For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel.
"In returning and rest you shall be saved.
In quietness and confidence shall be your strength."
Can I be quiet
so that voices of the past
no longer haunt me,
and cries of the future
no longer tempt me into striving?
Can I be quiet
not from shame or sadness,
but from the deepest joy
that I can know a lasting peace,
in the pieces of myself
that still call for war?
Can I be quiet
in my spirit,
so that I hear His Spirit
more clearly
than my wrestling restlessness?
Can I be quiet
so that time and eternity
trade places momentarily,
and I hear the hush of heaven
as it waits for revelation
to settle in my soul?
Can I rest
not heeding the hurried rush
of future days,
that would stretch my spirit
out of shape,
and leave me with
a dull headache of discontent?
Can I return to the One
who found me
and saved me
from my worst intentions,
and showed me a way more wonderful
than any of my own imaginings?
Can I have the confidence
of truly knowing who I am,
and who He is,
and how a door of reconciliation,
so beautiful but bloodied,
has been made
so I never need to be alone?
Saturday, 29 October 2016
Saturday, 22 October 2016
Radical Inclusion
To be radical
has become something to be feared.
Too much.
Too intense.
Too overwhelming
for the niceties of society,
which desires moderation
in all things,
except personal satisfaction and sinful pleasure.
To be radically inclusive,
to do away with 'us' and 'them' forever
is a shocking idea,
for it is in the very 'us' and 'them'
that we find our frail identity.
We belong to this group, this organisation, this culture
safely.
We are not like them with all their obvious differences.
We feel secure
with those who talk and think and look the same as us.
We are inwardly disturbed
when people violate our norm.
Jesus,
the ultimate radical,
was loved and hated for it.
He welcomed the oppressed and the oppressor,
and didn't make them sit
in designated groups.
He was present,
available to all
who would walk out of their fear,
religious leader under cover of darkness,
or prostitute openly wiping His feet with her hair.
He calls for radical inclusion
from those who would follow Him.
That none would be turned away
from seeking His Truth.
He so loved the world.
Radical
Inclusion.
We should do the same.
has become something to be feared.
Too much.
Too intense.
Too overwhelming
for the niceties of society,
which desires moderation
in all things,
except personal satisfaction and sinful pleasure.
To be radically inclusive,
to do away with 'us' and 'them' forever
is a shocking idea,
for it is in the very 'us' and 'them'
that we find our frail identity.
We belong to this group, this organisation, this culture
safely.
We are not like them with all their obvious differences.
We feel secure
with those who talk and think and look the same as us.
We are inwardly disturbed
when people violate our norm.
Jesus,
the ultimate radical,
was loved and hated for it.
He welcomed the oppressed and the oppressor,
and didn't make them sit
in designated groups.
He was present,
available to all
who would walk out of their fear,
religious leader under cover of darkness,
or prostitute openly wiping His feet with her hair.
He calls for radical inclusion
from those who would follow Him.
That none would be turned away
from seeking His Truth.
He so loved the world.
Radical
Inclusion.
We should do the same.
Saturday, 15 October 2016
Belonging
Do we need to keep playing pretend,
with assumptions
received by head
but not by heart?
Do we need to keep doing
the right things for the wrong reasons,
trapped by expectations
to fulfill religious obligation?
Theory theology,
safely disconnected from life,
in case any sparks of faith
might set alight
a gospel glow
so unpretentious
Jesus would enjoy it.
We stick with opinions
bitterly fought for,
rather than beliefs
written with
love stained ink
on hearts honest and raw,
longing for grace and truth.
Truth truer than true
can only be found
away from practiced performance
of religious rite.
This is relationship reality,
sons and daughters
belonging to our Father,
co heirs with Christ.
No higher purpose or agenda
than belonging
in eternal family.
The beginning and the end
of the journey,
the Father's love for us.
If only we would receive it,
and turn forever
towards belonging.
with assumptions
received by head
but not by heart?
Do we need to keep doing
the right things for the wrong reasons,
trapped by expectations
to fulfill religious obligation?
Theory theology,
safely disconnected from life,
in case any sparks of faith
might set alight
a gospel glow
so unpretentious
Jesus would enjoy it.
We stick with opinions
bitterly fought for,
rather than beliefs
written with
love stained ink
on hearts honest and raw,
longing for grace and truth.
Truth truer than true
can only be found
away from practiced performance
of religious rite.
This is relationship reality,
sons and daughters
belonging to our Father,
co heirs with Christ.
No higher purpose or agenda
than belonging
in eternal family.
The beginning and the end
of the journey,
the Father's love for us.
If only we would receive it,
and turn forever
towards belonging.
Saturday, 8 October 2016
The Edge of our Unknowing
I find myself
at the edge of my unknowing,
contemplating whether to draw back
or to take a wobbly step of faith,
because the leap
seems way too hard
at the moment.
I like the idea
that Jesus stands
a little to the side of
the edge of our unknowing,
willing us to see
how wonderful the waves are close up,
if only we would get out
of our small but stable boats.
The edge of our unknowing
is not a place
you want to wait,
for it is crowded
with the curious but apathetic.
They stay long enough
to catch a glimpse of what exists
outside their comfort zone,
and turn their backs again
on mystery and wonder.
If it is something
I can't easily explain or rationalize,
does that mean
that it is definitely not of God
or that it definitely is?
Too many of us
are fearful of knocks to prideful self
or lowering of social standing,
to risk the journey
to where our understanding
becomes of limited use,
and we have to
trust Someone else
beyond the edge of our unknowing.
at the edge of my unknowing,
contemplating whether to draw back
or to take a wobbly step of faith,
because the leap
seems way too hard
at the moment.
I like the idea
that Jesus stands
a little to the side of
the edge of our unknowing,
willing us to see
how wonderful the waves are close up,
if only we would get out
of our small but stable boats.
The edge of our unknowing
is not a place
you want to wait,
for it is crowded
with the curious but apathetic.
They stay long enough
to catch a glimpse of what exists
outside their comfort zone,
and turn their backs again
on mystery and wonder.
If it is something
I can't easily explain or rationalize,
does that mean
that it is definitely not of God
or that it definitely is?
Too many of us
are fearful of knocks to prideful self
or lowering of social standing,
to risk the journey
to where our understanding
becomes of limited use,
and we have to
trust Someone else
beyond the edge of our unknowing.
Saturday, 1 October 2016
Slow burning faith
Slow burning faith
that keeps the glowing spark alight,
and clings to the Spirit breathed promise
through years of frustration,
and yet to be seen fulfillment.
Slow burning faith
that remains in the prayer room,
when disappointment
and disillusionment
have all but cleared it
to silence.
Slow burning faith
that holds on
against impossible odds,
believing for a miracle
that appears to be permanently
lost in the post.
Slow burning faith
that knows the trustworthiness
of the Sender,
and expects the promise will arrive as perfectly created
as when it was first mentioned.
Slow burning faith
that is willing to keep the fuse lit
for decades if necessary,
before the miracle explosion
changes the life landscape forever.
So don't let doubters quench with their query's,
don't become weary with waiting,
too tired to try anymore.
Fan the tiny flame.
Wait for the answer
that will blow all
unbelief to hell.
Raise another standard
to God's faithfulness,
and to miracles
that come to those
with slow burning faith.
that keeps the glowing spark alight,
and clings to the Spirit breathed promise
through years of frustration,
and yet to be seen fulfillment.
Slow burning faith
that remains in the prayer room,
when disappointment
and disillusionment
have all but cleared it
to silence.
Slow burning faith
that holds on
against impossible odds,
believing for a miracle
that appears to be permanently
lost in the post.
Slow burning faith
that knows the trustworthiness
of the Sender,
and expects the promise will arrive as perfectly created
as when it was first mentioned.
Slow burning faith
that is willing to keep the fuse lit
for decades if necessary,
before the miracle explosion
changes the life landscape forever.
So don't let doubters quench with their query's,
don't become weary with waiting,
too tired to try anymore.
Fan the tiny flame.
Wait for the answer
that will blow all
unbelief to hell.
Raise another standard
to God's faithfulness,
and to miracles
that come to those
with slow burning faith.
Saturday, 24 September 2016
Set up to win
If the Kingdom
is a family business,
why so often
do we not support each other?
We look with resentment
at another's field of favor,
ruing their blessing
as if it brings us loss.
We should set
each other up to win,
delighting in victory.
Not comparing
the spacious sweep of our field,
seen smaller through eye's envying
another's better blessings.
Our heavenly Father's
gracious gifts
do not finitely finish,
and when one does well
another does not go without.
Our words carry
life and death,
to encourage or discourage
that is indeed the question
we should ask ourselves.
Do not hoard up your blessing
when it greets you,
but let it continue to flow
its way to others too,
or your joy will silently suffocate
and gratitude be forgotten.
Let us reach out our hands
to those sinking in stinking mud,
and not watch them
with deliberating judgement as they fail.
Let us be faithful
in the fruitful fields of the Father,
and set each other up to win.
is a family business,
why so often
do we not support each other?
We look with resentment
at another's field of favor,
ruing their blessing
as if it brings us loss.
We should set
each other up to win,
delighting in victory.
Not comparing
the spacious sweep of our field,
seen smaller through eye's envying
another's better blessings.
Our heavenly Father's
gracious gifts
do not finitely finish,
and when one does well
another does not go without.
Our words carry
life and death,
to encourage or discourage
that is indeed the question
we should ask ourselves.
Do not hoard up your blessing
when it greets you,
but let it continue to flow
its way to others too,
or your joy will silently suffocate
and gratitude be forgotten.
Let us reach out our hands
to those sinking in stinking mud,
and not watch them
with deliberating judgement as they fail.
Let us be faithful
in the fruitful fields of the Father,
and set each other up to win.
Saturday, 17 September 2016
Grit
I have heard
it is good to possess grit.
Can it truly be found
outside a western,
inhabited by men
toughened by tragedy?
As a daughter of the King
can I have grit?
To persevere when all seems lost,
to have a stubborn spirituality
that will not take
the world's no for an answer
but continues to wrestle
until first light,
even if I do
walk away with a limp.
There is indeed an excess
of moderation
in the modern world.
A desire for loose liberty
without the safety cordons
of judgement and truth.
The world is having
an identity crisis,
but refuses therapy
denying it has a problem.
Grit is a determination
to see the truth break through
the stubbornness of lying barricades.
It will not stop
until the final whistle blows,
the trumpet has sounded,
and all is truly seen
as it really is.
Lord may I possess grit
in these darkening days.
it is good to possess grit.
Can it truly be found
outside a western,
inhabited by men
toughened by tragedy?
As a daughter of the King
can I have grit?
To persevere when all seems lost,
to have a stubborn spirituality
that will not take
the world's no for an answer
but continues to wrestle
until first light,
even if I do
walk away with a limp.
There is indeed an excess
of moderation
in the modern world.
A desire for loose liberty
without the safety cordons
of judgement and truth.
