Friday, December 25, 2015

The Three Gifts

These gifts are symbols of Jesus' ministry. He is sinless Prophet, the sacrificed Priest and King of Kings.

Friday, December 4, 2015

Truth!

You can tell the truth without love, but you cannot love without telling the truth.

"Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;"
I Cor. 13:6

The Bible word for the highest form of love is charity. Charity is described in detail in
I Corinthians 13.

True charity starts with loving God--trusting His Way. This love for God is possible because He first loved us.

I John 4:9-10
In this was manifested the love  of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
Hearin is love, not that we love God, but that he loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sin.

In my own power I cannot truly love. I will be selfish even with my "good deeds". Love is received only when I have accepted the free forgiveness of sin through Christ's shed blood at Calvary. Faith in the death, burial, and Resurrection of Jesus changes my heart.

Then, in the strength of God's grace, charity reaches out to others--under the umbrella of Truth. Jesus is the Truth, the Life, the Way.

I John 4:11
" Beloved if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another."

Love and forgiveness for others is only possible once I recognize my own need for love and forgiveness.  I claim God's promised love to me and want others to share the same joy.

The Christmas angels told of this joy to the shepherds: a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord

Luke 2:10-11
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

Epe. 4:32
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Thursday, November 26, 2015

Thanksgiving!

Again the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man seeking goodly pearls:
Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
Matthew 13:45-46

"For ye are bought with a price..." I Cor. 2:20a

"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him freely give us all things?" Ro. 8:32

"Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift." II Cor. 9:15

God values each person! He gave everything to redeem (buy back) lost sinners. Such infinite love and grace cares for me! If this were the only thing I had, I could be thankful; however, He daily loadeth us with blessings!

He leaves the choice with us: Will you trust His Word not your own way? Will you receive the gift of Jesus' love evidenced in the shed blood of the cross? Do you realize how much God values you?

I like knowing that God paid so much for my salvation! When you pay dearly for something you take care of it. I can trust and not be afraid!



Monday, October 26, 2015

I John 5:16

"We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not."

This verse can be somewhat confusing. Some things to remember:

1. A person is born of God when they acknowledge that they are a sinner that deserves punishment then believe that Jesus took that punishment with His shed blood, was buried, and rose again to atone for those sins. They call on the name of the Lord to save them. This is an individual decision--no one can believe for another person. (John 3, Ro. 10:8-10)

2. Sin is to "miss the mark" or fall short of the glory of God (Ro. 3:23)

3. Christ hit the "mark" and glorified God for us (Ro. 5:8)

4. We, in Jesus, no longer "miss the mark"! (Ro. 8:1-2, John 15) This does not mean that we never transgress or disobey, but that we should " follow after" our Saviour. (Phil. 2:12-21, Heb. 12:1-4)

5. Jesus is the only begotten Son of God
    (John 3:16)

6. He made Himself responsible for our keeping. The name "Jesus" means "Jehovah will save". He is the only safety or refuge, our success and victory, our Comforter and Avenger. (John 10:27-29, Psalm 23)

7. The Wicked One cannot touch Him 
   (I John 4:4, 5:1-4)

8. Frantic fear does not come from God--it is a tool of Satan to distract us from God's character. (II Tim. 1:7)

Other helpful verses:
Ps. 31:14-24
Ps. 33:8-22
Ps. 32:7
I John 2:25-26
Phil. 3:13-15
Ps. 119
I John 1:9

The Sacrifice of Thanksgiving


Thursday, September 24, 2015

Grace to help

Come boldly to the Heavenly Throne
His Cross is grace and mercy shown
Christ is touched by our sin-sick grief
To hearts of faith grants sweet relief

Much Godly sorrow over sin
   Much forgiveness

Much forgiveness
   Much love

Much love
   Much worship

Much worship
   Much witness

Much witness 
   Much fruit

Much fruit
   Much joy!

Friday, September 18, 2015

Be Still...and Go!

