Loving You

It quickly passes, this speck of time 

How in the world did it come to be, really

Family, friends, run the course of life

We carry on, do our best, all with a smile

Lord, give us the faith we need…to believe  

Joys of having family to share, everything,

With you at our side we'll make it through 

Believing everything...loving you

Watch the kids grow, stories of the old, wisdom of the years

Man, I love those gray hairs 

The little things, live dreams, no regrets when the time is here

Rock solid and steady years

Lord, give us the faith we need…to believe 

To believe, to believe 

Joys of having family to share, everything,

Everything, everything

With you at our side we'll make it through 

Believing everything...loving you

It's all good, we believed everything...loving you!

A Solid Foundation

Jesus said to his disciples: "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?' Then I will declare to them solemnly , 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you evildoers.'
"Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like the wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like the fool who built his house on the sand. the rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined."
Consideration: Some things remain constant in life. There are those who claim to follow the teachings of Jesus, but they do not act them out in their lives. And there are those that claim that they are grounded in truth, but when the storms of life come they are devastated. Remember, Jesus called Peter the Rock, and said his Church would be built on it. Jesus knew Peter's weaknesses, but also that he would not buckle because he built his foundation on the teachings of his Master, Jesus. Amen.

Cunning Traps

Jesus and his disciples returned once more to Jerusalem. As he was walking in the temple area, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders approached him and said to him, "Buy what authority are you doing these things? Or who gave you the authority to do them?" Jesus said to them, "I shall ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was John's baptism of heavenly or human origin? Answer me." They discussed this among themselves and said, "if we say, 'Of heavenly origin, 'he will say, 'Then why did you not believe him?' But shall we say, 'Of human origin'?" - they feared the crowd, for they all thought John really was a prophet. So they said to Jesus in reply, "We do not know." Then Jesus said to them, "Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things."

Consideration: Jesus recognizes the chief priests, scribes, and elders, were attempting to set him up with a question. So what does he do?, he asks them a question in reply. Understanding that they were out foxed by Jesus, they did not answer his question, and Jesus likewise did not answer their question. 
This is a teaching moment for all of us, especially when the wolves of today come at us and try to devour us by their cunning traps. Let the name of "Jesus" be praised. Amen.

Flames of Desire

Awake the day, at work, at play 

Dreams, realities, we move on 

Thoughts all remain for keeps 

The mind, so wise never sleeps 

Guard against drifting eyes, sparks fly in a moments time  

Remember the fox in hiding smiling is cunning and sly   

A burning heart loses control  

All caught up in foolish things 

Where it comes from, we know 

Living the joy pleasure brings  

It only takes a spark for a fire 

In seconds it's out of control 

Keep in check flames of desire 

The end is the cost of a soul 

Guard those drifting eyes, sparks fly in a moments time 

Thoughts, dreams, and a mind so wise it never sleeps 

Stay awake, and avoid the pleasures sure to take a toll 

Dim the fire of desire, the end game is the loss of a soul 

 

 

Rejoice Exultantly

Beloved: The end of all things is at hand. Therefore, be serious and sober-minded so that you will be able to pray. Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. As each one has received a gift, as to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace. Whoever preaches, let it be with the words of God; whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Beloved, do not be surprised that trial by fire is occurring among you, as if something strange were happening to you. But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that when his glory is revealed you may also rejoice exultantly. 

Consideration: Peter gives us examples of how we should conduct ourselves in the service of Jesus Christ. Also telling us to rejoice when we endure sufferings also endured by Jesus so we will rejoice when his glory is revealed. Amen.

Compassionate One

As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and sizable crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside begging. On hearing that it, Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, "Jesus, son of David, have pity on me." and many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he kept calling out all the more, "Son of David, have pity on me." Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So, they called the blind man, saying to him, "Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you." He threw aside his clock, sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus said to him in reply, "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind man replied to him, "Master, I want to see." Jesus told him, "Go your way; your faith has saved you." Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way.

Lord Jesus, you heard the blind man ask for pity and had compassion for him. When he asked to be healed, once again you were moved with compassion and granted his request. Today, we too, need healing from our many transgressions that we have committed against you. We ask that look down upon us with compassion and extend to us your mercy and forgiveness. Amen.

Servants of God

The disciples were on the way, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus went ahead of them. They were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. Taking the Twelve aside again, he began to tell them what was going to happen to him. "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death and hand him over to the Gentiles who will mock him, spit upon him, scourge him, and put him to death, but after three days he will rise." Jesus said to them, "You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as ransom for many.

