The Love of My Life

“..love the LORD your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him.
For the LORD is your life..”
(Deuteronomy 30:20  NIV)

I Write

I write because earth's sorrows weigh me down,
and casting all my cares on Him relieves my heart.
No matter what the burden, He gives hope.
Because I cannot from this painful world take flight,
I write.

I write because I long to lift my voice
to those who live in darkness and in fear.
I want to call them near to Him who heals.
Because I know His touch give blind their sight,
I write.

I write because the gratitude within
spills over, and I worship Jesus Christ.
My spirit dances, soars and sings.
Because I love the Lord with all my might,
I write.

I write for me. I write for you. But most of all,
for God.

Because He gives me love and life and light,
I write.

Lisa  :-)

Take Heart

Overcomer's Hymn

Jesus Christ, Emmanual
The Gift of Heaven who came to dwell
within my heart and stake His claim
Oh, glorify His righteous name!

My confidence, my solid ground
My source of strength in Christ is found.
Though I should cross through shadowlands,
He holds me tight with nail-pierced hands.

When powers of darkness threaten me
the Light of Life is all I see.
His face eclipses every foe
and floods the way my feet should go.

By His great love I am assured
the victory's won. I trust The Word,
The Son of God, Majestic One.
Because of Christ, I overcome!

I am His

It matters not when friends are few.
I have a love forever true.
And He will always lead me through,
for I belong to Him!

It matters not if danger leers.
My heart will not submit to fears.
For Jesus holds me through the years,
and I belong to Him!

It matters not if health is weak.
When I am frail, His strength I seek.
And tenderly, I hear Him speak
that I belong to Him!

It matters not what life may bring.
For I have heard the angels sing.
And they are praising Christ, my King,
and I belong to Him!

One day, I’ll see Him face to face.
Against me, sin will have no case.
For Jesus bought me by His grace,
and I belong to Him!

The Answer

“Why?” was NOT the question
that haunted the dark hour,
paralyzing strength and power,
leaving one with empty hands and heart.

“When?” was what tormented
with it’s harsh, impatient cry,
a constant, pleading voice,
yet prodding me to make a choice - to wait.

Like a stream’s work through the years
changes rough stones into smooth,
The waiting and depending
Eroded fears.
The leaning and relying
Quieted tears.

No longer am I looking
for the answer to my “When?”
Instead, you walk with me;
My constant, faithful Friend!

Today, I’m in your care.
Tomorrow’s in your hands.

YOU are my answer!

Sufficient Grace

No way to fix it, control or prevent it,
rebuild or repair or forget.
My efforts are feeble. My weakness abounds.
My heart feels the pain and regret.

I’m right where He wants me. In weakness, I stand.
And look into Jesus’ face.
With hands that are empty, I reach up to Him.
In exchange for my need, He gives grace.

His grace is sufficient; His presence enough.
My Jesus is all that I need.
Though it hurts, though it breaks,well-content will I be.
His grace is sufficient for me.

Regrets Released

I wish I had…

   I could have done…

      If only once…

         I would have won…

But years slip by.

Sadly, it seems
my heart’s held hostage
by my dreams.

Lord, free me from all that’s behind.
It makes me deaf. It keeps me blind.

Expectantly, I look to You,
and heaven, my home
where dreams come true.

Peace

He takes away the stain of sin.
He wipes away my tears.
He give me joy back for the pain
and quiets all my fears.

When life is raging all around,
His face is all I see.
He does not take me from the storm,
but takes the storm from me.

Not My Will

You do not hold me back from good things I could do.
You hold me close, and I find you.

You do not tell me "No" to curb my finest dreams.
You keep me safe beneath your wings.

Your plans are so much more than what I think is best.
You tell me "Trust" and give me rest.

Calling All Refugees

From: Psalm 68

God makes a home for the lonely,
A refuge for all in despair.
Not just a house, but a haven.
Protection and peace everywhere.

God is our strength and salvation.
Daily, our burdens, He bears.
He is a father to the fatherless.
For widows and orphans, He cares

He is our friend and our fortress,
Setting the prisoners free.
God makes a home for the lonely.
He is a refuge for me.

What Can I Do To Be Healed?

“What can I do to be healed?” she asked,
as she held the burden in her hand
staring intently at its shadows and twisted form.
“If I could just make sense of this weight I hold.
If I could bravely uncover all my hurts and fears,
then healing is within my grasp.”
But all her questions yielded only more.
The end was never reached.
The wounds were far too great.
The past was not a door to finding peace.

“What can I do to be healed?” she asked
as she hid the burden out of view.
“If I could just forget it all, ignoring the pain,
as if the memories did not exist,
then healing will be mine at last.”
So she denied the past, dismissing it once for all.
But she could tell it never went away.
It followed her like an unwelcome stray.
Denial did not lead her into peace.

