Don’t Cheat to Win

Don’t Cheat to Win

Don’t cheat to win
For cheating is sin
To cheat is to lie
An evil ploy to get by
To cheat is to steal
For status that isn’t real
Cheating sullies your name
Brings great men to shame
Cheating damages trust
Intensifies societal distrust
Don’t cheat to win
For it will come up again
If you cheat to succeed
In time, you’ll mourn your misdeed
Your essence will be pained
Payback will exceed all you gained
Don’t cheat to excel
Others may follow your foul trail
If you cheat to get renown
You will bring loved ones down
Don’t cheat to get ahead
Live by integrity instead
For all cheaters will eventually be found out
The Light of judgment will bring our dark deeds out

Bread of deceit is sweet to a man;
but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.
Prov 20:17 (KJV)

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God,

and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

For God shall bring every work into judgment,

with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (KJV)

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
2/9/09

The Hapless Hypocrite’s Halting

Ezekiel 14 (Amplified Bible)
1THEN CAME certain of the elders of Israel to me and sat before me.
2And the word of the Lord came to me:
3Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their hearts and put the stumbling block of their iniquity and guilt before their faces; should I permit Myself to be inquired of at all by them?
4Therefore speak to them and say to them, Thus says the Lord God: Every man of the house of Israel who takes his idols [of self-will and unsubmissiveness] into his heart and puts the stumbling block of his iniquity [idols of silver and gold] before his face, and yet comes to the prophet [to inquire of him], I the Lord will answer him, answer him according to the multitude of his idols,
5That I may lay hold of the house of Israel in the thoughts of their own mind and heart, because they are all estranged from Me through their idols.
6Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord God: Repent and turn away from your idols, and turn away your faces from all your abominations.
7For anyone of the house of Israel or of the strangers who sojourn in Israel who separates himself from Me, taking his idols into his heart and putting the stumbling block of his iniquity and guilt before his face, and [yet] comes to the prophet to inquire for himself of Me, I the Lord will answer him Myself!
8And I will set My face against that [false worshiper] and will make him a sign and a byword, and I will cut him off from the midst of My people; and you shall know (understand and realize) that I am the Lord.
9[The prophet has not been granted permission to give an answer to the hypocritical inquirer] but if the prophet does give the man the answer he desires [thus allowing himself to be a party to the inquirer's sin], I the Lord will see to it that the prophet is deceived in his answer, and I will stretch out My hand against him and will destroy him from the midst of My people Israel.
10And they both shall bear the punishment of their iniquity: the iniquity of the [presumptuous] prophet shall be the same as the iniquity of the [hypocritical] inquirer,
11That the house of Israel may go no more astray from Me, neither defile themselves any more with all their transgressions, but that they may be My people, and I may be their God, says the Lord God.

The Crucible II

The Crucible II

Lord, it is difficult within this crucible
But, surely our actions are inexcusable
We show by deeds, our ignorance of You
Our conduct proves our worship is untrue
We pine away in pursuit of ruinous excess
Wear ourselves out for the façade of success
Due to unreasonableness, love waxes cold
Love, the great command, given of old
We feign affection to those near to us
Cheat those we claim to be dear to us
We twist the truth to cover our tracks
In attempt to justify unjustifiable acts
We insult, degrade each other’s name
To exalt ourselves is our wayward aim
We are baffled, broken, and led astray
By shunning Your word, we lost our way
The sad part is our lack of spiritual sight
Doing wrong so long, we feel it’s right
In love, You correct those You care for
Your own, You promised to be there for
In penitent faith they cling to You dearly
Calling on others to trust in You sincerely
In the crucible, our character, You refine
You teach us to say “Your will, not mine”
Your just discipline displays Your insight
These trials, these tears yield to eternal delight

3 “My people bend their tongues like bows to shoot lies. They refuse to stand up for the truth. And they only go from bad to worse! They care nothing for me,” says the LORD.
4 “Beware of your neighbor! Beware of your brother! They all take advantage of one another and spread their slanderous lies. 5 They all fool and defraud each other; no one tells the truth. With practiced tongues they tell lies; they wear themselves out with all their sinning. 6 They pile lie upon lie and utterly refuse to come to me,” says the LORD.
7 Therefore, the LORD Almighty says, “See, I will melt them in a crucible and test them like metal. What else can I do with them? 8 For their tongues aim lies like poisoned arrows. They promise peace to their neighbors while planning to kill them. 9 Should I not punish them for this?” asks the LORD. “Should I not avenge myself against a nation such as this?” Jeremiah 9:3-9 NLT

It is unwise to repel the living God by ignoring His voice, His word calling us to repent for our sinfulness. For our rebellion, Jesus endured the crucible of Calvary’s cross. He took upon Himself our sin and its disciplinary penalty, death, that our souls not be lost. True saving faith in Jesus purifies us to pass judgment’s final test, salvation from our sin. Through Him, we can be empowered to endure all things, both now and ever and be eternally blest…Have you truly invited Him into your heart?

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
1/10/09

The Crucible

The Crucible

These times try men’s souls, test men’s mettle. These times make the arrogant, unsettled; bring down high looks. These times bring out in some the inner crook. In times such as this the mighty crumble, the stately stumble. In times such as this, the wise are confounded, the cynical are intensely astounded.

These times bring into focus things that were hidden in plain sight. These times highlight man’s lack of ability to save himself-his fortune, his future, yet underscore his stubborn, rebellious will to keep trying to manufacture and master his destiny.

