Tag Archives: God

HUMBLE BIRTH

10 Sep

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.  And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.  And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.     Luke 2:4-7 KJV

 

It wasn’t that they had to travel,

travel was a way of life -

travel to the place of sacrifice -

travel to the special feasts.


It wasn’t the taxation,

that too had become a way of life.

It wasn’t the number of people -

traveling to their father’s lands -

waiting - walking - crowding.


It wasn’t being heavy with child -

ready for the precious birth -

difficult to ride -

impossible to walk.


It was that all had come together on this momentous occasion,

even with careful preparation -

not really prepared -

for the events to come.


And in all the disappointment of the evening,

the kindness of a stranger -

a humble and rugged resting place -

became the catalyst of a birth.


As the night grew its darkest,

the light pierced the sky -

to announce the hope -

of generations to come.



Cutting the sky, as the pillar of fire,

drawing those with the pureness of heart -

the star spoke the joy -

of the new life to come.


In His earliest moments of life,

He the same as others -

tiny perfect fingers -

tiny perfect toes -

the miracle of birth every parent admires.


Yet, with the sameness came the new,

the anointed glow -

with the very first breath -

drawing God’s servants -

from near and far.



A humble start - for the humbling of the heart.

No wealth or grandeur - the capture of pride.

The kindness of a stranger - to instill mercy.



And the family of flesh mixed with the family of Spirit -

surrounding - comforting

to build a solid foundation of love.


It didn’t happen the way they had wanted -

Mary and Joseph -

but it was the plan of God.



Not one moment of His precious life was wasted,

every moment etched the path of tomorrow’s grace.



So tiny - so frail,

a King was born -

a King sent to gather the humble -

to exhort the meek -

to teach love to all who would listen -

to live - and - to die -

for every precious child -

that has graced God’s earth.

 

 

Written 12-21-97

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

DEPRESSION

8 Sep

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.     Psalms 42:5-6 (KJV)

Depression started for me in my early teens. It is a dark consuming pain – beyond tears and hope. It is the feeling of helplessness – no control over any portion of your life, not your thoughts, your appetite, not even your emotions. It is difficult to focus, it is difficult to breathe. It is Satan’s greatest tool to stop God’s children from striving.

When I became a Christian my battle with depression ceased for a long time. I quit my well-paying, secure job and went into full-time ministry. What a delightful and faith-testing time. I dove head first into Biblical study and worship music (playing and singing). I think that God allowed me this peaceful time to build the strong foundation of faith that I was going to need to stand during the trials and storms of the future.

Challenges came – life changing events and situations that threatened to destroy our family and our faith – but we stood. Each time we grew stronger. The Depression there, but not consuming as it had been in the past, until recently.

For all the times we’ve faced life’s challenges in the past, this year has been a series of events that far surpassed anything we could have anticipated. I looked at our circumstances, I looked at our resources, I took my eyes off of our true Source – the darkness overtook me.

Well meaning friends offered words they thought would encourage – but cut like a knife. “If you have Jesus in your heart, you will never be without peace.” “If you have faith in Jesus you wouldn’t be depressed.” I guess they haven’t read passages in Psalm, Ecclesiastes or Job! Some of our greatest Bible leaders suffered terrible depression and wrote as they cried out to God.

I have a good friend and pastor who once told me that Depression was anger turned inward. I agree. You realize how little control you have over problems and situations and feel so helpless at your own inabilities; you turn inward.

I remember crying out to God for hours to help me get out of the dark hollowness. When I went into deep worship my darkness lifted. I asked God why He allowed me to go so deep into despair, why He wasn’t there with me. He showed me how He had been right next to me all the time, reaching a hand down to pull me up, waiting for me to reach back. He showed me where His hand had been moving on the situations all the time. I was able to see the miracles blooming all around. I could see His teardrops on my shoulder when He cried with me in my pain.