The world is having
an identity crisis,
but refuses therapy
denying it has a problem.
Grit is a determination
to see the truth break through
the stubbornness of lying barricades.
It will not stop
until the final whistle blows,
the trumpet has sounded,
and all is truly seen
as it really is.
Lord may I possess grit
in these darkening days.
Saturday, 10 September 2016
Don't stay in the hallway
When you find yourself in a hallway
of confusion,
misunderstanding,
unclear vision,
or disappointment,
do not linger too long.
Consider the hallway
not a cause for consternation,
but a choice to co-operate
with a forward call.
Do not over speak with others
why you think you are in the hallway.
Others have their reasons
for being there too,
but the over told tale
can fuel
your trembling heart's
desire for reassurance
so you forget
to seek solution
from the Author
of your answers.
Don't make your home in the hallway.
It is not meant to be
your permanent address
but a moment
on your destination journey.
Don't stay in the hallway
but go on wards
to the gateway
God has ready for you.
of confusion,
misunderstanding,
unclear vision,
or disappointment,
do not linger too long.
Consider the hallway
not a cause for consternation,
but a choice to co-operate
with a forward call.
Do not over speak with others
why you think you are in the hallway.
Others have their reasons
for being there too,
but the over told tale
can fuel
your trembling heart's
desire for reassurance
so you forget
to seek solution
from the Author
of your answers.
Don't make your home in the hallway.
It is not meant to be
your permanent address
but a moment
on your destination journey.
Don't stay in the hallway
but go on wards
to the gateway
God has ready for you.
Saturday, 3 September 2016
Father's Day
The pain
we feel when
things are not going well
for our child
is
a tiny glimpse
of the Father heart of God
for us
when we
choose
what is not
the very best
for our lives.
He is sad
not an angry sad
or a disappointed sad
or a frustrated sad
but
a sad so wrapped in
intense
unconditional
everlasting
love
that when we catch
a glimpse
it brings us
to our knees
and
into the warm again embrace
of the
ever present
Father
of us all.
we feel when
things are not going well
for our child
is
a tiny glimpse
of the Father heart of God
for us
when we
choose
what is not
the very best
for our lives.
He is sad
not an angry sad
or a disappointed sad
or a frustrated sad
but
a sad so wrapped in
intense
unconditional
everlasting
love
that when we catch
a glimpse
it brings us
to our knees
and
into the warm again embrace
of the
ever present
Father
of us all.
Saturday, 27 August 2016
Meditation on Psalm 32 verse 7
"You are my hiding place.
You shall preserve me from trouble;
You shall surround me with songs of deliverance."
Singing not fighting
is the order of the day
when trouble comes near
to keep it away.
It may sound odd
to start singing a song
and not take a weapon
to make you feel strong.
The power of the singing
is not yet understood
by those who don't see
that the Lord means them good.
But now I will choose
to listen to the sound
for it will bring me back
to His solid ground.
The Lord sings aloud
and He calms my anxious heart
all I need is to choose faith
that is my part.
I choose to believe
what He says and He sings
as He lifts me up
on deliverance wings.
He will keep me from troubles
and if I find myself there
He will hide me securely
in the place of His care.
You shall preserve me from trouble;
You shall surround me with songs of deliverance."
Singing not fighting
is the order of the day
when trouble comes near
to keep it away.
It may sound odd
to start singing a song
and not take a weapon
to make you feel strong.
The power of the singing
is not yet understood
by those who don't see
that the Lord means them good.
But now I will choose
to listen to the sound
for it will bring me back
to His solid ground.
The Lord sings aloud
and He calms my anxious heart
all I need is to choose faith
that is my part.
I choose to believe
what He says and He sings
as He lifts me up
on deliverance wings.
He will keep me from troubles
and if I find myself there
He will hide me securely
in the place of His care.
Saturday, 20 August 2016
Petrified Words
Words become petrified
under layers
of misuse,
misunderstanding,
half-hearted belief,
and double minded talk.
Words that carried
power
and
authority
robbed and
left for dead.
Words once
loved
and
cherished
with holy zeal and passion
put aside,
memorial markers
of what was very good.
The Word became flesh
and full of
grace
and
truth
lived among us.
His name now
used as a curse
on unloving tongues.
Words lie dormant
until we stir them
again in our hearts.
Take these petrified words
and break them
out of that which
hinders freedom.
The Word became
flesh
and
lived
among us.
He still does.
Let His words live again in you.
under layers
of misuse,
misunderstanding,
half-hearted belief,
and double minded talk.
Words that carried
power
and
authority
robbed and
left for dead.
Words once
loved
and
cherished
with holy zeal and passion
put aside,
memorial markers
of what was very good.
The Word became flesh
and full of
grace
and
truth
lived among us.
His name now
used as a curse
on unloving tongues.
Words lie dormant
until we stir them
again in our hearts.
Take these petrified words
and break them
out of that which
hinders freedom.
The Word became
flesh
and
lived
among us.
He still does.
Let His words live again in you.
Saturday, 13 August 2016
Kiwi Ball
Sequins sparkle,
fairy lights shine strung in streamers of iridescent light,
bright turquoise table cloths scattered with glistening glass,
reflecting tea light glow.
Young men almost unrecognizable
scrubbed up
and standing awkwardly
in their imprisoning suits.
Necks have ties,
and smart trousers
replace shorts and jandals.
Dress shoes foreign to the feet that wear them
make their annual appearance.
They stand in clumps
secretly glad
that they blend seamlessly with their peers,
not overdressed or under
for that would be disastrous.
Suspended lanterns float above the dance floor
still pools of tranquility above the noise.
Meters of taffeta and silk
sway to the music,
colors through the beauty palette
shimmer in the half light.
Hair curled, twisted and set to perfection,
nail polish and make up applied
with professional precision,
ready for the photos
and admiration of others.
The young ladies want to stand out,
each individual dress pleasingly admired.
High heel shoes paraded in,
are later cast aside.
Familiar music
brings murmurs of appreciation.
Everyone knows the lyrics
to their generation's songs.
The supper
presented with style,
is set upon
gratefully.
Parents flock
late in the evening,
to retrieve their loved ones
safely to their homes.
This world is full of wonder and beauty,
joy and excitement,
the harder things of life
completely forgotten
for these few precious hours.
fairy lights shine strung in streamers of iridescent light,
bright turquoise table cloths scattered with glistening glass,
reflecting tea light glow.
Young men almost unrecognizable
scrubbed up
and standing awkwardly
in their imprisoning suits.
Necks have ties,
and smart trousers
replace shorts and jandals.
Dress shoes foreign to the feet that wear them
make their annual appearance.
They stand in clumps
secretly glad
that they blend seamlessly with their peers,
not overdressed or under
for that would be disastrous.
Suspended lanterns float above the dance floor
still pools of tranquility above the noise.
Meters of taffeta and silk
sway to the music,
colors through the beauty palette
shimmer in the half light.
Hair curled, twisted and set to perfection,
nail polish and make up applied
with professional precision,
ready for the photos
and admiration of others.
each individual dress pleasingly admired.
High heel shoes paraded in,
are later cast aside.
Familiar music
brings murmurs of appreciation.
Everyone knows the lyrics
to their generation's songs.
The supper
presented with style,
is set upon
gratefully.
Parents flock
late in the evening,
to retrieve their loved ones
safely to their homes.
This world is full of wonder and beauty,
joy and excitement,
the harder things of life
completely forgotten
for these few precious hours.
Saturday, 6 August 2016
Letter to a terrorist
I do not know
what you hope to achieve
by what you do.
How can you create anything
except more sadness, loss, grieving and despair.
I do not understand
what fruit can grow on trees
so laden with pain and hate.
I cannot see the merit
in laying down your life,
not for others
but to take as many as you can
with you into the terrible jaws of death;
to be swallowed up
on the evening news,
and then forgotten about in a few weeks time
by all but the loved ones of those lost.
I cannot grasp
your short term goals,
your long term goals,
your hopes for the future
when they seem darkly shrouded
even from your sight.
I see the figure
of a elderly French priest
kneeling in his church
whispering Father forgive them
for they know not what they do.
I do not fathom
how acts of horror and destruction
can seem by rapid repetition
commonplace and familiar.
It is beyond me
to comprehend your actions.
I see another person
made in the image of God
intended to live life in all its fullness.
A fellow human being
somehow fractured,
striving by any means
to bring death on earth.
what you hope to achieve
by what you do.
How can you create anything
except more sadness, loss, grieving and despair.
I do not understand
what fruit can grow on trees
so laden with pain and hate.
I cannot see the merit
in laying down your life,
not for others
but to take as many as you can
with you into the terrible jaws of death;
to be swallowed up
on the evening news,
and then forgotten about in a few weeks time
by all but the loved ones of those lost.
I cannot grasp
your short term goals,
your long term goals,
your hopes for the future
when they seem darkly shrouded
even from your sight.
I see the figure
of a elderly French priest
kneeling in his church
whispering Father forgive them
for they know not what they do.
I do not fathom
how acts of horror and destruction
can seem by rapid repetition
commonplace and familiar.
It is beyond me
to comprehend your actions.
I see another person
made in the image of God
intended to live life in all its fullness.
A fellow human being
somehow fractured,
striving by any means
to bring death on earth.
Saturday, 30 July 2016
Grace in the time of train strikes
Very nice Nice
should have been
instead sadness
shrouded by mourning
lives lost
to mad tragedy.
Grief's solemn stretch
scattered with so much remembrance.
French Nice to Italian Genoa
should of been simple
instead adventure
of a national rail strike.
No trains into Italy
except one leaving shortly.
Emergency plan ensued
fastest pack ever
hotel to station
a furious run
luggage flying
out of any thieves reach.
First train grasped
gasping for breath.
Chaos in Genoa.
Confused travelers
snaked seeking information.
Departure boards
signaled wide spread disruption.
A cheery recording repeating
sorry for the inconvenience.
A patient official
seemed genuinely surprised
our next train
was scheduled still
floating alone
in a cancellation sea.
Our time by the glorious coast
beckoned us
as we traveled onward
into night fall
by the grace of God.
should have been
instead sadness
shrouded by mourning
lives lost
to mad tragedy.
Grief's solemn stretch
scattered with so much remembrance.
French Nice to Italian Genoa
should of been simple
instead adventure
of a national rail strike.
No trains into Italy
except one leaving shortly.
Emergency plan ensued
fastest pack ever
hotel to station
a furious run
luggage flying
out of any thieves reach.
First train grasped
gasping for breath.
Chaos in Genoa.
Confused travelers
snaked seeking information.
Departure boards
signaled wide spread disruption.
A cheery recording repeating
sorry for the inconvenience.
A patient official
seemed genuinely surprised
our next train
was scheduled still
floating alone
in a cancellation sea.
Our time by the glorious coast
beckoned us
as we traveled onward
into night fall
by the grace of God.
