Are You There Yet?

Are You There Yet?

Have you arrived yet,
On your glorious trip with your child?
Are you on the fabulous freeway
That leads to a lifetime of interchange.
At hand and attentive in steering them
Along the trying on-ramp of inner change?
Have you shown life’s road signs of real love,
Signaling in all honesty, that you truly care?
“How?” you ask. Just by being there!
Being there in word proven with action,
Being there to exemplify true compassion.
Being there to inspire and sincerely relate.
Being there to responsibly alert and educate,
Being there as parent to nurture and guide.
Being there with all your heart,
Doing your best to make the most of the ride,
Trusting Jesus, knowing He will help you whatever betides.
Have you reached one of the most prized destinations there is,
Your child’s precious heart?

They need to know how to deal with people or situations that vex. They need appropriate knowledge about sex. They need to know to avoid people or behavior that will drag them under. They need to know God and that He is able to deliver them from anyone or anything that would seem to break them asunder.

Ephesians 6:4 (NLT) Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
5/17/2010

As He Said

As He Said

As He conveyed,
He came to redeem humanity who strayed.
As He preached,
His potent word repaired the bond that sin had breached.
As He proclaimed,
He healed those sin had maimed.
As He asserted,
In His hour, His disciples left Him deserted.
As He pronounced,
By His own people, He was renounced.
As He maintained
A shameful scourging He sustained.
As He prophesied,
Out of love on the cross He died.
As He contended,
His mission was not ended.
As He foretold,
The grave would not, could not hold.
As He said,
He rose from the dead.
As He declared,
They, who trust the Gospel, at judgment, shall be spared.

Matthew 28: 5. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
4/5/2010

At Son Rise

At Son Rise

God’s Power demonstrated…
The Gospel was translated…
The truth was validated…
Satan’s power frustrated…
Weak faith recuperated…
God’s enemies irritated…
Darkness dissipated…
Sin’s effect negated…
The dead rejuvenated…
Heaven celebrated…
Praise of angels and men animated…
The Son of God elevated…

Malachi 4 (New Living Translation)1 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies says, “The day of judgment is coming, burning like a furnace. On that day the arrogant and the wicked will be burned up like straw. They will be consumed—roots, branches, and all. 2 “But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture. 3 On the day when I act, you will tread upon the wicked as if they were dust under your feet,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
4/5/2010

Love in Bloom

Love in Bloom

Longing from deep within the heart…
Opulent visions absorb the mind…
Veritable discontent when apart…
Earnest desire to see each other again…
Intense passions reign within…
Nostalgic memories abound…
Burgeoning spirited intimacy…
Lovable spontaneous laughter…
Open ears to sweet nothings…
Open arms to a tender embrace…
Melodies of sweet love ignite ecstasy…

Love in Bloom

Song of Solomon 2:10-14 (Message Bible) Get up, my dear friend,
fair and beautiful lover—come to me! Look around you: Winter is over;
the winter rains are over, gone! Spring flowers are in blossom all over.
The whole world's a choir—and singing! Spring warblers are filling the forest
with sweet arpeggios. Lilacs are exuberantly purple and perfumed,
and cherry trees fragrant with blossoms. Oh, get up, dear friend,
my fair and beautiful lover—come to me! Come, my shy and modest dove—
leave your seclusion, come out in the open. Let me see your face,
let me hear your voice. For your voice is soothing
and your face is ravishing.

