(9-25-03 Dallas, TX 9:30AM)
Romans 8”14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
Where is it coming from?
I can’t see it nor hear
My mind is numbed
By the presence that’s near
As the wind bloweth
I can see the effects
As a paddle roweth
It continues to direct
Where am I going?
What am I doing?
Slowly falling in Love
With my God who is wooing
Hear am I, send me
Is my earnest plea
I want to go forth
To every nation
East, West, South, and North
I beg thee to allow those fires within to spread
This world is too full of the walking dead
They need a Savior
To be born again into your favor
An experience
The repentance from sin’s obedience
Everyone must pass through the same portal
For man is just a mortal
We are desperate, longing moral agents
Seeking to win the World’s pageant
Many times forgetting about the Heavenly display
Too consumed in ourselves
We forget to pray
Master, forgive our land
Allow me to stand
In the midst of the Truth
That my soul may be soothed
I can’t hold your power within
For my vessel may break
Instead help me to win the souls of man
For their lives are at stake
I long to be a Moses, a John, or Paul
Everyone must know who loves them
The most of all
My God
My Creator
My Reconciliator
My Redeemer
My Sustainer
My Heartbreak Healer
My Soul Filler
My High Tower
My Only Power
My God of all gods
My Great I AM
My Horn of Salvation
My God saving tribes from every tongue and nation
The “my’s” may sound selfish
But I want to share
He loves you more than I
Trust Him, I dare
He will transform your life
By renewing your mind
Replaced with a heart so pure
That the outside will shine
His countenance upon you is unexplainable
Undeniable
Mr. Reliable
In every trial
I beg you to trust
In life this is a must
To have peace, hope, and love
Coming from the Holy Dove
Do you understand this occurrence?
It’s more than a resurgence
Is your mind is reflection?
Of the Holy Spirit: My Direction
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Reconciled
Romans 3:23-24 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:”
Have you ever thought that you were good enough to get into heaven on your own? You may have always been raised up under solid gospel preaching, however, the majority of people today think that if they buy a few gifts for others at Christmas and give a little money to charity then their good works are enough to inherit them an eternity with God. In fact, one reason some do these good deeds are only to appease their own conscience from a god they have created in their mind. In the end, good people at best are covering up their guilty heart and mind with the “fig leaves of man-centered works” which has been the fashion from the beginning.
It does not take us very long to realize how good we actually are. When was the last time you balanced your checkbook? I have always tried to be good about keeping an accurate written record about what I have spent each day. Every time I buy something, I try to immediately write it down so that I will not forget. This can often be difficult when using the debit card that allows money to flow freely. This week, I finally sat down and began to balance my financial situation. While using electronic banking, I began to scroll down the list to find about seven transactions that I had totally forgotten about. The bank was telling the truth, and in my weak memory, I had to find a way to make reconciliation.
In Luke 18, a certain ruler asked Jesus, “Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus questioned him, “Why do you call me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.” You might think Jesus was trying to say that He was not good in this passage; however, He was actually questioning the heart of the ruler. Jesus went on to ask him about five of the Ten Commandments. The ruler told Jesus that he had kept them from his youth up. Jesus said, “Yet you lack one thing: sell all that you have, and distribute unto the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.” The ruler went away sorrowful because he was rich. His idol was money. The goodness he thought he had was a false image of reality much like my unbalanced checkbook.
Can you imagine trying to live a perfect life everyday? It is impossible. No matter how hard we may try to do good and right, we still come miserably short. Jesus said in Matthew 12:36, “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” I thought balancing my checkbook was going to be a scary picture, but the day that God asks every man to give an account of their lives will be horrifying if they have not made preparations. It will be impossible to argue with God, just like it is impossible to argue with the bank when everything is recorded with dates, times and places of transactions.
Where does this leave us today? We have a major problem between God’s standards and ours. There is a mighty gulf that must be crossed. Even with our best efforts, we come so short.
