Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Ring in the new...

New Year's Eve. But what is time?
It is quite an issue in this life, but what about eternity?

All of time proclaims!
Creation calls His Names!
"God of everything!"
Sing, ye living, sing!

O my Father, You are all!
I respond unto Your call...
I submit unto Your lead...
"Teach me wholly!" this I plead!
You I cannot understand.
You hold me in Your awesome hand,
You feed me with what cannot end,
You speak what no man can rescind!

Time to yet proclaim
the glory of Your Name.
"You are mine Everything"
I shall forever sing!

The year is gone. A new one starts in a little while.
May we not lose sight of that which is more important than time.

4409

Monday, December 29, 2008

Testimony

Thank you, Jesus! You are so faithful!
As I read prayer requests from yesterday for the first time, I ask Debby questions and realize that there were no more seizures after prayer was started!
WHAT A MIGHTY GOD WE SERVE!!
Some would say "If HE is so mighty, why does Jim continue to have seizures?" I am asked that so often. I don't know, either. But I stand upon that Scripture in Job 13:15 that declares "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him."
I don't know why I suffer. "Suffer?" How can I be 'suffering' when I cannot recall what I went through?! Is that 'suffering?' As I listen to people describe what my seizures are like, the inability to recall them sounds more like a 'blessing' to me! (However, Debby, Matt & Vicki will affirm that THEY suffer with inability to stop me!)
"Suffering..." hmmm. Watching my wife during a migraine...THAT is 'suffering!' She suffers the wretched pain, I suffer knowing that there is so little I can do for her during them! Again, God is in control--that blessed truth is what causes us to endure! Endure and emerge victorious!
So, does this make me a martyr? I don't think so! I know multitudes that suffer far worse than I, and are much more effective than I! I don't know why EACH OF US endure what we do. I know that there is a plethora of 'cliche's' that well-meaning people would attach to any answer to these questions, but my God needs not one of us to defend Him, His answers to our prayers, or His appearance of a lack of response. Every one of our petitions to Him has an answer. Sometimes, the answer is "No." Sometimes, the answer is "Not yet."
Am I patient enough for HIS answer?

In HIS Service,
Jim

Friday, December 26, 2008

Giving

More than the presents, more than the gifts,
Jesus is constant and constantly lifts!
Gift of God given, given to all--
they are so fortunate heeding the Call!

"Away in a Manger..." away from the same,
absolute power be His for to claim!
His mighty power to claim for our own--
will you, by His awesome power, be known?

O wonderful season, traditions and all,
help me to focus on His greater Call!
So beautiful, wonderful season of days,
o, but eclipsed by The Way and His ways!

"The Christmas spirit--" The same does not have to be seasonal! Why can't I have such a giving spirit all year long? Even dismiss that thought; Why can't I have such a giving spirit day to day, one day at a time?
Jesus Christ is Christmas. The Lord Jesus is constant. I love celebrating His birthday! But He gives to me constantly, not for just a season!

"Lord, please teach me to give, amen."
6606



Wednesday, December 24, 2008

My Season

My season is a Person, not
a personality...
He is alive within, without
in everything I see;

My season is a Present, not
a present I must buy!
He already paid the price
in full for you and I;

My season is far greater than
a period of time--
He will eliminate the same
when, in His Presence, I'm!

My season--yesterday, today
and ever is the same!
He is love, He is life
and JESUS is His Name!
6605

Monday, December 22, 2008

WINTER!

Does that word make you shiver?
I realize that today's words get read in four different seasons, but where they are written it is 9 degrees! It is, however, quite beautiful!
What of the weather of the heart, though? Is it cold and unbearable? Is it stormy? Is it warm and inviting?

Frozen out the window...
vision amplified
by the sun of Christmas time
shining vision-wide.

So warm behind the window...
senses amplified
by the Son of Christmas time
shining living-wide!

So is the moving of the Spirit
here upon my my knees
my prayers to go living-wide
beyond festivities:
beyond the decorations,
celebrations, gifts and meals,
the birthday One looks at us each
and once again appeals.
He loves the celebrations, He
appreciates the praise,
but how does He look on the flurry
of the Holidays?
I must determine balance of
the giving and the Gift
as I allow His Majesty,
my very being, sift.

The weather of the holidays-
is it determined by my ways?
In spite of ANY winter storm,
may God find dwelling calm and warm.
6605

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Sin so sweet?

Does this pertain to you? Anyone you know?
There are so many that it applies to, what about this writer?
These words were recorded after I had a conversation with a very dear loved one. He was describing the grip that an addiction had on him. It was very painful to hear, as it was the confession of one that had all the 'appearances' of one that 'had it all together' in every aspect of his life! He was, and still is, quite highly respected.
After praying with him, I put myself in his situation and my heart cried...

The bondage of the habit--
how many understand?
The more that I give to it,
the more would it demand!
I thought that "I could manage it,"
that "nobody will know..."
then why am I so miserable
as the moments go?

"Come to me, let me pet you...
a moment all alone
in a place where you and I
are only to be known..."

O where is my deliverance?
Where is resolve so strong?!
I know that I'm addicted!
I know that this is wrong!
The pleasure is so fleeting,
the damning guilt to last!
I yearn for, oh, that moment when
this habit will be past!!

"Come to me, let me pet you...
a moment all alone
in a place where you and I
are only to be known..."

