Why Doesn't God Heal?

I watched as the television program, “Christ For All Nations,” was healing many of the more than one-million people of Africa gathered to hear the word of God.

Again, the age-old question arose in my heart: Why in Africa and not here? Why doesn't Jesus heal here in America like He does in other countries.

That same question was raised in our women's study group last week. All of the sudden, without forewarning, the answer I’ve been looking for came forward loud and clear.

Jesus could not perform many miracles in His hometown because of their unbelief. “We know him,” they said. "He played in our streets as a child." He wasn't able to do much of anything there, accept to lay hands on a few sick people. (Mark 6:4-6)  

There are still certain places in this world that have very little compared to the western world. They don't have all the technology we have. No television, no social media, no cell phones, no movie theaters, and very little in the way of housing, let alone three square meals. These people have not been sensationalized or hardened with repeated sensory bombardment. 

These humble people are in need! They are looking for a savior! When they hear of Jesus, and that He died to save them, they flock to hear the good news. For them, He not only invites them to the marriage supper of the lamb (something to look forward to in the future), but heals their maladies right here, right now, as well. These people jump and shout and cry over what God has done for them, and they travel miles on foot to tell family and friends that they should come to hear God’s words of life.

Now take an honest look at what happens when Jesus heals one of us - the few He is able to heal. Our senses have been so flooded with supernatural achievements that little response is gleaned. Our stubborn hearts have seen it all. Very little moves us. So He can do very little for us. We have more need for a Savior than most of the people in those ravaged countries. But we think we have it all, we know it all, and we don’t NEED God. We have doctors.

When we get to the place where our reality hits us, and we realize that God is our only hope, then maybe - just maybe - we’ll provide Him with the opportunity to work, miraculously, in our lives too.  

3/30/2016

It's Who You Know

And Jesus said, “Now this is eternal life; that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”  (John 17:3)

Jesus was praying to His Father for Himself when He spoke these words. These words sum up the totality of the meaning of the gospel. 

May I paraphrase? 

Now this IS my eternal life…  

It is present tense, not along with any other prerequisite. It is that I know the Father, not know about Him, but know Him. In the original text, “to know" means to be “intimate with.” This goes far beyond having an acquaintance or a basic knowledge of.

…and Jesus Christ whom you have sent, so I may know both the Father and the Son, for to know one is to know the other.

The question is: do I want eternal life? If the answer is yes, then I have already been invited to look into pursuing an intimate relationship with my heavenly Father. 

It’s all about who I know, not about what I do! 

3/14/2016

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

Holding On

My tongue remains silent.

My mind searches for the proper path,

daring not to think of what might be.

Life takes its many turns.

What a dizzying reminder of how fragile

this unwanted day has become for me.

The hours and sacred minutes

take their proper place on my to-do list.

“What now?” repeats itself, over and over.

Now is the time for me to wait.

Now the God of the universe comes to fore.

Now my entire being leans full weight on Him.

The air I breath is shallow.

My heart is brittle; my eyes are swollen.

I evaluate and reevaluate and then start again.

The test has come unexpectedly.

Do I trust His hand? Do I trust His words?

I fall shattered and broken, waiting to be held. 

Is not God the Master of my way,

Holding me while storms and fiery darts passed by?

Yes, I will rest in His hands; I will trust His love.

For He is mine and I am His.

He gave me eyes to see Him without the light,

and ears to hear His voice over the din of day.

His words of promise are mine.

No matter how I feel He is always with me.

However it may look, I will forever believe in Him. 

1/19/2016

Through The Storms

Though the winds may blow,
you must always know,
there is one who walks beside you.

Though the earth may shake,
with a crumbling quake,
hold on to the one inside you.

When the fire is cast,
as a withering blast,
the angel host surrounds you.

For the Father of love,
lifts you over the flood,
So that peace and joy may find you.


copyright 12/25/2015

When I Need A Friend

Where do you turn when you need a friend, but no friend can be found?  Macaroni and cheese? Pot pie with peas?  A little - or a lot - of Rocky Road ice cream?  potato chips?

Where do you go when you need a friend, but no friend can be found?  A late night chick flick that makes you cry?  A place that's loud and raucous so you can escape? TV? 

Today I need a friend who understands; who will listen with me to rustling trees: walk with me through rays of glittering sun; tell me of the silent voice of living things.

Today I need a friend who speaks to me of hidden treasures deep within the heart. A friend that comforts me with their quiet presence, enduring even til morning light.

I have such a friend. To those who willingly open the door to the avenue of the soul He willingly shares His delicacies of wonder with every exchange along the way.


copyright 12/24/2015

My All To Give

Sing for joy to God our strength.

Shout out loud to the Lord of glory.

Clap your hands and praise His name,

for the Lord Almighty is with us.

