Cultivate, Create & Consume

To grow a flourishing garden you cannot just cultivate the soil in a garden,

and clear out all the roots and weeds, 

You need to turn over the soil, allowing oxygen to enter the soil, 

before you even begin planting seeds.
It is the same with your life, you ask God to cultivate your life and rid it of sin.
God creates a sterile growing area to receive

We ask God to “create in us a clean heart, Oh Lord,
and renew a right spirit within me,” the Holy Spirit, in whom we believe.

Your spiritual garden needs air, water and fertilizer in order to multiply and grow; 

this we read in God’s word and we know.
God does not give us advice about strengthening our serve to really grow, 

ignoring His advice and have only bare ground to show.

Just as in our vegetable garden, where weeds can choke out fragile seeds; 

spiritual lives can be stale, which will be seen by our deeds.
We can be so busy consuming and accumulating that we neglect God’s word, 

God’s word should be life and breath to us, but it has to be heard.
Starving spiritually causes a condition known as “Constant Spiritual Worry."
It attaches to “guilt," you attempt to deflect one sin, starting to hurry.
Thinking if you work hard enough and fast enough, you take stock, begin to say
“It is this fast paced world of living, it leaves you little time to pray.”

Tell God you got caught up in this “Hurry World” and you forget your purpose 

God’s word tells us to willingly submit to his guidance too.
He will even tell us what to do, through His Holy Spirit living within you.

One day this world will all pass away and all that we have known will cease.

Remember the Spirit prepares the soil, God gives the increase.
In order for us to create and consume it should be a daily walk in God’s word, 

Showing Christ living in us, so that it is not us that is heard.
I long for others to see the Spirit, changing, us so that we can become
Partakers of God’s grace, given sacrificially on that cross by His own Son.
The best part of a garden is partaking of its fruits, behold the purpose of the garden!
God’s garden is the people of this world, God sent His Son as the pardon.
We want to be used of God to bring others to Him, we are told the harvest is ripe!

• John 15:1 &2 ~ I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes it so that it will be even more fruitful.’ 
• Genesis 2:8 & 9 ~ Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there He put the man he had formed, And the Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground — trees were pleasing for the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden was the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. A river watering the garden flowed from Eden.

Unity

Touch my heart with the things that break the heart of God.
Lord, please open my eyes to the needs I see around me.
Silence my voice to criticism, comparison and judgment.
When I speak, let it be with love and Your understanding.
Make us one in the body as You Father taught your followers.
The Lord’s table represents community bound permanently.
We are not becoming the body of Christ, we are the body.
We are related to one another as believers, one could say 

We have the same DNA, because we have the same Father.
We are in a covenant relationship with God as a community.

Unity is a miracle, we who are many form one single body.
One body with many members, but each belongs to the other.
We do not have the same function, but we have the same heart 

And the same mouth, so that we glorify our God and Father.
The church is useless without arms and legs to do God’s will.
We all have different uses, special talents that should be used.
Ensure yours are not wasted in the minutiae of life, but fulfilled 

In the service of our Lord, for is it not written in His word, 

That greater is He that is in us than he that is in the world?
God does not renege on His promises, they are the same today.

Remember we are here to live in one accord, glorifying our Lord.
Divisions and politics will be forgotten as we seek His face first.
The Word says “Make God’s joy complete by being of the same mind.
Maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose”.
Our unity will be effected by genuine selflessness and meekness, 

The example of Christ; He has shown us alight .... now let us all 

Go in His peace, breaking the shackles of this “ME” generation.
May the Lord give you the Spirit of Unity uniting in a common cause.
Until at last we reach that unity He longs for us to all have, 

that “One in the Spirit, that harmony of minds that is music to His ears.

Amen

Thoughts on Our Ever Present God

May the peace of God reside within you always.
He is your shield and buckler, be ready to praise!
Sing out your love to Him, let your voices raise.
For He is a generous God, worthy of our praise.
Let His word direct you and His Spirit protect you.
Let not your faith depend on the wisdom of men.
Put your trust in men and it will soon trip you up.
Lean upon God’s promises, He will fill your cup.

God works in amazing ways, His word guides us too.
He will keep your faith strong; His Spirit lives in you.
God is our strength and power, He is ready to save.
He is our rock, our salvation, put your trust in Him.
Let nothing here enthrall you; do not succumb to sin.
Confess readily any indiscretion, move on and begin 

To allow His spirit to direct you as you live for Him.

God is our strength and power, He is ready to save.

God’s Spirit is a comforter and guide, depend on Him.
Let nothing here enthrall you; do not succumb to sin.
Confess readily any indiscretion, move on and begin 

To allow His Spirit to direct you as you live for Him.
Read His word daily, always pray, and you will grow.
You spirit communing with His Spirit will readily show
Him your sorrows, for He has an ever-listening ear.
He will not condemn you, so do not succumb to fear.

• I Thessalonians 5:16 ~ Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will in Christ Jesus.
• Psalm 92:1 ~ It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High.
• Psalm 25:4 & 5 ~ Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for You are God my Saviour, and my hope is in you all day long.
• 1 John 1:9 ~ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
• Romans 3:3-6 ~ What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God’s faithfulness? Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar, as it is written: So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge. But if our righteousness brings out God’s righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing His wrath on us? (I am using a human argument). Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world?
• I Corinthians 1:7-9 ~ Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gifts as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with His son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.

The Problem With Time

“If only we had more time,” which they say, waits for no man.
In this life we are given but few opportunities or a brief span.
To do all the things we want to do, yet we admit we do waste.
A lot of time needlessly, roaming aimlessly, a waste of space.

We all have the same amount of time, God left it up to you,
To decide what is important, what is meaningful for you to do.
The hustle and bustle of the every-day working life of today,
Leaves us but a slim measure of time to reflect and to pray.

It only fosters anxiety, to rush whilst watching a clock fly by.
It can cause you to make mistakes to keep up, or to comply.
Now, you see deadlines and completion dates not to miss.
They made us watches to be used to monitor our progress.

Beat the clock, improve our time, or be able to finish first.
The Bible mentions time in both old and new scripture verse.
It is thought that to race and come in last is really a disgrace,
But this is not what God’s word tells us about a Godly race.


Just watch a measure of sand dripping out of an egg timer.
It is the seeking of God with all your heart, our Redeemer.
And to build up treasures in heaven, winning a new soul.
Our time is not in vain, for we have made someone whole.

If we compare our time with someone else’s, it is a sin.
When talking to someone about Christ, then we really begin
Knowing what it is to win the race with time is but a nod.
We do not need to clock-watch for the time is truly God’s.

It is in racing to the back of the line that we truly shall win.
To show off our speed is not where it is really at, that is a sin.

The self-centred man sets his eyes on the finish line alone.
He should not race against another man, God is on the throne.
That man does not stop to help another, see if they are dong fine.
He rescues the fallen, and he ministers to others on the way.

That same man is last at church, helping to put things away.
He goes to the cross at the front to take time to listen and pray.

• Ecclesiastes 9:11 ~ The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise, or wealth to the brilliant or favour to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all. 
• Galatians 5:7& 8 ~ You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth. That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. 
• Hebrews 121:1& 2a ~ Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.

The Problem With Time

“If only we had more time”, which they say, waits for no man.
In this life we are given but few opportunities or a brief span.
To do all the things we want to do, yet we admit we do waste.
A lot of time needlessly, roaming aimlessly, a waste of space.
We all have the same amount of time, God left it up to you,
To decide what is important, what is meaningful for you to do.
The hustle and bustle of the every-day working life of today,
Leaves us but a slim measure of time to reflect and to pray.
It only fosters anxiety, to rush whilst watching a clock fly by.
It can cause you to make mistakes to keep up, or to comply.
Now, you see deadlines and completion dates not to miss.
They made us watches to be used to monitor our progress.
Beat the clock, improve our time, or be able to finish first.
The Bible mentions time in both old and new scripture verse.
It is thought that to race and come in last is really a disgrace,
But this is not what God’s word tells us about a Godly race.

Just watch a measure of sand dripping out of an egg timer.
It is the seeking of God with all your heart, our Redeemer.
And to builds up treasures in heaven, winning a new soul.
Our time is not in vain, for we have made someone whole.
If we compare our time with someone else’s, it is a sin.
When talking to someone about Christ then we really begin
Knowing what it is to win the race with time is but a nod.
We do not need to clock-watch for the time is truly God’s.
It is in racing to the back of the line that we truly shall win.
To show off our speed is not where it is really at, that is a sin.
The self-centred man sets his eyes on the finish line alone.
He should not race against another man, God is on the throne..
That man does not stop to help another, see if they are dong fine.
He rescues the fallen, and he ministers to others on the way.
That same man is last at church, helping to put things away.
He goes to the cross at the front to take time to listen and pray.

Thought: Time is a special gift because you only have a set amount of it.

Further Thought: Serve God by doing common actions in a heavenly spirit, and then, if your daily calling only leaves you cracks and crevices of time to fill up. “Use your time wisely.

• Ecclesiastes 9:11 - The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong,, nor does food come to the wise, or wealth to the brilliant or favour to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all. 
• Galatians 5:7 & 8 - You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth. That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. 
• Hebrews 121:1 & 2a - Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.

Bitterness

Nothing positive comes from bitterness for a start.
Bitterness is a poison that can bury into the heart.
It can pattern jealousy or it may even imitate anger.
But, bitterness is more severe, more like a mugger.
That sneaks up slowly into your life, and takes over.
Taking over very facet of your life until you discover 

Bitterness has become part of you, deep in your heart.
It speaks, slips out of your lips not wanting to depart.
It is of Satan you know, just part of his best“big ploy”.
His plan is just like a missile to aim, seek, and destroy.

Soon others will begin to notice that you are bitter too.
Facial expressions begin to change, in fact all you do.
They take on the demeanor of a discontentment in life.
To others it often seems like you always cause strife.
It is one of those roots that is growing deep within.
It is fine to place the blame on Satan, but it is our sin.
A new start has to begin with confession and change.
And only Christ can give you the power to re-arrange 

We are told not to miss the grace of God, and to be 

Watching no bitter root grows defiling many you see.

THOT: “What goes down the well comes up in the bucket.”

• Bitterness destroys relationships that can destroy us all.
• Bitter root always grows bitter fruit.
• Bitterness not only destroys the vessel on which it is poured, it destroys the vessel in which it is stored.

• Hebrews 12:15 ~ See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. 
• Ephesians 4:31 ~ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 
• Romans 3:14 ~ Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness. 
• Psalm 5:9 ~ Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with destruction. Their throat is an open grave, with their tongue they speak deceit. 
• Proverbs 14:10 ~ Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.
• Proverbs 17:25 ~ A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to the one who bore him.

Shepherds Urgently Needed

Lead like a Shepherd, it is always about the sheep.
It is a calling, not a career, your job is to keep 

The sheep safe; you need to be ever watchful 

They can easily lose their way; they are willful.
You must seek lost sheep, pursue and steer them.
They can scatter which often causes mayhem.

Be willing to be misunderstood to do any good.
They are fearful, and many times misunderstood.
Be willing to seek lost sheep, patiently steer them.
They can be stubborn so do not always condemn.
They are fearful so watch for wolves that attack.
You have to be willing to seek, bring them back.

Round your sheep up safe into a penned keep 

Before you stop for a rest, or even fall asleep.
Sheep get diseases, you are responsible to heal.
There are sheep “rustlers” who will often steal.
And brand them with their mark, so take care 

To brand your own sheep, and always be aware.

The pay on this earth is not monetary, but brings joy.
Your reward is heaven, you are under God’s employ.
Christ talked about His sheep to teach us every day 

That we need to be shepherds to show others the way.
You have to look for the sheep where they all are 

For they are followers and are afraid to travel far.

• 1 Peter 5:2 ~ Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers ... not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be.
• Acts 20:28 & 29 ~ Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He bought with His own blood. I know that after I leave wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.
• Matthew 1:36 & 37 ~ When He saw the crowds He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples,‘The harvest is plentiful but he workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore to send out workers into His harvest field.
• John 10:10 ~ I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens up the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

Doubt

It is a common practice of Satan to work hard to introduce doubt.
Even Christ’s followers, the ones that saw Him were not left out.
We want to put God in a little box and have Him all figured out.
When God does not act the way we think He should act, we doubt.
One third of the world’s population believe that a Jew died on a cross.
About another third think it was possible, but it was no great loss.
Yet the other third actually believe that Jesus rose from the dead.
But at times we are fearful, choosing to remain silent instead.

When we hear someone mocking Christians we do not make a stand.
Often we do not have words prepared, not wanting to grandstand.
But to testify of what Christ has done for us, our unquenchable thirst,
Being bold enough to tell others that we put Christ in our lives first.
We do not have to understand everything to believe in something.
Satan is powerless when we start to make a stand, not swerving.
God is far greater than the human mind can ever comprehend.
All around us is evidence of a creator, and God willingly did send

His Son to die, willingly upon a cross so we might be set free.
Switch from the unexplainable to the undeniable, you will see.
It takes far more faith to believe in an evolution happenstance,
To think that this world of ours just simply occurred by chance.
Doubt cannot co-exist with its opposite, which is faith, we must trust.
One drop of doubt, can make our faith weak and ineffective, we must
Realize doubt cannot inhabit where faith exists, doubt comes from fear
Fear paralyses us and we are unable to pray properly, unable to hear

Build yourself up in the holy faith whenever doubt comes your way,
And know that Satan is defeated when you shout at him and say
“I am covered with the blood of Christ, Viper depart from me now.”
He dislikes you speaking about the blood of Christ, so let it show
That you have no fear of him and you know doubt is really a sin.
Build yourself up in the holy faith whenever doubt comes in.
Doubt cannot co-exist with its opposite which is faith or belief.
Do you have a big God that you can turn to for every day relief?


THOT: “I live in a very small house, but my windows look out on a very large world. My God is as big as I perceive or believe Him to be. Do not put your God in a box, for DOUBT will climb into that box and destroy the faith you already have.”

• Jude 1:22 ~ Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them: to others show mercy, mixed with fear ... hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.
• James 1:6 ~ But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord, he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
• Matthew 21:21 ~ Jesus replied, I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, Go, throw yourself into the sea, and it will be done. If you believe you will receive whatever you as for in prayer.

Open Hands

The Bible speaks many times about giving with generosity.
And it also warns us about giving with an attitude of piety.
We are to hold all our earthly treasures with open, loose hands.
Love, our time, along with monetary giving quickly expands.
The story of the good Samaritan tells us of how we should be.
Stay on the alert for the needs around us; giving sets us free.
Open hands means an open heart that freely gives with love.
The Spirit gives us compassion, and that comes from above.
We do not to let our left hand know what our right hand gives
The Pharisees wanted to show all what they gave; God forgives
Momentary lapses of no ill intent, when money was often lent..
The open hand of a man who knows that all he has is but spent.
But woe unto the man who loans money to the poor, it is given
With no expectation of return, our reward will be in heaven.

Giving with no expectation of a return is what is expected of us.
Does not the word say, “There should be no poor amongst us”?
Open hands means working hands, one who applies his trade
Passing a brother in distress, neglecting to come to their aide.
Wasting talents God has given us is just another sign of greed.
Our talents should be used to willingly help a person in need
Open hands depicts service too, giving our time to service too.
In every church there are jobs to do, and some start with you.
If you attend church just to warm a pew who picks up the slack?
Some are burdened with too much work and do not come back.
Listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit, He guides you in all things.
Joy you will feel from serving others, for satisfaction it brings.
Do not be concerned with deductions you might receive on earth.
Leave the world with empty hands, the spirit is what we are worth.

• Deuteronomy 15:11 ~ “There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore, I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.” 
• 2 Corinthians 9:6 & 7 & verse 12 & 13 ~ Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver, and God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor, His righteousness endures forever; This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift.

To Abide

Abide, such a gentle word that inter-connects with reside.
For if we ”reside in Christ” it means we constantly abide.
You find your thoughts remain focussed on Jesus every day.
You start your morning with thoughts of Him and you pray.

As you focus on Christ, the more the Spirit shows the way
Listen to the Spirit’s voice, you learn new things every day.
You agree to abide in Chris, for is a restful place to be.
Suddenly your eyes are open, the needs of others you see.

Abiding is residing close to the one you love and serve.
His Spirit gives you confirmation, suddenly you observe
Needs not met, a hurt not healed and grief so defeating.
Abiding is not just “resting,” it is also openly “trusting”.

Jesus said to take His yoke upon us; His burden is light.
But that only occurs when we tell “self” to take flight.
Putting others first, and giving God the reigns to lead.
For an oxen’s yoke is useless if they will not concede.

The Spirit is the “Driver” in our life, He leads the way.
Since abide also means “to submit to” we need to say:
“Lord I want to abide in You while I work for You today.”
It is not a sitting, resting action, but a desire to obey.

Think today of abiding as making a conscious act.
You will find you begin to pray as you start to interact,
God’s love will come shining through, not up to you.
Rest in the knowledge that the Spirit is coming through.

Remember that “yoke” that two oxen used to carry?
After a while they were used to it, and did not tarry.
They received much praise when they pulled in unison.
They did not feel the yoke upon them, it was a lesson.

• Thought: We will feel deep rest inside ourselves when we abide in Christ, because The Spirit will give us confirmation when we are working in Unison with Him. ~ A TED Tal

• Further Thought: Men are often blamed because they refuse to ask for directions when they are lost or do not know the way. That is not the case with the Holy Spirit, we just have to pray.
• ABIDE is an Old English word signifying progressively: to await, remain, lodge, sojourn, dwell, continue, endure. It is spoken of in the Old Testament and in Hebrews 12. 
• Acts 20:23 ~ I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 
• John 14:23 ~ Jesus replied, ‘If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 
• John 14:26 ~ But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things, and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

If Only

If only I had known the heartache you were bearing.
If only we could become more open in our sharing.
If only I had prayed and asked the Spirit to use me.

