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THE WALK
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A DIVINE AGENDA
Lord, where do you want me to go today?
What places should I visit? What paths should I take?
Who will I encounter along the way,
and what words would you have me to say?
Lord, how do you want to use me today?
Is there a person or problem for which I should pray?
Or shall I sit at your feet and worship you the whole day?
Lord, what should I do with this day?
You've created me for this time; don't let me miss it!
Every person, every place - a divine appointment!
You've created me for this place; don't let me miss it!
Direct me, Lord, for I don't want to waste one minute!
Speak to me, Lord. Your servant wants to hear you!
I want every moment of my day ordained by you.
I was created for your pleasure; so let everything I do
be used to bring you glory. I live for you!
A GOOD DAY TO DIE
Another celebration of the day that I was born -
a perfect time to ask again, just what am I living for?
Am I as sold-out for you, as I should be, Lord,
or am I gliding on grace,
manipulating mercy,
and taking the easy road?
I was born for such a time as this. Are you glad, Lord?
Am I positioned for the opportunities you have ahead?
Have I heeded up to now your plan and purpose for my life?
I look back and then forward
and honestly conclude,
it’s a good day for me to die again.
To die to all that keeps me from wholly loving you;
you gave me my life, Lord - I want it to count solely for you.
As I gather with friends this day who sing “Happy birthday to you”,
what I want most is to know
the One who gave me this life
is celebrating this birthday too.
A JAR OF CLAY FOR THE GREAT I AM
No longer my own; I've been bought with a price,
forgetting myself and the things that are mine,
to Him, let me live. To Him, let me die.
To the glory of God, I put on Jesus Christ!
Take over my life, Lord! Yes, that is my cry!
Let Your wisdom and will over me now preside!
Come Holy Spirit! Let Your power here reside
and have Your way completely! I give You my life!
For I live to bring You glory. It thrills my soul! It is my honor!
My passion in this life is all for You and for no other!
That everyone would worship You is the thing I long for most
because You're so deserving and, my Jesus, I love You so!
So whatever I can do or say to bring each one to You -
use me to accomplish this in whatever way You choose!
I was created to bring You glory and so I submit to You this day
a jar of clay for the Great I AM. Use me and have Your way!
A NEW DAY, A NEW YEAR - FRESH MANNA
I can't exist on yesterday's old manna;
I can't subsist on weak "remember when's".
I need a new, fresh moment with you, Jesus.
Today, Lord! I must have you once again!
Today I am so desperate for your presence!
Sweet memories of the past just aren't enough.
I appreciate what you've done, but a new day has begun.
More of you, Lord. That is all I'll ever want.
A new work, a new word, a brand new song,
more fire, more passion, more zeal,
more signs and wonders, more love for the lost -
a Holy Ghost revival that is real!
If there's something I have done or I'm not doing
that prohibits you from moving as you want,
drop me to my knees with an intense conviction, please!
And of that thing, oh Lord, I WILL repent!
For I've seen you move in awesome, holy power,
and now, Lord, I will settle for nothing less.
I've become addicted to you and all that you do;
I crave to know and have and live only your best!
A PERFECT OPINION
Men's opinions - a dime a dozen,
flying freely through the air -
"God wants this! God wants that!"
Many contradict; few rarely compare.
I have to shake my head and laugh,
as His joy bubbles up within me,
and He tells me "child, you know my voice;
just keep your ears attuned to me."
"For my thoughts are so much higher
and if you walk with me and listen,
the direction for your life will always be clear.
All you need is MY opinion."
AFTER THE TRUTH IS SPOKEN . . .
I speak the truth in Christ--I am not lying, my conscience confirms it in the Holy
Spirit--[and] I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. Romans 9:1-2
You need not defend your position
for the position's not yours, it is mine.
Just deliver the word and step out of the way
and let the Spirit convict, my child.
Sharper than any double-edge sword
soul and spirit, joints and marrow it divides,
heart thoughts and attitudes, exposed and judged,
the flesh reacts to what it thought it could hide.
Just step aside but don't fall down and roll over --
stand straight, stand tall, stand strong;
accusations and condemnation are the enemy's ploy,
but rest assured that my word's never wrong.
ALL THINGS NEW
That was then
this is now
different people
back then
we were
lost
but now
found
free
and unbound
to love . . .
greatly love
each other.
Scarred by the past
no longer
we're new creations in Christ
hurtful words said
washed away
by the blood
forgiven
forgotten
forever.
ATTUNED
Did you hear Me speak
when I spoke to you?
Though you say you didn't,
I know that that's untrue
for the Voice you heard,
child, it was really Me.
But the minute I started to speak,
you quickly turned away from Me
and My words poured out
on deaf ears once again.
I always speak for good reason ~
there is something that I want to say.
Yes, that still small Voice is really Me,
so stop and listen to what I have to say.
Don't be afraid of what you may hear;
do not fear what I may say to you ~
just take heed and to My voice draw near.
I speak because I love you.
BE ATTITUDES
Lord, let me "be attitudes" that ring praise to You,
attitudes that bring many souls to You,
attitudes that offer the sweet love of You.
Let me be all You want me to be.
So, humble me, Lord, should I lose track of self
for I am no better than anyone else.
I would be nothing without Your kind help;
humbled I am by Your grace.
And, Lord, let such sorrow just fill my heart
over all of the people who want no part
of the salvation message You've tried to impart.
Let me mourn for them, Lord; they are lost.
Meek and lowly is how You'll find me,
overcome by Your presence; my Lord, I'm so weak!
Just and good is what I want to be,
showing kindness and mercy towards all.
My Lord, cleanse my heart as white as the snow
and let me spread peace wherever I go.
And, if I am mocked because it's You that I know,
I will praise Your sweet name all the more!
Then happy is what I shall be!
For You've promised that You would bless me
if I follow Your words and just "be
attitudes" that You have set forth!
BEFORE HE COMES
Pre-trib, mid-trib, post-tribulation -
it matters not when He will come,
there still is work that must be done
before God sends back His Holy One
to gather up His people.
Yet peering toward the heavens,
I listen for the trumpet
and imagine the thrill of shooting through the sky,
to join up with the millions,
all riding on white stallions,
and reigning forevermore with Jesus Christ!
But as I slowly lower my eyes,
I see before me all the lives
who haven’t had the chance to hear the Truth.
And in all my longing for Him . . .
the moments spent just waiting . . .
I forgot the work that I have yet to do.
Pre-trib, mid-trib, post-tribulation -
it matters not when He will come,
there still is work that must be done
before God sends back His Holy One
to gather up His people.
CAMPING WITH MY LORD
Camping, for me, is a blessing; it's a time of uplifting prayer.
Jesus is constantly by my side; His goodness I see everywhere.
With branches reaching to the sky, the trees stand tall and proud.
I, among them, with arms outstretched, sing words of praise aloud.
The birds soar high above me; with grace they float so free.
As free as they, through Christ, I am lifted up in His love for me.
A gentle breeze caresses my face. Its coolness fills the air,
as the Spirit fills my heart with fire because my Lord is there.
Resting, I sit by a flowing stream; the reflection of the sun shining bright,
as the Son's reflection shines bright in me and the Living Water refreshes my life.
At day's end, I sit by the campfire; the dying embers begin to grow dim.
But a gentle breeze stirs them slightly and a bright flame again begins.
And I pray that it would be the same with me should the glow of the Lord grow dim,
that the Wind of the Spirit would stir my soul and the fire of my love for Him.
Surrounded by nature's splendor; such peace in the Lord it brings,
magnifying the great love in my heart for sweet Jesus, my Savior and King!
CHOSEN TO BE . . .
Paul tells us that he was chosen by God
to be an apostle of Jesus Christ,
so I wonder if God then also chose me
to be something specific in this life . . .
for instance . . .
if I, Cheri Henderson, were chosen by God
to be a poet of Jesus Christ,
I can't take this assignment lightly
nor the words and the phrases I write.
for if, in fact, I am His poet,
there are people He's appointed to read
what I wrote . . .
and respond . . .
and dedicate their lives
to the thing they've been called to be!
So think about it. What is your calling?
What has God chosen you to be . . .
for this moment, this hour, this day, or this life?
Your obedience will affect eternity.
How many await the call on your life . . .
to respond to the call on their own?
CREATURES YOU INHABIT
7:00 a.m., I’m sitting again in my warm and comfortable den.
Coffee in hand. Bible open. It’s time for daily prayer and meditation.
Although at 3:00 a.m., my eyes flew wide open, with a call to intercession,
I rolled over with a yawn; I could cover it at dawn. Old habits won again.
A few uplifting songs. An offering and a sermon - but not too long.
Cookie-cutter services - tried and true.
We watch the clock, appease the flock, and ignore the steady knock
of the Holy Spirit telling us what He wants to do.
Lord, when it comes to you, I don’t want to be a creature of habit,
doing things the same way, at the same time, in the very same place.
For that’s all about tradition, superstition, and personal comfort;
not about hearing your voice, following your lead, and doing it your way,
They say old habits never die, but they will if we crucify the flesh.
It’s time to break these habits. Holy Spirit show us how!
When you move, we’ll move, when you speak, we’ll speak; you know what’s best.
It’s not about what worked in the past; it’s about the here and now.
Will I be a creature of habit or a creature you inhabit?
Will I live by agendas, schedules, and formatted plans,
or will I move when you move, speak when you speak, and do it your way?
Lord, inhabit me! Set me free and let me move with the Lamb!
DELIVER ME FROM EVIL
How I long to do right, but so often
I am tempted to do that which is wrong.
I know very well the Lord's will for my life
and when tempted, I want to be strong.
Lord, Your word says You suffered temptation,
yet were sinless and free of all blame.
How I wish I were more like You, Jesus,
in those times when I'm faced with the same.
Oh, Lord, let me not be enticed into sin;
deliver me from evil, I pray.
Give me the guidance and help that I need
to follow Your will every day.
In such distress, Lord, please provide me with aid;
shower me with mercy and grace.
Then I'll know that through You I can surely withstand
the temptations I so often face.
And blessed shall I be as I firmly endure
the evil that threatens my life.
Though I have not alone what it takes to resist,
my strength shall be in Jesus Christ!
DO IT FOR ME
When I was hungry, did you give me food to eat?
When I was thirsty, did you give me something to drink?
When I was a stranger, did you invite me in?
When I was exposed, did you clothe my naked skin?
When I was sick and infirm, did you care to look after me?
When I was in bondage, did you come to visit me?
Have you shown the world all that is available through me:
Salvation, Love, Peace, Joy, Protection, Deliverance and Healing?
For to the hungry, I am the bread of life.
To the thirsty, I am a river that never runs dry.
To the stranger, a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
To the naked, I'm a mighty hand that surely covers!
To the sick and infirm, I am their healer.
To those in bondage, I'm their deliverer.
So be obedient and show the world what's available through me:
Salvation, Love, Peace, Joy, Protection, Deliverance and Healing!
For whatever you do for the least of these, my brothers,
they are things that you are doing unto me.
If I were among you, all of these things are things I would do.
And I am. You are my body. Honor me.
Then I will say, come all you blessed by my Father;
take your inheritance, take your inheritance - it is yours!
The kingdom prepared for you so long ago
at the creation of the world - it is yours!
EACH DAY IS YOURS
Dawn is peeking through the curtains - the beginning of a brand new day!
Yes, it's time to rise, but before I do, there's something I must say:
Good morning, Lord! I thank You for another day to sing
Your praises and to tell the world that You are everything!
This day is Yours, sweet Jesus, and I ask that You just fill
me with your Holy Spirit, Lord, and direct me as You will.
You see, no days is just another day when you're walking with the Lord.
The highs are so much higher, and the lows aren't near as low.
And when His day is ended, I will not go to sleep
until I've expressed my gratefulness through these words I gladly speak:
Good night, my Lord! I thank You for another day to sing
Your praises and to tell the world that You are everything!
I look forward to tomorrow, and I ask that you just fill
my with Your Holy Spirit, Lord, and direct me as You will.
FACE VALUE
I look into the mirror sometimes
and I see a sourness;
I look into the mirror sometimes
and I see a weariness;
I look into the mirror sometimes
and see irritation and stress;
I look into the mirror sometimes
and I cannot see God’s likeness.
I look into the mirror sometimes
and I see anxiety;
I look into the mirror sometimes
and what’s staring back at me
isn’t peace or joy or gentleness,
so could this reflection that I see
be the kind of “face value” I project
when people first meet me?
Oh, Jesus, override my flesh
and shine Your beauty forth!
Let others that I meet today
see You in me, my Lord!
When I’m faced with trials, remind me
that I’m facing them with You
so my face will reflect Your nature, Lord,
and people will know that I know You --
and can take me at face value!
FIRST THINGS FIRST
"'Love the Lord your God with all your heart, your soul, your mind.'
Jesus said this is the first and greatest commandment.
The second one is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
All the Law and Prophets hang on these commandments."
A neighbor isn't family - those who are the easiest to love.
It's the lazy co-worker, the customer with an attitude.
It's the beer-guzzling neighbor with the loud, obnoxious dog.
Jesus loves them and we are to love them too.
It's the Christian brother or sister who may have slighted you.
It's the pastor who downplayed your spiritual gift.
It's the struggling one in bondage, the emotionally unstable, the mentally ill.
His love! His love! He commands that we extend it!
When we love, we do not murmur; we are not irritated;
critical spirits, pride and arrogance fly out the door;
our opinion doesn't matter, others always take first place,
when we love with a love that's truly from the Lord.
Jesus will pour out His love so we can extend it to others
when we sit at His feet and pour out our love unto Him.
That's why loving Him first was given as the greatest commandment,
and He told Martha that Mary had chosen the "better thing".
Yes, could it be we were given these commandments for a reason?
We keep praying for power, for peace, for joy, for freedom,
but all of this is secondary - if love is where it all begins.
We want miracles, signs and wonders . . .
if we'd love, perhaps we'd see them.
FROM NOW ON
I want what You want for my life.
Speak to me! Let me not miss a beat!
Strip away the hindrances all around and within;
in every way You want to, Lord, use me!
I've already wasted so much of my time;
yes, I've blown it in so many ways!
I want the rest of my life to count only for You!
Lord, I give you now the balance of my days!
Let me not impede the things You want me to do
in the moments ahead, the days, the months, the years.
I know that all my footsteps have been ordered of You,
and for such a time as this, You've placed me here!
I want to see, want to hear, want to know, want to do!
I don't want to end my life with great remorse.
So open my eyes and my ears that I would see and I would hear.
I want to walk within Your perfectly planned course!
Yes, I want what You want, and You know what I need
to accomplish all the things that You have planned for me.
So I say, "Have Your way, Lord! Here's the rest of my life!
I exist only for You, Lord! My God, be glorified!"
From now on, I am Yours. From now on, Lord.
No more me. Only You. From now on.
And someday when my life on earth is finished,
with no remorse, before my King, I'll gladly bow.
FOOTSTEPS
I was contemplating today
the vastness of my age
and all the time I've walked upon this earth . . .
26 million minutes . . .
18,000 days . . .
quite a lot of footsteps for this "girl".
God's Word says all my footsteps
have been ordered by the Lord,
so every place I've walked is no coincidence;
all the people I've encountered
for a moment or maybe more
were placed upon my path
to be influenced
for His glory.
Have I done it?
I really doubt it
but this much I know for sure,
from this point forward
until the day I die,
the joy of the Lord will be evident
to everyone I meet
because everyone I meet
will receive a smile.
It's the least that I can offer
and with this thought in mind,
perhaps I'll be reminded why I'm here
as I smile upon each stranger
with the tender love of Christ,
I may also want to tell them
about Him.
GOOD MUSIC
I’d rather hear Christian music
than any old country song.
It’s so much nicer to sing about Christ
than to sing about love gone wrong.
Christian music is always uplifting!
The words of praise ring out so clear,
unlike the garbled messages found in rock
where you’re never sure just what you hear.
Just give me a “We Shall Behold Him . . .,
we shall see Him face to face . . .”
over lyrics that reek of sex and drugs
or secretly give Satan the praise.
I’m a Christian and that’s the music I choose
‘cause I’m living my life for the Lord.
I want to sing songs that apply to my life,
not garbage that applies to the world!
GOTTA GO IT ALONE
Dad opens his bible every morning,
as you munch down breakfast while you watch TV.
It’s so good to have a Dad who loves the word of God,
since you’re a person who never likes to read.
It’s lunchtime and you hit the cafeteria;
you’re so hungry that you don’t take time to pray;
but Dad will bless the food you eat that evening,
so one meal without a prayer should be okay.
Every Sunday, Mom and Dad take you to service,
and the pastor preaches something . . . you’re not sure.
It’s so hard to pay attention to his message;
but at least your parents take in every word.
Your parents teach you holy ways to live your life,
but at times you have to do it your own way.
You know your momma prays the blood of Jesus over you,
so you figure you’re forgiven and quite saved.
But you can’t get to heaven on Daddy’s shirt tail
or by holding onto Momma’s apron string.
Gotta go it alone; make a commitment of your own.
Jesus wants your heart; he wants your everything.
Just because your Mom and Dad love Christ completely,
you’re not excused to play your worldly games.
If you think that’s the way, look out on Judgment Day,
since your parents won’t be there to fight the flames.
No, it’s not a free ride ‘cause you happen to be
the child of Christian parents who are saved.
Is Jesus Christ your Lord? Have you given Him your heart?
There’s no better time to do it than today.
GRADUATION DAY (Young Man)
As this successful young man stands before me,
I fondly remember the little boy, so dear,
with his trucks and his balls, his scrapes and his falls.
Just a blink, and the years disappeared.
Yes, I watched as you matured and grew
from a little boy to the man you are today.
You've reached a milestone, and I'm so proud of you!
The words "well done, child" are what I want to say!
So it's onward from here to much, much more!
Will there be wealth ahead? Notriety? Fame?
A highly acclaimed talent with worldwide renown?
"I knew him when" is what I'll probably say!
Who can know for sure what the future holds in store?
But this much I know to be true:
you'll have no regrets when it's all said and done
if you put Jesus first in all that you do.
For someday every phase of your life will really be complete --
and there will be a final "graduation day"
where the milestone of your life
will be to look upon the Lord,
and "Well done, child",
the words you hear Him say.
GRADUATION DAY (Young Woman)
As this successful young woman stands before me,
I fondly remember the little girl, so dear,
with her dolls and teacups, dresses and bows.
Just a blink, and the years disappeared.
Yes, I watched as you matured and grew
from a little girl to the woman you are today.
You've reached a milestone, and I'm so proud of you!
The words "well done, child" are what I want to say!
So it's onward from here to much, much more!
Will there be wealth ahead? Notriety? Fame?
A highly acclaimed talent with worldwide renown?
"I knew her when" is what I'll probably say!
Who can know for sure what the future holds in store?
But this much I know to be true:
you'll have no regrets when it's all said and done
if you put Jesus first in all that you do.
For someday every phase of your life will really be complete --
and there will be a final "graduation day"
where the milestone of your life
will be to look upon the Lord,
and "Well done, child",
the words you hear Him say.
HIS PERFECTION, HIS BEAUTY
A woman stares dejectedly into the bathroom mirror,
her reflection mocks what she once used to be.
Too many wrinkles and too many graying hairs;
youthful beauty, now decayed, is all she sees.
A young boy, short and stocky, is the brunt of childhood jokes;
he shrugs it off, but deep inside he wants to die.
