggle – the struggle  to trust and obey! Just to ‘be still’ and read His word and a  hymn these days is hard…but Jesus spoke to me this morning, and I feel instructed to ‘make the people sit down’, including myself, after this is all typed and written – yes, we will ‘sit’ and be fed, by Him –  by a hymn.
This  hymn written so long ago, is for today, timeless, forever powerful:Trust and Obey, by John Sammis in 1887:

  1. When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
    What a glory He sheds on our way!
    While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
    And with all who will trust and obey.

    • Refrain:
      Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
      To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
  2. Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
    But His smile quickly drives it away;
    Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
    Can abide while we trust and obey.
  3. Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
    But our toil He doth richly repay;
    Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
    But is blessed if we trust and obey.
  4. But we never can prove the delights of His love
    Until all on the altar we lay;
    For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
    Are for them who will trust and obey.
  5. Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet,
    Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
    What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
    Never fear, only trust and obey.”  And we’ve even got leftovers to share!

Is there a 'MAPS App' for my 'life directions?

“Where is the MAPS App for my steps today? Is there a voice that can just ‘speak’ and direct me step by step?
“I AM here to those who have ears to hear. Do I have your ear?”
“Well, who are You that I would consider putting trust in You?”
“I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying,’My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure.” (Is. 46:9,10).
“Do you know My name? “Thus says the Lord, who gives the sun for a light by day and the fixed order of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, who stirs up the sea’s roaring billows or stills the waves when they roar; the Lord of hosts is His name.” (Jer 31:35).
“Do you think you can trust Me? I lead the North Star?”
“How do I have peace and joy instead of striving and a sense of competitiveness? What are the steps I take?”
“Quite honestly, ‘truly, truly’ I say to you, you will not be free of this completely until you ‘abide in Me.’ But My speech is a mystery to you. “Stay close to Me, abide in Me,cling to Me.‘I tell you, stop being perpetually uneasy (anxious and worried) about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, and about your body, what you will put on. Is not life greater [in quality] than food, and the body [far above and more excellent’ than clothing? Look at the birds of the air…your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth more than they?(Matthew 6:25,26, Amplified).
‘Great is My Faithfulness to them and to thee!’ Look at the plants, or the flowers on display, “I tell you, even Solomon in all his magnificence (excellence, dignity and grace) was not like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and green and tomorrow is tossed into the furnace, will He not much more surely cloth you, O you men with little faith?”(Matthew 6:29,30).
“I’ve heard all that before. ‘bla,bla,bla…it’s just words and no more!”
“And you are so right in what you say. ‘The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, nor can he know them because they are spiritually discerned.'”(1 Cor. 2:14).
“So, the first steps to ‘abiding’ or clinging to You I have to DO something too? Is there a password or something irritating?
“Simply ask…”Father, fill me with Your Spirit, and even more than that, ’empower Me with Your Spirit!’ “Teach me to abide in You!” “If you live in Me – abide vitally united to Me – and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will and it shall be done for you.” (John 15:7, Amplified).
“Seek first My Kingdom and My righteousness and all these things (Matthew 6:33), -all the direction, all the wisdom, all the understanding, all the courage, all the help you need – you will find in Me and in the power of My Spirit.”
“RIGHT NOW! What do I do RIGHT NOW?”
“Be still and know that I am God.”(Ps. 46:10). Put away ‘distilled spirits’ with their adventurous,smiling billboards dripping with deceit, “Do not get drunk with wine…but ever be filled and stimulated with the Holy Spirit!” (Eph. 5:18).
“HOW?!”
“Just ask!(John 15:7).  And as you ask, “Rise, pick up your bed and walk!”(John 5:8). Make no provision for failure.”Great is My faithfulness, for now, for tomorrow, for all eternity. ‘At all times and for everything give thanks‘ (Eph. 5:20),  in My Name to God the Father, and you will discover a power a-new and a song and great confidence too. “You are My beloved and I AM yours.(Song of Songs, (2:16). My banner over you is LOVE!”
“And let Me remind you again and again, HOW: “...if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” (Romans 8:11). That’s HOW!”
“Take comfort in ‘step by step’ instructions now that you’ve connected to MAPS: Mighty And Powerful Spirit – but it’s even easier than an App, simply Follow Me:“The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you in His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zeph. 3:17).And don’t forget to keep an ear open to My voice at all times,  It is, “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.” (Zech 4:6).
“So, step by step, “be filled with the Spirit’ and ‘speak to one another in a Psalm and a Hymn…’Have you not made melody in your heart in a long time? It is time, it is time…
“Pardon for sin and a peace than endureth, Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide; Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! Great is Thy faithfulness, Great is Thy faithfulness – morning by morning, new mercies I see! All I have needed, Thy hand hath provided…
Great is Thy Faithfulness, Lord unto Thee!”(Great is Thy faithfulness, Thomas O Chisholm).
“OK, OK! I hear, I see! My MAPS is God’s Mighty And Powerful Spirit! I will pray I connect each moment of my day!

