Love Purposefully

Love Purposefully

Love with purpose.
Love actually.
Love factually.
Love with attitude.
Love with gratitude.
Love to heal.
Love to seal.
Love with desire.
Love to stoke their fire.
Love with elegance.
Love with intelligence.
Love with passion.
Love in action.
Love so they will kiss you.
Love so good, they’ll miss you.
Love to lift them.
Love as a gift to them.
Love the hell out of them.
Love until heaven is formed in them.
On purpose, love.

…love one another; as I have loved you…
John 13:34

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
12/27/11

As is...

As is…

As is…

Despite my sin and shame,

Unto HIMSELF, HE called my name.

Despite my sin warped dimensions,

And my life long list of failed good intentions,

As is, HE loves me.

As is…

Messed up, I came to HIM just as I was,

For love HE took up my lost soul’s cause.

As is, I came, but remained not as I was.

HIS love changed me; that’s just what HE does.

As is, HE loves me.

As is…

Come unto HIM, lost, alone, error prone, sad.

HE takes you as you are, then makes your soul glad.

Come, whether now happy and fancy free of strife,

For in Jesus is the only guarantee of everlasting life.

As is, HE loves you.

As is…

Though there be many,

That would pass you over, as is.

There is ONE who for love,

That would never pass you by, even as is.

As is, HE loves you.

As is…

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 - …him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. John 6:37

RevLDReedSr

I Owe Jesus

12/20/11

A broken heart can mend

A broken heart can mend…Has your heart been broken in pieces or has hurt left a grievous tear…Call your heart’s Maker and tell Him you need repair…If you don’t hear Him answer, leave Him a voice mail, “I need thee, oh, I need thee…Every hour, I need thee…Oh, bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee.” I promise HE’ll bless you without fail. Be patient as He works, His does all things well. I’m a satisfied customer you see, when my heart was torn apart, Jesus fixed it for me…Hurt don’t hurt me like hurt used to do….For my Maker healed my heart through and through…Bring your broken heart to Him and put in HIS hands, HE’ll handle you with care for all your need, HE understands…

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
12/13/11

How I have benefited from my pain…

How I have benefited from my pain…

I helped me mature…It provided the test to teach me how to endure…It humbled me…It helped me learn to focus on right priorities…It helped me learn discipline, to practice greater self-control…It trained me to depend on God, to seek Him first…It taught me compassion for others going through…It gave me experience so that I might be a better servant to God and humanity…It gave me a blessed opportunity to magnify my Lord and emulate Him who went through for me before I yet lived. To proclaim what God was going to do, even while I was going through… Though pain be much hated, through pain we can be educated and elevated…We must not simply desire to get out, God teaches us to learn through it…

Yes, there are benefits, even in pain…

Child of God, Prophecy to your trouble, “you aint gonna last always…” Inform your sickness, “by HIS stripes, I’m healed.” Notify your enemies, “No weapon that is formed against me shall prosper.” Enlighten your finances, “my God shall supply all my need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Tell the world about your future, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”

RevLDReedSr

I Owe Jesus

12/13/11

Thank YOU, Jesus!

Jesus, I just wanna say ,”Thank YOU!”

I been through so much, I could have went over the deep end, but YOUR word gave me faith to depend…

My burdens should’ve broken my back…I bent a little, but YOUR Spirit enabled me to straighten right back…

I should’ve lost my mind by now, but YOUR peace in the midst of my storm keeps my sane and functioning anyhow…

My haters thought I’d disappear…They keep checking but finding–By YOUR grace, I’m standing strong and still here…

To tell the truth there were times I did doubt, but despite my frailty YOUR mercy wouldn’t cast me out…

I just want to thank YOU…YOU held me up...YOU held me close…YOU gave my heart a song and YOU encourage me through YOUR promises to hold on...

Through every valley, over every mountain, out of every storm, YOU keep on bringing me through.

Almost ready to let go? Hold on, Listen up—There is no secret what God can do, what HE done for others, HE can do the same for you…Through whatever you are going through trust HIM to see you through…

RevLDReedSr
I owe Jesus
12/13/11

If God be for me…

Though they remind you of what you ain’t and what you can’t,
That you wouldn’t be able to or what you shouldn’t even try to do,
You help them understand they are right and yet so very wrong…
God doesn't call the qualified—He QUALIFIES the Called…
HIS election of grace chose us… HIS mercy covers our flaws…
HIS Spirit propels us onward… HIS word directs our way…
HIS ability eclipses our inability…HIS power enables our strength…
HIS favor compasses us as a shield… HIS love keeps us lifted…
HIS presence gives us joy, peace, and hopeful expectation of victory…

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:28-31

RevLDReedSr
I owe Jesus
12/13/11

Then came, You….

Then came, You….

When I stepped out,
I stepped in, fell into sin.
When my heart called out,
I looked without, I looked within.

I tried to find my own solution,
To a problem I could not solve.
No matter my earnest resolution,
It was beyond my sincere resolve.

There I was, a broken man,
Rising, seemingly, just to fall.
Despite doing my best to stand,
It was as if I did nothing at all.

But just as is your surprising grace,
On a day, when I expected nothing new,
Your Good News put a smile on my face.
When I was down and out, then came, You.

Then came, You, with all that I needed—
Grace and mercy to pull me up and through.
One Christmas morn’ my need, you heeded.
When it appeared all hope was gone, then came, YOU.

…and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21

Thank YOU, Jesus. You are the REASON for the Season…

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
12/8/11

That’s LIFE…

That’s LIFE…

I’ve been let go, but I held on…
I’ve been doubted, but I believed…
I’ve been hated, but I loved…
I’ve been knocked down, but I got up…
I’ve been stepped on, but I soldiered on…
I’ve been hurt, but I healed…
I’ve cried, but I dried it up…
I’ve messed up and I’ve made good…
I’ve failed, but I learned…
I’ve been disappointed, but I got over it…
I’ve been hindered, but I haven’t quit…
I’ve done stupid, but I wised up…
I’ve hurt others, but I tried to make it right…
I’ve done my best and found it wasn’t good enough…
I’ve sinned, and come short,
But I confessed, repented, and HE forgave me…
I’ve died, and yet I live, for Christ lives in me…
His cross made it possible for my crown…
His death paved the way for me to enjoy eternal life…

That’s LIFE…

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
12/5/11

I’m reaching for the stars…

I’m reaching for the stars…

I’m reaching for the stars,
Striving hard to reach my fullest potential.
All the rigors are really, truly inconsequential.
I’m achieving, even if I gotta break through bars.

Stand back…man on a mission,
Please step aside, I’m coming through.
I’m on the right track got my goals in view.
I refuse to spend my life away, just a’wishin’,
Making the most of opportunity is my ambition.

I’m reaching…I’m reaching...I’m reaching for the stars,
Striving hard to reach my fullest potential.
All the rigors are really, truly inconsequential.
I’m achieving, even if I gotta break through bars.

