God

A Poem for A Dying Friend

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Writer’s Note: This was written a few years ago as my friend, Ross, stood at the threshold between heaven and earth. Although cancer had escorted him there, angels ushered him into Heaven a couple of months later. God is good. All the time. Amen and Ehmen.

Dove flying

God stretches out his arms

Patiently waiting for his son to come home

He’s been waiting for a while

As His son struggles to hang on

* 

But, soon the son will trade

his struggles for God’s peace

And God will smile brightly as he

prepares the homecoming feast.

* 

The Lord’s attention will then turn

To comforting those souls

Who are left behind and

no longer feel whole.

 *

For He weeps with the hurting

And reminds us of the cross

Better days are coming

For He’s already paid the cost. 

–Poem By Brenda Gibson of AmenandEhmen.com

 

Prayers and Peace for Paris…

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As the world mourns with and prays for the people of Paris, I, too, lift my eyes to the peace parisHeavens. Lord, I ask You to make Your Presence known to all the hurting and fearful. Clothe all of us, especially those directly impacted by the attacks of the past few days, in the peace that only You can provide; in that special peace which surpasses all understanding. We love you, Lord, and praise you, even in the midst of this mighty storm. Amen and Ehmen.

Note: This morning as I prayed this prayer, the following words nestled into my spirit. I gave them a home on paper and I found comfort in them. I hope that you do as well.

As darkness descends on a fallen and trembling world, the Heavens roar as our Almighty God summons all of His angels.

War has been waged. To that no one can argue. But, those who believe know that it is a war that is already won. The enemy’s fate has been sealed.

Stand in faith, people of God. Do not let the enemy shake you. Do not let the darkness consume you; for it is indeed darkest before the dawn and, no matter how bad it gets; nor how painful it is, know that even this horrible suffering is nothing compared to the Glory that is to come.

And The Word of God Says:

Romans 8:18

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

His sign said, “Ugly, Old and Homeless…”

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His sign said ugly, old & homeless. He eagerly and with sincere appreciation took homeless picthe $20 bucks I handed him. His face lit up as he showed me the Lord’s Supper coin he carried in his pocket. He told me that, though it made his bag heavier, he always had his bible with him. He said “God bless you, friend” and I told him I’d be praying for him. I also told him that the last thing on his sign might be true from an earthly sense, but that the other two couldn’t be further from the truth. Beautiful hearts and souls come in many kinds of packages. With cars stacking up behind me, I asked him if he liked Doritos and, when he nodded yes, I returned his coin and gave him the chips. He went back to his curbside seat and in my rear view I could see that he was already enjoying them. I drove away sad and blessed at the same time.

Note: This was inspired by a man who can often be found sitting on the corner as you leave the Arby’s and Pilot station just off the exit nearest my home. He has been there for about three months. Please, if you see him or another like him, help them in anyway that you can. It really doesn’t matter why they are there; just that they are there and that we all need a little help now and then.

And The Word of God says…

Matthew 25:40

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'”

Happiness is Fleeting…

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As I looked to God for some peace during these crazy days, he sent me back in time to a journal entry I made quite awhile ago and, while my part of the conversation is too personal to share at this juncture and the situation far different, this excerpt from His part is applicable and timely for me today. Perhaps it will be for you as well. Amen and Ehmen.

nature shot at stone mountain“Breath in, inhale my Word, My child. You are far from alone and your story does not depend upon another human. I am so proud of you for being so intent on fulfilling my will and purpose for you. Please stay the course as I promise you that it will be well worth it. You, my child, are on the fast-track to joy and joy trumps happiness any day of eternity. Many people that you know, including yourself, still get caught up in seeking happiness, but happiness is fleeting. One rain fall can wash it away. One gust of wind can grab it from your grasp. Joy, on the other hand, like me, will never leave you. You may not recognize it, but it is there for the taking. Believe in me and I will give you peace and joy. Talk to me and ask me and I will give you the ability to see. I love you and, in the end, that really is all that matters. Stick with me. The best days are still ahead!

 

Leaving a Blessing

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As the temperatures cool and the world sports the colors of the Thanksgiving season, it’s always nice to take pause and thank God for our many blessings. And there is so very much to be thankful for. Leaves, for example. Starting as a tiny bud, new leaves spring forth around Easter time each year, literally breathing life into the world, not only preserving our very existence, but also providing us shade along the way. Indeed, every single leaf has an important, life-giving, life-preserving job. Perhaps that is why God gives them such a beautiful and colorful exit every fall. This year, as the leaves around you burst into an array of breath-taking colors, take a moment to thank God for them. And as they take their final bows, falling from the trees carried by the gentle winds of November, send up a bountiful round of applause straight from earth’s stage to Heaven’s ears.

Birds of Praise

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Dove flying

God must have a special affection for birds. Beautiful creatures, they are. Created in all colors of the rainbow and with songs more beautiful than anything ever created by man.

But I think the real proof of His affinity for our feathered friends is their ability to fly. High above the earth they soar, a source of wonderment to those of us below. God’s breath taking them higher and higher as they break through the clouds and out of sight.

It is at this time, I can’t help but imagine that that tiny little bird, dressed to the nines and with a voice fit for King, ascends through Heaven’s gates and onto a perch on our Father’s throne.  

As he sings his praises, God breaths in all its beauty and joy and exhales gently upon the bird, sending him back to us on earth. It is then that that tiny little bird, dressed to the nines and with a voice fit for a King, spends the rest of his days singing God’s praises and telling all that will listen of God’s great love and enduring promises.  Amen and Ehmen.

 

His Presence is Our Protection

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Me and Thee: A Morning Chat with God…

Good morning, God. Well, it’s taken me about an hour to get myself awake dear godenough to get here. Why can’t I just bound out of bed and grab this computer to talk to You? It frustrates me so. Instead of talking to You and praising You, I sit here googling possible causes of my health concerns. Yes, I want to feel better, Lord, but I don’t want to spend my now limited time with You this morning focused on that. I do ask that You heal me and fully believe that it is within Your power, but from this moment forward during our time together today, I want to focus on You. God, You simply amaze me. The beauty of the world and universe that You created. The mercy and grace You have shown all of us, though we have all helped cause this fallen world. The hope that You give us through Your Word and through the death of Your one and only Son on the cross. Oh, the lengths and depths You have gone for us. You are the creator of it all and the fact that You choose to stick with us even though we disappoint You time after time is simply astounding to me. Lord help me to please You more with my life. Even that, I can’t do alone. I need You. You know what I struggle with and You know my heart. Help me to focus on only that which will propel the Kingdom forward. I love You, my dear sweet Savior. I love You with all of my heart and soul. Walk with me through this day. Help me to stay aware of Your constant presence and love, for that love is a shield of protection for me; the very armor of which the Bible speaks. Clothe me in Your love, Lord. Amen and Ehmen.

Dear, sweet child of mine,

What a beautiful and accurate way to view My armor. Let me assure you that My love and presence surrounds you at all times, whether you recognize it or not. More importantly, there is nothing, but nothing—NOTHING—that can take that away. It is indeed like a hedge of constant protection around you; a suit of armor that protects you and keeps you safe. You are a most prized possession of Mine, child. Walk in that knowledge. Breath in the sweet peace that this state of being provides. Embrace the grace that I have so freely given you and get yourself moving. You have a job to do, for your employer and for Me. I love you, child. 🙂

And His Word says:

Romans, Chapter 8: 38For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Silence Can Be The Sweetest Sound of All…

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gary lake posted by friend after memorialThe silence was deafening. Until I began to really listen. For it was there in the silence that I heard the sweetest sound of all. That still, small voice. That gentle, almost audible and definitely love-evoking voice of the most powerful and wonderful Almighty God. In an instant, He calmed my fears; wiped out any loneliness; and reassured me of His love and everlasting presence. Never run away from your alone time; never crowd your life with busyness just so you won’t feel alone. You may just miss the most precious; the most fulfilling; the most intimate and purposeful moments of your life. Protect those times. Live for those times. Enjoy every second in His Presence. And all of his children said, Amen and Ehmen!