Godly Sorrow

Godly Sorrow
(by Brotha DC)

When King David sinned by committing adultery and following it up with the murder of his lover’s husband, God sent the prophet to confront David.

When we are confronted with our sins, we often go into evasive maneuver mode:

• Sometimes we go into that Egyptian river called denial...
  
• Sometimes we conjure up excuses explaining that we had no other recourse but to do that thing...
  
• Sometimes we simply blame our behavior on someone else... 

Have you ever said... “I only punched him in the face because he was making me mad!”

How about... “I only slept with him because I was so lonely...”

King David did the right thing when confronted with his sin... he acknowledged his wrongdoing and confessed before the Lord.

The 51^st Psalm was written to convey David’s heart during that period of his life... and it often reflects our circumstances:

¹ Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. ² Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. ³ For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. ⁴ Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. ⁵ Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. ⁶ Surely you desire truth in the inner parts [a] ; you teach [b] me wisdom in the inmost place. ⁷ Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. ⁸ Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. ⁹ Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. ¹⁰ Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. ¹¹ Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. ¹² Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. ¹³ Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. ¹⁴ Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.

Psalm 51:1-14 [NIV]

Sometimes we are tempted. Other times we act impulsively. But the Psalmist drew particular attention to willful sins. This is when we get an idea in our head and act on it.

I watched someone as they eyed an unguarded jewelry case. They looked around... not realizing that I was looking at them. More importantly, God was watching them. To their disappointment, the case was empty.

How often do people come up with reasons to justify idiotic behavior... but then can not explain when they are caught?

On MSNBC there is a follow-up to the Dateline NBC To Catch a Predator series. In that program, men are caught trying to solicit sex from minors under the age of fourteen on the internet.

When confronted by Chris Hansen, they all have the same explanation for what they were doing.

“I dunno...”

"I wasn’t thinking...”

“I was just bored...”

“I wasn’t really gonna go through with it...”

After they leave the house... they are arrested.  They repeat those same excuses to the police officers processing them... and eventually go before a judge where most are sentenced and do jail time.

Do you think that if there was a Dateline NBC back in the Old Testament days that David would say the same if cameras popped out as he was seducing Bathsheba?

¹³ Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression. ¹⁴ May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm 19:13-14 [AMP]

Let¹s face it... we are all human beings. We all sin. That is why the Bible contains stories like the life of King David. I am glad it doesn’t contain my life story!

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

2 Corinthians 7:10 [NIV]

Lord...
here i stand again
Stained
with the mud of sin
i could say that i fell, but
the truth is... i jumped right in

Felled
by temptation’s blow
Oh, Lord
how was i to know
when i thought i was standing sin called, and i fell so low

i don’t know how i could come
into Your presence
but my soul longs after you
with true repentance

Godly sorrow
for the things i’ve said and done
Godly sorrow
wash me with the blood Your Son
shed for me
set me free...
Please
forgive me

Lord...
cleanse me from my sin
Please,
Jesus be my friend
i took Your love for granted
Don’t wanna do that again

i
thought that i could stand
my God
want to be a man
who stands for righteousness, and
can overcome satan’s snare

humbled by my humanness
i cry FORGIVE ME
You’re the only one i love
Oh God, i’m sorry

Godly sorrow
for the things i’ve said and done
Godly sorrow
wash me with the blood Your Son
shed for me
set me free...
Please
forgive me

Dead to Sin
(by JesusLover Judy)

Father-God, I count myself dead to sin, but alive to You, and I refuse to allow sin to reign in my mortal body. Today and every day, I present myself to You as being alive from the dead, and my members as instruments of righteousness. Sin shall not have dominion over me, for I am not under law but under grace in the name of Jesus. Amen.

¹¹Even so consider yourselves also dead to sin and your relation to it broken, but alive to God [living in unbroken fellowship with Him] in Christ Jesus.
¹²Let not sin therefore rule as king in your mortal (short-lived, perishable) bodies, to make you yield to its cravings and be subject to its lusts and evil passions.
¹³Do not continue offering or yielding your bodily members [and faculties] to sin as instruments (tools) of wickedness. But offer and yield yourselves to God as though you have been raised from the dead to [perpetual] life, and your bodily members [and faculties] to God, presenting them as implements of righteousness.
¹⁴For sin shall not [any longer] exert dominion over you, since now you are not under Law [as slaves], but under grace [as subjects of God's favor and mercy].

Romans 6:11-14 [AMP]

More Grace
(by JesusLover Judy)

Father, I thank you for giving me more and more grace. Today and everyday I humble myself before you, and submit myself to you. In the name of Jesus, I resist the devil, and he will flee from me. Father, I come near to you, and you come near to me. I wash my hands, and purify my heart. I would not be double-minded, but humble myself before you, my Lord, and you will lift me up. Amen.

⁶But He gives us more and more grace (power of the Holy Spirit, to meet this evil tendency and all others fully). That is why He says, God sets Himself against the proud and haughty, but gives grace [continually] to the lowly (those who are humble enough to receive it).
⁷So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you.
⁸Come close to God and He will come close to you. [Recognize that you are] sinners, get your soiled hands clean; [realize that you have been disloyal] wavering individuals with divided interests, and purify your hearts [of your spiritual adultery].
⁹[As you draw near to God] be deeply penitent and grieve, even weep [over your disloyalty]. Let your laughter be turned to grief and your mirth to dejection and heartfelt shame [for your sins].
¹⁰Humble yourselves [feeling very insignificant] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up and make your lives significant].

James 4:6-10 [AMP]

Be Holy
(by JesusLover Judy)

Father, with the help of the Holy Spirit and according to your Word, I prepare my mind for action with self-control; set my hope fully on the grace to be given me when Jesus Christ is revealed. As an obedient child, I will not conform to the evil desires I had when I lived in ignorance. You called me and you are holy, so I will be holy in all I do in the name of Jesus. Amen.

¹³So brace up your minds; be sober (circumspect, morally alert); set your hope wholly and unchangeably on the grace (divine favor) that is coming to you when Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is revealed.
¹⁴[Live] as children of obedience [to God]; do not conform yourselves to the evil desires [that governed you] in your former ignorance [when you did not know the requirements of the Gospel].
¹⁵But as the One Who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all your conduct and manner of living.

1 Peter 1:13-15 [AMP]

Righteousness of God through Christ Jesus
(by JesusLover Judy)

Father, according to your Word I have been made the righteousness of God through Christ Jesus. Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit who helps me bring forth good fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. In Jesus name. Amen.

For our sake He made Christ [virtually] to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in and through Him we might become [endued with, viewed as being in, and examples of] the righteousness of God [what we ought to be, approved and acceptable and in right relationship with Him, by His goodness].

2 Corinthians 5:21 [AMP]

²²But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness,
²³Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge].

Galatians 5:22-23 [AMP]

Without Spot or Blemish

Therefore ‘Come out from among them and be separate, says the LORD. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty.’