Don’t hate me, frustrate me, underestimate me…
I ain’t tryin’ to beat you, just tryin’ to better me.
I’m honing my skills, aiming for proficiency.
I just wanna go farther than where I’m at, you see.
My desire is to be my best and bring my God the glory.

I’m reaching…I’m reaching...I’m reaching for the stars,
Striving hard to reach my fullest potential.
All the rigors are really, truly inconsequential.
I’m achieving, even if I gotta break through bars.

Brothers and sisters let us reach together.
If we work as one, we can achieve whatever.
We can make a difference if we just pull together.
Unified, we can be strong enough to endure stormy weather.
With God’s help we can bring change that can last forever.

I’m reaching…I’m reaching...I’m reaching for the stars,
Striving hard to reach my fullest potential.
All the rigors are really, truly inconsequential.
I’m achieving, even if I gotta break through bars.
I’m reaching…I’m reaching...I’m reaching for the stars…

You reaching?

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might… Eccl 9:10

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
12/6/11

Rise and Shine

Sometimes settling is not really settling, but a matter of survival that you may survive and then advance. Be wise and prayerful.

Galatians 6: 9. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Psalms 37:3. Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. 4. Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. 5. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. 6. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. 7. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him

Rise and Shine

Rise and Shine, Beloved… God will do just what HE said…If HE spoke it into your Spirit, HE will bring it to pass…God can’t promise what HE can’t do, because HE can do whatever HE sets HIS heart and hand to do...God won’t promise what He won’t do, because HE is faithful and true...God will do just what He said…Give HIM thanks and praise…WORSHIP HIM…

If you find yourself restless in your spirit ‘round midnight—a discontented time in your life or a time when it seems all is well and you just decide to take a breather, a rest from your disciplined routine, stay on guard.

Strive to remain spiritually disciplined. Walk in the Spirit, pray fervently, praise God passionately, feast on the WORD, and stay purposeful, or else you may fall victim in a moment of weakness, contemplating and giving in to a temptation that seems to come at the right time to give you a lift, a quick fix or something seemingly harmless, but really is a devilish delicacy that can pull you down into a nightmare of long term aggravation hard to overcome…

Stay on guard…Pray on guard…Some things are easy to get into, but hard to get out of…The enemy is ever lurking, looking for an opening to ensnare and orchestrate our falling into sin…Stay on guard…Pray on guard…

Proverbs 4:23-27 (AMP) 23Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life. 24Put away from you false and dishonest speech, and willful and contrary talk put far from you. 25Let your eyes look right on [with fixed purpose], and let your gaze be straight before you. 26Consider well the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established and ordered aright. 27Turn not aside to the right hand or to the left; remove your foot from evil.

Proverbs 4:23-27 (The Message) Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that's where life starts. Don't talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip. Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you. Look neither right nor left; leave evil in the dust.

You may choose to worship a god that changes to fit your whimsical desire but that don’t change the only living and true God who commanded you to change if you want to fit HIS holy desire…And HE not only commands change, HE, HIMSELF, will change you, if you let HIM…GOD don’t change…And why would ONE so perfect, need any improvements? Let us not be carried away from HIM in this time’s flood of foolishness, but caught up in and with HIM in righteousness and holiness…

For I am the Lord, I change not… Malachi 3:6
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Heb13:8


Father, re-ignite those, close to flameout…settle down those just about ready to go off…It’s a mean, mixed-up, madly messed up world, some are imploding, as others are about ready to explode. Purpose us, granting power and peace, leading us to triumph over our troubles and overcome our obstacles. Help us look past what it looks like and see how marvelous it can be, if we can just hold on by faith, believing by faith we have already overcome by the word of our testimony, JESUS is LORD and GOD…

Beloved, Rise and Shine… Beloved have you trials? If you do, don’t just be determined to go through, but be determined to grow through. Every trial we face comes with opportunity to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Jesus and how He cares for us and shares in all of our life experiences with us, becoming a greater part of our being.

The Hebrew writer said that Christ learned obedience through the things that He suffered. Hebrews 5:8 And, so should we…Some of us have been taught regarding trials, that which don’t kill you will somehow make you stronger…If you have prayed to God to strengthen your faith, your trials just may be the answer to your prayers—God being with you to help you reach the upgrade in faith you were seeking…Grow on towards perfection, Beloved…

Sometimes we allow one disappointment to so dominate and depress our lives that we blind ourselves to the too numerous to number or name appointments of grace and favor the Father has so thoughtfully, liberally, lovingly showered upon us…We can and should be and do better…

To truly know HIM is to know that all the good HE has done, is doing, and has promised to do, far and away exceeds any evil thing that can ever happen to us…

Psalms 103:1. Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3. Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4. Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5. Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

There is therefore now no condemnation…I have done dumb, repented and been forgiven. I am not burdened by the bondage of my former baggage for Christ has alleviated and annihilated the burden of my sin and shame. I’m free! Sin’s shackles no longer bind me. Though history doth record that I did what I did. But though I did it, because of my faith in His atoning grace, whatever I did, whenever I did it, my wonderfully merciful Christ hid it. You may have your views about me and may remember what God has already forgot but God alone has the ultimate authority to adjudicate me, man doth not. See what you want, say what you, God alone has a heaven or hell to command me to, you don’t…

There are times that you must undertake a task or journey, which has been revealed beforehand to you as one that will be slow and severe, but rewarding in the end. Envision success, embrace the challenge, educate yourself in the midst of the trial, exercise self-control, encourage yourself one step at a time, employ every tool of grace God has given you, and every now and then stop and enjoy yourself, celebrating small victories. Then endeavor forward, expecting God to bring about triumph. Whatever HE brings you to, HE not brings you through, but betters you through it…

Sometimes we only call friends the folk that agree with everything we say; only telling us what we want to hear even when we are in error, even to the point of lying to us. And call enemies, folk who contest our errant attitudes, behavior, and conversation. This doesn’t hold water with the God who calls, equips, and sends folk to help us see things HIS way. A real friend with concern will tell you the truth and love you no matter what you might do. If you shield yourself by falsity, your security system will fail, falling short of what is best for you in the end.

under construction

Excuse my mess, I’m still under construction…But Lord have mercy, when HE get through with me! Oomph! Oomph! Oomph! Just thinking about it, my Spirit shouts HALLELUJAH! I ain’t yet, but yet, I am…I can’t see it all now, but I surely will…My time is now, and yet there is so much more to come…I am becoming what I am, for the Lord has already seen what I was long before I WAS…Because HE IS, I am… But be thou patient with me, God ain’t through wit me just yet… I’m on my way to tight and right, fully, gloriously dwelling in and manifesting forth HIS light…

The body beautiful…

The body beautiful…

Jesus graced, dignified, and was glorified in a human body. He was not hung up on the appearance.