Be still...
   Trusting Jesus who loves in all seasons
        and changes not
   Hoping with patience and joy as He
      Performs His work in His time
   Loving Him--my heart drawn to conform
      To the beauty of Christ

He that came...
   Not to be ministered unto
      But to minister
   Not to condemn the world
       But to seek and save the lost
   Not to be a Slave Driver
      But to become our Dearest Friend

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

Matt. 28:18-20. 

Saturday, August 15, 2015

The Children's Chorus

Hosanna!
Perfect praise forms the childrens cry
Heart's door open, to self we die
For safety and victory on You we depend
Saviour, Avenger, Our Helper and Friend

Blessed!
"Happy the people whose God is the Lord!"
Let each tongue sing out with one accord
You are the Great Shepherd, God's Holy Light
What Joy! We each are precious in Your sight!

Hosanna in the Highest!
Once again we raise your Praise
For Calvary Love and Saving Grace
Humbly kneeling at Mercy's throne
That others Your Glorious Name be shown

"Praise ye the LORD; for the LORD is good: sing praises unto his name; for it is pleasant.". Ps. 135:3

Sunday, July 26, 2015

The Dirty Oven

A little nicked on the outside
    But looking fairly clean
But, O! The mess we find inside
     When we look in the dark unseen
The grease has splattered here and there
     And burned to a blackened crisp
Smoke billows out the air vents
     With stinky, puffy wisps

When God's Word has been neglected
     And my daily time in prayer
My focus falls from Jesus' face
     Yet I am not aware
Sin dirties up my living
     It burdens me with care
I do not see temptation
     And fall to Satan's Snare

It took some time and "elbow grease"
     To get my oven clean
But now a daily spray and swipe
     Will keep a glowing sheen
My sin-sick heart by God's Great Grace
     Has also been relieved
I'm trusting in the Blood of Christ
     His promises received

A Quiet Place, Sweet Fellowship
     With my Saviour, Lord, and Friend
Will be the time to die to self
     And problems to amend
Open every part of me
     To Jesus' Sweet Control
May I reflect His Glory in
     My face and in my soul

I John 1:9
Psalm 51

Saturday, July 4, 2015

Perfect Salvation!

Just because salvation is possible does not mean that everyone receives it--it must be a personal choice--I choose Jesus.

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Meditation on Psalm 143

Dear Heavenly Father,

You are a Faithful Father
Always doing what is best for your children

I am a Wayward Child
Prone to listen to the roar of the Adversary

He roars
My inborn sinfulness
My broken helplessness
My bitter hopelessness

And I sink in
My own dark selfishness

 The Adversary provokes me sore
His frightful roaring is true
But only partly so
And a partial "truth" is a total lie

Your Perfect Truth is found in Jesus

Your Holy Spirit draws my gaze to see
His Cross and Empty Tomb
For my cleansing His blood and death
Conquers sin's hurt and doom
The Resurrected Spotless Lamb
By faith I have received
 Resting in Your Faithful Word
I will never live deceived!

 You have erased my shamefulness!
You replaced it with Your comeliness!
You have banished my fearfulness!
You give confidence in Your Worthiness!

O LORD, You are Worthy!

Of my trust!
Of my service!
Of my deepest love!

Teach me the Way of Thy lovingkindness
Strengthen me to proclaim the Greatness of Thy Goodness
Chasten me to keep the Path of Uprightness

Let Your Victory be noised abroad!
 You have bruised the head of the Adversary
 And there is no place found for him!

May you always receive
The Glory!
The Honor!
The Majesty!
 For Your Precious Name's Sake!

Amen!


Sunday, June 21, 2015

Happy Father's Day


Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for hearing your children's cry
Thank you for Jesus who bled and died
Thank you for Resurrection and hope that abides

"Let the sea roar!"
Let the birds sing!
Let the flowers and trees
Proclaim the joy of Your mercies!