The bondage of the habit
takes Two to overcome:
Jesus Christ alive inside
to make the proper sum.
Without Him is no power,
this bondage, to defeat;
with Him is all deliverance,
o make it now complete!

To say "I am untouchable"
is lying to the heart!
If I press on in ignorance
God WILL NOT have a part!
Take and eat...take and drink...
upon the Lord imbibe--
there be no greater elements
that life here may prescribe!
6604


Saturday, December 20, 2008

WAKE UP!!


Awake! Awake, ye living!
A King, a King is born!
The greatest throne to ever be,
He does, He shall adorn!
His majesty unequalled,
spectacular, His grace!
His reign, it is eternal
like those who give Him place!


Awaken, o ye living,
and long before that day,
ye are the very seasoning,
the temper of the clay!
Salt and light unto your world,
even Christ alive!
Allow them see the Light within you,
that they, too, may thrive!


Awake, possessors of the Light!
You MUST give it away!
Unto a dark and dying world,
throw each of them a ray!
No matter what you give away,
far greater your return-
multiplied far greater than
this life could ever earn!!

Thursday, December 18, 2008

As we celebrate...

...remember:

Again it is that time of year,
so many people drawing near
to see the One it’s all about,
the One most of them are without!
Can any go about these days
without hearing of His praise?
Without a mention of His Name?
Regardless, His is Lord, the same!
If even we are this concerned
about those who have, His love, spurned,
imagine how the Savior feels,
thus He relentlessly appeals!
As we rejoice in Jesus’ birth,
Him Who gives our living worth,
there is a touch of grief inside
for all of those who have denied.
The greatest gift that e’er could be,
freely sent to such as we;
should we not share it with the rest,
so that they, too, can have the best?
As the year draws to a close,
let misconceptions, all, dispose,
and let us look into His face
and fully realize His grace!
For there, behind the flowing tears,
compassion and concern appears;
not apathy for those who don’t,
nor anger unto those who won’t,
but true compassion, love, and care,
ever ready, for to share!
For let us, these things, emulate,
as, unto Him, we celebrate.

527

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

'Tis the season?
Perhaps the way the world sees it!
Every day is the life of Jesus anew in those who gave their own life in trade for His. Are you one of them? He offers His life in trade to 'whosoever will!'
I'm a 'whosoever.' What about you?
The benefits of Jesus' life are far more than seasonal...even more than this life!

Glory of the season?
But eternal is the same!
The glory of the One begotten,
Jesus Christ by Name!
Glory far exceeding any
other glory known;
Father God assuring us
such glory be His own!

Glory of the season--more than
seasonal is He!
He is life--none other there
with such sufficiency!
And liberty abounding in
the very Prince of Peace!
Peace abounding in the ones
that would, their selves, release!

Glory of the season, oh,
but let Him be much more!
Far more than only 'seasonal'
but Jesus Christ is for!
Know His intimacy no matter
what the season be!
He is alive because of God's
great love for such as we!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Deciding Life

"The voices of rejoicing love!"
Can you hear them?
What are you listening for?
I know too many people who only get up to read the paper or listen to the latest news.
There is far more more than that to see, to hear.
Yes, we must be aware of that which goes on in our world, but if that's all there is to your world, you are missing out on a whole lot of life!
On your way to pick up that newspaper wave at someone you've never seen...
Wish a complete stranger "Merry Christmas!" (Or 'Happy Holy Days!')
Smile more!
When you wake up, before you turn the news on or open the paper, decide to find something good and positive, something to rejoice about and be thankful for.
Yes, it IS a decision, YOUR decision!

There is life! It is alive,
it is, is not a 'thing!'
There is Life--He is alive,
and I address Him "King!"
Even Lord and Savior He,
and Jesus is His Name!
There is Life--Jesus Christ,
He is mine only claim!

There is Life--mine only claim?
Mine every claim at all!
Jesus is alive always,
oh hear His certain call!
Words so very living,
love like not another;
seek the Life of Him, for He
is closer than a brother!

There is Life--do you know Him?
Life--it is a Man!
The Beginning and the End
of One exclusive Plan!
There is no other life at all
when looking at all living;
unto whom, therefore, will you
but your own life be giving?

Jesus Christ IS Christmas.
What is Christmas to you?
6597


Monday, December 15, 2008

GO GET 'EM!

Look at the world.
Look at the way it does business.
Do I want to participate in it? Not really, but I must.
I must be ‘in the world,’ He assures me and even adjures me not to be OF the world! He wouldn’t ask it of me if it were not possible…

“GO GET ‘EM!”
be the greeting of the day!
Of a truth, there is another way;
“GO GET ‘EM!”
but for sure each one must do;
but first, I want to spend some time with You!

To start the day before the day is started—
(but I know a multitude of ways!)
Before I walk the corridors of business,
I need to walk the aisles of Your praise;
Before the very earliest transaction,
I call You and I listen to Your voice;
for You provide the greatest satisfaction—
the surest of direction in each choice!

“GO GET ‘EM!” cries the world all around me,
oh, but I can get more than they all,
because greater is the One Who is within me—
the very One Who is the first I call!!

GO GET ‘EM!

6596

His Majesty!


Joy...love...hope...celebration...happiness...peace...rest...
Is that what you see as you look around at Christmas?
Perhaps we should pray for new eyes to see with?

O celebrate His majesty,
o celebrate the King!
Worship Him with instruments,
lift the voices! Sing!
Praise Him with the trumpets,
with the string and with the voice!
He is worthy of it all;
rejoice...rejoice...rejoice!