What can we do? When I realized that I had missed the mark in my checkbook, I turned to my savings account and transferred enough money to cover all my mistakes. In God’s economy, we can’t repay the debts of our sins. They are too great, but what a promise we have in Jesus Christ “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled” (Colossians 1:20a, 21) This truth compels us to confess our mistakes, turn to God’s revealed truth and worship Him in humble submission for His saving grace!
Have you ever thought that you were good enough to get into heaven on your own? You may have always been raised up under solid gospel preaching, however, the majority of people today think that if they buy a few gifts for others at Christmas and give a little money to charity then their good works are enough to inherit them an eternity with God. In fact, one reason some do these good deeds are only to appease their own conscience from a god they have created in their mind. In the end, good people at best are covering up their guilty heart and mind with the “fig leaves of man-centered works” which has been the fashion from the beginning.
It does not take us very long to realize how good we actually are. When was the last time you balanced your checkbook? I have always tried to be good about keeping an accurate written record about what I have spent each day. Every time I buy something, I try to immediately write it down so that I will not forget. This can often be difficult when using the debit card that allows money to flow freely. This week, I finally sat down and began to balance my financial situation. While using electronic banking, I began to scroll down the list to find about seven transactions that I had totally forgotten about. The bank was telling the truth, and in my weak memory, I had to find a way to make reconciliation.
In Luke 18, a certain ruler asked Jesus, “Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus questioned him, “Why do you call me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.” You might think Jesus was trying to say that He was not good in this passage; however, He was actually questioning the heart of the ruler. Jesus went on to ask him about five of the Ten Commandments. The ruler told Jesus that he had kept them from his youth up. Jesus said, “Yet you lack one thing: sell all that you have, and distribute unto the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.” The ruler went away sorrowful because he was rich. His idol was money. The goodness he thought he had was a false image of reality much like my unbalanced checkbook.
Can you imagine trying to live a perfect life everyday? It is impossible. No matter how hard we may try to do good and right, we still come miserably short. Jesus said in Matthew 12:36, “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” I thought balancing my checkbook was going to be a scary picture, but the day that God asks every man to give an account of their lives will be horrifying if they have not made preparations. It will be impossible to argue with God, just like it is impossible to argue with the bank when everything is recorded with dates, times and places of transactions.
Where does this leave us today? We have a major problem between God’s standards and ours. There is a mighty gulf that must be crossed. Even with our best efforts, we come so short.
What can we do? When I realized that I had missed the mark in my checkbook, I turned to my savings account and transferred enough money to cover all my mistakes. In God’s economy, we can’t repay the debts of our sins. They are too great, but what a promise we have in Jesus Christ “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled” (Colossians 1:20a, 21) This truth compels us to confess our mistakes, turn to God’s revealed truth and worship Him in humble submission for His saving grace!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Preparing for Thanksgiving
November 24, 2004 (thoughts from Thanksgiving Day)
Psalms 136:1-3 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Another day has come. Another breath has been breathed. Another day to be thankful for all that God has done, is doing, and will do. Another day to bask in His presence. Another chance to think about our troops away from home fighting for our freedom. Another visit with friends and family around the dinner table. Another opportunity to go to work and share with other employees. Another chance to learn. Another day to love.........
As I awoke this morning and began thinking about my "another's," I have found myself blessed. If you will only you will stop and think about it, you will find the same. You may have gotten out of the bed this morning stressed about school, work, all the family that is coming in or not coming in, how you were going to get everything cooked in time, the house clean, or maybe you will be driving across the country and are anxious to get on the road. Take a moment out of your day and think about the joys of your life. Our Heavenly Father has relayed this message to us through the Apostle Paul in Philippians 4:6 "Be careful(anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." Today, you may have a greater need that will not be satisfied with family and friends getting together. Your heart may be burdened for someone sick or maybe this is the first holiday season without someone special in your family. Don't lose heart but rejoice in the gift of life all around you and remember those who have passed with great joy and comfort. Don't let something so small distract you from the purpose of this holiday- Prayer and Praise!
