Go All the Way with Me

 

Go All the Way with Me

 

Go all the way with me, Lord, all the way

Stamp in me the cross of Thy Son

Transform my mind, my motive, myself

Do not stop until Thy work is done

 

Go all the way with me, Lord, all the way

Through trials and suffering I don’t understand

Use these times to mold my heart

To respect Thee, adore Thee and hold to Thy hand

 

Go all the way with me, Lord, all the way

Dear Shepherd, help me hear Thy voice

So in death’s shadow or stormy vale

Thy presence will cause my heart to rejoice

 

Go all the way with me, Lord, all the way

Until in Heaven someday I stand

When I shall see Thy blessed face

I will praise Thee again for what You planned

 

******

 

From a sermon by Curtis Hudson

Ashamed?

 Ashamed of Me?

The Wounded one

The Crucified

The Friend who bore sin’s penalty

 

Ashamed of Me?

The Spotless Lamb

The Prince of Peace

Grace that makes the blind to see

 

Ashamed of Me?

The King of kings

The Word made flesh

The Saviour who has set you free

 

Ashamed of Thee?

How could I fail to love Thy Name?

Or share the Gospel to those in pain?

Of self, alone, I blush in shame

If I do not Thy Word proclaim

 

Mark 8:38  Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. 

As Sheep in the Midst of Wolves

Wolves can be found everywhere

Attacking body, soul, and mind

But my Gentle Shepherd loveth me

I can trust Him to lead and be kind

 

I shall not worry, I shall not want

Even when walking through the dark vale

Thou givest me strength in my weakness

In Thy Name shall I trust and prevail

 

I am comforted in Thy correction

I am surrounded with Thy tender care

You are always greater than problems

I will bring them to You in prayer

 

I will keep my gaze on my Shepherd

While wolves seem to howl in my ears

For Thy mercy endureth for ever

Thy goodness will comfort my fears

 

Psalms 23 with Matthew 10:16

Treading the Old Path

 

Treading the Old Path

 

You had to kneel as you entered the gate…

So many turned aside because they hit their head

 

The Way was clearly marked—A single groove in the sand

And a quiet whisper: “Follow me”

 

A Rugged Tree loomed ahead--

A vision of horror, a proving of love…

 

Yet a fellowship offered

“I died for you—will you live for me?”

 

The choice must be made—a yoke must be worn

 

The path to pursue:

Holiness unto the LORD…

 

Through Christ which strengtheneth me

********

Once we trust Jesus to save us from our sin, our life should be all about living for Him. Are you pursuing the proper Path? The Bible is the Light, Jesus is the Way--Follow!

Don't Back Away from the Plow

 

Don’t Back Away from the Plow

 

You have worked in the yoke with the Saviour

You reaped in the harvest for years

But lately your steps may have faltered

Your toiling been troubled with tears

 

Remember the Strength yoked beside you

In God’s Will you’re never alone!

Impossible things are still possible

Keep reaping where others have sown

 

Cast every burden on Jesus

His strength will carry your care

Lift up your eyes—fields are golden!

Our God is still God everywhere!

 

Psalms 126:5-6, John 4:34-42, Hebrews 10:32-38

Watch Your Step!

 

Watch Your Step

 

Watch your step—

Be careful where you tread

Hear the warnings clear

Please heed what God has said

 

It only takes one step

Away from God’s True Light

To find yourself flat on your back

Lacking godly might

 

If there never is the first step

There can never be one more

Why leave Your Heavenly Father

To paths of sin explore?

 

Examine your steps with the Bible

Know the chapter and verse

Follow what is good and right

Flee from that which would curse

 

**********

 

Psalms 37:23

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

 

Proverbs 4:14-15

Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.

Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.

The Problems of Misspelled Words

Y
Only one letter! Not really a word!
The logic in this spelling is highly absurd
The voices of doubt--a question and answer-"Why?" and "I"--a deadly sin cancer!

OY
Now two letters--but hardly much better
To listen and heed to what others pleasure
What exclamation! What horrid frustration
To live and to seek for the world's admiration

JOY
Yes! That is a spelling with everything right!
Just doing what's pleasing in Jesus' sight!
Trusting His Word! Enjoying His Love!
Serving His Will lays up treasure Above!

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!

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."!

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

The Parable of the Blessings

At the Master's House I searched for blessings
A Stately Home with garden settings
Boldly I entered the tiny white gate,
Marched to the door-it was all so ornate!

I knocked...and waited...then knocked again...

My heart jumped to thoughts unkind--
He sent an invitation--did He change His mind?
I have knocked and waited--isn't He there?
And worse!--What if He doesn't care?

But then the Master opened the door

Wounded hands and thorn scarred face
Caused all my doubts and fears erase
With quiet voice His question would be:
"What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee?"

"Please, Sir, that Thou wouldst bless me indeed!"

"Dear Child, this would give me pure delight
But will you walk by faith--not sight?
Will you listen to all I suggest--
Letting Me lead you to quiet and rest?"

Shrinking from the heavy cost--knowing without Him all is lost!

My selfishness whined in prideful pain
A new King had come within to reign
"My sinful heart I thought I knew
But, Dear Jesus, I offer it to You."

"If you then are quite agreed, deny yourself and follow Me!"

We walked through His house--my heart filled with greed
The peace in this place would comfort my needs
Yet He did not stop here to grant my request
 But went to His garden--there I was impressed!

It was a beautiful, wide open space covered over with Amazing Grace!

