POVERTY?

GOD IS SO AWESOME!!
Have you ever been to that place where the only thing you have left is God? The only source you have for tomorrow is God? No check to count on in two weeks...No ________?
My wife and I have been BLESSED to be in that place often. For it is in unbelievable circumstances that God does UNBELIEVABLE things!
Do I pray that YOU reach that point where all you have to depend on is God? No. I pray that it DOES NOT take a trip to that place for you to realize that, but that your vision would be blessed 24 hours a day with a sight of His hand!

In my time of poverty
it's then that I abound,
because I see Your abundance
and I hear Your sound.
In my time of poverty
remind me I abound,
as there resides YOUR plenitude
and I hear Your sound.
In my time of poverty,
oh, please remind me of--
as I but ever prosper in
Your Presence and Your love!
In my time of poverty
but I will not complain,
because I have Your godliness
I'll be content and gain!
In my time of poverty, Lord?
Even if I lack?
Oh, but YOU stay my Supply until
I see You coming back!!

5971

WHOLE

What a mighty God we serve! What a HEALING God we serve! It's all in The Blood of Jesus Christ His Son! Do you need it? It's only a prayer away! ONLY BELIEVE!

"You are the God that healeth me..."
no matter what I see;
You are my health, O God,
no matter what my feelings be!
God, I am complete in You
no matter what I hear;
You are my Perfection, God,
I have no place for fear!

You are the God that healeth me,
You are and You have been.
I look to You completely, God,
I look not unto men!
You are my God, my Healer,
and You will ever be
unto that awesome Place where pain
and sickness will not be!

You are the God that healeth me.
All glory to Your Name!
Beyond belief, beyond all feeling,
victory I claim!
In You alone, my God, the only
touch to make me whole!
Unto You, I release my self,
I give You all control!

"You are the God that healeth me!"
my spirit to affirm!
Your loving hands apply the blood,
no matter what infirm!
Your faithfulness is perfect,
as is Your every way.
You are the God that healeth me
and I am Yours to stay!"

And He can be yours, too! Trust Him!

5059

BLOW, WIND, BLOW!

Greetings!
As the trees dance with the breeze this afternoon, I am carried by the wind to another place, another time...

April breeze transporting me
to where is nothing bound.
In a place unlimited
oh, but I be found!
Melody above arrangement,
songs beyond a voice,
the only purpose present is
to worship and rejoice!

And even as I come back down,
there is a present song.
There is reason to rejoice
but all of living long!
For I must keep the joy of Jesus
everyday I'm here,
lest I fail to recognize
His greater joy appear!

And in an able, April breeze
transported to and fro,
the Presence of the Son of God,
assuredly, I know!
He is the One escorting, even
dancing as the wind,
I'm heartened so "Continue on!"
by Savior, Brother, Friend!

Continue on with me, won't you? You are free to in Jesus Christ! It is worth every step of The Way!!

5970

"Come..."

Closer...keep going...how close can YOU get to God? Just how intimate will you allow yourself to get with Him? It IS up to YOU! He is waiting for just that!

"My Father, You are God and God alone!
You are so awesome, and I am Your Own!
Too high and holy to attend to me,
yet, separated, we can never be!
Nothing, oh my God, may come between.
In Your eyes, unceasing, I am seen!
When I stumble, if I ever slip,
there to feel You tightening Your grip!
Open then mine eyes that I may know
reality but everywhere I go:
Father, the reality of YOU
desire I to fasten in my view!
I know Your Presence as a proven fact.
By Your Spirit moving, I react!
But Father, I so want to cast my sight
on that which makes my being whole delight!

Your awe and beauty, once again, too high.
Into Your holy Presence, though, go I;
separated from all things impure
so that Your holiness may I endure!
You are God and God, alone, so real:
more than vision, sound, aroma, feel!
Yet, the very same, (and so much more;)
my Father, all of You do I adore!

Amen!
5969

On My Soapbox...

The morning after, it all is still so numb.
Look upon it fully--stricken but again completely dumb!
How can such carnage and tragedy occur?
"...those movies, what time did you say they were?"