In the first Thanksgiving Proclamation, George Washington wrote: A National Thanksgiving. Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God; to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly implore His protection and favor; Whereas both Houses of Congress have , by their joint committee, requested me to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer; to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness;
Be reminded this day where every good and perfect gift comes from: Almighty God! His Son Jesus Christ has made a way by which you and I can know Him. That is more than enough to be thankful for. Our hearts need to bow themselves this day, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.(Rev 7:12)
Psalms 136:1-3 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Another day has come. Another breath has been breathed. Another day to be thankful for all that God has done, is doing, and will do. Another day to bask in His presence. Another chance to think about our troops away from home fighting for our freedom. Another visit with friends and family around the dinner table. Another opportunity to go to work and share with other employees. Another chance to learn. Another day to love.........
As I awoke this morning and began thinking about my "another's," I have found myself blessed. If you will only you will stop and think about it, you will find the same. You may have gotten out of the bed this morning stressed about school, work, all the family that is coming in or not coming in, how you were going to get everything cooked in time, the house clean, or maybe you will be driving across the country and are anxious to get on the road. Take a moment out of your day and think about the joys of your life. Our Heavenly Father has relayed this message to us through the Apostle Paul in Philippians 4:6 "Be careful(anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." Today, you may have a greater need that will not be satisfied with family and friends getting together. Your heart may be burdened for someone sick or maybe this is the first holiday season without someone special in your family. Don't lose heart but rejoice in the gift of life all around you and remember those who have passed with great joy and comfort. Don't let something so small distract you from the purpose of this holiday- Prayer and Praise!
In the first Thanksgiving Proclamation, George Washington wrote: A National Thanksgiving. Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God; to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly implore His protection and favor; Whereas both Houses of Congress have , by their joint committee, requested me to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer; to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness;
Be reminded this day where every good and perfect gift comes from: Almighty God! His Son Jesus Christ has made a way by which you and I can know Him. That is more than enough to be thankful for. Our hearts need to bow themselves this day, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.(Rev 7:12)
Unexpected Obstacles
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:3-5
Do you remember the days when you and your friends had an old-fashioned pillow fight? The kind where everyone was slinging at each other around the bedroom, and you were trying to be sneaky by having allies on your side. These provided a great amount of simple fun for every body until that one person got hurt and the fun and games had to stop. I can remember bracing for those moments when you were toe to toe with the opponent. If you were ready, the jolt from the pillow in the pillow case wasn’t that bad, because your feet were firmly planted. However, do you remember those blows that took you off guard and left you out of breath and stunned. Those got your attention and woke you up to reality. There is a real enemy out to get you.
Have you found yourself lately in a place where you are facing unexpected obstacles? Things that you didn’t know was coming. The best place to be when trials come is prepared through a daily discipline of prayer, accountability and in God’s Word. The Apostle Paul told the Ephesians to “take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:17-18). Paul instructed us to put on the whole armor of God, to realize that there was a real enemy (not of flesh and blood) to fight, and to be on the offensive with the Word of God and prayer. His advice was to be ready for what is coming. “Yes, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12).
We must also know that not one sparrow falls to the ground without our heavenly Father knowing about it (Matthew 10:29). Have you seen how many birds are flying around lately? This should give us great confidence that God has a perfect plan for everything that comes into our life. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). There are unnecessary troubles and trials that we can bring on ourselves that are our own fault. If we over spend our budgets, we are doomed for financial crisis. If we do not use words correctly when speaking to others, we can hurt feelings and destroy friendships in the process. We must take responsibility for our own actions and pay the consequences when we make the wrong choices. However, if your trial is simply out of your hands, know that God is so close and has His hand like the potter’s molding and shaping the heart of the vessel for His glory.
The diamonds of the world are not found on the surface of the ground, but in the deep places of the earth, where time and pressure have been applied. Our LORD doesn’t want you to be common, unattractive spiritually or drowned by the culture, but He has a desire to mold you into the image of Jesus Christ. Trials tend to have different affects. Sometimes, they make you stronger, because you are ready for them. At other times, they can reveal to you and me the weak spots of our lives that need to be guarded carefully. We must never let our guard down, but “be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walking about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Our obstacles are not unexpected if we are able to see the One who sees it all. We are no longer dealing with pillow cases and slumber parties but real life where lives are at stake each day. “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might” (Ephesians 6:10).