2 Corinthians 6:17-18

Cleanse my hands, O LORD
With holy fire
Sanctify the things i do
for i aspire
To be a holy vessel
without spot or blemish
To be like You... perfect (Matthew 5:48)
until life is finished
To hold up the banner
of the Blood of Jesus
Lord, to stand before You
without spot or blemish


Cleanse my heart, O LORD
my deepest being
Sanctify my every thought
my greatest need is...
To be a holy vessel
without spot or blemish
To be like You... perfect (Matthew 5:48)
until life is finished
To hold up the banner
of the Blood of Jesus
Lord, to stand before You
without spot or blemish

Permission Denied

“Permission Denied” is one of the Psalms from the Pen of the Ready Writer written in Singapore. It is a celebration of the protective love of our Father in heaven through Christ Jesus our Lord!

It is a blessing to know that no matter how much satan wants to kill us, steal from us, and destroy us... he is limited in what he can do. As we focus our faith on the work that Jesus did on Calvary, we can rely upon the promises of John 10:10 and enjoy life in abundance, to the full, and until it overflows.

³¹Simon, Simon (Peter), listen! Satan has asked excessively that [all of] you be given up to him [out of the power and keeping of God], that he might sift [all of] you like grain, ³²But I have prayed especially for you [Peter], that your [own] faith may not fail; and when you yourself have turned again, strengthen and establish your brethren.

Luke 22:31-32 [AMP]

HE WHO dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].

Psalm 91:1 [AMP]

The hunter is seeking a soul to drag down
Down into the pit of destruction
The lion is roaring, new prey he has found
but only if he has permission

The devil asked for me... but God said, “NO!”
“he’s covered by My Blood... you have to go!”
The devil pleaded... he begged... and he cried
Jesus repeated, “Petition Denied!”

The devil is waiting, refuses to quit
Just like a fly that keeps buzzing
he brings his battalion and bag full of tricks
but one little thing he’s forgetting

i’m covered by the Blood -- the Blood of Jesus
His Spirit lives within -- that’s how He frees us
And everyday i live in the Shadow of the Most High

The flames, they are raging and burning in hell
It’s filled to the brim yet, it’s growing
The devil desires to throw my soul in
but that’s not the way i’ll be going

The devil asked for me... but God said, “NO!”
“he’s covered by My Blood... you have to go!”
The devil pleaded... he begged... and he cried
Jesus repeated, “Petition Denied!”

When satan rears his ugly head, just let out a guffaw of holy laughter because you know that he is defeated by the blood of Jesus and by the word of your testimony.

Permission... denied!

Joy and Gladness

Pastor Mike Macintosh related the story of a woman who was told, “Have a nice day!”

Obviously in a foul mood, the woman shot back words along the line of, “No thanks. I’ve got other plans!”

How many of us have been faced with a blessing from God... either through His Spirit or via another person... and yet chose to wallow in our squalor rather than to receive what God has for us. It reminds me of a New Years Eve party at a ritzy hotel. As I arrived and walked through the entrance, I saw three distraught young women. One was wailing piteously. I inquired and was told that they were upset because they were about to enter a new year and they didn’t have boyfriends. I thought that if they would clean up their tears and straighten up their countenances, maybe some single man would want to talk with them. They didn’t like my suggestion and decided to leave the hotel before the clock struck midnight.

So what?

In the Bible, King David had experienced God’s punishment for a series of sins that started with lust and ended with murder. Yet, he didn’t resolve to die in his wretched situation. No, David cried out to God for two things.

What were those two things?

Make me to hear joy and gladness and be satisfied; let the bones which You have broken rejoice.

Psalm 51:8 (Amplified Bible)

David wanted to hear Joy and Gladness. He wanted to be able to rejoice... knowing that the joy of the Lord is our strength and stronghold (see Nehemiah 8:10). Well, we all know that David’s sorrow eventually returned to joy as he received God’s forgiveness (although, his behavior ultimately resulted in his family falling apart).

On a larger scale, Israel suffered when time after time they rebelled against God and were taken into captivity by their enemies. And, when the Lord ransomed them and allowed them to return to Zion, they received joy and gladness.

And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing, and everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Isaiah 35:10 (Amplified Bible)

Mary was told of the joy and exultant delight that would come from the birth of Jesus. But that rejoicing extends to day to the many who receive Him as Savior and Lord. I am reminded of a pastor in Iran who was originally a jihad leader. A member of his terrorist cell had confiscated a bunch of New Testaments that a believer had distributed. He burned all except for one, which was shown to the leader. The leader read it to find out what the infidels were up to. He started in Matthew and, by the time he reached chapter ten, he realized that he was not reading words of a man. Rather, he understood that he was reading the word of God. Today, this man is a pastor... and I have no doubt he is also rejoicing over the coming of the Messiah.

And you shall have joy and exultant delight, and many will rejoice over his birth

Luke 1:14 (Amplified Bible)

During some of the deepest and darkest periods of my life, I have sought the Lord and He has responded by giving me joy and gladness. While living in the Republic of Singapore, we wrote a song to that effect... a song that is a part of our Psalms from the Pen of the Ready Writer series.

Storm clouds are raging all around me
Dark breakers rolling on the black sea
But i won’t fear
‘Cause my Jesus gave me joy

Although the devil’s on the war path
My neighbors mock at me and they laugh
But i don’t care
‘Cause His Spirit gives me joy

Joy and Gladness
Not for what i see
But for what He’s done for me

Joy and Gladness
Oh yes, i believe
That’s what Jesus is to me

Joy and Gladness
That no one can destroy

Oh, He lives in me
And He fills my heart with joy

i focus on His precious promise
i’ll never be like doubting Thomas
Yes, i’ll stand firm
‘Cause my Jesus gave me joy

My Savior dwells within my praises
He guides me thru life’s darkened mazes
All praise to Him
For He fills my heart with joy

Joy and Gladness
Not for what i see
But for what He’s done for me

Joy and Gladness
Oh yes, i believe
That’s what Jesus is to me

Joy and Gladness
That no one can destroy

Oh, He lives in me
And He fills my heart with...

Not happiness for those things
i see or can possess
But joy in the Holy Ghost
Who gives me peace and rest

Are you feeling weak? Has the economy got you down? Is the strife in the Middle East causing you panic? Are you upset over politics or some other thing pertaining to this life? Well, take some time to seek the Lord that you may experience what Ezra told the people of Israel to receive...

Then [Ezra] told them, Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet drink, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. And be not grieved and depressed, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and stronghold.

Nehemiah 8:10 (Amplified Bible)

Joy and gladness is a Fruit of the Spirit. If you are a Christian and are filled with the Spirit of God, then allow Him to manifest that fruit in your life.

If not... then why wait? Receive it right now.

BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY GHOST and EXPERIENCE that JOY AND GLADNESS that God has for you.

Amen.

Self Control

Of the Fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23, self-control (self-restraint, continence) is the last item in the list... but certainly not the least. In order to be Christ-like in this world.. we must be able to practice self-control, self-restraint, and continence.

