Saturday, September 20, 2014

Through the Fire




THROUGH THE FIRE


Genesis 1: 26 - Let us make man in our own image and in our likeness.

Genesis 2:19 - Lord God formed all the birds of the air and the beasts of the field and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.


On any given day, Hilda, Carmen and Sybil could be heard preaching the Bible to any and all who would listen, and to even those who couldn’t be bothered to listen.
They could be heard boisterously uttering phrases like “Too blessed to be stressed!” “Thank God for Grace!” and “I’m glory bound!” and “Bless Jesus, I’m saved!”
You could hear them singing:
Pass Me Not, Oh Gentle Savior; Open my Eyes That I May See; I’m Climbing Jacob’s Ladder; Onward Christian Soldiers; and I am Delivered, Praise the Lord!
But, there was something not quite real about any of them.
If you passed by Sybil’s house on laundry day, you could hear her singing:
I don’t like work, and work don’t like me, and that is the reason that I’m so hungry. Hallelujah, I’m a bum. Hallelujah, a bum again. Hallelujah, give me a hand out to revive me again!”
If you passed by when Carmen’s husband had gotten drunk and beat and curse her and the children, you would know that she had completely forgotten all about the catch phrases that she loved to quote to people when she was on her “Jesus Juice!”
You could hear Carmen asking the Lord to let the day come when she would ask Him to give her five minutes to “out that cretin’s lights” permanently. And that was after she had used enough technicolor phrases to make even a sailor blush!
As for Hilda, when she left off her preaching stint every Wednesday morning outside Dolphus' Shop, she stepped inside for the requisite flask bottle of Cockspur Rum which she said was for when “King Arthur kicking in me old tail!”
Of course, after she had taken a liberal dose of her “medicine,” she set about doing her Christian duty to, as she said, “The poor, morally bankrupt and lost souls.”
Everybody knew that was Hilda-speak for “I am going to give and get the juiciest gossip on everybody in this neighborhood!”
And, of course, there was Ms. Daisy. The most devout of the neighborhood Christians.
Daisy could hardly walk during the week, and needed help to do even the most basic things to keep herself comfortable. But, when Church day came along, Daisy could outwalk and outrun everybody, rain or shine, to be the first one in the Sanctuary. She was the one to speak to if you wanted to know the 411 on “them deceitful people in this church!”
These women had forgotten their examples from the Bible: Noah, Shem, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, Samuel, Job, King David, Nehemiah, Paul, Dorcas, and on and on.

The Christian’s Lot
The lot of a Christian is hard, often bitter, and contentious. There is no minimizing that.
Look at the Master. He didn’t do anything wrong. He did all that was right in the sight of God and man, and yet, ultimately, he was brutally scourged and finally murdered.
However, with Christ as the only binding example of the Christian walk, we Christians are called upon
1. To be WISE, beyond education, training, situation or circumstance. We must remember that our current situation is NOT our final destination, and we must look beyond what is to what is possible.
2. To be temperate. We must do all things in moderation, including eat, sleep and work and play.
3. To seek to find our innate gifts. Think back to Genesis 2:19. God gives each of us gifts — we only have to seek for, recognize, accept and use, better yet, exploit them. If you want more gifts, remember, first, to use the ones with which you have been blessed.
4. To be our brother, and sister’s keeper. If your neighbor, your husband, or wife, mother, father, brother or sister hurts you, and you can help, even if he or she may have despitefully used you, you are required to assist that person. For, you are to heap coals upon that person’s head and let the Lord take vengeance, which He says is His, and which He will repay.
5. To surround ourselves with positive people, and to set a positive example for those who are otherwise. We must live up to our calling and project a sense of self that is worthy of our Christian calling.
6. To be rounded, a pie, if you will. A bible-thumper does not a Christian make, nor a slice a whole pie. We are to find the things that bring us and others joy, and stop sucking the air out of the atmosphere with our sour looks and pious expressions which only cover very shallow and one dimension beings.
         By way of analogy, I give you Life as told by the Rose:
Rose, that I am, while beautiful to behold and fragrant to the nose, is sheathed in protective thorns to keep at bay those who would mishandle or abuse me.