None other is authority,
Jesus--Lord of all!
All of living, then and now,
o heed One only call!
All of life that is to come
has opportune to see
the Power and the Glory all
throughout eternity!!


O celebrate His Lordship now
while life is as we know!
Then celebrate His Lordship in
the graces He'll bestow!
Prepare ye for that Paradise
by bending NOW the knee
unto the glory and the wonder
of His Majesty!
6595

Friday, December 12, 2008

Participation

Blessings on you!
Joy! Joy unspeakable? The Bible speaks of such!
Joy unwriteable? Aw, c'mon!! But I will try!
Speak, oh Holy Spirit...

Joy to the World, ye everyman,
o vocalize the voice!
Join angelic Hosts aloft,
REJOICE! REJOICE! REJOICE!
The season of the Savior is not
'seasonal' at all!
Give ye thanks but ceasing not,
according to His call!


"Silent night," yet temporary!
Hear the angels sing
a song of coronation unto
Christ--the newborn King!
The season of His birth, it is not
seasonal at all!
Oh, but all of time, itself,
"Your Majesty" to call!


Silence only possible
in adoration of
the glory and the majesty
of Jesus--King of Love!
Celebration be the balance
of the time remaining,
which is to be eternally
with His Kingship reigning!


Will you be in that Heaven realm?
Will you be in that celebration?
It only takes your decision.
He awaits your decision.
The invitation is still open...

6594




Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Joy!

Do you know such joy?
Do you HAVE that joy?
What is stopping you? Only what you allow!

Joy to the world! Joy to the heart!
May stress and worry have no part.
May the Goodness of the season
far eclipse all other reason!

Oh, living Light of Christmas,
You shine throughout the year!
Your light, it is eternal,
can such be grasped while here?
You shine so deep within us--
oh, let us each allow:
be Light within us even more
unto the groping now!

Joy unspoken, oh, the poet
seeks each living phrase!
So far beyond a shopping spree
be Your eternal praise!
Jesus, You are Joy alone
right now and evermore!
Jesus Christ--the greatest reason
Christmas time is for!!

Sunday, December 7, 2008

GIFT of God

How much 'season' do we lose by focusing on gifts?
What would happen if we focused more on THE Gift?

Far superior to 'gift'
is 'relationship...'
more important than 'merchandise'
that emotional grip!
One accord may far surpass
and outlast 'purchased' blessing--
do you know that relationship
come by His Name confessing?

Gift original to Christmas,
giv'n by God Most High;
suitable for every person,
all will qualify!
He saw the state of everyman,
therefore does He bestow
His only Son as that great Gift
that anyone may know!

O the Gift of perfect Love--
Christmas truth most great!
In the Person Jesus Christ,
all heavens celebrate!
Know the fullness of His gift
and join the celebration!
Know His fullness in this life
by making Him relation!

Let nothing rob you of a relationship with Jesus!
HE IS CHRISTMAS!!
6592

Saturday, December 6, 2008

"Always around the Holidays..."

The Holidays.
Painful? Should they be?
We are here for you if you need us Jan...Lonnie...Becky.
It has oft been said "Why do such things happen around the Holidays?"
But do not precious memories remain of all other days of the year as well?
Do not those beautiful, wonderful memories far outweigh the pain and loss of one day...one week...one "season?"
"Always around the Holidays..."
Joy, family, friends, gratitude, gifts...
such will always remain around the holidays, and every other day of the year!

Often, I hear folks say "______ has been gone now for _____ years..."
What if we retrained ourselves to say "For _____ years of our lives, we were blessed with the laughter, joy, strength and the life of our loved one. Now, we look forward to eternity with them."
How much less pain would days contain?
How much less pain would Holidays contain?

Friday, December 5, 2008

Seasonal?

"Season's Greetings!"
But only seasonal?
That troubles me at times. Jesus comes to life anew each and every day in my life. What about yours?
And do to the time of year, must the verse necessarily pertain to a baby in a manger? What about the glory and the majesty He possessed even before that "silent night?"

Glory in the highest--
adoration generates!
Glory in the purest as
creation celebrates!
"Hallelujah! Hallelujah
to Emmanuel!
Hallelujah to the King,
eternity to tell!"

In the corridors of time
present is His grace?
Greater, higher, deeper to,
such limitation, face!
Before and after time is He,
and through the very same!
Man--so very fortunate--
relationship to claim!

"Glory in the Highest,
hallelujah, hallelu...
forever and forever
well-acquainted, Lord, with You!"

"Forever and forever..." Yes, but also for always and for always.
RIGHT NOW!! He is present right now and worthy of all praise and adoration RIGHT NOW!
Join me in worshipping Jesus, won't you?
6588

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Ever-Grateful!

Blessings on you.
So much to be thankful for. Even when it seems like we are giving thanks for "the same old things...," God feels otherwise. He desires to hear from you. He loves to listen to you!
If you were God, would you not rather hear your people thanking you for the things they have, or constantly hear them ask for what they don't have?
It is similar to that lady I knew at the first church I went to. She was ashamed of her testimony because it did not involve anything "dramatic!" She was embarrased because all she could say is that she had been saved for as long as she remembered.
WHAT A TESTIMONY! I would certainly be thankful for such a testimony! It would have spared me much painful memories!
Whatever you have in this life, (or do not have!) one thing each of us have are reasons to be grateful. And Father God is desiring greatly to hear You thank Him for all that you have!