People will make you angry... but What Would Jesus Do? Would Jesus flip them the bird? Would He cuss them out? NO. NO. A thousand times NO! Jesus exhibited love and compassion, even when people were all up in His face acting ignorant. Can we do the same?

The bigger question is...

Can we afford to not do the same?

¹¹ For the grace of God (His unmerited favor and blessing) has come forward (appeared) for the deliverance from sin and the eternal salvation for all mankind. ¹² It has trained us to reject and renounce all ungodliness (irreligion) and worldly (passionate) desires, to live discreet (temperate, self-controlled), upright, devout (spiritually whole) lives in this present world, ¹³ Awaiting and looking for the [fulfillment, the realization of our] blessed hope, even the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One),

Titus 2:11-13 (Amplified Bible)

God’s unmerited favor and blessing gives us the ability to avoid loose and licentious living. As we yield to the Spirit (because, He has the right of way), we will practice self-control in the face of any sort of temptation that satan may try to use to trip us up. As we maintain a close and intimate walk with the Savior, we can have continual victory and rise from glory to glory. Now, There are many types of temptation that we encounter in life. One item from our Psalms from the Pen of the Ready Writer series, “Self Control,” addresses some of those that are probably the most common to the majority of us. Take the following verses in mind:

She looks so good
She looks so fine
In designer jeans
To my eyes, like wine

But that don’t play
Gotta look away
For the Spirit says
Crucify your flesh

Bring it under control
Self-control
Bring it under control
Self-control
Get a hold of your soul...
Self-control!

A chocolate cake
Ice cream on top
Though my belly’s full
I don’t wanna stop

But i can’t be
Slave to gluttony
Here, the Spirit lives
i’m completely His

Bring it under control
Self-control
Bring it under control
Self-control
Get a hold of your soul...
Self-control!

Where there is self control
There’s no law... No shame
I’ll take authority
In my Jesus’ name!

He makes me mad
Enough to spit
poisoned, venom words
i could throw a fit

But that is sin
Gotta reel it in
Bless his soul, instead
Hot coals on his head

Bring it under control
Self-control
Bring it under control
Self-control
Get a hold of your soul...
Self-control!

God’s Faithfulness

I often marvel at people who are self-righteous. You know the type? People who look down their noses and condemn anyone who is not living their life the way that perhaps they should.

But what I wonder is, how can somebody criticize the speck in somebody’s eye when they have a beam in their own eye?

⁴⁰ A pupil is not superior to his teacher, but everyone [when he is] completely trained (readjusted, restored, set to rights, and perfected) will be like his teacher. ⁴¹ Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye but do not notice or consider the beam [of timber] that is in your own eye? ⁴² Or how can you say to your brother, Brother, allow me to take out the speck that is in your eye, when you yourself do not see the beam that is in your own eye? You actor (pretender, hypocrite)! First take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye.

Luke 6:40-42 (Amplified Bible)

I am often reminded of my inadequacies as a believer. Oh, sure... there are times when I think we are flying through crystal clear skies. But then, like George of the Jungle, I find my face slammed up against a tree and wonder, “Where did that come from?” But thank God for 1^st John 1:9.

If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action].

1 John 1:9 (Amplified Bible)

God is faithful and just to forgive and cleans us when we repent and turn back toward Him. That gives my heart pause to praise Him, because of His unfailing love and faithfulness. Like the Psalmist, I have often wandered away from the path. Yet, Jesus is a Good Shepherd who leads and protects us, guiding us in the way that we should go. For that, we should praise Him for His faithfulness.

¹⁷⁵ Let me live that I may praise You, and let Your decrees help me. ¹⁷⁶ I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek, inquire for, and demand Your servant, for I do not forget Your commandments.

Psalm 119:175-176 (Amplified Bible)

Faithfulness is one of the Fruit of the Spirit. God shows it to us in great abundance. We should praise Him for His faithfulness... and live lives of faithfulness in response. This was the core thought in the following lyric, taken from our Psalms from the Pen of the Ready Writer series...

Let me live, Oh God, that i may praise You
For Your faithfulness. Your faithfulness
Let me live, Oh God, that i may praise You
For your word gives life to me

Let me walk steadfast as an example
Of Your faithfulness. Your faithfulness
Let me walk steadfast as an example
‘Till the world sees You in me

Like a poor lost lamb i have wandered astray
Seek Your servant, oh Lord. Don’t cast me away
i remember what You’ve commanded today
And i want to be faithful to You

Help me grow, Oh God, into the likeness
Of Your faithfulness. Your faithfulness
Help me grow, Oh God, into the likeness
Of what Jesus is to me

Let Your Spirit mould me in the image
Of Your faithfulness. Your faithfulness
Let Your Spirit mould me in Your image
‘Till we’re one eternally

Like a poor lost lamb i have wandered astray
Seek Your servant, oh Lord. Don’t cast me away
i remember what You’ve commanded today
And i want to be faithful to You

Let me live, Oh God, that i may praise You
For Your faithfulness. Your faithfulness
Let me live, Oh God, that i may praise You
For your word gives life to me

If we seek God for His faithfulness... should we not also live lives of faithfulness? And when people are living unrighteous lives, maybe we can show them mercy and not look down our noses at them. Rather than see some ugly drunken bum, maybe we can see a hurt soul who is trying so soothe their pain with alcohol... and maybe we can introduce them to the new wine from God that will give them true relief... true peace... true joy. Rather than seeing a loose woman living whorishly, we can see someone who needs a touch from Jesus to turn their life around.

Let us live lives that are an example of God’s faithfulness.

Perfect Peace

It is interesting that, when somebody dies, people say “Rest in Peace.” But does one truly have to die before they can experience peace?

Well, not according to the Bible.

In the Old Testament, the Prophet Isaiah tells us this...

You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.

Isaiah 26:3 (Amplified Bible)

Yes, we can have peace while we are still living. And, since we are on the topic, there isn’t much peace if a person dies without trusting in Christ. Anyway, in the New Testament, the Apostle Paul tells the Church at Corinth (Greece) this...

Finally, brethren, farewell (rejoice)! Be strengthened (perfected, completed, made what you ought to be); be encouraged and consoled and comforted; be of the same [agreeable] mind one with another; live in peace, and [then] the God of love [Who is the Source of affection, goodwill, love, and benevolence toward men] and the Author and Promoter of peace will be with you.

2^nd Corinthians 13:11 (Amplified Bible)

Our Heavenly Father is the Author and the Promoter of peace. He is the God of love. God is love.

He who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love.

1^st John 4:8 (Amplified Bible)

Because of His great love for us, God gives us perfect and constant peace. Therefore, it is my endeavor during 2009 (and beyond, should the Lord tarry and I remain) to keep my mind on the Lord and to lean on and hope confidently in Him. That was the foundational scripture behind the following lyric, taken from the Psalms from the Pen of the Ready Writer series... “Perfect Peace.” It was written while were were living in Singapore and after a bit of naughtiness caused us to mistreat a fellow believer. After a trip to the spiritual woodshed, I realized that I had better set my mind on things above, and not on things that would get me into more trouble.

