Posted in Different Scriptures, Spoken Word

Exodus 16:1-8

Scripture is filled with stories galore
To help us be people of faith.
Testimonies of those gone before
The ways God has kept His sheep safe.

But stories are told by those holding the pens
And it’s not hard to see what that means
When given the story of what happens
We should wonder about behind the scenes

One of the greatest examples of this
We find as Gods people wandered
They hungered and thirsted for water and bread
And in hardening hearts they pondered:

“Would it have been better to die as a slave?
At least we knew we could eat!
Our value was only in making the bricks,
But at least they gave us some meat!”

They shook fists at God, angered and mad
Afraid on this path they would die
In scripture we’re told to have faith like a child
And here we discover just why

While all of the people were shaking their fists
Saying “with God in charge we’ll be dead!”
There was a girl praying, so hungry inside,
Saying, “God, what if you made it rain bread?”

Posted in Different Moments

a moment.

thinking fast – i open another window

not to the fresh air, but a fresh page – words yet unwritten

kids chasing the kitten down the hall, himself chasing a ball

and through it all i have this moment

coffee cooling, cider still, donuts and the chill

of the crisp autumn air enters through the windows already opened

the early moments of a new day, unshaped clay

before even the kids say “what will be?”

we have yet to see, not anxiously awaiting

but allowing this moment to stretch

etching words of His on mind and heart

the best way to start each day

with a moment.

Posted in Different Scriptures, Uncategorized

as the world gives…

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” – John 14:27

A large part of the world is built and continually dependent on the lack of peace.  Advertisers know that in order to sell a product or service, they often must first convince you of your deficiency without their offer.  News sources know they must convince you of inherent anxiety that you can not shed without hearing the story they’re about to share (after these messages).  Our economy and daily connection to what’s happening in the world threatens to be shaped by these forces on a regular basis.img_1760

Into that kind of existence, we receive the words from Jesus again:

“I’m giving you peace…and I know the world offers you peace also.  The world offers you peace if you buy their product.  The world offers you peace if you utilize their services.  The world offers you an equation by which if you do “A”, they’ll accomplish “B”, and the outcome will be “C” (A + B = C).  But even if you attain “C” in this world, it is a peace that continues to allow disturbance so that you will continue to purchase the product, utilize the service, and listen to their voice of influence.

In fact, I want you to take an entire day off every week.  You don’t have to, but I invite you to gladly because it will shape your soul.  One day out of every 7, step out of the routines and paces of this world to declare and remember your freedom from them.  My peace and freedom are not an equation.  They are not dependent on any conditions of this world.  They are a gift that is continually poured out by the Holy Spirit – your advocate sent by my Father to remind you of all these things.”

May we respond to His invitation to Sabbath this week in ways that free us to be people of peace during the other 6 days as well…