A New Creation

From the first breath of an ancient dawn,

could be seen creation’s fresh new morning.

Where the labyrinth play as cedars pray,

until wisdom’s owl begins his evening post,

of the midnight swan gliding on still waters. 

Hear the echoes cry through corridors of time,

giving way to things contrary to royal conception.

What might it be like if the labyrinth still played,

unmolested through living green and swallow's song,

 as eagles wing their unfettered flight toward home?

Man and nature raise their heads in anticipation,

of the breath of a present dawn to be seen by all.

This Holy wind swells into a glorious new morning. 

A beginning again, where hallowed halls ring of

victory chants, and galaxies join in triumphal song.

copyright 2/21/2016

What Difference Do I Make?

And God said, “You know what? You go on up to the land flowing with milk and honey, but I'm not going with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way." (Exodus 33: 3,4) When Moses relayed this message to the children of Israel, they were greatly disturbed and began to mourn.  The Israelites had turned away from God and as a result, they took the risk of having to fend for themselves.  

Today we see the awful results of man’s turning away from the only true God. It comes in the form of acts of terrorism, violence, and destruction. The curious thing is that these acts are often perpetrated in the name of God, (but not the God I know) for the ruination and death of thousands in despicable ways. We also have experienced the deterioration of society and the sanctity of family as man moves farther and farther away from what was established for our happiness.

True happiness and peace is generated by the love we have for one another, because without love there is no happiness. God is love (1 John 4: 7,8).  So you see, without the presence of God, we self-destruct. The children of Israel were wise enough to know that without God’s presence with them they didn't have a chance.

Jesus said "I am the way, the truth and the life." (John 14: 6)  Therefore, without God there is no love, there is no happiness, there is no life.

 

All the good things in life come from the source of life. It is separation from God that results in death. The presence of God, then, becomes essential.

Moses said to God in Exodus 33:16, “If you do not go with us, what else will distinguish me and your people on the face of the earth?”  The only difference between us and the world is the presence of God. 

Jesus has chosen me and you to carry His presence within us to make a difference in this world of ours.  For, as without God there is no life, with God there is life everlasting (John 5: 24). How awesome is that thought! We who have accepted Jesus into our lives actually bring, with us, life to a dying world.

The antediluvian world did not all perish, because of Noah, the one man in all the earth who knew and carried God.

In this time of hate, fear, and tragedy, when the world seems doomed to destruction, God has YOU to spread His message of Love and that is a great privilege for us.  What better way to honor Him than by shining our light in His name.  

copyright 2/21/2016

Two Baptisms

When Jesus breathed His Spirit into man at creation he became a living soul. Because that spirit came from Jesus, it was as if He lit a holy flickering flame that He placed deep within us to keep us connected with Himself. That flame could be compared to a pilot light. We often refer to it as conscience. When we get to know the Author of  life, we call it the Holy Spirit. 

As John was preaching and baptizing in the wilderness of Judea by the Jordan river, he proclaimed, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near." (Matthew 3: 1,2)  In verse 11 he says, “I baptize you with water for repentance,” but speaking of Jesus in that same verse he says, “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

So, it appears that there are two different baptisms of which John is speaking. The first one would be a public confession of repentance; a turning away from your old life of sin and confessing Christ as Lord of your life. Going down into the water symbolizes dying to sin, being buried in the water and being raised into new life. It also symbolizes being washed clean, as a new start.

The second baptism comes after the time you confess Jesus as Lord. At that time, Jesus blows on that little pilot light within you and it becomes a mighty flame equipping you with the Holy Spirit’s power. As the Spirit takes up residence in your mind and heart, that spirit changes you. That flaming fire spills out for all to see. That fire gives you the power to speak His name.  That fire cast out fear.  That fire allows you to stand when all hell breaks loose upon you.

And just like all the other gifts God gives you, it never diminishes with use, it only increases and grows. This baptism allows you to be Christ’s witness before the universe that is looking on. You can witness of the Holy Spirit’s ability to change you, and to change those around you. 

Wow, what a privilege is ours!

copyright 2/17/2016

Who Gets The Press?

With all the political hype going on here in the United States, it has caused me to stop and ponder a phenomenon that has great spiritual applications. 

As the candidates spar for recognition, they purposely say and do things to get noticed by the press. It doesn't seem to matter how outlandish it is, they use the moment to get out in front.

The media realizes the general public is easily bored by the usual rhetoric so they focus their attention on the ones with the most politically incorrect comments, acknowledged or unacknowledged grandiose achievements, etc. etc. Whatever gets the attention of the masses is the primary goal. It doesn't seem to matter about truth, integrity, or ethics, as long as you are able convince the masses that you are the one to pick.

Then I realized that this is the very thing Satan uses to get us confused and off track. He does things in our lives, every kind of hurtful thing, to get us to focus on the difficulties in our lives instead of the everyday blessings we receive from our maker. The devil wants to be the center of attention and will do anything to get it.

How many more times is my attention drawn to the problems; the negative, versus the positive? Jesus works quietly as the Spirit whispers in our ears, "This is the way, walk in it." Isaiah 30:21  Whereas the devil is the "bull in the china shop" blustering and breaking his way into our lives intent on destruction.

The choice is entirely mine to make. Will I focus on the enemy as a mastermind, who is luring, deceiving, and manipulating?  Or will I acknowledge today that the devil is a defeated foe, trying his best to get me to doubt that truth?  He throws his fits as a child kicking and screaming for attention. We can stand in awe of his power to destroy or see him as he really is, a masquerading wannabe with no power over you except as you give it to him.

Today I choose to live in the light and joy of the knowledge that victory is in Jesus. And I rest in Him, no matter the antics of the enemy.

What will you choose?



copyright 2/5/2016

All That Is Void

From bleak desert sands comes restoring rain. 
From out of the vastness of space comes nearness.
From emptiness comes fullness of unhindered joy.
From a barren well comes the river of renewed life.
From all that is void comes Jesus, who fills us up.


copyright 2/7/2016

The Option To Run

As the enemy mimics the lions roar, do we respond with fear? Do we run, do we hide? As he slinks through the grass in search of his next prey, are we aware or do we drink from the waters edge with nary a glance. 

It seems so evident, his obsession with destruction, as he tares away at the very fabric of our being. Disease is picking up momentum, chaos and hatred is on the rise; those we love struggling to make sense of the negative, needing a joyful noise; a little fresh air and light.

The option to run to the strong tower (Jesus name) is always at our disposal. Proverbs 18:10. How often do we actually run to that name?

I am reminded of Adam and Eve when doubting the words of God ate of the forbidden fruit; upon which they were suddenly aware of their nakedness and were afraid. 

When Jesus entered the garden in search of His wayward children, they ran and hid. What do you think would have happened if they had run to Jesus instead? We confess to you our sin oh holy Father.

Running away from or ignoring the evil around us only puts us under the authority of the devil. But if we run to Jesus.....
That changes everything.


2/4/2016

The Time Of Resurrection

The bleak blasts of winter calls us to the warmth of hearth and home. We wait in great expectation of Spring’s breaking when the sun spreads its blanket over the frozen earth, whispering to dormant seeds to awake out of sleep, for the time of resurrection. 

I long to know the day of visitation. I raise my eyes for a glimpse behind the covering clouds that still hides your face from view. So many voices giving directions; so many arrows pointing. But the time of wandering and waiting is over. The time to rise has come. 

copyright 2/01/2016