          As it relates to life, we are to observe, and enjoy, and handle said life wisely, or else the thorns

that are life’s prods to growth with tear us to pieces.
          I also give to you the analogy of the Redwood tree. That giant in nature which grows in community and toward heaven in all majesty.
A Redwood tree will never grow in isolation. It will never reach its potential if left to its own devices. At 1,000 plus feet of height, it needs the community of the brotherhood as support for its growth toward grace, as it cannot grow alone and be called by its real name.
           I also give to you the analogy of the Waterlily. The most fragrant and beautiful salve to the weary and wandering soul who gets life, and attains its regal stature and poise from growing where it is planted, in the dirtiest, dankest, smelliest, swamp imaginable.
In short, that Waterlily has learnt to “grow where it has been planted!” It has found its purpose in life and it lives above its surroundings while being a beacon to the lost, the weary and lone.
Finally, I want us to consider Samuel 16:7 - ... The Lord looketh on the heart.
We must not minimize people just because they are not like us in face, body, clothing, speech, education, living accommodation, financial acumen, bible mastery, or even in smell.
As Christians, we are to be as the Shepherd David:
David took his HARP and played for the soothing of his enemy King Saul’s soul.
David also played ,and sang unto his God of the desires of his heart and his personal observations of the Lord’s creation. David gave thanks and praise while seeing to the welfare of his parents, the displaced of the community; his followers; his army and the stranger within his gate.
David was not arrogant because of his elevation from the sheepfold. He accepted his chastisement when he was convicted of doing wrong in the sight of God and man, and he repented and became that beloved “Man after God’s own heart!”
David always sang of his faith in His Creator and TESTIFIED of His Creator’s saving grace and power.
David, that wise singer, songwriter, harpist, conqueror, builder, and King, after having found his purpose, and after having confessed and was forgiven of his sin, behaved himself wisely in all his ways, and the Lord, God, was always with him. **BJC**



Thursday, September 18, 2014

BE WARY





BE WARY


Be wary when at your worship
The Good Book - it is not opened
And never a Bible text noted
But popular wisdom is e'er grandly quoted!

Saints please don't become like sheeple
Because of over-yonder pretty people
Alphabet buildings, rock bands, comfy seats
Movie nights, and disciple retreats!



Prosperity's the gospel, feel-good's theology

Lightens your pocket and weighs down your soul!

If that's all that's wanted, I tell you clear

You got what you paid for: you sit in the best chair!

Seek the Undiluted Word of Our God
It's inerrant, it's faithful, everlasting and true
Yes, it's Inspired of God's Holy Spirit, and
Always has a sure word for you, too!

All God's people, turn away, turn away
From man's devices, and Satan's deceits!
Demand, I tell you, a “doth saith the Lord!”
Else return to those heathens their nice empty seats! **BJC**




God's unConditional Love




GOD'S unCONDITIONAL LOVE


I heard a preacher speak about
God's unconditional love?!
I went cold because I knew
He was speaking anything but truth!


God's love is conditional
As shown from Holy Writ
But Satan's plan is applied and exercised
When you upon your Bible sit!


Please do not let your preacher tell you
What you should or should not believe
Unless he comes with a Doth saith The Lord!”
Do not his so-called plain word receive!


Open your Bible for yourself, friend
Read line upon line, and precept
God's word always explains itself
Upon that you can surely depend!

John 3:16 plainly states:
For God so loved the world That He gave His Only Begotten Son

That whosoever believeth in Him Shall not perish but have everlasting life.”


So, listen well now, Preacher Man
God is not a man that He can lie!
So don't you dare lie unto His flock
For, the Lord, He will not be mocked!



See here my friend, you must believe
That our God's love is true!
You MUST believe upon His Son
For THAT is HIS condition, for you! **BJC**

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Things - A Poem



Things

I pass life’s display cases
Filled with things calling out to me
And though I try to ignore them
You know, they refuse to let me be!


I wonder who’s in control here
The things — or is it really me?
I know that I’m on a mission,
But, Lord, they keep yelling at me!


I don’t measure my life by the things I own
Nor by how many things I can get
Things are here for my pleasure and comfort,
But they don’t control me yet!


