Perfect Love

15If anyone confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16And we have come to know and believe the love that God has for us. God is love; whoever abides in love abides in God, and God in him. 17In this way, love has been perfected among us, so that we may have confidence on the day of judgment; for in this world we are just like Him.

18There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love. 19We love because He first loved us.

20If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. 21And we have this commandment from Him: Whoever loves God must love his brother as well. 1 John 4

Hate the sin

Love the sinner

Sinner, sinner

Of whom I am the worst

But for Jesus Christ

Lover of my soul

~

I confess

Jesus is the Son

God is in me

And I am in God

I am learning of God’s love

For He is love

~

I am in love

And I am in God

God is love

God is in me

This is love

Perfected in me

That I may be confident,

I, a sinner

For I confess Jesus

God is in me

And I am in God

~

Where is there fear

In perfect love?

Perfect love drives out fear.

Fear is punishment

Fear is imperfect love

And yet I am confident,

I, a sinner

For I confess Jesus

And God is in me

And I am in God

God is love

~

I am in love

With the LORD

He commands I love

My brother

I will not despise him

I will not cast him aside

Because if I do

I am liar, I am not in love

With the sinner, my brother

~

But I confess Jesus

God is in me

I am in God

God is love

Love is in me

I am in love

I am confident,

I, a sinner

Of whom I am the worst

I love the LORD

He commands I love my brother

My brother, the sinner

Of whom I am the worst

Perfect love drives out fear

I am not afraid of my brother, the sinner

~

I love you LORD

I love you, my brother

No matter the sin

For I am the worst of the sinners

~

~

Thought: How can I expect the unbeliever to believe as I do? I cannot and I do not expect it. I am not afraid of it. I only long and pray that God one day brings the unbeliever to Himself, and after that, the Spirit will work as He sees fit in my brother’s life. Who am I to stand as judge against my brother? I am not to judge him but to love him, as God has commanded. If I was able to come to God exactly as I was and was accepted by Him, then that is true of my brother too.

~

James 2, “8If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” ^a you are doing right. 9But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 10For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” ^b also said, “You shall not murder.” ^c If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.

12Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”

James 4, “4You adulterous people, ^a don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us ^b ? 6But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:

“God opposes the proud, but shows favor to the humble.” 

7Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

11Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister ^d or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?”

Matthew 22, “34Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”

37Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ ^c 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ^d 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Kind and Compassionate

1Corinthians 13:

 3If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it;a but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.

4Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

Kindness is a tricky thing

And compassion not always clear

You want to help those around you,

Especially those you hold dear,

But the hoarders have come and went

And left very little behind

And now there are limits everywhere

And now you can’t help everyone

Even those you hold oh so dear

And the anger fills your heart to pieces

And you need someone to blame

.

And here I am, setting the limits

Here I am trying to be kind

Here I am, setting the limits

And you need someone to blame

So blame me, I guess, blame me

Not the hoarders who’ve come and went

Not the panic in everyone’s hearts

Not the pandemic ripping the world apart

Just blame me

Although the limits are there 

Giving everyone a chance to have

But you are so angry, you can’t be kind

You can’t have compassion on your dear neighbor–

Please, blame me

.

And I just want to be angry back

I just want to scream and say, “Now, now

“Be fair, children!”

I hear everyone’s story

Everyone has a reason–

They are the exception

These limits, you are the exception,

But if everyone’s the exception

No one is

Just please, please, please

Be fair

I just want to be angry back

I want to tell you how foolish you are

But I cannot say a word, standing here, trapped by you

I can only try to be sympathetic

Try to get you through the line with as little tantrum as possible

I am trapped by you, don’t you see, child?

You just make me angry

.

But can I really blame you?

There were hoarders who came and went

And panic is in our hearts

And a pandemic is tearing the world apart

And kindness is a tricky thing

And compassion is not always clear

I just wish we could both say we’re sorry

Forgive, as Jesus forgives

And just keep trying through this life

Try the best to be kind with what we are given

And compassionate with everyone we meet

Because Jesus is on His heavenly throne

He sees, He hears, He knows

Let’s turn to Him in prayer,

To Him who sits on the judgement seat

For Him to be compassionate

For Him to be kind

For Him to come soon

~

Dear Lord, this has been a stressful couple of weeks for me.  It has been hard not to take personally when people who are stressed get angry at me for telling them they can’t buy more than they want, even if it is for someone else in need.  It is hard for me not to pass judgement on others when they very vocally express that they don’t care about others they only care about themselves.  It makes me very angry.  But that is not the way You want us to behave, and I know these are stressful times for everyone.  Please forgive the anger that came in my heart for those people, and thank You that they are not the majority of those You send for me to serve.  And please forgive them their angry attitudes.  Just please help us to get through this.  Help us as a country to get through this.  Let Your good will be done in this time, and help us to keep faith and trust in You.  Thank You for being in control.  Amen.

~

 

Psalm 119:

1Joyful are people of integrity,

who follow the instructions of the LORD.

2Joyful are those who obey his laws

and search for him with all their hearts.