“What can I do to be healed?” she prayed
out of desperation at her failed attempts.
“Can you explain it to me, so it all makes sense?” she asked.
God said “No, but I will make all things work for good.”
“Can you change me so it never hurts again?” she asked.
God said “No, but I will hold you when it does.”
“But I am tired of carrying this burden!” she cried.
“You don’t have to” He said. “Let me carry it.
Cast all your cares on me, because I care for you.”

She may still remember, but she now has peace.
She may still cry, but nail-scarred hands wipe away every tear.
He understands. And she doesn’t have to.
Her load is light; for He carries it,
And He carries her.

She is healed.

No Room for Lies

The Destroyer lurks.
He digs up long-dead sin,
parading those confessed before my view.
He works to weight me down and clip my wings.

Be gone!You are not welcome in this place
where new creations, such as me, belong.
I will not keep the door ajar to let your accusations in.
I know the liar that you are when you dredge up my sin.

Deceitful Shame,
I will not listen to your claim
that Christ is not enough to satisfy the debt.
The payment has been made.
All God’s requirements are met.

His love dethrones the doubts you raise.
Forgiveness is the state of grace in which I live,
in which I thrive, in which I can reject your lies.

Be gone, Accuser of my soul.
My Jesus said it once for all - "IT IS FINISHED!"

An Awesome God

Spirit-filled Praise

You are the Lover, the greatest romancer
The Joy of a million boquets.
You are the Peace beyond all understanding.
Your Patience remains all my days.

Yours is the Kindness that leads to repentance.
The Goodness that banishes fear.
Jesus, Emmanual, Beautiful Lord
Your loveliness beckons me near.

Here at the throne of my only Redeemer
Pure adoration I bring.
Poured at your feet in response to your mercy.
Oh, how I love you, my King!

Watching Creation

Your word is power.
You spoke the universe into being.
“Let there be” birthed stars, earth and sea
and it was good.

Speak Lord, today.
Let there be a new creation in our midst;
the mighty word of God causing life to spring up
In every place.

Give us ears to hear your “Let there be”
and eyes to see your word at work.

Beyond Egypt

Did God bring them out of Egypt by miraculous display
just to leave them in the desert and expect they'd find their way?

Did God separate the Red Sea , let them pass through walls of blue,
just to hope they were survivors and would somehow muddle through?

God provided food and water, cloud by day and fire by night,
as their guide and wise protector, they persisted by His might.

Never would He leave his children, nor abandon those He saved
Never would the great Redeemer rescue slaves, then walk away.

Let us not be so short-sighted to forget how freedom came
by the blood of Jesus Christ, not by trusting in our name.

We are never self-delivered or beyond continual need
As He saved us, so He keeps us. He's our source of life indeed!

Simply Saved

God is Holy.
Only perfection dwells in His presence.
What a King!

I'm not holy.
Cut off completely from God by sin.
What a problem!

But God loves me.
And Jesus proved it with His sacrifice.
What a gift!

I accept it.
All my sin is exchanged for His life.
What a trade!

I'm made new.
His Spirit and righteousness in me.
What a freedom!

God is my friend.
His presence and love forever are mine.
This is grace!

Express It

I'll sing You a sonnet at sunrise.
I'll dance to delight You at dawn.
In prayer, I will pour out my poetry
and worship You, Lord, all day long.

I'll paint for You pictures with praises
and bring You bouquets just because
of all of the grace You have given
and Your tender mercies and love.

And though I am not a great artist,
I don't care what others may say.
I love You, my Jesus, my Savior.
It's YOU that I worship today!

Perfect Palette

Kaleidoscope colors in faces and eyes.
Heads topped with sunshine, or shadows or night.
The Artist, my Lord, was creative and wise.
He painted us rainbows, not just black or white.

Bubbling Over

I’ve been given a cure to cancer.
I can’t keep it to myself.
I can’t hide the healing potion
on a dark and dusty shelf.

Though you may call it “intolerant”
to declare the hope I’ve found,
when you’ve had your cancer cured
you just spread the news around!

Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus, our Lord.”

In His Steps

Under Construction

I hear the pneumatic nail guns reverberate through the neighborhood
on an early Saturday morning.
The orchestra of power saws begins with the grinding, whining sounds.
Construction workers shout and call out for more materials.
Lumber is carried; then dropped with a thud. Ladders creak.
Trucks drive in and out and sound a warning when backing up.

The radio is blaring now.
Strong voices sing along every now and then
when their favorite songs are playing.

Construction is a noisy business!

The lot across the street is now strewn with remnants of the day's progress;
Piles of retaining wall rock and discarded scraps of wood,
and bent, worthless nails.
The red volcanic earth is everywhere.
The growing wooden frame will someday be a home,
but for now, it's only a dwelling of dust and bugs.

Construction is a messy business!

But as I listen to the clamor and take in the scene,
I do not see just sticks and stones.
For aren't we all a work in progress,
God's own construction zones?

