Tag Archives: Lord

Crumbs

3 Oct


And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.   Matthew 15:27

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Living in rural Arizona you see a lot of amazing sights. We frequently come face to face with antelope; I give them the right of way! We have wild flowers that take over barren fields. Chickens, cows, sheep, goats and horses fill the yards as we travel around town. It’s a quiet place, a place to slow down and breathe; a place of reflection.

Working in the city is such a contrast to the area where I live; life is so fast paced. There are different types of survival means in the city, overcrowding, people losing homes, scarcity of food and yet the only portion you can really see are where the homeless line the streets. Survival instincts of the animals in the country seem clearer and easier to recognize, perhaps because of the wide open spaces of the country. Coyotes and mountain lions come closer to the farms when the food is scarce. I find myself much more aware of my surroundings at that time of the year.

One afternoon we passed a small farm where the horses had just been fed. The master had put the horse food into a big blue plastic barrel (a large oval cut into it) that tied sideways to the top cross-rail of the fence. As the horse munched away little bits of grain fell from its mouth. The goat, outside of the corral, got down on its knees and crawled under the blue barrel and fence post, head tipped up, trying to catch the bits of grain as it fell. The goat was hungry and willing to do whatever it could for a morsel of food.

We are so spoiled by instant TV evangelists, instant radio preachers, CD worship music, Ipod sermons, Podcasts; even electronic Bibles. Oh, that we could be so hungry for God that we would put ourselves in danger for just a morsel. What a sweet refreshing that taste would be.

God, open our hearts for a driving hunger that can’t be quenched by any means except time at YOUR feet. God, please take away our “fast is better” mentality. Blow away the chaff, the noise and the distractions of daily life. Silence the words spoken in Your name that have nothing to do with You. Search me Lord. Call me Lord. Help me to come.

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Written by Linda J. Humes

9-29-09

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Stinkin’ Thinkin’

3 Oct

“. . . for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” Matthew 12:34 (KJV)

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God puts people in our lives to strengthen us, encourage us, challenge us and . . . correct us. That’s a tough one – correction. An action word that requires an action (I am corrected, therefore I must correct).

In our home we have a Swear Jar. If for some reason you feel a conversation isn’t complete without colorful expletives – you will visit the Swear Jar. Each transgression will reduce your pocket change by 25 cents. We buy water with the change from the Swear Jar and rarely have to add to the “oophs!” change within.

Most people honor the code, some language behaviors have been changed, some folks pre-pay (no, that doesn’t make it cheaper), and some outright refuse to participate. Over the years we’ve seen kids monitor their friends and fines are paid even when no adults are around.

One day I was working away at my computer and it started to give me trouble. No matter what I did I couldn’t get it to cooperate. “This stinkin’ computer,” I yelled.

Up pops a little voice from behind me, “Oh, Mom, you owe the jar a quarter.”

“What for,” I quipped back. “Stinkin’ isn’t a bad word.”

“It is when you say it in that tone of voice,” replied my 8 year old.

Busted! My heart broke and I was immediately filled with humility. I had broken my own rule. I had allowed the frustration of a day, an hour, a moment, to steal my joy and toss me into wrong standing.

How often do we use “safe” words when we’re angry or frustrated, only fooling ourselves? It isn’t the word we use, it’s the intent of the heart. It isn’t always “vulgarity” that gets us into trouble, but the emotion behind a common thought we feel we have a right to express.

But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. James 3:8 (KJV)

Lord, help me every day not only to tender the words I speak, but to tender the heart and emotions with which I speak them. Help me to be more like you.

✝

Written by Linda J. Humes

9-29-2009

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WHEN

17 Sep

“But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.” Luke 18:16-17 KJV

 

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The Lord keeps showing me, over and over,

images of the little child that rests inside each angry man.

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The baby who first discovered his fingers and toes,

or laughed with glee upon his first sighting of a butterfly.

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The little boy who wiggled through his first haircut,

he was so proud.

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The little boy who brought home weed-flowers

for his mom to put in a vase.