Do you remember the days when you and your friends had an old-fashioned pillow fight? The kind where everyone was slinging at each other around the bedroom, and you were trying to be sneaky by having allies on your side. These provided a great amount of simple fun for every body until that one person got hurt and the fun and games had to stop. I can remember bracing for those moments when you were toe to toe with the opponent. If you were ready, the jolt from the pillow in the pillow case wasn’t that bad, because your feet were firmly planted. However, do you remember those blows that took you off guard and left you out of breath and stunned. Those got your attention and woke you up to reality. There is a real enemy out to get you.
Have you found yourself lately in a place where you are facing unexpected obstacles? Things that you didn’t know was coming. The best place to be when trials come is prepared through a daily discipline of prayer, accountability and in God’s Word. The Apostle Paul told the Ephesians to “take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:17-18). Paul instructed us to put on the whole armor of God, to realize that there was a real enemy (not of flesh and blood) to fight, and to be on the offensive with the Word of God and prayer. His advice was to be ready for what is coming. “Yes, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12).
We must also know that not one sparrow falls to the ground without our heavenly Father knowing about it (Matthew 10:29). Have you seen how many birds are flying around lately? This should give us great confidence that God has a perfect plan for everything that comes into our life. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). There are unnecessary troubles and trials that we can bring on ourselves that are our own fault. If we over spend our budgets, we are doomed for financial crisis. If we do not use words correctly when speaking to others, we can hurt feelings and destroy friendships in the process. We must take responsibility for our own actions and pay the consequences when we make the wrong choices. However, if your trial is simply out of your hands, know that God is so close and has His hand like the potter’s molding and shaping the heart of the vessel for His glory.
The diamonds of the world are not found on the surface of the ground, but in the deep places of the earth, where time and pressure have been applied. Our LORD doesn’t want you to be common, unattractive spiritually or drowned by the culture, but He has a desire to mold you into the image of Jesus Christ. Trials tend to have different affects. Sometimes, they make you stronger, because you are ready for them. At other times, they can reveal to you and me the weak spots of our lives that need to be guarded carefully. We must never let our guard down, but “be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walking about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Our obstacles are not unexpected if we are able to see the One who sees it all. We are no longer dealing with pillow cases and slumber parties but real life where lives are at stake each day. “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might” (Ephesians 6:10).
Thursday, November 8, 2007
A Candle Lit in Darkness
(12:20AM Nashville, TN 12-31-03 I turned off all of the lights and watched the candle burn to remind me of Christ)
Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
The candle light in darkness glows
In stillness it flames and let’s you know
There’s always hope to carry on
For the new morn will come and darkness gone
The sun does rise with brightest light
Walking in the day there is no fright
Every action is exposed from head to toe
It’s easy to find your way and how to go
Darkness can be a driving evil depressing many men
If you haven’t been forgiven you’re trapped in it’s sin
Lost within the empty space of the heart
Look up to Jesus and ask for a new start
He gladly wants to meet your need
Come with repentance and the smallest faith of seed
Then too your candle can light up the night
You can sit and stare, what a beautiful sight!
Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
The candle light in darkness glows
In stillness it flames and let’s you know
There’s always hope to carry on
For the new morn will come and darkness gone
The sun does rise with brightest light
Walking in the day there is no fright
Every action is exposed from head to toe
It’s easy to find your way and how to go
Darkness can be a driving evil depressing many men
If you haven’t been forgiven you’re trapped in it’s sin
Lost within the empty space of the heart
Look up to Jesus and ask for a new start
He gladly wants to meet your need
Come with repentance and the smallest faith of seed
Then too your candle can light up the night
You can sit and stare, what a beautiful sight!
Afraid of the Dark?