3They do not compromise with evil,

and they walk only in his paths.

4You have charged us

to keep your commandments carefully.

5Oh, that my actions would consistently

reflect your decrees!

6Then I will not be ashamed

when I compare my life with your commands.

7As I learn your righteous regulations,

I will thank you by living as I should!

8I will obey your decrees.

Please don’t give up on me!

 

Ephesians 4:

31Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

1Corinthians 13:

 3If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it;a but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.

4Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

11When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. 12Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity.c All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.

13Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.

Colossians 3:

12Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

16Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

Love Thankfully

 

Fathers

Sisters

Mothers

Brothers

Here is the day

We gather to say

A special ‘thank you’

Although tomorrow

I’m still angry with you

 

This is the day 

When we gather to pray

Although we never pray ever

We’ll say the words together

This is the day

When we smile with shining teeth

Although we are dying

Inside we are fighting

 

What good is the turkey

If our bellies are never full?

What good is the family

If hatred is in our hearts?

What good is the prayer

If God doesn’t exist?

What exactly are we thankful for?

What if this day didn’t exist?

 

And although my spirit is choking

On the blood of the world

Still the Spirit is insisting

I’m the Lord’s little girl

And I want to forgive all 

The hurt done to me

Lord God please forgive me

Lord God please help me

To be thankful

To be grateful

For all You’ve given me

 

The life rushes back

To burn in my cheeks

And I see the life in us

We aren’t only breathing dust

In God we trust

In God we trust

 

It isn’t just a holiday

It isn’t just today

We aren’t fighting to be fake

We aren’t dying to stay awake

Yes all seems bleak around us

And sometimes we are choking inside

But God is with us

God is for us

It is God who helps us

To forgive

And I am thankful

 

Philippians 4

4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

 

John 15

1“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes a so that it will be even more fruitful. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

5“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

9“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14You are my friends if you do what I command. 15I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17This is my command: Love each other.

 

 

1 John 2

1My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

3We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. 5But if anyone obeys his word, love for God a is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

7Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. 8Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.

9Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister b is still in the darkness. 10Anyone who loves their brother and sister c lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. 11But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.

12I am writing to you, dear children,

because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.

13I am writing to you, fathers,

because you know him who is from the beginning.

I am writing to you, young men,

because you have overcome the evil one.

14I write to you, dear children,

because you know the Father.

I write to you, fathers,

because you know him who is from the beginning.

I write to you, young men,

because you are strong,

and the word of God lives in you,

and you have overcome the evil one.

Proverbs: Love Your Neighbor Part 2

“29Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you. 30Do not accuse anyone for no reason— when they have done you no harm. 31Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways.” ~Proverbs 3

In the Throne Room of God

I present my sacrifice

I have His praise on my lips

But there God reminds me of wrongdoing

And He points outside to the door

.

The LORD desires repentance

The LORD desires forgiving hearts

The proud heart He will not abide

The violent mind He will not tolerate

.

So I left the Throne Room

To seek my brother

To ask forgiveness for my wrong against him

Selfishness is not what I’m after

As I seek unity in Christ

I seek unity with you

Peace, brother

Peace

.

As Christ humbled Himself

Becoming flesh from the Godhead

As Christ did not seek His own glory

But desired the interests of His Father

As Christ was obedient even to death

May we be of the same mind

May it be said of us

.

May we not envy the wicked their wickedness

But trust in the LORD with all our hearts

And do good

Desire after the LORD

And desire good

Commit to the LORD

And He will reward you with good

Wait for the LORD

For He is good

And do not be afraid of wickedness

And do not be afraid

.

So I asked my brother for forgiveness

And whether he was willing or unwilling to give it

I return to the Throne Room of God

I present my sacrifice

I have His praise on my lips

And He embraces me

He embraces me

~

‘Also let none of you devise evil in your heart against another, and do not love perjury; for all these are what I hate,’ declares the LORD.”

Romans 12:18

If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.

Psalm 37

1Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; 2for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. 3Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 4Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: 6He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. 7Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Matthew 5:24

leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

Philippians 2

“1Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

5In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!”

Sermon on the Mount: Forgiveness

9“This, then, is how you should pray:

“ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11Give us today our daily bread. 12And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’ 14For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” ~Matthew 6

My Father

Who is in Heaven

May Your Name be

Forever Holy

Come ever closer

His mighty kingdom

Your will be done

Here on earth

As it is in Heaven

And You give to us

All we ever need

You provide for us

Forever

Oh my Father

Thank You for ever

Forgiving me

I need it desperately

.

Forgiving me

I need it desperately

And all the more as I

See the Day approaching

Please provide me

The love and humbleness

To forgive everyone around

Who hurt me.

I was disrespected

I disrespect You.

I was ignored

I ignored You.

I was yelled at

I get angry at You.

I was mistreated

I trample You.

And here I am

Begging forgiveness.

And here they are

Perhaps not doing so.

But You forgive me

Even when I don’t ask.

And so I forgive them

Because You call me to love.

.

“Forgive them”

Cried my Lord Jesus

“For they know not what they do.”