Grateful and over and over...
thankful again and again!
Not just a day or a season,
not just a meal now and then...
But gratitude is a decision,
gratitude, it is a 'thing;'
gratitude must be directed
to God--THE Creator and King!
Jesus, mine only Provider,
sufficing, whatever betide.
He is without my supplying,
He is provision inside!
The scope of his infinite giving,
it is eternity-wide!
Jesus, eternally living,
Jesus, the once-crucified!

Grateful and over and over...
Jesus and ever and ever:
He is my Lord and my Savior
nothing and no one to sever!
6585

Monday, November 24, 2008

Seen & Not

What an ordained "season!"
Is that all that Thanksgiving is to you?
I find reasons and causes each day to be thankful. It is impossible to contain it to a 'seasonal' thing!

Thanksgiving in the sunlight,
and thankful for so much.
Everywhere the vision goes,
so evident, His touch!
The darker of the spectrum...
the brightest of the gold...
all beneath the shades of blue
infinity to hold!

Thanksgiving where do celebrate
the living of the land.
He breathes upon the forest and
He combs it with His hand...
He colors branches one-by-one,
though oh so very brief--
to orchestrate the season, there
be not another chief!

Thanksgiving, and so thankful for
the beauty, seen and not.
A song of gratitude, but all
of living's surely got!
Let everything that has a pulse
sing out "HE IS ALIVE!"
On wings of grateful praises, He
is always to arrive!
6581

Sunday, November 23, 2008

He did it again...AGAIN!

God is so good.
Just when you think you might know what is going to happen or how a need will be met, He meets the need in a way that is undeniably HIS way!
We were invited to a house after church today. We had lunch and then headed to the meeting. It was a small gathering where a lady was selling a few skin-care products. As we left, she asked us to wait while she went to get something. She returned with two grocery bags containing EVERYTHING needed for a Thanksgiving dinner!
If there is one thing that I am learning, it is to expect Him to meet the needs, (and wants!) but to not limit Him on how the need will be met! You have heard it before: "His ways are not our ways..." The Truth holds. For His ways are better, greater, more complete, more satisfying than anything I might devise!

"Heavenly Father, You are so good to us!
Thank You for providing.
Please forgive me for limiting myself by putting You in a box.
Thank You for being so big that You break out of such boxes and bless us anyway!
Father, there is none like You!
Happy Thanksgiving, Father!
In JESUS' Name,
Amen"

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving--just a holiday?
No! It must be a state of life!
There is so much to be thankful for!
Thanksgiving is even more than mere 'attitude.'
It must be deeper than 'feeling.'
Thanksgiving is a truth that is present beyond vision or feeling.
It is more than just a time of year. Again, it MUST be a state of life.


Thanksgiving, and thankful once more.
All things He comes to restore!
Not ever shall I know a lack:
whatever life takes, He gives back!


Thanksgiving, and thankful again.
I am most blessed amongst men!
He causes my life to behold
a reason for thanks to unfold!


Thanksgiving, and thankful always.
In all is there cause to give praise
as life, it is far more than "seen,"
Thanksgiving--so much does it mean!


Live Thanksgiving! As you learn to give thanks even through the most dire times and events, it will be easier to see beyond them at the 'bigger picture,' and those same times and events will have greater meaning.
6581








Thursday, November 20, 2008

"THINGS?"

Do you lack? Are you sure?
How vital are those 'things' that you feel you have lack of?
The Word of God assures us that He shall supply us with all that we need according to the abundance of His Son Jesus.
I need to spend more time noticing the 'things' that He provides without my even asking. Most of the time, those blessings are 'things' which I do not even know how to ask for!

Beautiful creation
vision to rejoice
glorious, all living,
harmonious of voice!
So great, our God, Creator,
to share with even man--
how fortunate the chosen few
to recognize His plan!
So wealthy those confessing Him
as Savior and as Lord;
recognition of His works
is constantly restored!

"Beautiful Creator,
the very heart to sing
a song celebration of
the new life that You bring!
The glory of Your holiness,
another song alive!
We sing with expectation as
You cause us to arrive!

The splendor of Your glory,
seen by those who see.
So very tempting be the glimpses
of Your majesty!
Only causing us to yearn
for that eternity
where the fullness of Your grace
has great sufficiency!"

Can you see it?
6580

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Life in Season

Naked, now, the branches reaching out...
vestiges remaining sing and shout!
all of living basking in the rays
harmonizing in the perfect praise!
With autumn tide and winter shaking hands,
living, for the moment, still it stands.
Seasons, oh so long ago ordained,
For a fleeting moment, are contained!

Life, so very alive.
Though many dare argue the dying of such, life is alive to those expecting to see life! It all depends on what are you looking for!
Look for life. Decide to see that life wherever you look. God will never disappoint you!
6584

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Veteran's Day, 2008

Just because the battle is afar,
Just because another rank you are...
regardless if you're active or reserve,
our respect and honor you deserve!
You've done what many of us could not do.
One day, alone, is not enough for you!

You have done what most of us would not--
thus, our admiration you have got!

Every branch of service...
every class or rank...
God Most High protecting,
God Most High we thank!
Your bravery outshining
emotions that are real;
our desire be that our
most heartfelt thanks you feel!
And that you be rewarded on
this day and every day
with words and deeds that,
deep appreciation, would convey!
Great is your reward, beyond
each worldly accolade
for your part assuring that
our liberty is made!
6579

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Labor or Laughter?