He used His body as a vessel to pay tribute to the Father, living holily, laboring amongst and lending a hand to His fellowman, enjoying this experience called life with those He loved, and then presenting His body in sacrifice that we may live through faith in His death, burial, and resurrection…

He gave His body to save us, raise us to eternal life complete with a resurrected glorious body beautiful no longer subject to the flaws brought by the curse of sin and shame, the flawed judgments of flawed hearts, but forever glorious, viewed in righteousness with purity and majesty.

Keep your body in Christ perspective…Love your body. Take care of your body. Use your body to holily live, love, and give as did your Christ—illuminating the fact that you are a part of His body…When the Father looks upon the body of Christ, He beholds a body beautiful…He looks beyond the veneer and sees the virtue, His Son in us…

God is good; praise Him all ye people...

Romans 12:1. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

1 Corinthians 6:14. And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power. 19. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
20. For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

RevLDReed
I Owe Jesus
11/15/11

Master the Moment

Master the Moment

There are moments one might wish,
That time could forever stand still.
For in that lovely moment,
Is all the ecstasy a heart can ever feel.

But, life is so fleeting.
Nothing seems to last.
You blink. Poof! It’s gone.
What was present now is past.

Time does not wait.
Without rebate, it marches on.
Prompt, never late, doesn’t negotiate,
Just keeps marching on.

Memories made, fade with age.
The pleasurable and the painful, swap.
Joyful days mingle with sad nights.
Dreams and desires rise and drop.

But, no matter, master this moment, live.
Endeavor to make beautiful memories today.
Listen, laugh, learn, love, leap with joy…
Live, master this moment before life fades away.

Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 (MSG) After looking at the way things are on this earth, here's what I've decided is the best way to live: Take care of yourself, have a good time, and make the most of whatever job you have for as long as God gives you life. And that's about it. That's the human lot. Yes, we should make the most of what God gives, both the bounty and the capacity to enjoy it, accepting what's given and delighting in the work. It's God's gift! God deals out joy in the present, the now. It's useless to brood over how long we might live.

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
11/10/11

Rise and Shine, Beloved…

Rise and Shine, Beloved…

You and Your Three Bears

Beloved, I pray that you enjoy gettin’ it done today with your three BEARs…

BEARing the load of your personal responsibilities…
Helping others in your life BEAR their load where it is good and right…
BEARing the blessing and responsibility of being a Child of God…

There are times it seems all that we must bear is too much for us. Beloved we can do it…The reason I know is because of the fourth bear…The Lord who bears us in His loving heart, who bears us in His understanding mind, and who bears us in His strong loving arms makes it all possible…We can bear up, because HE is bearing us up…

For every man shall bear his own burden… Galatians 6:5
Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
…I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Galatians 6:17

Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away. Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:9-10

Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great. Psalms 18:35

Affirmation "HE'll never put more on me, than I can bear..."

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
11/9/11

Rise and Shine, Beloved…

Rise and Shine, Beloved…

Beloved, buckle down and keep on believing in your God’s love, goodness, and mercy towards you, no matter how rough or tough it gets in your life…

Many of us have always been taught, “The Lord won’t put more on you than you can bear.” In this season for many, things, concerning this life, will get worse before they get better and for many they have been bad for a long while. But, If HE doesn’t change our circumstances that we may endure; HE will change us that we may endure our circumstances…

HE never promised us that we would never go through pain or hardship, HE did promise us He would be with us always, even until the end…

And you, Beloved, certainly may be stretched by stress. But let your stress stretch you to stretch up to Him, calling out, “Father, I stretch my hands to Thee, No other help I know; If Thou withdraw Thyself from me, Ah! Whither shall I go?

I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Joshua 1:5

O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine…When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee…For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour…Isaiah 43:1-3

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
11/8/11

Rise and Shine

Rise and Shine, Beloved… Beloved, today enjoy your precious life… All life is precious, because the Creator of all life is precious.

Men ascribe value to things made based on the reputation or skill of the maker. Beloved, your Maker is God, His reputation is glorious and out of this world and He does all things well. God ‘don’t make no junk’. You were preciously made.

Men ascribe value to things based on what men are willing to pay to possess it. But, when things are wrecked, the value decreases, even if repaired the worth is never the same. But consider how much God was willing to pay for us, though sin had wrecked each of us. The Father was willing and did give His precious only begotten Son, who gave His precious life, giving His precious body willingly to His persecutors to be broken, and shedding His precious blood being nailed to the cross, because to Him, our souls, out of all the things men call valuable and beautiful on the earth, was the most precious of all. The sacrifice He made to redeem your soul is precious.

Because of our habits, hang-ups, and hindrances, the taunts of our fears, foes, and failures, we don’t always feel precious. But because of He who created us and what He did to save us, regardless our sin and shame, to Him our souls are precious. If God sees you as precious, all that’s left for us to say is, “AMEN!”

His care of you has been precious. He has beheld every step, breathed with you every breath. He has been there, though we have not always regarded Him, He has regarded us, longing to know us and reveal Himself to us, in a personal way, that we might know Him and experience life in His eternal presence.

Beloved, enjoy your precious life. Do know you can increase your value. Give yourself to Jesus to save you, sanctify you, set you apart in His service, and satisfy you early, often, and forever with His precious mercy, grace, and love.

Oh, how precious is the name of JESUS…

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
11/3/11

Always Trust GOD...

I confess that in many situations or circumstances, I don’t always know how…I don’t always know how long…I don’t always know how much…I don’t always know when…I don’t always know where…I don’t always know why…but I ALWAYS know who and what to do—TRUST GOD…

Must be a bum…

Don’t be put off by the putdowns of proud, prickly people…But, be perpetually persuaded to persist in your God-given purpose to the praise of your preeminent Heavenly Father…

For [the proclaiming of] this [Gospel] I was appointed a herald (preacher) and an apostle (special messenger) and a teacher of the Gentiles. And this is why I am suffering as I do. Still I am not ashamed, for I know (perceive, have knowledge of, and am acquainted with) Him Whom I have believed (adhered to and trusted in and relied on), and I am [positively] persuaded that He is able to guard and keep that which has been entrusted to me and which I have committed [to Him] until that day. 2 Timothy 1:11-12 Amp

Must be a bum…

A little lady who I thought was nice, being a churchgoer and all, most certainly, in her own mind, of more impeccable character and moral standing than myself; bum rushed me with the musing of her heart that unconsciously or purposely with evil intent emanated from her mouth in regards to me, “must be a bum.” Her thinking was that I spent too much time volunteering at my children’s school…I was more grieved for her lack of self-control and judgmental spirit than angry at the arrogant, blind eruption of her lips.

By the grace of God, I am more trained by the Sprit in heart, mind, and mouth to turn negatives into positives, and to be discerning.

In the same setting that this outwardly prim and proper person judged me improperly and unfairly, not knowing me and not caring to know me, an eleven year old, bright eyed young person, happy to see me told me how blessed he was to have read my book, exclaiming emphatically, “It was very good!”

Jesus, Himself, experienced the needling of the mindless musings of dark hearted men lacking self control as He was volunteering His body, in sacrifice to help lift others up…They, through their hate filled mocking, tried to provoke Him to come down from the cross, but He was doing a good work and HE couldn’t come down…He was not dissuaded from the Father’s will.