Everywhere, more images are produced...
The value of an individual reduced...
Every channel, every paper now proclaims...
"Excuse me, sir, does your store sell any of these games?"

"You cannot pray in THAT Name in THIS place!"
"Your intolerance is quite a disgrace!"
How can a life of wonderment go so wrong?
"...what were the lyrics to that popular song?"

"As wicked as the days that were, so will be the last..."
It is written, must it be surpassed?
I must pray without ceasing for any change to know...
"but later, I don't want to miss this show!"

"God help me. I am a selfish, ignorant man. Please change my heart and make me more like You.
In JESUS' Name,
Amen."

GOD BLESS VTI

No explanation will suffice at all.
I cannot even fathom now my call.
Jesus said to comfort the oppressed,
all I have are arms...my words are messed!
I only have two arms...but what are they
in the scope of such outrageous fray?!
While 'contestants' seek to make a name,
the terror, but a greater ripple, claim!
And where is God while all of this goes on?!
Along with conscience, would He, too, be gone?!
Where is that healing, soothing Spirit-balm?
Oh, find us in the ridges of His palm!!
For God is here, or WE could not advance!
I MUST go on, however deep this trance!!
"IT HURTS!! My God, how can You know my pain?!"
....visions catch Golgotha once again...
My tears are matched by those beyond the veil.
Once again, humanity to fail.
But once again, a promise echoes true:
we shall reunite beyond the blue.

Mere words of a poet? Sentiments from one so far removed from the situation that they be seen as reproach? I hope not. For similar was a morning years ago four hours from here in Jonesboro. It was painful then. It is painful now.

Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!

GOD BLESS VTI

No explanation will suffice at all.
I cannot even fathom now my call.
Jesus said to comfort the oppressed,
all I have are arms...my words are messed!
I only have two arms...but what are they
in the scope of such outrageous fray?!
While 'contestants' seek to make a name,
the terror, but a greater ripple, claim!
And where is God while all of this goes on?!
Along with conscience, would He, too, be gone?!
Where is that healing, soothing Spirit-balm?
Oh, find us in the ridges of His palm!!
For God is here, or WE could not advance!
I MUST go on, however deep this trance!!
"IT HURTS!! My God, how can You know my pain?!"
....visions catch Golgotha once again...
My tears are matched by those beyond the veil.
Once again, humanity to fail.
But once again, a promise echoes true:
we shall reunite beyond the blue.

Mere words of a poet? Sentiments from one so far removed from the situation that they be seen as reproach? I hope not. For similar was a morning years ago four hours from here in Jonesboro. It was painful then. It is painful now.

Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!

~Jim Busby

SO MANY THINGS!

"So many things I do not understand...
so many proofs that You are in command...
so many evidences of Your hand...
for to hearten life upon The Way.
The Way--so Straight and Narrow,
The Way--so cut and dried,
The Way, The Truth, The Life--
for it is Jesus, crucified!
Another thing I cannot understand,
save to receive it from my Father's hand.

So many things I cannot understand.
My Father, is such wonder what You planned?
In awe, within Your Presence, do I stand!
Here to hearten life upon The Way.
The Way--so new and lovely,
The Way--so unrehearsed,
Ther Way, The Truth, The Life--
for it is Jesus, risen first!
Another thing I cannot understand,
save to receive it from my Father's hand!

So many things I do not understand--
oh thank You, God, that You are in command!"


So many things...so constant...IT IS IMPOSSIBLE for any of us to understand it all!
If we did, what need would we have of faith? Hence, what need would we have for God?

"Father, I do not want to know it all! I want to only see, know and learn one moment at a time...from glory to glory...according to the revelation of Your Holy Spirit--for there be no other wise!"

Amen!
5959

Jared

"You never know..."
You've heard it. You've said it. But it remains truth.
You never know.
I was in a meeting the other night when God interrupted me instructing me to get apart to write. I did so so and penned the following words...

Imprisoned everywhere
How much can I bear?
Is freedom anywhere?
O but Calvary to share!