Saturday, 23 July 2016
Provence
Out of the palest of mid summer skies
the sun strikes on unyielding limestone.
Powder white dust
coats my black sandals.
Iconic lavender tumbles from every corner,
baking gloriously,
it's fragrance generous and hopeful.
Hill clung villages
on bleached crags,
perch above
chorus patchworks
of vineyard and olive groves.
Shimmering beauty
dares you to look from
precarious castle towers
to the dizzying depths
of vast plateau.
Crafted collectable treasures
beckon from tightly woven shops
along jostled streets.
Cool vaulted churches
with garishly painted saints
and votive candles
flickering their coin paid intercession.
Trunks of tangled olive trees
force their way through hard earth,
quiet observers of rich history.
Blessed Provence,
treasured place
of God and man's creation.
the sun strikes on unyielding limestone.
Powder white dust
coats my black sandals.
Iconic lavender tumbles from every corner,
baking gloriously,
it's fragrance generous and hopeful.
Hill clung villages
on bleached crags,
perch above
chorus patchworks
of vineyard and olive groves.
Shimmering beauty
dares you to look from
precarious castle towers
to the dizzying depths
of vast plateau.
Crafted collectable treasures
beckon from tightly woven shops
along jostled streets.
Cool vaulted churches
with garishly painted saints
and votive candles
flickering their coin paid intercession.
Trunks of tangled olive trees
force their way through hard earth,
quiet observers of rich history.
Blessed Provence,
treasured place
of God and man's creation.
Saturday, 16 July 2016
Historic Stately Houses
Hot Ham stone
centuries weathered,
pale colonies of miniature lichen,
bruised edges and chipped walls.
Towering chimneys like twisted marshmallows
preside over countless windows
staring at history past.
Lovingly reconstructed gardens
burst with measured English beauty,
wild nature captivated
by orderly minds.
Flower beds, vegetable gardens and old orchards
weighing generously with harvest expectation.
The cool interiors
and ancient oak staircases,
climbing upwards with so
many silent stories to tell.
Servants and masters
intrigue and passion
love and brokenness
moved in these majestic rooms.
Dusty rich tapestries
muffle footstep sounds
on thick planked floors.
Uneven flagstones
near the gaping hearths,
smooth and familiar.
May all be blessed
who seek to preserve the precious past
for future joy,
so we can glimpse
back in time
to those who were not so very different,
staring out at us
caught in heavy gilded frames.
centuries weathered,
pale colonies of miniature lichen,
bruised edges and chipped walls.
Towering chimneys like twisted marshmallows
preside over countless windows
staring at history past.
Lovingly reconstructed gardens
burst with measured English beauty,
wild nature captivated
by orderly minds.
Flower beds, vegetable gardens and old orchards
weighing generously with harvest expectation.
The cool interiors
and ancient oak staircases,
climbing upwards with so
many silent stories to tell.
Servants and masters
intrigue and passion
love and brokenness
moved in these majestic rooms.
Dusty rich tapestries
muffle footstep sounds
on thick planked floors.
Uneven flagstones
near the gaping hearths,
smooth and familiar.
May all be blessed
who seek to preserve the precious past
for future joy,
so we can glimpse
back in time
to those who were not so very different,
staring out at us
caught in heavy gilded frames.
Saturday, 9 July 2016
The Great British Summer
I was asked to bring
some sunshine from New Zealand
because of the blessed abundance
of that fair land.
I found myself
unable to persuade
the Sun to leave
the Long White Cloud
and customs would have proved difficult.
The cold caught me by surprise
coming from a mild and bright midwinter.
I crashed headlong into the biting chill
of a British summer,
borrowing jumpers and jackets
and considering gloves.
Wishing the Sun would remember
where this fine spread of land lies
underneath the clouds and gloom.
The wind whips around
flattening the fragrant flowers,
trying to put on a brave show
in this inclemency.
The supermarket banners proclaiming
the Great British Summer
laced with unintentional heavy irony.
Central heating heaves
into unseasonable action
and we scan the sky for blue.
Next time I will pack some sunshine
and go through customs "Something to declare".
some sunshine from New Zealand
because of the blessed abundance
of that fair land.
I found myself
unable to persuade
the Sun to leave
the Long White Cloud
and customs would have proved difficult.
The cold caught me by surprise
coming from a mild and bright midwinter.
I crashed headlong into the biting chill
of a British summer,
borrowing jumpers and jackets
and considering gloves.
Wishing the Sun would remember
where this fine spread of land lies
underneath the clouds and gloom.
The wind whips around
flattening the fragrant flowers,
trying to put on a brave show
in this inclemency.
The supermarket banners proclaiming
the Great British Summer
laced with unintentional heavy irony.
Central heating heaves
into unseasonable action
and we scan the sky for blue.
Next time I will pack some sunshine
and go through customs "Something to declare".
Saturday, 2 July 2016
Find your voice
The thought police
have struck again.
Intimidation wraps
its suffocating bands
around those who
would consider
something
different
from the
forced philosophies
expressed at every turn
during a total fire ban
on free speech.
Moderate, conservative,
family friendly, upstanding.
Words of former generations
respected now reviled
and increasingly linked
with hate crimes.
Biblical world views
once the revered bedrock
of Western Civilisation
have been more than discarded.
They are attacked, shredded,
as intolerant and unacceptable.
How has what was known as good
become so vilified?
How has what was known as evil
become so praised?
Am I guilty of remaining silent
when I should be speaking?
Is there still time to speak?
Do I need at this late hour
to clear my throat
and begin to say what I believe
rather than being silenced by fear
of what might happen to me?
I cannot go into all the world
and make disciples
if I do not speak.
God give me courage to find my voice.
have struck again.
Intimidation wraps
its suffocating bands
around those who
would consider
something
different
from the
forced philosophies
expressed at every turn
during a total fire ban
on free speech.
Moderate, conservative,
family friendly, upstanding.
Words of former generations
respected now reviled
and increasingly linked
with hate crimes.
Biblical world views
once the revered bedrock
of Western Civilisation
have been more than discarded.
They are attacked, shredded,
as intolerant and unacceptable.
How has what was known as good
become so vilified?
How has what was known as evil
become so praised?
Am I guilty of remaining silent
when I should be speaking?
Is there still time to speak?
Do I need at this late hour
to clear my throat
and begin to say what I believe
rather than being silenced by fear
of what might happen to me?
I cannot go into all the world
and make disciples
if I do not speak.
God give me courage to find my voice.
Saturday, 25 June 2016
In Flight
Apple juice
and sore knees,
drifting sleep
and mild turbulence,
plastic wrapped food
on slippery trays.
Delays on the tarmac,
waiting in queues,
snatched conversations,
and a little girl Ava
hugging my leg.
Icy blasts of
cruel air conditioning
tempered by lurid blankets,
and miniature pillows.
Complimentary papers
and bland magazines,
movies to be watched,
willing time to be stolen,
day and night chasing
us right around the globe.
Genuine time travel
and body clock confusion,
desperately willing the destination to arrive.
Joy and thanksgiving
at every safe touchdown.
Understanding the privilege of
God's revelation and
miracle engineering,
may I never take for granted
this long distance flight.
and sore knees,
drifting sleep
and mild turbulence,
plastic wrapped food
on slippery trays.
Delays on the tarmac,
waiting in queues,
snatched conversations,
and a little girl Ava
hugging my leg.
Icy blasts of
cruel air conditioning
tempered by lurid blankets,
and miniature pillows.
Complimentary papers
and bland magazines,
movies to be watched,
willing time to be stolen,
day and night chasing
us right around the globe.
Genuine time travel
and body clock confusion,
desperately willing the destination to arrive.
Joy and thanksgiving
at every safe touchdown.
Understanding the privilege of
God's revelation and
miracle engineering,
may I never take for granted
this long distance flight.
Saturday, 18 June 2016
Fire Fall
Holy Spirit incendiary
flame tongued
wind ripped
structure shaking
life changing
outpouring.
Extraordinary manifesting
in ordinary people.
Not intoxication
but liberation
into Spirit language
and power.
Minds blown.
Gospel sown.
Radical boldness.
Huge harvest.
Willing souls
drawn towards
personal salvation granted,
eternal life gifted,
and joy enabled for evermore.
flame tongued
wind ripped
structure shaking
life changing
outpouring.
Extraordinary manifesting
in ordinary people.
Not intoxication
but liberation
into Spirit language
and power.
Minds blown.
Gospel sown.
Radical boldness.
Huge harvest.
Willing souls
drawn towards
personal salvation granted,
eternal life gifted,
and joy enabled for evermore.
Saturday, 11 June 2016
Identity Thief
Am I a boy or a girl?
My school says I can somehow choose,
although it does look plain to me.
I wonder why the adults are talking so.
It seems as if they should be joking
when they say such things,
but their faces are straight and serious.
I wonder if they will
let me choose next year
which animal I would like to become.
Surely now I can choose anything
and everyone will have to agree.
I think I would like to be a cat.
I will move around on all fours,
dress all in black,
and lick cream from a saucer.
I will still be able to sleep on my bed
(my parents will be pleased),
but curled up at the bottom
as do the rest of my kind.
Perhaps when I am older
I will choose to become some other animal.
Maybe a horse because they are strong
and can gallop quickly away
from things that trouble them.
My teacher has given me a form to tick.
Do I feel like I am a boy or a girl?
I shall not tick either.
I will write I think I am a cat
and see what she does next.
My school says I can somehow choose,
although it does look plain to me.
I wonder why the adults are talking so.
It seems as if they should be joking
when they say such things,
but their faces are straight and serious.
I wonder if they will
let me choose next year
which animal I would like to become.
Surely now I can choose anything
and everyone will have to agree.
I think I would like to be a cat.
I will move around on all fours,
dress all in black,
and lick cream from a saucer.
I will still be able to sleep on my bed
(my parents will be pleased),
but curled up at the bottom
as do the rest of my kind.
Perhaps when I am older
I will choose to become some other animal.
Maybe a horse because they are strong
and can gallop quickly away
from things that trouble them.
My teacher has given me a form to tick.
Do I feel like I am a boy or a girl?
I shall not tick either.
I will write I think I am a cat
and see what she does next.
Saturday, 4 June 2016
New Age
A new age is here,
a madness epidemic
sweeping the sphere
seemingly unstoppable.
Illogical lies
are neatly wrapped
in double think,
and sold as brave new truth
around the globe.
Ancient falsehoods
hewn from the pits of hell,
repackaged as enlightened scientific fact
about our origins.
Higher education
forces focused young minds
to submit to the extreme corruption
of intelligent thought,
and willful rebellion against the Creator.
Male and female(as obvious reality)
no longer exists,
the plain truth
ripped and scattered
as fragments in the wind,
able only to be gathered
by the most determined souls.
Practitioners peddle their particular healing,
promising by pressing your head
to unlock up to 10,000 years of pain.
The world has left its senses by the door
and has gone into a particularly nasty storm,
of buffeting winds of nonsense,
and thick darkness that fuels despair.