Maybe there should be yards of yellow caution tape
strung around our lives.
Maybe we should post signs apologizing in advance
for any inconvenience, disturbance or mess
that we cause our neighbors.

We are not finished yet!

When God is done, we will have
a great 'house-warming party' in heaven.
But until then, let's not expect a construction zone to look like a palace.
Let's drop our annoyances at the curb,
pump up the music
and sing along.

Perspective

In China, my brothers are meeting in secret
to pray with each other and worship the Lord.
In Iran, my sisters are hidden in homes,
eagerly, earnestly, reading the Word.

In Egypt, the body of Christ is proclaiming
the truth of the gospel, no matter the cost.
In Sudan, amid dangers to life and to family,
Christians are faithfully reaching the lost.

But here in America, we who have wealth,
teaching, resources, leisure and health;
We, who should joyfully put on the shoes
of the gospel of peace, and spread the Good News,
are so quick to grumble about what is wrong.
“The music is different.”
“The sermon’s too long”

I wonder…. would our faces blush out of shame
if our brothers in China could hear us complain?

Timing is Everything

Wait for God to work in His time.
Wait for the promises to be fulfilled.
Wait for our faith to be sight.
Wait for the inexpressible joy of heaven.

Don’t wait to turn from sin.
Don’t wait to draw close to His heart.
Don’t wait to offer forgiveness to others.
Don’t wait to love, as Christ loved you.

Truth and Love

One voice with which to sing of truth,
unguarded, unashamed and unyielding.
But never unloving or uncaring.

For truth and love are tightly interwoven
into a chord that holds when all else fails.

Whatever pressure this world tries to bring,
the strands of truth and love will hold,
the voice of love and truth will sing.

Be Real

Saccharine saints and counterfeit Christians,
Accomplished actors and players of parts,
Managing images, looking your best,
Never revealing a paralyzed heart.

Only the Truth of God can set you free.
Jesus is able to end the charade.
No need to hide inside, nothing to fear.
He proved His love for you;
Your debt is paid.

Spirit Unleashed

There is no better place to be,
no state of greater joy and peace,
than where God's Spirit tumbles free
and brings about a heart release!

Let you eyes be fixed above.
Let your ears be tuned to praise.
Yield your will, trust His love,
and marvel at the Spirit's ways!

Light of the World

Light of the World, shine in me.
In wisdom, in truth,
make dark places in my heart as bright as noon,
until there is no hiding
from You
or others,
and I am free.

Light of the World, shine through me.
In Your power, in Your peace, in Your joy.
Speak, touch, live the love of Jesus.
Let it be You that they see.

Light of the World, shine for Your own glory
to draw all people to Yourself.
Out of a dark, cold and lonely world,
into the brilliant warmth of Your presence.
You are their only hope,
their only life,
their only Lord.

Shine, Jesus, Shine!

The Call

Listen for Me.
Keep your ears open to the Spirit's plea
and heed the voice.
Listen and believe!

Look for Me.
If your heart seeks Me first, then you will see
My presence here.
Look and be glad!

Live for Me.
Your life is not your own. Now you will be
a servant, loved.
Live and be Mine!

Long for Me.
My glory will be shown and every knee
will bow one day.
Long and be free!

Pass it On

I spent my whole life waiting
for help to arrive,
for hope to survive.
I spent my whole life waiting
for someone to show me the way.

I spent my whole life wanting
a love that is true,
to make my heart new.
I spent my whole life wanting
someone with welcoming arms.

            Then you told me Jesus loved me,
            and you told me I could be made new,
            and I felt the voice of God calling me.

Now, I belong to Jesus.
His love rescued me.
His grace set me free.
How can I ever thank you
for caring and showing the way.

His Precious Word

What Does Faith Look Like?

From Hebrews 11

When you believe that God is real, that He is good and it's worth it to seek Him…that's faith. (verse 6)

When you know that God is leading you into new territory, but he doesn't show you the map, and you choose to follow Him one step at a time anyway…that's faith. (verse 8)

When you value what God has promised more than what you can hold in your hands today, and you ‘travel light' through this life toward your REAL home…that's faith. (verse 9 & 10)

When God makes big promises that experts say are impossible, and you believe that God will do what He says He will do…that's faith. (verse 11)

When you are willing to sacrifice what you love, because you love God more, and you believe God will provide whatever you need…that's faith. (verse 17 & 19)

When you joyfully pass on God's blessings to others, even if your strength is weak, because you think beyond yourself…that's faith. (verse 21 & 22)

When you care for the helpless out of love, without concern for your own life, and you put it all in God's hands…that's faith. (verse 23)

When you pass up this world's pleasure & prestige, because of who you really are and to whom you belong…that's faith. (verse 24 & 26)

When you refuse to be intimidated by those who try to hold you back in bondage and fear, and instead fix your eyes on God, your deliverer…that's faith. (verse 27)

When you simply obey God on His terms, as your only hope …that's faith. (verse 28)

When there's no where else to turn and you are facing an impossible obstacle, and God says “I'll take you through it” and you keep walking…that's faith. (verse 29)

When it seems like God's plan won't make any difference in tearing down the strongholds of the enemy, but you stick with God's battle plan, even if it means you are going around in circles and waiting for a miracle…that's faith. (verse 30)

When you act on what little truth your know, and reach out to God for mercy, no matter where you've come from or what you've done…that's faith. (verse 31)

          Faith doesn't have to be big, it just has to cling to a BIG God!