King David said that God taught our hands to war and our fingers to fight – I war with the enemy of our soul with my pen and paper. I will war for King Jesus – and hope my words will help others overcome the darkness that overcomes even the strongest saint. God, hold me ever near that I may never loose sight of You and who You are. I know You will always stand with me – and cry with me in my pain. Keep my mind set on you that I might never slip again into that pit.

 

 

Written 6-24-2008

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

CRIMSON BLOOD

8 Sep

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.       Hebrews 13:20-21

 

So curious a creature are we,

 ingenious in the ways of war,

 yet perplexed by wounds,

 ever so greater,

 than any weapon,

 could ever conceive.



Wounds so deep,

 into the hearts,

 of our smallest children,

 that no medicine made,

 today or tomorrow,

 could ever lift the pain,

 piercing through.



Fatal wounds inflicted,

 by those they love most,

 in acts of anger,

 in acts of arrogance,

 in tearing away,

 from the gift they call love.



When the hope dies,

 along with worthiness,

 the wounded child,

 remains small,

 though the body may grow,

 to adulthood,

 to accountability.



Where, then, do they turn,

 when they scream out for love,

 from a deadened heart,

 pushed so deeply,

 into a box,

 of protective devices,

 flushed by deadening tasks?



Who, then, can see,

 into the callused eyes,

 shielding the soul,

 from any possibility,

 of additional wounds.



Only the Son of Light,

 can burn so bright,

 as to see into the depths,

 of a lightless life.



Only the Son of Life,

 can loosen the sword,

 of tainted love,

 and killing words,

 to free the fatal wound,

 in the deadened heart,

 of a little child,

 now the shape of a man.



It is only the Son,

 who called us from birth,

 set angels at our side,

 and prayed with our prayers,

 until the day,

 we were ready to heal.



It is only the Son,

 who’s dark crimson blood,

 entered into the wound,

 lubricating the weapon,

 only He could remove,

 cauterizing the opened cavity,

 filling it with the endless gift,

 of God’s perfect love.

 

 

Written 11-15-1998

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

A Moment In Time

19 Aug 



“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32


Satan takes a moment in time,

and creates a most horrible incident,

that scars and fractures,

our views and beliefs,

for the rest of our lives.


He strategically places in our path,

demonized souls – the mentally ill,

some that say that they come

in the name of the Lord,

to steal our innocence,

fill us with fear,

and distort the way we view

every person, every sound,

every surrounding, every shape,

every race, every fragrance,

from that day forward.


We cower consciously for months or years,

subconsciously for decades,

trying to walk past the anxieties

we may not understand.


We displace the anger and hurt onto the innocent,

often onto those people we love the most,

justifying our behavior with false truths,

and attempting Biblical justification,

but knowing deep inside,

our actions were wrong,

yet not knowing how to stop,

and feeling deeper and deeper guilt,

because of it.


We blame God for not being there,

we run from the very presence

that can bring us healing.


We run from others,

we run from ourselves,

we run from every possible circumstance,

that could possibly bring us pain.

We run and run and run,

until we are unable to take,

another step.


It’s at that moment,

when we can run no farther,

when we cry out to others for answers,

when we cry out to God for help,

that Jesus can draw close.


It’s in that time that we can see,

that He was with us,

all the time,

crying with our pain,

holding us as we wept in the night,

waiting for us to call upon Him,

to heal the brokenness

we can no longer endure.


In that breaking moment,

when Satan’s shackles are broken away,

when our mind is refreshed,

and our vision restored,

that healing comes,

wave by wave,

washing, cleansing, renewing.


Prejudice is lost,

fear is captured,

hatred is banished,

anger subdued,

life restored.


Come Lord Jesus.