My heart knows the love of You, Father
Please teach me more

Let the rivers race their courses with music
 Let the rains refresh the barren land with sweetness
 Let everything in me join them praising the
Strength of Thy Name

 Emmanuel-God with us
Prince of Peace-God heals us
Counselor-God teaches us
The Mighty God-The Only LORD
 The Everlasting Father- never forsaking the 
Care of His children

Wonderful!
 The Miracle of Salvation!
 The Deliverance from Fear!
The Abundant Life!
The Living Way!
The Surest Truth!

Because of Jesus
My Saviour!

Amen

Psalm 98:7
Isaiah 9:2 and 6

Monday, May 18, 2015

The Breaking of the Dam

It was such a little leak

Trickle of gossip
Ripple of lies
Wily whispers
Truth compromised

 Just a few words out of place
Isn't that why we have grace?

Flood of pride
Sly and snide
River of strife
Destroying life

A wicked wall of wordy waves
Wounding souls and digging graves

Hearts hardened
In unbelief
Prayers hindered
The Spirit grieved

Every single time we speak
We choose to build or to make weak

**********

James 3:5
Even so the tongue is a little member, and  boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

Ps. 19:14
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation if my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Friday, May 1, 2015

Love's Wardrobe

When giving direction...

You dressed in garments clean and bright
The Sinless Son, the Heavenly Light
"Follow me!" You lead the way
 Teaching truth and why to pray

When offering comfort...

Your sandals strode across the waves
The wind and seas obeyed as slaves
"Peace, be still!" was Your command
 Faith accepts what God hath planned

When starting a friendship...

You girded your robe to kneel on the floor
Washing my feet--a Servant's sad chore
 This gentle touch, this loving care
All of life's burdens with You can be shared

When providing healing...

You wore a crown of thorns and died
A spear thrust through to wound Your side
What Perfect Love--So pure and sweet
Truly found in You--complete!

**********

Love always dresses in work clothes
And knows not that it is a sacrifice
 For the joy that is set before suffices

Heb. 12:2
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Sunday, April 26, 2015

by Faith

Follow the Clues
     I will lift up my eyes unto the hills
        Seeing the trees drop leaves
        Only to return each spring
        Alive again with a new song to sing

Ask for Guidance 

     "Follow me," says the Carpenter
        In fear I put my feet out of the ship
        Leaving it's "safety" only to flail
        Nothing of mine to hold me                  

Inspect the Record
     Abraham left home for the unknown land
        Noah's ark, Abel's witness, Moses' stand
        All esteeming the reproach of Christ
        Greater gain then self's demand

Take the Gift
     Freely offered--He reaches out to me
        Waiting for my struggle to rest fully
         In His love--my helpless soul
         Redeemed by His Holy Blood

Hide in the Shelter
     My heart sees Truth--Perfect Peace my reward
        My feet now fall where He placed His own
        Walking on water in the midst of the wind
        Something precious provided--the Promise.....

                 I'm His!

Titus 2:14
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar (special, one's own) people, zealous of good works.

Growing in Christ happens very much the same way as accepting Him for salvation: by faith. God's Word is revealed to the heart, a choice is made to deem it worthy of trust, and to  follow God's direction. It is a claiming of God's promise for a personal need.

How much more true this poem is to me today than when I first wrote it! Like one of the older hymns have said, " Each day He grows still sweeter than He was the day before."!

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Why do I sing (and write) about Jesus?

1. I love talking about my Saviour--He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. I had heard these words and believed them when I was a child, but they have grown sweeter and dearer. The Lord truly is my Shepherd.

2. It is fun to share with others this joy!

I John 1:4-5
And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
This then is the message which we heard of him, and declare unto you, God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

Sunday, April 5, 2015

To Follow His Example

You suffered from the very beginning

From the Robes of Glory to scratchy manger hay
From the power of God to weakness made of clay
From the Father's Beloved Son to Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief

Yet, You came

Taking from the Father's hand to supply the needs of others
Walking meek and lowly--a servant to your brothers
Bleeding and Dying on Calv'ry's Cross--Risen again to reach the lost

Therefore

 God hath highly exalted You
He's given you a Precious Name:
The Way, the Life, the Truth

**********

May I, too, this suffering choose
To follow You, the world I lose
Bearing Your burden I take up my cross
To know Christ is gain--all else is loss

I Peter 2:21
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.

