Come Into The Deep End... with ImHisServant (3)

[bornagain91]

STAINED WINDOWS


“I looked outside and screamed aloud
Yet when I looked again
It wasn’t Jesus in the cloud
But dirt upon the pane!

A film of oil a smudge of grease
Had change somehow the light
It took away my inner peace
And gave me such a fright

Just like the window, Lord my heart
Has dirt for which I shame
But through the scare, I choose to start
Again to fear Your name

Forgive me please my wayward sin
Send forth Your precious Dew
Purge out the filth that dwells within
Ignite Your Flame anew

You see these tears I’m crying now
You hear the words I pray
With contrite heart I humbly bow
Allow this child to stay

This time I’ll keep Your every rule
I’ll serve with all my might
I’ll play no more the devil’s fool
If You restore Your Light

For here and now I understand
Too plain I see my ways
I value now Your outstretched hand
Allow me see Your face

I thank You for the filthy stain
You’ve used to set me free
I thank You for my windowpane
Through which The Truth I see”


Michael P. Johnson​

 

[ysl_75]

 

[Maharg]

Grea devotion, Christianna. I can't respond yet as my baby still lives in my womb! Despite this, my child is very much loved by me and by God.

Maharg

 

[Kristen.NewCreation]

STAINED WINDOWS


“I looked outside and screamed aloud
Yet when I looked again
It wasn’t Jesus in the cloud
But dirt upon the pane!

A film of oil a smudge of grease
Had change somehow the light
It took away my inner peace
And gave me such a fright

Just like the window, Lord my heart
Has dirt for which I shame
But through the scare, I choose to start
Again to fear Your name

Forgive me please my wayward sin
Send forth Your precious Dew
Purge out the filth that dwells within
Ignite Your Flame anew

You see these tears I’m crying now
You hear the words I pray
With contrite heart I humbly bow
Allow this child to stay

This time I’ll keep Your every rule
I’ll serve with all my might
I’ll play no more the devil’s fool
If You restore Your Light

For here and now I understand
Too plain I see my ways
I value now Your outstretched hand
Allow me see Your face

I thank You for the filthy stain
You’ve used to set me free
I thank You for my windowpane
Through which The Truth I see”


Michael P. Johnson​

This reminds me of an old old song called Stain Glass Windows. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

Hi Gina, how are things?

 

[bornagain91]

“DON’T JUST SIT THERE”


No matter what you say or do
God sent His Word because of you
He’ll dwell within if you believe
And says once there He’ll never leave

Whether you come whether you go
Allow the Lamp of God to glow
Though worldly eyes to Truth are blind
They see whose deeds are good and kind

However grand we try to preach
The worldly mind is hard to reach
Yet Heaven’s arms are long and true
Just share the word God gives to you

To play at church can none afford
We’re called to serve our living Lord
We're called to sew in every land
So all the world may understand

No matter where we’ve grown our roots
We know a Christian by their fruits
So don’t waste time within a pew
Use the Gift God gives to you

If you have Christ you know today
The word in you is here to stay
So rise and shine your light has come
We can’t afford just sitting dumb

Stand up and leave that nice warm seat
There’s work to do out in the street
Through Jesus Christ we’re more than blest
Let's spare a thought for all the rest

God chooses none just there to sit
All lamps on earth must first be lit
Help spread the oil that ends all doubt
That’s why in Christ God calls us out. Mt.28:19


Michael P. Johnson​

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

Hello

 

[cristianna]

Hello Evangelica!

 

[cristianna]

Ruined for Good
By Lysa TerKeurst



“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)



Devotion:
If you have kids, then I’m sure you’ve felt the frustration of having things ruined. Maybe you’ve experienced grape juice on the carpet, scratches on hardwood floors, permanent ink on your favorite shirt, or something similar. Ashley once went up the stairway with a crayon putting tick marks on our freshly painted walls with each step she took. Then she dragged the crayon all the way down the hall to her room. Yes, I said freshly painted walls. I wanted to pull my hair out by the roots!

I’d like to be a mom who handles mishaps and messes with a graceful, “That’s okay, Dear.” But I’m wired with firecrackers in my blood. So, I have to make the choice to let the Holy Spirit reign me in. This means getting into God’s Word every day and praying for Him to give me grace, patience and self-control. I have to make the choice every day to invite God’s spirit to interrupt my fleshly tendencies so that I can have gentle answers that turn away wrath.

God helps me with this through perspective changers. He shows me a different way to look at and process things that trigger my emotions. In response to my frustration with my kids ruining things, He gave me a sweet change of perspective that improved my outlook and diffused my anger.