2 Peter 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
Growing up, I was afraid of the dark. I always had to have my door open, in case something jumped out of my closet or came out from under my bed. I was easily afraid for some reason. Our house was right beside the highway, and I guess I was scared that someone might stop by and peck on my window in the middle of the night. The reality of this ever happening in the small rural town that I grew up in was highly unlikely, but for a child with an imagination that wandered, I needed security. My parents understood my childish ways completely and probably wanted me to quit waking them up in the middle of the night and wanting to sleep with them. And so, they purchased a night light for the bathroom right down the hall. With all of the lights off in the middle of the night, I could glance down the hall and feel secure and safe while I drifted off to sleep.
Have you realized that being afraid of the dark is still a great problem with adults? I thought that growing up would take away some of the fear of the darkness of the night. It has in a physical sense. My wife can tell you how I have trained myself to walk through the house in the middle of the night with no lights on and check all of the doors. I enjoy being able to avoid the obstacles; however, I do sometimes fear stubbing my toe when I stray off my path. The physical darkness today is nothing compared to the spiritual darkness that looms all around. Death is on every person’s trail. Sin and sickness weigh us down and many people live like there is no hope.
Just the other day, I talked with a 19 year old young man who told me that he didn’t think that he would live another year. He was raised in the projects, orphaned and was plunging down a sinful spiral of drugs, alcohol and sexual promiscuity. He was like a child without any hope. He didn’t have any parents to turn to or a night-light that could help him feel safe and secure. I asked him if he had ever heard or understood the gospel. He told me that he didn’t, and by the time I ended sharing the Word of God, he had a smile on his face. He had a glimmer of hope as I shared with him about the Light of the World— Jesus Christ. Only God knows the young man’s heart…
Where can we find security and safety with everything that is going on around us? We can trust and believe in Hebrews 4:13 which says, “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” God sees everything, and in knowing Christ, we do not have to be afraid of any of our tomorrows. “His word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalms 119:105). “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).
If you have lost your way, remember that we have a night-light to direct us through the darkness. It’s alive and is a great source of security and safety. The closer you get to it the greater your ability to see what is really going on in life. Don’t forget that your life may be a night-light that directs other to the source of light, life and love. In John 8:12, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
Growing up, I was afraid of the dark. I always had to have my door open, in case something jumped out of my closet or came out from under my bed. I was easily afraid for some reason. Our house was right beside the highway, and I guess I was scared that someone might stop by and peck on my window in the middle of the night. The reality of this ever happening in the small rural town that I grew up in was highly unlikely, but for a child with an imagination that wandered, I needed security. My parents understood my childish ways completely and probably wanted me to quit waking them up in the middle of the night and wanting to sleep with them. And so, they purchased a night light for the bathroom right down the hall. With all of the lights off in the middle of the night, I could glance down the hall and feel secure and safe while I drifted off to sleep.
Have you realized that being afraid of the dark is still a great problem with adults? I thought that growing up would take away some of the fear of the darkness of the night. It has in a physical sense. My wife can tell you how I have trained myself to walk through the house in the middle of the night with no lights on and check all of the doors. I enjoy being able to avoid the obstacles; however, I do sometimes fear stubbing my toe when I stray off my path. The physical darkness today is nothing compared to the spiritual darkness that looms all around. Death is on every person’s trail. Sin and sickness weigh us down and many people live like there is no hope.
Just the other day, I talked with a 19 year old young man who told me that he didn’t think that he would live another year. He was raised in the projects, orphaned and was plunging down a sinful spiral of drugs, alcohol and sexual promiscuity. He was like a child without any hope. He didn’t have any parents to turn to or a night-light that could help him feel safe and secure. I asked him if he had ever heard or understood the gospel. He told me that he didn’t, and by the time I ended sharing the Word of God, he had a smile on his face. He had a glimmer of hope as I shared with him about the Light of the World— Jesus Christ. Only God knows the young man’s heart…
Where can we find security and safety with everything that is going on around us? We can trust and believe in Hebrews 4:13 which says, “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” God sees everything, and in knowing Christ, we do not have to be afraid of any of our tomorrows. “His word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalms 119:105). “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).