For every leaf that I touch with the broom,
seven more the landscape would exhume!
Every time the floor I clearly see,
the breezes come along and laugh at me!

The rituals of autumn,
sentinels aflame;
to many it is labor,
to others, it’s a game!
I must observe the latter
lest labors all increase;
I must observe the whimsical
so I can savor peace!

What a blessing it is to recognize the signs of the season. Each of them, however, come with responsibility.
Something very painful happened here years ago. The man that we bought our property from became ill. In turn, he and his wife sold their property next door. It had six large, beautiful trees on it. One of the first things that the new owner did was take a backhoe and knock those lovely trees down! When I asked him why, his only response was “I hate raking leaves!”
God help us!
6570

Friday, November 7, 2008

Rue

Oh Father, You give and give and give!
You are so generous.
However, I have been taking faster than You have been giving, therefore, I am in debt.
Please forgive me.
Please forgive my selfishness.
Your Word is rife with warnings and admonitions against being in this place.
I'm sorry.
Can You help me?
Do I even have the right to ask for Your help?
You gave me plenty of warning.
My loved ones gave me plenty of warnings.
I was having too much fun to heed those warnings.
Now here I am, Father.
Now what?

In JESUS' Name,
Amen

Lifejoy!

The joy, the gifts, the wonder of God…too much to be contained or even known fully in this life! When we get to Heaven, does that mean that we will possess ALL knowledge, therefore we will not learn anything else about the wonder of Him?

Not in this life alone, the joy,
the joy of all You are;
Your jubilation rings throughout
the heavens from each star!
Creation even echoes unto
You in life alive!
Oh, Oh, that sweet plateau of praise—
will ever we arrive?

The mountains, in Your vigor, stand,
the hills, they skip about;
the seas resound unto the coastlands
with a constant shout!
Those upon the wing, they carry
joy in each direction!
The adoration of You so
becomes a sweet infection!

The joy of everything You are—
eternal…settled…true…
I celebrate the sacrifices
given me by You!
I utilize obedience,
the better of the two—
better to behold the gifts
endowed of only You!
6553

Thursday, November 6, 2008

It is known

I promise you that a lot of folks echoed this poem the other night. It was election night here in the United States.
Regardless who is voted into office, there WILL BE a good number of people disappointed.
The key to overcome this is to realize that God is THE ONE that appoints leaders and puts them into place, according to His Word. Further, we are COMMANDED by that same Word to pray for those in office, even if we do not agree with them.
This poem was written three months ago, and I find myself coming across it today to put into file. Coincidence? NEVER!!

Again, the end of day;
success—all HIS way!
What I declare the same,
to Him might be a shame!
The day and each event
appear now Heaven-sent!
According to most sight,
the enemy took delight.
But greater are God’s ways,
and He receives all praise
now, as I reflect,
and when things intersect.
Things inside the day
are constant on The Way,
and He retains control—
the Savior of my soul!

The end of day is here,
and Jesus yet is near.
The Truth, the Life, the Way—
forever will He stay!

Life goes on. And if you are one of those desiring to live according to His will, though life may shake you, nothing will bring you down.

6548

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Seeing Sight

“Good morning, my Heavenly Father!
Oh, what beautiful life You have created today!
Again, I ask that You would bless me with Your vision as I behold today’s creation. For only if I look with Your eyes will I receive all that You have for me today!

Again to see this living with Your sight...
to look upon another without blight…
to behold Your creation without fetter—
oh, but life would then be so much better!

The sight that is before me—
I will not complain.
If I would look for YOU therein,
its beauty be my gain!
To be thankful for the same
would be Your sovereign will;
therefore, my God and Father, come,
Your everyness instill!

In JESUS’ Name,
Amen”
6537

MORNING SURE

How can I continue to boast, brag and revel in the creativity of God when my brother cannot even see it? Should I feel so guilty that I let the quill of my vision run dry, or shall I continue to hone this gift in such a way that even those without sight can ‘see’ what they hear from this page?

Morning unmistakable—
so beautiful, so new!
Fauna and the flora being
nourished by the dew…
God Himself to whisper softly
to the many trees:
leaves to shiver at His breathing,
cloaked as ‘gentle breeze.’

Morning unmistakable—
life, and so abundant!
With the Maker of the morning
nothing is redundant!
Everything is made afresh
when He is recognized;
for only in His fulness is
completeness realized!

Morning unmistakable;
God—the very same!
Everything about creation
glorifies His name!
Behold the evidences of him,
even as you rise—
evidence abounding in
the earth and in the skies!

Make a point to notice Him—it will affect your entire day…even if you only ‘see’ it amongst these lines or ‘hear’ it in these verses!
6536

Valuables

“Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Old words, powerful words, and still alive today! What is valuable to you?

Precious metals have no worth
when I look in Your face.
You are more beautiful than any
gemstone in this place.
Your worth only greatens and
due nothing of this life!
The glories of Your majesty
are stellar-most and rife!

‘Precious’ only then applies
to You and Your great love.
All other be destroyed as we
are gathered up above!
So precious, then, eternity
in adoration of
the Father, Son and Holy Spirit—
consummate of love!

