Passion, Purpose, and Promise

Passion, Purpose, and Promise

Passion met purpose by promise at the cross
God promised His only Son to pay sin’s cost
A profound love, like no other, Jesus did reveal
His handiwork was signified by power and zeal
He lived a sinless life, honorable in every way
His resolution was to work while it was, yet day
To fulfill all righteousness was His sacred aim
His living and dying proved prophetic claim
He delighted to do His Heavenly Father’s will
Though, piercing, pervasive agony, He would feel
Chastised by scourging until His visage was marred
Fueled by love of His Father and our souls, sin-scarred
Our souls were held down, estranged from God, by sin
By design, Jesus was lifted to draw all humanity in
In atonement for our sin debt, He gave His all
All who believe in Him shall rise to Him at His call
May we survey with wonder the cross and the empty tomb
And await His return to take us up to our heavenly room
Until then, let all who He has lifted shoulder their cross
By fervent intent, avow the Gospel pledge to those, yet lost

John 2:17 (Amp) And His disciples remembered that it is written
[in the Holy Scriptures], Zeal (the fervor of love) for Your house will eat
Me up. [I will be consumed with jealousy for the honor of Your house.]

John 2:17 (NLT) Then his disciples remembered this prophecy from the
Scriptures: “Passion for God’s house will consume me.”

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
3/31/09

Desire

Desire

When shall I appear on high before you?
How much longer must I tarry down here?
What else do I have to learn or go through
Before my eyes, into Your great glory, peer?

So many things are a distraction,
Many things vie for my view.
But, You are my main attraction.
You are the One I shall ever pursue.

I confess, I get weak and I get weary,
But, Your strength helps me hold on.
The promises of Your Word makes me cheery
They empower me mightily to press on.

Help me holdout in this cruel world, so cold.
To complete the ministry that You assigned.
As I live, I submit myself to Your Spirit to mold.
Help me to grow and be holily inclined.

As my steps get shorter and my eyes dim,
My gait and my gaze shall still be fixed to You.
Though the days be dark and the times grim,
Tribulation will not our relationship, undo.

What a day it shall be when I, your face, behold.
No more sin, shame, or pain to shackle me,
Nothing but love, joys, and, peace, manifold.
My want, my wish fulfilled, me with You for all eternity…

Whom have I in heaven but You? I desire You more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever. Psalm 73:25-26

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
3/16/09

Falling Away

Falling Away
Exodus Erroneous

There are people that have forgotten God
Whose orchestrated religion is only a façade
The bible is to them interesting information
They deny its power for life transformation
Some do religious pursuits with great promotion
Yet, live lives null and void of Godly devotion
A few use ruse en route to self-aggrandizement
They talk God but self is the real advertisement
Many love to mingle amongst the church crowd
But, their grasp of God is veiled by sin’s shroud
Others exhibit a false regard toward things divine
As they snub God’s call to walk within His design
There are those who have walked away abruptly
Embattled, embittered, they now see God corruptly
Some now fight against God with total vehemence
They protest precepts that proves God’s preeminence
Which way are you leaning concerning this matter?
As you, watch others, from God, beginning to scatter
Those who reject God, truly have nowhere to flee
Every tongue will confess Jesus is Lord on bended knee
I pray you would cling to Jesus; He died to save you
Judgment is nigh, without Him, you will not pass through
Believe on Him in your heart; Him, with your mouth, confess
Trust Jesus now, why risk an eternity in hell to second-guess?

1 Timothy 4:1 (Amplified Bible)
BUT THE [Holy] Spirit distinctly and expressly declares that in latter times some will turn away from the faith, giving attention to deluding and seducing spirits and doctrines that demons teach…

Psalm 9:17 (Amplified Bible)
17The wicked shall be turned back [headlong into premature death] into Sheol (the place of the departed spirits of the wicked), even all the nations that forget or are forgetful of God.

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
3/11/09

What Manner of Man is This!

What Manner of Man is This!

What manner of man is this
That men passionately pursue?
What manner of man is this
That men follow though suffering will ensue?

What manner of man is this
That is not troubled by any threat?
What manner of man is this
The very essence of peace without fret?

What manner of man is this
Who responds to a righteous plea?
What manner of man is this
That tames life’s raging wind and sea?

What manner of man is this
Whose word is backed with power?
What manner of man is this
Who shines even in the darkest hour?

What manner of man is this
Who can free us from all evil ensnares?
What manner of man is this
Who gladly proves how much He cares?

What manner of man is this
Who loves us despite our utter frailty?
What manner of man is this
Beckoning all of life’s storm-wearied, “Come unto Me…”

What manner of man is this
Whose person and power leave men in awe?
What manner of man is this,
Jesus, God and man, died due to a love He would not withdraw?

And when He was entered into a ship, His disciples followed Him. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but He was asleep. And His disciples came to Him, and awoke Him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And He saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then He arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him! Matthew 8:23-27

RevLDReedSr
I Owe Jesus
3/5/09

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