In Jesus Christ alone my liberty.
In a world devoid of certainty,
He is the Truth, the Life, He is the Way,
He is my defense, He is my stay.
He saw the things I did there in the past,
He knows iniquities that I've amassed,
yet He stands there, offering embrace--
in His blood, my sins, they have no trace!

Imprisoned everywhere,
but Jesus Christ to share
a freedom like no other--
a Friend, more than a brother!
Imprisoned not at all!
The chains about me fall
As I cling to the Lord,
all liberty restored!

Later in that meeting, a man came forth and explained that he had just gotten out of prison a few days earlier and needed to get his life straight.
You never know.
How many of us have ever balked at the nudge to say or do something? What if I had ignored the Holy Spirit as He was instructing me to write the verses above. Very few of us have the privilege of seeing the fruits of His labors. That man openly wept as he was speaking of how sorry he was for his past. I think the Holy Spirit was saying to him that it was alright to share the depths of himself. Pray with me that WE continue to listen to that Still, Small Voice...

5958

SEE...HEAR...KNOW...

Blessings on you!
So often, we pray and ask God for something...and then what? God is faithful to answer every prayer. But what do we do then? As much as we depend upon Him to grant us what we need, He depends upon us to take that answer and cause faith to rise up in someone else!


Open yet mine eyes, oh Lord,
But cause me then to see!
To witness Your reality,
Let my desire be.

Open up mine ears, oh Lord,
But cause me then to hear!
And greater, cause this man to listen
As You visit near.

Open, Lord, this heart of mine,
Life for me to know;
Embolden me, though, for to live
And, life anew, bestow!

So manifold, the Gift You are,
And freely given me—
But I must accept each gift
If life I’m going to see.

5957

NEVER BLANK!

Because God my Father is newer everyday, so are the words He gives me.
Because He is newer everyday, I can see the "same old thing..." and still receive fresh awareness! Because He is newer constantly, all I must do is write "Speak, oh Lord!" across the top of a page and the words flow...

O bless me with an empty sheet
And a means to fill!
In the hand of inspiration,
I, a yielded quill!
Move my hands to structure lines
That move the hearts of all;
Ever to surrender talent
To one only call!
It is not an empty sheet,
It is a destination…
It is not a quill in hand,
It is transportation…
One to know itinerary,
I must only go;
All creation and beyond
Awaiting for to know!

5854

MORE

Greater than what I could write,
deeper than what I recite,
much more, each facet to excite,
appearing now in spirit-sight!

The One in Whom I'm born again,
the One Who knew not any sin,
the One Who knows where I have been
is come to sup and enter in.

As we here, together, dine
upon the bread, upon the wine
that cometh from the living Vine,
all things become so very fine!

But surely, more than bread and wine,
sweeter so than written line,
more deep than speeches I design--
He's Jesus--Son of God divine!

Yes, HE IS JESUS! And He is more, greater, lovelier, more powerful... More than any word from a poet! I can barely describe Him! I must but experience Him! He is available for YOU to know and experience! Just ask me how!

In HIS Service,
Jim

3269

ANOTHER LIFE

From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, JESUS IS ALIVE!

Searching in the earliest,
rays are seeking out...
upon the wings of them to come
the morning with a SHOUT!
Morning in its newness,
morning in its first,
morning in virginity--
alive and unrehearsed!
Never is to be "just morning
like the one before..."
always, though, to be the dawning
of another shore!
The former, it is in the past,
there's nothing life can do,
save for to seize the morning now
and savor life anew!
"Welcome ye, O morning!
Rise, yes, rise again!
Even as the Savior of
the very souls of men!
Yesterday no longer,
we must continue on
and make the most of every moment,
soon, it will be gone!
O Maker of the morning,
make life anew in me!
I dedicate myself anew,
reveal Your will for me!
Mine everything defying
for to obtain Your Way!
Bring unto life all wonderments,
Ye Bringer of the day!"

AMEN!

No matter what the day contains, no matter what the day contained, God, in all His wisdom and generosity, will give to you another one with an opportunity for it to be better! Let Him.
5948

THAT FLOW!!

THE LORD IS RISEN!!