Keep my mind on Jesus
Set my focus on things above
Fill me with Your Spirit
Help me walk Lord in peace and love

Let me walk in perfect peace
Cover me, Lord, Cover me
My soul cries out for relief
Perfect peace, Lord, Perfect peace

Calm my nervous spirit
Take away all my doubts and fear
Help me focus on Jesus
Let me know He’s always near

Let me walk in perfect peace
Cover me, Lord, Cover me
My soul cries out for relief
Perfect peace, Lord, Perfect peace

The Lord is my perfect peace In times of despair
He always will send relief. He always is there

Hold me in Your bosom
Rock me gently in Your strong arms
There, beneath Your shadow
Angels keep me from all harm

Let me walk in perfect peace
Cover me, Lord, Cover me
My soul cries out for relief
Perfect peace, Lord, Perfect peace

Whether you are dealing with your own spiritual journey... or just stressed out by all of the turmoil in the world’s political, economic, and criminal aspects... seek the Lord’s perfect peace. It is cheaper than sleeping pills and much much more effective.

Secret Place

In our blog He No Bother Me, one of the scriptures that we covered was the 91^st Psalm. This Psalm is a powerful scripture that describes the awesome protection afforded to those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High and remain under the shadow of the Almighty. It is greater protection than a platoon of soldiers or a crack team of Ninja.

You wanna see for yourself? Check this out...

¹ HE WHO dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]. ² I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust! ³ For [then] He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. ⁴ [Then] He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings shall you trust and find refuge; His truth and His faithfulness are a shield and a buckler. ⁵ You shall not be afraid of the terror of the night, nor of the arrow (the evil plots and slanders of the wicked) that flies by day, ⁶ Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor of the destruction and sudden death that surprise and lay waste at noonday. ⁷ A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you. ⁸ Only a spectator shall you be [yourself inaccessible in the secret place of the Most High] as you witness the reward of the wicked. ⁹ Because you have made the Lord your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place, ¹⁰ There shall no evil befall you, nor any plague or calamity come near your tent. ¹¹ For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service]. ¹² They shall bear you up on their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone. ¹³ You shall tread upon the lion and adder; the young lion and the serpent shall you trample underfoot. ¹⁴ Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understands My name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness--trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no, never]. ¹⁵ He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. ¹⁶ With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation.

Psalm 91 (Amplified Bible)

That scripture was also the foundation for another item in our Psalms from the Pen of the Ready Writer series. We wrote Secret Place while attending an Assemblies of God camp meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Quite an interesting place for us to be... but as Psalm 139:7-12 tells us, never so far away that we can’t touch and be touched by the Spirit of God.

When my heart is tired
hurt and disappointed
i run
to the secret place

When my burdens heavy
and my body’s weary
i reach
for His warm embrace

In the secret place of the Most High
He will wipe away every tear from my eye
i am stable.
i will abide.
In the secret place of the Most High

When i have nobody
there to tell my troubles
i run
to the secret place

When death’s shadows lurking
and the world stops turning
i gaze
on His lovely face

In the secret place of the Most High
He will wipe away every tear from my eye
i am stable.
i will abide.
In the secret place of the Most High

If no one stands with me
whole world turns against me
i run
to the secret place

satan cannot touch me
nobody can harm me
when i
anchor at His base

In the secret place of the Most High
He will wipe away every tear from my eye
i am stable.
i will abide.
In the secret place of the Most High

In the 1950’s, they had bomb shelters. But in the centuries before Christ... and even to this day... we have the Secret Place of the Most High.

Dwell in it!

Seventy Times Seven

One of the most difficult aspects of the Christian life, at least for me, is the commandment to forgive those who have offended us. Granted, God has forgiven us of so much, how could we even think of holding some puny and insignificant debt against another person. Well... guess what? We do it every day! At least, I have. And as the Holy Spirit does what Ashley Cleveland sang about in Lesson of Love -- His wings provide me comfort as His light invades my sin -- I have but one alternative.

I must forgive!

Consider the parable of the man who was forgiven a great debt and yet refused his brother the same mercy for a significantly smaller debt. The wicked unforgiving servant was released from a debt he couldn’t pay, yet held a beef against his brother for a mere pittance. Jesus washed away my sins... so should I have an attitude towards my brother or my sister? I don’t think so. We are not carrying that mess into 2009!

In the parable, we see that the wicked servant was given a severe punishment for his unwillingness to show mercy to his brother (see Matthew 18:33-35). And this is not the only time that Jesus has made that point ever so clear. Take a peek at another scripture:

¹⁴ For if you forgive people their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you. ¹⁵ But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses.

Matthew 6:14-15 (Amplified Bible)

That scripture inspires me to dive into my prayer closet and repent for holding a single grudge or a beef against anyone. I don’t want to carry any of my sins as being unforgiven... so then I refuse to hold anyone else’s sins against them. Still... it is easier said than done. But it MUST be done!

²¹ Then Peter came up to Him and said, Lord, how many times may my brother sin against me and I forgive him and let it go? [As many as] up to seven times? ²² Jesus answered him, I tell you, not up to seven times, but seventy times seven!

Matthew 18:21-22 (Amplified Bible)

I like Mark Gershmehl’s song, How Many Times, which is answered... seventy times seven. Our song, from our Psalms from the Pen of the Ready Writer series, may not be as good as Mark’s tune. Still, it gets the point across...

Lord... i thought i could trust him
When... it seemed that i knew him
You... You know that i loved him
So, how? (How, i wonder...)
Could... he hurt me so deeply?
On... the day he betrayed me
Now... i come to You asking
What am i to do?

You say forgive
Forgive and love the way that You love me
You say forgive
Cover his sin and cast into the sea
Oh, i must forgive

She... my sister in Jesus
Once... a fellow believer
Times... we shared all our secrets
So, how? (How, i wonder...)
Could... my sister betray me?
With... her tongue she did slay me
Me... the victim of “loose lips”
Reputation gone!

Church on the corner... the
Place of my solstice... where
i go to worship... i’m
No longer welcome... Lord
This isn’t right... i’m
Ready to fight... but
You come down in Your Holy Light
And strengthen me with Your Great Might...

(the) Might to forgive
Forgive and love the way that You love me
Strength to forgive
Cover this sin and cast into the sea (Micah 7:19)
Lord, i must forgive
Help me to forgive

Though my brother sins against me seven times
i must forgive

Though he stops his ears and acts like he were blind
i will forgive

perpetually even to the end of time
i will forgive

and be like Jesus — to his sin i’ll die (Galatians 2:20)
Help me forgive

Oh Lord...
i will forgive
i will
i will forgive
help me forgive...