Unveiled

Mark 15:38

The curtain tore apart, a doorway opened wide
when Christ our substitute took on our sins and died

The barrier came down. Full access to the throne.
For God's own Lamb was slain to reconcile His own.

Holiest of Holies, the place where God abides;
Clothed in Christ's perfection, in faith we step inside.

In death He took our place, into His life we're born,
And fellowship began the day the veil was torn.

The God Who is Near

From: Joshua 1:5-9

Why am I trembling? Why do I fear?
Have I forgotten the God who is near?

Do I face problems with dread or dismay;
not recollecting that God makes a way?

He has the victory wrapped up in His hand.
He gives the courage to enter the land.

Will I obey Him, rejecting the fear?
Do I believe in the God who is near?

Martha or Mary?

From: Luke 10:38-41

Was today a 'Martha' day
with my agenda on the throne?
Did I, in haste, neglect to pray;
forgetting who is Lord alone?

May tomorrow be not so.
Keep my eyes fixed on Your face.
You're the Friend I want to know.
With You, I find love and grace.

In Your presence, all is well,
and my heart is filled with praise.
At your feet, I long to dwell.
Please fill my life with 'Mary' days!

The Sound of Your Voice

From: 1 Kings 19:9-12

You could have spoken from the wild wind which tore the mountain rocks apart;
Or from the earthquake while it shook Mount Horeb to the core;
Or from the deadly, hot consuming fire.
All three, speak of Your power,
and call for awe.

But You knew Elijah's need.
And so your voice was like a gentle breeze.

Thank You, Lord, for being a God
who stoops to whisper!

It's Personal

From: John 11:35 – 36

God cries.

The God of the universe
Creator of heaven and earth
brought to tears.
How can that be?

Because of love

Love that is so strong it chooses to be meek.
Love that gives without a guarantee,
that is willing to be rejected,
but unwilling to withdraw the offer of itself.

Love that is personal

God does not refuse to get involved
or isolate His heart behind heavenly walls.
He reaches down to touch
your painful, raw, reality.
He understands your tears.
He loves the real you.
It's personal.

And that is why God cries.

Jahaziel's Rhyme

From: 2 Chronicles 20

The battle is not yours to win.
God is near.
And though you do not have the strength,
He will hear.

He has the power to win this fight.
His ways are peace. His word is right.
Give Him praise and trust His might.

Do not fear!

Lazarus

From: John 11:1 – 45

Jesus delayed.
Mary and Martha thought it was too late.
“If only you had been here, our brother would not have died!”
Honest words of grief.
Jesus wept.

Jesus cared
He said “Lazarus, come forth.”
“Four days in the tomb!?” murmured the crowd.
But nothing is too difficult for God,
and no one is past hope.

Out of the tomb came Lazarus, bound completely,
Hands, feet, head – all covered.
Totally alive inside, yet hidden by his grave clothes.
And Jesus said to those who loved Lazarus,
“Unbind him, and let him go”.

Isn’t the Almighty God
who raises the dead with three words
able to remove the bandages?

Of course, He is.
But He has given us the awesome privilege
of being His hands to a needy world.

What do you think was going through the minds of the disciples?
Did they have to endure the stench of the old grave wrappings?
Were they afraid of what their unwrapping might reveal?
Was their anticipation growing as they heard and felt the movement
beneath the grave clothes?

And when the cloth finally fell at Lazarus’ feet,
and the ones who loved him saw that he was free,
they put their trust in this Christ who raises the dead.

There is a Lazarus in your life;
A neighbor, a friend, a child, a spouse;
Someone who once was “hopeless”.

Jesus has done a miracle.
He has raised your Lazarus from the dead,
bringing new life from the inside out.

But Jesus turns to you and says,
”Unbind him and let him go”.
Let him go with forgiveness; a willingness to look at him, not as a corpse,
but as a new creation.
Let him go with love that is unconditional; fully reflecting the love of Christ.
Let him go with humility and gentleness,
as a fellow recipient of God’s over-flowing grace.
Never poison the miracle of regeneration,
with gossip and a closed or judgmental heart.
Free him from the past, reminding him always
that he has been born anew as a child of the King.”

Unbind your Lazarus.

            Let him go.

