Who Is Waiting On Who?

Who Is Waiting On Who

 

“Go and shew yourselves unto the priests.”

Perhaps these were words they expected the least.

Why didn’t Jesus say , “I pronounce you healed.”?

Could it be there was truth He wanted revealed?

These lepers were cleansed as to the priest they went.

Their obedience preceded the miracle that was sent.

Many times we can feel like we’re waiting on God.

Could He be waiting on you? Don’t think it odd

that faith on our part does require action

to see our prayer answered and have satisfaction.

What is it that God, of you would require?

Will you willingly obey that you might acquire

the thing for which your soul doth hath need?

Exercise your faith by performing the deed.

There is victory ahead, a miracle in the making

if your obedience is the first step you’re taking.

11/26/18

 

Luke 17:11-14  And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.

And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:

And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.

And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. 

The Propelling Power Of Hunger

 

In a third world country

an extremely thin man stands alongside

a cow at a garbage dump, both driven

by the need for something

to eat . A foreigner, professional

photographer, sees this as a photo op

and begins snapping pictures.  The scavenging man

is not influenced in the slightest by the flashing

camera, quest to fill his screaming stomach

completely dominates.

 

Four teenage boys were drunk again

on a  Sunday evening, seeking a temporary

oasis from their miserable lives. As rain began to

come down harder, they stumbled to the corner

where they heard music and robust singing.  They

were in front of the “weird church” as the crowd

they ran with had called it.  Seeking asylum from

the pelleting  droplets, they decided to go in.  Slipping

in the back row, they sat for a few minutes, simply

observing, until one of them began to snicker. These

people with their eyes closed, hands raised and some of

them speaking strange foreign languages just seemed so

funny. Soon they were all snickering and rib poking

though most members  seemed unaware of their antics.

A disgruntled looking usher made his way toward the platform

motioning to a man sitting behind the pulpit.  A brief discourse

took place between them. The man eyed the youth at the

back of the church and shook his head. As the usher returned

to his post, the man seated behind the pulpit came

forward and begin to read a text. One of the boys,

 the one with the plaid scarf

found that he was suddenly sober

while the disrespectful titters continued to

come from the others. As the man in the front spoke

the sober lad began to feel a multitude of emotions

regret

   guilt

       shame

          remorse

                    and a strange longing.

After only fifteen minutes an altar call was given.

The leader of the blitzed boys whispered

that it was time to go. As they exited the pew,

the lad with plaid turned the opposite direction,

Walking to the front of the church

peer pressure lost its grip as

a ravaging inner famine drove

him to fall on his knees

where he wept himself

into the presence of

the Almighty and loving God.

 

10/11/18

 

 

 

The Gilded Leaves Of Autumn Sigh

The gilded leaves of autumn sigh

and herein lies the reason why

soon, they know, their time to die.

 

Adorned for a season with colors grand

and yet somehow they understand

death by their Maker has been planned.

 

But many before have been blown and swirled

with Goodman Gust have danced and twirled

as if not to have a care in the world.

 

“A leaf I’ll be always” is there perception

crafted by a draft of deception

eternity is a far future conception.

 

And so they spend their days in ease

living free spirited among the trees

letting the winds blow where they please.

 

If they’re honest though, they have a hunch

colors will fade, be reduced to a crunch

grim reaper will give the knock out punch.

9/17/18

 

 

 

 

What Many Throw Away

Many consider it worthless as dross,
something that into the trash you should toss.
Let’s take a look from another perspective
and see wherein lies useful beauty, effective.
It can make great bedding for your pet.
Economically, it is your best bet.
When the kids are bored on a rainy day,
you can use it to whip up some papier-mâché.
To soak up those spills that are accidental
you’ll find it to be very instrumental.
Employ it to make stuffed animals, soft toys
that will be a delight to young girls and boys.
To bring some warmth to a crusty, old codger,
pack it in a tube sock to make a draft dodger.
Save it by colors, and tear it apart
to create truly stunning works of art.
Make a new Fuzzy Wuzzy just because
you can fill him with this cost effective fuzz.
In case you’ve not guessed from each given hint,
I speak of the charm of dryer lint.
Before I end my utterance, just let me say
we can also apply this in a spiritual way.
Oddballs, losers, misfits that many would cast aside
are still precious souls for whom Jesus died.
If they will surrender themselves to the Master
He’ll make beauty out of what would have been a disaster.
My life changed by one touch of God’s fingerprint,
and I’m happy to be counted among the Lord’s lint!
10/26/18

 

dryer lint

 

yarn made with dryer lint

 

art work made with dryer lint

Winter Wildflower

There bloomed a winter wildflower
because God wanted you to know
limitless, His might and power
in your season of cold and snow.

Testing seemed to zap your strength but
there bloomed a winter wildflower.
God longs for you to see that what
you need can bloom at zero hour.

So dead appeared rose’s bower
in this frigid, chill nipping land.
There bloomed a winter wildflower,
product of Father’s loving hand.

Spring has come to your grateful heart.
Satan failed to devour.
Where he sought to plant doubtful dart
there bloomed a winter wildflower.

10/22/18

Give Us The Facts From The Book Of Acts

Just imagine you could bring a Bible character back to this earth for a season. Who do you think you would choose? I chose Peter, and here is why.