I have heard people partially acquiesce to God’s commandment by saying, “Well, I will forgive them... but I will never forget what they did.” Hello? A grudge is a grudge. One of the Fruit of the Spirit is longsuffering. We need to rely upon the Holy Spirit to give us longsuffering patience when dealing with the often knuckleheaded behavior of some of the people around us.

Slammed me to the ground
They hurt me, and brought my spirit down
i can’t see why i still have to love them
when i’ve suffered undeserved

Tried to kill my joy
The devil, he’s seeking to destroy
i realize i can’t fail to love them
Though my love is undeserved

If i don’t forgive them of their trespass
i won’t have the peace from God that will last

So i will suffer long --- even though provoked
In faith, keep going strong --- up against the ropes

He’s my strength and song
So, i will suffer long

Although i forgive
Forget their sin; They won’t let me live
in peace with them... i won’t cease to love them
when i suffer undeserved

Heart to reconcile
our differences; Fight to wear a smile
while facing this... Inside i’ll still love them
Though my love won’t be returned

If i don’t forgive them of their trespass
i won’t have the peace from God that will last

So i will suffer long --- even though provoked
In faith, keep going strong --- up against the ropes

He’s my strength and song
So, i will suffer long

Again... it is the power of the Holy Spirit by which we can forgive and forget. Call upon the Lord and yield to his operation in your life.

He No Bother Me

You ever have one of those days when it seems that nothing is going right? I can relate. When we wrote He No Bother Me back in 1994, I saw a multi-million dollar bonus go up in smoke with the job that mysteriously vanished... I saw a relationship disintegrate before we could reach the altar... and almost lost more than that when the brake line on my vehicle mysteriously failed in the middle of heavy traffic.  What was my response to this onslaught of calamity? 

I WROTE A SONG!

Yeah, I know that Earth Wind and Fire said, “When you feel down and out... sing a song.”  However, that is going under the assumption that one actually has a melodious and/or mellifluous singing voice.  I think that the only music that I can sing is country music.  And, even then, I doubt that anyone listening can discern what country the music is from.  Sorry, just a bit of humor.  I digress.  But, seriously folks, the Bible tells us to speak to one another with songs, hymns, and spiritual songs... singing and making music in your heart to the Lord (see Ephesians 5:18-20 and Colossians 3:16). 

We see in the Gospel According to Mark that Jesus spoke to the circumstances around Him... and his words had impact upon the situation.

And He arose and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, Hush now! Be still (muzzled)! And the wind ceased (sank to rest as if exhausted by its beating) and there was [immediately] a great calm (a perfect peacefulness).

Mark 4:39 (Amplified Bible)

My song was the cumulative application of these scriptures -- and my Bible study group joined me and my electronic keyboard in shoving it right back into the devil’s face.  I was not intent on just ignoring his persecution.  Oh, no.  I wanted to get my spiritual picnic basket out and enjoy a continual feast!

All the days of the desponding and afflicted are made evil [by anxious thoughts and forebodings], but he who has a glad heart has a continual feast [regardless of circumstances].

Proverbs 15:15 (Amplified Bible)

Anxious thoughts and forebodings are the food of the person who worries. And meditating on worry is a type of pride. How so? You don’t want to give it to Jesus... you would rather carry it yourself. It is as if your pacing the floor all night is more effective than laying it before the throne of the Creator of the universe.  The Bible tells me that God never slumbers nor sleeps.  So then, why should both of us stay awake all night?  I am going to sleep well... and then get up and get dressed the spiritual way...

¹¹ Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil. ¹² For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.

Ephesians 6:11-12 (Amplified Bible)

Now that I am rested... now that I have feasted on God’s word... and now that I am dressed in my armor, I will dwell safely and secure in the secret place of the Most High.

¹ HE WHO dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]. ² I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust! ³ For [then] He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. ⁴ [Then] He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings shall you trust and find refuge; His truth and His faithfulness are a shield and a buckler. ⁵ You shall not be afraid of the terror of the night, nor of the arrow (the evil plots and slanders of the wicked) that flies by day, ⁶ Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor of the destruction and sudden death that surprise and lay waste at noonday. ⁷ A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you. ⁸ Only a spectator shall you be [yourself inaccessible in the secret place of the Most High] as you witness the reward of the wicked. ⁹ Because you have made the Lord your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place, ¹⁰ There shall no evil befall you, nor any plague or calamity come near your tent. ¹¹ For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service]. ¹² They shall bear you up on their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone. ¹³ You shall tread upon the lion and adder; the young lion and the serpent shall you trample underfoot. ¹⁴ Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understands My name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness--trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no, never]. ¹⁵ He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. ¹⁶ With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation.

Psalm 91 (Amplified Bible)

I am secure in the knowledge that satan will get what is coming to him...

Then the devil who had led them astray [deceiving and seducing them] was hurled into the fiery lake of burning brimstone, where the beast and false prophet were; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever (through the ages of the ages).

Revelation 20:10 (Amplified Bible)

And that is why he no bother me...

The devil get this wild idea
but he no bother me
he think he fill my heart with fear
but he no bother me
he try to take all my possessions
but he no bother me
he try to steal my hope of heaven
but he no bother me

i cut the devil down one evening
Upon the blood of Jesus pleading
The word -- God's promises revealing
Say, he no bother me

On the highway, he try to kill me
but i no worry man
i call on Jesus, and He hear me
so, i no worry man
The angels come, and they protect me
so, i no worry man
The Holy Spirit lead and guide me
so, i no worry man

Like Abraham i have a covenant
When storm arrive, i rise above it
i speak the name of Jesus on it
So, he no bother me

The devil don't know when he had it
but he no bother me
'Cause on my Jesus i be braggin'
so, he no bother me
Eternal life, i'm waiting on it
so, he no bother me
the devil gets eternal torment
no more he bother me

Under the wings of Jesus hiding
Stable and fixed, i am abiding
Upon the wind of faith i'm riding

So i suggest you see
Don't you join my enemy
'Cause he go down to the fire sea
where he no bother me

satan will burn
eternally
Hey!
he no bother me!

Wretched Man

Those of you who have read our Psalms from the Pen of the Ready Writer series may wonder where the inspiration for some of those songs came from. One particular lyric, written in the early 1990’s, is entitled Wretched Man.

That psalm is based on a scripture that was very popular scripture at the church where I spent my teen years. Romans chapter seven is a continuation of the Apostle Paul’s expository on righteousness and sin... taking on the dichotomy that exists in all who walk out this Christian life. Specifically, Paul’s struggle to walk according to the spirit and not according to the flesh.

So, what does that mean?

Righteousness is imparted through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. Self-righteousness is what people use as a cover-up for their own inadequacies. We can call ourselves righteous by faith in the work that Jesus completed on the cross. Or, we can ignore His sacrifice... declare ourselves righteous because we pass some superficial test of our own devising... and then find out on the day of judgment that we built our houses on a foundation of shifting sand.