                        Let the power of Jesus show!

Growing Deeper

Cast Down

There is an idol in our day.
A graven image by the name of Comfort
which we have shaped to give us ease.
Unaware, we bow.

We veil idolatry in saintly speech.
Peaceful longings mask our soul's unfaithfulness.
Loving relaxation to our loss,
we resist the will of God
when it leads where Comfort cannot go.

But God will not indulge our idols.
He knows the bondage dual allegiance brings.
His jealous love says “Follow Me”.

Into His purifying path, His holy fire, we go.
The worthless idol falls to flames.
Our substitute for trust is burned away
and out we come as gold.

There is no idol in our day
that can replace the sovereign Lord Most High.
Mysterious and perfect are His ways.
Amazed, we bow.

What Do You See?

In contrast to my orderly, responsible, daily life, I have a hidden passion. I am an adventure-seeking, treasure-hunting enthusiast. This obsession has grown over the years, and with each discovery, I am drawn out of my routine, into wonder. My excursions have not yet led me into deep sea diving to explore shipwrecks. Nor have I needed special equipment, such as metal detectors, or heavy machinery.

My greatest finds have occurred in the most ordinary places. Just as a gold piece stands out and sparkles against the dull earth, so the object of my attention catches my eye best in context of the ordinary. The treasure that I am searching for is the glory of God. The evidence that God is here, that He is working and revealing His glory. I have found this treasure in places as different as a peaceful church or a busy airport. There is no place in which His mercy cannot shine. His power and love are everywhere, if only I have my Father’s eyes.

Have you known the excitement of finding something of incredible value? Do you realize how your day can be changed when you have an attitude of anticipation? I encourage you to start this day with a prayer, “Lord, I am on an adventure. I am excited to see how You are going to reveal Yourself today. Where will I hear Your gentle whisper? Where will I see evidence of Your forgiveness and grace? When will one of Your divine interruptions break into my routine and let me participate in Your plan for those You love? How will I see Your power and glory today? Help me look at people as You see them. Open my ears, my eyes and my heart to all that You have for me. Many treasures are disguised as pain. Give me ‘x-ray vision’ to see the good. Thank You for revealing Yourself in both good times and hard times. You are so faithful. I love You more that anything or anyone and You are my heart’s desire. I eagerly look to You. You are my treasure and the one I seek.”

Let’s not miss our treasure hunt today!

Oblivious

I was walking on diamonds
and rushing past gold.
that my eyes didn’t see,
that my hands wouldn’t hold.
For I missed all the riches
You left for me there,
and passed it all by
unaware.

With umbrella above
to protect from the shower,
not knowing the drops
were Your blessing and power,
I kept my eyes fixed
on my goals for the day,
not stopping to praise
or to pray.

My pathway was strewn
with Your gifts and Your grace.
Your love songs were playing,
Your hand touched my face,
but thinking it wind
I just brushed it aside,
dismissing Your heart,
and You cried.

Paradoxes

Giving up control of my life,
yet not adrift or helpless,
for You are in charge.

Being at odds with the world,
yet at peace in it,
for I know who wins.

Laying it down,
yet loosing nothing.

Giving it up,
yet getting more.

Always weak,
yet strong in Christ.

Living as not yet home,
but never being alone,
for You are my home.

Mystery in the Word

There is much within the Bible
that I do not understand.
Holding open well-worn pages
still leaves questions in my hand.
There are parts within the Bible
that disturb my human view.
Though I study its full meaning
seeking only what is true.

But if I could explain God’s Word
to satisfy mankind,
and if the Bible neatly fit
the scope of human mind,
than it would be no higher
than what brilliant authors’ pen.
It would not speak the voice of God
and it would die with men.

But the Word of God is active
and reveals a holy King.
With power and love from every page,
eternal wisdom springs,
Calling those who dare to seek
His will, His way, His face,
to a place of faith where we
can find His awesome grace.

So I can live with mystery,
if answers are not clear.
And with my Lord I will discuss
these questions without fear,
Wanting to glimpse eternity,
and His perspective share,
I’ll keep on dwelling in His Word,
and He will meet me there.

Not My Expertise

There is a Great Physician
who can diagnose with complete accuracy.
His prescriptions are always perfect.
His words remove the mystery about our pain.
There are no mistakes at His hand.
He specializes in spiritual surgery;
removing what is dead or dying,
without doing harm.

Since God is such a Great Physician,
why do I presume to help Him diagnose or heal?
Should I offer my own concoction as a cure,
or try my hand at surgery?
I'm not an expert in the human heart,
neither yours nor mine.
I do not have x-ray vision to the soul,
and cannot even see my own aright.

I think it best to cease from spiritual malpractice.

Picking My Battles

Sometimes it's best to stand up and fight;
with courage, holding your ground,
refusing to fear
or take flight.

