Greater than life!

Life.
Sometimes it becomes overwhelming.  Sometimes just the inability to fathom what is going on is exhausting!  BUT GOD desires that we turn it over to Him.  No matter how big or how small it may seem to others, God knows what it is doing to you, and He avails Himself to you!

"You give Yourself so freely to
whatever be the need;
our consolation is Your concern,
despite apathy or greed;
even when I turn my back
You stand there facing me,
offering that firm embrace
that nowhere else can be!
Regardless how strong I may seem
I need You every hour!
There is no way I can survive
apart, Lord, from your power!
The strength that You contain fades not;
Your mercies never fail
no matter how the enemy
may hassle or assail!

O Lord, Your arms are refuge in
a very busy place;
Your peace is a necessity
for to reside in grace!
And Your healing--there is not
another thing come near!
You understand what man cannot,
and You deflect all fear!
And Lord, You even hold me when
the past attempts to haunt;
for you are greater far than what
the enemy may flaunt!
I cling to You!  I trust in You!
My life, it is Your Own;
therefore, by 'My chosen'
You have caused me to be known!"

Life.  God is bigger and stronger than life.  And though other 'things' arise and bid us sway otherwise, God remains God and we remain His chosen, thus enabling us to stand firm in Him and be victorious!

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Only Words?

"Let's talk about it."
So easy to say.  For some, however, it is more difficult to do.  
Then we get into The Word.  If it is difficult in the Word, it's probably even more difficult to go through and share in the world we live in.

"You see and know emotions that
we cannot even say;
You fathom situations that
we struggle with each day;
however, as we talk about it,
You help us move on
into a place of healing and
all prejudice is gone.

The Truth--for it shall set us free
and liberate the heart;
the same, for to unite us and
not make us move apart.
So basic of a principle
that so eludes so many;
O Lord, do not give up on us,
lest we would not have any!
Make sure the lives we live back up
The Gospel that we preach.
For everywhere we turn be someone
that You need to reach.
And lest they SEE You in ourselves
before they hear a word,
that miracle of transformation
may not be occurred!"

Like it or not, our lives are an open book to the world.  We are being seen, heard and read even when are walking all alone.  Can the world around you see that you are NOT alone, and it is Jesus in and through you?  For they are DYING to have Him, and we are the vessel!
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Fully Involved

You're not alone.  Not ever!  This is a promise from God's Word that will NEVER pass away.  Whatever it is that you are facing, know that, as You trust in Him, you are NOT facing it alone!

So much joy available--
who will draw from such?
Even when the opposite
cares not who it may touch,
God avails abundant joy
though Jesus Christ the King!
Even in the daily trial
He can make us sing!

O that song transcending all
that life may bring about!
That melody--and Jesus Christ
is what it's all about!
For He already knows the end
of what we're going through;
He cheers us on and He provides
the perfect avenue!
He will deliver FROM the storm
or THROUGH the very same!
O know the power that we have 
in That One Holy Name!
There be no other to provide
the Victory availed
as we trust and depend on Him
Who has not ever failed!
For therein lies the joy that is
available to ALL!
Seek ye first His Kingdom and,
the name of Jesus, call!

This life is full of challenges, BUT GOD is up to any and all of them, and HE NEVER FAILS!  Trust in Him with the big and the small--He wants to be fully involved in your life!
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Alive in God!

So busy with busyness.  The days seem more and more complicated as we go.  BUT GOD has wonderful refuge at all times, and tools for us to utilize as we go...

"Oh, train my tongue for to provide
the peace, the love you are.
Too many are the folks about
who feel rest is too far!
But Lord, a word in season from You
meets so many needs!
Your care through your people, lord,
all medicine exceeds!
For You are comfort, You are healing,
You are EVERYTHING!
And You use such as we, oh Lord,
those benefits to bring!
As long as we avail ourselves
unto Your certain lead,
blessings--they will be accomplished,
and folks will succeed!

You alive inside of us,

and we alive in You--

there is NOTHING in this life

said willingness can't do!

Submitted and availed to You--

Your wisdom and Your ways;

such will bring to us success

and bring, unto YOU, praise!"

Alive in God.  No better way to live!  No more successful way to live!  And not just success as we know it, but that which will reap rewards eternally!

Be alive in Christ at all times!

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Beyond appearances

Life is always BEAUTIFUL when we are spending time with God!  That same life is not always as beautiful as we go about our daily routine.  BUT GOD is with us even then!