I Owe Jesus
RevLDReedSr
1/18/10

A Place to Belong

A Place to Belong

Have you found the place where you belong?
That place of sanctuary away from the taxing throng…
That place where you know you are accepted…
That place where your feelings are not neglected…
That place where you feel safe and secure…
That place that enlivens, enabling you to endure…
That place where love is freely expressed…
That place where you are soothed when stressed…
That place where you can let your hair down…
That place where you exit smiling after entering with a frown…
That place that draws you back when you’re away…
That place that gets you without having words to say…
Are you searching for that coveted gracious place?
Where even when you fall you don’t have to save face…
For so long, men have longed for a place to belong…
A place where they can freely sing their heart’s song…
A place where they can contribute their small part…
A place where they can share the goodness in their heart…
A place where none suffers alone, as everyone shares…
A place where it is unwelcome to put on airs…
A place where all are encouraged to be the best they can be…
A place where one can live with dignity for all eternity…

Jesus died to open the doorway for you to get into the very presence of God. Anyone entering in through Jesus will enjoy everlasting life and will spend blessed eternity with God, our Heavenly Father, His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ, and all those who love the Lord with a love pure and true. In Christ is the place where you belong…

Psalm 84:1-4 (Amplified Bible)
1HOW LOVELY are Your tabernacles, O Lord of hosts! 2My soul yearns, yes, even pines and is homesick for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out and sing for joy to the living God. 3Yes, the sparrow has found a house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young--even Your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God. 4Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are those who dwell in Your house and Your presence; they will be singing Your praises all the day long. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
11/4/09

What is Fidelity?

What is Fidelity?

Faith
Inspired
Devotion
Exhibiting
Loving
Integrity
Towards
Your spouse…

Fidelity

Malachi 2:15-16 (New Living Translation)
15 Didn’t the Lord make you one with your wife? In body and spirit you are his. And what does he want? Godly children from your union. So guard your heart; remain loyal to the wife of your youth. 16 “For I hate divorce!” says the Lord, the God of Israel. “To divorce your wife is to overwhelm her with cruelty,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife.”

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
7/16/09

The Road Ahead

The Road Ahead

Prepare your heart.
Ask God’s guidance.
Verify your position.
Evaluate the obstacles.
Develop worthy goals.
Write your vision.
Invest in prospects
That promote growth.
Hoist your view.
Optimists dream big.
Pessimists think small.
Profitable pursuits most
Often challenge all.
Risks dare men
To strive forward.
Undeterred, unleash potential.
Notwithstanding the hurdles,
Imagine the possibilities,
Trusting in God,
You spring ahead.

The road ahead is paved with opportunity despite all obstacles for those whose ways are marked by persevering obedient faith in the Lord.

(Psalm 18:29-33, 36) - 29 In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall. 30 God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. 31 For who is God except the Lord? Who but our God is a solid rock? 32 God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect. 33 He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights. 36 You have made a wide path for my feet to keep them from slipping.

RevLDReedSr - (LDReedJr – photo)
We Owe Jesus
6/19/09

Do You Truly Love Me?

Do You Truly Love Me?

Do you love Me more than you do keeping good health?
Do you love Me more than you do acquiring wealth?
Do you love Me more than your favorite meal?
Do you love Me more than the hobby of your highest thrill?
Do you love Me more than you love your dearest kin?
Do you love Me enough to confess and turn from all your sin?
Do you love Me in sufficient amount to love and serve mankind?
Do you love Me as necessary to love those who are unkind?

Do you truly love Me?

Do you love Me adequately to suffer for My cause?
Do you love Me amply to obey Me without pause?
Do you love Me deeply so as to yield to My Spirit?
Do you love Me fully so as to tell My word to all who will hear it?
Will you love Me as is righteous to walk the course for you I set?
Will you love Me ever even if it seems that trials are all you get?
Do you love Me plenteously to see things from My perspective?
Do you love Me sufficiently to carry out My objective?

Do you truly love Me?

Do you love Me in the quantity required to speak out in My defense?
Will you love Me ever with a love that is settled and intense?
Will you love Me with your all-your body, heart, mind, and soul?
Will you love Me through your pain and believe I am still in control?
Do you love Me as much as is vital to trust me with your destiny?
Do you love Me as much as is key to believe your hereafter will be in ecstasy?
Will you love Me always more than you love yourself?
Will you strive to love Me as I have loved you, even unto death?

John 21:15-17 (New Living Translation)
15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. 16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. 17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.”


I Owe Jesus
4/16/2009
RevLDReedSr

Keep Hope Alive...