The media is NOT your friend! Why do you think believers cry when they sing, "Amazing Grace!"

We live in a fallen world – period. The truth is: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23). That pretty much means – everybody! But the media will have it’s ‘selected tolerance ‘ and its voice will be spoken everywhere, to ears that hear but have no understanding. When a politician lies and cheats, the news get washed away with the next natural catastrophe. But when a Christian, or one that professes to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, is found to have ‘sinned’, even close to a decade ago at times, there is NO TOLERANCE!
The media is NOT your friend! You see, the ‘media’s voice’ is like a camera that takes a picture of ‘selected stuff’ –  the media’s voice takes a picture of the garbage, and leaves you there! No wonder when people turn off the voice of the media they are left without hope and depressed!  But for a Christian, one who believes and trusts in the blood that Jesus shed on the cross, his or her sins are forgiven! His or her sins are washed away. (Acts 22:16). His or her sins no longer remain on him, (Is. 53:6). His or her sins were put on Jesus, and they have become healed, (1Peter 2:24). YES, “All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory”, AND yes, “The wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23), but God’s word doesn’t leave his children there – there is hope, there is truth, there is a gift of God – and that is “eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord!” (Romans 6:23, exclamation point,mine.) This is the message of the gospel: Jesus! HE came as a baby. He died on the cross for our ugly and intolerable sins, and He rose again!
(Acts 22:16),”‘And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.'”
(Isaiah 53:6), “All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him, the iniquity of us all.”
(1 Peter 2:24,25), “…who Himself, (Jesus), bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteiousness – by whose stripes you were healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”
The media is NOT your friend. Jesus Christ IS! Jesus is a ‘friend of sinners!’
The media’s voice rings like this: “THEY did wrong! That Christian messed up! That Christian isn’t perfect!” “This is INTOLERABLE!”
You better believe this or that Christian messed up! It’s because we, they, them – are human beings and we are ‘all’ part of that ‘ALL’ in the ‘all have sinned…’ verse! But NOT EVERYONE is part of being forgiven, and  being washed clean… each human being that has been aloud breath on this broken earth has to, at one point of time in their life, BELIEVE in the Lord Jesus Christ, the precious, gracious gift of God, in order to receive that!
Why do you think believers cry when they sing, “Amazing Grace how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now I’m found, was blind but now I see.”  We all are ‘wretches!” BUT GOD has made a WAY for hope, God’s voice speaks TRUTH, and God sent His Son that those who believe have LIFE. Each one of us has to receive Jesus in our life to receive His forgiveness. Each of us has to make the choice to receive the  the free gift of salvation that He offers to each of us personally. His arms are not in a fist and with pointing finger – NO, His arms were stretched out willingly on the cross, for ‘whosoever’ would believe!  Jesus died for the sins of the world – the whole world that is -‘red, brown, yellow, black, and white, they are precious in His sight…’   to ‘whoever will believe on His name'(John 1:12).
Everyone has the free choice! The voice of the media is ‘damnation’ and ‘condemnation!’ “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1). “For the law of the  Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:2). For those who ‘choose’ to believe and receive the forgiveness and grace offered on the cross, THEY have the gift of God which is eternal life through Christ Jesus! But the invitation has been sent to the whole world!
The media, the voice of the world and our own flesh fight against us every day, condemning, oppressing -but when we receive Jesus in our lives, we can be lifted to a ‘higher law’ so to speak! Just as we see the engine of a plane rev up and the wheels spin on the runway with all the effects of gravity pulling down, there is a force of ‘aerodynamics’ at work that is more powerful than gravity, which  then lifts that plane to fly in the sky! “The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death!” (Romans 8:2, exclamation point, mine.) “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus…” (Romans 8:1).
The media is not our friend! The word of God through Jesus Christ our Lord IS. If you have not considered receiving and believing in Jesus as your Savior, perhaps you take a minute to put down the ‘voice of the world’ and hear the voice of Jesus, a friend of sinners: “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10).
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.”(John 10:11).
“”But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never  perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of my hand.”(John 10:26-28).
Don’t believe the media, believe the Savior, the Good Shepherd! Make the choice to ‘believe on Him whom the Father has sent: “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. “I and My Father are one.” (John 10:29,30).
Jesus spoke to ‘doubting Thomas’: “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” (John 20:27).
“And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” (Can you see the tears as he sang a new song in his heart? “Amazing grace how sweet the sound…”)
Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believe. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:28,29).
“‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved. How precious did that grace appear, The hour I first believed.”
“”Thro’ many dangers, toils and snares I have already come, ‘Tis grace that brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.”
You will not find grace in the media toward Christians, but Jesus warned us already, “In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). “I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to theFather except through Me.” (John 14:6).
“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you!” (Romans 8:11, exclamation point, MINE!) Now that is aerodynamics!
“What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear…” Now we must continue to go on singing new song after new song as we seek to live in the Spirit, with an aerodynamics to rise above the mess, in this tough and condemning world. And we can do it, because Jesus… He has overcome the world!
*    *     *     *     *     *
Do you see the three crosses on the hill? As you pass by, take some time to realize that our life’s journey is for the sole purpose of this: deciding which ‘thief we be.’
As for me, I choose to believe and receive and …to sing! ‘Amazing grace how sweet the sound…” “What a friend I have in Jesus…”