Less important, then, the mansion
on the other side…
value then to know expansion,
even human-wide!
No class or caste distracting, only
candid adoration
eternally unto the One
providing our salvation!
6535

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Flexible

"All things work together for good for them that love God."
Such was proven yet again this morning. Vicki's car needed repair. In order to get it to the shop, she drove our truck home so that we could drop it off. To do that, we had to arrange for someone to pick us up at the shop. THAT person is also the one who drives me to Promise Keepers each Tuesday morning. THIS Tuesday morning being Election Day, he also offered to take us so we could vote. So, to save one trip, Debby was going to sit in the car for the hour of our MEN'S prayer meeting. Several of the men saw that Debby was there, and they were going to have no part of her waiting in the car!
So this morning, our MEN'S prayer meeting was not, but God was there in just as much power, wonder and glory as He is at all times! I am so grateful that HIS meetings are not so rigid that they cannot be adjusted to include the opposite sex.
If you are in the Untied States and reading this, GET OUT AND CAST YOUR VOTE!! God has protected our right to do this for over 200 years. It is not only a duty, it is a privilege that most of the world does not have.

In HIS Service,
Jim

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Significance?

God knows everything I have need of.
He was aware of those needs long before I was.
What I find even more incredible: He is also keenly aware of my "wants."
Have you found this yet?
He is perfectly aware of all that you require, but He also knows what you like and enjoy. Even the most 'insignificant' things in your life are significant to Him--that's how much He loves you!
Let Him love you that much!
He knows your hobbies, and if you keep them in perspective, He will enjoy them with you and bless you!
Try Him and see.

All the Day...

The busyness of life.
What about yours? Do you have time?
Is your day so busy that you cannot but converse with God? Yes, it is wonderful to set aside that awesome time to be alone with Him, but there is more! God is right there beside you in everything you do! All you have to do is acknowledge Him!
He provided that work that You are doing. He has created those people that you are doing business with. He made that sight that you are looking at by hand! Yes, even that mountain that you must climb was placed there by Him.
Talk to Him.
Invite Him to ascend that mountain with you.
Ask him to help you communicate with those people.
Give Him every part of your day. Your BUSY day...

All of everything for Him
Who died once and for all!
The Same, He gives His everything
to any who would call.
He is worth all time, all money
everyone possesses
because He comes into the heart,
restores and wholly blesses!

All of everything for Father,
Son and Holy Spirit!
The generation of the heart,
oh, He deserves to hear it!
Honors He the yearning and
the produce of the same;
honor Him returning
accolades unto His Name!

All of everything for Jesus--
Bishop of the Soul!
He alone is capable
of ransoming in whole!
Doing all that man could not,
He is the Only Way!
Time diminished as approaches,
oh, that Happy Day!
6529

Friday, October 31, 2008

LOOK and SEE!



Where are you? Can you see? What are you looking at? What are you looking for?
I speak with so many people with different vision.
I have a bad habit(?) of noticing good in just about everything I look at.
Most of the folks around here are currently looking at the remnants of the season that need "cleaning up." This was put into perspective for me several years back when the neighbor next to me was walking through the quilt that autumn had spread across his property. I made a remark about the task ahead of him.
"Leave 'em alone. I'm going to enjoy the leaves as long as I can."
That comment spoke volumes to me then about the simplicity of life. It still does. It doesn't matter what 'opinion' is about a lot of things. What does matter is your perspective about it.
Do you see a yard that needs to be raked and disposed of, or do you see proof of the perfect order that He set long before we were here?

Through the failing branches
boundless is the blue;
is anybody able
to number every hue?
Assigning each a color--
too daunting for the pen!
Too wonderful to be contained
by languages of men!
To only be discussed with the
Creator of the same.
God Most High--for He assigns
to each of them a name.
And, quicker than the poet man
can capture them in verse,
more subtleties arrive--the pen
to once again rehearse!

Through the waning branches,
(and thinner with each breath,)
life, so very evident,
in what most see as "death."
Perspective--it is everything
when seeing without sight;
o, the glory of the season
just beyond its height!

6528


Monday, October 27, 2008

Hurry up?

October in full color,
behold, behold the sight
so very living and alive--
let everyone delight!
O be there no discussion,
discouragement be gone!
The autograph of God Himself,
each sight, to rest upon.

October in full color,
abduct the seeking heart!
Captivate the willing with
your evidence, your art!
Sunlight to accentuate
variety so vast;
into your embrace, emotions
easily are cast!

October in full color,
brief your glory stay;
easily recalled when present
subtler of day;
His artistry embracing
and warming with each thought...
oh, the many blessings the
beholder, he has got!

Behold the season! TAKE TIME to see it!
You have reason not to?
Make sure your 'reason' is not merely 'excuse!'
6527

Friday, October 24, 2008

The Purpose of Life

Do you know what it is?
Do you know what it is for your life?
God does have a perfect plan and purpose for EVERY life!
I assure you, HIS plan is quite a bit more than "...just getting by."

"Because of You I do more than 'survive;'
Because of You, I prosper and I thrive!
Blessed and highly favored I've become
Calvary and crimson due the sum!


Why have You placed me so high above?
Why does this man know so great a love?!

There is nothing lovely in this man.
It has to be the Purpose of Your Plan!

Because of You I am alive and live.
With abandon You so freely give.
Nothing could be greater than Your love!
A higher Plan and Purpose I am of."