God do not leave us in this place.
In your great love
bring your light
and your truth
back into
this bad new age.
a madness epidemic
sweeping the sphere
seemingly unstoppable.
Illogical lies
are neatly wrapped
in double think,
and sold as brave new truth
around the globe.
Ancient falsehoods
hewn from the pits of hell,
repackaged as enlightened scientific fact
about our origins.
Higher education
forces focused young minds
to submit to the extreme corruption
of intelligent thought,
and willful rebellion against the Creator.
Male and female(as obvious reality)
no longer exists,
the plain truth
ripped and scattered
as fragments in the wind,
able only to be gathered
by the most determined souls.
Practitioners peddle their particular healing,
promising by pressing your head
to unlock up to 10,000 years of pain.
The world has left its senses by the door
and has gone into a particularly nasty storm,
of buffeting winds of nonsense,
and thick darkness that fuels despair.
God do not leave us in this place.
In your great love
bring your light
and your truth
back into
this bad new age.
Saturday, 28 May 2016
Doppelganger
It is a strange equilibrium
and universal continuum
that you and I
are each unique.
It would be a curious improbability
if a doppelganger existed,
a double walker,
a living counterpart of ourselves.
Someone with whom you could trade places
without anyone else being aware.
What if you could leave your life
in the hands of another,
depart your present space
with no one missing you?
A curiosity indeed,
but fraught with the difficulty
that is humanity.
What if my double
pretending to be me,
were not willing
to hand back the reins
at the appointed time?
What if they thought they were
doing a better job at being me,
and were not content to walk away from my life?
It is foolishness to wish away our life to someone else,
for no other can fully master the quintessence that is you.
We should not abdicate
but embrace our own life,
be faithful to the calling
that is ours alone.
We are unique in this universe.
There is no one like us.
Rejoice in it,
for God has made it so.
and universal continuum
that you and I
are each unique.
It would be a curious improbability
if a doppelganger existed,
a double walker,
a living counterpart of ourselves.
Someone with whom you could trade places
without anyone else being aware.
What if you could leave your life
in the hands of another,
depart your present space
with no one missing you?
A curiosity indeed,
but fraught with the difficulty
that is humanity.
What if my double
pretending to be me,
were not willing
to hand back the reins
at the appointed time?
What if they thought they were
doing a better job at being me,
and were not content to walk away from my life?
It is foolishness to wish away our life to someone else,
for no other can fully master the quintessence that is you.
We should not abdicate
but embrace our own life,
be faithful to the calling
that is ours alone.
We are unique in this universe.
There is no one like us.
Rejoice in it,
for God has made it so.
Saturday, 21 May 2016
Dreams of Phoenix
Twelve weeks old
I hold you in my arms
and wonder on your dreams,
almost everything as yet undone,
the very early moments of your life.
What do you dream about little man
that causes your face to look so,
your arms to fling out
your body to stretch
as if preparing for a race?
Do you run over sand
or over meadows?
Does the moon or sunlight guide your way?
Do extraordinary animals or winged creatures
inhabit your dreamscape,
inhabitants of this world or the next?
Do you talk in your dreams
when your perfect forehead furrows,
and your mouth moves in whispered thoughts?
Are your dreams full of others,
or do you explore your wondrous world alone?
I can only imagine
the answers,
for when you are old enough
to tell me in words I comprehend,
the dreams of your first beginning days
will be forever lost to mystery and wonder
for those who hold you
with safe and cradled arms
while you sleep.
I hold you in my arms
and wonder on your dreams,
almost everything as yet undone,
the very early moments of your life.
What do you dream about little man
that causes your face to look so,
your arms to fling out
your body to stretch
as if preparing for a race?
Do you run over sand
or over meadows?
Does the moon or sunlight guide your way?
Do extraordinary animals or winged creatures
inhabit your dreamscape,
inhabitants of this world or the next?
Do you talk in your dreams
when your perfect forehead furrows,
and your mouth moves in whispered thoughts?
Are your dreams full of others,
or do you explore your wondrous world alone?
I can only imagine
the answers,
for when you are old enough
to tell me in words I comprehend,
the dreams of your first beginning days
will be forever lost to mystery and wonder
for those who hold you
with safe and cradled arms
while you sleep.
Saturday, 14 May 2016
Choral Masterpieces
Burnished wood of violin,
cello and paler double bass,
reflect the spot light beams.
Gentleman and ladies stand
dressed in black and white,
with crisp pressed shirts,
and polished shoes.
We spend the evening
with five fine men,
long gone but not forgotten.
Handel, Mozart, Dubois,
Faure and Puccini.
Their gifted legacies
of deep talent and harder work.
One piece by Mozart at thirteen
spilling forth complex symphony
as if singing childhood rhymes.
The singers fix in concentration,
flick pages and form perfect oval
mouths as joyous words
flow out in strength.
Praise of God goes forth
joining with seraphim and cherubim
and those whose sang
these same words of truth
throughout the ages.
Violin bows dance and swing
across the strings,
fingers flying over frets,
forming perfect sounds by gifting honed.
The skilful rise and fall
of the Conductor's hands,
full of intricate command
to those who understand.
I close my eyes,
and memories flood
of places I have heard these sounds before.
Hot scented French summer days,
and cool aired towering cathedrals
where organ music flies.
Applause brings me back
to where I am;
seat I14 mid row
among these choral masterpieces.
cello and paler double bass,
reflect the spot light beams.
Gentleman and ladies stand
dressed in black and white,
with crisp pressed shirts,
and polished shoes.
We spend the evening
with five fine men,
long gone but not forgotten.
Handel, Mozart, Dubois,
Faure and Puccini.
Their gifted legacies
of deep talent and harder work.
One piece by Mozart at thirteen
spilling forth complex symphony
as if singing childhood rhymes.
The singers fix in concentration,
flick pages and form perfect oval
mouths as joyous words
flow out in strength.
Praise of God goes forth
joining with seraphim and cherubim
and those whose sang
these same words of truth
throughout the ages.
Violin bows dance and swing
across the strings,
fingers flying over frets,
forming perfect sounds by gifting honed.
The skilful rise and fall
of the Conductor's hands,
full of intricate command
to those who understand.
I close my eyes,
and memories flood
of places I have heard these sounds before.
Hot scented French summer days,
and cool aired towering cathedrals
where organ music flies.
Applause brings me back
to where I am;
seat I14 mid row
among these choral masterpieces.
Wednesday, 11 May 2016
Word Received 10.5.2016
Look and see My salvation
that is coming across the earth.
Do not be unbelieving
but believe all things are possible
in and through Me.
Lift up your eyes and do not
be burdened by your own issues
but look to Me for the answer to them.
There is not time to be tangled
up with things that do not matter in eternity.
Look to Me and see My salvation
come to those who are around you.
I am able and I am willing
to save all in these days.
that is coming across the earth.
Do not be unbelieving
but believe all things are possible
in and through Me.
Lift up your eyes and do not
be burdened by your own issues
but look to Me for the answer to them.
There is not time to be tangled
up with things that do not matter in eternity.
Look to Me and see My salvation
come to those who are around you.
I am able and I am willing
to save all in these days.
Saturday, 7 May 2016
Who looks after Mothers?
Who looks after Mothers
when they fall and scrape their knee,
when life is hard,
and friends unkind.
When the project they
are working on
doesn't go well,
and the jigsaw pieces
refuse to behave.
Who looks after Mothers
when they need a warm hug
and a friendly kiss.
A blessing softly spoken,
and today's troubles
eased by listening ears.
Who looks after Mothers
when all the world is against them,
and they need a faithful ally
who will listen
to their version of events,
and choose to believe
it wasn't all their fault.
Who wraps protective arms,
and calls forth encouragement
and purposed destiny
in the quivering heart.
Who looks after Mothers
when they just need to be held,
and told as many times as it takes
that all will be well.
Until the heaving sobs
settle with the peace of reassurance,
and a new stride
can be measured forth.
Who looks after Mothers
when all is lost,
and grief is too much to bear.
When a beloved is laid to rest
under stones and fading flowers.
When no words should be spoken,
but only hands held,
and eyes locked with understanding
that this terrible pain too will pass.
Who looks after Mothers?
They are all around you
needing to be loved,
cherished, understood,
and comforted.
So
please
look
after
Mothers.
when they fall and scrape their knee,
when life is hard,
and friends unkind.
When the project they
are working on
doesn't go well,
and the jigsaw pieces
refuse to behave.
Who looks after Mothers
when they need a warm hug
and a friendly kiss.
A blessing softly spoken,
and today's troubles
eased by listening ears.
Who looks after Mothers
when all the world is against them,
and they need a faithful ally
who will listen
to their version of events,
and choose to believe
it wasn't all their fault.
Who wraps protective arms,
and calls forth encouragement
and purposed destiny
in the quivering heart.
Who looks after Mothers
when they just need to be held,
and told as many times as it takes
that all will be well.
Until the heaving sobs
settle with the peace of reassurance,
and a new stride
can be measured forth.
Who looks after Mothers
when all is lost,
and grief is too much to bear.
When a beloved is laid to rest
under stones and fading flowers.
When no words should be spoken,
but only hands held,
and eyes locked with understanding
that this terrible pain too will pass.
Who looks after Mothers?
They are all around you
needing to be loved,
cherished, understood,
and comforted.
So
please
look
after
Mothers.
Saturday, 30 April 2016
Truth
Truth is beaten down
by naysayers and die hard critics.
Cynicism is the new cool,
cursing it's language.
Truth is sidelined
as unimportant and irrelevant,
too old fashioned for words,
laughable even.
Truth is how you see it,
and you and I see it
so very differently.
We can all be right
in this age
of conformity to nonsensical logic.
Truth is changing.
Of course it is.
All good things mutate over time
as the precise facts of the evolution theory
put it.
We will create a new truth
that will last forever,
with a few parts of the old
for the sake of continuity.
Truth is guarded
by a fanatical few
with a Book revered
and stories told
of a Man who said he was Truth.
Truth has been silenced,
all in allegiance killed.
It will not be bothering us anymore.
Truth can never be destroyed.
One day He will return
and put an end to lies
forever.
by naysayers and die hard critics.
Cynicism is the new cool,
cursing it's language.
Truth is sidelined
as unimportant and irrelevant,
too old fashioned for words,
laughable even.
Truth is how you see it,
and you and I see it
so very differently.
We can all be right
in this age
of conformity to nonsensical logic.
Truth is changing.
Of course it is.
All good things mutate over time
as the precise facts of the evolution theory
put it.
We will create a new truth
that will last forever,
with a few parts of the old
for the sake of continuity.
Truth is guarded
by a fanatical few
with a Book revered
and stories told
of a Man who said he was Truth.
Truth has been silenced,
all in allegiance killed.
It will not be bothering us anymore.
Truth can never be destroyed.
One day He will return
and put an end to lies
forever.