Written - 9-29-2000

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

BREATH OF GOD

7 Aug

“Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord God; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.”   Ezekiel 37:9

While training to become a foster parent we were required to take CPR training. We learned the ABC’s of CPR, the step-by-step procedures of saving a life. The first step was to tip the head back, chin up, and make sure that the Airway isn’t obstructed. Second was to Breathe into the unconscious person, watching for the rise and fall of the chest. Third was the Compressions, encouraging the heart to begin beating, pushing the blood to the brain and extremities. A.B.C. Clear airway, breathe (count), breath (count), compress, compress, compress, compress. Correct timing and accurate movement can be the critical elements of sustaining life until the ambulance arrives and takes over.

While in worship one day it occurred to me that God has designed a Spiritual CPR for His children to follow. Divine steps that bring us into the throne-room of God.

Similar to clearing the airway, we tilt our face upward toward God, speaking our prayers and singing our worship. We clear our thoughts from the trials and temptations of daily life and focus completely on Him. Abba, Father, we cry out; Holy and Anointed One. We give You praise.

Then comes the breath of life; the Holy Spirit breathing the precious anointing into our lives. Like waves of the ocean, as we stand in worship, He breathes over us, refreshing, renewing, healing, preparing, speaking; wave after precious wave. Closer and closer we draw to the throne-room of God. Filled with the cleansing breath of truth. Filled with the cleansing breath of wisdom. Breathing in, breathing out, the life of God within us.

Then the foundation; the Word of God, pumping into us the strength of life with the flow of faith brought by the Blood of Christ, covering our past, our daily frailties, our mistakes of tomorrow. Challenging us with parables, psalms and proverbs. Building, pumping, encouraging, pumping, feeding, pumping. The very truths we base our lives upon.

Clear – breathe – breathe – compress – compress – compress – live.

Prayer – worship – indwelling of the Spirit – the Word of God – life.

Prayer – worship – indwelling of the Spirit – the Word of God – stronger life.

What if we choose to walk away when someone needs immediate CPR? What if we wait for another to come along and do the life-saving steps that are needed? The longer the person remains unhelped, the greater the risk of death, multiplying in risk by the second.

Unlike physical CPR, the Christian must take the steps toward Spiritual CPR themselves. Steps that will give them a confident, joy-filled, eternal life in Christ. No one else can take the steps for you. No one else can breathe in the anointing for you.

What if we walk away when God calls us to relationship with Him? What if we don’t cry out to Him in prayer and worship? What if we quench the Spirit, discouraging His life-filling breath? What if we refuse to fill our heart, our mind, our soul, with His Word? What if?

Dear God, remind me daily of the eternal death that awaits those who walk away from you. Help me to help them to take the steps toward life – forever.

 

 

Written 6-24-04

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Believing

28 Jul

“Believing is touching the sky with outstretched hands . . .

knowing you are caressing the face of God!”

 

 

Written  8/14/12

 

Tags: , , , , , ,

STONES OF FIRE

28 Jul

When I heard of the Stones of Fire I prayed, “Lord, what are they?”

He said, “They are the tears of God.”

“I don’t understand,” I said, “teach me, Lord.”

 

Stones of fire,

colors so vibrant,

the intensity of God’s Spirit,

fighting to escape the stone’s housing,

yet trapped there,

to please the eye,

of all who gaze.

 

He placed His throne,

and rested his feet,

upon brilliant Sapphire,

purged with fire and time,

blue as the deepest sea,

vast as the clearest sky;

this was the third Heaven.

 

As a lover gives his beloved,

or a father gives his child,

a most precious gift,

God gave His treasure,

a city built upon,

the stones of fire.

 

In His richness He gave all beauty,

to make a sacred court.

 

The foundations of the city,

were of the purest stone,

of Jasper, Sapphire and Chalcedony,

Emerald, Sardonyx and Sardius,

Chrysolite, Beryl and Topaz,

Chrysoprasus, Jacinth and Amethyst.

 

Twelve foundations,

for twelve children to come,

soon to be nations,

then kings and priests.

 

Children to be raised,

in a perfect Eden,

guarded by angels,

perfection at every glance,

ruler of all they could see.