I Peter 1:3-8    Phil. 3:10

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Faith, Hope, Charity


Failing to find peace in the life that I
           make
Acknowledging sin, my way I forsake
Inspecting God's Word, its path to take
Turning to Jesus Who died for my sake
Having true peace, His life I partake


Happily anticipating a joyful end
Opening the Book that God did send
Promised blessings of my Faithful Friend
Exercising confidence--on Him I depend

                  And

Crying over the sufferer's plight
Humbly serving in Jesus' might
Asking that sinners receive their sight
Rejoicing in The Truth, The Light
Iniquity causing me no delight
Taking reproach without holding a spite
Yearning that others come out of the  
           night

And now abideth faith, hope, and charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
        I Corinthians 13:13

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
          I John 4:10

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

The Danger of Doing Things My Way or Proverbs 3:5-6

Do you remember the story of the 12 spies that went to spy out the land of Canaan? They saw many great sights--a land flowing with milk and honey, grapes that took two men to carry a cluster, and GIANTS!

10 spies saw the obstacles....

 2 spies saw God's promises

These men saw! They walked on the land God had promised! 10 spies let the enemy defeat them without a battle.

How could this happen????

1. Rebellion-they chose their own way of seeing and doing. God's way is found in the Bible.

2. Complaining-infecting others with rebellion.

3. Doubting God's ability, character, and Word. This breaks down absolute truth making everything subject to opinion.

4. Fear-Without the boundaries in God's Word, who will know what is safe?

5. Unbelief-The spies chose to walk away from God based on the decision that He was not worthy or able to lead them.

When man chooses to be his own "god", he ignores God's good and perfect way.

" As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.". Psalm 18:30

There were two other spies. Caleb and Joshua were different. They trusted God--even though the rest of the Israelites were planning to throw rocks at them until they died!

God led Israel back into the Wilderness. Those 10 spies died in that Wilderness. Only Caleb and Joshua went into the Promised Land--40 years later with the next generation. Were they a failure for having to wait??? NO! This was a growing time for them and their families!

They found that truly:

"Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds."

 "How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings."

Psalm 36:5 and 7


"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

 In all thy way acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Proverbs 3:5 and 6

"That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved.

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

For everyone that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be manifest, that they are wrought in God.

John 3: 15-21


The danger of doing things my own way is that I will miss God's way. He has the only way of salvation:
1. A person recognizing self as a sinner in need of a Saviour (Ro. 3:23)
2. Recognize that Jesus Christ took the punishment for sin on the cross. He bled, died, and rose again to become our Saviour.
Ro. 10:9, 10, 13
3. Ask for Jesus to save their soul

He has the only way to an abundant life--because Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.










Friday, March 13, 2015

Psalm 145:3, 8, and 18

Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.

 The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.

The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.

            **************

Our God is so great that we will never understand all His greatness!
 His way is perfect! I am so glad I can call upon Him in truth! That truth is the Word of God--it is also the Risen Son of God. What a Glorious God!

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Master, Which Am I?

Matt. 26:47-56--Judas's story
He talks of the Way, the Truth, the Life
A Spiritual Kingdom that has no end
The things I see mean more to me
Thirty pieces of silver...
Small price to deliver
The Man who calls me "Friend"
 And I say, "Master, is it I?"

Matt. 26:36-46--John's story
He kneels to pray in the Garden
No companions travail with His soul
My spirit was willing, but flesh was weak
He said, "Watch and pray"
But I didn't obey...
Oh to try again
To be my Master's Friend

Matt. 26:69-75--Peter's story
He stands alone in Pilate's Hall
Crowned with thorns, a silent Lamb
I turn from Him--my comfort seek
Warmed by world's fire...
 Three times a liar
"I do not know the Man!"
My Master I deny

Matt.27:29-33-Simon's story
He stumbles up the Calvary Road
Bearing our sorrows, acquainted with grief
Compelled by others to carry His Load
I look at His face...
Accept this disgrace
My God became a servant
Master, make me Thine!