 

Peter, it’s such a blessing to have you back on earth
because our world is confused when it comes to the second birth.
Jesus gave you the keys. You’re the man who has the facts.
Please dispel all fake gospel news by taking us back to the book of Acts.
Show us that you never said to accept the Lord as our Savior.
You never preached or taught that that is how we find God’s favor.
You taught that Jesus died, the cross was His death sentence,
and we to sin, must also die, through the way of repentance.
After His awful death to a borrowed grave He was carried.
We identify with this, when in Jesus’ name baptism we’re buried.
Three days later Jesus resurrected after He had been killed.
We rise up to walk in the newness of life, when with His Spirit we’re filled.
The evidence of this infilling in God’s Word is clearly shown.
When His Spirit takes up residence, we’ll speak in a tongue unknown.
Yes, take us back in time, please, Peter, to the day of Pentecost,
when you preached that inaugural message to a multitude so lost.
So many believe in doctrines today that have totally been perverted.*
Let us read and heed God’s original plan, that we might be converted.

10/9/18

*perverted=changed

“He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:15-19

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.” Acts 2:36-39

“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:6-8

Parable Of The Talents

Five talents Phil was a very gifted man.

Compelling truth in his oratory was heard.

There was no doubt in any that he was

proficient and anointed in teaching God’s Word.

 

To many, he showed the way of salvation

just as Peter preached in Acts 2 and 38

and though multitudes rejected the message of truth

there were some redeemed from a damnable fate.

 

Two talents Tessie was an average young lady

although not brainy, she had a great heart.

She searched out ways to help the needy

and in doing thus, God’s love did impart.

 

Her selfless acts of kindness and care

aided those helped to open their spirit

that otherwise would be closed to God’s plan

now their ears were susceptible, so they could hear it.

 

One talent Winston was a fainthearted fellow

although he had obeyed the plan of salvation.

He was content to keep his mouth shut

and not offer to any escape from damnation. 

 

He thought, “I could never win a soul to truth.”

Love for God was trumped by fear of rejection

so he never reached out to neighbors or friends,

thinking it would be his protection.

 

And so the time of reckoning came

for these three who had passed away

each in turn had to stand before God

to give account on the judgment day.

 

Five talents Phil came and  stood before God

and for him, there was nothing but praise

for the work he had done, the souls he had won

during his earthly days.

 

Two talents Tessie was next to approach.

God’s response to her made her glad.

Although not the brightest of the bunch

she did her best with the talents she had.

 

As one talent Winston drew near to the Lord

His head was hung down in shame.

For somehow he knew instinctively

his reward would not be the same.

 

Slowly he began to offer excuse

of why doing God’s work was denied,

how he thought that none would believe him

why his light he chose to hide.

 

God said, “When I filled you with my Holy Spirit,

I gave you just what you would need

to impact your world with the gospel

yet My words, you chose not to heed.

 

And so the plight of one talent Winston

who made excuse and believed not

cast into a place of great torment

that eternally does burn hot.

 

A lesson we learn from this parable

if we’re so inclined to hear

let the wise in heart apply it

with a godly and reverent fear.

 

9/20/18

Whatsoever He Saith

Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

These words of Mary to servants were spoken.

Their obedience to Jesus would be the token

of a miracle. They were about to view it.

 

Jesus told them, the waterpots to fill.

Perhaps this seemed a strange request,

but their compliance would soon be blessed

with water turned to wine. What a thrill!

 

What is it that the Master asks of you?

Does it by chance to you seem odd?

Please remember that obeying God

is always the right thing to do.

 

I’m convinced more miracles we would see

if when God speaks to us through His Word

we would become doers of what we’ve heard.

It’s the sure path to victory.

9/6/18

 

“His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.  When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.” John 2:5-11

 

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” James 1:22

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Confession And Prayer Of One Derelict In Duty

 

Lord, I come before you with confession.

My prayers of late have been a little cold.

They ‘re sounding  like a jumbled mumbling session,

not pleas of interceding saints of old.

 

Often, do I ask for daily bread,

help to face the pressures of this life,

neglecting in strong wrestling to be lead

for those who still are lost in sin and strife.

 

So let my heart be broken once again

with the weighty things that break the heart of God

the perishing, precious souls of unredeemed men

who upon this earth do everywhere  trod.

 

Your loving burden, pour into my spirit

as Your blessed face I humbly seek.

Anoint me, that your word I’ll take and share it.

With boldness, may I go and stand and speak.

 

8/31/18

 

“Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.” Acts 5:20

Of Winds And Chimes

 

Wind

A natural but invisible
      force designed by God
              Almighty, unperceived
                   as to origin or pathway but with
               effects
      that can be felt.

Chimes

                      Decorative pipes are activated by
               each breeze, treating the hearer
         to a complimentary
outdoor concert.

Wind

is a term also used to describe
              God’s unseen Spirit, which is
                           evidenced by a noise as
                                   His Holy Word declares.

Chimes

            Human vessels give miraculous sound
                      when reborn from above,
                              profound, ethereal
               tongues of men and of angels
        When God’s gracious gust 
                          Inundates
                                 Inhabits
                                      Possesses.

8/17/18

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:1-4

“The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8