Giving homage to the King of Kings;

A humble sacrifice I bring.

My all to give one life to live,

for the glory of His name.

copyright 11/11/2015

Experiencing His Presence

To experience the presence of God is to believe Him when He says He is with us and will never leave us or forsake us even when we cannot feel it; when everything we see and hear seems to shout "you are alone!"

copyright 12/18/2015

Where's The Rain?

 The Noah story has always fascinated me. There are so many aspects of this story that are relevant to me, as well to a great many others. 

I'm very curious about those 120 years of preaching. How did he vary a sermon about a doomsday flood that God told him was sure to come for 120 years? 

How did he explain a flood of rain when it had never rained? 

What kind of awesome connection with God did Noah have that even prompted him to believe God’s words in the first place? 

Did it really take Noah and his boys 120 years to build the ark or was a lot of that time spent talking to the people?

I could go on with the questions I have in regard to this epic story, but I would like to focus on the possible thoughts of the people who were watching this insanity unfold.

I can imagine them being very curious at the beginning, even to the point of concern for Noah’s mental well-being. But as time went by, the logic of such a devastating destruction might have seemed totally beyond comprehension. The longer it went on, the more bold they became in their opinion that Noah and his poor deluded family were nothing more than a joke. People might have come from far and near just to see the monstrosity they were building. “Where’s the water to float your boat Noah?”  This may have even turned into a great vacation destination; a superb entertainment as greater crowds gathered. Some of the locals might have even erected booths where trinkets were sold to commemorate their visit.  

As people were born and laid to rest and generations of time slipped by, Noah and his family finally finished the ark. "Now what?" the people asked. Do you suppose that most on-lookers reasoned that if Noah was right, they could just sit back and wait till it was certain?  Some may have thought, I’ll just wait long enough to see the clouds in the sky and feel a few drops of rain before I decide if this is legitimate or not.

What puzzles me most is the lack of response when the beasts of the fields, as well as an array of every species known to man, made their march, all in order, two by two, without man’s manipulation, into the ark. What?!! Come on, that’s got to stir something in the hearts of the observers.  Maybe fear?  Awe?  Wonder?  A deeper curiosity, perhaps?  Were they really going to just wait for the rain before they believed him?  

But Noah and his family entered the ark upon God’s command and the door was shut.  For the onlookers, there must have been a sigh of relief when a day went by with no rain. You can hear the crowd calling out to Noah, “Come on out Noah, the weather is fine!” Others taunting, “It smells lovely out here Noah, probably a lot sweeter than in there!”  Days passed and still no rain.  The crowds were sure to have considered themselves the wiser…

…until the rain came.

One might consider this story and apply it to our own current period in history and yet…. here we are again.

copyright 12/11/2015

In Or Out Of Line

There was a farmer who decided to test his sheep to see if they really were as dumb as people said they were. In order to accomplish this experiment he found a pole the length of the opening to the pen where they were kept at night.

That evening at feeding time he and his farmhand held the pole low enough for them to jump over but high enough to obstruct their way. When the pole was across the front of the gate, his son herded the sheep toward the pen.  The first sheep jumped over the pole, the second sheep jumped the pole, the third and so on until the farmer withdrew the pole.

Then the rest of the sheep… even without the obstruction, kept jumping where there had been a pole, only because they were following the lead of the sheep in front of them. 

So I have to ask myself, am I a follower?  Or am I willing to allow God to direct me on a different path, other than the one the world would deem to be the acceptable choice? 

I think most people would agree that it’s so much easier to follow the beaten path than the road less traveled.  But Jesus promised that if we choose to follow in His footsteps we will be in the minority; some may even oppose us.  The kind of opposition that will test the very fabric of our beliefs; especially when ridicule comes from the very people we love most. 

 

But in spite of that, today I choose the road against the expected flow, because I don’t want to fall into line with what the world is offering; wealth, lust, earthly treasure, prestige, etc.  Today I choose the road less traveled because on it I will find my God.  And my God is a personal God.  My God speaks.  My God laughs with me; never at me.  My God cries with me and for me.  My God loves me and accepts me right where I am standing.  

 

If you have never experienced what it means to know Jesus, if you are standing in line as a follower of worldly values, are you willing to be out of line in order to know what it means to really live?

12/6/2015

Songs We Sing

I love to hear the songs we sing,

of paying homage to our King.

We sing of blessing that He gives,

of hope and peace; good lives to live.

But what of those who’ve lost their way?

Do we sing for these throughout our day?

I hear the world sing songs of loss,

of broken hearts and bitter costs.

I wonder what the song would be,

if Jesus were to sing of me?

Lets Be Honest

I'm sitting here thinking about the importance of honesty, or integrity, truthfulness and being real. Whatever you wish to call it, my question is this: can any relationship survive without truth as it's foundation? 