Saturday, 23 April 2016
Wedding
Sunlight shafts glimpse through
canopied Puriri,
long lived trees witnesses in that
fine missionary tamed plot of ripe earth.
Tangled deep green growth is crushed by
three generations of expectant feet
awaiting the holy solemnity
of new covenant
forged with full lipped vows and dearest declaration.
An ivy twisted, flower pinned archway
waits to behold the beauty
ushered in with bagpipe shrill.
The wild green church
encompasses the beckoned bridal throng,
blushing deeply with the first glimpsed view.
Words sung softly
wrap around the living columns,
woodland stilled by the One who is praised.
Gentle words and bold kisses
mingle on the lips
of the couple beheld.
Their hearts a whirl with
fulfillment and anticipation
of together life.
Applause rings the proclamation
of husband and wife,
sealed before God and man
underneath these ancient trees.
canopied Puriri,
long lived trees witnesses in that
fine missionary tamed plot of ripe earth.
Tangled deep green growth is crushed by
three generations of expectant feet
awaiting the holy solemnity
of new covenant
forged with full lipped vows and dearest declaration.
An ivy twisted, flower pinned archway
waits to behold the beauty
ushered in with bagpipe shrill.
The wild green church
encompasses the beckoned bridal throng,
blushing deeply with the first glimpsed view.
Words sung softly
wrap around the living columns,
woodland stilled by the One who is praised.
Gentle words and bold kisses
mingle on the lips
of the couple beheld.
Their hearts a whirl with
fulfillment and anticipation
of together life.
Applause rings the proclamation
of husband and wife,
sealed before God and man
underneath these ancient trees.
Saturday, 16 April 2016
Bad Religion
I don't want
bad religion
that binds me up
in fear and guilt,
herding me into
a suffocating small space
unable to be free
to laugh
to dance
to sing
to be the myself
God has created me to be,
and not the one of
someone else's tiny imagination.
I don't want
bad religion
where those who are in
look down on the out,
bolstering their fragile egos
in the light of other
less fortunate failures.
One look condemns,
the verdict next,
the sentence carried
before a word from the accused.
I don't want
bad religion
where no one cares
if I live or die,
as long as it doesn't
take up a moment
of their busy schedules
or inconvenience them in any way.
The volume turned down
on the cries of the desperate,
and off if it becomes too irritating.
I don't want
bad religion.
God doesn't either.
That's not why Jesus came to earth
and died
so we can be tangled up
and downward dragged
by confusing legalese
and man-made print.
God
so misrepresented
by willful muddle
and downright lies.
Humanity wants nothing to do
with the One
who created,
who loves,
who cares,
and deeply longs for
relationship
sin broken, cross restored.
He's waiting for us
to say no to
bad religion
and yes and yes and yes
to His kingdom and to Him.
bad religion
that binds me up
in fear and guilt,
herding me into
a suffocating small space
unable to be free
to laugh
to dance
to sing
to be the myself
God has created me to be,
and not the one of
someone else's tiny imagination.
I don't want
bad religion
where those who are in
look down on the out,
bolstering their fragile egos
in the light of other
less fortunate failures.
One look condemns,
the verdict next,
the sentence carried
before a word from the accused.
I don't want
bad religion
where no one cares
if I live or die,
as long as it doesn't
take up a moment
of their busy schedules
or inconvenience them in any way.
The volume turned down
on the cries of the desperate,
and off if it becomes too irritating.
I don't want
bad religion.
God doesn't either.
That's not why Jesus came to earth
and died
so we can be tangled up
and downward dragged
by confusing legalese
and man-made print.
God
so misrepresented
by willful muddle
and downright lies.
Humanity wants nothing to do
with the One
who created,
who loves,
who cares,
and deeply longs for
relationship
sin broken, cross restored.
He's waiting for us
to say no to
bad religion
and yes and yes and yes
to His kingdom and to Him.
Saturday, 9 April 2016
The Hollow Men (My version of T.S.Eliot's poem of 1925)
We are the hollow men.
I know T.S.Eliot said it first,
but it bears repeating.
We are the stuffed men,
seemingly resplendent on the outside
in all our social finery,
but lost and broken inside
hoping no one will glimpse
our shame.
We are the hollow men
born without hearts
for feeling,
without minds
for thinking,
without souls
for touching one another.
So we voice our shallow platitudes
and we hope no one will ask us
a truly difficult question,
such as what does love look like
in this battered and bruised life.
We smile and nod
hoping no one will
notice our faces
flushed from crying
in the desolate wilderness
of our own untidy sanctuary.
Those who have broken through
to the other life
do not understand our downcast faces,
the despair of unknowing
and being unknown.
Faces I cannot meet again
of those in the future kingdom
look with kindness
and cheer us on to this better place,
where pain is left
as doorstep shoes
for the rain to dampen
and thieves to reject.
This is the dying land in which we live
as we look for the living One
to come and turn this death kingdom on its head,
and flood resuscitating life into every soul
that accepts the new breath.
Here we go around the same garden path
that our first parents so carelessly wandered in.
Can it be the same
in the future
present and past,
of a world between
it's beginning and end,
surely nearer the end
although it's inhabitants
do not behave as if it were so.
We gather on the shore of this decision
to go forward
or to turn again to our personal Egypt,
that place of pleasure and pain
so muddled we cannot divide them.
Between the commencement
and the finale
comes the awkward
moment of silence
when the audience
is unsure of the
timing of their applause.
Between the passion For yours is the kingdom
and the regret
is something far
more confusing
and impossible
to quantify.
Between the creation the power and the glory
and the judgement
there is salvation
if we will have it.
A freely given gift
scorned by so many
in this darkness hungry life.
This is the way each one's world ends. forever and ever. Amen
This is the way your world ends.
There is an end.
May it be with the power of a prayer
and not with a whimper.
I know T.S.Eliot said it first,
but it bears repeating.
We are the stuffed men,
seemingly resplendent on the outside
in all our social finery,
but lost and broken inside
hoping no one will glimpse
our shame.
We are the hollow men
born without hearts
for feeling,
without minds
for thinking,
without souls
for touching one another.
So we voice our shallow platitudes
and we hope no one will ask us
a truly difficult question,
such as what does love look like
in this battered and bruised life.
We smile and nod
hoping no one will
notice our faces
flushed from crying
in the desolate wilderness
of our own untidy sanctuary.
Those who have broken through
to the other life
do not understand our downcast faces,
the despair of unknowing
and being unknown.
Faces I cannot meet again
of those in the future kingdom
look with kindness
and cheer us on to this better place,
where pain is left
as doorstep shoes
for the rain to dampen
and thieves to reject.
This is the dying land in which we live
as we look for the living One
to come and turn this death kingdom on its head,
and flood resuscitating life into every soul
that accepts the new breath.
Here we go around the same garden path
that our first parents so carelessly wandered in.
Can it be the same
in the future
present and past,
of a world between
it's beginning and end,
surely nearer the end
although it's inhabitants
do not behave as if it were so.
We gather on the shore of this decision
to go forward
or to turn again to our personal Egypt,
that place of pleasure and pain
so muddled we cannot divide them.
Between the commencement
and the finale
comes the awkward
moment of silence
when the audience
is unsure of the
timing of their applause.
Between the passion For yours is the kingdom
and the regret
is something far
more confusing
and impossible
to quantify.
Between the creation the power and the glory
and the judgement
there is salvation
if we will have it.
A freely given gift
scorned by so many
in this darkness hungry life.
This is the way each one's world ends. forever and ever. Amen
This is the way your world ends.
There is an end.
May it be with the power of a prayer
and not with a whimper.
Friday, 8 April 2016
Word Received 9.4.2016
Draw near to Me
and I will lead you in My purposes.
Listen to My voice,
and shut out the other voices
that would try to distract you
or lead you onto other paths.
Listen to Me and respond to My Word
not in the future but now when you hear it.
Do not fear,
for nothing will be impossible for you
if you walk in obedience.
It is not about your righteousness or your worthiness,
but it is because of My righteousness
and My worth that these things will come to pass.
and I will lead you in My purposes.
Listen to My voice,
and shut out the other voices
that would try to distract you
or lead you onto other paths.
Listen to Me and respond to My Word
not in the future but now when you hear it.
Do not fear,
for nothing will be impossible for you
if you walk in obedience.
It is not about your righteousness or your worthiness,
but it is because of My righteousness
and My worth that these things will come to pass.
Saturday, 2 April 2016
Don't lose hope
Don't lose hope.
It is more vital
to you
than your daily bread.
It sustains you,
nourishes you,
cleanses you,
and refreshes you.
Don't lose hope.
You can't buy it,
borrow, beg, or steal it.
It does not come
in convenient multi-packs,
half filled to avoid waste.
Don't lose hope.
You can't quantify it, define it,
measure it with metric or imperial.
But you will be truly lost without it,
unable to move one space
forward in your beckoning life.
Don't lose hope.
We take it for granted
when we have it in abundance.
That invincibility of youth,
untainted by disappointment,
who know they can do anything.
Don't lose hope.
When disaster or tragedy
visits with unwelcome abhorrence,
and leaves you with a disgust
that life can be so.
Don't lose hope.
The disciples lost it
as they saw Jesus on the cross,
but found it afresh
on the third day
with gripping intensity.
Jesus said,"I go to My Father
to prepare a place for you."
Don't lose hope.
It is more vital
to you
than your daily bread.
It sustains you,
nourishes you,
cleanses you,
and refreshes you.
Don't lose hope.
You can't buy it,
borrow, beg, or steal it.
It does not come
in convenient multi-packs,
half filled to avoid waste.
Don't lose hope.
You can't quantify it, define it,
measure it with metric or imperial.
But you will be truly lost without it,
unable to move one space
forward in your beckoning life.
Don't lose hope.
We take it for granted
when we have it in abundance.
That invincibility of youth,
untainted by disappointment,
who know they can do anything.
Don't lose hope.
When disaster or tragedy
visits with unwelcome abhorrence,
and leaves you with a disgust
that life can be so.
Don't lose hope.
The disciples lost it
as they saw Jesus on the cross,
but found it afresh
on the third day
with gripping intensity.
Jesus said,"I go to My Father
to prepare a place for you."
Don't lose hope.
Saturday, 26 March 2016
Easter Sunday Morning
I can't see his face
through the tears.
It's blood stained, broken
I know.
I don't recognize my Lord and my friend.
I have no more tears.
I am spent, numb.
There is nothing left
of his life, or mine
except this ragged cloth
with which he wiped his face.
The blood has hardened,
the dirt dried
but it has become my most precious treasure.
I hold it
and breathe in the memory
of the good times,
the healings,
and outrageous outpourings
of miraculous grace
that flowed out of him
those three full years.
Full of so much promise,
excitement, power, wonder,
compassion, love.
Love.
That is what I'm left with.
His love.
It made me complete,
healed, restored.
No longer judged and dirty,
a social leper, a society outcast.
He gave me dignity, purpose.