So when I hear the many things,
Calling out to me,
I put it all in perspective,

And continue on to the Tree! **BJC**

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

YOU CAN'T DIMINISH GOD!



YOU CAN'T DIMINISH GOD!



Sometimes I get so bothered
When I hear people say
That MY God is not a good one
And I should throw Him away!




They say He kills little children
And He took their mothers away
And fathers who were left behind
Well … they just went astray!


They blame Him for wars and famines
They blame Him for poverty
They blame Him for drought and hurricanes
And all manner of awful disease!


Many people try to blame my God
For their own willful ways
And when they get into trouble
They say He's never any good, anyway!


And when I really think on it
I realize right quick
They cannot diminish my God
And they can't turn Him into a Roman tick!


I'm tired of all these accusations
The cursing, the blame, the regrets
I'm standing up for my God, friend
Because He's never failed ME yet!


So you can keep on blaming OUR God
When YOU exercise YOUR own freewill
I'll keep on with Him to the finish
But you can't Him ever diminish!


God's Holy Spirit comforts me
His Holy Angels surround
I gave my God my will and my way
And His keeping of me is truly profound!


My God is the Creator
Sustainer, Redeemer, my Friend
He leads me on this path of life
And I'm onto Glory bound! **BJC**



Sunday, September 14, 2014

God's Workmanship - A Poem



Greetings, Dear Ones!

     I hope every one had a Happy Sabbath, and that all is well in your world!

     I recently had the occasion to gaze upon a set of photographs showing what men, surgeons of high degrees - who "knew" that they could fix with a knife, surgical vacuum and filler and pads, etc., what the Lord through Christ Jesus had created with His own hand - had done to the faces of those who had sought their professional skills to "fix" what "ailed" them, or else ...! You may add your own ending to the previous sentence!

     To say that the end result for all those persons seeking perfection for already beauteous faces/features is a dire testament to the price paid for those of us whose hearts are so burdened with the things of this world, that we are willing to destroy ourselves for what is ephemeral. It is so much smoke and mirrors, and it makes me very sad.

     There was a time when this type of behavior was displayed by the "rich and famous!" Now this behavior is to be found among the "regular" people.

     In Ephesians 2:10 KJV, we see the following:

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 

    In Song of Solomon 4:7 ESV, we see the following:  

You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you.

     Can't we  learn to be satisfied with what the Good Lord has done for us, unless it is out of medical necessity?

     In the old days, we often heard the elders say: "Beauty fades, but ugly lasts for ever!" and "She/he is handsome/beautiful, but he/she has no mind!" What an indictment!

    We are asked to look at people/self in the same manner as our Lord did when He was with the Prophet Samuel as he was doing the Lord's commission to find an earthly king for Israel: " ...[M]an looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks upon the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7 in part, ESV.

     What is wrong with many of us is NOT external, it is internal, and only Jesus Christ the Great Physician can fix what ails us.

    Dear Ones, let us forget about those things which fade, and look, instead, toward to the Eternal Kingdom and Eternity with our Lord and our God.

    Today's offerings are poems - one has its own page, and is entitled God's Workmanship, and one which appears at the bottom of this post  is entitled Mirror Therapy.

    God does not makes mistakes! He made each and every one of us just right!

     Sin caused the problem.

     Our God has, and is, the solution!

     Enjoy!

BJ


MIRROR THERAPY


The mirrors in the olden days
Always replied when queried
Who’s the fairest of them all?”
You always are, my dearie!”


I had this mirror on my wall
That’s now sitting on a shelf
Because whenever I looked I saw
Someone not my reflected self!


I wondered how this was possible,
And my mirror calmly replied:
You don’t like yourself very much
And it’s reflected outside!”


I decided to change my image by Design
By enhancing the Miracle inside me,
The mirror stands proudly back on the wall
And my Inner Vision shines back at me! **BJC**

Friday, September 12, 2014

God's Creation


Greetings, Dear Ones!

    This is the day that we who are Sabbath-keepers call Preparation Day, wherein we make sure that all our chores are done, meals prepared, clothing readied, and by sun-down we are ready to Sabbath or rest in the Lord from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday.

