A Mediation Meditation for Our Nation

A Mediation Meditation for Our Nation

Once upon a time, a little guy grew into a giant,
He credited God with his mouth but his heart turned proud and defiant

By the favor of God he surpassed others in countless ways
He ascended to American idol status and relished the world’s praise

He became enamored with his own image
He failed to sincerely admit his blessings were by God’s gracious privilege

He desired in every way to take the lead
But, the will of God for himself and others, he began to scorn, slander, and supersede

He thought he truly could go it all alone
He understood not that no man or nation could make it on his own

When he began to progressively separate from his Architect
He began to experience the woes of walking in sin when God’s word, he did reject

His pride became his Achilles’ heel
He cannot bargain, brawl, or buy his way out of his imminent ominous ordeal

Pride goes before a fall, you see
The pride of a person or a people robs God of His glory

When a man or nation robs God
They invite upon themselves correction from His chastening rod

No one or nation is immune from his judgment’s hour
It’s wise for all to reverence God for His kindness, righteousness, and sovereign power

For that man or nation who grows increasingly God devoid
Shall reap what he has sown and for his rebellion risk being destroyed

To be spared, saved one must sincerely repent
May we personally and cooperatively, honor Jesus as Savior and Lord—
for us His blood was shed, His body rent

If I announce that a certain nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down, and destroyed, but then that nation renounces its evil ways, I will not destroy it as I had planned. And if I announce that I will plant and build up a certain nation or kingdom, but then that nation turns to evil and refuses to obey me, I will not bless it as I said I would.
Jeremiah 18:7-10 (New Living Translation)

Godliness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.
Proverbs 14:34

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
5/24/08

Soar with God

Soar with God

But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]…Isaiah 40:31 (Amplified Bible)

Another brood of young eagles is preparing to fly away from the nest.

Parents are relieved, yet reluctant to see their wide-eyed eager eaglets take to the air. Relieved that tests have been taken and passing scores attained. And, not just class work, but tests from the school of life, such as decision making with the small degrees of guarded freedom that are allotted with maturity.

Some parents are reluctant for many wonder if their offspring are really ready for takeoff right now in a world with mixed forecasts of clear blue skies with excellent sightlines for achievement, and yet dark, tempestuous skies of malaise and uncertainty which present poor visibility and makes even the most experienced fliers apprehensive about reaching the highest altitudes of life.

Young eagles, you can climb higher, if you endeavor to soar with God.

With God, nothing shall be impossible. (Luke 1:37) In darkness, He will be your light, which illumines your path. In turbulent times, He will be your soothing balm that calms your unease. When it seems you are running on fumes and headed towards empty, He is your eternal energy source that never runs dry. When your earthly gauges fail you, God’s faithfulness will ever remain.

You can have a life that makes a difference and achieve feats of eternal worth, if you take the course charted by the divine GPS, God’s positioning system.

Isaiah 40:31 offers us a picture of what you can do, if you do what every man, woman, boy, and girl should do. If one cleaves onto God, intertwining oneself to Him by faith, seeking Him through His word and prayer; listening for His voice and hearkening unto His guidance. If one should put all of one’s hope in who He is and what He can do. If one would love Him with all of one’s heart, mind, soul, and strength, that person who would be confident and wise enough to entrust their all to Him, could not help but to rise.

By trusting, tolerant, tarrying for Him, you could rise above the troubles and trials of this world and provide incentives for others to triumph. You could rise above the heartache and heartbreak and engender events that others may be healed. You could rise above the despair and disparity and then draw in others to draw out their potential, developing them that they in turn may draw and develop others-causing the community to ascend.

Be like Jesus Christ, He was lifted up that we may be raised from our low estate. If you allow Christ to arise in your heart, knitting yourself to all that He is-trusting Him as your Lord and Savior- then your heart will not be satisfied until you see others rise with you. In Christ, you can soar to heavenly heights. Let Him lift you. He is the only way to soar with God.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
5/13/08

Mama, I want to be just like You

Mama, I want to be just like You

Mama, I want to be just like you
I want to find myself living my life as you do
I like the way you clean, the way you cook
I like the way you dress, you always have the right look

Mama, I want to be just like you
When you make a promise, to your word you try to be true
I like the way you show concern for my needs
You taught me to help others through loving deeds

Mama, I want to be just like you
You encourage me to do my best in all things I do
You know how to be tough and be tender
You have been to me as a daddy, a doctor, and a defender

Mama, I want to be just like you
You trusted God to help when resources were few
When people ran out on you, you kept on going
You did not have much but good seed, you kept on sowing

Mama, I want to be just like you
Though life looked dim, you toiled on, hoping for a brighter view
When I caused you grief and sorrow by my bad dealings
You showed mercy to me, forgave me, and put away hard feelings

Mama, I want to be just like you
When you erred, you owned up to failing to follow-through
I now realize that even the best of us make mistakes
You showed me that when one falls, they could get up, if they do what it takes

Mama, I want to be just like you
You taught me to appreciate what I have and learn to make-do
You taught me that the best gift to ever give or receive is love
You helped me believe that I-all I am-was a gift to you from God above

My daughter, Anna Grace, inspired this writing. She said, to my wife’s delight, “When I grow up, I want to be just like you.”

Mothers live in such a way as to leave a legacy of grace for your children to cherish and continue in.

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (New Living Translation)

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
5/9/08

Thank You Mama

Thank You Mama

Thank you for the burden your bore
While I developed within your womb
Thank you for the promise you swore
To care for me and every need assume

Thank you for the meals you prepared
And, making sure I was neatly dressed
Thank you for any love taps I was spared
When your last nerve, I had depressed

Thank you for wiping away my tears
And aiding me during my times of trial
Thank you for heartening me to face my fears
And, encouraging me to always wear a smile

Thank you for being a woman of action
You did what was needed to keep us going
Thank you for striving, ignoring distraction
In tough times, you pressed on, not slowing

Thank you for your loving devotion
You invested in me time and attention
Thank you for your skillful promotion
And, your insightful nonintervention

Thank you for your fair and firm correction
You taught me that my actions have effects
Thank you for your spiritual predilection
Your advice leads in a way that God respects

Thank you for the memories, time cannot erase
You leave your mark in everything you do
I thank God for you, mama; you are a gift of grace
I pray His continued blessings to always be upon you

With Love, from Your Child…

“Honor your father and mother.” This is the first of the Ten Commandments that ends with a promise. And this is the promise: If you honor your father and mother, “you will live a long life, full of blessing.” (Eph 6:2-3 NLT)

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
5/9/08