 

Yet, in the third Heaven,

where archangels commune with God,

and gold paves the streets,

as pure as crystal glass,

a cry was heard,

as God shed a tear.

 

The third Heaven wasn’t enough,

for Lucifer.

 

He was the most perfect creation,

to ever walk in the Heavens of God.

He was the most beautiful of all angels,

adorned in the precious stones,

that Heaven was founded on.

 

His voice sang the arias,

as an orchestra,

he was the most anointed,

the most wise,

until his beauty,

beguiled his own heart,

and iniquity became his god.

 

Refusing to serve,

demanding the highest kingdom,

Lucifer fell,

cast from the splendor of Heaven,

pulled down by the weight,

cursed with the fire,

that charged the beauty,

of the precious stones,

he proudly wore.

 

Down in a wilderness,

walked 12 nations,

trying to purge their lives,

of desire and deceit.

 

Set over an Ephod,

secured to the Breastplate,

carried on the shoulders,

of the High Priest,

were 12 stones.

Each stone for a nation,

in four rows of three,

according to their birth.

 

On the top was the Sardius, Topaz and Carbuncle,

then was the Emerald, Sapphire and Diamond,

next was the Ligure, Agate and Amethyst,

last was the Beryl, Onyx and Jasper,

held at the top and the sides,

by pure gold.

 

Once again God’s pride,

was adorned by His precious gift.

All seemed well until the days,

man’s faith-filled leader,

took time with God.

 

And in their time,

of precious communion,

the Ephod was laid aside,

as the nations of promise,

build a golden glistening calf,

they could see.

 

Moses heard the cry,

as God shed a tear.

 

Jealousy raged,

in the vibrant foundations,

of Heaven.

 

And Moses cried out,

for the souls of the lost,

as iniquity reigned once again,

in the earth.

 

Stones of fire,

shown again,

in the crowns of the kings,

that ruled over the nations.

Crowns of the righteous,

killed by the crowns of the wicked,

coveting the beauty,

of the precious glowing stones.

 

Then, in that last day,

as the Mystery Babylon,

walks the corrupted streets,

of earth,

no one will buy her merchandise.

Not the gold or silver,

precious stones or fine linen,

not the horses, chariots or slaves,

not the souls of men.

 

Finally the nations will see,

that the soul cannot share,

the beauty meant for the eye.

Beauty meant to be enjoyed,

to enhance,

to appreciate.

 

The stones of fire,

a wedding gift,

from the God of creation,

changed into a god,

by the lusts of man.

Gazing on their fiery beauty,

we wonder at the value,

the prestige,

and forget the covenant of love,

for which they stand.

 

The birth of a child,

the birth of a nation,

a covenant of love,

sealed by the signet,

of a fiery stone.

 

A marriage of two people,

two nations,

two entities;

destined to find perfection,

in the confines of Heaven.

 

So they wait,

undefiled,

in the third Heaven,

where angels and cherubim,

commune with,

the one true God.

 

 

Written 12/6/98

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

PARADISE

14 Jul

“And I heard a great voice out of Heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.”  Rev. 21:3

Recently I’ve been making weekly overnight trips for work.  I drive 3 hours in, work 8 and then off to rest. A friend has arranged for me to use her guesthouse on these trips, what a blessing.  This house is perfectly decorated, country comfortable. Everything perfectly matches, from the curtains to the coffee cups. It’s like walking into a paradise in the midst of a big bustling city.

You can see the love and care spent in providing every comfort, from aesthetics to bed pillows.  Drinking glasses are perfectly lined. Plates and bowls set in order. Every utensil is in its assigned spot.  Pictures of things that take you to a different place and time are placed just so, giving the feeling of home. It’s just exactly what I’ve always hoped to have.

I ate my take-out meal and headed for the luxury of a bubble bath, a precious commodity for any working mom.  Off I slipped to bed for a completely undisturbed sleep. AAAAHHHH!!!!

