Monday, April 28, 2014

Knowledge

     The very first temptation was to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of good and evil. It wasn't that Adam and Eve didn't have knowledge--God was their teacher. The temptation was to be independent of God's teaching and be in control of their own education. How very sadly mistaken they were! Instead of following a trustworthy guide, they had no trust left. This caused fear because, on their own, it was impossible to discern truth from lies.

     But God came calling after them,

     And they answered.

     Once again their Teacher patiently taught them truth.

     Today God is still teaching truth. Jesus  is  truth. Through the King James Bible, His ways are known. May His grace help me to answer His calling and follow His ways.

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Behind Creation's Curtain

"I lift up mine eyes unto the hills"

Purple Stillness
Standing solemn in
Unchanging Character
 Omnipotence

" The wind bloweth where it listeth"

Life-giving breezes
Surrounding me with
 Sweet Perfume
 Omnipresence

"The light of the world"

Touching warmth
Illuminating my
Soul's Direction
Omniscience

"The heavens declare the glory of God;
and the firmament sheweth forth
 his handiwork."
Psalm 19:1

"Great is the LORD and greatly
to be praised;
and his greatness is
 unsearchable."
Psalm 145:3

Creation points to the Creator--they are not one. Creation is the "curtain"--an invitation to look beyond the "window" of the ordinary to see the True God of the Bible. It is an object lesson.

Friday, April 25, 2014

Trusting God

"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.". Hebrews 11:6

A good definition of faith is dependence. When I sit in a chair, I depend on it to hold me up. It is the same with God. I stop trusting my own perspective and trust Christ--the way, the truth, and the life. So many religions teach that my spiritual success depends on something I do. God teaches me that He provided for this success in Christ's shed blood, death, burial, and resurrection. He took my sin punishment and all I need is to trust His promise.

"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the  Lord shall be saved." Ro. 10:13

God is teaching me that faith is a daily way of living also. It is so freeing to take all my thoughts and feelings to Him. He listens with infinite understanding and love. His Word shows me the truth of how I should feel. Faith is knowing that God is interested in my whole life and can use even hurtful things to make something beautiful. "O for grace to trust Him more".

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Happy Resurrection Day!

It took three nails just to show how much you love me--

Your Rugged Cross
     Wounded Side and
            Crown of Thorns.

My sins were great but your grace has    proved much greater

Please take my heart and make
a Love-gift fit for you

Monday, April 14, 2014

The Hypocrite and The Handmaiden

Proudly parading her leading part
A mask of perfection over her heart
Each act ends in shouts and cheers
But nothing calms her inward fears

Pretending is a delicate art
The stress of performance tears her apart
 Tho' carefully reciting the written Script
 Focused on self, she promptly trips

Her broken pieces lay scattered about
" I'm a failure!" Her soul's loud shout
"Even though I know I tried
I wish I had a place to hide!"

The Play's Director came to her side
And quietly listened as she cried
Not with contempt at her disgrace
But with love that cries along--and waits

"I will give the strength you need
Not your acting--trust My lead
Daughter, faith will help you see
All you want is found in Me!"

She no longer pretends or wears a mask
But accepts His grace for all she lacks
Gladly emptied of self-serving goals
For knowing Christ has made her whole

Monday, April 7, 2014

The LORD went before them!

This is the beginning
There will be struggles and sacrifices
 Inspiring our peaceful song

This is the beginning
 A Saviour never leaving or forsaking
 Confirming our quiet confidence

 This is the beginning
 Casting off fear's dark bondage
Walking in freedom's light

This is the beginning
 Following by faith the flame of God
Humbly seeking His face

 This is the beginning
Trusting His promises for victory
 Making His praise glorious!

 Exodus 12:25; 13:21; 14:13-14; 15:1

Saturday, April 5, 2014

The Broken Bird

Please fix her,
Daddy

Look at her wing!
Someone mean
Threw rocks.

Will she ever fly?
Can You help her sing?
Is she too broken?

Can you fix her,
Daddy?--

          *

My little Child,
Nothing is too hard for me.

Open your hand,
Fear not,
Believe only
 And she shall be made

      Whole


Luke 8:50; Matt. 7:7-11; 6:26

Dedicated to every woman who has been broken and to all who have held a "broken bird". Most of us will be in both places at some point. This is to remind us that the Lord cares for the broken--as He did in this story--and we can trust Him. Will we let go? We can only choose for ourselves. The broken ones that we love we trust to God by praying that they, too, will choose Him.