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The cut-out crooked hearts

with “I love you, daddy” scribbled across.

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The little boy who wanted to be a policeman,

a fireman or the President.

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The little boy who learned to ride a bike

and could almost keep up with dad.

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The little boy who chewed wild grass

and dreamt of flying a rocket to the moon.

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The little boy who made a 100% on his spelling test,

but couldn’t quite figure out math.

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When did he turn into an angry young man,

bitter, distant and lost.

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When did friends become more precious than family,

no matter when, no matter where.

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When did Christmas cookies turn to alcohol,

Mother Goose to pornography.

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When did alcohol turn to drugs;

to live for, to kill for, to die for.

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When did skateboards turn to drive-by shootings,

picnics to funerals, love to hate.

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When did he become an angry young man,

falling deeper and deeper into sin, into death, into Hell.

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If you look close enough you can see that little boy,

through the dazed eyes of drugs.

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If you listen carefully you can hear that little boy crying out for help,

for peace, for love.

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If you hug him long enough you will feel the shield and barriers fall away

– long enough for him to know someone cares.

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And if you walk with him long enough you can guide him along the path

to find that little boy again.

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Written 3/21/95

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THE TRIAL

17 Sep

“In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.” Psalm 18:6 KJV

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I couldn't pray today,

The words wouldn't form in my heart.

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The Scripture made no sense,

Blocks of words and numbers.

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I didn't know who to call,

It all seemed so confusing.

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Crying out - Lord,

What to do,

What to do.

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Simple words,

A simple sacred sacrifice.

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I praise You, Lord,

I thank You for this trial.

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Then, in a moment,

The miracle occurred.

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It was Joy,

In the height of the storm,

It was Joy.

 

 

 

※   Written  9-1-1991

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STAND BACK

16 Sep

“And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord‘s, and he will give you into our hands.”  1 Samuel 17:47 KJV

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I say stand back, stand back in the Lord.

I say stand back, stand back in the Lord.

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Egypt’s Red Sea seemed a mighty foe.

With Pharaoh close there seemed no place to go.

The people stood and cried aloud with fear.

Forgetting all along their Lord was there.

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I say stand back, stand back in the Lord.

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His mighty hand can move the sea from shore to shore.

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I say stand back, stand back in the Lord.

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Shielded by Armor of Faith we’ll stand.

Jericho was girded all around,

A mighty fortress set on solid ground.

If rushed the army within would abound,

By marching feet and trumpets it went down.

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I say stand back, stand back in the Lord.

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Gideon was sent to take the land,

With only three hundred men he had to stand.

With pitchers, lanterns, horns, he did God’s will,

Though all the enemy died, he did not kill.

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I say stand back, stand back in the Lord.

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Deborah sent her army off to war,

The army would not go without her near,

The chariots of iron saved not the foe,

For God provided the rain, they moved no more.

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I say stand back, stand back in the Lord.

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Joshua was sent to take Ai,

To win this one he must be very sly.

Place armies front and back, came God’s reply,

And hold your spear up high, high in the sky.

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I say stand back, stand back in the Lord.

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Do you have an enemy today,

Take your troubles to God, get down and pray,

There is nothing He can’t rise above,

He’s there to raise you up in perfect love.

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I say stand back, stand back in the Lord.

 

 

 

✝ Written in 1992 as a song

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HOLD US CLOSE

12 Apr

“And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?”  Luke 24:32

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We come to you, Oh, Lord,

Our hearts we open wide,

Sweet angels guide us home,

Through prayer we’re safe inside.

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Keep hunger in our souls,

Sweet fillings every day,

We’ll gently teach your Word,

And live you ways.

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Please hold us close, Oh, Lord,

The way is dark and steep,

We comfort in Your love,

With joy we weep.

…

Please walk with us, Oh Lord,

You’ve sent us to the world;

Their lives are dark and lost,

We’re here to stop their hurt.

…

Put mercy in our souls,

Your perfect love we seek;

For danger stands nearby,

Each time we speak.

