The Eagle

The eagle was growing old

eyes dim, the world seemed grey

despite the sunshine, she was cold

she sadly longed for yesterday

"Its time!", spoke the voice on high

"Trust Me.  I will purge and redeem."

She glided to earth, too weary to fly,

Landing on a rock near a stream

Furiously, she began her painful task

plucking her feathers---every last one!

Bathed, she rested on the rock at last,

vunerable and helpless under the bright sun

Many days and nights she had to endure

She heard, "Peace be still, My daughter."

She drank of the stream, sparkling pure

Jesus is the rock, the Son and the living water

At long last came the happy day

God said, "Well done, My child,

Spread your wings and fly away

You are finished with your trial."

The eagle soars in joy and health

clothed in beauty and God's glory

Jesus Christ is her newfound wealth

Her's is slso mine and your story.

When we surrender to Jesus, the Son

He will our tired spirits make strong

We will, in Him, new creatures become

Walking a new walk and singing a new song.

    

     I wrote this in 2006 for my friend, Connie.  She had just lost her only son,  Mark, to lung cancer.  Her grief was total and overwhelming.   I was useless to help her as I saw her spiraling down into deep depression.  I wrote this, hoping to encourage her, not knowing that she, too, would be leaving this world  in a few short days..  I know that I shall see her again in heaven where we will soar as the eagles in the glorious holy light of our Father's love.   Connie, I miss you--- be seeing you soon!

I LOVE OLD

I never thought I'd say

I'd be happy to grow grey

Nor thought I'd ever find

Such joy in my steady decline

There's contentment for me

In every sunset that I see

The fast passing of my years

Seems calming to my old fears

Every day of life now brings

Sounds of fluttering angel wings

Waiting to take me home someday

I can hardly wait to fly away

Aches, pains and eyes grown dim

Matter not because I know Him

He's my savior and best friend

I'll never be alone again

So what if I grow feeble and frail

So what if I flounder and fail

Jesus has His hand in mine

He makes my old heart shine.

more thoughts-------

When I was a little kid

full of energy---full of life

overzealous in all that I did

oblivious to evil and strife

I thought the world my private place

tomorrow seemed so far away

a philosopher with a smudged up face

I made the most of every day

When the hurts and wounds came

they sometimes left a scar

they never left me the same

but another step into far

Far away into the mists of tomorrow

I was riding on time's rail

often crossing the land of sorrow

I learned what it was to fail

But failure really isn't so bad

if you use it to learn and grow

losing the hang-ups you once had

collecting wisdom as you go

Old age isn't something to dread

if while your old body is acting up

you feed your spirit God's daily bread

and keep Jesus' new wine in your cup

I love growing old, yes I do

I'm homesick for heaven

How about you?

NO EXCUSE, SIR!

In the Army

before the man

we stand

We best remember

don't forget

don't stammer

don't whine

Simply shout it out

NO EXCUSE, SIR!

no matter

the crime

when it gets to

the nitty-gritty

the thing to shout is

NO EXCUSE, SIR!

grit your teeth

expect the worst

you're gonna sweat

die of thirst

Ain't no use

to complain

just take the blame

no getting out of it

NO EXCUSE, SIR!

In the end

before God we stand

we are guilty

of all kinds of sin

can't explain or lie

no use to try

don't whine and cry

simply say

NO EXCUSE, SIR!

But there is a Man

Who took our blame

what's His Name?

Jesus Christ!

by His blood

we are redeemed

when we believe

when we receive

His grace so grand

don't fear to say

JESUS CHRIST

IS

MY EXCUSE TODAY!

The Great God Entertainment

I copied and pasted this from "The Five Doves" site.


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The Great God Entertainment
By A. W. Tozer


A German philosopher many years ago said something to the effect that the more a man has in his own heart the less he will require from the outside; excessive need for support from without is proof of the bankruptcy of the inner man.

If this is true (and I believe it is) then the present inordinate attachment to every form of entertainment is evidence that the inner life of modern man is in serious decline. The average man has no central core of moral assurance, no spring within his own breast, no inner strength to place him above the need for repeated psychological shots to give him the courage to go on living. He has become a parasite on the world, drawing his life from his environment, unable to live a day apart from the stimulation which society affords him.

Schleiermacher held that the feeling of dependence lies at the root of all religious worship, and that however high the spiritual life might rise it must always begin with a deep sense of a great need which only God could satisfy. If this sense of need and a feeling of dependence are at the root of natural religion it is not hard to see why the great god Entertainment is so ardently worshiped by so many. For there are millions who cannot live without amusement; life without some form of entertainment for them is simply intolerable; they look forward to the blessed relief afforded by professional entertainers and other forms of psychological narcotics as a dope addict looks to his daily shot of heroin. Without them they could not summon courage to face existence.