I think that is the very reason why God actually hates lying. A relationship that is not based on openness and honesty is doomed from the start. Proverbs 6: 16 says He hates a lying tongue; especially since God is the truth and He is seeking those who will worship Him in spirit and truth. John 4;23  

An honest person welcomes the light of truth. A dishonest person rejects the truth for the comfort of darkness, for truth brings to light the hidden things they wish to remain hidden in the dark. The fallacy of that conception is nothing is hidden from God. He sees what actually is. He sees who we really are.

So, I guess the point of all this thinking out loud stuff is to say there really is no way to have a real relationship with God without being honest...or with anyone else for that matter...is there?


11/16/2015

Hallelujah

If you think you are any different then the people written about between the pages of sacred scripture, you would be wrong. They had all the defects and shortcomings you and I possess. 

The only difference was they allowed themselves to be available. 

God said "hallelujah!" 


11/12/2015

God's Faithfulness

Again I am posting a poem written many years ago. It is a reminder of my unsecured relationship with God; when I felt very much alone in my struggle with sin and forgiveness. The abyss between how I was and what I wanted to be seemed never to end. I am so very thankful for my Jesus unrelenting love and patience. I never want to be in that place again! 

Many times I have promised,
Scraps of paper tossed aside,
Wishing wells and fairy tales,
Never seeing what's inside.

You vowed you'd never leave;
I prayed I'd do the same.
I didn't know what faithful meant.
and played you as a game.

I was angry when you smiled.
The sun was not my friend,
but you just kept on loving me,
and turn my world on end.

I'll tell you what amazes me,
no matter what I've done,
you stand before your open door,
calling me toward home.

It's your faithfulness that keeps me now,
your faithfulness, that draws apart.
It's your faithfulness, so much faithfulness,
that breaks my heart.


copyright 10/5/2015

Live In Love

When we strip everything down to the bottom line, what is man's basic need? Is our basic need money? Is it a husband or wife, a house with a picket fence? 

We can have everything this world offers, but unless we know love, we often find we are still miserable; and searching for the meaning of life. Babies die for the lack of it; children grow up filled with hate because they have never experienced what true love is, so they lash out in bitterness of heart. We create a replica of love and think we have arrived, but soon find out the object of our affection is altogether human and transitory, so we turn from it disappointed.

People spend millions of dollars on psychologists, doctors, prescriptions, and books of self-help and philosophy along with a myriad of other things to bring light into their dark place. 

"What in this world is life all about?" is the cry of millions.

Where can we find the true meaning for our existence?

The answer is right in front of us where it has always been. Unfortunately, most of us turn our heads because we have had a negative experience where we have seen hypocrisy 
displayed from someone we've trusted. 

The answer is God. Yup, the One you have grown complacent about or perhaps even grown to hate. Or perhaps the One you just never took the time to really know. 

It is far easier, we think, to forge our own way. "God is love, whoever lives in love, lives in God, and God in him." (1 John 4:16)  He is the only one that will never leave me or forsake me. He is the only one who never lies to me, is the same yesterday, today and forever. Jesus is the only one who can change my darkness into light, carry my heavy burdens for me without payment or price. He is the only one that loves me with a love everlasting, that changes me from the inside.

Why, oh why, do we give up on God so quickly and cling to our own willpower and determination as if we have had great success with that? 

Why do we make something so simple so difficult?

copyright 10/30/2015

  

Trick Or Treat

The dogs I house-sit for often teach me meaningful spiritual truths.

When the two dogs are out playing, running or wrestling, and it's time to come in, I will start by calling for Henry. Henry is the youngest and most apt to listen to my voice. 

The dogs have long since understood that I am the master, the alpha dog, and obedience is rewarded for those that respond. Yet even with that understanding, the dogs seem to wrestle with the decision to obey, much like we, as humans, struggle with that on a regular basis. 

When I call Henry, I do so by name and tell him to come. He stops what he's doing and looks right at me. That immediate response raises my hopes for a return. But then he looks at Cassie, the older larger dog, who is bounding off through the grassy acreage in pursuit of greater pleasures. Henry will then look back at me and then again at his older mentor and then bound out to meet her.  

After a few attempts he finally responds to my commands and he and Cassie come inside. But it is not without taking a few moments to decide if he wants to obey or not. 
 
There is a lure for independence and the desire to be the one to call the shots in even the animals we seek to govern. We house them, feed them, love them, accept them, want them, and have rules for them to follow because we want to protect them. There is a treat that awaits them upon obedience. But they often see my call to them as a sort of trick to lure them into my control and away from their freedom and enjoyment.  
 