Lord Jesus, lead us through humility to serve those that you call us to help during our journey in life. We must humble ourselves and love others as you have taught us to do. Amen.

My Shield and My Glory

 

You are my shield and my glory

I lean on you when I feel blue

If only I was righteous and holy

If only my life aligned in truth

Do you see me act like a fool

Love me the times I offend you 

Show mercy when I go astray

Hear me cry out to you in pain 

I do not fear a slandering wind

Or when I fall short deep sin

When I follow the wrong lead

Direct line to certain misery

My heart knows that in the end

I will call upon my dear friend

He will reach and extend to me

The grace of healing victory 

When you lay me down to sleep

My soul at rest will be set free

You are my shield and my glory 

Joyfully, lovingly, waiting on me 

The Age to Come

Peter began to say to Jesus, "We have given up everything and followed you." Jesus said, "Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house, or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come. But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first." Consideration: Are we willing to give up everything for Jesus and the Gospel? Jesus is clear on this decision, and if we heed his words, we have nothing to fear in this world, and are guaranteed eternal life in the age to come. Amen.

Blood and Water

So the soldiers did this. But standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magʹdalene. When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. After this Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfil the scripture), “I thirst.” A bowl full of vinegar stood there; so they put a sponge full of the vinegar on hyssop and held it to his mouth. When Jesus had received the vinegar, he said, “it is finished”; and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. Since it was the day of Preparation, in order to prevent the bodies from remaining on the cross on the sabbath (for that sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him; but when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. Consideration: The Lord Jesus speaks to his mother from the cross, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” So his mother was then taken care of by the apostle that Jesus loved.

No Greater Love

I will not be afraid, if they trouble me 

Or give into the pain, watch and see 

I will rise to the place when called to

No hesitation, I will be there for you

In trying times, I will fight through

No surrender when pressure ensues

When hearing the command to rise

Believing no mountain is too high 

No place for compromise or mistakes

My promise will be whatever it takes 

Staying awake so that you may sleep

Protecting truth where faith runs deep

I will be on guard against the enemy

Freedom is from God and needs me

One of many sacrificing for liberty

Keeping all our people safe and free

The many fallen are called heroes 

This for paying the ultimate price

In the promised glory that awaits

Giving their lives are called saints

Greater love hath no man than this, 

That a man lay down his life for his friends.

Peace is Nice

Mr. Phil in the woods, there is peace in the air

Quiet, calm and picturesque, nature at its best
No cars, no horns, or streets lined with stores
Rivers, streams, and rays of sunlight glistening

Oh, how I long to be in nature in summertime; so fine
Oh, how I long to be in nature surrounded with peace

One day spend a little time doing some fishing
A quiet afternoon on the river in boat drifting
Or maybe spend some time alone contemplating
To top it all off, talking to my God and praying

Oh, how I long to be in nature in summertime; so sweet
Oh, how I long to be in nature surrounded with peace

All the money in the world could not pay for this
This is what is meant when we say happiness
When life beats me down is when I long for this
I watch Mr. Phil; listen to the Gospel message

Oh, how I long to be in nature in summertime; so sweet
Oh, how I long to be in nature surrounded with peace

Just be nice, be sweet, be kind, surround yourself with peace
I will say it twice, peace is kind, peace is sweet, peace is nice!

Receive the Holy Spirit

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained." Consideration: We are so blessed; read these words slowly, and contemplate the awesome significance of their meaning, and how they have impacted the lives of Christians for over two thousand years. If you are not a Christian remember that Jesus loves you, and the Holy Spirit is with you as well. Peace!

Words of Living Truth

No anger, no rage 

Everything passes away

Lawless getting over in spades

No worries, they will have their day

Be righteous, choose

They may laugh at you

Stay focused on the truth

Be blessed in all that you do

Eyes of the Lord see though the pain

In tough times he will guide the way

No fear when you encounter a fight

Peace within heart and guiding light

Hands of the Lord hold you 

Wisdom sees the way to truth

Always there in times of despair

His love will shelter you there

Be ready, victory is within reach

Every step was his time to teach

A weary soul finds time to rest

No anger, no rage, truly blessed

The Lord is fixed on you to prosper

His grace is waiting for you to move

That your love will glorify his name

Extending his words of living truth 

Follow Me

After Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and eaten breakfast with them, he said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" Simon Peter answered him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my lambs." He then said to Simon Peter a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more?" He said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him a third time, "Simon, son of John, "Do you love me?" Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.' Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." He said this signifying by what kind of death he would glorify Gog. And when he said this, he said to him, "Follow me."