If you have lost your way, remember that we have a night-light to direct us through the darkness. It’s alive and is a great source of security and safety. The closer you get to it the greater your ability to see what is really going on in life. Don’t forget that your life may be a night-light that directs other to the source of light, life and love. In John 8:12, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
Friday, November 2, 2007
Voice Box
(10-2-03 Dallas, TX 9:20AM)
My voice box has been shattered
As he continues to batter
My new living tissue
For He’s about to issue
My voice has been taken away
That His may come to stay
May the Word of God speak
For this vessel is too weak
Put the coal from off your fire
Onto my lips as power
Let the Word flow from within
Shedding light on mankind’s sin
For we have all fallen
Being equals our God is calling
Us to that strange land
In Sweet Beulah, let me stand
To proclaim its goodness
That shines into the wilderness
Being fed by your manna
Lift hands up to Glad Hosanna
Lord, I thank you that you have taken my voice
That now my heart can rejoice
For lip service was not enough to suffice
And now I have your sacrifice
A heart of praise for all your days
For a journey up ahead my blood has paid
You have no expenses to worry over
Just graze in the fields of my clover
For I am the Great Shepherd of the flock
And I AM controlling your voice box
Don’t worry about the time of standing true
For my Holy Spirit will speak to you
Turn up the amps and speakers loud
For in a few moments you’ll speak to crowds
The Joy of the Lord is your strength
So in confidence stand instead of clay’s weak
I know you may be wondering why
Don’t worry I have heard your cry
For it’s my voice that calls people to repentance
Yours can only count the attendance
I am the voice from within the bush
With flames of fire and winds that rush
The Word of God will speak through
That’s why I took the voice box from you
Exodus 4:10-12 And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say
My voice box has been shattered
As he continues to batter
My new living tissue
For He’s about to issue
My voice has been taken away
That His may come to stay
May the Word of God speak
For this vessel is too weak
Put the coal from off your fire
Onto my lips as power
Let the Word flow from within
Shedding light on mankind’s sin
For we have all fallen
Being equals our God is calling
Us to that strange land
In Sweet Beulah, let me stand
To proclaim its goodness
That shines into the wilderness
Being fed by your manna
Lift hands up to Glad Hosanna
Lord, I thank you that you have taken my voice
That now my heart can rejoice
For lip service was not enough to suffice
And now I have your sacrifice
A heart of praise for all your days
For a journey up ahead my blood has paid
You have no expenses to worry over
Just graze in the fields of my clover
For I am the Great Shepherd of the flock
And I AM controlling your voice box
Don’t worry about the time of standing true
For my Holy Spirit will speak to you
Turn up the amps and speakers loud
For in a few moments you’ll speak to crowds
The Joy of the Lord is your strength
So in confidence stand instead of clay’s weak
I know you may be wondering why
Don’t worry I have heard your cry
For it’s my voice that calls people to repentance
Yours can only count the attendance
I am the voice from within the bush
With flames of fire and winds that rush
The Word of God will speak through
That’s why I took the voice box from you
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Trampled On
“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you” (Matthew 5:10-12).
Saddened, I stooped down to pick up what was left of the brochure my church had made to pass out at the Pumpkin Festival at a near-by park. Some of the people of our church thought it would be a great idea to share Christ with others on a dark night both physically and spiritually. There were probably between two or three thousand children and adults that passed by our booth with open bags seeking a treat to enjoy later on in the night and weeks to come. The costumes ranged from a little boy dressed as an old man with a cane to numerous Spidermen and Princesses. It was quite a show to observe as we proclaimed Jesus—A fisher of men.
Have you ever seen someone not respect something of great value? A brochure doesn’t seem like much until your name or image is on it. Then, it becomes something you want to protect and have others respect. I noticed there was a trash can about three booths down, full of our brochures and many others. Let’s take this a step further by thinking of the American flag. Have you ever seen someone burning it or letting it drag on the ground? Immediately, the sense of patriotism rises up in your heart and you are ready for action. The brochure’s paper and the flag’s thread are nothing special until they are written upon or interwoven to create an emblem which bears an underlying spirit.