There is a decision to be made here for more than just the animals in our care. What would you choose?  To believe God's care for us is a trick or accept the benefits of obedience?   Trick or treat...



copyright 10/25/2015

Confounded Laws

The universe is made up of laws in order for it operate harmoniously. Correct?

when I choose to jump from my house top I expect to hit the ground. If I brake my legs in the process, I don't blame God for breaking my legs because I know I violated one of the universal laws, the law of gravity.

When I choose to violate one of the moral laws set up for man to live in harmony with each other, I expect, or at least hope to get away with it. why is it we blame God for the losses and pain we experience as a result? What's with that anyway?

When I choose the action, I'm also choosing the consequences.



copyright 10/26/2015

Expect Great Things

As a child I would love to go to town with my mother. I wasn’t very interested in shopping, but was utterly fascinated with the people I saw walking down the street. I wanted to know who they were. What did their faces tell me? What about the way they walked?  What did their eyes reveal about the kind of person they were?  What kind of mood were they in?  What story lay beyond the externals of their appearance? 

Early on, my explorations revealed an understanding that expectations greatly affected people’s relationships and how they chose to act.  Those expectations also affected the way they ultimately presented themselves to others…sweet and lovely, or sour and cantankerous.  Their attitudes determined by perceived and unfulfilled expectations were evident even as they walked down the street.

I have a saying I often use — expect great things — driven by a firm belief that God is pleased when we come to Him expecting great things.  This expectation we have for God’s goodness is quite the opposite of the pressure we place on our human relationships.  Grand expectations from spouses or friends will result in unfair demands or strained relationships because of failed expectations.  What we expect from each other can be unfair or insensitive or unbalanced because every one has experienced a different life story that has shaped their limitations or ability to give of themselves.  But our God is different.  His story is written in the Bible for all to read.  His gifts; His abilities; His limitations; He’s an open book.  

I envision a smile across the face of God when we trust Him completely with the greatest of all of our desires. Webster says that to expect is “to think something will certainly happen.”  When I pray to my God, I certainly expect Him to act.  And because He is faithful, He always acts.  No matter what we’re praying about, He will move, for our good and for humanity’s good.

Now comes the consummate question: Do we expect God to work as we expect, or as He understands that we need? You can see that the earlier definition of “expect” gives us the answer. “To expect is to think something will certainly happen.”  It doesn’t say that we should expect a specific thing to take place, but simply something.  God is working toward answering our prayer for help, not toward giving us whatever we want or demand.  

With human relationships, if we are not receiving what we feel is what we deserve, we are tempted to walk away from that relationship and maybe never return.  If we treat God in the same way — by walking away for good — we end up robbing ourselves of a great blessing.  We will never know what our Lord had in store for us, something better than what we were expecting because He knows what will ultimately make us happy. Yes, there are scenarios that would seem to belie what I just said, such as the loss of a child.  But we cannot see the end from the beginning as Jesus can.  We do not see what lies just around the corner that would be far more devastating if we only knew. 

We cannot always expect people to satisfy our every need, but we can always expect our Savior and Friend to satisfy our every need! 

Expectations.  What a complex word. Or is it?

Prisoner At Large

I wrote this piece about 20 years ago. As you can see, I was in a very different place than I am now. I wish to share this  with all those who feel trapped in a place they see as impossible. When we finally allow our heavenly Father and best Friend to the governing of each day, each obstacle, each overwhelming circumstance, we will find what we are looking for. We think we have to find a solution, we have to decide, to do, to set goals, we have to make something happen. But we don't, He does, and will!

There is a road I've never taken;
There is a way that seems less sure.
Reports are not exciting
with struggles to endure.

Is it possible to let go of me,
and let another be in charge?
I'm afraid of what might be;
afraid of what I cannot see,
yet something keeps on calling me.
I'm a prisoner at large.

Is there a word that can be spoken,
Is there a prayer that can be said
to loose this bound-up heart of mine;
breath life into the dead?

Let me hear the voice that whispers,
Let me reach the hand that saves,
I am longing for peace,
I am poised for release.
Will this fight ever cease?
I'm a prisoner at large.

I'm a prisoner at large,
Trapped inside of me.
Moving around, working the crowd,
Looking to be free.
I'm just a prisoner at large.

What Love Is

               

Wandering your world

in search of love? 

Let's speak of its meaning.

Let's ask What is love?

It is the tree in winter, 

ever holding its green,

The bloom in the desert,

with fragrance unseen.

It is the voice of peace

along darkened streets.

The hope of tomorrow,

for the wayward and weak.

It rises from valleys,

and rests in the storm;

it is balm for the weary,

and strength for the worn.

Love brings wanderers near,

makes cloudy skis clear;

believes everything possible

for trust without fear.

It will never be found

when you selfishly seek it.

But will be waiting for you, 

when you graciously give it.

What more can I tell you?

what more can I say?

Love is the picture

of God and His ways.

copyright 10/4/2015