     It is a beautiful time where we spend it worshipping, studying, and fellowshipping (the food is always wonderful), as we remember that it is the memorial of God's Creation, and that He is our Creator and deserves our worship. It is the day that we keep holy unto the Lord.

     In its honor, our offering today is a poem entitled God's Creation that speaks to the fact that all He has recreated is for the refreshment and renewing of our minds.

     Enjoy!


God’s Creation


Creation came from God’s palette
Made up of things supreme
He who designed the creation
Designed it to keep me serene.



Nobody views God’s creation
The way that it speaks to me
So my view of God’s creation
Can only be got from me.


God put all the right colors
In the rainbow, the flowers, the seas
They all fit together in perfection
Because God caused it to be!


So when I’m sad and lonely
I look at God’s creation and see
The beautiful things He created
The things that speak “peace” to me! **BJC**




Thursday, September 11, 2014

Yesterday



Greetings, Dear Ones!

     I pray that all is well with you and your loved ones!

     How often have you found yourself wishing - like in your childhood games - for a "do-over?" Often? Seldom? Never?

     Have you wished you could, and have then been glad you can't?  

     Well, today's poem, short and to the point, treats exactly to that issue! And while we are at it, let us not forget that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever! (Hebrews 13:8).

     Enjoy!



Yesterday


When I think of yesterday
There’s not much I can do,
But learn from any mistakes I’ve made
And see what better I can do!


And if yesterday has no regrets
Of things that can’t be undone
I gaze upon my triumphs
And tell myself: “Yes! Well done!”


Yes, I know thoughts of yesterday
All in all can go two ways
But thankfully in the Master’s Plan
I’ve a chance for a brand new day!


And since I can’t erase the past,
I will not dwell on it, 
My yesterdays, though a part of me
Now dwell in eternity!



YESTERDAY is HISTORY!

TODAY is a GIFT!

TOMORROW is a MYSTERY!





Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Where Were YOU, God!?!




Greetings, Dear Ones!

In a few short hours, we will be memorializing the events which occurred on Tuesday, September 11,2001 which have forever changed our world, and our way of life.

Two short days before, I had just returned from a wonderful vacation only to have that wonderful feeling disappear with the occasioning of the events of that fateful day.

The Memorial which follows was written that very evening, and it was the cry of my heart.

 
Memorial to the events of
Tuesday, September 11, 2001


Where were YOU, God!?!

Today, Father, I wondered where you were
When, in the blink of an eye
Death rained down from the sky.
Young men and women with no fear of your judgments
Willingly, gladly and with great glee
Gave up their lives to joyously destroy the myriad lives of the innocents.

We all gasped in shock when the first plane crashed
But then in another breath, we collectively grabbed our stomachs and groaned in deepest despair when Plane Number 2 swathed a hideous line of liquid death upon the heads of our beloved.

Oh, God, where were You?

                                         


This was no mere accident, this, Father, was murder most foul, with total disregard for the lives of your children.
We have not always listened Lord, but now you have our full attention
And, so, Father, now that I'm listening, please tell me, where were You?


My child, you do well to ask the question
Father, where were You?
I was standing guard, ever watchful, ever vigilant
I was there, in each aircraft, in each tower, with the police, the fire service, the doctors, nurses, volunteers and with the many ordinary citizens ensuring that the sacrifice was not greater.

I was with each person who sacrificed his or her life to make sure that there was no more death than was bearable for you.
I am here, now, waiting, watching, ever “hopeful” that you, my child of “free will,” will see me as I AM, and know that I AM GOD!

I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End.
I am here, with you, always, even when you turn away from me and exercising your “free will” and at those times reaping the whirlwind.

I am here, now, waiting for you to turn your eyes, your ears, your hearts and your will over to me, so that I may take you to my bosom to cover you with my everlasting and sheltering wings.
My child, I plead with you to call on Me

Now, today, every minute, every hour, every day, Always.
I know all, I see all
I feel your pain and your grief
I am the Balm in Gilead, and I can, and will, heal your grieving soul.