He restored my name to me,
who I really am.
I will go to the tomb today
to anoint his body.
My last act of love
given in return.
I will ask the gardener to help me
roll away the stone.
There he is.
through the tears.
It's blood stained, broken
I know.
I don't recognize my Lord and my friend.
I have no more tears.
I am spent, numb.
There is nothing left
of his life, or mine
except this ragged cloth
with which he wiped his face.
The blood has hardened,
the dirt dried
but it has become my most precious treasure.
I hold it
and breathe in the memory
of the good times,
the healings,
and outrageous outpourings
of miraculous grace
that flowed out of him
those three full years.
Full of so much promise,
excitement, power, wonder,
compassion, love.
Love.
That is what I'm left with.
His love.
It made me complete,
healed, restored.
No longer judged and dirty,
a social leper, a society outcast.
He gave me dignity, purpose.
He restored my name to me,
who I really am.
I will go to the tomb today
to anoint his body.
My last act of love
given in return.
I will ask the gardener to help me
roll away the stone.
There he is.
Saturday, 19 March 2016
Word received 3.3.2016
Arise My people
and stand firm on My Word
for the winds are beginning to blow
of false doctrine and false teaching
in a manner not seen before.
People will completely abandon
what My word says
and replace it with their opinions
like shifting sands
that are ever changing.
My Word does not change.
It remains the same and ever will be.
Do not listen to those who
dispute it or change it according
to their own desires
but listen to My words and do them.
There will be a great divide
between those who believe My Word is true
and those who do not.
My power shall prove those who are right.
Do not grow weak
but feed on My Word
Says the Lord.
and stand firm on My Word
for the winds are beginning to blow
of false doctrine and false teaching
in a manner not seen before.
People will completely abandon
what My word says
and replace it with their opinions
like shifting sands
that are ever changing.
My Word does not change.
It remains the same and ever will be.
Do not listen to those who
dispute it or change it according
to their own desires
but listen to My words and do them.
There will be a great divide
between those who believe My Word is true
and those who do not.
My power shall prove those who are right.
Do not grow weak
but feed on My Word
Says the Lord.
Oncology Ward (and Revelation 21:4)
Medicating cocktails seep through circling tubes
dulling the suffocating pain.
Oxygen saturation shows steady.
Expensive equipment signals
discouraging statistics.
The industrial white sheets
and meager hospital blanket
defies any sense of homeliness.
Impersonal clinical uniformity
adds weight to despair.
So she watches the last few days of her life,
not yet nearly half way through,
time out
to a blistering crescendo
of familial grief
and personal anguish.
She will not see her daughter wed,
or her sons in the strength of their adult years.
Robbed of life by the curse that is cancer,
that hateful disease that shows no mercy,
in whatever form it comes.
The doctors and nurses have done their best
and they grieve in their own quiet way,
apart from the patients
with whom they must remain strong and all knowing.
Her family is allowed space and time
to say goodbye
before she is wheeled from the ward
to make room for another.
And God will wipe away
every tear from their eyes;
there shall be no more death,
nor sorrow, nor crying.
There shall be no more pain,
for the former things have passed away.
dulling the suffocating pain.
Oxygen saturation shows steady.
Expensive equipment signals
discouraging statistics.
The industrial white sheets
and meager hospital blanket
defies any sense of homeliness.
Impersonal clinical uniformity
adds weight to despair.
So she watches the last few days of her life,
not yet nearly half way through,
time out
to a blistering crescendo
of familial grief
and personal anguish.
She will not see her daughter wed,
or her sons in the strength of their adult years.
Robbed of life by the curse that is cancer,
that hateful disease that shows no mercy,
in whatever form it comes.
The doctors and nurses have done their best
and they grieve in their own quiet way,
apart from the patients
with whom they must remain strong and all knowing.
Her family is allowed space and time
to say goodbye
before she is wheeled from the ward
to make room for another.
And God will wipe away
every tear from their eyes;
there shall be no more death,
nor sorrow, nor crying.
There shall be no more pain,
for the former things have passed away.
Saturday, 12 March 2016
Thankful
I am thankful
that I wake every morning
through the year's turning,
grateful for another day
laden with God's grace
towards me.
I am thankful
that I can speak
words of blessing
to my family and others.
I can breathe in
the new day deeply
and breathe out praise
to My Creator.
I am thankful
that I can walk
and run
and dance
if I want to,
work hard co-laboring amidst Creation,
and feel the pleasure
of accomplishment satisfied.
I am thankful
that I can hear
love and care
from others speech,
words chosen to bring life.
I can know the joy and
comfort in friendship shared.
I am thankful
that I can see
God's wonders
pressing in
causing me delight.
Sun, stars and moon
illuminating His Glory.
I am thankful
that I can know God.
Not just know about Him,
but know Him in the intimacy of silence
and the communion of worship.
I can speak with Him,
walk with Him, hear His voice,
see His works.
wake each day knowing
He is always there.
I am thankful.
that I wake every morning
through the year's turning,
grateful for another day
laden with God's grace
towards me.
I am thankful
that I can speak
words of blessing
to my family and others.
I can breathe in
the new day deeply
and breathe out praise
to My Creator.
I am thankful
that I can walk
and run
and dance
if I want to,
work hard co-laboring amidst Creation,
and feel the pleasure
of accomplishment satisfied.
I am thankful
that I can hear
love and care
from others speech,
words chosen to bring life.
I can know the joy and
comfort in friendship shared.
I am thankful
that I can see
God's wonders
pressing in
causing me delight.
Sun, stars and moon
illuminating His Glory.
I am thankful
that I can know God.
Not just know about Him,
but know Him in the intimacy of silence
and the communion of worship.
I can speak with Him,
walk with Him, hear His voice,
see His works.
wake each day knowing
He is always there.
I am thankful.
Saturday, 5 March 2016
Stars through the trees
I thought about you
and what might have been,
if different choices had been made,
different paths walked.
If we had met
earlier,
later,
in a different place,
in a different era.
We might have been close friends,
more than acquaintances
hanging out around a camp fire
listening to a testimony of faith.
We walked through the forest
speaking of eternal truths,
and questions that needed to be answered,
glimpsing the stars through the trees
before they overtook us.
I'm sure you look different now.
We wouldn't recognize each other.
If we met
there would be that moment
where you know you know the person
but you just can't place them.
Any words spoken might
have jumbled meaning,
unclear to either hearer.
A stuttering silence
might follow.
A few staccato phrases
linked for social conformity
and ease of parting.
We might walk away
bemused and indifferent,
missing the moment
of re-connection,
only remembering later
the stars through the trees.
and what might have been,
if different choices had been made,
different paths walked.
If we had met
earlier,
later,
in a different place,
in a different era.
We might have been close friends,
more than acquaintances
hanging out around a camp fire
listening to a testimony of faith.
We walked through the forest
speaking of eternal truths,
and questions that needed to be answered,
glimpsing the stars through the trees
before they overtook us.
I'm sure you look different now.
We wouldn't recognize each other.
If we met
there would be that moment
where you know you know the person
but you just can't place them.
Any words spoken might
have jumbled meaning,
unclear to either hearer.
A stuttering silence
might follow.
A few staccato phrases
linked for social conformity
and ease of parting.
We might walk away
bemused and indifferent,
missing the moment
of re-connection,
only remembering later
the stars through the trees.
Saturday, 27 February 2016
Never mind
Hurt people
hurt people.
World hurting.
Hurting world.
Glass smashed.
Plate broken.
Marriage ended.
Children damaged.
Car crashed.
Lives shattered.
Young man crippled.
Family grieved.
Old lady robbed.
Money taken.
Arm wrenched.
Cheek bruised.
Job lost.
Family bankrupt.
All despaired.
House repossessed.
Biopsy positive.
Cancer returned.
Prognosis worsened.
Life shortened.
Crime committed.
Children removed.
Inmate beaten.
Hope lost.
It doesn't touch my life.
So
Never mind
hurt people.
World hurting.
Hurting world.
Glass smashed.
Plate broken.
Marriage ended.
Children damaged.
Car crashed.
Lives shattered.
Young man crippled.
Family grieved.
Old lady robbed.
Money taken.
Arm wrenched.
Cheek bruised.
Job lost.
Family bankrupt.
All despaired.
House repossessed.
Biopsy positive.
Cancer returned.
Prognosis worsened.
Life shortened.
Crime committed.
Children removed.
Inmate beaten.
Hope lost.
It doesn't touch my life.
So
Never mind
Saturday, 20 February 2016
Unspoken
Words
come so easily to my mind
of what I will say to you.
Then I am with you
and they are gone
deleted in an instant,
irretrievable.
I practice
and tell myself
I will be clear
and precise
and reasonable.
But my precision fades,
my clarity muddles,
and I am quiet,
except for the voice
shouting in my head
that I should have said something.
Perhaps I should write to you,
record my thoughts while still coherent.
Then I won't be swayed by
emotional response,
trying to read your mind,
or fear of rejection.
It is easy to remain silent
on the most important of topics,
filling instead verbal space with trivia.
I want to tell you
that "it is appointed for men to die once,
but after this the judgment."
I don't want you to be under judgment.
You need an advocate.
You need the Savior.
come so easily to my mind
of what I will say to you.
Then I am with you
and they are gone
deleted in an instant,
irretrievable.
I practice
and tell myself
I will be clear
and precise
and reasonable.
But my precision fades,
my clarity muddles,
and I am quiet,
except for the voice
shouting in my head
that I should have said something.
Perhaps I should write to you,
record my thoughts while still coherent.
Then I won't be swayed by
emotional response,
trying to read your mind,
or fear of rejection.
It is easy to remain silent
on the most important of topics,
filling instead verbal space with trivia.
I want to tell you
that "it is appointed for men to die once,
but after this the judgment."
I don't want you to be under judgment.
You need an advocate.
You need the Savior.
Saturday, 13 February 2016
Ode to tabloid love (and 1 Corinthians 13)
Love is a very splendid thing,
except when it is difficult
and painful
and confusing.
Love suffers long and is kind;
love does not envy;love does not parade itself,is not puffed up;
It is so over verbalized in glossy magazines,
dissected photogenically,
until the reader is sick at the stench of it's decay
in following editions.
Love does not behave rudely, does not seek its own,
is not provoked,thinks no evil:
Love is an elusive treasure boasted about by the honey tongued
when it is seemingly found,
only to turn into ash
in the mouths of those betrayed.
Love does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;
Current ideas of love morph and twist
as they are pulled to and fro
by philosophizing fools,
spitting out inconclusive survey results
to prove their insanity.
Love bears all things, believes all things,
hopes all things, endures all things.
She has found true love the front cover screams,
but if my memory serves me correctly
it is indeed the eighth time this has happened.
Where is the truth in the love in that?
Love never fails.
Not everyone can do what feels right without hurting anyone else.
It is as impossible now as it ever was and ever will be.
And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
When will we realize we have been given the truth about love?