When you come that that humble place, He will give you everything I have spoken of, as well. Let Him. Trust Him. He can do more with your life than you can, and you will obtain wealth untold along The Way.
GO FOR IT!
6526

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Timeless Beauty

Evidence of season--life is full of it!
What a blessing to live in a place where the same is beyond photograph--it is real and living:

The shadows of October to extend...
the subtleties of autumn boldly blend!
The splendor of the season amplify
beneath the azure of the even sky.

Shadows of the afternoon, so long,
only to contribute to the song
that is the season unto those aware;
how many are the elements to share?

Elements of autumn,
surely life has got 'em!
Savor every one
before the thrill is done!

Wherever You are, glorify God and enjoy the blessing and privilege of being alive for one more season!
6525

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Hideout

Ah, the wonders of technology...
the blessings of 'civilization...'
The disciples knew it for their day, but what did Jesus do?
So very often, The Word points out that He separated Himself for a season:
He went into the wilderness...
He went up into the mountains...
He walked across the water to escape the crowds...
He even left His laptop and His cell phone behind!!
So many occasions are given to remind us to leave behind everything to be alone with God.
Can you?

In the roar of silence,
the tumult of the 'hush,'
there is a precious healing,
there is a greater rush!

Where there are no distractions,
He has my full attention,
and present there are benefits
too wonderful to mention!
The blessings of 'technology'
absent for a season;
forgotten on one's own volition
for a Greater reason;
the fewer the amenities
the focus be more keen,
until His holy Presence only
felt and heard and seen.

Escaping to that wonder
His direction under;
until I return,
more of His blessings learn.
6522

Monday, October 13, 2008

Morning Vows

In the very able mist
rhapsody to yet exist
excitedly resounding;
upon the wind, upon the earth,
daylight once again gives birth
and life, it is abounding!
The choir on the wing is heard—
those with and without a word
make sweetest harmony;
every matrix to display
the glory of the living day
and promises that be!


“The Promises that be…” Are you aware of them? Are you waiting for one of them? Has God promised you something that has not yet come to pass?
DON’T GIVE UP! We serve a God that loves us so much that He will NEVER forget not just what He has promised, but those heart’s desires that you have shared with no one yet, not even Him!
Trust Him!

6517

Disaster

Disaster. What does it mean?
For another season of life, I live in a place where it happens.
But 'disaster' has different meanings to different people.
It's sort of like "tribulation." Do we understand that word in America?
Go to a country somewhere in the world where you can be murdered for your faith and tell them that the tribulation is coming.
While here in America we are preaching about the coming tribulation, other countries are living it!
But 'disaster.' No one is immune from it.
We had to drive down to Little Rock one day. The beautiful, peaceful 4-hr. drive contained scenes this time of anything but! As we drove through one of our usual rest breaks, a Scripture came to mind: "...there shall not be one stone left upon another..." Just days before, a tornado went through this town and several others on its destructive path!
In the aftermath, the human spirit was very evident...

In an after moment
where life has taken place,
so evident becomes the fact
"Abundant is the grace!"
Life has seen disaster,
but life continues on--
the beauty of resiliency,
it is not ever gone!
While hiding from the elements,
the hiding place escapes...
nature has a weapon which
it wields and mis-shapes!
Even though its force, it is
immune to hands of men,
the human spirit overtakes,
repairing where its been!

In an after moment,
so temporal the sight,
living soon again will show
much healing in the light!
"No good thing is taken unless
better is in store!"
Standing on this truth reveals
what is tomorrow for.
6516

Perfect Presence

Don’t lose heart!
Whatever that is that is staring you in the face, God is greater!
Whatever news you just received, God loves you so much that He wants you to trust Him for it!
You are part of creation, but God is

So far above creation,
so present in the same;
all life sings coronation
unto His holy Name!
He’s worthy of exalting…
He’s over and above…
He is The Perfect Father,
He has the greatest love!

And being The Perfect Father, He can and will be right there with you through everything that happens in your life.
Let Him!

6515

Sunday, October 12, 2008

By Grace...

One more time, You prove that You
are present in the gap.
When we are not inside Your palm,
we’re sitting on Your lap!!
Though life would constantly encroach
it will not overtake;
for You are mine and I’m aware
of every move You make!

“Try Me, I will satisfy;
trust Me, I protect;
Depend upon Me, seek My will
to always intersect!
There, behold the moving of
My Being in Your midst;
learn My attributes, for they
will constantly exist!
You are My righteousness, no matter
how you feel inside!
No matter what man thinks, in you
I have abundant pride!
I want to be there, present in
your each and every time,
assuring you, but always, that
next elevation find!"

Once more, Your Presence reaffirmed
no matter landscape be;
a royal purpose to exist
no matter what men see;
far greater are Your purposes
than any of this place;
the same to only come to proof
in life that’s lived by grace!

6512

Saturday, October 11, 2008

"The Dead Alive"

Are you a part? Do you even understand?
Jesus told the crowds that unless we ate of His body and drank of His blood, we could have no part in Him.
That sounds harsh? That sounds cruel, disgusting?
O, but the blessings, beauty and benefits of the same...

