The first week of Advent is said to be concentrated upon the hope of the Savior’s arrival as supported by the Scriptures’ prophetic promises. There are several pertinent verses, but I chose this one :
“The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the gracious promise I made to the house of Israel and to the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land.” (Jeremiah 33:14-15).
O, Jesus, We await your sweet arrival!
~~~~~~
Words and Music for Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow by Charles Wesley:
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
1. Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art; dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.
Mark E. Hunt devised a second, or middle, verse.
I like it and included it here:
Come to earth to taste our sadness,
He whose glories knew no end;
By His life He brings us gladness,
Our Redeemer, Shepherd, Friend.
Leaving riches without number,
Born within a cattle stall;
This the everlasting wonder,
Christ was born the Lord of all.
2. Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King, born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring. By thine own eternal spirit rule in all our hearts alone; by thine all sufficient merit, raise us to Thy* glorious throne.
(*emphases, mine)
The hope that the child of God has is an eternal hope. Peter tells us that the Child of God has “an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade – kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter: 1-4 )
Sixteen years ago, almost to the minute, Breath of Heaven visited me. Permeated me to the depths of Body, Soul, and Spirit. I was forever changed, Becoming the best version of myself. Forever, infinitely, and most of all, eternally.
Breath of Heaven is always there, softly taking me in, gently sending me out . . .
I still can scarcely breathe . . . Oh! My Breath of Heaven! Oh!
~ ~ ~ ~
Not even one of us can fully understand,
nor scarcely appreciate young Mary’s plight . . .
And consider Joseph’s . . .
These poignant video clips are from The Nativity Story, upload thanks to Aaron Hassen.
Please read down to the end:
Breath of Heaven
By Amy Grant
I have traveled many moonless nights, Cold and weary with a babe inside, *And I wonder what I’ve done, *Holy father you have come, *And chosen me now to carry Your son.
~~~
*I am waiting in a silent prayer, *I am frightened by the load I bear, *In a world as cold as stone, *Must I walk this path alone?
~~~
*Be with me now . . .
*Be with me now . . .
~~~
*Breath of heaven, *Be forever near me, Breath of heaven.
~~~
Breath of heaven,
*Lighten my darkness, *Pour over me your holiness, *For you are holy. Breath of heaven.
~~~
Do you wonder as you watch my face,
*If a wiser one should have had my place? *But I offer all I am, For the mercy of your plan, *Help me be strong Help me be . . . Help me . . .
~~~
Breath of heaven,
Hold me together, Be forever near me, Breath of heaven.
~~~
Breath of heaven,
Lighten my darkness, Pour over me your holiness, For you are holy.
~~~
Breath of heaven,
Hold me together, Be forever near me, Breath of heaven.
~~~
Breath of heaven, Lighten my darkness, Pour over me your holiness, For you are holy.
~~~
Breath of heaven Breath of heaven Breath of heaven
~ ~ ~
. . . Have you ever found yourself saying these same words –
the ones I starred?
I have.
Yes, I have been chosen to “carry The Son”, in a sense.
In that very important sense, all true believers have been chosen to
“carry Him”.
And, sometimes, I feel completely unworthy.
Do I offer all I am?
Do I LOVE?
And I pray that the Father stay near me and hold me together. The thought of bearing this precious burden; this gift;
this responsibility; this sacred life, is daunting – sometimes frightening.
What if I fail?
A wiser, less broken, less flawed soul should take my place . . . Yet, I am exactly the kind of person He seeks,
chooses, and challenges, to “carry Him inside”.
One only must be willing.
And the Archangel, himself, said, “Don’t be afraid”.
Yes, the world is cold as stone, and the path, often difficult, but I don’t have to walk it alone – never alone. The Lord is with me.
*Breath of heaven
Hold me together-
My desperate plea –
Like David, He hears, and holds me up.
He lightens my darkness, and if that were not enough, He pours His holiness over me, and His grace, and His mercy.
I am not wise, but He chose me, somehow. He chose me and He helps me.
And through Him, I am sufficient.
And I am honored.
