My all-time, favorite Christmas carol is Little Drummer Boy. I'll share the part that never fails to bring me to tears - "pa rum pum pum pums" omitted, of course.
Little baby
I am a poor boy too
I have no gift to bring
That's fit to give our King
Shall I play for you
On my drum
And, here come the water works. I can relate to the boy's sincerity when he admits that he feels he has nothing to offer the King; nothing that's worthy to present to the King; nothing within himself that would be considered -by any stretch of the imagination - as being good enough.
I am nothing within myself. I'm at the mercy of God's strength and grace. Not until I allow God to take this lump of clay and form it into His image, will I experience true success and produce an offering that is worthy to present to our King. God in me, makes me able to do "all things".
I imagine an unexpected relief washing over the drummer's face, as he grasps his drum sticks. Almost, as a second thought, the child remembers the one thing that he is able to do, however small; playing his drum. So he takes that talent, that gift of God that he has become so familiar with and plays his little heart out.
I hope this encourages someone to stir up the gift of God, which is in thee (2 Timothy 1:6) and use that thing to bring Glory to God, throughout this holiday season and everyday.
12/19/2010
12/04/2010
Jehovah-Rapha, God our Healer
Everything I need, God is. He is Jehovah-Rapha, the Lord that healeth thee.
Why me, God? I've asked this question before when disappointment knocked at my door. No, not just knocked, but disappointment took the key from underneath the doormat, helped himself into my home, went into the kitchen and fixed a sandwich. Then, sat down in front of me and bragged about his superior sandwich making skills. This actually happened to me.
I'm reading this great book called Healing for Damaged Emotions, by Pastor David A. Seamands. Funny, writing the book title in it's entirety, made me feel a bit embarrassed to admit that I'd purchased such a book. At any rate, please don't judge me. I'm simply recognizing lately an area in my life that needs the Balm of Gilead applied. Pastor Seamands talks extensively about God's desire to heal our "infirmities". Infirmities are deep-rooted, emotional pains that are the result of some life-altering hardship, disappointment or failure - possibly even, encounters with physical, mental or sexual abuse.
Pastor Seamands makes a point that clergy, ministers, etc., however well-equipped to minister to our flesh or spirit man, aren't always given the opportunity to minister to the emotional needs of individuals within their congregation. A prominent reason being, that the inflicted person has not yet come to a place where they are aware that seeds of bitterness, unforgiveness and low self-worth have taken root within their heart. In many of us, these emotional deficits may lie undetected and dormant for many years, awaiting their next opportunity to torment our mind. So, we press on, bandaging our afflictions by placing our hands to the plow and working feverishly in whatever role of ministry we may be able to fulfill.
I realize, it's acceptable for me to be honest with myself and recognize that, like many people, some things in my life have wounded me deeply and thereby, held me captive for many years. No matter how deep my commitment to service in the Kingdom of God, these little foxes still seem to rear their ugly heads at the most inconvenient moments, stagnating me at times. I am the only one that can identify these dark places for what they really are. Then, God promises total deliverance and healing.
I believe it is important that we lean on Christ as not only a healer of our physical bodies, but a healer of the heart and mind.
Why me, God? I've asked this question before when disappointment knocked at my door. No, not just knocked, but disappointment took the key from underneath the doormat, helped himself into my home, went into the kitchen and fixed a sandwich. Then, sat down in front of me and bragged about his superior sandwich making skills. This actually happened to me.
I'm reading this great book called Healing for Damaged Emotions, by Pastor David A. Seamands. Funny, writing the book title in it's entirety, made me feel a bit embarrassed to admit that I'd purchased such a book. At any rate, please don't judge me. I'm simply recognizing lately an area in my life that needs the Balm of Gilead applied. Pastor Seamands talks extensively about God's desire to heal our "infirmities". Infirmities are deep-rooted, emotional pains that are the result of some life-altering hardship, disappointment or failure - possibly even, encounters with physical, mental or sexual abuse.
Pastor Seamands makes a point that clergy, ministers, etc., however well-equipped to minister to our flesh or spirit man, aren't always given the opportunity to minister to the emotional needs of individuals within their congregation. A prominent reason being, that the inflicted person has not yet come to a place where they are aware that seeds of bitterness, unforgiveness and low self-worth have taken root within their heart. In many of us, these emotional deficits may lie undetected and dormant for many years, awaiting their next opportunity to torment our mind. So, we press on, bandaging our afflictions by placing our hands to the plow and working feverishly in whatever role of ministry we may be able to fulfill.
I realize, it's acceptable for me to be honest with myself and recognize that, like many people, some things in my life have wounded me deeply and thereby, held me captive for many years. No matter how deep my commitment to service in the Kingdom of God, these little foxes still seem to rear their ugly heads at the most inconvenient moments, stagnating me at times. I am the only one that can identify these dark places for what they really are. Then, God promises total deliverance and healing.