When will we take it to heart?
except when it is difficult
and painful
and confusing.
Love suffers long and is kind;
love does not envy;love does not parade itself,is not puffed up;
It is so over verbalized in glossy magazines,
dissected photogenically,
until the reader is sick at the stench of it's decay
in following editions.
Love does not behave rudely, does not seek its own,
is not provoked,thinks no evil:
Love is an elusive treasure boasted about by the honey tongued
when it is seemingly found,
only to turn into ash
in the mouths of those betrayed.
Love does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;
Current ideas of love morph and twist
as they are pulled to and fro
by philosophizing fools,
spitting out inconclusive survey results
to prove their insanity.
Love bears all things, believes all things,
hopes all things, endures all things.
She has found true love the front cover screams,
but if my memory serves me correctly
it is indeed the eighth time this has happened.
Where is the truth in the love in that?
Love never fails.
Not everyone can do what feels right without hurting anyone else.
It is as impossible now as it ever was and ever will be.
And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
When will we realize we have been given the truth about love?
When will we take it to heart?
Wednesday, 10 February 2016
Word Received 6.2.2016
Take counsel with Me and see My strategy
for defeating the enemies schemes.
Do not be passive and allow his attack
to overwhelm you, but rise up
in the power of My Spirit
and lay claim to what I have for
you in these days.
These are days of decision
for many people so do not become
consumed by your own battles,
but seek My path of victory
and look outward.
Many distractions will try to cause you
to miss what I have for you as My people
and for others who do not yet know Me.
Walk in step with My Spirit
and you will know victory,
says the Lord.
for defeating the enemies schemes.
Do not be passive and allow his attack
to overwhelm you, but rise up
in the power of My Spirit
and lay claim to what I have for
you in these days.
These are days of decision
for many people so do not become
consumed by your own battles,
but seek My path of victory
and look outward.
Many distractions will try to cause you
to miss what I have for you as My people
and for others who do not yet know Me.
Walk in step with My Spirit
and you will know victory,
says the Lord.
Saturday, 6 February 2016
Memory
I saw your face
in my dream last night,
a half forgotten memory
with enough back story
to ignite fresh emotion.
I had left the past
in the sea of forgetfulness,
yet somehow fragments
bumped against the shoreline,
unwanted flotsam and jetsam
of my former life.
The currents are fickle
in their timing
to resurface unwanted thoughts.
They have floated unseen
for so long.
I had thought them
absorbed by the ocean.
Yet they still retain their form
clearly enough for me to recognize them,
and immediately wish I hadn't.
A fresh path of memory track
laid unwittingly,
another choice to lay aside.
It is not so much
a haunting of the past,
as a flash of a familiar face in the crowd
that causes you to double take.
It is not them
and never will be.
They have long gone,
but their memory remains.
in my dream last night,
a half forgotten memory
with enough back story
to ignite fresh emotion.
I had left the past
in the sea of forgetfulness,
yet somehow fragments
bumped against the shoreline,
unwanted flotsam and jetsam
of my former life.
The currents are fickle
in their timing
to resurface unwanted thoughts.
They have floated unseen
for so long.
I had thought them
absorbed by the ocean.
Yet they still retain their form
clearly enough for me to recognize them,
and immediately wish I hadn't.
A fresh path of memory track
laid unwittingly,
another choice to lay aside.
It is not so much
a haunting of the past,
as a flash of a familiar face in the crowd
that causes you to double take.
It is not them
and never will be.
They have long gone,
but their memory remains.
Saturday, 30 January 2016
Forever
I will
forever
be at your side.
At your back
protecting you.
At your front
leading you.
I will surround you
with My grace and goodness.
I will
forever
be the one who counsels you,
encourages you,
guides you,
who shows you
the paths of righteousness
for My name's sake.
I will
forever
be your advocate,
the one who justifies you,
heals you,
delivers you
out of whatever darkness you have walked into,
willingly
or not.
I will
forever
be your comforter,
the one who cherishes you,
nurtures you,
loves you with a fierce and jealous love.
I will
forever
be the one who encircles you,
delights in you,
sings over you
with tears of laughter and joy inexpressible.
I will
forever
be your Savior,
your King,
your Lord,
your God.
forever
be at your side.
At your back
protecting you.
At your front
leading you.
I will surround you
with My grace and goodness.
I will
forever
be the one who counsels you,
encourages you,
guides you,
who shows you
the paths of righteousness
for My name's sake.
I will
forever
be your advocate,
the one who justifies you,
heals you,
delivers you
out of whatever darkness you have walked into,
willingly
or not.
I will
forever
be your comforter,
the one who cherishes you,
nurtures you,
loves you with a fierce and jealous love.
I will
forever
be the one who encircles you,
delights in you,
sings over you
with tears of laughter and joy inexpressible.
I will
forever
be your Savior,
your King,
your Lord,
your God.
Saturday, 23 January 2016
Let me know
Let my life count for something.
Let
my
life
count
for
something.
Let it count
in the passage of time,
in the sight of history.
Let someone be sad
at my passing.
Let someone have joy
in my living.
Let someone imagine me
with fondness,
and feel an empty space
when I'm not there.
Let someone think of me
at first light
and close of day.
Let me know
I matter,
that my life
is significant.
That I am not a mistake,
a random act of nature,
a cluster of cells
created to decay,
and disappear
without meaning.
Let me know I am loved
that someone would stand up for me,
protect me from an enemy,
lay down their life for me.
Let me know that I'm worth it,
that I have value
and purpose
and eternal destiny.
Let me know.
Somebody.
Let me know.
Let
my
life
count
for
something.
Let it count
in the passage of time,
in the sight of history.
Let someone be sad
at my passing.
Let someone have joy
in my living.
Let someone imagine me
with fondness,
and feel an empty space
when I'm not there.
Let someone think of me
at first light
and close of day.
Let me know
I matter,
that my life
is significant.
That I am not a mistake,
a random act of nature,
a cluster of cells
created to decay,
and disappear
without meaning.
Let me know I am loved
that someone would stand up for me,
protect me from an enemy,
lay down their life for me.
Let me know that I'm worth it,
that I have value
and purpose
and eternal destiny.
Let me know.
Somebody.
Let me know.
Saturday, 16 January 2016
Second Coming
Coming to you live
from the Mount of Olives
in Jerusalem.
World Media has gathered
over the last few hours,
after images streamed from
an Israeli news team
showed a bizarre cloud formation
hurling lightening and fire,
destroying camera drones.
Countries continue to log in.
Media saturation
through every available channel.
No one on the planet
is missing this.
Oh my God, light filled beings
hundreds, no thousands
stream through a portal.
Oh my God, I can't believe
what I'm seeing.
Swords, shields,
banners,wings.
Our army,navy,air-force
are all on high alert.
Will human weapons
match this alien invasion?
A figure.
It looks human.
Male.
He's coming
towards the earth.
Oh
my
God.
from the Mount of Olives
in Jerusalem.
World Media has gathered
over the last few hours,
after images streamed from
an Israeli news team
showed a bizarre cloud formation
hurling lightening and fire,
destroying camera drones.
Countries continue to log in.
Media saturation
through every available channel.
No one on the planet
is missing this.
Oh my God, light filled beings
hundreds, no thousands
stream through a portal.
Oh my God, I can't believe
what I'm seeing.
Swords, shields,
banners,wings.
Our army,navy,air-force
are all on high alert.
Will human weapons
match this alien invasion?
A figure.
It looks human.
Male.
He's coming
towards the earth.
Oh
my
God.
Saturday, 9 January 2016
Bernard
Hirawani, fearless warrior
who promoted good relations
between Maori and European,
stares at me
impassively from behind the glass.
His feathered cloak and mustache
delicately worked in pencil grey.
Captain James Cook hangs on
the other side of the door,
equally serious
understanding the weight of historical responsibility.
Bernard, with his red rimmed clear blue eyes and white mustache,
greets me explaining, with slight apology,
that he is the youngest resident.
Still in his sixties
he served at sea.
They had desperate times
and he treated a fellow sailor's broken leg
by cutting it right off.
He showed me the clock in his room
then a second in the corridor.
"One, two, three, four, five, six.
They are exactly the same,"
he said in hushed tones,
as if personally responsible
for this extraordinary occurrence.
I examined his artwork flanking the door,
and showed him his name
inscribed at the base of the pictures.
"They must have given them to me,"
he replied nodding.
He told me he was sorry
his wife was not able to stay with him.
She had to live somewhere else.
The room was small.
There was only space for one bed.
Bernard.
Polite.
Dignified.
Gentle.
Possibly a sailor.
Definitely an artist.
I will never forget our meeting.
who promoted good relations
between Maori and European,
stares at me
impassively from behind the glass.
His feathered cloak and mustache
delicately worked in pencil grey.
Captain James Cook hangs on
the other side of the door,
equally serious
understanding the weight of historical responsibility.
Bernard, with his red rimmed clear blue eyes and white mustache,
greets me explaining, with slight apology,
that he is the youngest resident.
Still in his sixties
he served at sea.
They had desperate times
and he treated a fellow sailor's broken leg
by cutting it right off.
He showed me the clock in his room
then a second in the corridor.
"One, two, three, four, five, six.
They are exactly the same,"
he said in hushed tones,
as if personally responsible
for this extraordinary occurrence.
I examined his artwork flanking the door,
and showed him his name
inscribed at the base of the pictures.
"They must have given them to me,"
he replied nodding.
He told me he was sorry
his wife was not able to stay with him.
She had to live somewhere else.
The room was small.
There was only space for one bed.
Bernard.
Polite.
Dignified.
Gentle.
Possibly a sailor.
Definitely an artist.
I will never forget our meeting.
Saturday, 2 January 2016
Fifty Two
Fifty two weeks
stretch out in front of me.
Fifty two divinely measured,
units of order and grace,
willing me forward
with a manageable end in sight.
Fifty two opportunities
to make seven days
count for something.
To bless another,
to help create
tangible atmospheres
of goodness and hope.
To lay hold of promises
still unseen in the spirit.
Fifty two carefully
sequenced weeks
first created
by the Creator
as He spoke the world
into existence
and then took time
to appreciate His handiwork.
Fifty two times
to begin afresh
at the start of the week.
To leave the
unfinished
frustrated
disappointment
of the week before
and turn
hope into substance.
I have fifty two weeks.
So do you.
stretch out in front of me.
Fifty two divinely measured,
units of order and grace,
willing me forward
with a manageable end in sight.
Fifty two opportunities
to make seven days
count for something.
To bless another,
to help create
tangible atmospheres
of goodness and hope.
To lay hold of promises
still unseen in the spirit.
Fifty two carefully
sequenced weeks
first created
by the Creator
as He spoke the world
into existence
and then took time
to appreciate His handiwork.
Fifty two times
to begin afresh
at the start of the week.
To leave the
unfinished
frustrated
disappointment
of the week before
and turn
hope into substance.