Breath of Heaven is always there, softly taking me in, gently sending me out . . .
The first week of Advent is said to be concentrated upon the hope of the Savior’s arrival as supported by the Scriptures’ prophetic promises. There are several pertinent verses, but I chose this one :
“The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the gracious promise I made to the house of Israel and to the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land.” (Jeremiah 33:14-15).
O, Jesus, We await your sweet arrival!
~~~~~~
Words and Music for Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow by Charles Wesley:
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
1. Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art; dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.
Mark E. Hunt devised a second, or middle, verse.
I like it and included it here:
Come to earth to taste our sadness,
He whose glories knew no end;
By His life He brings us gladness,
Our Redeemer, Shepherd, Friend.
Leaving riches without number,
Born within a cattle stall;
This the everlasting wonder,
Christ was born the Lord of all.
2. Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King, born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring. By thine own eternal spirit rule in all our hearts alone; by thine all sufficient merit, raise us to Thy* glorious throne.
(*emphases, mine)
The hope that the child of God has is an eternal hope. Peter tells us that the Child of God has “an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade – kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter: 1-4 )
The first week of Advent is said to be concentrated upon the hope of the Savior’s arrival as supported by the Scriptures’ prophetic promises. There are several pertinent verses, but I chose this one :
“The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the gracious promise I made to the house of Israel and to the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land.” (Jeremiah 33:14-15).
O, Jesus, We await your sweet arrival!
~~~~~~
Words and Music for Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow by Charles Wesley:
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
1. Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art; dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.
Mark E. Hunt devised a second, or middle, verse.
I like it and included it here:
Come to earth to taste our sadness,
He whose glories knew no end;
By His life He brings us gladness,
Our Redeemer, Shepherd, Friend.
Leaving riches without number,
Born within a cattle stall;
This the everlasting wonder,
Christ was born the Lord of all.
2. Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King, born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring. By thine own eternal spirit rule in all our hearts alone; by thine all sufficient merit, raise us to Thy* glorious throne.
(*emphases, mine)
The hope that the child of God has is an eternal hope. Peter tells us that the Child of God has “an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade – kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter: 1-4 )
Not even one of us can fully understand nor scarcely appreciate Mary’s plight . . .
And consider Joseph’s . . .
(Rest in Peace, Donna Summer. I’m glad we still have your amazing voice.)
These poignant video clips are from The Nativity Story, upload thanks to Peperamico.
Please read to the bottom:
Breath of Heaven
By Amy Grant
I have traveled many moonless nights, Cold and weary with a babe inside, And I wonder what I’ve done, *Holy father you have come, And chosen me now to carry Your son.
~~~
*I am waiting in a silent prayer, I am frightened by the load I bear, *In a world as cold as stone, Must I walk this path alone?
~~~
*Be with me now . . .
Be with me now . . .
~~~
*Breath of heaven, Hold me together, Be forever near me, Breath of heaven.
~~~
Breath of heaven,
*Lighten my darkness, Pour over me your holiness, For you are holy. Breath of heaven.
~~~
Do you wonder as you watch my face,
*If a wiser one should have had my place? But I offer all I am, For the mercy of your plan, *Help me be strong Help me be . . . Help me . . .
~~~
Breath of heaven,
Hold me together, Be forever near me, Breath of heaven.
~~~
Breath of heaven,
Lighten my darkness, Pour over me your holiness, For you are holy.
~~~
Breath of heaven,
Hold me together, Be forever near me, Breath of heaven.
~~~
Breath of heaven, Lighten my darkness, Pour over me your holiness, For you are holy.
~~~
Breath of heaven Breath of heaven Breath of heaven
~ ~ ~
. . . Have you ever found yourself saying these same words –
the ones I highlighted?
I have.
Yes, I have been chosen to “carry The Son”, in a sense.
In that very important sense, all true believers have been chosen to
“carry Him”.
And, sometimes, I feel completely unworthy.
And I pray that the Father stay near me and hold me together. The thought of bearing this precious burden; this gift;
this responsibility; this life, is daunting – sometimes frightening.
