Archive for the ‘faith’ Tag
HOPE FOR A FALLEN WORLD
My friend is dying
Lord, what did he ever do
To deserve prolonged suffering?
My mind cannot grasp a reason
Other than our human condition
Deceived by Satan
Into receiving sinful natures
A scourge on humankind
All destined to die
And many, untimely deaths
Like my friend
Young yet,
Formerly bright
Struck down by Huntingtons
A cruel disease
What can help to transform
Our world of destruction?
Hearts bound to Jesus’ heart
Ready to give rather than receive
Functioning as a cradle for grieving
Embracing vulnerable souls
Leading them to the Great Healer
What smooths jagged emotions
Left by a legacy of sin?
Lifts hopes for redemption?
Grace from God
Flowing to sinners
Finding an anchor in faith
In Jesus’ perfect sacrifice
Looking forward
To an everlasting home
Standing in His presence
Casting our crowns at His feet
The Lord of the universe
Our healing balm
PRESERVED
Lord, I come to you in prayer
Guide me through these tempestuous waters
Keep my vessel straight
Safe from the jagged rocks
On my left and on my right
Through this strait
This test of my faith in You
Of Your saving grace
And undeserved protection
Preserve me whole
That I may praise You
Proclaim Your greatness to all
And catch, as in a net
Those who have yet to see Your glory
Welcome these aboard my tattered ship
Offer safe refuge to these floundering souls
Those shipwrecked, about to go down
Without ever knowing You
Transform me
That I may always give You praise
Let me ever hail the masthand
To raise the flag of victory
As a testimony to lost souls
Of Your saving grace
Preserve us whole
Prepare us for Your Kingdom
TRANSFORMED BY GRACE
The Lord’s arm reaches out
Refreshing a worn out disciple
Renewing purpose
Reviving a faith rendered dead
Faith slashed by demons
Denied by faithful followers
Faith cast near the pit
Doomed to languish
Tortured by thoughts
Denying the divine
Never sure what is real
Infested by secularism
Torn away from Jesus
With no visible recourse
For healing the human hemorrhage
But a recollection of
Our dying Savior’s words:
Father forgive them
For they know not what they do
The Savior’s arm reaches out
Grace extended to all
Those who betrayed Him
Whether in thought,
Action or word
All humanity invited
To be washed by His blood
The Holy Spirit reaches out
Seeking hearts to free
Hearts now transformed
Kneeling before the Cross
In repentance
Embracing a grace offered to all
Bound now by loyalty
Given to serving
Disciples of the Lord
Linked to constant renewal
Borne of His love
Modern Day Miracles?
We all know God worked many miracles throughout the Bible. He parted the Red Sea and comsumed Elijah’s soaking sacrifice with fire from heaven. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead and He fed the four thousand with seven loaves of bread and a few fish. Peter healed the lame man by the power of God. And many of us expect to be reunited with dead loved ones in Christ after God raises them from the dead. God’s power is endless. But what about today? Right now. Does God work miracles among a sinful and unbelieving people of today? I think he does if we let him.
Let me share a personal experience. Ten years ago I was still a heavy cigarette smoker, having defiled my body with this destructive habit for some twenty-two years. Cigarettes had gradually become my best friend. I came to a juncture. I knew either I would smoke myself to an early grave or I would free myself from this habit and live. But the problem was, I didn’t really want to quit smoking. It was just too pleasurable. I was helpless, it seemed, until I turned to God for help. I realized He was my lifeline. Everything else had failed–going cold turkey, nicotine patches, Nicorette gum.
I cried out to God in prayer. I put faith in Him 100 percent. I told Him I knew He could take care of my problem. I couldn’t fathom how, but I believed He knew how. And I asked Him to take away my desire to smoke.
About three months later I was stricken by a stomach ailment that landed me in the hospital. Since smoking was not allowed anywhere at the hospital, I knew I had to just tough it out. After a day my stomach problem had me feeling horrible, yet. Another day passed and I hadn’t even had any nicotene withdrawal symptoms. The doctor found a remedy for my stomach and I was set to be discharged. That day I knew God had given me this chance to quit smoking. It was a gift I took and I haven’t smoked since. It has been ten years and my desire to smoke also vanished. Clearly this was a miracle. God is so good.
Do you believe God works miracles today? Please feel free to comment or share a miracle God worked in your life or in the life of a loved one.