 Rose bushes held a Heavenly scent
Benches to perch on when feeling spent
Blades of emerald tickled my feet
I dearly loved this peaceful retreat!

Blessings galore and still there were more!

 A fountain full to quench my thirst,
Vegetables to eat when hunger is worst
Trees filled with fruit and musical birds
The Saviour's kind and gentle words:

"As the Father hath loved me, so have I lived you..."

Coming to the Garden's edge
A woodpile with a common sledge
"Hold out your arms to receive the load"
He commands--but my brain explodes!

Didn't the Master remember I had asked for blessings?

Piling on poverty, pain and grief
Hunger and thirst with no relief
 Bearing weakness, suffering shame
 All because of His Dear Name

 With burden of wood I start to weep--this is not what I came for to seek!

The Master kindly looks at me
"One request I have for thee--
Take these sticks on down the way
A Person will direct the place they lay"

Pity parties are never fun. Turning away, mine had begun.

 Days turn to weeks and weeks to months
The "Armload of Blessings" an impossible task
My sore feet stumbled to the Master's House
On bent knees I stooped to ask:

"Sir, I asked for blessings-why do you have me carry these sticks?"

 Seeing me in deep distress
He hastened to His love express
"This weight was not for you alone
Please take it to the Person shown."

"Your answer will be clear as day if you trust Me and obey!"

I turned at once to do His bidding
 Leaning not to my own picking
As I took true faith's next step
All His promises were kept!

God's Own Spirit came to show me how and where to lay my load!

          And He keeps the Garden

Matt. 5:3-16.  Luke 11:5-13
The hymn "In the Garden"
A poem about the Christian Walk

Praising God!

Yesterday
Psalm 148

An ocean of blue
Warming waves of sun
All creation laughing
I sang Your praise


Today
I Peter 1:3-9

A curtain of gray
Shivering solitude of  night
Thunderclouds weeping
I am singing Your praise


Tomorrow
I Thes. 4:16-17

The trumpet of God
Announcing the Faith's Sight
The saints rejoicing
 I will forever sing Your praise!

The Invitation

It came in leather binding...
   With golden letters...
      And a red ribbon...

To Whosoever Will,

I have prepared a table for you
 A quiet place for just us two

 A time to cast on me your burden
 Finding that my love is certain

 I want to take sin's brokenness
 And give to you my perfect rest

 Share with Me and all My goals
Helping others and loving souls

 Your daily needs I will supply
 I lean in to listen to every cry

 Please come--
Praying in humility
 Seeking with sincerity
 Confessing your iniquity

 With Everlasting Love,
 Your Heavenly Father,
 The King of Kings

I read the request...
 Closed the binding...
   And walked away...

How I wish I had taken time to pray!

FAITH

"Jump," He said, "I will catch you."

My Daddy was so very strong,
But what if something should go wrong?
What if this time He should miss?
Could I take a chance like this?

"Jump," He said again, "Trust me."

I chose to take Him at His Word
Finding all my doubts absurd
So much better than I'd dreamed of
Caught in His strong arms...
                                                  With love.

My Story

     Each of us have turning points in our lives.  Mine happened when I was five years old.

        It was a Sunday morning.  Our family always went to church; however, today was different.  We had a new pastor.  I cannot remember any sermons up to this point in my life. This one changed me.  The text was 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." He went on to explain that God loves everyone--every single person ever!  He loved us even though we had sinned--and I knew even as a 5 year old that I had sinned.  Sin is just doing things our own way, missing the perfect target, or stepping out of the boundaries that God has set.  I knew that I was selfish, disobedient, and sometimes downright mean.  I also knew that I had a problem.

      I was old enough to know that actions have consequences--my sin deserved a punishment.  As the Pastor told us about Heaven and Hell, I knew that I wanted to go to Heaven.  It was so easy!  I just chose God's way:  1. I admitted that I was a sinner  2.  I accepted what God said was true--Jesus died on the Cross, was buried, and rose again to pay the punishment for my sin  3. I trusted His promise to save my soul from Hell and take me to Heaven.  Nothing spooky.  I went from trusting what I did to trusting His Word.

     This Changed My Life!

    It was the starting place of getting to know God.  He has infinite understanding and can relate to my life experiences when no one else can. He helps me to grow into a person that will trust Him and His Word more and more. This takes the pressure off of me--He leads, I follow.  Simple--life changing!

The See Saw

                                                                                     The See Saw

The see-saw took me up and down

One moment flung recklessly into the air,

The next seated securely on the ground.

Up and down,

Down and up

Fear

Focused only on "What if?" or "Just in case!"

Faith

Fastened faintly on the Father's Face

Up and down,

Down and up

"A double minded man is unstable in all his ways."

My mind a tortured teeter totter

Sometimes it worries--sometimes it prays

Up and down

Down and up

Fear

Seeks prey with this notorious premise:

"Yea, hath God said?"

Faith

Sounds praise with this glorious promise:

"The LORD is my helper!"

Up and down

Down and up

Choose faith! Then choose it again and again!

Fight fear--Speak God's Truth to the doubt within

Faith finds Christ's Cross a rewarding start

A Friend holding our hand and healing our heart

Rooted in the Sure Foundation of His Presence

Resting in the Safe Embrace of Love's Perfections

No longer

Up and down

Down and up

Feet stand on the Solid Rock

"The Lord is my helper, I will not fear…"

Based on Heb. 13:6; Jas. 1:6-8; Phil. 4:6-8; I John 4:18