A wiser, less broken, less flawed soul should take my place . . . Yet, I am exactly the kind of person He seeks,
chooses, and challenges, to “carry Him inside”.
One only must be willing.
And the Archangel, himself, said, “Don’t be afraid”. Yes, the world is cold as stone, and the path, often difficult, but I don’t have to walk it alone – never alone. The Lord is with me.
*Breath of heaven
Hold me together-
My desperate plea –
Like David, He hears, and holds me up.
He lightens my darkness, and if that were not enough, He pours His holiness over me, and His grace, and His mercy.
I am not wise, but He chose me, somehow. He chose me and He helps me.
And through Him, I am sufficient.
And I am honored.
Breath of Heaven is always there, softly taking me in, gently sending me out . . .
The first week of Advent is said to be concentrated upon the hope of the Savior’s arrival as supported by the Scriptures’ prophetic promises. There are several pertinent verses, but I chose this one :
“The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the gracious promise I made to the house of Israel and to the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land.” (Jeremiah 33:14-15).
O, Jesus, We await your sweet arrival!
~~~~~~
Words and Music for Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow by Charles Wesley:
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
1. Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art; dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.
Mark E. Hunt devised a second, or middle, verse.
I like it and included it here:
Come to earth to taste our sadness,
He whose glories knew no end;
By His life He brings us gladness,
Our Redeemer, Shepherd, Friend.
Leaving riches without number,
Born within a cattle stall;
This the everlasting wonder,
Christ was born the Lord of all.
2. Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King, born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring. By thine own eternal spirit rule in all our hearts alone; by thine all sufficient merit, raise us to Thy* glorious throne.
(*emphases, mine)
The hope that the child of God has is an eternal hope. Peter tells us that the Child of God has “an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade – kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter: 1-4 )
It is voting day. The final, official day of voting in this election cycle ending two weeks of early voting. It occurred to me what a good thing early voting is, when I realized that many voters will be prevented from voting today for various reasons; icy roads, snowstorms, tornadoes, floods, sudden illness, accidents, any number of disasters up to and including death. I voted early in order to circumvent those impediments to my vote.
There is another vote to consider. A much higher vote. I early-voted several years ago on this one. If you haven’t yet, I ask you to cast your ballot, cast your lot with the ultimate candidate. Everything is at stake in his election. He is the only one who can save our country. He is the only one who can save your life and the lives of your friends and family. He offers everlasting life in place of eternal death. He loves every single soul, even those who slander Him, and vote against Him! He is the only one who can and will keep every promise He makes. He is the only one who will be with you through every trial, every disaster, every sorrow and loss. His laws are always fair and just. He is Christ Jesus. His title is Chosen One, and in Hisname can be found the names Deliverer, Rescuer, Saver and Redeemer of People. He has been called Wonderful. Counselor. Almighty God, and Everlasting Father. He is running for the position of Leader of Your Life.
So, cast your lot with Him now. Early-vote before something unexpected makes it too late. His polls are always open. He doesn’t want to lose a single soul to death. Vote for unconditional love. Vote for peace. Vote for salvation and redemption. Cast your lot with Jesus.
There came one of those shining moments when one of my writer friends commented: “Absolutely beautiful. How did you come up with this storyline?” My reply was this:
I was only partially responsible for “coming up” with any of the Joy-Flower story; title, middle, or ending!
“It’s difficult to explain God’s mysterious, intense involvement, participation, and presence in the creation of this story, but I’ll try.
One morning I awoke (or did I?) and it was in my heart to write about the subject of a man being angry at God for what he perceived were broken promises and unanswered prayers. It would also turn out to be about a man taking the power of life and death into his own hands.
Then I “heard” Him say the name of the protagonist. I was a little surprised, and had the audacity to question, “Why this unique Asian name? What do I know of that culture, wonderful as it is?”
Nevertheless, I trusted, and soon began to lay out the story. He filled in my blanks. It even took an unexpected turn into other complex subjects.
I fell in love with our two characters, as I was meant to.