Keep Hope Alive…

There are countless miles that our weary feet have trod
Yet, let us rest our hope securely on the righteous path leading to God
However terrible the tests with torrents of tears we’ve cried
Hope has kept us smoothing bit by bit, even on up the rough side
So many times, we have been knocked to the ground
But, real hope would not allow us to wallow and stay down
We are versed in getting up, brushing off, and running on
Hope pumped, primed, and prepared us and we kept pressing on
We have endured harsh hardships, severely suffering wrong
Hope helped us in oppression find freedom if only in a song
Hope for something better propelled us to believe
Though our burdens were heavy, every burden, God would relieve
Though, troubling trials showered down upon us like rain
We moved ahead in faith, hope, and love and it eased our pain
Hope for something brighter convinced us to look past the dark night
To a glorious day when we would take wings and mount up in flight
The shadow of darkness haunted us, no way out we could perceive
We fixed our hope on Jesus-the ever-shining Light, to Him, let us cleave
Jesus, our only Hope, died and was raised to save; now He is ever alive
In hope of Him let us to Him, for Him, through Him never cease to strive

But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise You more and more. My mouth will tell of Your righteousness, of Your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure. I will come and proclaim Your mighty acts, O Sovereign LORD; I will proclaim Your righteousness, Yours alone. Since my youth, O God, You have taught me, and to this day I declare Your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare Your power to the next generation, Your might to all who are to come. Psalm 71:14-18 (NIV)

RevLDReedSr
11/5/08
I Owe JESUS

Righteous Rescue???

Righteous Rescue???

Is it moral to continue to bolster the greedy,
And bomb at elevating the lives of the needy?

Is it just to go on accepting our leader’s ill will,
Without calling on them to demonstrate goodwill?

Is it proper to bless Wall Street with remuneration,
While willing workers cannot afford medication?

Is it honorable to again allow the privileged to rack up,
While advising the underprivileged to suck it up?

Is it ethical for our leaders to supplement themselves
Sending away those who need help to fend for themselves

There is a Judge that looks low as He sits on high
He will hear and act when the poor and needy cry.

He will also chasten His own people for being mute
As the less fortunate are made even further destitute.

Let us use our God given clout
And for righteousness sake, let us speak out

Psalm 82 (Amplified Bible)
A Psalm of Asaph.
1GOD STANDS in the assembly [of the representatives] of God; in the midst of the magistrates or judges He gives judgment [as] among the gods.
2How long will you [magistrates or judges] judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!
3Do justice to the weak (poor) and fatherless; maintain the rights of the afflicted and needy.
4Deliver the poor and needy; rescue them out of the hand of the wicked.
5[The magistrates and judges] know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in the darkness [of complacent satisfaction]; all the foundations of the earth [the fundamental principles upon which rests the administration of justice] are shaking.
6I said, You are gods [since you judge on My behalf, as My representatives]; indeed, all of you are children of the Most High.
7But you shall die as men and fall as one of the princes.
8Arise, O God, judge the earth! For to You belong all the nations.

RevLDReedSr – Partisan of Jesus
I Owe Jesus
10/3/08

Daddy’s Appeal for His Beloved Son

Daddy’s Appeal for His Beloved Son

Lord, I appeal to you on behalf of my beloved son
Help me wisely prepare him for the race of life he must run

Pardon me for any pitiful example I have put on display
Help me to live a consecrated life that I not lead him astray

Thank you for his sincere heart and his gentle bearing
Thank you for his mind-cautious, curious, and caring

Thank you for his adventurous streak in trying noble things to do
May he not be a quitter, but rewarded for diligent follow through

May he sense the good in all people, the simple and complex
Be pure in his relationships and embrace a sacred view of sex

May he be a godly leader who shuns running with an ungodly herd
May he gladly seek your will and with pleasure treasure Your word

Make of him a man of integrity, governed by genuine humility
May he see and say that You are the source of all his worth and ability

