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

[Ariella]

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[bornagain91]

THE SEARCH FOR GOD


"What is this life yet all about
Is death the end or what
What makes us love to trust and doubt
Is Jesus real or not


With tender hand come hold me tight
If God! You hear me pray
Present my soul Your guiding Light
Let darkness fade away


There’s nought in me of any good
Of this I must confess
Come help me live the way I should
If truth I may possess"


The answer came when Christ was sought
Through tears through heartfelt sighs
Now all’s so different than I thought
God’s Truth brought open eyes


The choice to serve is mine alone
Made free through Christ above
"Lord take this child of flesh and bone
Baptise me in Your love


That I in truth; may spend my days
Not as I’ve done before
But now in love to sing Your praise
And learn to know You more


Before Your throne can dwell no shame
No sin reach Heaven’s shore
Consume all self in Holy Flame
Let spirit reign once more


I give to You my sinful load
Give me Your hand of grace
Please walk with me life’s narrow road
To see Your smiling face …


Michael P. Johnson​

 

[StrawberryShortcake2]

 

[Ariella]

 

[bornagain91]

THEY MURDERED HIM


Ice cold ran blood through sordid veins
Murder seduced man’s thoughts
In flowing robes festooned with stains
They spread their dark reports

Whispers beneath their devious grin
On silver tongues a lie
Could they fight God and hope to win
Could they The Truth defy

Though steeped in filth, to sin a slave
Self-righteous filled with pride
Yet even these Christ came to save
For such as these He died

Though Christ could see their fowl intent
Could see their every flaw
Even to these God’s Lamb was sent
As Key to Heaven’s door

Yet secretly God’s Son they tried
Jealousy reigned supreme
While publicly Salvation cried
As God revealed love’s stream

A stream ordained the world to flood
A stream of light divine
A stream of Jesus’ living blood
For man to drink like wine

For God had staged this perfect plan
Unknown to Satan’s hoard
God’s Son would live and die a man
To rise eternal Lord

True love will reign with Heaven’s King
Will conquer darkest night
Will bless the day that God will bring
When death gives up the fight​

Michael P. Johnson​

 

[cristianna]

No One Else On Earth
By Marybeth Whalen



"In all their troubles, he was troubled, too. He didn't send someone else to help them. He did it himself, in person. Out of his own love and pity he redeemed them. He rescued them and carried them along for a long, long time." Isaiah 63:9 (MSG)



Devotion:
Have you ever wondered why God created you? The Bible says that before the creation of the world, God had your purpose in mind. I believe that each of us is created to represent Him and His Word to the world.

All throughout the Old and New Testaments we see God choosing individuals to help His people. He found men who were worthy in character and integrity to represent Him and speak for Him. To be His hands and feet until the appointed time for His Son to come to earth and do what no man could do.

We see Abraham, tapped by God to become the father of Israel. He was seen as God's friend and served Him in righteousness. He possessed a faith that is rare, one we still can go back and learn from thousands of years later. He went to an unknown place and lived as an alien simply because God told him to. He was certainly a man of God. But he was just a man.

We see Moses, singled out by God to lead His people out of slavery in Egypt. Moses was unsure and incapable in his own stead, but he obeyed God and walked his faith journey one faltering step at a time. We see that God used Moses in a mighty way simply because he was willing. But he was still just a man.

We see Elijah, a prophet whose words were God's own, used to call out sin amongst His people and bring down an evil king. We see his fear, his inadequacy, his doubts, all wrapped up in his willingness to serve God at all costs and to stand for Him against incredible odds. We see a man who God used for such a time as this. But he was still just a man.

We see John the Baptist, chosen by God to prepare the way for the promised Savior. We see that he marched to the beat of a different drum. The people thought him a little strange, yet strangely irresistible. We see him developing a following that was effortlessly surrendered at the name of Jesus. For John it wasn't about the praise of man, but the praise of God. He was chosen by God and he served God to the end. But he was still just a man.


The Bible is filled with men and women who served God according to their unique calling in this life. They beat incredible odds with God's help and became His vessels simply because of their heart for Him. But in the end, there was only One who could do the ultimate work on behalf of mankind. These people could serve Him, stand for Him, and surrender their lives for Him. But they could only go so far.

They could not bring resurrection, atonement, and the kind of sacrifice necessary to bridge the gap that sin had ushered into this world. There was no one else on earth that could offer restoration between God and man, or could bear the burden of our sins being heaped on Him. Only Jesus could do that. He was not just a man. He was God and man.

So how do we respond to the legacy of these faithful people? How can we offer up our lives because of what Jesus did on the cross? Isaiah 66:2 tells us. "But there is something I am looking for: a person simple and plain, reverently responsive to what I say" (MSG). God is still looking for people who will live lives of faith, sharing the good news of the Savior. We can still be used mightily in the lives of those people out there who are desperate for answers and hope. Though we are but "men," we know the One who changed everything. The One who was, and is, and is to come.