It was all done in one sitting, one “take”.
Without The Divine Presence, there could have been no Joy-Flower. The Asian flavor is puzzling, yet I’m confident that Joy-Flower has a purpose far beyond what I can imagine, and that one day He will reveal the whole story behind it. I can hardly wait to find out from Him what comes out of Joy-Flower. Thank you so much for reading it, my friend! Your question made me think in-depth about the creation of this story, which stretched my pen further than I thought it could go in explanation. I needed that!”
Note: Since that day, I have edited, modified, and added further to the story, as prompted by The Spirit. It has become, arguably, my favorite work because of His close involvement, guidance, and Divine input during its writing. If you would like to read the piece click this link right here. If you have read it before, I urge you to try this “new, improved” version.
~ ~ ~
So, if I were pressed to describe writing, from my perspective it seems to be the expression of the heretofore unexpressed, using combinations of words that have not been combined before, with the nearly incomprehensible involvement of our nearly unfathomable, completely infallible, God.
A Good Friday Story;
A Good Anytime Story – The Expense of Safety
The Ferry to Safety was ready to depart.
Freedom, so close! Special admission only???
Hope fading.
Whoever missed the boat was lost.
Completely lost and without hope.
One solitary, stringent ticket stand.
A waiting line far too long.
Serious guards watching.
Last chance.
Distress.
I was in grave danger, But I had not the standing,
Not the requirements,
Not the paperwork, Nor the price of admission. I stood forlorn in fear that
I would always wear these chains, Or be, (oh, so slowly) tortured and killed;
Despair. Then a man stepped up,
Radiating such undisguised love,
Unveiled compassion. He gave me his own precious ticket with a smile.
No hesitation. He paid my price.
Dooming himself with the selfless gesture.
Bewildered, I caught hold of it. And just in time. I stood astonished, Forgetting even to thank him. “Hurry, it departs; It’s your one chance,”
He cried over his shoulder As they cruelly restrained him,
Beat him to the ground, Roughly dragged him,
Torn, and bleeding,
Yet miraculously silent as They pinned him brutally against the ticket stand. His fate I couldn’t know,
Couldn’t imagine. Didn’t want to guess . . . In horror and denial,
I watched the scene as I walked backward, And stepped,
Not nearly grateful enough,
Onto the departing boat.
↓
↓
↓ The Rest of the Story
I was in shock. And I was safe. My chains had dropped from me,
into the water, as I stepped onto the ferry.
Relief overwhelmed me. Was this how true freedom felt? After a time, I noticed many others were there. Some were kneeling, some looking upward with bowed heads and raised hands. A woman saw that I was alone. “You are the last.” “Yes . . . . . , I . . .
It’s incredible! A man paid my price!” I was still astonished. “Mine too!” she exclaimed. A man looked up . . . “Mine too!” A child waved; in her hand a ticket: “Me too!” “Me too!” cried a young boy.” A group of teenagers: “Me too!” “Me too!” “And me!” “He paid my fare!” “He gave me his own ticket!” All of us!
People were gathering into one group,
listening to each other.
“I threw my pass away years ago,
but he gave me another today!” said several.
“I lost mine and he gave me a replacement as well.”
“I didn’t deserve one.”
“I was in prison.”
“My neck was in the noose; I was good as dead.”
“He let me off the hook for the terrible things I said about him.”
“He forgave me too!”
“He gave me another chance.”
“He gave me another, and another, and another.”
“He told me it was ‘never too late’,
when he handed me his boarding pass.”
“He looked at me with love.
Nobody ever did that!” “I know he saved my life, and not just once!” “He told me God loves me!” “I heard him forgive those guards.” Yes, even while they did detestable things to Him.
I . . . I think . . . they killed him. “Because of us,” I thought, in sorrow. “Because we couldn’t get our own passes.” “We could never qualify.” “He deserved his ticket more than anyone, yet he gave it to all of us and forfeited his life.” “He loved his life as much as we love ours.” “Who was that poor man?” An elderly lady approached on unsteady legs, holding her ticket toward me in an outstretched hand. Her eyes were filled with tears. “He gave me this. I tried to refuse, but he insisted.
