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

bornagain91 · Nov 21, 2007

THE KINGDOM
God’s Kingdom now is plain to see
The Truth and second birth
Coming to us by Royal decree
Flowing throughout the earth –Lk.13:21

Some wonder what it’s all about?
Why life becomes us strange
Why yet each day brings fear and doubt?
And why there’s little change?

We can’t give up, or think God slow
He’s faithful, wise and true
The Wind blows where it ought to blow
And God knows what to do

Most step by step the change takes place
Once Jesus Christ we meet
Like Enoch, Moses, face to face
Or waiting at His feet

In them, true faith begins to rise
Who’ll hunger now and thirst –Isa.58:-
The Truth will open up their eyes
Who’ll put The Saviour first

Who’ll love The Lord with all their might
Who’ll love their neighbour too!
To these, will dawn God’s Guiding Light
With love as morning dew

We feel inside, we know He’s there
The surging promised Spring
We drink God’s Spirit deep in prayer
And when Christ’s praise we sing

Who’ll suffer now, receive so much –Ro.5:3
Through patience, comes the dawn
Through Jesus’ love, His healing touch
A faithful child’s reborn …
Michael P. Johnson

woman.at.the.well · Nov 21, 2007

HAPPY THANKSGIVING DEEP ENDERS!

bornagain91 · Nov 22, 2007

SAFARI PARK
The devil beast takes great delight
He loves to steal and kill
Stalking his prey both day and night
To rip and tear at will

This world’s a great safari park
Where life’s beyond compare
Some love the light some love the dark
And some don’t really care

They fly, they swim, they walk at large
Some slither, hop and crawl
The Keeper; is The One in charge
Who oversees it all

The beast is sly; he’s quick, and yet-
No matter where he goes
Where in the park his traps are set
The Keeper always knows

So oft, he’ll try a new approach
With schemes more underhand
He’s not content to merely poach
Within The Keepers land

He knows safari’s not a game
With back against the wall
He’s out to ravage, kill and maim
To rob the park of all

Yet darkness always quits The Light
Since time was given birth
However hard the beast will fight
He’ll never rule the earth

The Keeper; has it all in hand
He’s never in the dark
And all must yield at His command
To whom belongs the park…
Michael P. Johnson

littleredkiss484 · Nov 22, 2007

EVERYDAY IS THANKSGIVING

Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings, thank you, Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf.

Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as
possible, thank you, Lord, that I can see.
Many are blind.

Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising, thank you Lord, that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden.

Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned and tempers are short, my children are so loud thankyou, Lord, for my family. There are many who are lonely.

Even though our breakfast table never looks like the pictures in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced, thank you, Lord, for the food we have. There are many who are hungry.

Even though the routine of my job is often monotonous, thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to work. There are many who have no job.
Thank you, Lord for the friends and special times that touch my life in so many ways.
There are many who are not so lucky.

Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest, thank you, Lord, for life.

rmw8855 · Nov 22, 2007

bornagain91 · Nov 23, 2007

ASSURANCE
Who learn with joy to serve and wait
Who trust and God obey
Who lives, though no one knows the date
Before the youngest day

The day once more when Christ arrives
The day of Satan’s shame
The day that changes all our lives
The day of God’s acclaim

As life goes on as death draws near
We’ll see what others dread
Through hope through faith, we have no fear
Of that which lies ahead

Such joy to feel as Christians do
To have The Christ as Lord
To know in truth we’re born anew
And fear no more the sword

Assurance now of endless life
Of peace, eternal love
To Jesus’ precious faithful wife
The promise from above

To sin, again the knee to bow
To wanton break God’s rule
To put life’s crown in danger now
Would be the greatest fool

But those who walk with open eyes
Remain in Jesus’ hand
For these, there’ll be no great surprise
We see; what God has planned

Such wisdom comes when Christ we love
As seen throughout the past
Who live today, to God above
As though it were their last –Amos.4:12…
Michael P. Johnson

ysl_75 · Nov 23, 2007

bornagain91 · Nov 24, 2007

EVER SEEN A DRAGON?
Have you ever felt a dragon’s claw?
Or heard a serpent talk?
Have you ever seen the dead before?
Rise up again and walk?