I pray in turbulent times he would yet tender to You his praise
In prosperity or penury, may he patiently serve You all his days

Prosper, my Lord, please, the good works of my son’s hands
May he know that in You he has all he needs to meet life’s demands

I pray he would love You, Lord Jesus, with all he has within
I pray his principal desire be to please you, purging his life from sin

If it is in Your plan that he should have a family all his to claim
May he love them deeply, dearly and draw them to trust in Your name

Fulfill my joy, hear, O’ Lord my prayer for my beloved son
Your grace and peace be with him until Your work in him down here is done

The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure it is to have wise children.
(Proverbs 23:24 New Living Translation)

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
10/1/08

Because You Are Very Special To Me

Because You Are Very Special To Me

Because you are very special to Me,
I wanted to do something for you so you would consider Me.
So, I came down from on high to deliver you, leaving My home in bright glory.

Because you are very special to Me,
I wanted you to know Me for yourself, to know Me personally.
So, I had My words recorded to enlighten your heart regarding My life-changing story.

Because you are very special to Me,
I left a loving legacy that you would emulate My life of charity.
So, I humbly healed the hurting, helped the helpless, showing My heart is full of mercy.

Because you are very special to Me,
I wanted to demonstrate My care for you in a way so you would love Me.
So, I gave Myself for you, to take away your sin, I shed my blood for you at Calvary.

Because you are very special to Me,
I have made arrangements that with Me you may forever be.
So, I have gone away to prepare a place, I will come again to carry you into eternity.

Because you are very special to Me,
I wanted to be ever close to your heart and mind, be there for you truly.
So, I had to go to My Father that My Spirit would come to guide you continually.

Because you are very special to Me,
I wanted you to be a part of My world-changing, life saving ministry.
So, I have endowed, empowered you by grace to lift up My name to draw others to Me.

I have done all of this, because you are very special to Me.

Since thou wast precious in My sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. Isaiah 43:4

Inspired by my love for all Christ has done for me and by Anna Grace who gained my attention one day by saying,”Daddy, I wrote something for you. It makes you very special to receive this.”

She held up for my viewing a piece of paper with orange and red doodles and squiggles made by her industrious tiny hands from the creative energy and love in her three-year-old heart. She was right, I felt very special to receive it.

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
10/1/08

Anyway

Anyway

When the resources are low and times are tight,
You may be tempted to shun doing right.
Do right anyway, trust Jesus to see you through…

You sacrifice for others and they leave you in a bind,
You may feel compelled to cease being kind.
Be kind anyway, trust Jesus to see you through…

Your life may be as a traverse on a treacherous tightrope.
Fear of falling may fool you into to giving up all hope.
Be hopeful anyway; trust Jesus to see you through…

Setbacks may have slowed your advancement for a while.
Discontentment may coerce you to smother your smile.
Smile anyway; trust Jesus to see you through…

Failures, finicky family, and fickle friends may maim your self-esteem.
You may feel unfit to fulfill your beloved dream.
Reach for your dream anyway; trust Jesus to see you through…

You may have toiled and tired to the point of losing your spark.
The tug is quite strong to quit before reaching your mark.
Press on toward your mark anyway; trust Jesus to see you through…

Longings for loved ones dearly departed never seem to cease.
You may feel too depressed to enjoy blessed peace.
Enjoy blessed peace anyway; trust Jesus to see you through…

You have been crying out for your place and purpose, to find your way.
Your perturbation may persuade you to cease to pray.
Call on the name of the Lord in prayer anyway and trust Jesus to see you through…

You may be dealing with a deluge of dilemmas; therefore, you drift in a daze.
Your predicament may push you to ponder there is nothing worth praise.
Praise God anyway for He is worthy and trust Jesus to see you through…

Confidants have confused your concepts; you distrust all you have ever heard.
You may mistakenly commence to mistrust even God’s word.
Believe God’s word anyway, it will teach you to trust Jesus to see you through…