And my brothers and my sisters, neither should we be dissuaded from doing the duty of fulfilling our calling regardless to whether folk accept us or not…Do know that Satan, the adversary and enemy of our God and His children, will use his emissaries to try to irk us to anger, turn us from truth, fool us to cease from following the Lord’s way, and deter us from being dutiful to our God… But let us make up our mind to stick and stay with the Lord.

And I am a B-U-M, but not according to her definition…
I am Blessed to be God’s child…
I am Undeterred from fulfilling my calling…
I am Moving forward in Jesus to greater works…

And…Ain't gonna let nobody, Lordy, turn me round,
Turn me round, turn me round,
Ain't gonna let nobody, Lordy, turn me round,
I'm gonna keep on a-walkin', Lord, keep on a-talkin', Lord,
Marching up to freedom land.

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
10/30/11

Rise and Shine

Rise and Shine, Beloved… Be strong today and everyday, Beloved, for your God has commanded it so…

Many acknowledge being weak, but never attempt to grow in strength. The devil has deceived some that being weak is where it’s at. Many accept being weak, for it is a ready excuse to stay at status quo, to avoid the challenges of growing in strength, and to avoid the responsibilities of being strong. The Lord knows this, so HE commands, “let the weak say, I am strong.” God’s will is for you to be strong.

How? Not for the praise of men, not in your means, nor by any fleshly efforts or worldly principles, but by faith in God to the praise of God… Being strong in HIM and all the love and grace, HE provides. Doing it in the strength, He provides. In HIM is everlasting strength.

Feed on HIS faithfulness to you; meditate on all the victories HE has brought to pass in your life. Feed on HIS empowering word, daily reading, reflection, commitment to memory, acting upon it. Be fueled, led by HIS Spirit and your love for Jesus. Walk in obedience to HIS commands. Pray for strength. Seek a mentor strong in faith. No matter how weak you may be, say to yourself as the Lord has commanded, “I am strong.” These things will make you strong.

And not just simply be strong, but, “Be strong and of a good courage...” So the Lord says be strong and brave. You may be weak, but be courageous and endeavor to grow, endeavor to mature, endeavor to reflect all that God is and has called you to be in your life. Know that being strong really is about knowing that God is your all and your everything and that He loves you everlastingly and has promised to always be there for you.

Beloved, BE STRONG today…

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:10-11

But your eyes have seen all the great acts of the Lord which HE did…Therefore shall ye keep all the commandments which I command you this day, that ye may be strong, and go in and possess the land, whither ye go to possess it… Deuteronomy 11:7-8

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
10/31/11

I asked God for strength that I might achieve.I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.I asked for health that I might do greater things.I was given infirmity that I might do better things.I asked for riches that I might be happy.I was given poverty that I might be wise.I asked for power that I might have the praise of men.I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.I was given life that I might enjoy all things.I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I hoped for. Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered. I am, among all men, most richly blessed.
Author unknown

God’s choice for M-V-P…

God’s choice for M-V-P…

Why me? Why I gotta do everything? Be there for everybody? Why do I have to be the most responsible one?...Be there to guide, be there to chide and so oft to have my judgment and motives questioned and many times without much of a thank you…Why me?

Well, let’s see…God called you, sanctioned, and sanctified you by His Spirit as an MVP…

You got POWER…Influence and authority are yours by the hand of God upon you…You know how to get stuff done and you know how to get the right people to do it—You get results…

You got VISION…You can see stuff that most around you can’t…You understand how it is, you perceive how it should be, and you are able to help those who will listen to buy in and together, achieve, getting done those things that are necessary and those things that are extraordinary…

You got MOTIVATION…The God in you keeps you going for those who depend on you would hardly go anywhere if you were not there being you, doing what you do…A strong sense of righteousness and the Word and the Spirit keep you in check and keep you moving forward though sometimes you may feel like throwing your hands up and throwing in the towel…

We’re only human, we wear down and occasionally feel worn out…It’s alright to get tired in the work, but don’t you dare get tired of the work…

God anointed, appointed, and positioned you for the work in the midst of the people in your life and He graced you with all you need to succeed…And yes, He expects you to do well, regardless of your hell…

John 15:16. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

Luke 12:48…For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

Pray through and press on…

RevLDReed
I Owe Jesus
10/27/11

Mount up with wings as eagles…

Mount up with wings as eagles…

A blessed wonder in nature to me is to behold a bird on high, marvelously gracing the sky…Not flapping, not flailing, just effortlessly riding on the breeze with glorious ease…To go higher, a simple adjustment of the wings acts as an elevator taking one up to the next level…Trusting God to maintain the flow, while exploring with a breathtaking view, the tremendous opportunity below…Wings stretched wide, enjoying the ride…

Believer, such should we be… Unleashed, free to be…Riding on the empowering breeze of the Spirit…Not flapping, nor flailing, trying by our own efforts to stay afloat, but trusting the Almighty God, who is unfailing…With Him, life is smoother for sailing, mountains are easier for scaling, and to the highest heights with Him, is where we are destined to go…Let go and let GOD and fly like an eagle, with power, anointing, purpose, and grace…

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint… Isaiah 40:28-31

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
10/26/11

In her eyes…

In her eyes…

The wonder of the work of God…
The refinement of a lady…
The glow of an adoring mother…
The creativity of a wise artisan…
The delight of a passionate lover…
The resolve of a prize fighter…
The courage of a conqueror…
The warmth of a merciful soul…
The joy of a lover of life…
The devotion of a loving wife…
The hard work of the human experience…
The hope of a child of God…

In her eyes, I see life, virtuous, vulnerable, variable, voluminous, life…

...she shall be called Woman...Gen 2:23

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
10/24/11

You’re welcome…

You’re welcome…

Though I didn’t always hear thank you, for sacrifices, I made…Though you may not have grasped the total price, I paid…You’re welcome…Though, you didn’t hear all the prayers, I sent up, crying out to God on your behalf, late at night—I stayed up…You’re welcome…While things didn’t always work out the way I wanted them to, I tried to give and do my best for you…You’re welcome…To tell you the truth, I would do it all over again, Simply because, I love you from a place way down, deep within…You’re welcome…

p.s. And, I really, really, really do love and will always be there for Y-O-U…And it ain't nothin' you can do about it...And you’re welcome…

Sincerely Yours…

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
9/13/11

Love, at this Moment…

Love, at this Moment…

Love, at this moment, while you can.
We know not what’s in tomorrow’s plan.
Love actually, let there be no deceit.
Deceit embitters, souring that once so sweet.
Love wholeheartedly, hold nothing back,
Lest love fail as a train derailed from its tracks.
Love duly; guard your heart from being unruly.
Break not the heart of those who love you truly.
Love passionately, keep aflame blessed desire.
Let the warmth of your love, stoke others’ fire.
Love, at this moment; take not love for granted.
It is heartbreaking when love is recanted.