Amidst the daily toil and trial
there is success to know;
even when the things that rise,
our way, don't always go;
for God, He is aware of all
that goes on in our day,
and He has vowed that He will ALWAYS,
right beside us, stay!
Even when that confrontation
seems to go awry...
even when the cupboards seem
so barren and so dry...
even when the pain is so great
we can hardly stand
we have His assurance that
we are inside His hand!

What a blessed promise have we
as we so belong
to Him Who has complete control,
to Him Who is our Song!
For therein lies the beauty sometimes
not seen, felt or heard. 
God Most High--He gives His all,
and settled is His Word!

Do YOU have those days when it seems like God is far away or busy with everyone but you?  Then you are completely normal, and He has you in the palm of His hand!
Don't give up.  Keep trusting.  Keep pressing on.  He will show you why eventually.
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In HIS Strength...

Life gives and takes.  God always gives.
Situations change.  God changes not!
No matter what we are going through, we can KNOW that God is right there with us and He will NEVER leave us nor forsake us!  He never fails!

"Once again, my strength is gone--

You offer me Your own.

The day, for it was busy, Lord,

but You were not unknown!

You carried me and gave me joy

to share with everyone;

You even hold me as I type this

now that day is done!

There is no way I could survive

without Your constant care!

You even give me life I can,

with others, freely share!

Any 'glory' I received

while tending to the work--

it be deflected unto You,

and no assignment shirk!

And now, as I am spent once more,

Your arms are my retreat

whence I can be refilled and healed,

and be made complete!

Yes, YOUR strength and Your resolve is what

each patron saw today;

as it is YOU that be mine All

each step along The Way!"

Today was quite busy and quite successful...but only because of Who He is inside of me as I did what was expected of me!  Again, GOD IS SO FAITHFUL!

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Brand New Opportunity

God's matchless grace and favor.
So grateful that it is dependent upon no 'thing' that we can do or this world can do to us!  It is evident yet again as I open my eyes and look around...

Life is yet anew once more
with glory and with grace.
Resplendent with more means to prosper
and to see His face;
even birds to recognize it
as they brightly sing...
oh, but not before I go to Him
with my first offering!

The first part of my day is spent
in precious visitation.
Communing with my Father--
cultivating that relation!
If it were not for His great grace
and purpose for this man,
I would not know such Presence, purpose,
or one more day began!

Whatever did or did not happen
in the yesterday,
it is behind us as He gives,
to ALL, a brand new way!
And it is up to us to trust Him
with the time that's NOW!
Praise Him...hear Him...love on Him
in the moments that allow!

Good Morning.  GOOD morning!  Yes, that's what it is, and regardless what the next _______ hours contain, He does and will remain good, availing Himself constantly through it all!.
Make him part of every part of your new day!
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Almost over

Yes, day is winding down.  But not before God has the final say, and He does so in His spectacular way...

The sky is orange against the storm
that rumbles as it rolls!
The rainbow that is full right now
is touching many souls!
All as God contains the storm
inside His mighty palm
so inducing wonderment
and precious, healing calm!

Halted once again for to
behold His mighty hand!
This time, as He takes a storm
and sweeps across the land!
The thunder and the lightning...
the setting sun behind...
cause the pen and paper,
once again, a verse to find!

Rush the moment not as He
paints yet another eve
with colors and with elements
too almost not believe!
Oh, but HIS reality
is right before the eyes
of any who would give Him time,
His awe to realize!!

Day is done again.  The elements, however, are not!  And God is using them to amaze and inspire words and verses!  Do you have time to listen?
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YOUR resolve!

There is so much peace in KNOWING that God is in control.  It doesn't mean that everything is going to go our way, but when it does not He provides peace and patience in the assurance that He already has everything settled.
Can you handle that?

Looking far beyond the sight
that dares attempt to daunt...
seeing victory when defeat
would parade and flaunt...
KNOWING Him to Whom each step
belongs upon The Way;
it keeps us moving forward THROUGH
the challenges each day!

Whoever said a perfect path
would be once we are saved
missed what He said when He described
just how the road is paved!
But He leaves us not Comfortless
as we press on ahead:
His Holy Spirit girts us and
protects us as we're led!
Therefore does joy exist even
amidst the roughest storm!
We must focus on HIS goal and,
to HIS ways, conform!
For therein lies the victory
to carry each man through--
Jesus Christ alone be praised
and God gets honor due!

We MUST resolve to press on, my friends, not in our strength, but the strength that never wanes or wavers--the strength of God through Jesus Christ inside of us!
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Your Direction

"I can't 'feel' it..."  "It's not happening here..."  "There must be more than this..."
 