In this life, you may experience being put off, put out, and put down.
You may feel as the one most likely never to wear a crown.
Know that you can wear a crown anyway, if you trust Jesus to see you through…

The Lord Jesus was tried-tested, and tempted-at all points just like you and me.
He was hard-pressed to give up before dying for us that we might be free.
He died that we might be eternally free anyway; trust Jesus to see you through…

17 Therefore, it was necessary for Jesus to be in every respect like us, His brothers and sisters, so that He could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. He then could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. 18 Since He himself has gone through suffering and temptation, He is able to help us when we are being tempted. (Heb 2:17-18 NLT)

14 That is why we have a great High Priest who has gone to heaven, Jesus the Son of God. Let us cling to Him and never stop trusting Him. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same temptations we do, yet He did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it. (Heb 4:14-16 NLT)

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
9/29/08

Sacred Serenity

Sacred Serenity

O’ the sacred serenity
Glorify Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
Who have made soul salvation attainable
To those willing to secure it

O’ the sacred serenity
God’s word shows the way
A reassuring, invigorating guiding light
Enlightening my soul each day

O’ the sacred serenity
Thanks be to God for my soul’s rest
No more tumultuous tossing and turning
Freed from sin’s tempest

O’ the sacred serenity
Soothed by the Spirit’s calm breeze
As the Spirit presides over my reins
My heart settles at ease

O’ the sacred serenity
His gifts establish my role
By grace, placed within His body
A vital part of the whole

O’ the sacred serenity
Temptation desires me, to incite
My Lord strengthens and safeguards me
By infinite power and might

O’ the sacred serenity
Though, test and trials abound
They only serve to make me stronger
Yielding a faith more sound

O’ the sacred serenity
Chaos will not conquer me
Over all turmoil, I shall surely triumph
Faith in Jesus, my guarantee

O’ the sacred serenity
When I trip in transgression
For holiness, He lovingly reproves me
Leading to contrite confession

O’ the sacred serenity
Peace possible as Jesus paid my sin debt
For me, there is therefore now no condemnation
How much better can it get?

O’ the sacred serenity
Blessed be the Lord, whom I adore
Who drew me with an incomparable love
In His house, I shall dwell evermore

O’ the sacred serenity
Wrought by way of Calvary’s cross
Where Jesus died to save you from your sin
Why would you remain lost?

For sacred serenity now, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved!!!

Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.
Romans 5:1-6 New Living Translation

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
9/22/08

Daddy’s Prayer for His Little Girl

Daddy’s Prayer for His Little Girl

Lord, thank you for my little girl
She is to me a delightfully precious little pearl

Her joyful smile illuminates even a dreary room
Just like sunshine, that chases away gloom

Her bright and breezy banter buoys my heart
So young, yet so perceptive, full of life, loving and smart

May she always perceive that beauty that fades is a lie
And consider and crave the unfading inner beauty from on high

May she be a difference maker who serves well and wisely her generation
A virtuous woman who empowers others by being an inspiration

Keep her from silver-tongued devils, bad boys, and mean men
That her beloved heart be not broken time and again

Let her not be a heartbreaker in any measure
May she appreciate the goodness in others and all life, treasure

May our family be for her, Godly exemplars
May our home prosper in joy and love enough to fill her memoirs

Let Your Spirit and truth be her guide
May Your will be the place where she desires ever to reside

In difficulty may she trust and render thanks and praise unto You
In serenity may she tender sincere steadfast devotion in serving You

I pray that she would love You with her whole essence
I pray that her greatest longing whether in life or death is to be in Your holy presence

Hear, O’ Lord my prayer for my little girl
Your grace upon her, please perpetually unfurl

The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure it is to have wise children.
(Proverbs 23:24 New Living Translation)

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
9/19/08

Plea to Mr. Sagging Pants

Plea to Mr. Sagging Pants

Dear Mr. Sagging Pants
I would like a word with you
Hear me out; give me a chance

To say, I am a bit dismayed
By your low-riding fashion
At times with underwear displayed