While visiting Art’s parents, I took a liking to a writing desk in their home. I mentioned to my mother-in-law that I’d love to have it if she ever decided to get rid of it. But she was quick to tell me that she would never get rid of it because it was priceless. She unlatched the fold-down lid to reveal what made this desk so priceless. In a little boy’s handwriting the letters A-R-T were scratched onto the surface. She admitted to being angry with my husband when this happened, but now the scratches that seemed to have ruined her desk are priceless treasures to her. Her little boy’s handwriting is saved for her to cherish and remember. The desk had been ruined…for good.



Dear Lord, Thank You for perspective changes that help us to see past the here and now so that we can see Your truth which sets us free. We are freed from anger, firecracker emotions, short fuses and explosive tempers…free to reveal the YOU in us! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reflections:
In your journal, write about a frustrating experience that you’ve recently had with a loved one and how God might want you to change your perspective.

How might our actions change when our perspectives change?

What new thing might God be doing in your life today?

How would your relationships improve if you were less angry?



Power Verses:
Isaiah 43:18-19, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (NIV)

Ephesians 4:31-32, “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (ESV)

 

[Hisbygrace]

Blessed
By: Martina McBride

I get kissed by the sun each morning
Put my feet on a hardwood floor
I get to hear my children laughing
Down the hall through the bedroom door
Sometimes I sit on my front porch swing
Just soaking up the day
I think to myself, I think to myself
This world is a beautiful place

I have been blessed
And I feel I've found my way
I thank God for all I've been given
At the end of every day
I have been blessed
With so much more than I deserve
To be here with the ones that love me
To love them so much it hurts
I have been blessed!

 

[bornagain91]

TAKE A LOOK AT YOURSELF

Inside myself, I saw but hate
A sinner barred from Heaven’s gate
There must be more to life I’d thought
Since all my wealth amounted nought

Wandering here, rummaging there
If I should die would someone care?
Yet none I found could turn the tide
Torment and pain remained inside

I learned that sin; had birthed my grief
But what on earth could bring relief?
Depressed, I journeyed down and out
Was truly this; what life’s about?

To all but self, my heart was stone
I knew the blame was mine alone
How strange to savour sweet remorse
From deep inside an unseen force

A voice spoke forth an unknown peace
“For you I died to bring release
Upon the cross I bore your shame
So you my child could bear my name”

I looked around but nought I saw
Again the voice I’m Christ, Life’s Door
Today I’ve come to set you free
Repent my child and walk with me”

I thought in life I’d seen it all
Until I heard my Saviour’s call
Through Jesus’ grace my mind’s made up
I’ll drink no more from Satan’s cup

Through Jesus’ love my God I praise
I’ve Fire inside to mend my ways
I saw the door I entered through
I’m free thank God I’m born anew.

Michael P. Johnson​

 

[FireyAngel]

Thank you.

 

[bornagain91]

​

WHERE WILL YOU SPEND ETERNITY



An average life is awfully brief
But three score years and ten
Yet what takes place when like a thief
God’s Son returns again



Ever give though to where you’re bound
What happens when we die
Is truly hell beneath the ground
Is Heaven in the sky



We best walk safe and take a look
Place all the facts in view
Let’s scrutinize God’s written book
Let’s see if Christ is true



The bible says God made man first
To live and never die
But disobedience saw earth cursed
And death was born from high



A sinless man must run the race
Must take from death life’s crown
God says quite plain that by His grace
He sent Christ Jesus down



Its true mankind to death was cursed
Its here for all to see
But through God’s Lamb its all reversed
Through faith in Christ we’re free



Set free to serve our Lord and King
With joy with peace and love
We’re free to let life’s song take wing
To Heaven’s throne above



Now man through Christ has second birth
The bible tells it well
But those who doubt God’s Word on earth
Will reap eternal hell…



Michael P. Johnson​

 

[Kristen.NewCreation]

TAKE A LOOK AT YOURSELF

Inside myself, I saw but hate
A sinner barred from Heaven’s gate
There must be more to life I’d thought
Since all my wealth amounted nought

Wandering here, rummaging there
If I should die would someone care?
Yet none I found could turn the tide
Torment and pain remained inside

I learned that sin; had birthed my grief
But what on earth could bring relief?
Depressed, I journeyed down and out
Was truly this; what life’s about?

To all but self, my heart was stone
I knew the blame was mine alone
How strange to savour sweet remorse
From deep inside an unseen force

A voice spoke forth an unknown peace
“For you I died to bring release
Upon the cross I bore your shame
So you my child could bear my name”

I looked around but nought I saw
Again the voice I’m Christ, Life’s Door
Today I’ve come to set you free
Repent my child and walk with me”

I thought in life I’d seen it all
Until I heard my Saviour’s call
Through Jesus’ grace my mind’s made up
I’ll drink no more from Satan’s cup

Through Jesus’ love my God I praise
I’ve Fire inside to mend my ways
I saw the door I entered through
I’m free thank God I’m born anew.