Sin is our nature... inherited as a part of our humanity after Adam disobeyed God’s commandment in the Garden of Eden. While we can enjoy a reborn spirit by accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, our flesh does not change. At least, not immediately. Yes, there are some things that God will drastically change for some people. Some find their language cleaned up. Others lose their taste for drugs or alcohol. Yes, God can do miraculous things like that (and, often does). But our fleshly nature remains... and like a zombie from a horror movie, will keep getting up and coming after you time after time.

This was the dilemma that Paul was talking about. The fact that we can crucify the flesh and submit to the Spirit of God... and yet the flesh pops up and wreaks havoc time and time again. Romans 7:14-25 is a passage of scripture that we can all identify with, as we deal with the dichotomy between our flesh and our spirit.

¹⁴ We know that the Law is spiritual; but I am a creature of the flesh [carnal, unspiritual], having been sold into slavery under [the control of] sin. ¹⁵ For I do not understand my own actions [I am baffled, bewildered]. I do not practice or accomplish what I wish, but I do the very thing that I loathe [which my moral instinct condemns]. ¹⁶ Now if I do [habitually] what is contrary to my desire, [that means that] I acknowledge and agree that the Law is good (morally excellent) and that I take sides with it. ¹⁷ However, it is no longer I who do the deed, but the sin [principle] which is at home in me and has possession of me. ¹⁸ For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot perform it. [I have the intention and urge to do what is right, but no power to carry it out.] ¹⁹ For I fail to practice the good deeds I desire to do, but the evil deeds that I do not desire to do are what I am [ever] doing. ²⁰ Now if I do what I do not desire to do, it is no longer I doing it [it is not myself that acts], but the sin [principle] which dwells within me [fixed and operating in my soul]. ²¹ So I find it to be a law (rule of action of my being) that when I want to do what is right and good, evil is ever present with me and I am subject to its insistent demands. ²² For I endorse and delight in the Law of God in my inmost self [with my new nature]. ²³ But I discern in my bodily members [in the sensitive appetites and wills of the flesh] a different law (rule of action) at war against the law of my mind (my reason) and making me a prisoner to the law of sin that dwells in my bodily organs [in the sensitive appetites and wills of the flesh]. ²⁴ O unhappy and pitiable and wretched man that I am! Who will release and deliver me from [the shackles of] this body of death? ²⁵ O thank God! [He will!] through Jesus Christ (the Anointed One) our Lord! So then indeed I, of myself with the mind and heart, serve the Law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.

Romans 7:14-25 (Amplified Bible)

There is a war going on within each of us... and we would be deluded to hang up a banner reading “MISSION ACCOMPLISHED” when that war continues to rage on within us. This reality was the inspiration behind Wretched Man. “O unhappy and pitiable and wretched man that I am! Who will release and deliver me from [the shackles of] this body of death?” Yes, we can lean upon the promise of deliverance in verse 25 above.

Oh wretched man that i am
it’s only grace i’m not damned
only by God’s steadfast love am i saved

Surprised i am not condemned
He bore the price of my sin
And poured His righteousness into my heart

Oh, how i long to be free
From all the sin that i see
it calls to me beckoning
Those “good old days” reckoning
i won’t turn back, won’t give in
Oh wretched man of sin

Oh what a Savior i have
He set me free, made me glad
i overcome, through His Blood i am saved

Not by some act i’ve performed
Although i strive to conform
And when i fail, i remember His grace

i praise the Lord i am free
From all the sin that i see
But sin will not go away
i’m crucified every day
My gaze is steadfast on Him
Oh wretched man of sin

It makes it difficult to get caught up in self righteousness or looking down one’s nose with a holier than thou attitude when one comes to a realization of the inability of our flesh to live up to God’s standard. Even after we have accepted Christ’s sacrifice and have pleaded salvation through His precious blood, we still find that our flesh creeps up and shows itself in the most frustrating ways.

• We can spend an hour worshipping God and listening to the word... only to get angry and lose our temper when somebody gets in our way in the church parking lot...
• We can sit in our chair studying the word... only to have our mind wander to ungodly thoughts...
• We can bow our head and thank God for a meal... and then dishonor Him by practicing gluttony...
• And on... and on... and on...

It is frustrating when our sin nature pops up. However, it is humbling to be reminded of our need for Jesus to walk with us every second of the day. And, as we walk with Him, we are reminded to be crucified with Him.

And He said to all, If any person wills to come after Me, let him deny himself [disown himself, forget, lose sight of himself and his own interests, refuse and give up himself] and take up his cross daily and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying also].

Luke 9:23 (Amplified Bible)

I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

Galatians 2:20 (Amplified Bible)

I live my life not by my own “good” works -- which (at best) are like garments polluted by bodily filth (see Isaiah 64:6) -- but rather, I live my life by faith in the Son of God. Jesus provided deliverance from the works of the flesh. The Holy Spirit daily empowers us to live the Christian life. Or, as Pastor Lon Solomon put it, the Holy Spirit does what we can’t do in living the Christian life through us.

I have faith that Jesus will lead me in the paths of righteousness so that His name will be glorified (see Psalm 23:3), and that His Spirit will help me to avoid any words or behavior that would cause those who do not believe to rail against Him (see 2^nd Samuel 12:14).

I also have faith that, should I blow it, He will bring correction. Even if that means (gulp) a trip to the spiritual woodshed (see Hebrews 12:5-7).

Used to Be

Our final blog for 2008 touched on the need for the body of Christ to wake up and get busy doing the work of the Lord.

But wait... have we been asleep?

Sometimes, we are like sleepwalkers; we go through the motions but are really sound asleep and not paying attention to the details. I remember getting pulled over by a police officer totally unaware that I had done anything wrong. I was just going through the motions and not paying attention -- as if on autopilot. Fortunately, my spotless record got me a warning and not anything more serious. But I have also had the Holy Spirit pull me over when my service to Him was on autopilot and not from my heart. Fortunately, the blood of Jesus wiped my record spotless.

Sweet!

So, how can we tell if we have been asleep? Consider someone who may spend hours in the mirror getting ready for church... and then drive past people who don’t know the Lord without even bothering to at least pray for them (if not sharing the Lord with them or maybe inviting them to come to church). Have we forgotten why we even go to church... what great mission our Lord has given us?

¹⁸ Jesus approached and, breaking the silence, said to them, All authority (all power of rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. ¹⁹ Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ Teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you all the days (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close and consummation of the age. Amen (so let it be).

Matthew 28:18-20 (Amplified Bible)

We have been called to make disciples. Unfortunately, we have been, as Keith Green wrote, asleep in the light. We need to, as General Jerry Boykin said, get off our duffs and get on our knees. After all, we periodically get our cars serviced... but how often do we remember to stop by the spiritual service station to check our motors? Are we running the race with flat tires? Is our tank running out of oil? Even more frightening... are our lamps running low on oil? Hey... the bridegroom is coming!