Don’t be so quick to say I’m downing your way of life
I am aware that it is a free country
But, we all, at times, must sacrifice to curb confusion and strife

I just believe you can do much better
Don’t give in to temporary trifling trends
Decide instead to be an honorable pacesetter

It is said that clothes don’t make the man
But the way a man wears his clothes
Can send mixed messages about where he stands

I pray you stand for decency, for that which is right
Pull up your pants for it is good
Pull them up for it is a more praiseworthy sight

God made man to be a dignified leader
Be a Godly man, live your life in such a way that all can see
That in all things, you strive to be virtuous and God will help you be a succeeder

He who earnestly seeks after and craves righteousness, mercy, and loving-kindness will find life in addition to righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God) and honor. Proverbs 21:21 (Amplified Bible)

The way of the wicked is an abomination, extremely disgusting and shamefully vile to the Lord, but He loves him who pursues righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation). Proverbs 15:9 (Amplified Bible)

RevLDReed – Servant of the Lord, Jesus Christ
I Owe Jesus
8/22/2008

Dare to Hope

Dare to Hope

There's hope when it seems all hope is gone
There’s hope even when you feel all alone
There’s hope no matter the pain of yesterday
There’s hope if you haven’t made much gain today
There’s hope when your mind dangles in a daze
There’s hope when you wander through a funky faze
There’s hope when sleep grabs and overtakes you
There’s hope as the alarm seems to prematurely awake you
There’s hope when the doctor says he’s done all he can do
There’s hope when you realize you don’t know what to do
There’s hope no matter the uncertainty of tomorrow
There’s hope when you’re so deep in debt you can’t borrow
There’s hope when your peace is swallowed by your stress
There’s hope though it seems your life has forever been a mess
There’s hope when you try to rise, but seem to always fall
There’s hope when no one answers to help when you call
There's hope when your relationship has run its course
There's hope when the job you love pushes you out by force
There's hope as eyes dim, steps shorten, and gray covers the head
There's hope even when your zest for living life is all but dead
There’s hope when you are burdened down by your sin
There’s hope in Jesus; let us present our hearts and let Him reign therein
There’s hope because, out of love for us, His precious life He gave
There's hope as Jesus is a strong deliverer, out of every distress, He can save

21 Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: 22 The unfailing love of the LORD never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. 23 Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day. 24 I say to myself, “The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!” 25 The LORD is wonderfully good to those who wait for him and seek him. 26 So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the LORD. 27 And it is good for the young to submit to the yoke of his discipline. 28 Let them sit alone in silence beneath the LORD’s demands. 29 Let them lie face down in the dust; then at last there is hope for them. (Lamentations 3:21-29 NLT)

13 “If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to Him in prayer! 14 Get rid of your sins and leave all iniquity behind you. 15 Then your face will brighten in innocence. You will be strong and free of fear. 16 You will forget your misery. It will all be gone like water under the bridge. 17 Your life will be brighter than the noonday. Any darkness will be as bright as morning. 18 You will have courage because you will have hope. You will be protected and will rest in safety. 19 You will lie down unafraid, and many will look to you for help. (Job 11:13-19 NLT)


LDReedSr – Servant of the Lord, Jesus Christ
I Owe Jesus
8/19/2008

A Blessing for My Curser

A Blessing for My Curser

A secretive scorner composed to me a lengthy note
Thoroughly, passionately disparaging me as he or she wrote

There was devilish deliberation discernible in his or her prose
Joyful derision due to a sad, angry inner disposition, I suppose

I could vex my mind and waste my time in wondering who
But, that wouldn’t be beneficial, but a futile, juvenile thing to do

Instead of squandering my energy annoyed at Mr., Ms., or Mrs. nameless
I have chosen rather to pray for the need manifested by an act so shameless

One’s words allows the inner sanctum of one’s heart to be exposed
Through words, one’s mind is analyzable via the views disclosed

My anonymous, animated agitator surely is one deeply damaged by hate within
I reason that he or she has never truly experienced a love that overpowers sin