Michael P. Johnson​

I love this. Thanks for sharing it.

 

[bornagain91]

NINEVEH DID
We say the truth has set us free
Yet for the world, we yearn –Lk.9:62
We still partake of what we see
And full of lust we burn –1Jn.2:15-17

We sing the song that Satan sings
We dance to all his tunes
Yet in our hearts The King of kings
Sees only whitewashed ruins

If man won’t live the way he should
He’ll die for what he’s done –Dt.24:16
For God said Tyre and Sidon would
If they; had known His Son –Mt.11:21-22

Jonah, sent to Nineveh town
God’s word, he had to give –Jnh.1-2
Their sin and pride came tumbling down
And God allowed them live –Jnh.3:6-10

If true repentance would awake
If man weren’t Satan’s harlot
If we would learn from each mistake
We’d rise to Heaven’s door

But as it is, the world at large
Considers Christ, as strange –Jn.1:5
Where Satan still has total charge
Yet no one wants to change –Jn.8:44

Still cesspool minds are in decay
Still hypocrites pretend
So as it was in Noah’s day –Mt 24:37-41
Satanic filth will end

No matter who The Father’s sent –Lk.16:31
Man’s sin and pride soars high
But will you live will you repent
Or like a fool yet die –Lk.13:3…
Michael P. Johnson

 

[cristianna]

A Matter of the Heart
By Micca Campbell



“A happy heart makes the face cheerful...” Proverbs 15:13A (NIV)



Devotion:
Shelly is the most caring, considerate, and joyful person that I’ve come across in a long time. Before she ever opens her mouth to speak, her glowing, cheerful face gives evidence to a heart that is content.

As the wife of a youth pastor, Shelly is sometimes bombarded with teens that are rude, selfish, and down right mean. Yet, Shelly always maintains her poise and Christ-like character. In fact, it doesn’t matter who she is speaking with—teen or adult—if they are having a bad attitude, their perspective will soon change after a few minutes with Shelly. Her positive outlook automatically takes them to new heights. No one can be around Shelly for long before their manner is changed and they feel uplifted, encouraged, and thankful. What’s her secret? Shelly maintains the right heart attitude in every situation, and in doing so; others are drawn to Christ in her.

On the other hand, being in the presence of someone who is gloomy, impatient, unthankful, prideful, selfish or has an undue attachment to worldly objects, leaves us unsettled. Usually, this is the type of person no one wants to be around. The unpleasantness can be detected quickly in both the countenance and speech of that person – it is the outward reflection of their heart. Matthew confirms, “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34, NIV). Whether the condition of the heart is good or bad, it will be seen on the face and heard through the spoken word.

So, like Shelly, how do we cultivate the right heart attitude that results in a cheerful face and pleasant speech?

We Must Cultivate a Thankful Heart
Have you ever noticed that thankful people are thoughtful people? Thankful people never forget the kindness that’s been shown to them by God or others. As a result, they become more attentive towards the needs of others. Thoughtfulness is the fruit of a thankful heart.

We Must Cultivate a Trusting Heart
People who trust God are content and it shows. They have learned to say in troubled times, “Lord, this is not what I would have chosen, but knowing that You have my best interest in mind, I will trust You.” Psalm 61:8 states, “Trust in Him at all times, O people. Pour out your heart before Him. God is a refuge for us.” Those who learn to trust God’s heart when theirs is breaking find contentment and peace in times of trouble.



We Must Cultivate a Humble Heart
Humble people are happy people because they rely on God for everything through prayer. A humble heart runs to God for daily strength. “Lord, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear.” (Psalm 10:17 KJV). We don’t capture the ear of God by grumbling and complaining. God is eager to listen to our cries when we humbly depend on Him through prayer. Here is an easy example for praying with a humble heart.


P—Praise Him for all things—good and bad.

R—Remember to thank God for all He has done.

A—Ask God for His provision for others.

Y—Pray for yourself.


When we approach each day with a heart that is thankful, trusting, and humble, our happy faces will testify that we are content in God alone. Soon, others will notice and be drawn to the heart of God in you.



Dear Lord, I want to be the kind of person that reflects Your heart. Help me to always be thankful and humble, trusting in You for all things so that contentment may be felt on the inside and seen on the outside, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.


Reflections:
On a 3 x 5 card, write down ways you can cultivate a thankful heart, a humble heart, and a trusting heart. Meditate on these until each one becomes a reality in your life.

How would others describe you? Cheerful or grouchy?

Who do you know that always has a smile on their face and contentment in their heart?

How can you cultivate these heart qualities and what would be the benefit?