If after thought, you answer no
Or think the question dumb!
The Truth my friend you need to know
To Christ you ought to come

All those who scoff, are dumb and blind
Like fools, they shake their head
The Lord, they have no wish to find
But man without, is dead!

Yet God is love, and love is true
And true; is Christ God’s Son
And through The Son, we’ve life anew
When all on earth is done

But sceptics still, are plagued with doubt
Pondering night and day
They’ll sometimes find; what life’s about
Yet lose it on the way

With Light; The Truth will come my friend
Of this, there is no doubt
The way to bring the dragon’s end
Is just to turn about

Turn now to Christ repent and win
Receive Salvation's Light
That serpent’s voice you hear within
Can rob you of your sight

But Jesus' blood can set us free
His Spirit all reveal
Till chidlike eyes by faith may see
In Truth the dragon's real
Michael P. Johnson

Hisbygrace · Nov 24, 2007

The Master's Touch
Public Domain

[SIZE=+1]It was battered and scarred
and the auctioneer thought it scarcely worth his while
to waste much time on the Old Violin but he held it up with a smile.

"What am I bid Goodfolks?" he cried. "Who'll start the bidding for me?"
It was "a dollar... a dollar.... then two"... only two.
"Two dollars and who'll make it three?"
"Three dollars once - Three dollars twice - And going for three"
But No!...
From the room far back,
a gray-haired man came forward and picked up the bow.
And wiping the dirt from that old violin...
and tightening the loosened strings...
You know, He played a melody pure 'n sweet, as the carillon angels sing.

Well, the music stopped,
and the auctioneer in a voice that was quiet and low...
Said: "What am I bid for the Old Violin?" And He held it up with the bow.
"A thousand dollars! Who'll make it two?
Two thousand! Who'll make it Three?"
It was "three thousand once"... "three thousand twice"...
and "Going for three!" said he.

Well, the people stared...
But some of them cried: "We do not quite understand!"
"What changed it's worth?"
Swift came the reply... "It was the Touch of the Master's Hand."[/SIZE]

***

[SIZE=+1]Many a man with his life out of tune
Battered and scarred with sin
Is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd
much like the Old Violin.

A mess of pottage, a glass of wine,
It's a game and He travels on.
He's going once.. He's going twice...
He's going and almost gone.

But, the Master comes... and the foolish crowd
can never quite understand
the worth of a soul
Or the change that's wrought
By the touch of the Master's Hand.[/SIZE]

rmw8855 · Nov 24, 2007

Beautiful HisbyGrace

bornagain91 · Nov 25, 2007

IT’S GETTING WORSE
“Lord, here on earth it’s hard to live
Each day it’s getting worse
The world should turn that You’ll forgive
And free her of the curse

We children who in Christ are found
Turn now to You in prayer
That grace and love would so abound
The world will know You’re there

True knowledge Lord You’ve given free
To those who were the least
We humbly pray on bended knee
For strength to fight the beast

Man day and night will wheel and deal
He'll murder rape and lie
Now even children cheat and steal
Condemned in shame to die

We see the filth, the devil’s mess
His chaos in the land
Lord, young and old in deep distress
Allow to understand

Too many think to have it all
They see no harm in sin
Though full of pride they’re walking tall
Allowing Satan win

Kindle afresh Your Flame inside
Relieve your children’s pain
Replenish Lord Your chosen bride
Revive us once again

Give grace to teach the lost to see
Give power Your truth to tell
Authority to set more free
From he who’ll burn in hell”
Michael P. Johnson

ysl_75 · Nov 25, 2007

cristianna · Nov 26, 2007

How to be Happy
By Rachel Olsen

Dont worry about anything, instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6 (NLT)

Devotion:
Happy Thanksgiving! people wish me repeatedly this week. Seems like everyone wishes for happiness. Everybody wants some. Many people pretend to have it yet few seem to truly possess it. Why is happiness so hard to find?

Pssst lean in closer I will show you a path that leads to it the fourth chapter of Philippians. Look up and read verses six through thirteen, or read them below in the Power Verses section.

Notice in verse six, Paul gives three clear instructions for finding lasting happiness and contentment. He says:

1) do not worry about anything
2) pray about everything
3) thank God for everything

What if today we took this instruction to heart and put it into practice? What if today we decided not to worry about anything? What if when we found ourselves worrying, we stopped and handed the situation over to God in prayer? What if we then thanked Him for taking care of the issue? In fact, what if we spent most of our mental free time today thinking about what good care our awesome God takes of us? What would happen then?

Paul says in verse seven, if we begin to live this way we will experience amazing peace a kind of peace we cant even imagine. Peace that makes no earthly sense! This kind of peace is so powerful that it has a protective function on our hearts and minds which only makes it easier for us to stop worrying and be thankful. That sounds like a state of happiness to me!

In verse eight Paul elaborates on what to think about instead of our worries whatever is good, true, honorable, pure, lovely, praise worthy, and right. Many things can fall into these categories, but Christ encompasses them all! This is not just positive thinking, this is spiritual thinking.

Further down in Philippians 4:10-13, Paul goes on to attest personally to the truth of this 3-step process as he writes from a Roman prison. From behind bars Paul says, Ive learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little" (Phil. 4:11-12). Did you catch that verb? Paul LEARNED how to be happy and content. It didnt just happen once he reached his goals. In fact, he claims his ability to be happy had nothing at all to do with his circumstances, but rather his increased trust in Christ.

So happy contentedness is not something that comes once our waistlines have slimmed, our wrinkles are erased, our houses are organized, our children are successful, our bosses have thanked us, or our husbands dote on us. Instead it is learned as we become prayerful (verse 6) and thankful (verse 6), as we practice spiritual thinking (verse 8), and as we trust totally in Christ (verse 13) despite our circumstances.

I cant think of a better day to start practicing Pauls process of prayer, thankfulness, and spiritual thinking than today. Happy Thanksgiving!

Dear Lord, Im turning over all my fears and problems to You to handle today. I cant fix a single thing by worrying about it - but you can fix anything because nothing is impossible for You! Thank You for my blessings, big and small. Thank You for Your loving care for me. Thank You for being in charge of my day. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Reflections:
Open your Bible and highlight Philippians 4:6-7. Memorize those two verses.

Does thankfulness characterize me?

Do I think about what is good, lovely, pure and right, or do I think about what is depressing, frustrating, unfair and wrong?

Power Verses:
Philippians 4:6-9, Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from meeverything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. (NLT)

cristianna · Nov 27, 2007

The White Elephant
By Susanne Scheppmann

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence. 1 John 3:18-19 (NIV)

Devotion:
Tis the season for parties. The invitation reads, Bring a white elephant gift. A white elephant gift doesnt require much thought or money. It can be an inexpensive trinket, a used household item or a gag gift. These white elephant get-togethers create laughter and light-hearted camaraderie.

However, there exists another kind of white elephant social gatheringthe type where everyone knows there is a relational conflict that exists within the group, but no one acknowledges it. This pachyderm problem might occur within families, between co-workers, or in a neighborhood. The more everyone pretends the white elephant issue isnt there, the bigger the unseen problem grows. The denial is like feeding peanuts to a live elephantit grows larger and larger.

Do you anticipate this type of white elephant intruding on one of your upcoming festivities? Do you dread being in the same room with a particular person? To my own distress, I usually attend at least one event where the unwanted guest arrives, blowing its silent trumpet and begging for peanuts. However, God does not intend for us to ignore the problem. He wants us to seek His wisdom and guidance. The Lord wants us to pray and consider carefully how we might apply the following scriptural principles to help prevent or dissolve the uninvited intruder of tension from our personal relationships:

Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. (1 John 3:18, NIV)
Pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. (Romans 14:19, NASB) If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18, NIV)

Lets decide beforehand how God would have us handle any uncomfortable situation that might steal away the joy and peace of a Christmas festivity. If the white elephant isnt gift-wrapped, it doesnt belong at the party. So dont pack any invisible peanuts in your holiday attire, but love as Jesus loveswith action and truth.

Dear Lord, I anticipate at least one party where a white elephant sits in the room. I ask that You teach me how to handle any situation like this with love, truth and action. Reveal to me if I contribute to the issue in any way. Lord, help me to reach out to everyone in Your love and compassion. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Reflections:
Consider your upcoming holiday events. Identify any potential white elephants that might be present. Pray over the event and ask the Holy Spirit to direct your words and actions. Ask God to evaporate the elephant and to resolve the relational conflict that might be residing in your heart.

Does the same white elephant return every year?

How do I play a part in feeding it and allowing it to grow larger?

Is it possible that I could be the cause of the white elephant?

Power Verses:
Psalm 40:10, I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly. (NIV)

3 John 1:3-4, It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. (NIV)

bornagain91 · Nov 27, 2007

GOD IS NOT MOCKED

Is church a game to you my friend
Is Jesus real or just pretend
Have you Christ’s Spirit in your heart
Or in wolf’s clothes you play a part

God won’t be mocked He sees deceit
He knows the heart of those who cheat
The Spirit’s true His fire’s real
To all who bear God’s Holy Seal

There is no time to play the fool
Or live and die as Satan’s tool
With you the prince of lies will play
If you reject God’s Son today

The devil wants you play such games
To join him in eternal flames
Even in church some think it right
Until the Dove of God takes flight

Such games will end with total loss
If we don’t turn and face the cross
Play not the fool with Him who died
But ask instead The Truth inside

You’ve nought to lose but all to gain
Through faith you’ll understand
Who live to Christ live not in vain
But in Salvation’s hand

No more is Christ upon the tree
The Lord’s alive to set us free
Through blood and pain He bore our shame
Oh no my friend life’s not a game

So don’t pretend, or play a part
Receive Christ truly in your heart
Just ask God’s Promise come inside
God’s Liquid Light for Jesus' bride

Michael P. Johnson

cristianna · Nov 28, 2007

Is My Jesus Enough?
By Lysa TerKeurst

That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. 2 Timothy 1:12 (NIV)

Devotion:
I was stopped in my tracks the other day as I was mindlessly singing a beautiful praise song. I say mindlessly not because I wasn't focusing on God. I was definitely lifting up my heart to Him. But the mindlessly part came when I realized I had no clue of the weight of the words in this song. Did I really mean what I was singing? The song said this: "(Jesus) You're all I want. You're all I ever needed."

Really? Did I really mean those words? Is my Jesus enough? Ultimately the question should be: Is my relationship with Jesus in such a place that if He was truly all I had today, would I still stand and sing those powerful song lyrics?

My husband Art is flying on a small private plane today. You know the ones you hear about that crash with no survivors... yes that kind of plane. As I kiss him goodbye in a few minutes can I send him off with full confidence that no matter what, Jesus is enough?

My son Jackson just got his driver's license and will be driving to a friend's house to watch the football game in a few minutes. His friend lives less than five miles from our house. But don't the statistics show that most car accidents happen on the roads we are most familiar with, closest to our homes? Will I be able to smile, tell him to be careful and let him drive down our driveway with full confidence that no matter what, Jesus is enough?

I don't know what kinds of twists and turns might come during my life journey. But, I know the only way to travel with a joyful peace is to settle in my heart the answer to this question once and for all. So, today, I declare Jesus is enough. Before I even know in what way this declaration will be tested, I've made the decision to say it, believe it and settle it.

Jesus is enough.

I think this is why one of my favorite portraits of a godly woman in the Bible says, "she can laugh at the days to come," (Proverbs 31:25). She was filled with such incredible joy not because life was perfect but simply because she had decided to make laughter, peace, and true happiness the hallmark of her life. Proverbs 31:30 goes on to say this was a woman to be praised because she so reverenced God in the shrine of her heart that she knew without a doubt, He was enough.

Dear Lord, Thank You that in this world we dont have to live consumed with fear of the unknown. For You know all things. Nothing will happen to us that does not first pass through your hands. May I find peace in Your love that is so consuming for us that You only have our best interests in mind. Help us to believe and trust that truth no matter what. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Reflections:
The next time you start to fret over the what if questions, verbalize that Jesus is enough no matter what. Write down the power verses below and keep them in your purse until youve memorized them. Being able to have access to Gods truth will guard your heart and your mind.

Have you ever thought about whether or not Jesus is enough in your life?