Dear Lord, please prepare your people to stand for Jesus and to point to Him with strength and conviction. Help us to lead others to Your Son, because we know the world is desperate for Him. Help us to be confident not in what we can do in our own strength, but in what You can do through us because of your power. In Jesus' Name, Amen.



Reflections:
Have you been looking to other people to do what no one else on earth can do? Don't put that kind of burden on people. Instead, lay your burdens on Him and allow Him room to transform your life.



Power Verses:
Isaiah 63:8-9, "He said, 'Surely they are my people, sons who will not be false to me'; and so he became their Savior. In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old." (NIV)

I Corinthians 15:57, "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (NIV

 

[bornagain91]

PRAISE OFFERING


The living Christ is truly King
His praise is rich and rife
Which tribute could a sinner bring
For grace & endless life​

Yet joyfully my heart will cry
My voice I’ll gladly raise
With hands held out to God on high
I’ll fill my days with praise


He lifts me up each time I fall
Embellishing with love
Heaven and earth should hear my call
Echoing thanks above


Majestic in His awesome ways
Gracious when I’m wrong
Upward onward fixing my gaze
I'll sing my grateful song


If failing words I’ll turn to dance
I’ll tender God all due
With heart with soul with sweet romance
I'll Render Heaven true


Upon my soul He’s placed His Seal
Ending my selfish will
Knowing my heart and how I feel
How can my tongue be still


Splendid triumphant lavishly loud
Soft at my Saviours feet
Even to the maddening crowd
Or down a quiet street


I have the right I have the source
The Power deep and free
So now it leaves but one true course
If I be true to me


Michael P. Johnson​

 

[notwrapped]

 

[Ariella]

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[bornagain91]

COME ON THE BRIGHT SIDE​

A fool will say its hell on earth
Nothing but dread and tears
Trouble and strife often from birth
A plague of constant fears


I see the world, it’s countless harms
It’s shadowed streets at night
It’s wayward dark and luring charms
Tempting a child of Light


I see the rebel breaking rules
The wilful sheep astray
The obstinate, the selfish fools
Shunning the light of day


But life’s bejewelled with love and cheer
Sunshine upon my face
I’m more than blessed just being here
Walking in peace and grace


Through Heaven's love, I’ve seen The Light
The Truth of Christ divine
I’ve changed my rags for robes of white
Since true salvation's mine


Its Heaven to walk with Christ as Lord
Paradise night and day
I’ve thrown away my worldly sword
Contentment shines my way


No longer am I walking dead
With turmoil doubt and fear
I’ve taken up my cross instead
Without a single tear


Since Jesus changed my heart of stone
Since Heaven came to dwell
Many a friend before unknown
Has helped me walk from hell


Michael P. Johnson​

 

[bornagain91]

METAMORPHOSES!
In truth! We are just what we eat
And so seems nature’s plan
From mother milk, we turn to meat
Nourishing mortal man

But man is more than flesh and bone
Inside we’re spirit too
Which no one sees but God alone
Until we’re born anew

The spirit needs what Jesus said Mt.4:4
Though first it may sound odd
Man cannot live alone from bread
He needs to feed on God

Through earthly fare, we’re fat and sleek
But spirits too must feed
So when God’s word, one comes to seek
The Truth will meet the need

Both day and night the body dies
Though inside, something’s strange
Like grubs turn into butterflies
So too a man can change

Made pregnant; through God’s Holy Dove
Inside with soul aglow
We thrive on Jesus’ perfect love
And through God’s word we grow

In death, we reach the pupa stage
God’s sheep in Christ can see
Until man’s spirit comes of age
He’s never truly free

Set free with eagles now to fly
Set free to feed on love
Set free to seek God’s higher sky
And live through Christ above…Michael P. Johnson

 

[Ariella]

Hi

Just driving by to leave you some hugs

God Bless you ​

 

[bornagain91]

I WON’T COME DOWN (1)



I’ve seen the depths that man can fall
The sinful ways to hell
I won’t come down I’ve heard “The Call” –Ne.2:17
I know the truth too well



I’m spirit drawn to Jesus’ Light
In Christ I have my crown
By grace alone I’ve reached this height
So now I won’t come down



When Jesus stopped to say “Hello”
His Spirit came to stay
I won’t come down though hail or snow
From Christ I’ll never stray



My walls in truth are high and wide
Made strong of living stone
The Holy Ghost who dwells inside
Won’t let me down alone



In Christ He’s with me everywhere
In peace in war in pain
In all I do He’s here to share
I won’t come down again



I won’t come down for all the earth
For silver gold nor jewel
I know what my salvation’s worth
And God made me no fool