I woke early and brewed my morning coffee.  I sipped and listened for the signs and sounds of morning.  I had no idea that silence could be so loud.

There were no roosters crowing, no husband snoring, no dogs harmonizing.  There were no shoes to step over, no children squabbling over the bathroom, no cat curled in my spot on the sofa.  There was no peanut butter on the counter, no jelly on the floor sticking to the bottom of my feet. The radios weren’t playing and the washing machine wasn’t running.  There were no sounds of life. No laughter, no anger – no joy, no frustration. It was a beautiful, empty shell.

I packed up all my traveling gear and prepared to leave.  I went back through, room by room, to make sure I’d left this paradise in the same condition as when I’d arrived.  Picture perfect!

Picture perfect!  Hhhhmmm? Isn’t that what we can be?  We walk out of our homes perfectly attired; matching outfit, shoes and accessories – carefully primped and combed, not a hair out of place.  We even spray our favorite fragrance to make a perfectly, well-rounded picture of – of what?

So often we see people who seem so perfect on the outside, but inside they are going mad with the echoes of silence.  Some are tortured by the voices of the past, some by the enemy of their souls, telling them to give up their future – they’ll never be “perfect” enough.  They overcompensate with exterior perfection to try to fill the hole left inside – by the absence of Jesus.

How many times do we walk past those who seem to have it “all together” and reach out to those in obvious need?  How many of those “perfect people” long for someone to stop long enough to tell them how to fill their emptiness?  Do we only look at the outward perfection and miss the eyes that search for answers? Do we share a greeting and not listen for the cries of help in their passing replies?  

Jesus, help me to hear those cries.  Help me to see the emptiness you are ready to fill.  Let me never assume that a perfect house equals a home –  but that every vessel created by You can only be perfected when Your Holy Spirit fills it.  Come Lord Jesus.

 

Written 8-31-05

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

INFERNO

7 Jul

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:   -1 Peter 1:7


Here I stand,

Safe in the hand of God,

Kissed by a gentle breeze,

Cooled by the living water,

Of the Spirit.


All around me rages an inferno,

To my right, to my left,

Directly in my path.


The bowels of hell,

Threatening death,

Always testing my faith,

But held away,

By my closest friend, my savior.


Here I stand,

And here I will stay,

Until I hear the voice of God,

Directing my steps,

To reach the lost,

With His precious love.

 

 

Written 11-10-2000

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

COMPASSION

7 Jul

 

“But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.”  -Mark 10:14

Tonight I saw something that deeply touched my heart.  Not a well scripted show or a thought-out story. Tonight I witnessed two very young boys praying, sobbing and interceding for their friend – hands lifted upward toward Heaven.  Even after the music ceased they remained, praying – sobbing. When the sanctuary had emptied and the time threatened, they remained. At that moment I believe a pastor was born, an evangelist, perhaps an apostle.  Compassion was loosed and the anointing fell. The true tenderness of innocence released a pureness – no show, no pressure, no guilt drove their motives – just compassion – a Spirit lead appointment with Jesus.   

How many times have we adults seen the hurting at the altar, but pulled away because of schedules and pre-set agendas.  How many times have we been in serious prayer, only to turn it off as a household appliance when the music ceased? How many times did we seem sincerely concerned, as long as certain eyes lingered our way, hoping for a break and release with each prayer.

I stood outside and watched as they left the tabernacle, headed for their camp dorm rooms; bibles familiarly under their arms, pages worn, bookmarks poking out here and there.  Arm in arm they headed away, eyes still red, but a prominent glow surrounded them. I thanked God for that touch, for that innocence.

Still, I was ashamed.  Ashamed that these young boys had a relationship with My God that I so desired and a compassion for others that I strove for, but had not yet found.  

Thank you Jesus for that glimpse into a perfect moment dedicated completely to You.  Bless them Lord, for touching Your face unhesitatingly. Lord, help me to meet the challenge.

 

Written 6-24-2004

Tags: , , , , , ,

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →