Friday, March 15, 2024

 

THE WATERFALL

Down in the gorge of mist and cold
pours out a gushing, strong and bold,
that makes the hemlocks surge up tall—
the power of the waterfall.

The water dances as it sings
and off the trees, its echo rings
to fill the woodland concert hall—
the music of the waterfall.

The flow that washes like a sea
removes the mud and creek debris
and smoothes the jagged, rocky wall—
the cleansing of the waterfall.

The Lord of Heaven gives the might
with mercies pouring day and night
to send my wrongs cascading all—
the beauty of God’s waterfall.



If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9



THE WATERFALL

The little snow we had this past winter has melted, and combined with spring rains, the waterfall is ripping, here in Veery Glade. We had another mild winter but March is that unpredictable month. There could still be a snowstorm!

The Bible tells us that…

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and
the truth is not in us.
1 John 1:8

I remember a man I used to work with. He told me he was perfect in his own way and that as he goes through life, imperfect layers are being peeled off. I said to myself, ‘Is that not a ridiculous bunch of gibberish!’ If we think we’re perfect in our own way, is there any need to be saved?

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man,
but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Proverbs 14:12

It seems to me that from this verse in Proverbs, one can fool himself, or herself. We read in other Bible verses that people deceive themselves. But we know that Jesus Christ is the authority by which all things are measured. Our Creator’s Word stands forever.

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.
Romans 3:23

Meaning no one is perfect in their own way. Ever since the disobedience in the Garden of Eden, we are born with a sinful nature which God cannot look at. Sin is falling short of our holy and just God. 

The Bible defines sins. Here are a few:

looking lustfully at someone (Matthew 5:28)
taking God's name in vain (Exodus 20:7)
not honoring the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8)
murder, adultery, stealing (Exodus 20:13-15)
homosexuality (Romans 1:20-32)
sexually immoral (1 Corinthians 6:9)
not honoring your mother or father (Exodus 20:12)
malice, deceit, envy, slander (1 Peter 2) 
vengeance (Romans 12:19)
foul talk (Ephesians 4:29)
love of money (1 Timothy 6:10)
drunkenness (Galatians 5:21)
disbelief (Hebrews 3:19)
worrying (Matthew 6:25-34)
idolatry, witchcraft, jealousy, discord, fits of rage, selfish ambition, factions (Galatians 5:20)
hatred (Proverbs 10:12)
faithlessness, pride, cheating (Proverbs 11)
being rude (1 Corinthians 13:5)
lying (Proverbs 26:28)

Continuing with highlighting people in the Bible who displayed self-control, Moses comes to mind. We remember how he faced Pharaoh repeatedly to let the Israelites be freed from bondage, how they escaped being chased by soldiers when God opened the Red Sea, and then how Moses led the people into the desert, all as God had commanded. When Moses went up Mount Sinai and met with God and then return with the ten commandments and laws for the people, these actions took great self-control.

We can’t rely on our own merit because none of us measure up to Almighty God. The saying 'the seven deadly sins' isn’t true because all sin is deadly, not just seven. If we do not call upon the name of the LORD, we will die in our sin. Period. That’s why salvation is so important.

For the wages of sin is death;
but the gift of God is eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6:23

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.
Galatians 3:13

God Himself provides the remedy. Jesus Christ, His Son, died for our sins on the cross. Sins can be washed away and not held against us if we confess the Lord Jesus as our Savior. Synonyms for the word “confess” are: acknowledge, admit, allow, avow, concede, disclose, divulge, own and reveal. When we acknowledge our Creator and admit need, we confess in prayer.

Satan doesn’t want anyone to think they need saving. He wants everyone to think they are perfect in their own way because he wants everyone dead. And that’s because he knows in the end, he will be destroyed. Satan hates God and His creation. Sin equals death and none of the devil’s words will stand. He doesn’t even hold the key to Hell. Jesus has the key!

The Living God will take His vengeance in the coming wrath and anyone not covered by the blood of the Lamb will perish, as His trustworthy Word states. I hope you have ears to hear.

A hike to the waterfall sharpens our hearing. The water gushing over the rocky edge reminds us that righteousness is being made right with God. We remember that whoever believes in Jesus Christ shall not perish but have everlasting life. Forgiveness is free, like the free-flowing waterfall. The Bible declares salvation is found in no other name than that of Jesus Christ. Make salvation top priority!

Pray that churches will grow in faith, wisdom, and numbers.

And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: if ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister.
Colossians 1:21-23

Be refreshed by the waterfall of forgiveness, able to live in the way God wants you to live with discipline, soberness, and self-control.

Friday, March 1, 2024

FROM A PURE STAND

Jesus, the Christ, suffered,
like what falls from a pure stand;
with majesty stripped and beauty no more, 
bearing sin and hurts and a whipping strand—
the punishment humbly He bore.

Jesus, God’s Son, perished,
like what dies low on the ground;
left to waste and decay, where graves take back,
cast away, disowned, but not making a sound—
obedience, none did He lack.

Jesus, our Lord, descended,
like what goes under the floor;
where there is no esteem in the length of day,
smitten and stricken, where shadows grow more—
the price He did willingly pay.


He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.
Like one from whom men hide their faces 
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Isaiah 53:3                                                      




FROM A PURE STAND

Like Advent for Christmas, we are in the Lent season for Easter. We prepare for the coming Good Friday, remembering how Jesus willingly went to the cruel cross for us and bore our sin on it. He could have called a thousand angels to His side but He didn’t. He humbled Himself, washed the disciple’s feet, and obeyed His Father’s commands. He continued to Calvary knowing not everyone would believe in Him.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16

I had prayed for an opportunity to lead my father-in-law to the Lord and God gave me two opportunities! My rough and tough father-in-law humbled himself to repentance. He said he was sorry for things he had done and wanted to get his soul right. At 89 years old, he asked Jesus into his heart, a few weeks before his death.

Therefore thus saith the LORD GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.
Isaiah 28:16

Keep praying for those on your heart. My father-in-law made a business of pouring concrete walls in his day. By his profession of faith in Jesus, who is the precious cornerstone, I have the hope and peace of seeing him again in Heaven. Some people think everyone goes to Heaven. But people go to Hell every day. Some people come up with their own sense of what makes them feel comfortable. But those who take care of business and accept Christ gain eternal life and those who do not, do not. They will need to make haste when the judgement day comes.

A wooded area that is not mixed with any other type of tree is said to be a ‘pure stand’. There are pure stands of oak trees, pine, beech and maple trees. In these splendid groves, one can be reminded of our Creator who sent His Son, Jesus, our Savior. With self-control, He took off His cloak and washed the disciple’s feet. He humbled Himself, and in a sense, left His pure stand to die for us. Creation itself speaks of the holiness and determination of our Creator.

The Living God raised His Son Jesus Christ from the dead three days after He died. This is only possible from the Sovereign, Almighty, Omnipotent, Living God! 

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved. The LORD is great in Zion; and he is high above all the people. Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy.
Psalm 99:1-3

And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is a gift of God.
Ephesians 2:6-8

‘How can you be sure?’ I was asked this by my father-in-law before I prayed with him and before he took care of the business of his soul. Spread hope. Don’t let the ways of the world distract you. Don’t be a chameleon doing whatever everyone else is doing. Live hope. Are you the tenant who did nothing with the one coin given to you when you were told to multiply? Breathe hope. It comes from God’s Word, belief in Christ, and communion with the Holy Spirit, and prayer.

Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 1:2-8

Have hope and display temperance, also known as self-control.

Thursday, February 15, 2024

 

JOY IN THE HOLLOW

Joy, that blissful state to keep,
is met in a winter hollow,
where tracks lead in, both wide and deep,
by the edge of the firs on landscape steep,
and where I, with wonder, follow.

Over head, the sun is perfect light
on the snowy altered tree,
and the downy bridesmaid’s hearty flight
is joined by grouse in peaceful sight,
where the woods are hushed for me.

You, Maker of my spirit’s smile
by the marriage you impart,
declare a goodness for my while.
With a skip, I’ll go another mile,
having joy within my heart.



For unto you is born this day in the city of David 
a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 
And this shall be a sign unto you: 
Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, 
lying in a manger.
Luke 2:11-12





JOY IN THE HOLLOW

Down curvy back roads, we pass stands of evergreens, ponds, lowlands, and hollows. Roads like Dog Hollow Road and Frog Hollow Path paint country scenes of the great outdoors. 

And an highway shall be there, and a way,
and it shall be called The way of holiness;
the unclean shall not pass over it;
but it shall be for those:
the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.
No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast
shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there;
but the redeemed shall walk there:
And the ransomed of the LORD shall return,
and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy
upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness,
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
Isaiah 35: 8-10

Only the Spirit of the Living God can satisfy the empty space in the hollow of the heart. God’s Spirit communes with the human spirit of the believer, assisting and instructing. Once wayfaring and foolish, no continuation of such persons will walk the highways in Heaven. The redeemed sing songs expressing joy from their hearts due to being made white as snow.

“I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart!” 

The song rings true! He, whose love is shed aboard in our hearts, also works on our heart to produce temperance, or self-control, by the enabling power of the Holy Spirit. We have no power of our own that will endure. But God sustains the faithful.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
longsuffering, gentleness, goodness,
faith, meekness, temperance:
against such there is no law.
Galatians 5: 22-23

Self-control (temperance) is the last fruit of the Holy Spirit. To me, the nine fruits are like the three-persons-in-one Trinity—different, wonderful aspects of our loving Creator. Since nothing can be against them, they are always correct. That also means the opposites of these traits are always wrong.

Daniel in the lion’s den can teach us about self-control. I'm sure there's no surprise there! The other administrators didn't like how good Daniel was. His keen mind, wisdom, and exceptional qualities gained the king's eye, and the king wanted to make Daniel ruler over all.

Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.
Daniel 6:3

The scheming administrators devised a plan and Daniel ended up in the lion's den. But God sent an angel. No harm came to Daniel. The overjoyed king had the scheming men, their wives and their children thrown in and they were crushed by the lions before they reached the ground. (Read Daniel chapter 6. Amazing!)

Through it all, Daniel held firm in his faith in God and was richly rewarded. He didn't waver. Temperance paid off.

And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
Acts 24: 24-25

I don't know if Felix ever found a convenient season but I hope you have. 

The Holy Spirit lives within the heart of the believer. What does the Holy Spirit, or Counselor, do? He teaches us, reminds us, guides us, convicts us, tells the future, brings glory to Jesus and testifies about Jesus (John 14:15-John 16:16). And He gives us self-control.

Looking unto Jesus
the author and finisher of our faith;
who for the joy that was set before him
endured the cross,
depising the shame,
and is set down at the right hand
of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2

Likewise, I say unto you,
there is joy in the presence of the angels of God
over one sinner that repenteth.
Luke 15:10

When depression weighs heavy on the heart, remember the uplifting passage of Isaiah 35 about the joy of the redeemed. When we see corruption and grow sad by our own wanderings, remember there’s a better place to live. Heaven’s joy has been bought and paid for by Jesus Christ, the Living Word, the Son of God.

Live a life trusting God and His Word. God loves you! 
Trust there is much to gain from having self-control.

Thursday, February 1, 2024


SNOW ON THE EVERGREEN

Jesus, Jehovah, Immanuel.
Abundant joy rich to tell.
There is a love that fills my heart,
like snow in the deepest part.

El, Creator, Merciful, Love.
Blessed assurance from above.
There is a peace from Heaven’s crown,
like snow gently falling down.

Savior, Messiah, Adonai.
Blood outpoured to sanctify.
There is a grace from only Him,
like snow coating every limb.

Unspeakable Gift, Redeemer, King.
Sing the song the ransomed sing!
There is a life made wholly right,
like snow turning woodlands white.

Spirit, Counselor, Author, Friend.
Kingdom wonders never end.
There is a seal forever clean,
like snow on the evergreen.


But as many as received him, to them gave he power
to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh,
nor of the will of man, but of God.
John 1:12-13




SNOW ON THE EVERGREEN

In the woods here in Veery Glade, snow comes straight down, piles up, and coats an evergreen planted years ago.

God gives a power to anyone who believes in Jesus Christ, His Son, the Savior of the world. Through belief, we become His child. An identity transformation occurs by a force from Heaven when God recognizes faith in hearts. Since the power is given by God, the new identity is not a power humans have. Becoming a child of God is only obtained by faith in Jesus Christ.

But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
2 Corinthians 4:3-4

The god of this world, Satan, blinds the mind of the unbeliever. When someone is spiritually blind, he doesn’t see the plan of salvation and can be easily led into any kind of thinking.

PRAY for belief. Hold to the pattern of daily prayer and plead matters heavy on the heart. God, the Miracle Worker, is more than able to do what we ask.

The plan of salvation hasn’t changed. God provides the remedy only in His Son, Jesus Christ, who put on the mantle of self-control even to death on the cross. There is no other way to salvation. Philosophies, man-made religions, and self-help strategies cannot save a soul.

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 3:18

God told Abraham to leave his country and father’s house in Ur of the Chaldees and to go into Canaan, a land God would give to him.

Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: and I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: and I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
Genesis 12:1-3

Can we imagine leaving our country and father’s house? But with temperance (or self-control), Abram (who became Abraham) obeyed. Notice the strong words spoken of our Creator: blessing for blessing of Abram but curse for curse of Abram. God made distinctions in the book of Genesis. He alone saves. Other “gods” do nothing. Distinctions continue throughout the Word of God. Only Jesus, His anointed, the Savior of the world, can make sin as white as snow!

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: 
Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; 
though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Isaiah 1:18
 
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9

Jesus said,
If ye love me, keep my commandments.
John 14:15

May we be obedient to our Heavenly Father as Abraham was. Judgment is coming and sins not covered—not made white as snow—will be found out. God can’t look at sin. There isn't any sin in Heaven.

Jesus also said,
I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
John 8:24

Be encouraged to believe. Stay the course. 
And blessings will come from self-control.

Monday, January 15, 2024

THE ICY GNARLY ELM

The icy, gnarly elm alone
in the dell, just beyond the spruces,
has taken on to moan and groan
and wonder of her uses;
to worry in the winter scene
where none but harshness grows—
and the cold wind blows.
 
Yet even so, the elm stands firm,
though the weighted ice is building.
And there lies at core a diseasing worm,
as the branches soon are breaking.
Forbidding is the winter scene
in which all things are made weak—
where the plight looks bleak.
 
But there is remembrance of who one is,
as the sun shines on and sparkles.
Even through the strain and brittleness,
there is reason yet for marvels.
Hostile may the winter scene become
and the stressful toll long—
but her trust is strong.

 

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.
Proverbs 3:5-6

 

THE ICY GNARLY ELM

Winter has arrived, here in Veery Glade. Ice and snow covers the branches of maple, beech, and old gnarly elm trees. Only evergreens provide a dash of green color against the white backdrop of land and sky. We are locked in the grips of winter.

He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.
Proverbs 25:28

Temperance, or self-control, was displayed by our Savior born to us—Jesus Christ. He stayed the course to the cruel cross, suffering its shame, to win the souls of those who would believe in Him. Remembering Christ’s attitude helps us to have an attitude of self-control, of ruling our own spirit. We are grateful for our Lord’s endurance, our Lord’s passion, our Lord’s love for us.

 

WHEREFORE seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.

 

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 

For consider him that endureth such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

Hebrews 12:1-3

 

Wicked people, lions, tigers and bears, and even bad weather can fill the streets by getting in through the crumpled walls of a broken down city. Likewise, a broken down spirit is vulnerable to someone lesser than God. What maintenance is required for the healthy upkeep of a believer? How can one rule his spirit?

 

The Holy Spirit Himself is able to help us! We can be temperate when we turn to God in prayer. God is able to give us the courage to face a difficulty with faith intact. God is able to clear and transform our mind and strengthen and guide our heart and spirit. The Holy Spirit is the maintenance required! Prayer is an effective way to help a person rule his spirit!

 

Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.

 

So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.

Esther 4:16-17

 

Queen Esther displayed temperance. She maintained her composure when approaching the king, having clearness of mind and firmness of purpose amidst the possibility of certain death. Her faith in God gave her courage to proceed. She was able to control her emotions through a life-threatening time. She prayed. She fasted. She submitted her will, her spirit, to God’s rule in her heart, honoring His will over her own life.

 

An elm tree holds up in the winter landscape. So we endure trials. We trust through prayer and remember the ninth fruit of the Holy Spirit­—self-control, or temperance. Even if others mock us, we keep praying. We know it is written that maintained confidence in the Lord will be richly rewarded. God is the Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him—who pray believing.

 

May this year be the year of great faith, prayer, and self-control.

Monday, January 1, 2024

TRACKS IN THE SNOW

A glistening dell,
white-clad and temple-like,
a line of fresh-made tracks
beneath a spruce’s spike,
where winds have not come in
to shake the boughs of snow,
and in a winter’s blue,
the sunlight shimmers low.

It’s here we see a pattern,
while breathing crispy air,
the prints of whitetail deer
preserved in snowy care.
The pointed toes had followed
the ones before them made,
and dainty ones, too,
had crossed the frozen glade.
 
The wisest and the learned
trust in established ways
through cold and drifted trials
to kinder, warmer days;
So, let us raise a prayer
and speak our human need—
to step within the footsteps
of Sovereign-made lead.

 

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Galatians 5:25

 


TRACKS IN THE SNOW 

Happy New Year!

May the Lord richly bless the year 2024!

May God’s mighty hand at work in our lives continue as we pray throughout the year. Jesus said He will be with us to the end of the world.

And we know He keeps His promises.

With the new year comes a new word at the end of every blog post on my Poems and Prayer blog. Unless you scroll down now, you’ll see this year’s word when you read to the end.

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Matthew 28:18-20

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
John 8:12

Jesus promises the ‘light of life’ to those who follow Him. The saved can sense the Holy Spirit. God the Spirit, who dwells in the hearts of believers, enables them to see His goodness. We wave our arms in joy, grateful for what He has brought us through.

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
Proverbs 29:18

Creator God makes the rules of what He created. The Designer knows His design. Honor God in steadfast faith. Rest on God’s Word. Well-tempered people envision because the vision of spiritual eyes is connected with a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Without faith, the way is void of the light of life.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Hebrews 11:6

Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
Jeremiah 33:3

God’s truth is the same as it was last year.  Let’s be diligent about a praying habit, a praying practice. Spur others to pray. Be a prayer warrior. If praying is anything like exercising alone and you fail miserably at it, then get a personal trainer. Have someone hold you accountable. Get a prayer partner. Ask someone to pray with you. Make prayer a priority instead of a last resort.

And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.
Matthew 9:9

Rise up, shepherd, and follow. Jesus called Matthew and other disciples years ago and He calls us to follow today. To be a good follower means to get out of the leader’s way. Trust where Jesus leads and keep yourself composed. I don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but I know who holds tomorrow. If we live by the Spirit, then may we walk in the Spirit.

Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.
Deuteronomy 5:33

Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.
Deuteronomy 13:4

Like most animals, deer take the path of least resistance. They follow a path already broken from the one who went first. Creation reminds us to trust God’s lead. Ask to see His tracks into 2024 and then follow them.