At this Moment, Love…

…love one another with a pure heart fervently…
1 Peter 1:22

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
9/6/11

I wish you love...

I wish you love…

I wish you blessings,

As the budding of Spring,

A memorable melody,

That stirs your heart to sing.

Above all, I wish you love.

I wish you a will,

To pursue your dreams,

To overcome your challenges,

No matter how hard it may seem.

Above all, I wish you love.

I wish you good friends,

With great conversation,

To share your joys,

Gladly giving you an ovation.

Above all, I wish you love.

I wish you warm sunny days,

With deep blue skies.

But when tears fall like rain,

May another be near to dry your eyes.

Above all, I wish you love.

I wish you comforting shelter,

From life’s storm and rain,

Heartening consolation,

In your seasons of pain.

Above all, I wish you love.

I wish you the kind of love,

Which enriches and endears,

As the love of God from heaven above,

All embracing, eradicating all fears.

Above all, I wish you love.

I wish you love…

…And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God... Ephesians 3:19

RevLDReedSr

I Owe Jesus

9/5/11

The Bitter and the Sweet

The Bitter and the Sweet

Discern—the journey of life is complete though sculpted of parts bitter and parcels sweet…

Though most truly long for and love the sweet—better, there are times you must endure events and/or seasons of bitter to get to the sweet that you may savor the better…

But there is power to be had in the times of bitter, for though it be a point or period of bitter, if you sincerely, purposely meditate on the sweet, you can feel the comfort of the better…

Tis better to ponder the sweet WORD of God even when the times are bitter…

Psalms 119:103. How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

Psalms 19: 7. The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 8. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 10. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
9/5/11

Love seeks for thee...

Love seeks for thee…

Love seeks for thee,
A love that enlivens and is free.
Knows what you are,
Sees what you can be.

A love like no other,
That does not smother,
But, longs for you to experience,
Embrace, and share with another.

A love that is kind,
Does not put you in a bind,
One that liberates your soul,
Graces your heart, enriches your mind.

A love that will ever last,
Through it all and still hold fast.
Knows your faults,
Yet, values your potential as vast

A love that praises you at your best,
Heartens you when you fail a test,
Knows how many times you have fallen,
Yet, still pronounces you blest.

A love that grasps your deepest need,
Discerns what makes your heart bleed,
Encompasses you as a shield,
Guards you, always ready to intercede.

Love sought me at the cross,
Redeemed my wretched soul from loss.
Despite my unworthiness,
Love paid the full cost.

Love seeks for thee,
A love that enlivens and is free.
Knows what you are,
Sees what you can be.

The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee. Jeremiah 31:3 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10 I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10b God is love… 1 John 4:8 God seeks for thee…

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
8/25/11

Some times in order to move forward, some things have to be left behind…

Some times in order to move forward, some things have to be left behind…

1. DECIDE that it is necessary for your joy, peace of mind, sustenance, and growth, journal it…

2. Depending on God DECLARE that it will be done through God’s power and might…

3. DISCERN through God what to keep, what to do away with…

4. DISCIPLINE yourself in the Spirit through prayer to see it through—mentally, physically, spiritually…

5. DETERMINE that if/when you fall; you will get back up and go onward…

6. DON’T DWELL on NEGATIVITY; keep your goal before you(mental and actual journal), continuing to declare I will do this…

7. DIAL a trusted FRIEND as a partner/sounding board in pumping you up to keep you going…


Go forth, Conquer, Grow, Live…

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
8/22/11

HE is your all…

HE is your all…

In your darkness, HE is your light, that is why you can see to keep moving…In your weakness, HE is your strength, that it is why you still have energy to keep going…In your perplexity, HE is your guide, that is why you still are doing the good things that you do…In your loneliness, HE is your friend, you may feel lonely, but you, because of HIM, will never walk alone…Though you feel cast down, it is far from the truth, HE is holding you up in the cradle of HIS arms…Trust HIM in every aspect of your existence…Selah…

My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. Psalm 62:5-8

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
8/20/11

Love life...

Love life…

Love life…Love through strife…Love folks to life…
Love all the way…Love everyday…Love in all you say…
Love win or lose…Love—don’t run a ruse…Love doesn’t abuse…
Love through tears…Love through fears…Love through the years…
Love being you…Love what you do…Love those that don’t love you…
Love despite pain…Love dancing in the rain…Love for real—don’t feign…
Love the Lord…Love the salvation He affords...Love being in Him—in accord…

Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things,
endureth all things. Charity never faileth… 1 Corinthians 13:7-8

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
8/16/11

I'm free...

I’m free…

I’m not limited by your limitations, not hindered by your hang-ups, not obstructed by your obstacles…I won’t be bound by your bondage…Your narrow vision does not inhibit my eyes’ precision…My eyes have a wide open, fresh view…My shackles have been loosed...I believe I can fly…And fly I will to touch the sky…I don’t sink—I swim…And swim I will to deeper depths…It’s in me to explore, express, expound…I live in the liberty of my Lord…He made me, saved me, raised me—free to be me…praise Him with me!

2 Corinthians 3:17. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

Psalms 116:16-19 O Lord, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds. I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people. In the courts of the Lord's house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the Lord.

RevLDReed
I Owe Jesus
8/13/11

Thinking of Her...

Thinking of Her…

Her kiss is sweet,

Her embrace, plum pleasing.

Her smile is adorable,

Her way, simple, sensible...

Her toil is of passion,

Her bias is toward right action.

Her strength is my blessing,

Her vulnerability, my opportunity.

Her laugh is my joy.

Her love is my delight.

Her best gift to me, herself.

Her sweet spot—in my arms…

Her name—my lovely…

…Her husband boasts of and praises her, [saying], Many daughters have done virtuously, nobly, and well [with the strength of character that is steadfast in goodness], but you excel them all… Proverbs 31:28-29

RevLDReedSr

I Owe Jesus

8/15/11

Butterfly

Butterfly

Awakened, out of its bland cocoon,
Been held down, held in far too long.
Delicate in distinction, intricate in design,
Grace granted a passionate, free spirited heart.
Raring to move to its own unique groove,
Dance carefree amid the light of the sun,
Audaciously color the atmosphere,
A visual delight, mesmerizing in flight.
Stopping, now and then, to savor the sweet,
Then, suddenly, off to see other sights.
Enjoy the rousing vista while it’s in view.
The butterfly shall arise, fly away into the blue.

…For the butterfly people…

And God saw every thing that he had made,
And, behold, it was very good. Genesis 1:31

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
7/25/11

Love, Life, God…

Love, Life, God…

Where there is love there is life,
Budding, beaming, beneficial—life…
Where there is life there is God,
Creative, caring, sharing—God…
Where there is God there is love,
Passionate, pure, persevering—love…

Rest your heart, your mind, your soul
—All that you are—in God’s care,
And then you will enjoy love and life…

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
7/21/11

Why...

Why…

“Why?” I cry.

“Why this?” “Why now?”

