Posted in Different Scriptures, Spoken Word

1 Peter 1:23-25

Have I still a seed imperishable,
Somewhere planted deep inside?
Or has such seed germinated already
The perishable having died?

The good news was something I’ve heard
In more than one way as I’ve grown
Although I’ll confess, in the beginning
It wasn’t good soil to be sown

But for years now I’ve tried to nurture
The right conditions for growing
And I believe by the Spirits power
There’s even some fruit that is showing

I see His Love reflected
In my home, and the way we exist
But there’s still a holy examine
For something I may have missed

I do not want to live anxious
Wondering if I bear “enough” fruit
For the “good news” also reminds us
That our efforts to measure are moot.

It is not our achievements or fruit bearing
That will cause God’s heart to inflame
It’s the way that we set performance aside
And humbly call on His name

Knowing full well that He loves us
Throughout His Word He assures
It’s not the the things that we do in His name
But only His Word, that endures.

Posted in Different Scriptures, Spoken Word

1 Corinthians 15:19-28

Reflections on resurrection.
On closer inspection we find
God has signed the deed
For all we need
As we’ve been freed from the bondage of
Even death
Our final breath will not be our last
We’ve passed the point of no return
As Christ has given what we could never earn
(Started when we weren’t even concerned.)
With Adam, all things were changed
Creation rearranged
Our relationship with God – estranged

But here – quite clear
that when Christ came near
Unthroned all sources of fear
New Life went out
Spreading deeper than sin ever had
Because we were not “bad”
We were infected
But now the stone that was rejected
Has become our cornerstone
Taken His throne
Called us His own.
And from this view –

We see all things. New.

Posted in Different Scriptures, Spoken Word

John 20:19-31

On the first day of the week
As the sun began to set
Jesus entered the house
Though no one had unlocked it yet

Knowing they’d have fear
At such an ethereal appearance
He announces “Peace be with you.”
Giving them emotional clearance

Then he showed His hands and side
Showing He had been the one
Crucified dead, and buried
God’s one and only Son

“Receive the Holy Spirit.
For as I was sent, now you.”
Extending God’s forgiveness was
Now something they would do.

Now Thomas wasn’t with them
So when they came with good news bursting
He declared he’d only believe
If he saw the scars in person.

So again Jesus would enter
The closed house where they’d gone to grieve
And Jesus invited Thomas
To touch his wounds and believe.

But blessed are those who haven’t seen
And believe, unlike Thomas
They understand the Love of God
That fulfills His Covenant promise