It was all . . . he . . . had. What love he radiated. What love!” she sighed. Her pass was identical to mine. They all were. I looked up at the wheelhouse,
and, to my delight, noticed that the huge watercraft
was named JOY. As the day passed, people began telling their stories. Everyone had a story involving the man we called our hero, our rescuer, our deliverer.
We praised the man with our stories and with singing.
We fasted, partaking only of sweet, cool, water –
The purest we have ever tasted.
In the evening we ate bread and grapes.
All these things were provided from coolers on the deck.
We became conscious of God’s presence and provision.
Those of us who were new to the faith experience were welcomed
into the family of believers and followers of that one man. Because of what he did for us, we all worshiped him;
Because he showed us compassionate love,
We adored him;
Longed to see him again,
If only . . .
The boat seemed to expand in size while more people
came up from below. So many breathing freedom!
Our ongoing rescue continued through the second day, through which we repeated the fast, the worship, the stories, and the evening meal. When would we finally reach the Land of Promised Safety?
We wondered, but with faith and confident hope. The massive boat churned a wake and plowed its way forward,
persevering steadily on course through a third day, as our faith and hope grew. Then, in the cool of the evening of the third day,
we saw land . . . And I, the undeserving;
I, the ingrate;
I, the impatient; I, the selfish;
I, the forgiven;
and I, the thankful-rescued, stood on the foredeck and saw The Man
standing with a grin,
and with open arms,
on the pristine sand of freedom’s shore.
Not even one of us can fully understand nor scarcely appreciate Mary’s plight . . .
And consider Joseph’s . . .
(Rest in Peace, Donna Summer. I’m glad we still have your amazing voice.)
These poignant video clips are from The Nativity Story, upload thanks to Peperamico.
Please read to the bottom:
Breath of Heaven
Amy Grant
I have traveled many moonless nights Cold and weary with a babe inside And I wonder what I’ve done
*Holy father you have come And chosen me now to carry Your son
*I am waiting in a silent prayer I am frightened by the load I bear
*In a world as cold as stone Must I walk this path alone?
*Be with me now
Be with me now
*Breath of heaven Hold me together
Be forever near me Breath of heaven Breath of heaven *Lighten my darkness Pour over me your holiness For you are holy
Breath of heaven
Do you wonder as you watch my face
*If a wiser one should have had my place
But I offer all I am For the mercy of your plan
*Help me be strong Help me be Help me
Breath of heaven Hold me together Be forever near me Breath of heaven Breath of heaven Lighten my darkness Pour over me your holiness For you are holy
Breath of heaven Hold me together Be forever near me Breath of heaven Breath of heaven Lighten my darkness Pour over me your holiness For you are holy Breath of heaven Breath of heaven Breath of heaven
~ ~ ~
. . . Have you ever found yourself saying these same words –
the ones I highlighted?
I have.
Yes, I have been chosen to “carry The Son”.
I feel completely unworthy. The thought of bearing that precious burden is daunting- sometimes frightening. Yet the Archangel, himself, said, “Don’t be afraid”.Yes, the world is cold as stone, and the path, often difficult, but I don’t have to walk it alone- never alone. The Lord is with me.
*Breath of heaven
Hold me together-
My desperate plea –
He hears, and holds me up.
He lightens my darkness, and if that were not enough, He pours His holiness over me, and His grace, and His mercy.
I am not wise, but He chose me, somehow. He chose me and He helps me.
Breath of Heaven is always there, softly taking me in, gently sending me out . . .
The first week of Advent is said to be concentrated upon the hope of the Savior’s arrival as supported by the Scriptures’ prophetic promises. There are several pertinent verses, but I chose this one :
“The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the gracious promise I made to the house of Israel and to the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land.” (Jeremiah 33:14-15).
O, Jesus, We await your sweet arrival!
~~~~~~
Words and Music for Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow by Charles Wesley:
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
1. Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art; dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.
2. Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King, born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring. By thine own eternal spirit rule in all our hearts alone; by thine all sufficient merit, raise us to Thy* glorious throne.
(*emphases, mine)
The hope that the child of God has is an eternal hope. Peter tells us that the Child of God has “an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade – kept in heaven for you” (1 Peter: 1-4 )
My vote belongs to Him. I see His name at the top of every ballot, and because He is there, I know all the sickness, all the deception, all the selfish ambition below that holy name, will be reversed, repaired, and made right.
Chosen, groomed, and nominated from birth, His campaign for leader of countries, worlds, and all Creation, has been flawless. Jesus runs on the platform of truth, whereas His opponent relies upon unceasing lies and deceit. Today, it seems, lies and deception are the easier, more appealing, ideas in which to believe.
The Constitution must be protected. Jesus’ covenant with us is His Constitution –
and its protection should be our priority. When our earthly elections are finished, Jesus will still be leader of all the people he has made.
One shining day, all people will bow before Him.
Sadly, those who have embraced the party of Death will be sent to join their leader – the aforementioned opponent, the prince. of. lies. The party of Eternal Life must and will prevail.
He is our Savior, our Shepherd, our Pardoner, our Guide, our Defense, our Victor in battle, our Benefactor, our Blesser, our Physician, and our Unifier.
He is the only leader who:
has the power to save each of us, to make our country great, forgive us, keep us from debt, defend us, give us purposeful work, give us abundance, heal us, and bring us together.
Today, the collective nation has gone farther away from God
than ever in our history.
We have, as a country, lost our way. The nation’s foundational document, the Constitution, is in danger. We are becoming a people of, by, and for, the Government instead of the intended opposite. Our dignity and traditional way of life is fading. We are being overrun by evil from the inside out, and from the outside, in.
He can save it all if we turn back to Him as leader. He is the Servant King. We need to choose Him as Leader, for He chose us first, loved us first, appointed us first.
He alone deserves highest accolades for serving our nation.
He alone can make us great again; make us a righteous country; Put us back on the right path; Set us apart as apeople, not perfect, but differing from the world because of the Leader we serve.
As for me and my house, we will vote, first,
for Jesus. He is the ultimate Winner, the consummate Head of State, the absolute, highest Lord and Glorious Leader.
In Him is a beacon of freedom, a bastion of security, a sanctuary of safety, a fully fulfilling life.
Jesus has my vote. He alone is absolutely faithful and trustworthy. He alone knows the way, and leads us true, when we would rather stray.
* * *
This piece was meant to be published before voting day, Nov. 8, 2016,
But technical difficulties kept it from you until now.
Apologies.
However, as He has told me many times, “Better late than never,”
Peace is kind of like love. Everyone needs it. Most civilized people want it. Many seek it in one way or another. So do I.
The quality of peace is not strain’d either. It, too, falls like gentle rain from Heaven upon the needful ones below. (thanks, Shakespeare)
Some folks have real peace and some have a pseudo, temporary, fleeting kind of peace. So do I and so have I.
Some look for it in all the wrong places. Yup, that was me.
Many have no peace whatsoever and have no idea
where it comes from, how to get some,
or even what it is. Again, been there.
When I find myself in need of the comfort and enjoyment of peace, which is most of the time, like many folks I seek and readily find peace in what is commonly called “Nature”. “Nature”, in a broad sense, is universally understood. You are probably forming mental pictures right now about how you perceive and define “Nature”. Now envision some of your favorite peace-inducing “Nature” scenes; places you have been, or even pictures of real places or those imagined by someone. Did that bring you a bit of peacefulness?
But – “Nature” (nature – to bring it down off its pedestal) is only a reflection of the super-natural; of God’s supernatural glory. (He is above nature – He made it!) Isn’t it delightful that even this somewhat hazy reflection of Heaven can still bring us earth-side peace?
I personally enjoy a pastoral scene, one with water in it, and even better, one with a mountainous theme.
A clear, unpolluted, starwatching-sky is also a delight.
Sunshine and sheep, Cattle and a creek, Grass and rolling hills, Green and blue and still.