“Why me?”

“Can somebody answer me—why?”

“What did I do that I must go through—this?”

“Where did I err that this had to occur?”

“Wherefore did I miss?”

“Whyyyyyyy?”

—Silent Reflection—

“But then—I digress...”

“I confess—I know why.”

“It’s called—life.”

“While living life, stuff happens...”

“And yes, sometimes it happens to me.”

“But the God of all grace beholds my place.”

“Lord, You know my pain, You train my aim.”

“These troubles, these trials will only last a while.”

“And ultimately, You cause them to work for my good”

For that I cry, “God, You are faithful, worthy of my praise!”

“Me and my why’s are all wrapped up in your loving arms.”

“Hallelujah!” “Thank You Jesus!” “Bye-bye—why.”

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why

art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in

God: for I shall yet praise him, Who is the

health of my countenance, and my God.

Psalms 42:11

RevLDReedSr

I Owe Jesus

7/18/11

he Right Spot

The Right Spot

On the way to where I would,
God led me to where I should.
How marvelous is His grace?
Wondrously, fitting us into place.
Seeking a special spot to abide?
Let the blessed Lord be your guide.
He leads you to function fruitfully,
Puts you where you can be you, truly.
Since He knows what’s best for us,
Following His guidance is a must.
Being shepherded by the Master’s touch,
Shows He loves us oh, so very much.
Though He takes us where we would not,
He always places us in the right spot.

…He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness
for his name's sake… Psalm 23:3

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
7/15/11

God is Life...

What matters most about life is the matter of life---GOD…He produces it…He possesses it…He permeates it…He perfects it…He plans it…He prospers it…He preserves it…HE is LIFE…Got Jesus, got life…

If in this life U aint got nothin but God, U really got all you could ever need...If U got everything you could ever want in this life but aint got God, U really aint got nothing…

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
7/14/11

Go with God, HE will go with you…Grow in God, HE will grow in you…Go to God, HE will come to you…Go for God, for Jesus went for you…


Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee…Genesis 26:3

…I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say…Exodus4:12

…and will teach you what ye shall do…Exodus 4:15

… I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee…Joshua 1:5

14. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. 16. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. Psalms 91

Take TIME OUT to put TIME IN…

Take TIME OUT to put TIME IN…

At times U get put on a TIME OUT, because you’re not putting enough quality TIME IN… Take time out to spend time in prayer, quiet communion with God… Take time out to spend time in reading, meditating on God’s word with God… Take time out to spend time in walking, enjoying nature with God… Take time out to spend time in serving, being a help to others with God…To power U up, God may power U down, to refocus U on HIM…

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
7/5/11

Let it go, move on…

Let it go, move on…He hurt me…He was wrong, but its time for you to be healed, Let it go, move on…She doin stuff for him, she didn’t do for me…She’s no longer your business, get you some new business…Let it go, move on…They’re talkin bout me…Let’em keep talkin, the best way to shut’em up, is you keep on walkin, Let it go, move on…My mama wasn’t…My daddy didn’t…That is tough, but you’re still here…Let it go, move on…

Learning to let go can be very difficult, but, for one who is determined, it is definitely doable…Some of us are missing out on opportunities today, because we are still living in yesterday…Jesus is the power, the way you need to overcome the obstacle that is yesterday, and if you allow Him to heal you, fill you with His purpose, satisfy you with His provision, He will cause you to prosper today and on into your future…

It’s time for you to say enough is enough…Give your unresolved hurt and pain to Him and ask Him for wisdom to help you deal—heal, forgive, and maneuver amidst the stuff that you have suffered—and power and grace to help you let it go and move on…

To move forward, you can’t keep living backwards…Persist in prayer, by the aid of the Spirit recondition your heart and mind through the reading and meditation and commitment to obey the word of God…You can do this…

Philippians 3:13. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
7/5/11

Re-ignite!!!

Re-ignite!!!

In a rut? Shake it up…Do inventory…Livin to HIS glory? If not, make change…Extend your range…Hands raised…Give GOD praise…Praise your way up, praise your way out…When U get to feelin real good, go ahead—shout! Crack that winnin smile…Remember, you’re GOD’s child…HE called U out of ordinary into extraordinary…Live it out…Everyday go hard for HIM, leavin no doubt…U got it goin on in CHRIST, HE’s your life.

Psalms 34: 1. I Will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. 3. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. 4. I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. 5. They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. 6. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. 7. The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. 8. O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.


RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
7/6/11

Do that thing, you do…

Do that thing, you do…

Do it real good, like you should…When you do that thing you do, you give someone reason, to persevere in a tough season…You don’t have to try to do it all strange like. Just be real, be consistent, be right…You’re helping somebody you see, though you may not know who it might be…You don’t always need to know, cause the big head will bring you low…Just do that thing you do, you helping somebody make it through…

God birthed and called you to it, don’t stop, do it, do it…Obedience is yours to do, the results are up to God…

Revelation 2:10 …be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

RevLDReed
I Owe Jesus
7/6/11

A Beautiful Life

A life swathed with beautiful things does not truly signify a beautiful life…

A beautiful life springs from the core of a beautiful heart, apart from any external adornments…

If the Lord of Glory reigns within you, you have a beautiful life…

Where Christ resides, HE beautifies… Where HE takes over, HE makes over…

Honour and majesty are before Him: strength and beauty are in His sanctuary. Ps96:6

Adorneth HE thy temple?

Coming into View

Coming into View

There is more to you than the natural eye can see.
The world desires that you reflect what it designs you to be.
They don’t know all the ‘you’, God created you to be.

You were created to be deeper than your outer manifestation.
You were birthed to be a jewel of God’s exquisite imagination.
You were brought forth to worship God—love Him in veneration.

Decide to take the righteous path, despite what others say.
Define not your life by the vanity of the world’s way.
Determine in heart to cleave to God, let come what may.

You don’t know all of you, for, still to be told is your full story.
You are, yet, a work in progress in God’s grace observatory.
He is personally fitting you for your coronation in bright glory.

Despite the darkness of the past,
Regardless of the realities of the present,
In the face of the fog of the future,
You are now and, yet, still coming into view,
Becoming, by God’s grace, fully you…

We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!
1 Corinthians 13:12MSG

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
7/2/11

Survival of the Fittest

Survival of the Fittest

Praise God, it’s a new day, new grace, new mercy has come my way…

So let’s get ready to rumbbbllleee! A hatin’ Satan be orchestratin’ desirin’ for us to stumble…Temptin’ us to turn from the Master’s plan, plottin our fall by his disaster plan…

Satan be going about, tryin’ to look swoll’, shamelessly struttin as a roarin lion, but we rollin’ wit the real Lion of the tribe of Judah—His roar is real, His rule is right, and His reign enriches…

He lifts the poor up, out of their plight, dispels darkness by His light. He lifts the weak by His might. Blots out sin, transforms within, saves lost souls, makin’ lives whole.