No one with common human feeling will object to the simple pleasures of life, nor to such harmless forms of entertainment as may help to relax the nerves and refresh the mind exhausted by toil. Such things if used with discretion may be a blessing along the way. That is one thing. The all-out devotion to entertainment as a major activity for which and by which men live is definitely something else again.

The abuse of a harmless thing is the essence of sin. The growth of the amusement phase of human life to such fantastic proportions is a portent, a threat to the souls of modern men. It has been built into a multimillion dollar racket with greater power over human minds and human character than any other educational influence on earth. And the ominous thing is that its power is almost exclusively evil, rotting the inner life, crowding out the long eternal thoughts which would fill the souls of men if they were but worthy to entertain them. And the whole thing has grown into a veritable religion which holds its devotees with a strange fascination, and a religion, incidentally, against which it is now dangerous to speak.

For centuries the Church stood solidly against every form of worldly entertainment, recognizing it for what it was a device for wasting time, a refuge from the disturbing voice of conscience, a scheme to divert attention from moral accountability. For this she got herself abused roundly by the sons of this world. But of late she has become tired of the abuse and has given over the struggle. She appears to have decided that if she cannot conquer the great god Entertainment she may as well join forces with him and make what use she can of his powers. So today we have the astonishing spectacle of millions of dollars being poured into the unholy job of providing earthly entertainment for the so-called sons of heaven. Religious entertainment is in many places rapidly crowding out the serious things of God. Many churches these days have become little more than poor theatres where fifth-rate "producers" peddle their shoddy wares with the full approval of evangelical leaders who can even quote a holy text in defense of their delinquency. And hardly a man dares raise his voice against it.

The great god Entertainment amuses his devotees mainly by telling them stories. The love of stories, which is a characteristic of childhood, has taken fast hold of the minds of the retarded saints of our day, so much so that not a few persons manage to make a comfortable living by spinning yarns and serving them up in various disguises to church people. What is natural and beautiful in a child may be shocking when it persists into adulthood, and more so when it appears in the sanctuary and seeks to pass for true religion.

Is it not a strange thing and a wonder that, with the shadow of atomic destruction hanging over the world and with the coming of Christ drawing near, the professed followers of the Lord should be giving themselves up to religious amusements? That in an hour when mature saints are so desperately needed, vast numbers of believers should revert to spiritual childhood and clamor for religious toys?

"Remember, O Lord, what is come upon us: consider, and behold our reproach. . . . The crown is fallen from our head: woe unto us, that we have sinnedl For this our heart is faint, for these things our eyes are dim."
AMEN. AMEN.

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A Prophetic Dream?

Was it only a bad dream?

shadows in a restless sleep?

the deep sorrow of the scene

caused my heart to weep

people from far-flung places

were visibly confused and fearful

they all had such sad faces,

and not a few were tearful

Standing afar to escape torment and pain,

beating their chests, loudly crying,

 mourning  the death of a lady of shame

who left many lovers in her hour of dying.

Death came suddenly in an hour's time

she was destroyed by an infernal blast

leaving desolation and ashes behind,

witnesses lamenting, "Alas, alas!"

I heard many voices moan and whine

"She was our best customer, to her we sold

our goods, produce, drugs and wine

now who will buy and pay in gold?

It's said she was great, a Godly nation

once she was generous, just and right

but greed and immorality reached saturation

she became dull of hearing, dim of sight

Having ears she would hear truth no more

Having eyes, she was blinded by greed

Polluting all that entered her door

crafting and selling her evil seed

Little by little and by bits and pieces

she became a whore unashamed

sitting upon a throne of stock increases

shunning God for worldly gain

Who was this lady who is now but dust?

T'was America, once mighty and grand to see

whose motto humbly stated, "In God we trust."

Oh, dearest God----how can this be?

I woke groaning----so real it seemed

Will it be truth in time ahead

Was it prophecy that I dreamed?

America, will you soon be dead?

Are we now at our judgment hour?

Maybe---but its not too late to pray

Asking God to pour out a shower

of His mercy and grace upon us today!