He responds to the cruel remarks with witty humor, suave fair,
but in the darkness of his room each night, he cries.
A teenage girl fights despair as she watches the TV;
clear complexions, waif-like figures on display.
But she is heavy, she has acne, and her hair is way too thin,
and she cries because she'll never look that way.
And the Lord says, "What are you doing, O devastated ones?
Why dress yourself in scarlet and jewels of gold?
Why shade your eyes with paint and adorn yourself in vain?
You are perfect in beauty when I in you shine forth.
You were created in My image and when I look on you, My child,
a lovely reflection of Myself is what I see -
a beautiful child, clothed in the righteousness of My Son.
What I see in you is a mirror image of only Me.
The King is enthralled by your beauty; honor Me, I am your Lord;
for when you demean yourself, it is Me you criticize.
You have the unfading beauty of a gentle, quiet spirit,
and that kind of beauty is of great worth within My eyes.
So do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world,
but heed the words I that I am speaking now to you.
My estimation of beauty - not the world's - is what you need.
See yourself and look at others the way I do.
INVESTING IN MY FUTURE
Investments of late have seem to become
the popular and responsible thing
for ensuring solidity in our future years.
Ah, the peace that security brings!
Just ask Merrill-Lynch for a word of advice,
Dean Witter or E. F. Hutton.
They’ll take your investment and make an attempt
at turning it from nothin’ to somethin’
Financial investments may be a good thing,
but there’s always an element of risk.
Yet, I’ve made an investment that’s thoroughly sound;
I can do nothing but profit from it.
My personal investment will never be subject
to penalties on capital gain,
because the capital gain I will soon realize
is seeing Jesus Christ . . . face to face!
Yes, I am investing in my future,
not through stocks or securities . . .
but by living my life for the Lord Jesus.
I am investing in my eternity!
JESUS INSIDE
Trendy hair styles,
proper make up,
pluck those eyebrows,
work out, shape up . . .
weekly manicures,
clothing that flatters,
diminish those wrinkles,
because how you look matters . . .
oh yes,
how you look matters . . .
don't you know
how you look matters . . .
to the world?
How sad that
it should matter . . .
to me.
How I wish we could be cherished
for what is inside
and not have to worry
about what is outside . . .
because as we grow older,
it's harder to compete
with lovely, young women
and their concept of beauty . . .
someday what's inside
will be all we have left
and nothing we can do
will have any effect . . .
old is old and wrinkled's wrinkled . . .
slapping paint on an old, warped barn
accents the holes where the knots used to be . . .
it's painted, but it's still an old barn
so let me say now
that there's beauty inside . . .
it's the place within us
where Jesus resides
and shouldn't such beauty
be cherished . . . recognized
by all those who love and serve Christ?
Whose we are should be much more attractive
than the way we appear on the outside.
Godly husbands, please look at your wives in this way . . .
and bless the Beauty that lives inside.
LIKE A CHILD
A little girl, just 10 years old, sits so quietly
in the last pew of the local Catholic church.
She had just played the organ for the 7:00 a.m. mass
and in one hour another mass would be played by her.
In the meantime, though, she sits alone in the building
and as she looks up at the cross above the altar,
she feels the love of Jesus and she talks to Him ~
she knows He died for her and that He loves her.
Too young to know the meaning of false doctrines
or the formal way to say the "sinner's prayer",
the need to have an altar call or study the "Roman Road";
she just knows she really loves him and He loves her.
Now that she is older, she's learned so much, much more
on what it means to really be a Christian ~
the things you need to do, the things you need to know,
the strictly faith-filled words you only say,
the prayer meetings and conferences, the places you should go,
the proper way to minister and the most powerful way to pray.
But sometimes when she recalls that childhood moment
when her faith was based on "I love Him and He loves me",
it seems perhaps that's what He meant when He told us
"Come. My burden's light and my yoke is easy."
Yes -
sometimes I wish I didn't know now
the things that I didn't know then.
It was easier.
It was simpler.
A childlike faith.
Jesus ~ my best friend.