So there’s no time, no need for shuckin’ and jivin’ wit’ Satan’s devilish schemin’, the sun’s out so let’s get up & go get it—the sky’s the limit as the SON’s glory is beamin’ and gleamin’…No matter Satan’s ruse, wit’ Jesus we can not, will not ever lose! Hallelujaaaaaaah! God, we lift our praises to Yah…

2 Corinthians 2:11,14-16NLT so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes. But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume.

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
6/30/11

Send Thy peace O Lord,

Send Thy peace O Lord,
which is perfect and everlasting,
that our souls may radiate peace.

Send Thy peace O Lord,
that we may think, act and speak harmoniously.

Send Thy peace O Lord,
that we may be contented and thankful for Thy bountiful gifts.

Send Thy peace O Lord,
that amidst our worldly strife, we may enjoy Thy wonders.

Send Thy peace O Lord,
that we may endure all, tolerate all, in the thought of Thy grace and mercy.

Send Thy peace O Lord,
that our lives may become a Divine vision and in Thy light,
all darkness may vanish.

Send Thy peace O Lord,
that we, Thy sons and daughters on Earth may all unite in one family.

* adapted from pir-o-murshid inayat khan - 1 (submitted by Thomas McManus)

Pause to Ponder… Placing your hope, joy, and/or peace in imperfect, irregular, interim people, positions, philosophies, and/or possessions guarantees you imperfect, irregular, and interim hope, joy, and/or peace. Let your hope, joy, and peace be in a perfect, permanent, preeminent Savior and Lord— Jesus Christ… Let HIM upgrade YOU…He’s the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever...Let the church say, “Amen!”

Real Love

Real Love

Real love breaks down walls.
Real love lifts one who falls.
Real love lingers by way of hope.
Real love is seized upon like a rope.
Real love goes with you through fire.
Real love stirs up heartfelt desire.
Real love leaps to save you even in deep water.
Real love clings even when trials get harder.
Real love endures through difficult change.
Real love adapts when things must rearrange.
Real love invests when there is no return.
Real love grows with life lessons learned.

…When you love, love for real…

Romans 12:9 Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it…

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
6/28/11

God uses your opposition to accentuate your Godly composition—He wants all to know that His grace elected, planted you into your favored position…You got to deal with your serpents, your pharaohs, your giants, your King Saul’s, your Ahab’s, your Jezebel’s, your Judas’… Walk in the SPIRIT, so that your holy disposition be a clear contrast to your antagonists devilish ways…God is using you to manifest His glory…Shine!

Man’s dream despite God -> Liberty without limits
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His path -> Free fall by free will
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His place -> From pinnacle to pit
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His destiny apart from God ->From exalted to exiled -> Man’s nightmare

you can’t always be everything everybody wants you to be

Child of God, you can’t always be everything everybody wants you to be…You just strive to be all God called you to be, rejoicing that He doesn’t leave it all up to you...It is He who made you better than you used to be and as long as you are on this side of heaven, He will continue to make you better than ever—with your humble, obedient cooperation with His guidance, of course…If folk can’t love you where you at, pray for them and bless’em, love’em anyway.

The Process of Favor/Flavor

The Process of Favor/Flavor…At times your life may not favor what it truly is…In this time flavor is being input and gradually being brought out advancing you to the appointed time of maturation when the full manifestation of favor/flavor is released fully proving what God has previously spoken to your heart and is displayed in vivid, it-had-to-be-God detail for all to see and praise the Word and work of the Lord…

Be patient with and in the process. God is meticulous and masterful in His work of making masterpieces. You are not late, for God is ushering you, you will get there at the appointed time, as long as you be submissive to His leading. Don’t wilt in your waiting and don’t wander off God’s course for you. Work at your calling and worship your God who in bringing you into your destiny and His desire for you.

We Need a Word from You, Lord!

We Need a Word from You, Lord!

We don’t need another fancy, must have, hi-tech gadget, another up-to-the-minute, lifestyle guru, another politician with another master plan, another entertainer to mesmerize the masses, another organization to help us get organized, another money magician to make riches appear, another prophet with a slick, faithless presentation, another magic pill that repairs here, impairs there, another hobby that hinders us from hallowing You, or another wonder that weakens our worship of You.

We Need a Word from You, Lord!

Your word formed, framed, and filled the heavens. Your word authorized, adorned, and animated the land, seas, and sky. Your word declared, endorsed, and determined the design, desire, and the duty of man, divulging your desire for his ultimate destiny, to be with you forever. Your word is powerful. Your word is prolific. Your word is proper. Your word is praiseworthy. Your word is permanent.

Lord, what we need is a Word from You. A word to remove our blinders and give us understanding and insight into what’s right, a word to stir us to act on your principles, practice your philosophy, a word to lift and rejoice our hearts, a word to revive our weary souls, a word to save us from our sin, a word to help us endure to the end, Lord, we need a word from You. Speak Lord, speak. Our minds, Lord teach. Our hearts, Lord reach. Our souls, Lord save. Speak a word to usher us into your presence. Lord, we need a word from You.

Lord Jesus—the WORD—we need Y-O-U…

Psalm 19:7-11MSG
The revelation of God is whole
and pulls our lives together.
The signposts of God are clear
and point out the right road.
The life-maps of God are right,
showing the way to joy.
The directions of God are plain
and easy on the eyes.
God's reputation is twenty-four-carat gold,
with a lifetime guarantee.
The decisions of God are accurate
down to the nth degree.
God's Word is better than a diamond,
better than a diamond set between emeralds.
You'll like it better than strawberries in spring,
better than red, ripe strawberries.
There's more: God's Word warns us of danger
and directs us to hidden treasure.
Otherwise how will we find our way?
Or know when we play the fool?

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
6/27/11

My Dimensions

My Dimensions

God declared me out of eternity into time.
In His might, He determined my height—
The elevations of my body, my mind.
My length, by His understanding,
He decided from my beginning to my end,
From first breath to death, into life’s next den.
By His wisdom, He willed my width,
Cast my measurements—
Structure, contours, distance across.
From deep within His discerning heart,
He developed my breadth, my depth.
He set, filled the span of my body, mind, soul—
Propensity and density.
He settled, shaped the scope of my heart—
Gave me personality, granting me identity.
I am whole, wholly by Him.
Inside and out, I am, by Him, tailor made.

For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. Psalms 139:13-16

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
6/25/11

Whether like or dislike…

Whether like or dislike…

Folks will like or dislike you for what you know. People will like or dislike you for how strong you grow. Persons will like or dislike you for how bright you glow. Individuals will like or dislike you for your heart’s verbal flow. Some will like or dislike you for what your essence shows. But at the culmination of all things, it won’t matter whether you were liked or disliked, but whether you knew and stood on the side of right—with Jesus—He makes all things right…

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
6/25/11

Hard Times

Hard Times

Have you struggles, straining?
Tired, but, miraculously, maintaining?
Looking for that blessed big break,
Hoping it comes soon, to ease the aches?
Until then, to try not to cry, you grin,
You bear it, knowing it has to end.
Don’t know when, don’t know how,
But just got to keep going, somehow.
No use in always wondering why.
Instead use your energy on your next try,
Your next endeavor to move ahead.
Keep striving, never let hope go dead.
Though the times be tough, they won’t last.
You have been tried and prevailed in the past.
God’s mercy and grace brought you through.
He can use hard times to bring out the best in you.

Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in thee. Psalms 33:18-22

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
6/25/11

When I said I love you…

When I said I love you…

When I said I love you,
It was for now and for later,
For whether our lives became worse or greater.

When I said I love you,
It was for come hell or high water,
Scorching heat, freezing temps, no matter.

When I said I love you,
It was for times of plenty or when things got thin,
For slow times or times so fast, it makes your head spin.

When I said I love you,
It was for when time would usher in change,
That compels us to grow, and for love, cause us to rearrange.

When I said I love you,
It was for when one or both of us would make mistakes,
And still tenderly embrace, though our hearts ached.

When I said I love you,
It was for times of loss or gain, laughter or tears,
Tender moments, happy days, or weary years.

When I said I love you,
I knew not what things we would go through,
All I knew is that I wanted to spend my life with you.

When I said I love you…

Larry loves Abbie…

Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives,
exactly as Christ did for the church—
a love marked by giving, not getting. Ephesians 5:25MSG

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
6/19/11

Doers, Thinkers, Tinkerers…

Doers, Thinkers, Tinkerers…

Doers like doing…Thinkers like thinking…Tinkerers like doing while thinking…Doers want thinkers to do more…Thinkers think doers need to do better…Doers and thinkers wonder if tinkerers have thought about what they’re doing as tinkerers remain vigorous doing while thinking…

Life can be better if we think before we do, do what we’re thinking that’s good and right, and tinker for the purpose of progress…

I challenge you to LIVE...L-ove…I-magine…V-anquish…E-xplore...

Proverbs 4:26 Consider well the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established and ordered aright.

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
6/14/11

Let’s take a stand…

Let’s take a stand…

Let’s take a stand
For the lil boy, before he get
A gun in his hand
Turn stick up kid
Makin robbery demands
Daddy wasn’t there
Society showed little care
Not feelin his blank
Fit in the box, do good or be gone
Feelin trapped in a no win zone
He Concludes that life aint fair
Hard knocks hand him
Nothin but a cold heart
And a dead stare
Growin up on garbage
Way too fast
‘Enter-tRained’ that sex, money,
A ride, and a good time
Is all it takes to make life a blast
He’s somebody’s heart
Momma’s baby boy
But headed toward
A cradling grave
Six feet under,
A waste, alone with no attaboy
But that’s not how
The story has to end
If we can save one
That’s a victory won
But, let’s go for two
We know what to do
Mentor, be a friend
Give help, lend a hand
Take a stand...

…wondered that there was no intercessor…Isaiah 59:16

+ Change comes from +NRG from people willing to do and B+…B+ and you can create +NRG to do+ things for real + change…
Let’s Get Involved…

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
6/10/11

In the nick of time

In the nick of time

Alive, but languishing,
Passing away the time,
Passing out dimes as diversion.
Going through the motions,
Unprincipled, undisciplined,
Dabbling in perversion…
Desiring a way out,
But finding no place to fit in.
Struggling, sinking, going under…
Listless, lifeless—
I thought, “I’m a goner,”
But God…He reached down.
But God…He reached out.
But God…He reached in—
Reformed my heart,
Rescued my soul…
I thought I was through,
But Jesus delivered me,
In the nick of time.

Psalms 18:16. He sent from above,
He took me, He drew me out of many waters.

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
6/7/11

What’s in a name…

What’s in a name…

Should be so much more than a collection of random letters organized without reason…So much more than a casual label pulled out of nowhere…But a person's name should be a thoughtful designation for it encapsulates a heart, a mind, a soul…an essence of attitude, aptitude, aspiration, and unique appeal…Looks, language, leanings, and longings shall be linked with it…God shall call it on judgment day…

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. Revelation 3:5

In Christ, our name is synonymous with overcomer, righteous, remembered, and privileged …

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
6/6/11

The Blest Dressed…

The Blest Dressed…

Some people dress to reveal their figures (physical or financial)…Some people dress to conceal their flaws (physical or emotional)…Some people dress to impress the in-crowd (desire admiration, feeling undesirable without it)…Others are just blessed to be able to dress themselves, have something to put on—not into popularity, pretense or putting on airs, just real comfortable in being who they are, thankful to be clothed with Christ… These are the BLEST DRESSED… Let’s all dress in HIM…

Romans 13:14(AMP) But clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah), and make no provision for [indulging] the flesh [put a stop to thinking about the evil cravings of your physical nature] to [gratify its] desires (lusts).

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
6/6/11

How I love Jesus…

How I love Jesus…

How I love Jesus…
He took my heart’s broken pieces,
And put it together again.

How I love Jesus…
He shed His blood on the cross,
Washed away all my sin.

How I love Jesus…
When I was lost and alone,
He became my best Friend.

How I love Jesus…
He gave my life joy and meaning,
Filled me with love within.

How I love Jesus…
Entrust Him with your soul, your heart,
On Him, you can depend.

…love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding,
and with all the soul, and with all the strength…

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
6/5/11

You Shine...

You Shine…

No matter how bright the lights be of others in your atmosphere, your light has its own special brilliance—you have been given by the grace of God a place, a period, a purpose and power to shine—So SHINE—even in the midst of the bright multitude of others—You Shine—Don’t get caught up in their shine, shine with them…Don’t covet their shine, be grateful for your God-given shine…Don’t smother their shine, even if their shine is not righteous, just be sure your shine is upright…

1 Corinthians 15:41AMP The sun is glorious in one way, the moon is glorious in another way, and the stars are glorious in their own [distinctive] way; for one star differs from and surpasses another in its beauty and brilliance.

No one outshines Jesus…Recall always to mind, your shine is not about you but that you may honor Him that called and appointed you to shine, Jesus, empowered you to shine, the Holy Spirit, that you may bring honor to the Heavenly Father and draw mankind to the saving grace of Christ.

Your responsibility is to shine according to God’s will in the place He assigned you, during the period He assigned you, for the purpose He assigned you, and in the power, luminosity or intensity, He apportioned to you. Be grateful that grace made a place for you and be humble…

Do know that when you shine, envious folk will want to replace your bulb…But do know that if they didn’t ignite you, neither can they extinguish you.

Remember that the glory to come is much more exceedingly greater than that which we can see or experience now—God’s glorious one’s shall shine even brighter in eternity.

Do know when you shine, your Heavenly Father beams from glory at your shine for you are beloved in His sight…Even in the midst of the sun's overwhelming light, your light is wholly visible in your Father's sight.

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven…Matt 5:14-16

Shine for Jesus…when you shine, you shine like no other, for your Father loves the you He made you to be...

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
6/1/11