I believe it is important that we lean on Christ as not only a healer of our physical bodies, but a healer of the heart and mind.
11/14/2010
What God has for me, it is for me.
My thoughts for this weekend centered around this one hope - that the things that God has in store for me are already spoken in Heaven. I'm just waiting for them to be brought to fruition in the earth. Although I, in my impatience and lack of trust, can cause these things to be hindered - ultimately if God has ordained it, then though it tarry, I will wait for it, because it will surely come (Hab. 2:3).
Thank God that He does not give us what we want, when we want it. Yet, He uses situations to reveal our true nature, so that He can dig around our roots and fix us, so that we are fit for His use.
In those times when I feel as though I have been passed over or forgotten by God, I'll allow the scriptures to remind me differently. For God knows the plans He has for me, and they are plans for prosperity and are not intended for my demise. This eliminates the fear that may arise in me at times, knowing that if I let God make the necessary adjustments in me and trust in Him, then He will bring His will to pass in my life.
Remember all things are working together for our good and towards that future that is in the heart of God concerning us.
In Numbers 9:8, Moses instructed his people to stand still, and he would hear what the Lord commanded concerning them. So with this new sunrise, I ask the question of God, "What will you have me to do?". Then, I will listen for His direction. I will trust Him that my steps are ordered. I will believe, that with all gentleness, He is placing my feet step by step in the direction they ought to go.
Thank God that He does not give us what we want, when we want it. Yet, He uses situations to reveal our true nature, so that He can dig around our roots and fix us, so that we are fit for His use.
In those times when I feel as though I have been passed over or forgotten by God, I'll allow the scriptures to remind me differently. For God knows the plans He has for me, and they are plans for prosperity and are not intended for my demise. This eliminates the fear that may arise in me at times, knowing that if I let God make the necessary adjustments in me and trust in Him, then He will bring His will to pass in my life.
Remember all things are working together for our good and towards that future that is in the heart of God concerning us.
In Numbers 9:8, Moses instructed his people to stand still, and he would hear what the Lord commanded concerning them. So with this new sunrise, I ask the question of God, "What will you have me to do?". Then, I will listen for His direction. I will trust Him that my steps are ordered. I will believe, that with all gentleness, He is placing my feet step by step in the direction they ought to go.
11/07/2010
Welcome, Summer!
I wrote this poem three years ago; back when I only wrote when the exact mood struck me. My immediate family had decided to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with the in-laws in Arkansas. From that day until this, I can honestly say that 2007 is the coldest winter I have ever lived through. That particular winter began in October and went well into March. Our winter clothes had literally worn out by the end of that unbelievably, long freeze.
There I sat, entertaining myself in the backseat of my father's truck, as we rolled down the heavy highway. My headphones placed snug around my ears, as I prepared to be captivated by the soulful and anointed vocals of Yolanda Adams. I was singing along to the live version of The Battle is the Lord's.
There's no pain, Jesus can't feel.
There is no hurt, that He cannot heal.
All things work according to the Masters purpose and His holy will.
Love it! I was thanking God for all the many undeserved blessings in my life. I say undeserved, God says it is His pleasure to bless us. Things don't always work out the way we plan but all things do work together for the good of those who love the Lord.
I always tell the Lord, that He and I have known each other a long time. We have been through so many seasons of life together. The memories of our experiences just allowed a bittersweet smile to wash over my face. I can't help but think God just smiled at me with a somewhat similar thought.
Now, I've been told I have this backwards and that the Fall or Autumn season actually represents new beginnings, therefore, I'm going to post this in the Fall. Apparently, my interpretation of life's seasons are a bit different from the rest of the world. If I change it now, the poem would be called "Welcome Fall". That just doesn't resonate the same with me. It loses something in translation. Just go with me on this one.
Summer, in my opinion, represents fullness and prosperity. We know that to everything there is a season and nature itself teaches us that the change of seasons will surely come. For this reason, I will enjoy every interval of my life, no matter how bitterly cold. God is allowing me to reside in that season for a purpose.
I penned the following on November 23, 2007 with great anticipation of what God had in store for me.
Welcome, Summer!
I greet you with opened arms.
I can finally feel
The warmth of the Son
As I lift my hands.
My hope is revived
Through your mercy.
My strength is increased
By your love.
Fall came and brought
Fear and lifelessness.
The bitter cold of winter
Followed close behind.
Spring applied healing
To a wounded heart,
Leaving only the scars
Of war upon my cheeks.
And now, the pain
and loss left by Winter,
Only a memory.
I emerge victorious
By your grace.
