In the World, Not Of It

 

truth

When listening to my Father’s call

the world attempts to use disguise

to lead me into my downfall

when lies are truth and truth are lies.

The Gospels lift me up to soar,

and daily mind and heart restore.

 

The words of Jesus free my thoughts

and bring me back to God’s embrace

to focus on the things I ought;

on love, compassion and His grace.

He came not to condemn but save

and all my sins expunged, forgave.

 

Abiding in the Spirit shows

me how to be and how to live.

Christ’s light from Living Water flows;

this fact holds no alternative.

The truth from fruit’s essential seeds

is God’s great source from which He feeds.

 

Because I sustain nourishment

from my Savior’s bread of life,

His voice of love is sweet assent

which melts and calms the daily strife.

God always is my Number One;

His wisdom never is outdone.

 

So say your truth, but I know His.

I am to open heart and hands,

to welcome all, and more than this;

to care for orphans, widows and

to reconcile the world, employ

God’s grace and wisdom, love and joy.

 

“I guarantee this truth: every believer has eternal life. I am the bread of life.” (John 6:47-48)

“For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who cares for the truth hears my voice.” Pilate asked him, “What is truth?” (John 18:37-38)

And the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)

Good Friday!

And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground,” Luke 22:44 NIV

We each have our own “cross” to bear from time to time but nothing we face will ever compare to what Jesus Christ did to save us.

What we consider to be trials are trivial in comparison. I don’t think any of us can even comprehend the anguish it took to carry the cross, let alone endure a crucifixion.

Jesus experienced the same things we do, though He did so without sin. Our God doesn’t ask us to do anything He hasn’t already done.

Jesus had friends and loved them. He was social and mingled among people. Jesus dealt with His own critics. He had enemies. He was tempted. Jesus was wrongly accused. Betrayed. Talked about. Mistreated. Jesus even came from a “dysfunctional” family.

EASTER DOGWOOD 2 2015 On this Holy day, let us think not only about the blood that was shed on the cross, but also commit ourselves to better endure, persevere, stand, and pray through our trials.

Jesus overcame the cross not only to give us everlasting life but also that we may overcome here and now. 

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 NIV