Have you ever found yourself saying this to yourself or aloud as you serve the Lord?  I surely have!  But guess what?  He's not going to act or react the way that we expect Him to!  Yes, He is dependable.  But the same God "that changes not" is also the same God with "mercies that are new every morning!"
 
"O Lord, we make ourselves avail
our wills and our desires;
we lay aside agendas, Lord,
desiring YOUR fires!
In submission to The Spirit,
wait we for Your Word
KNOWING, as we do so, that
You'll certainly be heard!

That sweet assurance that we know--
once more it will be found
if we but settle heart and mind
and listen for Your sound!
That one direction that is right
our spirits will receive
if we reject impatience and
stay with You and not leave!

The 'running-here-and-there,' oh Lord,
to find the latest 'thing'
is NOT what You have purposed for
the children of the King!
So, Lord, do we avail and wait
here in your glory realm
knowing You are in control,
and that You keep the helm!"

Stand firm.  Stay the course.  The path in front of you and your surroundings may be uncomfortable, BUT GOD knows exactly where you are, what is going on, and HE will lead you where you are supposed to be.  Yes, He cares THAT much.  Yes, He is THAT faithful...even to you!
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The Possibilities!

Oh, the possibilities that exist as we allow the love of God and life to shine through us!  What affect could it have on YOUR day?

All the day so busy we

with this, that and the other.

We tend unto our needs and wants

alongside wary brother.

What is it that we say to them,

(most often, without word?)

In busyness is life and love

established or transferred?

Like it or not, we're being watched

in what we say and do.

Watched by ones yet seeking for

their own lives what to do!

They MUST find lasting hope and joy 

in them that are His own,

as temporary, in this life,

both hope and joy are known!

O wear that countenance that says

"Whatever be ahead,

I am secure in Jesus Christ

and I am Spirit-led!"

It may not always go the way

that perfect life may go,

but, at least, the Maker of Life,

personally, you know!

Yes, so many people are looking...watching....seeking...even groping for something secure that will give the hope.  We have Him residing in our hearts.  But if our very countenance says otherwise, they will just keep on looking...hoping...seeking...

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Reality and Promise!

Another day.  What kind of day will it be?  That depends a lot on what we decide to make of it, and how we allow Him to move through us...

A sunrise that will never set;
and THAT not from the sun!
We'll be illuminated by
the One Who is THE ONE!
Labors, they will cease in
celebration to The king,
and joy shall never know an end
as every voice shall sing!

How can words or verses even

capture Paradise?

He said that NONE have seen or heard,

yet glimpses so entice!

The pictures that He shares as we're

in fellowship with Him...

the images inside his Word--

for they shall NEVER dim!

Therefore, press we on ahead

loving...giving...sharing,

knowing that we serve The One

Who constantly is caring

and saving, for his Own, a Place

in Paradise ahead!

That precious Promise keeps us going,

hydrated and well-fed!!

So beautiful and wonderful are the images that Holy Spirit reveals to us as we press on in a world that so dearly needs Him!  Are they going to witness Jesus in the things that YOU do and say?  One much wiser than myself once said that you may be the only Bible someone sees.  Let us make sure that The Lord and his Message are clearly visible in us!

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Survival mode

The end of one more day.  Victorious, but well-worn!  There is a Promise, however, that keeps us going...if we cling to it!

Where controversy ends, I long to be.
Of late, it's taken so much energy
to communicate and to commune;
but lives the Promise: peace--it will be soon!

Understanding will be in that Place,
as it be governed by the King of Grace!
And perfect peace will reign forevermore!
We now have glimpses of that Golden Shore!

"Even so, come quickly," be the cry
but once again, as is wiped the eye.
Replaced by tears of joy at sight of Him
walking without effort on that shim!

Where confrontations will be in the past--

unto such a time our hope be cast

knowing, of a truth, shall come that day,

His Word, His Spirit and His eyes all say!

When the stress of this life takes toll, God Most High reaches out to personally make us whole again!  What a blessing!  He told us that we would have trials as long as we are in this world, BUT HE HAS OVERCOME THE WORLD!  Savor the peace and restoration that knowing Him provides.  It's the only way to survive.

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Resolute

Watching the world around us...realizing how blessed we are, and just how much the enemy hates it!  There is, however, a promise to which we may cling in the days that are...

What man be there with any clue
of that awaiting us?
For many be the arguments
over which divisions fuss!
But such is not to be as HE
said "It is Paradise!"
May our hearts desire that time
and let His Word suffice.

