The Mystery of Love - Re-Posted

Oh Lord, You are the mystery

That I cannot explain
The loving heart despite my sin,
The joy that heals my pain.
You give me strength to carry on
When I feel crushed by strain,
And You have washed my life of sin
Clean of eternal stain.
You are the hope that never fails
When no hope should remain.
Oh Lord, You are the mystery
That I cannot explain.

Being On Guard - Re-Posted

Tonight I struggle with my thoughts,
I let my temper fray.
It feels like I have swerved off course
And I don’t want to stray.

I try to maintain vigilance,
I know you count on me,
But I am not as focused as
I know I ought to be.

So help me get back on the track,
To guard each thought and deed.
Help me stand firm in faithfulness,
Give me the strength I need. 

1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.

Keeping His Commands - Re-Posted

I thought it just a simple fact,

The way things ought to be,
But now I understand that some
See things disparately.
 
They seem to think the choice is theirs
To live by rules they make,
But He was quite specific when
He set rules not to break.
 
He didn’t say go your own way,
Your father understands.
He said that, if you love Him, then
You must keep His commands.
 
The statement was a simple one,
Even I understand,
So I’m confused at how so much
Has gotten out of hand.
 
Like weeds that sprout in summer grass,
Each one claims to know best.
Yet rules born of earthly desires
Won’t pass that simple test.
 
So go your way and make your choice,
But this is where I stand,
As I love Him, I'll do my best
To keep my Lord's command.
 
John 14:15
“If you love me, keep my commands.

New Life, Rejoicing - Re-Posted

With joy abundant they proclaim

They have been born anew,
And in the glory of their joy
I get a glimpse of You.
 
They have no shame, raising their praise,
Wearing their joy out loud.
They stand before the world You made
Rejoicing bright and proud.
 
Acts 5:20
“Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.”

In His Name - Re-Posted

He cast the stars across the sky

And lit their burning flame.
He called them forth from endless night,
They answered to his name.
 
He formed the wild and raging seas
And then whispered his name
Until the roiling waves were calm,
The seas were still and tame.
 
The skies and seas were born in him,
His wonders they proclaim,
And each one glistens with his light
To glorify his name.
 
Job 9:8
He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea.

Still Seeking Peace - Re-Posted

I’m seeking stillness in my heart

Like I find in this place,
But all my busy, whirling thoughts
Deny me that small grace.
 
I see the stillness of the pond,
Reflecting barn and sky,
In a silence filled with peace
And wonder, “Why not I?”
 
How can there be such peace in life
And so little for me;
Why can I not find in myself
The peace that sets me free?
 
Until I turn my heart to God
And listen for His voice
I’ll never know the peace He gives,
But I must make that choice.
 
Shall I live lost within the rush
That daily consumes me,
Knowing that those he cannot turn,
The devil makes busy.
 
Or shall I step back from the whirl
And, asking for God’s Grace,
Begin to let build in myself
The peace that fills this place?
 
Isaiah 65:24
Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.

Praying and Praising - Re-Posted

Yesterday was a hard one, Lord,

Today’s a rough day, too.
I’m praying, by tomorrow’s dawn,
That these hard days are through.
 
I know the way is never straight
The path’s a rocky climb,
But I could use a level place
To rest for a short time.
 
Yes, Lord, I know You have a plan
And that plan is in place,
But if it could fit in Your plan,
I sure could use some grace.
 
Okay, Lord, that is all for me,
My whining now is through.
But let me add one more, small thing…
I’m so grateful to You.
 
You lift me up when I fall down
And hold me when I cry.
On days like these, when all is rain,
You bring a clearing sky.
 
I get so caught up in the pain,
The chaos or the grief
That I forget, you offer more
Than just simple relief.
 
It is Your strength that sees me through,
Your love that dries my tears,
And it is knowing You are there
That helps me face my fears.
 
Oh Lord, I didn’t mean to gripe,
I’ve had a few tough days.
But while I pray for respite, Lord,
I also sing Your praise!
 
James 5:13
Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.