I was reading the editorial in a Christian magazine the other day. The author was enumerating a number of sins and failures that have been reported in diverse churches. In each instance, some financial or other calamity befell the leader who had given in to some sin or error. Some I had heard of previously. Others were new. The thesis was that judgment had fallen upon those churches/ministries because of lax behavior. At first, I started thinking about those ministries that I had personal knowledge of that had suffered some setback because of failures on the part of the leadership. I begin to wonder how someone who starts out on fire for God can go so totally and completely shipwrecked? A couple things come to mind:

We often get caught up in the “business” of ministry while forgetting the basics. Consider that, during church services or religious meetings, some leaders are backstage planning rather than participating in the praise and worship part of the service. I have frequently scratched my head at ministers who come out after the congregation had experienced an hour or more of worship wanting to start some worship. Not to continue the worship, but to start as if from scratch.

Of course, I can’t point my finger at them without three fingers pointing back at myself. Do those fingers represent the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit? I certainly can find things to repent from myself... such as getting lazy when it comes to spending time before God to produce material for this ministry. For relying on others to do the job that I was called to do. After a trip to the spiritual woodshed... I am back on track. J.

Key in our thinking during our final 2008 blog post was the fact that the signs of the times are pointing to the Lord’s return.

• Turmoil in the Middle East
• The world economy collapsing
• Terrorists proclaiming jihad against Christianity

These signs could mean the imminent return of Christ. We hope so. But even if the Lord chooses to tarry, there is no excuse to slumber and snooze when there are souls waiting to be saved. Let’s clean the cobwebs out of our prayer closets and spend some time interceding for the leaders of this world and for the souls of the lost. Let us not accept the status quo...

¹¹ Has a nation [ever] changed its gods, even though they are not gods? But My people have changed their Glory [God] for that which does not profit. ¹² Be astonished and appalled, O heavens, at this; be shocked and shrivel up with horror, says the Lord [at the behavior of the people]. ¹³ For My people have committed two evils: they have forsaken Me, the Fountain of living waters, and they have hewn for themselves cisterns, broken cisterns which cannot hold water.

Jeremiah 2:11-13 (Amplified Bible)

We wrote Used to Be in our Psalms from the Pen of the Ready Writer series as we contemplated the good fight of faith. This lyric reminds us that the foundational truths are still foundational and they are still the truth.

Used to be that righteousness sustained us
in God we trust...
America...

Seems to me that somebody deceived us
We’ve turned away...
No longer pray...

Used to be -- in the old days
You and me -- walked in God’s ways
Used to be -- hell was hot
Used to be -- is it not?

Telling me that times have changed
Can’t you see, God’s still the same
Seems to me -- judgment’s near
Used to be -- we would fear

Used to be that sin was run away from
We shunned all vice...
We were so nice...

Nowadays perversion is the forum
You call them lewd...
You might get sued...

Used to be -- in the old days
You and me -- walked in God’s ways
Used to be -- hell was hot
Used to be -- is it not?

Telling me that times have changed
Can’t you see, God’s still the same
Seems to me -- judgment’s near
Used to be -- we would fear

Used to be that church was where we worshipped
With outstretched hands
We took the land

Now we have confusion and politics
The Spirit grieved...
Men so deceived...

Used to be -- in the old days
You and me -- walked in God’s ways
Used to be -- hell was hot
Used to be -- is it not?

Telling me that times have changed
Can’t you see, God’s still the same
Seems to me -- judgment’s near
Used to be -- we would fear

The world has changed,
so... shouldn’t we?
Or should we stay with
“Used to be”

During New Years eve, I took part in a three-hour service for 1,700 screaming teens and tweens. While the presentation format was contemporary, the message was the same as it was 2,000 years ago. We need Jesus. Praise the Lord that 600 of the youths made either first-time commitments or recommitments to the Lord. Now... let’s go after the other 1,100!

In 2009, we NEED Jesus. Don’t go another moment into this year without Him.

Family Feud

“For it has been declared... that there are contentions among you... each of you says, ‘I am of Paul,’ or ‘I am of Apollos,’ or ‘I am of Cephas,’ or ‘I am of Christ.’ Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? For you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?”
(1^st Corinthians 1:11-13 and 3:3)

i used to be a Catholic
Go to mass each week
i’d sit for 15 minutes
hear the father speak
i’d see all the heretics
i thought that they were blind
i’d just say, “forget them”
now, it’s “Miller Time!”

You ain’t a Christian
if you don’t do what i do
Put up your fists then
it’s time for Family Feud

i used to be a Baptist
on the mourners bench
we’d hear the word for hours
(and) then go ride the fence
i’d see all the Methodists
“Hey man, you are so blind!
Y’better come to my church.
Pastor’s wife is fine!”

You ain’t a Christian
if you don’t do what i do
Put up your fists then
it’s time for Family Feud

i was a Charismatic
danced and jumped the pew
we’d carry on till sunset
we would bind and loose
scorned the cold, dead churches
(they) never call The Name
they can’t speak in tongues... oh,
what a crying shame!

You ain’t a Christian
if you don’t do what i do
Put up your fists then
it’s time for Family Feud

Now i follow Jesus
and the gospel way
no more criticism
there’s no more selfish hate
i don’t preach religion
or my own belief
i give the Spirit freedom
never cause Him grief

You ain’t a Christian
if you fuss and fight and feud
Let’s walk in love then
Let’s put on Jesus’ shoes

If you’re forgiven
you have the same to do
Let’s not be carnal
give up the Family Feud!

Starvation Diet

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”
(Matthew 5:6)

“But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
(Hebrews 5:14)

“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth...”
(Colossians 3:5)

---

i’ve been starving the sprit… i was fasting the wrong man…
i gave place to the devil… opened up to the strong man

Was an ignorant fool, and didn’t yield to the Spirit
closed my ears to His word, and i tried hard not to hear it

Got so fat in my flesh, I was in danger of dying
then i heard an alarm (say) “Boy, you gonna be frying”

So i cried out to Jesus and i turned from my sin
like a baby, i’ve stumbled since i’ve been born again

But now, i fast the flesh no more starving the spirit
listen close to His word and i always will hear it

Gonna be a true victor in this war against sin
No more fasting my spirit Dedicate it to Him

No more fasting the spirit no more starving the new man
gonna be like my Jesus crucifying the old man

gonna be like my Jesus crucifying the old man

gonna be like my Jesus crucifying the old man

now dead to sin, I’m outta here...

Independence Day

“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.”
(Luke 14:33)

---

One year ago
i wanted to be known
For all my talents and my gifts

to be recognized and praised
by the people

and receive the fruits
sown by my flesh

That was oh, so long ago
an eternity it seems

Now that Jesus is true Lord
i gave away my dreams

Oh, yes

all my dreams just fade away like dust
in the light of
true commitment to the God i trust


One year ago
i wanted to be lord
over my life and wear a crown

and give God a little place
in the corner

where I’d visit Him
from time to time


That was not so long ago
only yesterday, it seems

But today i serve the Lord
submit to Him, my King

Oh, yes

all my dreams just fade away like dust
(in the light of)
true commitment to the God i trust

Brother Michael

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
(2^nd Corinthians 5:17)

The toughest guy in our town
the meanest person around
big Mike hails from New Jersey
he knows what’s going down

i try to tell him of Jesus
and of salvation, free
but Big Mike don’t wanna hear it
“You better get away from me”

Oh, but Jesus loves a man
whose name is Michael
wants to meet his greatest need
Outside, Mike is mean
(but) inside he’s hurting
will someone come and plant a seed?