What are some ways to put this devotional thought into practice in your life today?

How would your relationships improve if you had this kind of peace?

Power Verses:
Psalm 23:4, Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me (NIV)

Isaiah 54:10, Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you. (NIV)

2 Timothy 1:12, That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. (NIV)

bornagain91 · Nov 28, 2007

JUST CALL HIS NAME

To God they said I couldn’t come
In Christ I’d have no part
But now they must be feeling dumb
For Christ is in my heart

They said my sin my wicked ways
Would see me burn in hell
But now I serve the Lord these days
They’ve something else to tell

But once there words were just and right
My life was in decay
Yet now I’m glad I’ve seen the Light
God’s Lamb turned night to day

In darkness now I walk no more
Through love my eyes can see
The reason that I’m living for
God’s shown so plain to me

Salvation came to me by grace
Whilst still in filth and shame
But now I’m speaking face to face
With Christ who knows my name

My righteousness is not my own
My love is God’s divine
I walk in truth, but not alone
For Jesus’ hand’s in mine

There’s none so lost God cannot reach
No sinner too far gone
There’s none so bad God cannot teach
Through Jesus Christ His Son

Today my God’s no longer strange
I’m glad my Jesus came
If you dear friend need help to change
Just call His holy name.

Michael P. Johnson

cristianna · Nov 28, 2007

bornagain91 said:
JUST CALL HIS NAME

To God they said I couldnt come
In Christ Id have no part
But now they must be feeling dumb
For Christ is in my heart

They said my sin my wicked ways
Would see me burn in hell
But now I serve the Lord these days
Theyve something else to tell

But once there words were just and right
My life was in decay
Yet now Im glad Ive seen the Light
Gods Lamb turned night to day

In darkness now I walk no more
Through love my eyes can see
The reason that Im living for
Gods shown so plain to me

Salvation came to me by grace
Whilst still in filth and shame
But now Im speaking face to face
With Christ who knows my name

My righteousness is not my own
My love is Gods divine
I walk in truth, but not alone
For Jesus hands in mine

Theres none so lost God cannot reach
No sinner too far gone
Theres none so bad God cannot teach
Through Jesus Christ His Son

Today my Gods no longer strange
Im glad my Jesus came
If you dear friend need help to change
Just call His holy name.

Michael P. Johnson

Lovely, lovely, lovely!!!!!!!

Hisbygrace · Nov 28, 2007

Exodus 4:10-12

10 Then Moses said to the Lord,"Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, Nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue."
11 The Lord said to him, "Who has made man's mouth? Or who makes him mute or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord?
12 "Now then go, and I, even I, will be with your mouth, and teach you what you are to say."

How many times have we felt the inability to do what God directs us to do? But, we see in these scriptures that God can use anyone to perform His purposes.
Moses felt so incapable of speaking to others, I have felt that way myself at times.
But, through the example that God shows us by way of Moses, if we are obedient to go when God calls us, we do not go alone. The Holy Spirit goes with us and if we allow Him total control over the calling then it is not we who do, but the Spirit that works through us.

wolfman544 · Nov 28, 2007

Hisbygrace said:
Exodus 4:10-12

10 Then Moses said to the Lord,"Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, Nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue."
11 The Lord said to him, "Who has made man's mouth? Or who makes him mute or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord?
12 "Now then go, and I, even I, will be with your mouth, and teach you what you are to say."

How many times have we felt the inability to do what God directs us to do? But, we see in these scriptures that God can use anyone to perform His purposes.
Moses felt so incapable of speaking to others, I have felt that way myself at times.
But, through the example that God shows us by way of Moses, if we are obedient to go when God calls us, we do not go alone. The Holy Spirit goes with us and if we allow Him total control over the calling then it is not we who do, but the Spirit that works through us.

That is awesome and so true.

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

Legend

woman.at.the.well

Guest

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Follower of Christ

Robin 8^)

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Love Changes Everything

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Carried On The Wings Of An Eagle

Robin 8^)

Legend

Love Changes Everything

...dancing in the rain...

...dancing in the rain...

Legend

...dancing in the rain...

Legend

...dancing in the rain...

Carried On The Wings Of An Eagle

Servant of the Secret Fire.

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