Sometimes it's best to go with the flow;
remaining open to change,
releasing control
and let go

Sometimes it's hard to know what to do.
Is it best to fight or flow?
Please show me Lord.
I need you.

The Clay's Epiphany

There are only one pair of hands I trust
to hold me without inflicting harm.
They will not crush, or damage, or distort.
These hands are molding me
to fit the Sculptor's will.

I will not, as mere clay,
resist the Master's touch.
The pressure, smooth or sharp,
is working out His plan.

Without the Artist's vantage point
I'd be a fool to offer tips
on how He might improve His style,
or benefit from my technique.
I'd be unwise to try and rush His pace,
or hastily declare the yet imperfect
as the finished work.

It is not in the nature of clay to be Creator.
My role is to be moldable,
patient on the wheel,
trusting in the Potter's perfect plan,
eternal scale and grand design.
My future is best left
to the genius of the Master.

Simple & True

I am not
but You are.

I cannot
but You can.

I don't know
but You do.

It's not about me
It's all about You
Simple.....and true!

God Will Wait

God will not over-shout you.
He waits until your well-intentioned,
problem-solving prattle is all done.

When you have reached the end
of all your self-sufficient plans;
When you have given up on giving God advice,
and words have ceased - 

Be still … and let Him speak!

Goodbye to Gravity

The burden is no more;
No longer part of whom I am.
I am becoming someone lighter than before.

Floating upwards
Feet just off the floor
Baggage drops
Burdens fall
Self-destruction stops

Accepting this new state,
I rise to be forever free.

Creation Speaks

Not Likely

Many are they, who see no more
than accidental sea and shore,
Just random life without design,
a wild chance that “fell in line”
without a source.
No poet or muse;
No painter of prismatic hues.

Do molecules evolve to art
with out the artist’s touch or heart?

I do not have the “faith” it takes
to see the world as just mistakes.

Reality Check

From: Matthew 8:26-27

We cannot reason with the wind
or hold a summit with the surf.
Our rhetoric, though eloquent,
can’t stop these forces on the earth.

Lightning limits not its reach.
Hurricanes don’t dissipate,
because of our impassioned speech,
or our pronouncement of their fate.

Gravity will not relent.
Raindrops certainly will fall.
Our words, though loud and confident,
have no authority at all.

So, as it seems to me, it’s clear.
Our claims to deity fall flat.
We’re not the rulers of this sphere.
Perhaps we should reflect on that?

Questioned by the Waves

With unrelenting surging on the shore,
the salty waves declare a war against the coast.
The proud, red-black, volcanic stones
defy the pounding force
and hold their ground.

In time, defiance will give way.
The waves will have their sway.
And many years from now
if you returned to this embattled beach,
you'd find the boulders,
once resistant to the waves,
reduced to smooth, soft grains
between your toes,
or shaped by children
into castles made of sand.

The wearing of the world continues on,
and points to our impermanence as well.
The rocks may try to hold back tide
and people strive to stave off time,
but temporal life will end - it's true.
And then........

    What will become of you?

Astronomy Lesson

Every night I lose sight of the sun
as the world on its orbit revolves.
But I'm not alarmed or even perplexed.
There is no great mystery to solve.

I know the sun shines regardless the time,
though at night I can't see it from here.
But it brightens the day with it's solar display
on the opposite site of earth's sphere.

Even though I cannot feel its warm glow,
my lack of perception's no sign.
Even when illumination is gone,
the sun never ceases to shine.

A picture to me of my God's faithful love;
constant, though I may not see.
Eternal, unchangable, heavenly fire
continually burning for me!

Prayer

Crescendo of Prayer

O Holy Spirit, rouse us from our sleep.
Enlist your church as prayer warriors.
Renew our call as your invisible infantry.
Summon us to be your stealth fighters.
Lead us in a victorious attack
against the kingdom of darkness.

Not by our own might or power,
but only by the strength and authority
of the praise-worthy one,
our righteous, risen savior,
our spotless, sufficient sacrifice,
Jesus Christ our Lord.

Let the battle cry begin
with honest humbling of our hearts,
with fearless confession before the one
who sees and hears and knows all.

Rising like a distant drummer's roll,
let passionate expectant prayers of faith
be brought before the throne.

We do not trust the power of prayer,
We trust the God of power.

Let victory shout and freedom ring.
Let sinners dance and angels sing.
Let praise resound to Christ our King.
The battle has been won!

When You Put It That Way

Pray, if you need the Almighty Creator, Omnipotent God, Eternal Ruler of the Univers to act on your behalf.

Or …. look for help from flesh and bone

Pray, if you want God's will to prevail, His glory to be seen, His name to be praised and His kingdom to come.

Or …. leave your ego on throne.

Pray, if you love nothing more than to worship at His feet, enjoying His presence and delighting in the love of your Lord.

Or …. find your god in self alone.

I choose to pray!