Consideration: Lord, Jesus, how many times will you need to ask us if we love you? As many times we are confronted with a decision to follow the Lord and his teachings or follow the way of the world for satisfaction and comfort. Jesus sends us out as lambs among the wolves of this world. Be prepared to sacrifice for the Kingdom of God. Amen.

Paul's Witness

Wishing to determine the truth of why Paul was being accused by the Jews, the commander freed him and ordered the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin to convene. Then he brought Paul down and made him stand before them. Paul was aware that some were Sadducees and some Pharisees, so he called out before the Sanhedrin, "My brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of Pharisees; I am on trial for hope in the resurrection of the dead." When they heard this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the group became divided. For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection or angels or spirits, while the Pharisees acknowledge all three. A great uproar occurred, and some of the scribes belonging to the Pharisee party stood up and sharply argued, "We find nothing wrong with this man. Suppose a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?" The dispute was so serious that the commander, afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, ordered his troops to go down and rescue Paul from their midst and take him into the compound. The following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Take courage. For just as you have borne witness to my cause in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness in Rome." 

Consideration: Paul's faith in the resurrection is made known publicly and the Sadducees became violently angry with Paul for his testimony. Then, Jesus tells Paul that he must also bear witness in Rome and to have courage. Paul did in fact become very courageous in his mission that the Lord was calling him to do.

Without Attachment

Lifting up his eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed, saying: "Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one. When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me, and I guarded them, and none of them was lost except the son of destruction, in order that the scriptures may be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you. I speak this in the world that they may share my joy completely. I gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the Evil One. They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. Consecrate them in truth. Your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world. And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth."  Consideration: Jesus said, "They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world." Praise God! Jesus is telling us that if we are one with him and follow his words and teachings that we belong to him and not the world. How blessed are those who firmness and conviction proclaim Jesus Christ as our Savior and Son of God. We go forward into the world and love one another just as our Lord loves us; without attachment to the world. Amen!

Planted in the Lord

Blessed are you whose joy is in the Lord

Who meditates and contemplates on his law

And does not spend time wasting their life

Keeping company with lives twisted and torn

Always willing to lend a hand to a stranger

Whose many struggles weigh them down

Uplifts all with compassionate sincere love 

Blessed with gifts of tenderness from above

Day and night the Lord resides in the heart

Never tiring from tasks of an average day

Like a tree planted by the rivers of water

Remains a vibrant, strong, bearer of plenty

Labors are richly fruitful and never in vain

Bringing forth prosperity and righteousness

The Lord showers blessings upon the just

Blessed is a joyful soul planted in the Lord

John 17: 1-11

Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come. Give glory to your son, so that your son may glorify you, just as you gave him authority over all people, so that your son may give eternal life to all you gave him. Now this is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and the one whom sent, Jesus Christ. I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work you gave me to do. Now glorify me, Father with you, with the glory that I had with you before the world began. I revealed your name to those whom you gave me out of the world. They belonged to you, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you gave me is from you, because the words you gave to me I have given to them, and they accepted them and truly understood that accepted them and truly understood that I came from you, and they have believed that you sent me, because they are yours, and everything of mine is yours and everything of yours is mine, and I have been glorified in them. And now I will no longer be in the world, but they are in the world, while I am coming to you.

Glory to your Son

Jesus' eyes raised to heaven 

Father the hour has come 

So that I may glorify you 

Give glory to your son 

 

Everything you told me 

What you sent me to do  

All has been accomplished 

It is time to return to you 

 

Father give glory to your son 

He who set the captives free 

They raised him on the cross 

Three days later won victory 

 

From that moment on, the world, will never be the same  

Oh, my Lord, oh my God, the world, will never be the same 

 

Slandered and ridiculed 

Cursed and spit upon 

And raised from the dead 

Now it is time to go home 

 

Oh, my Lord, oh my God, the world will never be the same  

The hour has come, give glory to your son, I am coming home 

 

Coming home, coming home, coming home, coming home to you 

And the world will never be the same...Oh my Lord, Oh my God 

The world will never be the same 

 

Anthony Raymond