I could have prayed for you, for the Spirit to heal your bruising.
I could have reached out more, focus my thoughts upon choosing.
I could have been discreet, and asked you, rather than excusing.

Things I saw as “unsettling” were merely symptoms of your pain.
Things between us were not close, I was not really looking again.
Things the Spirit wanted to teach me, things that I desire to attain.

A much closer walk with God, to pray, and have Him talk to me.
A “Hot Line” to Heaven, so when we both share I can really see
A friend I love so much, who is hurting yet does not want to be.

The focus of attention, yet does really need to focus upon Thee.
The child of God who has lost her way, trapped, no longer free.
The pain you feel is the pain of one who is lonely, lost at sea..

For I pray to God for words, that will bring you back home to Him.
For a child of God who is lost, just does not know where to begin.
For the weight of unconfessed sin is clearly an anathema so grim.

Now clearly you need to repent, and don’t forget, He is waiting too.
Now is the accepted time for the Holy Spirit will readily show you.
Now is the beginning of all things new, He has work for you to do.

• James 1: 21-25 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his own way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But who so looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
• Proverbs 6:23 ~ For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:”

Not Long Now

It won’t be long until we will be leaving here.
But there are no worries, and there is no fear.
Know where I’m going, and know who is there.
Not that I won’t persist in breathing a prayer.
Still so many needs here, and it is everywhere.
I really want to take part in of winning a soul..
One more start to write in the book and enrol.
It won’t be long until we’ll be leaving here.
Time quickly flies by, I’ve become really clear.
I’ve been taught well, the Spirit resides here.
There’s no fear of hell for I know for sure
I rest in Christ’s payment, so in Him I am pure.

A place is reserved in heaven for me right now.
Christ’s Spirit leads me and He doth endow
Me with assurance that this isn’t my home.
One day I’ll be kneeling before His throne.
Time flies by quickly, but your not left alone.
Christ’s death was for us Hid blood did atone.
In the blink of an eye so my rapture shall be.
Transported to heaven with new eyes I’ll see.
God’s plan all along was to see Jesus in me.
And release from this pain will set me free.
As a promise to me you won’t grieve too long.
Rely on God’s word more, and be very strong.

It won’t be long until we will be leaving here.
Death hath no sting, and I will never veer
From the path God hath set for me to tell
The grace of Christ; He doeth all things well.
Walk and talk as if you both know and believe
The Spirit will speak to you and you will receive.
That Jesus’ word is just as true today as before.
And seek His way and start to learn much more.
Jesus abolished death and He is waiting for me.
So don’t grieve too long, I will be waiting for thee.

• John 6:47 ~ Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
• John 5:13 ~ These things have I written to you that ye may know that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe in the name of the Son of God.
• Romans 8:11 ~ But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His spirit that dwelleth in you.
• John 14:18 ~ I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

Another New Year 2018

Tradition always says we should toast in another New Year.
But so often people approach anything new with such fear.
We who know Christ know His Spirit walks with us each day
Whatever path we walk, we must first we take time to pray.
We may never know of the joys and pains that could lie ahead,
But we do know we have a guide whose Spirit leads us instead.
The future is not horoscope or crystal balls to confound us all.
We who know Christ know He will pick us up when we fall,.

We do not need to make New Year’s Resolutions that will fail.
Christ does not expect perfection, He forgives, no rules to entail.
We can open the door to a New Year without any fear or dread.
Christ died as a sacrifice for one and all to redeem us instead.
Looking ahead to a brand New Year gives us such choices.
We can live each day to serve Him with our hearts and voices.
Witnessing becomes easier as we begin to look for new clues.
Look for the hurting, listen to what they say, share the good news.

Is anyone sick, anyone hurting, you may learn to depend on Him.
You don’t have to pray aloud, you can listen and always begin
Listening to His Spirit before you visit, avoiding the traps of sin.
Another New Year, yes, but look upon it as a brand new start..
God’s Spirit was left with us to guide and teach, us and set us apart,
For we are not our own having been paid for with a mighty price.
Blessed is the man that maketh the Lord His trust in this New Year.
We walk with confidence; He is Lord, and we do not succumb to fear.

• Psalm 32:8 ~ I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. 
• Isaiah 2:3 ~ ... and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths. 
• Proverbs 3:5 & 6 ~ Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 
• Psalm 119:105 ~ Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. 
• Psalm 46:1 ~ God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.