Power Verses:
Proverbs 15:30, “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.” (NIV)

Proverbs 15:15, “All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.”(NIV)

Ecclesiastes 11:9, “Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment.” (NIV)

 

[bornagain91]

GOD’S HEALING POOL
Pestilence, war, loneliness, stress
With such has man to cope
While faith in God is growing less
And with it, precious hope


Abandoned, are the pews of old
Replaced with merchant stands
To gambling halls, are churches sold
Throughout our Christian lands


God’s healing pools are dry and still –Jn.5:1-15
To stir, no angel’s near
God’s children should receive their fill
And learn His name to fear


Too many still are sick today
Too many die in shame
To selfish lust they fall astray
Bearing the devil’s name


“Revival” cries the chosen few
“Lord hear; who yet remain
Pour forth we pray Your grace anew
Revive us once again


Allow Your Oil to flow once more
Endue within Your Light
Anoint us Lord, as those before
And send us forth in might


We need to bring them to Your feast –Mt.22:1-14
Excuses count for nought
We need to spread Salvation’s yeast –Mt.16:6
Till all Your fish are caught –Mt.4:19


We must return to fasting prayer
Isaiah fifty-eight
Take heed, to do what’s written there
And see if God’s not great”…
Michael P. Johnson

 

[Maharg]

Those who learn to trust God’s heart when theirs is breaking find contentment and peace in times of trouble.

Thank you for the devotion. Things are a little tough at the moment, so this is a timely mesage.

Maharg

 

[cristianna]

Lights…Camera…Action!!
By Lisa Robertson



“A voice of one calling: ‘In the desert prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God.’” Isaiah 40:3 (NIV)



Devotion:
“Prepare the way of the Lord” is the title of the production that I direct every year. As the producer, I am responsible for the props, costumes, food and the performers. Even though preparations are made throughout the year, the show opens and closes in just one day - December 25th.

As the mother of five children, Christmas day is not my most successful day. Pressures, emotions and very high expectations dominate what should be a day of joy, reverence and gratitude. One of my lowest moments of mothering was on December 24th one year. Arriving at our church barely in time for my children to be dressed as angels and camels, I sat in the pew weeping. A young woman came up to me and told me that she was touched by my deep spiritual sensitivity. That couldn’t have been further from the truth! I was crying because I knew that I was the worst mother in the world. Before leaving the house with the children dressed in their matching Christmas clothes, I had a complete meltdown. I forced them into the car and chased them into the church.

Is this the way that we are supposed to celebrate the greatest gift ever given in the history of humanity?

God set the stage for the coming of His Son! He revealed His plan to many people over hundreds of years to prepare His people for their Savior. Did you know that in the Old Testament, over 400 Scriptures describe in detail the life of Jesus Christ? We should be prepared for Christmas! Decorating, shopping, gift giving are not the most important preparations we make.

Advent is the season of preparation. It begins this year on December 2. A key element of Advent is the light of Christ. In many church traditions, the weeks before Christmas incorporate the use of an Advent wreath, both in the church and in people’s homes.

The Advent wreath includes five candles. On December 2, one candle will be lit. The next week- two candles are lit and the weekly lighting continues until the last Sunday before Christmas. The progression of the lighting of the candles depicts the progression of the light of Christ as He penetrated the darkness of this world. The gradual increase of the light reminds us of the gradual increase of sunlight at dawn.

Advent has become the most important part of my family’s Christmas preparations. In these weeks, we gather daily and learn about the faithful promises of God. Over the centuries, God spoke His word and has been faithful to fulfill it. The Advent readings reflect on God’s promises to send His Son. Such as in Isaiah 7:14: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel’” (NIV). “Immanuel” means “God with us!” He has also promised to return to the world again as the “...KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS” (Revelation 19:16, NIV).

Often on the day after Christmas I wonder what went right and what went wrong. If I spend time preparing my family during the Advent season for the coming of Christ at Christmas, the chaos of Christmas preparation becomes a peaceful radiance of Christ’s presence in our lives. This is the greatest gift that I receive each Christmas.



Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Jesus. Help us to prepare our families for the coming of Christ this Christmas. Let Your light shine in our hearts and homes as we prepare for Christmas day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.


Reflections:
Begin a new Christmas tradition! This Advent season go to your craft store and buy the supplies for an Advent wreath. Make it, and place it on your dining table. Each day learn about how God prepared His people for the coming of Christ at Christmas by reading key Christmas passages in the Bible.

In what ways can you bring the light of Christ into your home before Christmas?

How can you make your Christmas preparations less about “stuff” and busyness and more about preparing to receive the gifts from your Heavenly Father?



Power Verses:
Isaiah 9:2, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” (NIV)

Isaiah 9:6, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.” (NIV)

 

[ysl_75]

P—Praise Him for all things—good and bad.

R—Remember to thank God for all He has done.

A—Ask God for His provision for others.

Y—Pray for yourself.
Thanks for your good sharing and I loves this word P R A Y!very meaningful ya!God bless you!