Your Body, it is holy
and all that is within;
every member needing You
because of wretched sin!
There is not one exclusive
from a need for You.
Lord Jesus, see Your Body,
oh see each part anew!
Sin has overtaken,
o cursed be the same!
Its affects are rampant,
we cry out in Your Name.
Grace alone atoning,
Your bleeding to suffice;
why do we crucify again?
You've fully paid the price!
Your Body, oh so holy,
but only through the Same.
Due alone what You have done
is life alive to claim!
The Body and the Blood unto
the body, soul and spirit;
oh, every time partaking, may life
feel and see and hear it!
6510

Thursday, October 9, 2008

"The Glory of the Season"

Do you have it where you are?
I grew up in a place that had 1 month of winter, 2 months of Spring, and 7 months of summer, and 2 months of Autumn. Yes, there was color, but nothing like the colors here! No, I am NOT complaining. I am simply stating my amazement at the wonder of HIS creation here...

How quick, the flight of summer,
As autumn comes to call;
The changing of the guard would linger
Precious in the fall.
Not this year, however, it
Is all so cut and dried,
And, by the gentle norther sigh,
All is beautified!

The beauty of the season
In the wooded hills….
The wardrobe of the timber gently
Floating in the rills….
A symphony accompanies
The trickle of the same
To only add unto the glory
Of the yearly flame.

“Fly on, fly on, oh summer,
I’ll see you in awhile!
Thanks again for everything,
The memories to file.
I’ll savor, oh, the moments and
The seasons in between,
And see you after everything
Has donned, again, the green!”


If you can relate to these words, ENJOY IT! There are too many people who read this that have no idea what four seasons are like!
2701

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Only 'Feelings?'

What is inspiration?
Just because it may not be 'tangible,' is it present?

Where is inspiration when
it is too hard to feel?
Must a thing be seen or felt
to be considered 'real?'

But when is absent 'feeling'
inspiration DOES exist!
If only 'moved' when feeling 'is'
how much of life be missed!

Inspiration always!
Acknowledge it and know
the gamut of emotion from
the very same to flow!
6509

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Faith

"God will provide!"
That is a proven truth. But how often do I trust in that solely?
I know that He will provide, and I see ways that He will do so.
But what if 'those ways' are invisible? What if 'those ways' fail? Am I then trusting God?
I have to trust God, because 'those ways' that other folks see God providing are often impossible for me.
His ways are not my ways. More often than not, 'His ways' with my brother are NOT His ways for me.


"Heavenly Father,
I know that You will meet all of my needs today. Please forgive me for trying to help, and for 'assuming' how You will do so.
I know that if I assume the way that bill is going to be paid, it puts You in a box. Your ways are so much greater than my ways. Therefore, I will say "not my will but Thine be done," so that I can see the wonder and the awe that is far beyond my 'assumption!'
Thank You for already meeting that need that I will find out about later today.
Thank You for holding firmly all those needs I already have.
Thank You for even knowing my life's desires, not just my needs.
Thank You for wanting to hear about those desires as we walk through the day.
O Father, You are so good to me!
Thank You for Jesus.
Thank You for saving my soul.
Thank You for healing my body.
Thank You for being so great that You can do all this for ANYONE that calls out to You!
Father, You are God and there is not another!
In JESUS' Name,
Amen"

Monday, October 6, 2008

Disabled?

The limbs of the trees are anxious so early.
They murmur amongst themselves.
Their intercourse has a familiar sound and tone.
Silhouetted against the east, they appear to be nervous.
One by one, they begin to sway in anticipation of His arrival.
With the presence of His breath, they begin to clap their hands.
The glow of His arrival turns the eastern sky purple...blue... orange...red...yellow...white...
Father is here!
Let the day begin!
What?!
When did the day end?
Did life 'end' with the arrival of 'today?'
But what if it is one continuous 'time' that keeps getting better and better until THAT day?
So, when He inspires us forward with a promise of THAT Day ahead, are we not merely going to be translated to another place to but continue THIS day?
NO WAY! ABSOLUTELY NOT!!
THAT day ahead is so wonderful and so ______ that my pen is not even allowed to record it!
"I can do all things through Him Who strengthens me..."
All things? Then why is my pen so 'disabled' when it comes to capturing the glory--THE glory that is merely sampled in the east as I look out my window?
Disabled? Handicapped?
Yes...until His return shall break the fetters of all expression and we shall see Him as He is, no longer '...darkly, through a glass!'
The rays now extend all the way across the morning.
The arms of the trees are fully extended in the surrender of adoration!
"Even so, Lord Jesus, come..."
6504

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Chamber

The Holy Place . Have you been there? Do you go there?
It is a very intimate place. I often hear people say they want to keep God at a distance for whatever reasons.
I spoke recently of how, as a child, I was told that God knew everything about us, and that if we asked Him to forgive us for something, He would. My childish reasoning found the secret: He knew about it because I confessed it! Therefore, if I did something wrong, I would talk to Him like nothing ever happened. No, it didn’t last long and, yes, I was miserable!
God is so intimate. However, He will only be as intimate with you as you will allow. Let go!

In the chamber once again
where is not another;
present in the Holy Place
with my Friend and Brother;
doing what is heavenly,
hearing life alive,
seeing Him Who causes me
to certainly arrive!

The chamber of my Father,
reserved for all of men;
He calls me into His Presence
knowing where I’ve been!
He dances with me as I sing,
embracing me so oft…
His touch, His voice, His living breath,
they take this man aloft!

The chamber, it is refuge,
conviction there resides;
there be no moment for ‘facade,’
no thing impure resides!
I am naked in the chamber,
there be not another way;
He sees, He knows, He feels all things
about me anyway.

Blessed be the chamber,
so very real and not.
Closer to my Father God—
there be no other spot!

6450