You may not realize it
But, this, my child is the beginning of the end and what I do not hinder, I allow
I beseech you, turn away, turn away from the things of the earth,

Call aloud, call long, call ME, ask ME to hasten MY return and know that you and you alone can put an end to all earthly suffering.

I am ready, I am willing, I am able
I will conquer all – I will crush the evil one underfoot
Be as the wise virgins, have your lamps trimmed, look toward the eastern sky
Make your hearts hold all earthly things as fleeting
Accept my sacrifice, and
Look for Me, and you will see Me, as I AM.
**BJC**


His Eye Is On The Sparrow by Kathleen Battle
God and God Alone by Daryl Coley
Prelude &Total Praise by Richard Smallwood and Vision
The Lord Bless You and Keep You by Octarium

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Why Worry When...?



Why Worry When ...?


Why worry when
you cannot change the inevitable?
Why worry when
you cannot even the score?
Why worry when
the world is working against you?
Why worry when
you know the outcome is sure?


Why worry when
your hands are tied behind you?
Why worry when
your feet are nailed to the floor?
Why worry when
everything you touch turns into ashes?
Why worry when
you know He’s at the door?


Never worry when
you know He’ll send someone to aid you.
Never worry when
you know that He’s still in control!
Believe in His Love
your faith it will sustain you,
Give your praise to the Lord, and
Never worry when...! **BJC**



Today I am Counting ... BLESSINGS!



Greetings, Dear Ones!

Today, I am


Counting Blessings!

I awoke this morning and thought
What a blessing!”
I looked at the sunrise and thought
What a blessing!”
And then as I started my busy day,
It dawned on me and I thought to myself
I’ve got a lot to be thankful for so I know I should 
be counting blessings!”


I sat down for a little while and did a short review
Yes, of course, there were blessings to count
And more than just a few!


Blessing No. 1 - I’d awakened today
Blessing No. 2 - I was healthy
Blessing No. 3 - inside the cupboard door
Blessing No. 4 - I was wealthy


I cast around inside my life
Looking for blessings to count
And as I concentrated on this
The blessings started to mount!


Blessing No. 5 - is hands that could work
Blessing No. 6 - seeing eyes
Blessing No. 7 - is ears to hear
Blessing No. 8 - I’m alive!


I thought some more and realized
So far I’d thought just of me
I’d not even touched on family and friends
Counting blessings could take at least a week!


I knew I’d never complete the task
Of counting the blessings that I had received
So I just gave up this impossible task
And instead thanked God on my knees!


As I got up from giving thanks
I vowed to count blessings each day
Even though the blessings are infinite

At least I can say “Thank YOU!” when I pray!**BJC**

Monday, September 8, 2014

New Page "The Choir" Added

Greetings, Dear Ones!

Please join me in praying for the Lord's blessing, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the covering and protection of the Holy Angels for our children and their teachers, instructors, coaches, professors, administrators and security personnel who are returning for the first full week of school since the end of the Summer vacation! May Almighty God have mercy upon each and every one of them.

I have added a new poem page entitled The Choir.

This poem has an interesting story behind it:

 In my home church when I was a young lady, we had several accomplished singers. However, there was a particular Sister in the congregation who had two daughters who both had beautiful voices and, to hear her carry on, you would believe that she was instrumental in them having received their voices. And, of course, the goodly Sister never failed to let you - who "though" you could sing - know that you were no match in the singing department against her gifted daughters. 

Now, on any given Sabbath, you  could expect to hear one or both of the sisters singing, and on this particular Sabbath, every time an item of special music was announced, one of her daughters go up to "perform." Well, they were on a roll at that particular Sabbath evening's program, and the goodly Sister was in kiddie goat heaven!

I guess it was about the third announced item of special music when both daughters got up to go to the rostrum that their dear Mother outdid herself!

She jumped up and, proud as a peacock in all its glory, gleefully shouted: "My STARS!"

Without missing a beat, several of the other singers who has been stung by her insults on their talents responded: "Mon-STARS!"

Sufficed to stay, that was the end of that type of behavior.

Well, go have yourself a read, and have a blessed day at work, school, or at home, whatever your chosen activity.