Edited from when I wrote this a few years ago.  How much closer are we to judgement today?   When we read God's word, we see that God did not spare even His own nation, Israel, when it became full of idolatry and wickedness.  How dare we ask God to bless America in this time in our history when we are comparable to Israel at her worst?   We need an awakening to God's Holiness and our vileness to the point of repentance on a national scale.  Father, have mercy and pour out Your Spirit upon us to WAKE UP AMERICA!  amen

Testimony

     Though my family was considered poor, as a child I didn't realize it.  Not until my pre-teen years did I become aware of our poverty.  As the eldest of four children, I was too occupied with simple childish things to worry about lack of money.  We were taught good Quaker values from our grandpa, who came from Quaker stock.  He had many stories about "the good old days".  He didn't profess to be a Christian, though.   He was the man of the house because Mama was divorced.  She worked hard to feed us and keep clothes on our backs.  She sent us to church if we wanted to go but didn't go herself.  Her remarks standing out in my memory include:  "the church is full of hypocrites" and "charity begins at home" referring to the passing of the offering plate. 
     Even though I didn't have a solid background in Christianity, I always knew that God is real.  Bible stories in Sunday School must have planted some seeds in my soul.
     When I was eleven years old, I had a real experience with God.  I almost drowned in a swimming pool.  I couldn't swim and managed to get in over my head.  I believe it was God who reminded me of my grandpa's advice---"if you ever find yourself drowning, take a gulp of air every time you pop up, hold it, and you'll always pop up again and don't panic."  Even so, I was almost gone when I was finally rescued.   During that desperate struggle for air, I cried out to God to save me.  I told Him I was sorry for every bad thing that I had ever done and promised Him that I would be a missionary.  "I'll be good, I'll be good", was my plea.     
     Later, when I was sixteen years old and a member of the Baptist church, I remembered that promise.  I dedicated my life to be a missionary during a revival service.  Then, because of a series of events, I was hurt and became bitter toward the church.  I guit going to church for many many years.
     After graduating from high school, I joined the Army as W.A.C.  My focus became having a good time.  I worked hard at learning to smoke, cuss, and drink.  I wanted to make up for my shy high school years when I rarely dated  During this time and for many years to come, I was running from God, but He still had His hand upon me.
     It was late on a hot summer night.  I was home early from a date, half drunk, deciding I wanted to go swimming.  The NCO pool was off limits but sometimes some of us would sneak in at night.  This time no one wanted to go so I went alone.  Once over the fence, I began to run for the deep end of the pool to dive in.  Suddenly I heard a loud voice, "STOP!"  I skidded to a stop at the edge, looked down into an empty pool.   Shaken, I looked around  for who had warned me, knowing no one was there.  It was not a human voice that saved me that night, but the voice of God!
     My life was still out of control.  Going my own way led me into so much pain and misery, all the while trying to convince myself I was having "fun".  After awhile, I was convinced that I had totally blown it, that God had written me off as a lost cause.  I was full of self-pity and hatred--for myself and others, also.  I dabbled in the occult.  I married and had two beautiful children but I didn't have a clue how to be a good mother.  I regret that my children had to have such a mess for a mother.  After a divorce, my life continued on a path of bitter pain.
     Finally, I remarried and life became better but I was still empty and depressed.  God was drawing me, though, and I had finally begun to listen.  I had a dream during this time that I was flying up from the earth.  I heard a loud voice saying: "And the earth was split asunder!"  I looked down and saw the earth split in two pieces.  Then I saw millions of people flying up in the air the same as me.  I felt myself leave the atmosphere and my lungs emptied of air.  I knew I was dead. We all gathered together in an endless line in space. I knew that the great judgment was ahead. I was terrified because I knew that I was not ready!.   End of dream.   Needless to say, it turned my thoughts to eternity.
     I went to church occasionally and one evening I was visited by a couple from the last one I had attended.  After they left, I asked Jesus to "make me a good person and to come into my heart."  A few days later I couldn't sleep because the weight of sin was so heavy upon me.  I cried all night, remembering every wicked and evil thing that I had every done.  I knew I was a wretched sinner without hope unless God would forgive me.  I begged for forgiveness.  When morning came, I felt a bit better, hoping that God had heard me and forgave me. 
      But, I thought I was still an awful mess. It seemed to me that it couldn't be that easy, it seemed that there must be more to actually being right with God.   I smoked and to me, smoking loomed as an obstacle keeping me separated from God.  So I asked Him to make me want to quit smoking---(I enjoyed smoking).  A few days later, I noticed a strange thing.  Everything stank like a dirty ashtray.  I had never noticed how horrible cigarettes could smell.  Phew!  Then, it dawned on me that God had answered my prayer.  I was awestruck that He loved me enough to do that!.  With God's help, I quit smoking. 
     During this time period, I had to deal with my doubts about the Bible.  I thought it was full of mistakes and the opinions of men.   How could I believe it?  Then I decided to believe that it is what God wanted to world to have and that it is His Holy Word.  I laid my hand upon the Bible, saying I would believe it even when I didn't understand it.  I still revere the Holy Word of God and the King James Bible is the one I read.
     Still I was depressed.  Where was the joy I should have?  I still supposed that I just wasn't good enough.  Then I went to a strange church with a friend.  They raised their hands and everyone seemed so happy!  I thought church should be solemn and I was a little scared until I met an old acquaintance from high school there.  She was so friendly and full of the joy of the Lord, she made me feel good just being around her.  She invited me to a ladies prayer meeting the following Tuesday morning.  This is where God changed my life!  Though I knew I was forgiven, saved, and headed for heaven someday, still something was missing.  God had prepared me in the preceeding weeks with books, some Christian TV and best of all, His Holy Spirit drawing me.   The teaching that day was about the baptism in the Holy Spirit.   I was eagar to receive it!  The ladies prayed for me and told me it was done.  Okay, but I didn't "feel" anything.  The very next morning, I woke up feeling expantant.  I began to pray softly so not to wake up my family.  I felt the Lord wanted me to pray for my family, then my friends and neighbors.  Next thing I knew, I was praying in an unknown language.  It was so amazing!  No one will ever convince me that it isn't the Holy Spirit within me using my mouth to pray and praise.  It is not spooky.  It is beautiful beyond belief.  That morning was the best day of my entire life!  God loved me!  Whereas the day before, I had been using foul language and was darkly depressed, now I was full of the joy I had longed for.  I didn't have to make any effort, but the cursing left.  The Bible became precious and I couldn't get enough of it.  I was filled with a great love for my family and friends.  I was truly a "new creature" in Christ.  Though we were poor in worldly goods, I was now rich in what really matters.  
     This happened many years ago.  Life has been full of ups and downs, sad times and bad times.  I have messed up more often than not.  There have been times when I have asked God to take me home to heaven because I was overwhelmed by circumstances.  Through it all, God has never left me.  He has always led me through the dark valleys.  I know I am a weak person but He is always ready to forgive me when I repent.  My failures teach me to rely upon Him and not upon me.  I still battle depression---it is a "thorn in my side."  Its my failure, not my Father God's.  I need to mention, too, that other Christians are struggling and that instead of watching them, I have learned to focus on Jesus.  Too many times, others have let me down but Jesus never has.  Not once.
     Jesus Christ died for me---and for you, too.  He is the only way to be saved.  I am so glad to be one of His children, bought with the blood of Jesus.   I pray for you---that you will know Him as your savior and Lord and spend eternity in heaven.   As for the precious Holy Spirit, He is our comforter and guide, ever with us when we belong to God through Jesus.  A darkness is covering this old world like never before in the history of the earth.  I am not afraid.  Not for myself.  I am afraid for those who do not know Jesus.   
     Oh, Father, please use this testimony to help others to  come to know You.   In Jesus' Name.  amen

Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God

     This is a copy and paste from the Five Doves Site.   I am crying out for a "clean heart".   Seems the older I grow, the more I realize how utterly unfit I am and how much I need the grace of God every second of every day.  Praise His Holy Name!

“Create in Me a Clean Heart, 0 God”

By A. W. Tozer
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say
unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see
the kingdom of God.                         -John 3:3

    The miracle of the new birth was foreshadowed in the
Old Testament record: “Create in me a clean heart, 0 God;
and renew a right spirit within me.”

    There was at least a hint of miracle within the human
breast­not the reasoning of yourself into a position, but
something happening that could not be explained!

    Coming into the New Testament, there is no longer any
hinting or suggesting about the miracle of the new birth; it
is boldly and openly declared.  Our Saviour said that if we
come to Him and are not born again, we cannot enter the
kingdom of God - - that we must be born from above.
    Paul told the Corinthians: “If any man be in Christ, he is
a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all
things are become new.”

    You couldn’t make it any stronger than that! Some-thing
 happens in a man’s nature that no man can explain!

    Just the moment that a man’s experience in Christ can
be broken down and explained by the psychologists, we
have a church member on our hands - - and not a Christian!

    For that which must happen in the new birth can never be
explained by psychology or psychiatry. The professional can
only stand off respectfully and say,  “Behold the works of the
Lord.”  He can never explain it!

   And in that great and terrible day to come, many will be
shocked when they find that they depended upon a mental
assent to Christianity instead of upon the miracle of the
new birth!

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