LIVING BEYOND JUST EXISTING
I'm living beyond just existing
because each day is a new beginning
to give my life away for Jesus Christ.
You see, when I woke up this morning
on this planet instead of in glory,
it is He who gave me one more day of life.
It isn't just a coincidence,
healthy living or the genes from my parents;
it's because He isn't done with me here yet.
He has a plan for me this day
to bring Him glory in some way;
it's the only reason why I still have breath.
So I'm living beyond just existing
with eyes open so I will not be missing
all the things He has in store for me today.
It's my choice to walk in a plan divine
or waste the day away, biding my time.
I will choose to live for Him and hear Him say
"Well done, good and faithful servant"
to me someday.
LIVING THE LIFE
I'm living the life but waiting for the real thing,
'cause this is just a shadow of what lies ahead for me.
When I gave my life to Jesus, when I confessed and I believed,
it was a moment on earth in exchange for eternity.
When I share the truth of Jesus with the one who's lost,
it's a moment of obedience (should he receive or not),
a moment when I'll speak the truth and won't be mealy-mouthed,
a moment on earth in exchange for a heavenly crown.
Living the life, I'm living moment by moment.
Living the life, expecting the real thing,
'cause this life is just a shadow of the things that are to be;
a few moments on earth for endless zillions with my King.
MISSED APPOINTMENTS
Another divine appointment,
I shrug it off as unimportant,
forgetting life is short and growing shorter.
Gliding through my God-given day,
choosing to do things my own way;
Kingdom plans and purposes are thwarted.
A time waster, I waste so much time;
time assigned for His glory, not mine.
My life's been designed
with a purpose divine -
not just for eternity,
but for this moment in time.
Suddenly convicted of my selfish ways,
the passage of many appointment-filled days,
pregnant with possibility,
I threw them away
not realizing my place in His plan.
So from now on,
for what's left of this season,
I will keep each appointment He assigns.
If for no other reason
than I want to please Him,
my time will no longer be mine.
MORE THAN A SAVIOR
"If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9
What does it really mean to me
when I say that Jesus is Lord?
I understand the meaning of Savior,
but do I grasp the meaning of "Lord"?
The Hebrew word for Lord is adonai:
"One possessed of absolute control -
a master of slaves, a ruler of subjects."
Devoted slave is to be my role.
To be a slave - what does it mean?
I own nothing. He owns everything.
My family, job, car, home, talents and time,
my life - every bit of it - belongs to Him.
I have no say over anything;
He's in control of every part of my life.
Decisions are not mine to be made on my own;
selfish desires cannot be gratified.
Wholly submitted to do His will,
I follow every jot and tittle of His Word.
I obey His commands. I'm His servant alone,
and if I'm not, then He isn't my Lord.
But because I know my Master loves me
and He's adopted this slave as His child,
it's easy to surrender, to serve Him, to trust Him.
It is good to give Him all of my life.
MOVED
It was one of those rare, precious moments.
I’d done nothing at all to deserve it.
Jesus was just so lovingly present
in my Saturday morn.
I had such a peaceful contentment.
He was so close; it was as if I could touch Him,
though I was simply just running an errand
to the grocery store.
With a joyful heart, I parked my car
and walked with a smile to the market’s front door,
where a group of people, at least 15 or more,
were impeded from entering the store
by a line of carts, sideways, 18-feet long,
positioned that way by an employee with Down's.
The handicapped boy smiled and waved at the crowd,
totally oblivious to the frowns and the scowls.
He scratched his head, then maneuvered the carts slowly,
clearing the door finally after much pushing and pulling,
and there as I watched him, a floodgate began opening,
as my heart broke with love for this child.
Not done with me yet, God knew what was in store
as I pushed my cart quietly through the front door.
Along several aisles He had placed several more
who would reach out and touch my heart.
The old woman before me, feebly pushing her cart,
the clerk’s story about Johnny and the operation on his heart,
the man in the parking lot needing help with his car,
my heart broke with His love for each one.
Moved by the Father to be moved by them,
the peace that I had, replace | ||||||||