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Putrid or Perfumed

Luke 10:38-42
What does she think she's doing
Just sitting at Jesus' feet
While I am cooking and stewing
And wishing had a seat

The list in my head lengthens
Too much to be done!
And silent resentment strengthens:
When will have fun???

A hissing pot, a nasty smell
My dinner's up in smoke!
Veins in my temples start to swell
And words come up my throat!

"Lord, dost thou not care that my sister
Hath left me to serve alone?
Bid her therefore that she help me."
The Selfish Stench full-blown

* * * * *

John 11:1-12:9
Once I sat at Your feet to listen
Yet hadn't truly heard
But when Your teardrops glistened
My blind heart saw Your Word

My unbelief at my brothers tomb
I admit in humble shame
I silently offer a costly perfume
To honor Your Holy Name

You told of Your Father's Glory
The love You came to share
The sweet Salvation Story
And Cross that you must bear

I cherish this gift You freely gave
My selfish life dethrone
 I testify of your empty grave
Fragrance of Faith full-grown

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Isaiah 25:1

O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee. I will praise thy, name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.

There is no human way possible to communicate all the Name of God--but what a wonderful opportunity to try!

He is Creator, Alpha and Omega, Author and Finisher of Faith, Shepherd, Bread of Life, Living Water, The God who sees, The God who provides, God with us, The True Vine, The Word, The Way, The Truth, Omniscient, Omnipresent,  and Omnipotent.

 He is LOVE!

He can do anything!

But all through the Bible, God invited people to walk with Him by faith and though some chose this walk (see Heb.11) others didn't (see Ro. 1) Unbelief hinders and distorts our vision of what God teaches.

God Can!

God can meet the need of my heart every day! Even in suffering I can rejoice in the opportunity to trust God.

He is Faithful and True. 

I pray you find Him by faith--for He is "Joy unspeakable and full of glory"!

Monday, February 16, 2015

Isaiah 12:2

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.

I love that I can trust God and not be afraid. He never lies.He has perfect love--no one on earth has ever been able to touch the empty places in my heart and fill them with joy like Jesus has. Even though I have had many friendships, a wonderful husband, and caring parents, no one could totally understand or fill all my need.

Just a small example:

Ever since I was a child and saw a tree blow over in my Grandmother's front yard, I have been afraid of wind. Last night the wind was howling. It woke me up and I felt the anxiety begin; however, I remembered that Jesus controlled the wind and I also remembered the words: "Peace, be still!" The wind didn't stop, but my heart calmed and I returned to sleep. No one else even knew I was afraid at that moment--even if they had known they could not have calmed my fear because they did not control the wind.

God is my strength--in all areas of my life I must depend on him.

He is my song--not just any song but a song of overcoming! A praise song glorifying Jesus for transforming my heart and continuing to reveal more of His great love and grace.





Sunday, February 15, 2015

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

This verse is the first Bible I remember hearing as a child. Through it I came to know Jesus, His work on the Cross, and the freedom from sin's penalty. I have never been sorry that I trusted Him. When we receive Christ, God freely gives us so many other gifts:

    His peace. John 14:27
    His righteousness Ro. 5:17
    His grace Epe.2:8-9
    His light and guidance Luke 1:79
    His comfort II Cor. 1:4

And there is so much more...
   
If God so freely gives because of His love, what kind of love do I have??? If I am not giving, I am not truly loving.

Friday, February 13, 2015

I Cor. 15:57-58

What is victory or success? Have you ever thought about it? For the longest time, I thought success was doing everything perfectly--which is totally impossible! These verses are my new definition of success. God gives us victory through Jesus Christ over the strength of sin, the law, and the sting of sin, death. This enables us to be "...always abounding in the work of the Lord..." When we fellowship with God in His work it will always be rewarding! Works are not necessary for salvation; however, it is a way to enjoy my relationship with my Heavenly Father. As we labor together, He teaches me about Himself. I am a child--probably more in the way than a very big help--that God allows into His plans and works. His ways are so marvelous and past understanding.

