A Life Worth Living

 

Here is a poem I wrote that compares fall with a season in our spiritual lives. It was published on line at the link below. I hope you like it. Thank you!

https://inspireafire.com/a-life-worth-living/

An Excursion with Jesus

From Matthew 8:23-27

The wooden boat strolled through the smooth still waters. Peter steered the small ship. The other eleven lifted their heads and witnessed the sky suddenly darken. The silk waters transformed into mighty waves as winds whipped them alive. Rain pounded on the sailor’s backs. Terror shot through their souls. They cried out to Jesus, “Lord, save us!” The Master raised his head from a pillow and wiped his weary eyes. The Lord said, “What are you afraid for? How little is your faith.” Then the Sovereign One stood tall with his finger in the air and declared, “Be still!” Peace flooded the atmosphere. The wind and rain ceased. In an instant, their boat rolled on a sea of glass. Then the disciples marveled at Jesus.

Bearing the Fruit of Patience

Here is an uplifting article on patience that I wrote. It was published in inspireafire.com. I hope you enjoy it.

https://inspireafire.com/bearing-the-fruit-of-patience/

The Seed

 

The Seed

The seed of God’s word
In fertile soil
Generates the life and character of God

With perseverance

We will reap if we faint not

If we nurture this seed

It will flourish
The harvest awaits us

We sow in our own hearts

And in the hearts of others

The Holy Spirit hovers over

The seed of God’s word in our hearts

There’s enormous potential in a seed

Just like the atom
Within it lies power
Power to produce
Power to push through the hardened clay
Even through the cemented areas of our hearts

God’s word is highly exalted

It accomplishes all that it is sent by our Lord to do

But we must remove the weeds

That seek to choke the life of the word of God

Guard your heart with all diligence

For it is the wellspring of life

Salvation is a Gift

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes. Romans 10:3-4

Those that trust in their works to afford them heaven are gravely mistaken.  Even if they lived their life nobly like Mother Theresa, if their hope was in their good deeds, they would not find heaven as their home at life’s end. Salvation is a gift given not a goal achieved. Jesus died and rose again so that we could trust in what He did to bring us to heaven. This is why even those that have sinned greatly can receive God’s gift of mercy.

Receiving Christ’s gift of salvation affects our behavior here on earth, but good behavior does not earn us a place in heaven. His righteousness is given as a gift to those who receive it by faith, but those who trust in their own righteousness, will always fall short.

Trusting in one’s own works is a stumbling block for many. Don’t be tripped by this lie. Instead, receive God’s gift of forgiveness and salvation through the finished work of Christ on the cross. He suffered greatly so that we could be saved. Will you put your trust in the finished work of the cross? His mercy extends to you no matter what you have done, but if you lean on your own merits, you will not experience God’s salvation.

God desires not only to save us but to have a relationship with each of us.   He calls us to follow him as a result of his grace not in order to achieve his approval.

If you would like to begin a relationship with God and to one day step into heaven, please pray the following prayer.

Dear Father God,

Thank you for sending Jesus to die in my place up upon the cross. I believe He rose from the dead. I ask you to forgive me for my sins.  I receive your gift of salvation, and I choose to follow you all the days of my life. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

My Good Father

 Here is a poem that was published online at Inspire a Fire. It is about my father. I hope it ministers to you.

https://inspireafire.com/my-good-father/

Like Rockets

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Romans 15:13

A rocket is only as good as its fuel. Without the right formula, a rocket will not reach its intended destination. With the wrong propellant, the vessel could explode.

In order for us to reach God’s destination for our lives, we need the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit provides the perfect fit for our spiritual lives.  Jesus went to the cross so we could have an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is the fuel for our hope, and hope is what we need to develop a vision for our future. Hope is an expectation of God’s blueprint for each of us. Hope bolsters our faith and directs our steps.

We need the Holy Spirit mixed with God’s word to realize God’s plans for our lives. The Holy Spirit desires to speak God’s word into our hearts. God’s spoken word ignites hope and faith and propels us into the Lord’s direction for our lives. Let’s become like rockets that the Holy Spirit directs for His glory. With His help, we can reach exemplary heights in our pursuit of His vision for our lives.