No matter what some think of me
What nonsense people say
My Jesus died to set me free
And free I’m going to stay



In Christ alone I’m satisfied
My cup doth overflow
I won’t come down nor have I tried
There’s nowhere else to go…



Michael P. Johnson

 

[bornagain91]

I WON’T COME DOWN (2)



Since first I heard my Saviour’s call
He’s healed my every hurt
Through faith I’m in God’s temple wall
A child once common dirt



It took some time to climb this height
Through sweat through bitter tears
I won’t come down not even slight
Not in a million years



I won’t come down Salvation’s wall
This temple built in Christ
I won’t come down, nor will I fall
The cost’s too highly priced



In Christ I stand and here I’ll stay
Each trial in Him I’ll face
I won’t come down not anyway
At last I know my place



I won’t come down, but climb until
In Christ I’ve reached my best
And when I’ve done my Father’s will
I know that I’ll be blessed



There’s far too much my God has done
Too much He’s had to pay
The love He shares though Christ His Son
I won’t come down, no way!



It’s by God’s grace I’m standing high
While Satan wages war
Alert I’m here with open eye
I’ll play the fool no more



On eagles wing instead I’ll rise
The devil’s fought and lost
I’ll fly in God’s eternal skies
With Christ who’s paid the cost…



Michael P. Johnson​

 

[Ariella]

Have a great weekend
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[bornagain91]

GIVE YOURSELF


Whether we live whether we die
Without God’s Lamb we’ll wonder why
But those in Christ can sleep at night
For peace abounds within The Light


God’s Son gives joy the world can’t give
Eternity is ours to live
Though troubles in this world are found
God’s promise is for higher ground


The world may wear a mocking smile
May taunt God’s children yet a while
But to her shame her slight will cease
When Jesus comes and takes her peace


Salvation’s dawn just loves to bring
To troubled hearts gay songs to sing
Sweet melodies of love so true
A foretaste of eternal dew


Let open hearts bring truth within
Allow God’s Spirit purge your sin
The Master died to save our soul
To change our minds and make us whole


Though Christ was dead yet now He lives
The keys of life to us He gives
As Groom He’ll come to claim His bride
Open your door the lock’s inside


God’s Spirit stakes His righteous claim
Purging the bride of sin and shame
The world can’t see the living Christ
Until herself she’s sacrificed


Give unto God have no fear
The future will be crystal clear
Walk true sweet bride show love & care
Then join The Groom up in the air…


Michael P. Johnson​

 

[bornagain91]

WHAT COMPANY DO YOU KEEP


In palace sewer chair a pew
Satanic hoards wait out of view
Deep in one's bowels the devils lurk
Tempting God’s sheep to evil work


If we don’t lead a life of prayer
We’ll swear no demons dwell in there
They live in fear thriving on doubt
Though fasting prayer would drive them out


God’s righteous way we must pursue
Or else remain a silent few
Yet though they keep their profiles low
In Jesus’ name they're sure to go


Without the Truth God’s Christ and Son
There’s not a lot that can be done
But with His Flame inside one's heart
We’ll see how swift demons depart


Yet lost amidst hell’s darkest powers
The world's still chained in Satan’s towers
She needs to flee his evil camp
Guided by Christ Salvation’s Lamp


God’s awesome Truth will turn the tide
He comes to shine life's Lamp inside
The Holy Ghost God’s Liquid Light
Will help and comfort day and night


Living by faith we’ll see him grow
Thriving in resplendent glow
From tattered rags and filthy soul
We’ll rise in glory saved and whole


Once free of chains that held us bound
Before hell’s hordes we’ll stand our ground
Knowing The Truth we’ll never stray
Nor fail through Christ to win the day…


Michael P. Johnson​

 

[Ariella]

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[bornagain91]

COME TO THE POTTER


Perfection was Jehovah’s plan
Fulfilled when He created man
Till on life’s scene the devil came
Persuading us to acts of shame

If Christ came now to me and you
He’d waste no time to make us new
But as it is we sit and wait
Tomorrow's dawn could rise too late

The Gentile time is soon to end
On Jesus Christ we can depend
He knows exactly what to do
He needs no help from me and you

For man to God is just like clay
Allow The Potter have His way
We know in truth we need repair
Open your heart He’s waiting there

The Potter’s hand is safe and sure
The work of Christ will all endure
When love is mixed upon the wheel
He’ll place on man again life’s Seal

Restoring us with robes of white
Deep inside His brilliant Light
We’ll need to pass The Potter’s Flame
Proving flaws beyond reclaim

Through fiery trials when all is done
The Potter hands us to His Son
With Christ our Groom we’ll always stay
Now who’d believe we once was clay?

Through Christ receive with perfect love
A crown of gold for life above
A wedding gown of Liquid Light
Through faith, clay proves The Potter right…


Michael P. Johnson

 

[MamaChris]