Anticipating that Day while we

press on with resolve;

making every effort,

every issue, to resolve.

For many are the factors that

may seek to so divide,

BUT GOD gives us ability

to prosper and abide!

That Day that is awaiting and

The place where we will be--

for it will be enjoyable

throughout eternity

IF we know Him as our Savior

and give Him our heart;
 o may we do so constantly

and let no issue part!

Yes, we live in the land of the free and we savor liberties that most of the world only yearns for, but we cannot allow our liberties to divide us, lest we find ourselves conquered by the same, and embezzled out of a Land of Promise just ahead!

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The Storm Afar

Steeled by the sight so far off in the east.  Knowing what is coming and what it may contain, but amazed at the sight and spectacle of such...

So far off in the distance
a storm is on display.
The majesty of his creation
begs for words to say!
The billows soar into the blue
with colors all below!
As I witness such, His Presence
is right here to know!
So much to do before it comes
has been set by the way
as, His Presence and His voice,
take precedence this day!
The glory and the majesty,
simplicity and calm,
assure the heart, yet once again
that, massive, be His palm!
And that same palm secures, whatever
may come of the storm;
His touch, His eyes, His very words
to comfort and transform!

No matter where the storm may be

His Presence is right here!

And His protection is complete--

no matter how severe!

And right now, His glory and His awe

is right before the eyes!

Make time to behold His mighty hand--

what grace to realize!

Every one of us faces a storm at one time or another.  Some are devastating, some are awe-inspiring, but I have found that all of them are life giving and provide growth in one way or another.

Fear not.  He rides on the wings of the storm!!

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Beyond our sight

Life is happening.
God has things going on in your life that you are not even aware of yet...and it's already completed!  This is one of the major reasons why we can have peace in a world in which it seems so foreign!

Already are my steps ordained,
already is success;
already settled are the ways
You prosper and You bless!
For we cannot see past today,
but You see all of time;
You understand when we can't grasp
the reason or the rhyme!
And that's why we can trust in Your 
prosperity and peace;
that's why we can, all parts of this life,
unto You, release!
For You have answers and solutions
we'll never understand--
we only must keep pressing forward,
trusting in Your hand!

Already have You caused us each
to have a life complete,
we only must submit to You,
trust and receive Your peace.
For You work out things in ways
that are beyond our own.
So very fortunate are them that,
by Your Name, are known!

No matter what's going on, no matter what is happening in or around you, God is very aware of it and has a plan.  Are we going to be patient enough to enable and allow Him to fulfill that plan?  The enemy also has a plan, be we must NEVER forget to Whom we belong!
8872

A Place of Necessity

Living in the days that we are, it is almost impossible to survive without the respite that God avails.  Do you know about it?

Underneath the giants that 
reach out into the sky,
a beautiful and quiet place
is reserved for He and I.
He meets me here--His Presence
it is constant in this place,
and I am taken always by
the wonder and the grace!

Always is a blessed retreat
availed by His hand,
as He knows of the days that are
and stress that be at hand.
Too, He offers out His hand
to take each stress away--
fully knowing of the details
that come every day.

O take advantage of the perfect
rest that He provides!
For in His arms, alone, that
perfect peace, it so abides!
And it is offered unto all,

He fully paid the price;

there's such oasis near to YOU,

with what you need concise!

The world is going as fast as it can, and it is ever-so-easy to get caught up in it!  DON'T!  God has purposed rest designed specifically for you!  Don't miss out on it!  He will sort out the details, we must only submit to His leading.

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Assurances

Assurances.
God's Word is rife with them, and they belong to us as long as we belong to Him and heed his leading.
In a very worldly world, however, we can get caught up in the drama and we be so easily drawn away!

I must make sure my life, my actions
back the words I say!
If I avoid the necessary
it will distort the way.
He's given me a plethora
of tools to get me through,
all while living in a way
that He is in full-view.

A calling...an agenda...even 
an assignment have we each:
we are to live in such a way
that others we may reach
not by "going out of our way,"
but that they may be drawn
to inquire of that within
before the time is gone.

The Truth--for it will set them free,
but they must see AND hear!
And we are watched so closely every
moment we are here!
Are they seeing us in the world
or Jesus Christ inside?
Oh may we each live in such a way
that God be glorified!