A clear night sky, Star-filled and wide, Shapes made of light, Faith becoming sight.
A picture will do, but being there in person is best.
Sitting and contemplating;
meditating and cogitating;
or simply ‘taking it all in’ and enjoying the serenity,
the quietness,
and the upwelling joy begotten of His Light and Life.
It’s great!
But if I am walking, I like an upward path through my favorite “Nature”.
Ascent is so metaphoric.
I walk upward into His waiting embrace.
What peace, elation, and joy all at once!
I like to visit nature alone to find great peace, and this occurs to me – even my extrovert friends seek peace alone there sometimes. Many of them enjoy walking an upward path by themselves.
There is something calming about solitude.
Peace is this: Just being still and knowing that He is God.
And this: “. . . the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your heart and mind . . .”
Wonderfully this:
“You will go out with joy and be led out in peace.
The mountains and the hills will break into songs of joy in your presence,
and all the trees will clap their hands.” Especially this: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.” Yes, that was The Prince of Peace speaking to each of us, in fact He mentions ‘peace’ at least four hundred times in His Word in all its different meanings and nuances.
Personal peace is important. Without it, there is a certain emptiness;
an unmet longing. In today’s turmoil, peace is elusive. Tranquility, and quiet, harmony and calmness, concord and agreement, safety and security, and freedom from anxiety and worries are in short supply. But peace is important to God. As His creations, He made it important to us as well, and He saw how incapable we were
of having any through our own devices. So He sent His Son, The Prince of Peace, while we were still enemies of His, to humble Himself as human in order to make peace between the warring parties, The Father vs. the fallen. Jesus’ sacrificial death was the condition of the cease-fire, the requirement of justice, thepeace treaty,
the just agreement of concord,
the new covenant of peace between mankind and The Father,
between each person and Father God,
and between Him and myself.
I believe that with His final exhalation, He whispered Divine peace into the heart of Creation, and into mine. His peace, like His joy – gifts that cannot be
lost, if guarded, once they are embedded in your heart.
It is said that all Creation rejoiced when this treaty was struck. I believe that “Nature” “broke into song, and the trees clapped their hands” not only for mankind, and myself, but for Its Own sake as well, for that was the beginning of the restoration, the redemption and the repair of not only humanity, but of all Creation –
in peace.
Thank You Lord, for peace. Without it, life earth-side would be much more difficult.
So, what better way to seek and find peace than to walk with The Bringer and Giver of Peace,
The Wonderful Counselor of Peace, The Prince of Peace?
He willingly, eagerly, whole-heartedly Walks and talks with me,
(and wants the same with you) on my upward path through nature,
and not only through idyllic scenes,
but through every season, taking me, leading me, pushing me, supporting me,
carrying me, giving me, showing me, His peace, and wonder, and glory, until we reach the arms of The Father, where I’ll be wrapped in the Ultimate Peace, the final, enduring, everlasting, Peace of His eternal presence.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
There is a special hymn that is commonly associated with peace: “Peace Like A River/All Is Well With My Soul”. If you don’t know the background of this song, you should check out the remarkable story of the author, Horatio Spafford. There is a line in the fourth verse which speaks deeply within me: “Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.” Many versions of this hymn are slow and, well, peaceful. Here is a version that is upbeat and joyous. It really struck a chord in me:
Thank you Spring Harvest for the music and Humpty Fell for the fine video!
It struck me during the recent eclipse what an apt visual metaphor a lunar eclipse is for how the things of this world dim and veil the Heaven of God. The light of the sun is blocked from illuminating the full moon by the dark shadow of the earth. That is just what happens when the light of The Son of Man is blocked from illuminating our hearts and minds by the dark shadow of the world’s misguided value system.
The Light is His redemptive action, His saving grace, His compelling promise, His immense love, and His radiant glory.
The full moon is our need for relationship with Him, our obedience out of love for Him, our longing to be eternally in His presence, our heart for worship, our giving, our promotion of His kingdom, our joy in the privilege of sharing the good news of His story with the lost world. It represents our individual hearts and our collective heart as a people.