But, oh! Summer
Welcome. I embrace you -
As I march forward
Victory to victory.
11/03/2010
Christians- by Maya Angelou
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'."
I'm whispering "I was lost,
Now I'm found and forgiven."
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
And need His strength to carry on.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.
When I say.... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner
Who received God's good grace, somehow!
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'."
I'm whispering "I was lost,
Now I'm found and forgiven."
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
And need His strength to carry on.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.
When I say.... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner
Who received God's good grace, somehow!
11/01/2010
I go to prepare a place for you...
John 14:2-3
In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
The Love of God that illuminates from this promise fills my eyes with tears. Oh, truly how He loves you and me – so much so that He would go away to prepare a special place for the perpetual inhabitation of His own. God’s intention for His children to someday bask in the light of His presence for all eternity is made clear.
David said in Psalms 139, that the Lord was acquainted with all his ways, even the thoughts that would enter his mind in the future. God is aware of my daily activities and all of my heart’s desires and intentions. Matthew 10:30 notifies us that the very hairs on our heads are numbered. This tells me that God knows me so personally and with that, He knows me even better than I know myself.
He comprehends me in my entirety and yet He loves me no less. Rather He continues to chisel and sculpt and mold and break and build and I awake to mercies that are new every morning. He sees what I’ll be if I ever “get it right”, cause I don’t always understand, but His way is so perfect and my steps are ordered and He’s faithful to finish the work He’s began in me (Phil. 1:6). God's love never requires me to compromise myself or be any less than the vessel of honor that He’s purposed me to be.
It's amazing how much of a parallel there is between the relationship God seeks to have with his bride (the church) and the relationships we seek after in the human realm. Our human desire is to be loved unconditionally and with a promise that those we hold so dear will never leave us. I consider the sting of disappointment we feel when the love we have for someone else is not reciprocated. It causes me to wonder what God must think when He experiences the same unfaithfulness and lack of commitment from His children.
Foolishly, I have spent too many years of my life in the relentless pursuit of securing an earthly relationship that bore any resemblance to that perfected love that my Heavenly Father so freely gives. Perhaps even to the extent of unconsciously taking the love of God for granted in this quest for human acceptance. I thank God for His forgiveness and His enduring patience with me as I’ve learned this lesson.
While so many things in this world are vying for our affections, God wants to remain our first love. And we know that there is nothing in this world that can separate us from the love of God (Rom. 8:35-39). Allow yourself to be overwhelmed today by the fullness of the love of the One who loved you first (I John 4:19). People search the world over for this very love that encompasses us daily.
Please, feel free to share your thoughts or words of inspiration on this subject. We are made overcomers by the word of our testimony.
In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
The Love of God that illuminates from this promise fills my eyes with tears. Oh, truly how He loves you and me – so much so that He would go away to prepare a special place for the perpetual inhabitation of His own. God’s intention for His children to someday bask in the light of His presence for all eternity is made clear.
David said in Psalms 139, that the Lord was acquainted with all his ways, even the thoughts that would enter his mind in the future. God is aware of my daily activities and all of my heart’s desires and intentions. Matthew 10:30 notifies us that the very hairs on our heads are numbered. This tells me that God knows me so personally and with that, He knows me even better than I know myself.
He comprehends me in my entirety and yet He loves me no less. Rather He continues to chisel and sculpt and mold and break and build and I awake to mercies that are new every morning. He sees what I’ll be if I ever “get it right”, cause I don’t always understand, but His way is so perfect and my steps are ordered and He’s faithful to finish the work He’s began in me (Phil. 1:6). God's love never requires me to compromise myself or be any less than the vessel of honor that He’s purposed me to be.
It's amazing how much of a parallel there is between the relationship God seeks to have with his bride (the church) and the relationships we seek after in the human realm. Our human desire is to be loved unconditionally and with a promise that those we hold so dear will never leave us. I consider the sting of disappointment we feel when the love we have for someone else is not reciprocated. It causes me to wonder what God must think when He experiences the same unfaithfulness and lack of commitment from His children.
Foolishly, I have spent too many years of my life in the relentless pursuit of securing an earthly relationship that bore any resemblance to that perfected love that my Heavenly Father so freely gives. Perhaps even to the extent of unconsciously taking the love of God for granted in this quest for human acceptance. I thank God for His forgiveness and His enduring patience with me as I’ve learned this lesson.
While so many things in this world are vying for our affections, God wants to remain our first love. And we know that there is nothing in this world that can separate us from the love of God (Rom. 8:35-39). Allow yourself to be overwhelmed today by the fullness of the love of the One who loved you first (I John 4:19). People search the world over for this very love that encompasses us daily.
Please, feel free to share your thoughts or words of inspiration on this subject. We are made overcomers by the word of our testimony.
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