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Phil. 4:6-7

Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Be careful means to be worried or anxious, to tie yourself in knots. So often my praying is just " worrying" out loud to God. It reminds me of the disciples asking Jesus, "Master, carest thou not that we perish?" as they were in a storm on Galilee. What did Jesus say to them? "Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?"

Prayer is first WORSHIP. How BIG is God?What is His character? Psalm 89:8-9

Supplication is to ASK. Request from God your desires! Inquire about His specific will for your situation! Search for His leading! Call attention to urgent needs! Talk over things with God as your Father. Most importantly, ask Him to help you know what to ask and how to use the answer when it comes! Matt. 7:7

Thanksgiving is GRATEFULNESS. It is evidence of God's influence on your heart. You count it all joy whatever God is working in your life to make you into the image of Christ--even if it means times of suffering. Your one desire is God's glory. Luke 17:12-19

Lastly, peace is EXPECTANCY. Quietness enters our heart and mind. A life yielded to God knows "...all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." One of my favorite names of Jesus is "Prince of Peace". He has come to the center of my life, whispered His "Peace, be still!", and brought a sweetness of friendship with Himself.

 What is the basis for a life of no worries? FAITH!!!! Recognition of my complete inability to control life and a total dependency on God and His Word give true direction, solid strength, and certain hope. Romans 15:4 and 13

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Romans 8:38-39

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Once again I chose a verse about the love of God. Notice how absolutely nothing separates me from this love-it is always there waiting for me to receive it.

Why are verses on God's love my favorites? Because there have been times that I didn't believe He could love me. I had forgotten that for love to be shared it must be received.

Let me illustrate:

When I went to Bible College, I met my now husband, Bill. For our first date, we went to Niagara Falls in Canada! It was a Sunday school outing, so we rode the bus for a couple of hours, ate breakfast together, and arrived at the Falls around noon. Bill treated me to lunch, bought me a book, (one of my biggest pastimes!) and took me for a ride on the Maid of the Mist. He watched over me and once, when I stumbled, he kept me from falling. He cared for others on that trip also--I saw a kind generous man. Spending that day together was all it took for me to know he was extra special.


But I had almost said "No".


Think of what I would have missed:

     1.   A spectacular destination
     2.   A special relationship
     3.   A helper
     4.   My children
     5.   Friends and new family

Now think about God's love. What is it that causes us to say "No, God I don't want your kind of love."? Do we realize what we are missing when we do? God's love is always available, but do I reject His offer because I don't like the Way He has chosen? What if I had said "no" to Bill
because I had to ride on a bus?....What will we miss if we say "No" to God?...

John 14:6

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Romans 5:8

On Facebook, I had a friend challenge me to share seven of my favorite verses. I thought I might bring that challenge to this blog also.

#1. Romans 5:8
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

This verse is special to me because it proves that I do not earn God's love. Because I am a sinner by birth and by nature and God is completely holy, there was a blockade between us. His love gave Jesus to shed his blood to take my sins out of the way. He still lets me choose if I will accept His love. So glad I received this gift by believing His Word.

I am still learning the depth and heighth and breadth of this amazing Love. Now I hope others find how thrilling God's love is.

Sunday, February 1, 2015

His Father's Heart

The Father loved them both...
So he waited on the porch hoping they would come...

His older son was always the "Good One"
being respectful, getting his chores done
They shared the same home--but not the same mind
The son, proud and selfish-the Dad, firm and kind

His younger son was always in trouble
To get his own way he was very subtle
He followed the road to sin and high living
Until in the pig slop he found himself slipping

               ***************

"I have sinned against heaven and in thy sight and am no more worthy to be called thy son."