Order my steps in thy word; and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
Psalm 119:133

The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.
Proverbs 20:7

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.
1 Peter 2:21

Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.
Jeremiah 6:16

We learn that some people chose not to follow and end up not getting rest for their souls. The Great Heart Reader knows the human heart He created, whether for or against what He offers. I encourage you to choose wisely. Unto us, salvation is given. Receive and follow because... 

GOD LOVES YOU!

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23

In the tracks of the Holy Spirit, let us walk in our integrity in the year 2024 with self-control (temperance).

Friday, December 15, 2023

BOUGHS OF HEMLOCK

Boughs of hemlock, full, adorning,
blessed to greet the chilly morning;
as when Magi came afar,
from the east, beneath the Star,
and gave sweet gifts to the King of kings,
Creator of created things,
who became a man—a babe to carry—
and trusted the goodness of Joseph and Mary.

Boughs of hemlock, rich and stately,
by the roadside waving greatly;
likened to the branches’ way
in Jerusalem that day,
when our Savior Jesus Christ wept,
and on the road to the cross, kept,
to atone for us eternal peace,
from sin’s sure hold, a sure release.

Boughs of hemlock sprinkled snow,
delicate grace on branches show;
like the change from winter time to spring.
A new life planted, faith will bring
fruit and life from a spirit clean,
and fine harvest of an evergreen.
Truth and honor in scripture well
will be honored, as time will tell.



And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days.
Leviticus 23:40



BOUGHS OF HEMLOCK

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. 
Isaiah 9:2

God gave His Word through the prophet Isaiah. Light changes the scene. Hope alleviates trouble. When joy beams, turmoil lifts. And meekness showcases a better way.

For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, and the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian. 
Isaiah 9:4

Isaiah tells us God’s plan with remembrance of a past event. It was deliberate in the day of Midian when the odds looked ridiculous for Gideon who led a few men blowing trumpets and breaking jars against their enemy. It was also deliberate when Sarah gave birth at the age of 90. It was deliberate when King Hezekiah saw an angel standing in the battlefield after it killed 185,000 men of the king’s enemy because he had prayed for help.

Let there be light. God’s first words in Genesis are deliberate too. Jesus is the Great Light seen by the people walking in darkness. We are also those people walking in darkness. Only Jesus Christ can break the yoke of sin and swipe the staff of the task-master, the rod of Satan, the prince of darkness.

For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. 
Isaiah 9:5

The results of losing the battle of salvation are Hell’s fire. We will not all be blessed in the end and some have said. Jesus will divide the grain from the chaff, the believer from the non-believer. The grain will go into the barn while the chaff is tossed into the fire. Confused noise and garments rolled in blood describe the terrible scene of war. Don’t be tossed into the fire when facing judgment.

Now is the time to be saved.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

Jesus Christ is God’s Son given to us through the Virgin Mary. God became what He created—a human being! Jesus is God incarnate. Emmanuel, God with us. God came to us. In the form of a man, God is one of us. Jesus knows us. He, the Messiah, knows our hearts. He, the exact representation of Almighty God, knows our thoughts.

Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
Isaiah 9:7

There is ongoing just government and perpetual peace in the kingdom of the King of kings because of zeal. God’s enthusiasm has brought about His Word and will continue to do so. Christ is powerful and able to accomplish great things! All power is given unto Jesus by Almighty God the Father. Jesus’ name is exalted above all names. He is the only one who is worthy to break the seals and begin the end times.

Keep asking God for the help needed to endure that hardship in Jesus’ name. He waits to hear from us in prayer. He is not that far to hear. Sometimes, we have to keep at it like the persistent widow. But in faith, be diligent. The devil cannot stop God from answering prayer. But being a deceiver, he is able to stop prayer from happening in the first place.

Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
James 1:21

We have snow on the ground here in Veery Glade. Sunshine on the snow crystals reminds us of the verse about our sin becoming as white as snow due to our faith. Live a life trusting Jesus and look for that day of waving boughs upon entering the Heavenly realm as promised.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU!

With green boughs in hand, bow before Christ’s meekness.