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We represent Your truths,

Our Joy must never dim;

That all may want to know,

The peace within.

…

 

We drink Your word, Oh Lord,

Our hearts and souls are filled.

Your teachings guide our steps,

Our fears and hurts are stilled.

…

We come in daily prayer,

Our vigils never cease.

We gladly intercede,

To bring our brothers peace.

…

Please guide each step, Oh Lord,

To keep our witness true,

Your Spirit lights our path,

Each faithful step renews.

 

 

Written 9-3-91 as a song

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FOR GRANTED

5 Apr

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“The Lord liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.”  Psalm 18:46

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Have I taken you for granted, Lord?

Can You forgive me?

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Do you understand the pain of Circumstance,

That clouds reason.

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You patiently wait as I blame you,

For events You had nothing to do with.

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You sing to me songs of Love,

When I feel the depths of worthlessness.

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You send me tender arms,

When I feel unloved and unlovable.

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You send me songs of joy,

When tears steal my night.

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You wake me with a tender caress,

Inviting me to intimate times with You.

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You speak into my life the words of strength,

Courage and wisdom,

As I open the pages of Your Word.

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You fill my mouth with the tongues of Angels,

A private language that only we understand.

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Lord, do I take you for granted?

Will you forgive me.

Written 6/15/2002

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CONFESSION

4 Apr

“For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy

unto all them that call upon thee.” Psalm 86:5

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Forgive me, Lord, for my doubts.

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Forgive me, Lord, in my pain and fatigue,

Your voice was distant and faint,

I thought You didn’t care.

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Forgive me, Lord, I forgot the blessings,

Of yesterday in the crisis,

Of today.

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Forgive me, Lord, for not recognizing,

How very precious I am to You,

You showed me again and again,

Buy my self-esteem couldn’t receive it.

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Thank you, Lord, for continually calling my name,

Calling louder and louder,

When my ears were turned away.

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Thank you, Lord, for the friends and warriors,

That You sent to my side,

When I was to weak to fight.

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Thank you, Lord, for forced rest,

When my body was in desperate need,

But I refused to rest.

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Thank you, Lord, that I am Your daughter,

And You are my Father,

And nothing can ever change that.

 

Written 6-14-2002

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INTIMATE

24 Nov

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.   Psalm 91:1

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Through tender sighs of angel’s breath,

I speak to you, my Lord.

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You listen intently for my desires,

Protect me from the harsh world around me.

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With tongues of praise I call to you,

The faintest sigh you caress.

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A love song, flowing tenderly forth, is held,

Oh so gently, in your mighty arms;

Then returned to me in a River of Peace,

Intimately shared, eternally kept.

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Written 9-1-96

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THE LOST

23 Nov

“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”   Luke 19:10

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The road before me seems narrow and unending,

Fear stands before me,

Regret trails behind,

Why must I travel this path?

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To the right are green pastures,

To the left are mansions of gold,

Yet my feet won’t veer,

Destiny pulls firmly,

Is this the path I walk for me,

Or do I walk for another?

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Fatigue drains the strength from my bones,

I thirst,

The green pastures call to my desires,

“Rest and Drink,”

Forward I walk, determined.

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Mansions of gold call my name,

Fulfilled dreams, riches,

Reason fights the Spirit,

Think what I could do with all these,

What lives I could touch,

Forward I walk – steady.

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Those who call me loved bite angrily at my sides,

Bitter words echo in my mind,

Must love hurt,

Throbbing starts in my palms,

In my feet.

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Who must I walk this path for?

Is it for You?

Is it for me?

Is it for lives yet to be touched?

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Forward, Lord, place Your hand in mine,

Let me walk in Your footsteps,

Let me see Your path,

Let me lay aside my selfish dreams,

So that I may reach the broken soul,

That sits at the side of the path,

That You have sent me to travel.

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Anoint me, Lord,

With wisdom, with love, with peace,

That I may overcome the burden,

That You have placed in my life,

To reach the lost – for You.

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Written 4-2-2004

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