Didn’t they know

They were murdering a man

Who’d done no wrong?

And yet the Lord forgave them

Gave them every chance of repentance

Of knowing the truth

Some I know repented—

Saul on the way to persecute—

Some never would repent

And continued to kill the elect

But still we’re called to forgive

Even as our Lord forgives

So I ask God to forgive me

I ask Him to help me

To forgive

Please forgive

~

9“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” ~John 15

“32Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. 33When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. 34Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.” ~Luke 23

“57At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.” ~Acts 7

‘1Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples… 3As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”

5“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.

“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6“Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

7The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.

10In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”

“Yes, Lord,” he answered.

11The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”

13“Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”

15But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

17Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19and after taking some food, he regained his strength.’ ~Acts 9

Sermon on the Mount: Show Mercy

38“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” ~Matthew 5

I deserve so much

So much pain and fear

I sent it on

To terrorize here

I saw the pain in your eyes

When I accused, when I lied

I saw the fear shaking you

When I threatened to

Ruin you

.

I deserve no mercy

I deserve nothing really

I deserve no harmony

I deserve punishment fully

.

I’ve tried to

Justify my wicked acts

I remember when you

Hurt me over and over again

I felt like I was slapped on the cheek

I wanted to bite that hand

I remember when I was accused falsely

Made to repay what wasn’t my wrong

I had to give what didn’t belong

To you

.

You deserved no mercy

You deserved nothing really

You deserved no harmony

You deserved punishment fully

.

Perhaps all of this is true

Perhaps punishment is due

But in the end does revenge

Accomplish anything really?

In the end

What do we have left?

Is it better

To suffer for being

Wicked or good?

Is it better

To show you

Mercy or justice?

Is it better

To act now or wait for

The Righteous One

To act later?

Because truly

.

We deserve no mercy

He owes us nothing really

We deserve no harmony

He owes us punishment fully

.

But the Lord

He doesn’t want to give

That punishment

He will give it even so

For He is Holy

But He offers mercy

Forgiveness

To the one who repents right now

And turns from wickedness fully

And I hope I have done so

And will continue to hold on

To His mercy seat

And that means I owe

I must do this

Show you love

Show it no matter what

And I hope you will forgive me

When I fail

For

.

He has shown mercy

He has given everything really

He has shown harmony

He has forgiven fully

~

“14For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” ~Matthew 6

“Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you.” ~Proverbs 20:22

“19For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. 20But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

22’He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.’

23When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 25For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” ~1 Peter 2

“29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” ~Ephesians 4

“28Do not testify against your neighbor without cause— would you use your lips to mislead? 29Do not say, “I’ll do to them as they have done to me; I’ll pay them back for what they did.” ~Proverbs 24

My Dragon

The dragon’s eye
Looked deep into mine
A heart of gold
I saw there
Mountains of riches
And spirit of fire
A creature of glory
Warrior of valor

I stared deep
Into his eyes
I saw a land
Worth dying for
I long to be there
To dance in the beauty
But I know
I am so unworthy
So unholy

The dragon’s eye
Stared deep into mine
I fear to think
What he saw there
Darkness within
And a barren wasteland
Filled with the cravings
Of a fool
Filled with the excuses of a coward
So unworthy
So unholy
Not worth dying for

His mouth opened wide
He breathed in deep
I knew my just judgment
Was upon me
Somehow to die
By such a being
Was an honor in and of itself
Though I was going to die
For all the wickedness I’d committed
I knew I deserved
The fire

He blew out a breath
Of hot steam
That fell on me
In rainbows
And my eyes were opened
And I saw again
In his glorious eyes
The land of glory
But this time
I saw the true treasure
I saw the King
My eyes have seen
The King
Clothed in rainbows
A living fire within
His pierced hands
Of mercy
His lips of truth
His eyes of forgiveness
And His mighty strength
His goodness
Holiness
His justice
And unfailing love

He beckoned with a
Royal hand
“Come,” He said
“To the Promised Land
I have given you My Spirit
A Spirit of fire
And valor
With these pierced hands
Of mercy
I’ve pierced your sins
With these lips of truth
I have made it known
With My eyes of forgiveness
I’ve looked on you
My child
My worthy child
My holy child
I’ve given you Me
I’ve given you peace.”

And so
With a bow of my head,
I turn from myself
And enter the world again
Always to worship in the
Cave of the Blessed One
I go to the world
Proclaim the Good News
With the strength He’s given
Strength of a thousand dragons
With this vision always before me:
A land of beauty
Of peace
Of glory
And thanksgiving
And the daily bending of the knee
And casting down our golden crowns
And filling our holy mouths
With praises
To our King
Whom we approach with confidence
And with boldness
And truth
To see Him fully and completely
For all eternity

“And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I lam making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. 7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and she will be my son. 8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” ~Revelation 21

“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” ~2 Timothy 1

“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” ~Matthew 28

“And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say,

“Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty,
who was and is and is to come!”

9 And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying,

11 “Worthy are you, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they existed and were created.” ~Revelation 4