A Hymn about God's mighty hand. And God's word starts a sentence with 'But' and 'And!'

“Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah, Pilgrim through this barren land; I am weak, but Thou art mighty, Hold me with Thy pow’r-ful hand…” (Hymn, Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah, 1745, William Williams/John Hughs).
“The hymns dear Lord, instruct and teach us. Even when some don’t ‘believe’, the words give light to what is true around us, and whoo us and draw us out of the dark. Who are we kidding Lord, as we trod this ‘barren land’ and with each day around us, we see the weeds, and thorns and sand.We wake up hungry, we seek bread. ‘By the sweat of our brow’, we have to work to be fed, and in great pain a baby is born’. Who are we kidding Lord, when we think we can ‘do it on our own!’ It’s like a fish in a  tank pretending that their sufficient of themselves, when they so desperately wait to see that ‘powerful’ feeding ‘hand’!
“Could it be Lord, that You teach us through the children?  We watch first steps taken, when a toddler takes the hold of the ‘hand’ to walk? When the arm is lifted, waiting to be held, waiting to be strengthened, so the ‘feeble knees’ may walk. “Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah, Pilgrim through this barren land; I am weak, but Thou art mighty, Hold me with Thy pow’r-ful hand. Bread of heaven, Bread of heaven, Feed me till I want no more; Feed me till I want no more.” (Hymn by William Williams).
“Who are we kidding, we can see it all along, our stubborn and ‘sin-ful’ nature that says,  “I can do this without Him!” My hand reaches for knowledge, my hand will reach for Docs, my hand will reach for… nothing,  when discouraged and afraid from our very own thoughts. So we grope and fight to find our way, competing and selfishly moving forward. But then we soon grow tired, so weary,  and empty. But we notice You are with us. And You’ve been there all along.”
Yes, I know we are not to start a sentence with ‘And’, but when talking about God, I can! I can, because I’ve lived it! “But God, pulled me out of the pit I was in, AND, He was with me all along!”
The stories, the stories, all so different, but the same. It is told of one’s  journey, a ‘witness’ was sent to ‘help’, and the words that were spoken have been heard before…but this time,… FINALLY headed. “Find a Bible and read it! Start in the Book of John. You will discover Jesus loves you! You’ll have a story that says, “But God, …! “And…!”
The truth is spelled out quite simply, and it’s obvious even today: “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” John 1:10,11. We convince ourselves, “He doesn’t care, when the problem is, the fall! “But…!”
Yes, the sentence begins with “But…”But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of god.” (John 1:12,13, NKJV).
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14).
“But God makes us His children. To all who receive, to all who believe. He doesn’t make us strong and able, He makes us His children to take hold of His hand! He is able, He heals, He feeds. And …He guides, the hymns, the hymns, along with His word, they tell us besides:
“Open now the crystal fountain, Whence the healing stream doth flow; Let the fire and cloudy pillar Lead me all my journey through. Strong Deliv’rer, strong Deliv’rer, Be Thou still my strength and shield; Be Thou still my strength and shield.”
“When I tread the verge of Jordan, Bid my anxious fears subside; Death of death and Hell’s destruction Land me safe on Canaan’s side. Songs of praises, songs of praises, I will ever give to Thee; I will ever give to Thee.”(Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah).
“Keep me Lord, ‘as a child’, ‘as a child’. Help me remember the whole day through, as I walk in weakness and feel weak and feeble help me remember, “But God is able.” “And He loves me too!” In Jesus’ name, Amen, Amen!
 

perhaps I play a 1 stringed guitar

A little poem, and a hymn, and one message – again:
“Speak to yourselves, children young and old. Speak to yourselves in the hymns that are told. Over ages and ages, time after time, God’s word implores us to speak and hear truth, so through the trials of life, God Himself clears our minds. Through clouds and rain, His presence restores strength.  The dark clouds will come, but the Holy Spirit comforts and directs our fearful steps. In the name of Jesus, a forward march we make. His name is power and precious and salvation the same.”
Call unto Him. Call on Jesus by name. Discover yourself His Nature, His frame. He is gracious, and compassionate. He suffers long.
He waits for each of us, to again, sing His Song. He loves. Not like man. He loves unconditionally, in any state that we’re in.
Tired and grumpy, even messed up in sin.  He loves us completely. He waits for us to turn our face towards Him.
Remedy in a hymnal read out loud. Even though the melody may not be present, the words speak truth’s sound:
“I heard the voice of Jesus Say,

  1. I heard the voice of Jesus say,
    “Come unto Me and rest;
    Lay down, thou weary one, lay down
    Thy head upon My breast.”
    I came to Jesus as I was,
    Weary and worn and sad;
    I found in Him a resting place,
    And He has made me glad.
  2. I heard the voice of Jesus say,
    “Behold, I freely give
    The living water; thirsty one,
    Stoop down, and drink, and live.”
    I came to Jesus, and I drank
    Of that life-giving stream;
    My thirst was quenched, my soul revived,
    And now I live in Him.
  3. I heard the voice of Jesus say,
    “I am this dark world’s Light;
    Look unto Me, thy morn shall rise,
    And all thy day be bright.”
    I looked to Jesus, and I found
    In Him my Star, my Sun;
    And in that light of life I’ll walk,
    Till trav’ling days are done.
  4. I heard the voice of Jesus say,
    “My Father’s house above
    Has many mansions; I’ve a place
    Prepared for you in love.”
    I trust in Jesus—in that house,
    According to His word,
    Redeemed by grace, my soul shall live
    Forever with the Lord.

His work is complete. He waits to offer His forgiveness, His grace. He’s paid our debt on the cross.  The Story is the same, yesterday, today, forever. Year after year, we have opportunity to come to Him. Jesus is calling, even our very name, to draw near.