Poetry

"A Spirit Passed before Me"

A spirit passed before me: I beheld
The face of immortality unveiled-
Deep sleep came down on every eye save mine-
And there it stood, - all formless-but divine;
Along my bones the creeping flesh did quake;
And as my damp hair stiffened, thus it spake:

'Is man more just than God? Is man more pure
Than he who deems even seraphs insecure?
Creatures of clay-vain dwellers in the dust?
The moth survives you, and are ye more just?
Things of a day! you wither ere the night,
Heedless and blind to wisdom's wasted light!

Lord Byron (1788-1824)

My new book arrived yesterday. "The One Year Book of Poetry" 365 Devotional readings, based on classic Christian verse. I'm so excited, each day I will be reading an inspiring poem, accompanied by an original devotional that explores important Christian themes and a Scripture reading that ties the poem into God's inspired Word. I'm happy to add another book to my bed side table.

Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm....Put on the salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Ephesians 6:13, 17

My dear Lord, may I keep my heart ready for you, and may I remember you are walking in front of me. May Your spirit pass through me daily, so that I may be the wife, mother, daughter, sister or friend you want me to be. And as I go about my day, may I bloom for You my Lord. Amen
QB

And Can It Be That I Should Gain?

"Amazing love! How can it be That thou, my God, shouldst die for me? Amazing love! How can it be That Thou, my god shouldst die for me?"

Today my pastor told a good sermon, to Rejoice! Rejoice! Christ is my life, He set me free!

"No condemnation now I dread, I am my Lord's and He is mine; Alive in Him, my living Head, And clothed in righteousness divine."

My pastor talked about Barabbas from John 18: 39-40 "The King of the Jews" or "Barabbas"?
Barabbas was a notorious murderer, a violent man, robber, common thief. Pilate wanted Jesus released so Pilate took the most wickedest man, thinking the people for sure would choose Jesus. To the people Barabbas was less threatening to the people than Jesus. Jesus threatens them by convicting them. They chose the murderer, the outlaw.

Barabbas condemned to die walks out Scott free! His story is our story. Barabbas, on death row, ready to die, but was set free! His chains fell off. Barabbas accepted his pardon. Have you accepted HIS pardon? Because if not you will have a death sentence.

"And Can It Be That I Should Gain and interest in the Savior's blood? Died He for me, who caused His pain? For me, who Him to death pursued?" Amazing Love! How can it be That Thou my God shouldst die for Me? "
by Charles Wesley, 1701-1788

Rejoice and bloom for Him,
QB

Praying for my Children with Scripture

Watch over Daniel, Laura Beth and James' life. Do not slumber or sleep, but keep them from all harm. Watch over their lives, coming and going, both now and forevermore. (PS 121:3-8) Do not let anything separate Daniel, Laura Beth and James from your love. When trouble, hardship, persecution, danger or any need arises, let them remember that we are "more than conquerors," and that nothing can separate them from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom 8:35-39) Cause my children oh Lord, to offer their bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to you, Lord. Let them see themselves as a temple of the Holy Spirit, belonging to you, that they might flee from sexual immorality and honor you with their body. (Rom 12:1; 1 Cor 6: 18-20) Do not let my children be led astray by drugs and alcohol. (Prov. 20:1) Hem my darlings in behind and before; place your hand upon them so that wherever they go, and whatever they do, they will be accompanied by your presence. (Ps 139:5-10) Put a new spirit in them. Remove the heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Cause them to follow your decrees and deep your laws. Let they know that they belong to You oh my Jesus, and that you are their God (Ezk 11:19) I pray that my gifts from you will put their trust in You and never be shaken (Ps 125:1) Open my three children's eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in Christ. (Acts 26:18) Put people in all three lives, who will gently instruct them; and grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth. Cause them to come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil who has taken them captive to do their own will. (2 Tim 2:25-26) Remove the veil from their eyes so that they can see the light of the gospel. Shine your light in their hearts to give them the light of knowledge of Your glory in the face of Christ (2 Cor 4:4-6)
In Jesus Name Amen.