I wonder how God feels about how we have turned life, which is of great value in His sight, into something we do not protect or even respect that well. It must grieve His heart daily to see the way people treat other people, all of whom bear His image. Lives today are literally and metaphorically being thrown into trash cans through physical, verbal and substance abuse. Does anybody seem to care? God does…
His image is on every human being that is alive today. We have all at some point thrown part of our lives away to various sins. We have fallen short of His glory and found ourselves miring in the mud. He could stand to look at us face to face, and He was not able to cover His face with a mask. He came to reveal reality as stated in 2 Corinthians 4:6, “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” He was hung on an emblem that many wear around their necks. It has been looked down upon, ridiculed, been despised and rejected, yet it is still the emblem on which our Savior died. Three nails, two pieces of wood, thread and a piece of paper have a lot in common, that is, they are just common items we see almost everyday. However, the spirit behind them makes all the difference.
As I walked across the grass and noticed the church brochure that had been trampled under foot, I was compelled to pick it up, dust it off and carry it proudly because of what the church meant to me. The dust and shoe prints couldn’t keep me from bending down and rescuing it from further disgrace. God our Father felt the same way. When Jesus had been beaten, bruised for our iniquities, hung on the cross innocently and buried, God in His justice had to raise Christ from the dead. He has done the same for all who have come to Him through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. What a great hope we have! If you have been mistreated, disrespected, unappreciated, or despised for the name of Christ, you are blessed.
Saddened, I stooped down to pick up what was left of the brochure my church had made to pass out at the Pumpkin Festival at a near-by park. Some of the people of our church thought it would be a great idea to share Christ with others on a dark night both physically and spiritually. There were probably between two or three thousand children and adults that passed by our booth with open bags seeking a treat to enjoy later on in the night and weeks to come. The costumes ranged from a little boy dressed as an old man with a cane to numerous Spidermen and Princesses. It was quite a show to observe as we proclaimed Jesus—A fisher of men.
Have you ever seen someone not respect something of great value? A brochure doesn’t seem like much until your name or image is on it. Then, it becomes something you want to protect and have others respect. I noticed there was a trash can about three booths down, full of our brochures and many others. Let’s take this a step further by thinking of the American flag. Have you ever seen someone burning it or letting it drag on the ground? Immediately, the sense of patriotism rises up in your heart and you are ready for action. The brochure’s paper and the flag’s thread are nothing special until they are written upon or interwoven to create an emblem which bears an underlying spirit.
I wonder how God feels about how we have turned life, which is of great value in His sight, into something we do not protect or even respect that well. It must grieve His heart daily to see the way people treat other people, all of whom bear His image. Lives today are literally and metaphorically being thrown into trash cans through physical, verbal and substance abuse. Does anybody seem to care? God does…
His image is on every human being that is alive today. We have all at some point thrown part of our lives away to various sins. We have fallen short of His glory and found ourselves miring in the mud. He could stand to look at us face to face, and He was not able to cover His face with a mask. He came to reveal reality as stated in 2 Corinthians 4:6, “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” He was hung on an emblem that many wear around their necks. It has been looked down upon, ridiculed, been despised and rejected, yet it is still the emblem on which our Savior died. Three nails, two pieces of wood, thread and a piece of paper have a lot in common, that is, they are just common items we see almost everyday. However, the spirit behind them makes all the difference.
As I walked across the grass and noticed the church brochure that had been trampled under foot, I was compelled to pick it up, dust it off and carry it proudly because of what the church meant to me. The dust and shoe prints couldn’t keep me from bending down and rescuing it from further disgrace. God our Father felt the same way. When Jesus had been beaten, bruised for our iniquities, hung on the cross innocently and buried, God in His justice had to raise Christ from the dead. He has done the same for all who have come to Him through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. What a great hope we have! If you have been mistreated, disrespected, unappreciated, or despised for the name of Christ, you are blessed.
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