The shadow cast by the earth represents the distraction of
self indulgence in the pleasures of the world,
the false idea that there are no absolutes and every person’s unique view of “the truth” is valid, that there is nothing other than what can be seen, that death is the end of life and there is no living spirit that continues, that God, His Son, and His Heaven are a myth, that there is no such thing as sin and we can do whatever we want, that there is no right or wrong except what each individual determines is right or wrong for “them”, that our spiritual enemy is a myth, which is exactly what that enemy wants us to believe regarding all the above “world’s values”.
On one side, Light. On the other, dark shadow. As for me, I choose Light. As for me, I maintain the struggle, grappling with the shadow-prince of this world, all the while calling upon The Light to prevent the eclipse of my joy. * * * * * * * * *
~ ~ ~ I would rather just give you a big bear hug and sit with you quietly, but these words will have to suffice.
To paraphrase Mr. C. S. Lewis, this world constantly shows us that we weren’t made for it. We were made for a better land – our true home. We are strangers here, often alien even to our own bodies. Physical issues are hard. Time here is often wearying. Dismay seems to be inordinately long, while fun, satisfying, and pleasurable times pass quickly into the mundane, the hum-drum, and the mediocre. We long for something we can barely grasp. So much is missing and nothing seems to last except the ache.
Take heart! I’ve found that fixing my mind on our eventual forever home changes my perspective. I don’t know why we are placed here to endure these things, but I do know that we are called, like Saint Paul was, to persevere, and to build character. We are to find our way home and take as many people with us as we can, even if we must carry them, even if we must lead crawling before them. I’ve often seen that the suffering faithful are unintentionally the most compelling role models. Their testimonies are intensely attractive. You are not alone in your thoughts and feelings. You are unique, but not alone. Being older, having lived long in this broken plane, I can truly sympathize, and I care about you. So I encourage you, dear brother, to put your hope in Heaven where our Father lives. Believe in Him. Do the best you can in this land, but strive for Home where our real life, true and beautiful, awaits. Sincerely, In Jesus’ love, Me * * * * * * * * *
Hardly a day goes by that I don’t think, in some way,
about Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. Today is no different. But wait,
it is different, for today is The Church’s official celebration of that
creation-changing,
world-changing,
life-changing Day. Today, let there be loud singing and joyous dancing. Let there be massive celebration over all the Earth, for our Jesus is alive! Let there be all of that but, most importantly,
let Him be the Lord of your life.
Rejoice, My Soul – All People, Rejoice!
I celebrate this holiest Of all the days of holiness, For as the sun appears to rise in the East, The Son of God did arise On Easter – Resurrection Day, The greatest Day the Lord Has Made. I rejoice and I am exceedingly glad in it, For my Savior lives! Oh, Lord, He lives! Now and forever, He lives! And because He lives, So can I! For my heart, too, was sealed With hardened stone, And in that darkened tomb Dwelt death. With tender touch He moved The hardened part away To let in light and life So death was put to death. The Holy Spirit Jesus sent Was sent to live in me. As Christ began to breathe again I felt my spirit leap. It leapeth still in Heaven’s realm, So graciously removed from hell That I can only raise my hands and say, “Rejoice, all people, rejoice! Hallelujah, praise God, rejoice!” For our Savior lives and breathes in us! He arose! He conquered bitter death and saved! He does that still, today!
What can I say about Spring that you don’t already know? It’s about the joy of new life. New life from old life. New life out of death. New life is alive with the bloom of everlasting life. Exultant! Joyous! Achingly beautiful!
Vivaldi knew music, and he knew Spring in a unique, special way. He composed the following music about Spring: To my mind, it is exultant, joyous, and achingly beautiful just as are the colorful flowers, butterflies, birds, and bees herein. New life from old life. New life out of death. It’s another way to tell of God’s glory, another facet of proclaiming His brilliance! He makes all things new! Dear reader, I present you with colorful new life, I present you with Vivaldi’s “Spring”.
Alone in the Rockies.
Gloryteller 