Praying God’s Words

Lord, I know You are with me because You have promised "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)  I know this situation is not outside Your control because Your Word says "Ah Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You." (Jeremiah 32:17)  I know that You are allowing this out of Your love for me and will bring good because "we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)  I do love You, Lord and put all my hope and trust in You.  I want You to be glorified today. "But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord, I say, 'You are my God.' My times are in Your hand." (Psalm 31:14,15a)  Although trouble surrounds me, I ask you to reveal Your love and peace to me within the situation, so that I will be able to wholeheartedly say "Blessed be the Lord, For He has made marvelous His loving-kindness to me in a besieged city." (Psalm 31:21) Thank you for surrounding me and protecting me with your lovingkindness. When I feel like the bottom has dropped out of my world, You are still there holding me because "The eternal God is a dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms." (Deuteronomy 33:27) Thank you, Lord for what you are doing and will do. You are all that I need. I will praise You for Your never failing love for me, and when I look back on today, I will be able to say "on the day I called, You answered me; You made me bold with strength in my soul." (Psalm 138:3) and "for the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting, and His faithfulness to all generations." (Psalm 100:5)

True Love

Remember

The scene has been repeated with each generation. Girls sitting on a lawn picking flowers and talking about boys. One of them picks a wild flower and begins plucking off the petals as she says “He loves me….He loves me not….He loves me…He loves me not”. The other girls begin to giggle and all them collectively lean in to know the romantic fate of their friend. Will the last petal reveal that “He loves me” or will their hopes fade with the dreaded “He loves me not”?

Most of us can remember a time like this when we were young. And although we are much older and wiser now, some things still remain. We all want to be loved and look to important people in our life to meet that need. Those special people may be friends, family, or a romantic relationship. Maybe you can relate to a special romance. Just like the young girls on the lawn, most of us begin with “He loves me”. Why start out with “He loves me not”? We don’t want to think of it as a possibility, much less say it out loud! If we are married, we remembered the hopes we held at our wedding for a life of being in love. We all began with the same excitement as we plucked the first petal, “He loves me”. But the reality is that the people we love may disappoint us. It may be hurtful comment from a friend, brother or parent. It may be rejection in a dating relationship. Or it may be a husband who says, “I don’t love you any more” and walks away. Just like a flower with a lot of petals, we don’t know the outcome.

But God brought something to mind this week that gave me a vivid picture to remember. God created me,  and understands my need for love. In fact, He put a big hole in my heart so that I will seek the only love that can fill that need - God’s perfect, never-failing, life-giving love.

I can picture the following scene: I’m sitting on a lawn in summer, picking flowers. With anticipation, I begin pulling petals off the wildflowers as I think about someone special. “He loves me… He loves me not…” There is fear of the unknown. Will that person love me back? Will they love me enough? Will they love me forever?

Then God walks up and He hands me a flower – a beautiful rose. That rose is Jesus Christ. (He is even called “The Rose of Sharon” in the Bible.) But as I look at the rose, I notice that there is something written in blood on each petal. Every single one says “He loves me”. It doesn’t matter in what order I pluck the petals. It doesn’t matter how fast I pull them, or how slow, it doesn’t even matter what I feel like when I pull them. There is no escaping the truth that “He loves me”. At the beginning, in the middle and ultimately, at the end, when the last petal is pulled, all I will have left is “He loves me”.

But there is one very important thing that matters. Will I take the rose that God is handing me? With it comes forgiveness, and eternal life with the One who loves me best. If I reject it, He will still love me, but I won’t know Him or be with Him in eternity. To be with Him, I have to accept His gift of love – Jesus Christ.

What have you done with the Rose?

If you have never known the love of God, reach out to Him today and accept His gift.

If you have already accepted this awesome gift of love from God, don’t forget how much He loves you. Have people hurt you or failed to give the love that was promised? Turn to the only one who can ever fill that need completely and forever. God loves you more that you can even imagine.

The next time you see a flower, image the writing on each petal…

”He loves me…He loves me…He loves me”

Preserving Petals

No more need to damage daisies,
ruin roses, or tear tulips in their prime.

I do not need the schoolgirl’s rhyme
of insecurity and hope;
“He loves me. He loves me not”

My question has been answered.
My deepest heart-felt need is met.
My upward flight of freedom now is set.
“He loves me. He’ll leave me not”

Nothing More

It is enough,
That the Lord God Almighty knows my name,
That I have been ransomed by the Holy One,
That the Lamb of God washed my sins away forever.  

It is enough,
That the Prince of Peace lives inside my heart,
That the Wonderful Counselor hears my whispered prayer,
That Immanuel will never leave me or forsake me.

It is enough,
That the Bright and Morning Star illumines my path,
That the Good Shepard leads the way,
That the Lion of Judah is protecting me from evil.

It is enough,
That the Mighty God still works miracles,
That the Lord of Lords reigns in my life,
That the Everlasting Father will never let me go.