Instead of petitioning my God to rain down snares on his or her head
Jesus’ love in me, compels me to pray He would turn them in love to Him, instead

I shall mimic my Jesus, who bore my burden-hung, bled, and died on Calvary’s cross
While being mocked, empowered by love He suffered it that men be saved, not lost

To my curser with joyful love, where so ever, whosoever you may be
I truly say God bless you and I pray that Jesus would, from your sin, set you free

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven…Matthew 5:44-45a

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
8/11/2008

Do Yourself Some Good

DO YOURSELF SOME GOOD

Do yourself no harm.
If, you have been feeling downcast-sad and blue
And your mind keeps saying there is no hope in life for you.
Do yourself some good.
Seek out and take advantage of caring assistance,
Surely, you can find help, if you search with sincerity and persistence.

Do yourself no harm,
If you have erred and fallen down
And you consider yourself even lower than the ground.
Do yourself some good.
Humbly acknowledge your misstep,
Ask for mercy, and then move on with your life-take the next step.

Do yourself no harm,
If, your life seems such a complicated chore
And each day feels as distressing as the day before.
Do yourself some good.
Be grateful for the good in the life you are living,
Laugh a little, learn a new skill, and bless others-be giving, loving, and forgiving.

Do yourself no harm,
If you have lost all things that, you possessed,
Now you cannot shake the sorrow, the shame, and you are beyond doubt depressed.
Do yourself some good.
Easy come, easy go are titles, treasures, and the tabernacles wherein we reside,
But realize, life is not about what you have, but who you are inside.

Do yourself no harm,
If your relationship has reached a dead end,
Irreparably broken, and there is simply no desire to amend.
Do yourself some good.
Cease from anger, forsake wrath, and love the person even if it is best to part.
One day at a time…One-step at a time…One breath at a time, go on living as you take heart.

Do yourself no harm,
Do yourself some good.
Analyze the good that you have going your way.
God invested time in you, giving you life for one more day.
God endowed you with some talent/s for you to employ, enjoy for work as well as play.
God treasured you so much that He sent His only begotten and beloved Son to die to take your sins away.

Do yourself no harm,
Do yourself some good.
Know that God made you one of a kind with much to offer, too.
Take time to meditate on His word and treasure what He has done for you,
Believe on Jesus as your Savior and Lord, use your talents for Him as a way to say thank you.
Knowing that you are saved, in His service, and in His loving care can help you overcome feeling blue.

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
7/15/08

To the Unloving with Love

To the Unloving with Love

I have sought you, though you seem determined to shut Me out.
I have called you, but you have been hesitant to answer because of doubt.

Yes, I want all of you, even as you feel that is too much to give.
I want to be a blessing; in communion forever, I want us to live.

Though you have been distant, I want you to be near.
Though you have been unfriendly, My desire to be your friend is clear.

While you have acted coldly, I have proved to you My affection.
You have lived loathsomely, yet I have declared to you My predilection.

I know others have hurt you-they took more than they shared.
Some abandoned you, now you believe that for you, no one ever really cared.

Your pain has turned your heart against love, even its purest displays.
Now you repel others, others repel you, for everyone mistrusts the others’ ways.

I want to win you over with My sacred, true love that is My sincere aim.
My love transcends all others, for all time, as does My holy name.

While you have been selfish, I have demonstrated to you self-sacrifice.
Though you have been as an enemy, to redeem you, I paid the ultimate price.

I died at Calvary’s cross to make obvious My love is immense and intense, too.
Respond to My love; trust in Me, I will fill you with My love, through and through.

My love within can help you love those unloving towards you.
Love as I have loved you, it is your pass to paradise; it proves your love for Me is true.

Signed

The Only Salvation There Is

The Lord Jesus Christ

P.S. Desiring Your Love – Whisper to Me a prayer, inviting Me into your heart and I promise to meet you there.

When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, He will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of His Son while we were still His enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of His Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. Romans 5:6-11 (New Living Translation)

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
7/9/08