Like it or not, if You are a Christian, you are being watched.  That's not a 'creepy' statement, it is a fact of life.  Make sure that you are living in such a way that others will desire the same.
I know, I spoke about the same thing yesterday, but it seems the just are coming under more and more scrutiny as the days dwindle.
Keep offering hope.  Don't give the enemy ANY foothold!  Keep living the assurances that will hold true regardless of the times---those in God's Word!
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Under a microscope

So it may feel some days.  And so it is...because He told us it would be!  But He promised to provide the tools to press on to HIS success, rather than cave to the world's definition of it!

I must make every effort, every day,
(and not in strength my own,)
to assure the deeds and works
so match the words I've sown.
For words become forgotten when
some actions are beheld;
for by the same, some of the mightiest
of men have been so felled!
And we are watched so closely these days,
(and that not by choice!)
The things we do, the way we act--
each of them have a voice;
therefore, belonging to The one
Whose very Name is love,
I must do my best to represent Him--
Jesus Christ above!
For scrutinizing is a sport
in which most participate;
and that which I may do or say,
it just may decide their fate!

We do not have a choice, (the ones
who know and serve the Lord;)
for we are watched so closely in
a world where we're deplored.
BUT GOD, for He has placed us here
as proof of grace, mercy and love;
and He will tell us of our effects
when we join Him way up above!

Yes, this world may be travelling at an incomprehensible pace the other way, but we must keep pressing forward, however narrow the way may be, so that hope will stay alive.

DON'T STOP NOW!

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Let it go!

Jesus Christ complete.
He knows what you have been through.  He sees your struggle, and He has exactly what you need to liberate you from it all!

That pain from many years ago--He understands;
the more I try to bury it, the more that it demands;
the faster that I run away, the more it overtakes;
for Jesus is the only One, a healing from it, makes!

How can I talk about it...what will other people think...
but lest I talk to someone, I will teeter on the brink!
The wound--it will not go away, that spot will never heal
unless I find a godly person to whom I can reveal.

The healing perfect that Jesus can provide--
it cannot complete itself if I still hide.
It may seem minor in someone else's eyes,
but the gravity and magnitude WE realize!

That pain from so long ago--He understands;
and He is right in front of us with open hands!
His care and His heart forever are availed.
Speak to him wholly, and be no more assailed!

Jesus Christ has made provision for us to escape the torture of that pain from so long ago...even that pain from just yesterday.  He loves, He listens He cares and He heals.
How long will we hold onto the burden that He has already made provision for?
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Life is precious!

Issues...situations...responsibilities...
So many things can fill our day.  OR we can fill our day with so many things that will deplete us of that precious time that we should be spending with God.

In the midst of 'living' there 
is life that must occur!
It is a most precious time
that ALL must know for sure!
That time alone with Jesus Christ
in fellowship somewhere--
make every effort that you can,
yourself, to find you there!
It is a celebration time
like nothing else at all...
it is a very solemn time
while, at His feet, you fall...
it is a very healing time
that strengthens you, as well...
it is a time most valuable
as, with the Lord, you dwell!

This life is busy.  And it seems

more busy with each day.

But time aside with God Most High

so nourishes the way!

Do all you can as you are led,

but also make that time

to, into the lap of God,

for just moment, climb!

Some of life's drama is preventable, some of it is not, but we MUST spend quality time with God each day in order to excel!  Make sure you have ample opportunity to do so!
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Inner Song

Yes, there is a song within each of us.  Have you found yours yet?  It is a song that will escort us through everything that this life has, and it glorifies Jesus!
"ALLELUIA....."
So deep that glory song
sung from the very depths of those
who KNOW that they belong!
That song of adoration that
will never know an end
unto Jesus Christ the Lord,
Redeemer, Savior, Friend!
"ALLELUIA..." so throughout
my being to resound
unto the One Who reigns forever--
in Him, I am found!
It is an invitation He
extends to one and all;
Join in that chorus!  Seek His grace,
His holy Name to call!

And even as we long for that day
that He has avowed,
His Presence is about our lives
if He is so allowed!
O seek Him for yourself, my friend,
and know His love and peace!
The shackles of this daily life,
unto the Lord, release!!

"ALLELUIA..." yet my heart
continues for to sing
unto the Lord of Majesty,
unto The Risen King!
For He is worthy of all praise
in this life and the next!
Accept the power of His Blood
and be ye not perplexed!

This life will go on until _________________.  And then what?  You can KNOW what if You ask Jesus to be your Savior and give your heart to Him!  He will take care of you and meet your needs until That Trumpet Blast, and then we shall see Him face-to-face!  Oh, what a song will break out THEN!
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