We now find ourselves in the crucible. A crucible is a place or set of circumstances where people or things are subjected to forces that try them and often change them. It is a severe trial or ordeal that draws out what is truly in the core of one’s being.

The crucible drives some men to display the real corruptness, deficiency of their character, often concealed from other’s view, disguised in self-possession. The crucible draws some to delve inward and a deluge of decency rises up to the benefit of others. The crucible stirs some to seek out and anoint a savior from the ranks of men, one who can alleviate anxiety, lure people together, and lead them to the desired promise land.

The crucible goads others to search for any god with power to deliver from distress only to be dominated by disempowering contrived devices and vices of man. Others descend to depend more definitively on the god of self.

The crucible, also, convinces others to seek the God of the bible.

This God of the bible is the only living and true God. He is incomparable in majesty and might. With impeccable character and judgment, He reigns.

He has helped me through the intimidating tests in the crucibles of my life. My crucibles have disciplined me. My crucibles have strengthened me. The crucibles in my life have drawn me to trust solely in His saving grace. Through my crucibles, He has demonstrated His love for me and opened my spiritual eyes to see how much I need Him, how I can’t make it without Him.

Jesus Christ, my Savior, was tested in the crucible of Calvary’s cross. He was lifted up to draw us unto Himself for He is the only tried and true Savior there is. He was humbled that we may receive honor. His body was broken that we may be whole. He who knew no sin was made to be sin for us. His blood was shed in atonement for our sin debt. He died and three days later was raised from the grave for our justification. He died that we may live forever through faith in Him.

The difficult tests of this time offer us an opportunity to look “unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” (Hebrews 12:2-3 KJV)

Let us not give in to depression or give up in despair in these traumatic times, but through determined, penitent prayer draw near to our Lord, drawing strength and deriving direction from His word and Spirit, as we under-gird each another. And, let us labor to spread the Good News that those caught in the crucible of sin may turn from their sin to Jesus, the merciful, righteous Lord who is able, willing, and mighty to save.

Larry D. Reed, Sr.
I Owe Jesus
1/9/2009

Who Took the Merry Out of Your Christmas?

Who Took the Merry Out of Your Christmas?

The realization that the nation is in a recession denoted by job losses, declining disposable incomes, dreary financial forecasts, and no distinct quick fix has many people saying “Bah, humbug!” this Christmas season. The economic stresses of the day have strained, suppressed, or squeezed out the merry feelings many display at Christmas time.

Of a truth, the times are difficult, the economic outlook is dour, and your personal prospects of a quick recovery may be dim. But, with all of that dismal information, there is still an opportunity to have a merry Christmas.

How you may ask? You may say, “You don’t understand what I am going through or how I am feeling! I lost my job and I can’t buy Christmas for my kids.”

You would be right in your statement. But, the merry can never be taken out of Christmas, no matter how terrible, troublesome, or turbulent be the situation you are going through.

The true merriment, joy of the Christmas season is based not on the traditions of men, our outward circumstances, or our inner drive to find or formulate our own source of Christmas joy.

The true merriment, joy of Christmas is rooted in the knowledge and understanding that the Christmas season is a time of remembering God’s gift to man, in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ, who came to save the world from sin.

With this in mind, you can have a merry Christmas if you set your heart truly on Jesus. Your Christmas can be joyous, if you find contentment solely in the Lord. You can celebrate this season in high spirits, if you consider that Jesus is the real reason for the season.

I am pleased to offer you some encouraging news that can put you into a festive mood.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11

Christ was sent that you might be saved from your sin. He is an equal opportunity Savior. Whosoever will let them come-He does not discriminate based on age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. No matter who you are, where you have been, or what you have done, the little baby boy born in a lowly manger to a virgin Mary grew and was shown through Word and power to be both, Lord and Savior.

Let your joy be centered in Jesus, really meditating on His love and sacrifice for you, His desire for you to love and know Him. Believe on Him as your Savior and Lord and you will find that your Christmas can always be merry and bright.

Have yourself a Merry Christmas!

Larry D. Reed, Sr.
I Owe Jesus
12/11/08

What is Man that Thou Art Mindful of Him?

What is Man that Thou Art Mindful of Him?

What is man, that Thou shouldest make him after Thy likeness, in Thine own image?
And, grant him a relationship with Thee as a gracious privilege?

What is man, that Thou shouldest form him by Thine own hands?
And, give him dominion over the earth upon which he stands?

What is man, that Thou shouldest shower him with Thy divine love?
And, keep a constant vigil over him from Thy throne in heaven above?

What is man, that Thou shouldest make provision for his every need?
And, bestow upon him life and the opportunity to succeed?

What is man, that thou shouldest give him an ear to hearken unto Thy voice?
And, give him a heart, a mind, and allow him to make his choice?

What is man, that Thou shouldest be merciful unto him when he chose to defy Thy word?
And, give him a second chance when his soul cried out, his cry Thou heard?

What is man, that Thou shouldest make such a glorious sacrifice to cover his fault?
And, send Thy Beloved Son to redeem him, the most prized treasure of Thy infinite vault?

What is man, that Thou shouldest allow us, mere men, to preach Jesus and His gospel story?
And, after the completion of all things, receive all who believe to behold Thy everlasting glory?

What is man, that Thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that Thou visitest him?
Psalm 8:4

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
11/13/08

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