Unbridled is the flow that has
no start and has no end!
Eternal be the adoration
Christ-ward to ascend!
Ascending and descending, it is
to and it is fro:
the glory and the majesty
God Jesus Christ to know!
Of a truth is He enthroned
in majesty on high,
yet the same, He dwells within
the hearts of you and I!
He is inside us going,
He is where we arrive,
He is, o hallelu, He is
so constantly alive!
He is alive before is life
and all throughout the same!
He is alive beyond this life,
o glory to His Name!
He is alive, inviting all
to live and live once more!
Oh glory! Be ye born again
and live forevermore!!

Unbridled is the flow that has
no start and has no end!
A fount of adoration to HIM:
closer than a friend!
"Spring up, o well so deep within,
and flow without reserve
in each direction to The One
all worship to deserve!!"

THE LORD IS RISEN, INDEED!

5946

In Christ Alone

Talk. Talk is everywhere. Everyone has something to say. Do you know who to listen to? Are you capable of accepting what you hear from HIM?

Whispers and imaginings abound...
reports are written as results are found...
no matter, will remain life sure and sound?
Stable me in Christ, in Christ alone.
In Christ alone, truth is all that lives!
There is healing in all that He gives!
HIS treatment but consists of positives!
O stable me in Christ, in Christ alone!

Whispers and imaginings abound,
but caught up in them I cannot be found!
The calling on my life, it is more sound,
oh stable me in Christ, in Christ alone!
In Christ alone, life, abundant so!
Oh, what benefits are there to know!
The body, soul and spirit grow and grow!
Oh, stable me in Christ, in christ alone!

Whispers and imaginings abound
choking on them I will NOT be found!
Christ, the Solid Rock, HE IS MY GROUND!
I'm stabilized in Christ, in Christ alone!
In Christ alone, is ALL-SUFFICIENCY!
I lack nothing as, in HIM, I be!
I am preparing for eternity
stabilized in Christ, in Christ alone!!

EVEN SO, COME QUICKLY, LORD JESUS!!


5947

Easter Eve

The Lord is Risen!
"HE IS RISEN INDEED!"
And so is He inside the hearts of ALL who recognize Him as LORD!

Eve of Resurrection Day--
oh, the peace that be!
The branches of the afternoon,
they frame eternity!
Oh, and the reflection that
would mirror on the lake
broken only by a couple
Mallards and their wake.

Where a better place to
contemplate the perfect calm
availed from one source alone:
God the Father's palm?
No one to say "Hurry up!"
Oh, but just His voice
speaking every sight to me,
making me rejoice.

The eve of Resurrection Day,
but everyday to be
a celebration of that life
renewed for such as we!
Enjoy His Presence now and
evermore, oh glory be!
Basking in the newness and
that sweet serenity!

3245

PEACE AGAIN

Peace. Peace again. Can you find it? If you will let it, peace will find you! In fact, you can NEVER hide from Peace! Submit to Him Who is Peace and neither of you will ever be lost!

Peace again to find me
amd carry me away
a place I can't remember
where I so often stay

Peace again to find me
and take me off my feet
a place under construction
where I am made complete

Peace again to find me
for the first time ever
chains of 'freedom' bind me
all else here to sever

Peace again to find me
wherever I may be
the Prince of Peace directing--
sweet, sweet liberty!

3/22/06

RED, WHITE AND BLUE MEMORIES

In witness of several veterans carrying out some duties the other day, I wondered what was on their hearts. A few of them appeared to contain MANY memories, but just how far back? It does not matter "how far back...", the very fact they serve my country makes them worthy of all respect and every gratitude I can afford them! But what about those who were right beside them? Those who did not return...

Dare I walk, dare walk upon
The shores of Omaha?
Upon the beach at Normandy,
Who dare see what THEY saw?!
Pearl Harbor, that December,
Painful even yet…
Southeast Asia’s many faces…
Only dead forget!
Desert Storm and Shield of late,
Each offensive since…
But one factor be a constant:
Lives return not hence.

Stars and stripes upon a casket,
Then into the palm;
Stripes upon The Man within us—
“Come, ye Perfect Calm…”
photographs and memories:
passions to enthrall;
honor, gratitude and praise
to those who give their all.

4708