It is enough that Jesus loves me!

(Revelations 4:8, Mark 1:24, John 1:29, Isaiah 9:6, Isaiah 7:14, Revelations 22:16, John 10:14, Revelations 5:5, Revelations 19:16, Matthew 1:21)

Love Reaches Out

You are the God of no mistakes.
We were the people of failure.

You are the Judge of justice.
We were the shamers and blamers.

You are the Ruler of righteousness.
We were the servants of sin.

You are the Lord of everlasting love.
We were children of selfishness.

But we thank you, Father,
That You are the Covenant-keeper,
The Way-maker,
The Seeker of the lost.

Your arms are long enough
to have reached us in our need
and to hold us forever.

Joy in the Journey

My live is a journey home;
sometimes scenic and inspiring,
sometimes rough and steep,
but always toward You,
with You,
for You,
through You,
because of You.

You are my joy in the journey.
Your are my happy ending
and my eternal home.

Light Walk

From: 1 John 1:5

Perfect, pure, true
Brilliant, bright, warm

Awaken blindness
Illumine darkness

Shine on Light
Lead on Light

I desire to walk in Light,
to walk in love
with You.

He is Worth Seeking

Rain Dance

I am the desert
You are the rain
Pour down your presence
Fill me again

Leave no parched surface
No barren space
Drench me completely
Flood every place

Lavish Oasis
Quench me with You
Life-giving Spirit
Refresh and renew

Turn my Sahara
Into a sea
Torrents of mercy
Fall over me

Seek Freedom

Where is real love?
What is truth?
Why was I put on this earth?
Who will be therein my need?
When will I be free?

How do I know
where I will go
when death overshadows me?
All these questions must be answered
before we’ll be free.

An Open Invitation

Please Come!

It’s not too late, no matter what they say.
Those who try to cloud your way,
and plunge you into darkness once again
are lost in their own night.
Jesus Christ is light.

Please Believe!

Your sins can be forgiven by His life.
Jesus paid the price for all.
It is enough for everyone
who asks and takes the gift.
Jesus Christ is love.

Please Receive!

The invitation’s not forever, it’s for now.
Tomorrow holds no guarantee.
Today, it’s free, and you have breath.
Please, say “Yes”.

A Peace Accord for the Soul

It's a tragic waste of life to be at war;
Attacking an invincible foe,
becoming a casualty of my own battle plans
to claim the ground I do not own,
spending my days in pointless pain
as I rage on to my loss.

The enemy I fight need not return my fire.
For all my ammunition against Truth
has left it undisturbed.
Truth is alive and whole.
It has no scars from my assaults.

The wise will realize that Truth
cannot be vanquished.
The wise will cease their fire.

Surrender welcomes in a day of peace
without captivity or harm.
If Truth can reign supreme,
then freedom rings.

It's time to let the prisoner of war go free.
It's time to recognize the prisoner is me.

2 Corinthians 13:8 - "For we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth."

Happily Ever After

To Grandma

With perfect focus, crystal clear,
you now can gaze on one so dear,
who gave His life to set you free
to see His smile eternally.

In perfect pitch and harmony,
you join the angel’s melody,
and listen to the wondrous sound
as praise to Jesus echoes round.

In perfect joy, in perfect rest,
you’re now with Him who loves you best.
No tear, no loss, no fear, no pain
will ever touch your heart again.

Welcome Home!

- Dedicated to Grandma Alice Mayfield

Heavenly Dancing Shoes

I threw away my work boots
All covered with life’s debris.
No longer do I have to walk
through sin or misery.

My feet feel light and happy now.
I’m singing out Good News.
and skipping down these golden streets
in heavenly dancing shoes!

- Dedicated to Grandma Iva Mae McEfee

Upon Hearing the Creaking in my Knees

This house is getting older.
It's crumbling from within.
The walls now give a shudder 
when a cold spell settles in.

The porch is weak and shaky.
The windows have a draft.
The roof - it leaks. The door - it squeaks.
But should I cry...or laugh?

For I will soon be moving
where a NEW house waits for me.
It's perfect and it comes 
with an eternal guarantee!

So if I'm not despondent
over all that's breaking down,
please understand my reasons.
I will soon be leaving town!

Looking Up

I am one day closer
to the moment when this body is discarded
like a worn out coat
when the storm is past
and the sun starts to shine at last.

I am one hour closer to
to the moment when I meet my forever family
and my eternal friends
and with joy unimaginable,
the party in His honor begins.

I am one minute closer
to the moment when my unveiled eyes meet His,
and I see the one who invited me
to share eternity in perfect love.

So I will look up
and walk with hope.
Today is better than yesterday.
Tomorrow will be better than today.
I am one day closer.

"The Love of My Life" - Copyright © 1995 – 2011
Author: Lisa Carts
Website: www.JesusGivesLife.com