BJ




Sunday, September 7, 2014

New Page "Prayer for a Terminally-ill Friend" added

Greetings, Dear Ones!

     I hope that you are all well, and that you had an opportunity to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather we had today!

     On a somber note, I know that many of us, myself included, have had family and friends cut down in the prime of life due to the ravages of cancer, and for this reason, I have added a new page with a prayer entitled Prayer for a Terminally-ill Friend.

    It is not easy watching loved ones slip away, and I pray that this prayer will benefit someone.

    Let us bless the Lord all times, especially during the trying times where terminal illness is involved, and keep "pressing on the upward way!"

Be well, and be gloriously blessed,


BJ

 

Thursday, September 4, 2014

New Poem Page Added entitled "The Lust, The Lust!"


Greetings, Again, Dear Ones!

     I hope that your day has been a blessed one!

    In line with the new format announcement, the first poem to get its own page is entitled The Lust, The Lust! 

    This poem is loosely based off of 1 John 2:16 which reads as follows: 

King James Version (KJV)

For all that is in the world, 
the lust of the flesh, 
and the lust of the eyes, 
and the pride of life, 
is not of the Father, but is of the world.

     Please have yourself a read, and please feel free to comment, AND don't forget to share!

Be well, and be gloriously blessed

BJC

Change in Format ANNOUNCEMENT!!

Greetings, Dear Ones!

     This is just a short note to let you know that, effective today, Thursday, September 4, 2014, I am changing the layout of SingOutMySoulToTheLord.

     I have decided that from hereon in, I shall be putting each poem and prayer on its own page so that you will no longer have to scroll through a rather lengthy page to find each day's offering. By so doing, you should have a much more comfortable interaction on SingOutMySoulToTheLord!

     I thank you for your understanding and consideration, and I look forward to your continued support.

     Be well, and be gloriously blessed,


BJC

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

New Poem entitled "I Believe in ME!"



Greetings, Dear Ones!

      I pray that you are all faring well on this lovely day!

     There are beautiful blue skies, the raucous chirping of many of our feathered friends, the hum of the fans and air conditioners as they try to cool the air, and the occasional sound of an offended cat to let me know that, yes, I am still alive, and thankful for it!

     Today's offering is a poem entitled I Believe in Me! which needs no explanation.

     Enjoy, and don't forget to share!

BJC



Tuesday, September 2, 2014

New Poem entitled "Talking to Jesus"

Greetings, Dear Ones!

    I hope that you all enjoyed the three-day weekend off!

    I have written a new poem entitled Talking to Jesus which pretty much summarizes the kinds of conversations we all have every now and again with our Jesus.

    Not so long ago, I had a conversation with a neighbor who told me that she "quarrels" with Jesus when she asks for help and He "ignores" her requests! I thought she had lost her mind!

    Another time she was complaining about some other problem, and I asked her why she had not prayed about it. She looked me dead in the eye and said: "I am not talking to Him, and He knows why!" Now I was really sure that she had lost her mind!

    In high indignation, I really thought she had not gotten the "memo" which said that the Lord always answers His children's prayer, and the answer could either be: "Yes!" "No!" "Wait!" or, as I coin it "Welcome to the pain!" i.e., My Grace is sufficient for you!

     After much thought, I realized that she was vocalizing what we all do at one time or another, and that she was being honest about her true feelings. She believed the Bible when it said that she was a child of the Heavenly Father, and because He said we may cast our every care on Him because He cares for us. And besides that, our Bible told her that outside of Jesus being Savior, Redeemer, Lord, and King, He was also our very Best Friend which meant that she could say anything to Him, without fear.

    Please have yourself a read, and "hear" her Best Friend's response. Also, if you have ever had yourself one of those "coming to Jesus meetings" with Jesus about your life and living, please drop me a line or two, I would love to hear from you on this topic!

Be well, and be gloriously blessed,

BJC

   

Monday, September 1, 2014

New Poem Added

Hello, Dear Friends:

     I hope that you all had a wonderful weekend, and that the new work week has gotten off to a good start.

     The new offering today is a poem entitled The Publican. 

     Enjoy!

Be well, and be gloriously blessed,

BJC