Now younger son lives in the Father's care
Humbly forgiven, forsaking sins snare
Serving daily in God's Word and prayer
Loving prodigals the burden they share

               ***************

"Lo, these many years do I serve thee neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment"

But older son waited out in the field
His selfish resentment would never yield
Bitterly complaining aside he turned
His Father's grace and mercy spurned

               ***************

To which son did the Father give the ring, the robe, and the shoes?

To the one who knew his Father's heart!

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Sharpened Iron

I had walked a long and dusty road
The rocks were sharp and heavy my load
I stopped to rest at the house of a friend
Moments of quiet and peace to spend

She noticed my feet--and the look on her face!
"Those poor things-what an awful disgrace!"
She found water and basin, towel and soap
Her gentle ministration brought peace and hope

Just as the Saviour washed the feet of his men
From the dirt of the world that they walked in then
"Iron sharpeneth iron"with God's Word and prayer
 Reproof sent with love shows true Christian care

   **********

To my friend,
   Beverly,
Who has "Washed
  My feet" with
Wise words and     kindness

Saturday, January 24, 2015

Overcoming!

Attention! About face! March!
John 14:15 and 15:14

My former life is left behind
Sharp orders my obedience demand
So I listen closely to each command

There are no civilians in this army!
I Tim. 2:3 Epe. 6:13-17

Comfort is passed-- I don my new clothes;
Thoughts on eternal, Covered in Right
Strengthened with Truth and walking in Light

Do your duty, Soldier!
I John 1:9. Is. 59

Searching my heart, confessing sin
Little things--like keeping clean feet
Can win the war or cause defeat

Get ready, Men, here they come!
I This. 3:3-4

Suff'ring and sorrow are seen all around
 Fiery darts whistle fearful sounds
But having done all to stand, I stand

On my command... Charge!
John 11:25-26 and 15:13

The soldier must give all--his very life!
So setting affections on Heaven above
I lay down my will to show Godly love

Keep the lines of communication open!
Phil. 4:6-7. Epe. 6:18

I look to my Saviour-put worry to rest
 Praying with passion in each battle test
Trusting the Captain for He knows best!

Raise the flag--We've taken the ground!
I John 5:4. Ps. 60:4, 11-12  Song Sol. 2:4

The Captain of Salvation brings sweet victory
 Triumphant faith marches over enemy territory
 While hope raises this banner--God's love for eternity!



Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Prayer's Answer

Torrents of tears puddle on my table
My weeping was met with deafening silence...

    "Please...
           Just something tangible to hang
                      Onto...

                "To see...to have...to hear..."

                        * * * * * * *

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.". Heb. 11:1

"Charity suffereth long...charity never faileth." I Cor. 13

                         * * * * * * *

To see is not Faith
     
     To have is not Hope

        And if I stop listening 
               for Your answer, it is not

                                     Charity

                          * * * * * * *

"Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee...nevertheless not what I will but what thou wilt." Mark 14:36

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." Is. 26:3

"Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice." Phil. 4:4

Thursday, January 15, 2015

The Grudge

I'd walked the walls of the city everyday for months
Each circuit the journey grew smaller
As the walls grew higher
I should know because I built them myself

It started with a brick of bitter feelings
Building layer upon layer of unforgiveness
Mortared by a self-pitying pout
My heart screamed suffering--My head a justice shout

At times I would peek out the peep holes
Pin pointing more of my painful past
Adding yet another blinding brick
The walls soared skyward, the foundation deep

I had become trapped inside with only me
The darkness pulling my soul farther down
No hope, no joy, no peace
Not able to go forward, stuck on replay

Now the only way to look was up
And there I saw the light of My Saviour's Cross!
He, too, had endured hardship, rejection, loss
In a still small voice Christ said to me:

"My Child, for every sin my blood I gave
During my suffering I freely forgave
And let this truth be understood
What others may mean for evil, My Father can work for good

It is hard to kick against the pricks
Of Your Gentle Shepherd's hand
Will you follow Me--I call your name--
Or yield to sin's demand?"

 Trusting the Father's purpose and plan
My mind finally came to comprehend
Each time I let bitterness have a place
I'm holding a grudge against His Grace

Epe. 4:31-32.