He visits all of the bars
he drives the fastest sport cars
big Mike has lots of women
you’d think he was a star

i try to give him a Bible
to plant a spiritual seed
but big Mike, he is to busy
“I ain’t got any time to read”

Oh, yeah... Jesus loves this man
my brother, Michael
wants to bring him into the band
Everybody thinks
Mike’s lost forever
but Jesus holds him in His hand

The Holy Spirit whispered to me
“Pray for Michael’s soul...”
i thought it was a waste of time
Lord, how was i to know...

A few months later I saw
a sight that loosened my jaw
big Mike reading a Bible
quoting Mosaic law

He spoke for hours of Jesus
and what the Lord had done
now Big Mike lives for his Saviour
and puts the devil on the run

Because Jesus loves a man
whose name is Michael
transformation came, it’s true
Michael’s not the only
one the Lord loves
there is also room for you.

Oh, yeah... Michael serves the Lord
with all his heart, and
We should serve the same way too.

The Secret Place

¹ HE WHO dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand].

² I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust!

³ For [then] He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.

⁴ [Then] He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings shall you trust and find refuge; His truth and His faithfulness are a shield and a buckler.

⁵ You shall not be afraid of the terror of the night, nor of the arrow (the evil plots and slanders of the wicked) that flies by day,

⁶ Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor of the destruction and sudden death that surprise and lay waste at noonday.

⁷ A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you.

⁸ Only a spectator shall you be [yourself inaccessible in the secret place of the Most High] as you witness the reward of the wicked.

⁹ Because you have made the Lord your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place,

¹⁰ There shall no evil befall you, nor any plague or calamity come near your tent.

¹¹ For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service].

¹² They shall bear you up on their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone.

¹³ You shall tread upon the lion and adder; the young lion and the serpent shall you trample underfoot.

¹⁴ Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understands My name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness--trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no, never].

¹⁵ He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.

¹⁶ With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation.

When my heart is tired
hurt and disappointed
i run
to the secret place

When my burdens heavy
and my body’s weary
i reach
for His warm embrace

In the secret place
of the Most High
He will wipe away
every tear from my eye
i am stable
i will abide
In the secret place
of the Most High

When i have nobody
there to tell my troubles
i run
to the secret place

When death’s shadows lurking
and the world stops turning
i gaze
on His lovely face

In the secret place
of the Most High
He will wipe away
every tear from my eye
i am stable
i will abide
In the secret place
of the Most High

If no one stands with me
whole world turns against me
i run
to the secret place

satan cannot touch me
nobody can harm me
when i
anchor at His base

In the secret place
of the Most High
He will wipe away
every tear from my eye
i am stable
i will abide
In the secret place
of the Most High

Without Spot or Blemish

“Therefore ‘Come out from among them and be separate, says the LORD. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty.’”
(2^nd Corinthians 6:17-18)

Cleanse my hands, O LORD
With holy fire
Sanctify the things i do
for i aspire
To be a holy vessel
without spot or blemish
To be like You... perfect (Matthew 5:48)
until life is finished
To hold up the banner
of the Blood of Jesus
Lord, to stand before You
without spot or blemish


Cleanse my heart, O LORD
my deepest being
Sanctify my every thought
my greatest need is...
To be a holy vessel
without spot or blemish
To be like You... perfect (Matthew 5:48)
until life is finished
To hold up the banner
of the Blood of Jesus
Lord, to stand before You
without spot or blemish

Godly Sorrow

¹ Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. ² Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. ³ For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. ⁴ Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. ⁵ Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. ⁶ Surely you desire truth in the inner parts [a] ; you teach [b] me wisdom in the inmost place. ⁷ Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. ⁸ Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. ⁹ Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. ¹⁰ Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. ¹¹ Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. ¹² Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. ¹³ Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. ¹⁴ Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.

(Psalm 51:1-14 NIV)

¹³ Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression. ¹⁴ May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

(Psalm 19:13-14 NIV)

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

(2^nd Corinthians 7:10 NIV)

---

Lord...
here i stand again
Stained
with the mud of sin
i could say that i fell, but
the truth is... i jumped right in

Felled
by temptation’s blow
Oh, Lord
how was i to know
when i thought i was standing
sin called, and i fell so low

i don’t know how i could come
into Your presence
but my soul longs after you
with true repentance

Godly sorrow
for the things i’ve said and done
Godly sorrow
wash me with the blood Your Son
shed for me
set me free...
Please
forgive me

Lord...
cleanse me from my sin
Please,
Jesus be my friend
i took Your love for granted
Don’t wanna do that again

i
thought that i could stand
my God
want to be a man
who stands for righteousness, and
can overcome satan’s snare

humbled by my humanness
i cry FORGIVE ME
You’re the only one i love
Oh God, i’m sorry

Godly sorrow
for the things i’ve said and done
Godly sorrow
wash me with the blood Your Son
shed for me
set me free...
Please
forgive me

Cast The First Stone

“So when they continued asking Him, He lifted up Himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” (John 8:7)

They’ve got the woman, but
Where is the man?
He’s not important, just
part of the plan
(the plan...)
to entrap Jesus, the
Pharisees think
Religious phonies
they really stink
(and they...)
Don’t want His silence, they
want a response
What is He writing, hey
what’s that Guy on?
(writing...)
Could be their sins, or
could be some names
Jesus is better
than their cheap games

He said...

“If you’ve never heard of sin
cast the first stone
If your life ain’t perfect, then
leave her alone
I want you all to see
how I can set her free
with love alone
can anyone cast the first stone?”

They slowly backed away
Then picked up speed
They saw a sinner, but
He saw a need.
(Jesus...)
Thought they could fool Him, but
Found they were wrong
His anger’s short, and
Compassion’s long (Psalm 30:5)
(Savior...)


The woman looked up, and
she was alone
Nobody left there, to
cast the first stone...
(No one...)
That’s why He came here (to)
show us the way
Condemn your brother
and He will say

to you...

“If you’ve never heard of sin
cast the first stone
If your life ain’t perfect, then
leave her alone
I want you all to see
how I can set her free
with love alone
can anyone cast the first stone?”

Would you, Like Peter,
chop off her ear? (John 18:10)
Offend her spirit, so
she will not hear
(Would you...)
Would you put her out, and
lock the church door
Don’t you know Jesus (or)
what He came for?

“If you’ve never heard of sin
cast the first stone
If your life ain’t perfect, then
leave her alone
I want you all to see
how I can set her free
with love alone
can anyone cast the first stone?”