I have fifty two weeks.
So do you.
Saturday, 26 December 2015
Northland Christmas holiday
Green bush pushing
vivid blue
sky and sea
mirroring and expanding
a continuous color palette
thick and mysterious
in the depths
against rocks
where purple and white jellyfish
float aimlessly in communities
with stragglers
left stranded
on the high tide mark
soft and slippery underfoot.
A pair of orange beaked and eyed,
black plumed birds
defend their nest
with bold attack
towards intruders.
Sticks deter them
but their shrieking complaint
is not silenced
until we leave their territory.
The incoming tide
over hot pale sand
creates warm shallows.
Out further the ocean currents
are cold and unforgiving.
The tiny boat bounces over
the wind tipped waves
back to the sweep of beach.
Place of blessed earth
and rest
and re-creation.
vivid blue
sky and sea
mirroring and expanding
a continuous color palette
thick and mysterious
in the depths
against rocks
where purple and white jellyfish
float aimlessly in communities
with stragglers
left stranded
on the high tide mark
soft and slippery underfoot.
A pair of orange beaked and eyed,
black plumed birds
defend their nest
with bold attack
towards intruders.
Sticks deter them
but their shrieking complaint
is not silenced
until we leave their territory.
The incoming tide
over hot pale sand
creates warm shallows.
Out further the ocean currents
are cold and unforgiving.
The tiny boat bounces over
the wind tipped waves
back to the sweep of beach.
Place of blessed earth
and rest
and re-creation.
Sunday, 20 December 2015
Pause
Let's take a moment
to reflect on what has passed
and is yet to come.
The year with all
its troubles and triumphs
in somewhat unequal measures.
The grace bestowed
that we are still alive
not by luck, or chance, or good fortune
but by the sustaining hand
of our Creator.
Let's take a moment
to reflect
on what went wrong
what went right
and our ability to distinguish the two.
Let's take a moment
to be thankful
to be grateful for every unnoticed
unannounced blessing that overtook us
and we took for granted.
Let's take a moment
to remember what we're here for.
To celebrate a birth.
God flesh wrapped
coming to us
through a Virgin,
all powerful
totally dependent on His creation.
Let's take a moment
to pause
to remember
to say thank you
for our Savior's birth.
to reflect on what has passed
and is yet to come.
The year with all
its troubles and triumphs
in somewhat unequal measures.
The grace bestowed
that we are still alive
not by luck, or chance, or good fortune
but by the sustaining hand
of our Creator.
Let's take a moment
to reflect
on what went wrong
what went right
and our ability to distinguish the two.
Let's take a moment
to be thankful
to be grateful for every unnoticed
unannounced blessing that overtook us
and we took for granted.
Let's take a moment
to remember what we're here for.
To celebrate a birth.
God flesh wrapped
coming to us
through a Virgin,
all powerful
totally dependent on His creation.
Let's take a moment
to pause
to remember
to say thank you
for our Savior's birth.
Saturday, 12 December 2015
Forgive me
Forgive me.
I don't know why I said that.
It was
thoughtless
senseless
stupid.
Not meditated
yet
premeditated.
You hurt me
so I hurt you back.
It should make me
feel better
but it doesn't.
There's a hollow ringing of pain.
We agreed we would
be civil
at this time of goodwill.
Peace to all mankind
except those closest
with too much
history.
Forgive me.
I don't know why I did that.
It was
callous
uncaring
mean.
I thought I was over it.
I thought I had forgiven you
but the memory
has festered
and wept.
Forgive me.
I choose
to forgive you.
I don't know why I said that.
It was
thoughtless
senseless
stupid.
Not meditated
yet
premeditated.
You hurt me
so I hurt you back.
It should make me
feel better
but it doesn't.
There's a hollow ringing of pain.
We agreed we would
be civil
at this time of goodwill.
Peace to all mankind
except those closest
with too much
history.
Forgive me.
I don't know why I did that.
It was
callous
uncaring
mean.
I thought I was over it.
I thought I had forgiven you
but the memory
has festered
and wept.
Forgive me.
I choose
to forgive you.
Saturday, 5 December 2015
Busy
Come aside with Me
for a while
and
rest.
You are too busy.
You cannot see the beauty around you
only the things that need to be done
urgently.
You cannot hear the birds
as they take time to sing.
Your mind only registers the sirens
amidst the traffic noise.
You are too busy.
I created you
to find rest in Me
and you have forgotten
how to rest.
It is a faintly remembered memory
of something wonderful
yet absent.
A treasure loved and longed for
without a place to stay.
You need to rest.
It is how you were created
Spirit, soul, body.
Sometimes you feel like a crumpled shirt
needing to be ironed smooth again.
Come aside with Me
and
rest
for a while.
for a while
and
rest.
You are too busy.
You cannot see the beauty around you
only the things that need to be done
urgently.
You cannot hear the birds
as they take time to sing.
Your mind only registers the sirens
amidst the traffic noise.
You are too busy.
I created you
to find rest in Me
and you have forgotten
how to rest.
It is a faintly remembered memory
of something wonderful
yet absent.
A treasure loved and longed for
without a place to stay.
You need to rest.
It is how you were created
Spirit, soul, body.
Sometimes you feel like a crumpled shirt
needing to be ironed smooth again.
Come aside with Me
and
rest
for a while.
Saturday, 28 November 2015
Grace
Grace like rain.
It falls on the land
in ever increasing showers.
Dry dust becomes fruitful soil
as the Spirit softens hearts
made stone by years of pain.
Grace like rain.
It is falling all around you,
mingling with the tears
of those who weep for this nation
and others like it.
Grace like rain.
It torrents down
washing away evil
and all the filth attached to it,
causing faces to shine
with hope restored.
Grace like rain.
It comes to me softly
calling me onward
into His purposes,
falling in love
with Him again.
Grace like rain.
It's coming.
Don't miss it.
Stand with arms outstretched
to receive it all.
Grace like rain.
Ever near
and everlasting
Grace without end
Amen.
It falls on the land
in ever increasing showers.
Dry dust becomes fruitful soil
as the Spirit softens hearts
made stone by years of pain.
Grace like rain.
It is falling all around you,
mingling with the tears
of those who weep for this nation
and others like it.
Grace like rain.
It torrents down
washing away evil
and all the filth attached to it,
causing faces to shine
with hope restored.
Grace like rain.
It comes to me softly
calling me onward
into His purposes,
falling in love
with Him again.
Grace like rain.
It's coming.
Don't miss it.
Stand with arms outstretched
to receive it all.
Grace like rain.
Ever near
and everlasting
Grace without end
Amen.
Friday, 13 November 2015
Word Received 14.11.2015
Jesus says Welcome into My presence.
Know that you are co-heirs with Me
and all that I have accomplished through the cross
is available to you by faith.
Come up and be seated in the heavenly places
where you can rule and reign
and bring My Kingdom into the earth.
Be confident in who you are as sons and daughters of the most high God,
heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.
Do not limit Me by the level of your faith
but allow Me to raise your faith
and continue raising it
until all My purposes are accomplished in the earth.
Lift your eyes to Me and see
what I have for you today and every day.
My love and favor is upon you
My beloved ones, says the Lord.
Know that you are co-heirs with Me
and all that I have accomplished through the cross
is available to you by faith.
Come up and be seated in the heavenly places
where you can rule and reign
and bring My Kingdom into the earth.
Be confident in who you are as sons and daughters of the most high God,
heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.
Do not limit Me by the level of your faith
but allow Me to raise your faith
and continue raising it
until all My purposes are accomplished in the earth.
Lift your eyes to Me and see
what I have for you today and every day.
My love and favor is upon you
My beloved ones, says the Lord.
Saturday, 31 October 2015
Word Received 26.10.2015
Seek Me for who I am and not what I can do for you.
Seek My face and not My hand of blessing and favor.
Seek My presence and not just the gifts that flow in Me.
Seek me with your hearts and you will find Me in these days.
For I am looking for those who love;who love Me,
who love My people and who love the lost and hurting world.
People are crying out to be loved,
to be set free from the fear that consumes them.
It is My love that will make a way in this nation
into the hearts and lives of the people around you.
But first you must know the intimacy of My love yourself
for you cannot share what you do not know.
Seek after Me and receive My love
My people in these days, says the Lord.
Seek My face and not My hand of blessing and favor.
Seek My presence and not just the gifts that flow in Me.
Seek me with your hearts and you will find Me in these days.
For I am looking for those who love;who love Me,
who love My people and who love the lost and hurting world.
People are crying out to be loved,
to be set free from the fear that consumes them.
It is My love that will make a way in this nation
into the hearts and lives of the people around you.
But first you must know the intimacy of My love yourself
for you cannot share what you do not know.
Seek after Me and receive My love
My people in these days, says the Lord.
Tuesday, 4 August 2015
Word received 2.8.2015
Get out your swords and use them
for I have given you My Word
as the sword of the Spirit to wield in these days.
Your swords are not meant to be
tucked away safely.
They are for using in battle.
Realize the power and authority you have
when you speak My Word
over situations
and when you battle in prayer.
You are not powerless
so do not act as if you are.
There is a great contention in the spirit.
A great pressing through that will
bring release of My purposes in the earth.
Intercede before Me for this nation
for My ears are open to your cry.
Do not remain silent
but let your cry reach My throne room
for I shall surely answer in this day.
for I have given you My Word
as the sword of the Spirit to wield in these days.
Your swords are not meant to be
tucked away safely.
They are for using in battle.
Realize the power and authority you have
when you speak My Word
over situations
and when you battle in prayer.
You are not powerless
so do not act as if you are.
There is a great contention in the spirit.
A great pressing through that will
bring release of My purposes in the earth.
Intercede before Me for this nation
for My ears are open to your cry.
Do not remain silent
but let your cry reach My throne room
for I shall surely answer in this day.
Wednesday, 29 July 2015
Word Received 26.7.2015
Awaken to the new time
and the new season that I am bringing forth.
Put off the old habits
and clothe yourself in my righteousness.
Do not waste time on things of the flesh
but walk in My Spirit and be fruitful.
Enlarge the borders of your territory
for I am giving increased revelation
to My sons and daughters
so they can walk in their inheritance
and have dominion on the earth.
Do not allow the horror of the things
you see and hear numb you to those around you
for My people must be salt and light
in increasing measure in this day.
Do not let the attack of the enemy weary you
for I will redeem everything he has intended for harm
and build strength and resilience in My people.
Stand firm in your faith
and stand firm on My Word
which will not change
and will prevent you from faltering.
You are on the threshold of great blessing
and greater revelation.
Do not hold back but press into Me My people
and see My Glory manifest in these days.
and the new season that I am bringing forth.
Put off the old habits
and clothe yourself in my righteousness.
Do not waste time on things of the flesh
but walk in My Spirit and be fruitful.
Enlarge the borders of your territory
for I am giving increased revelation
to My sons and daughters
so they can walk in their inheritance
and have dominion on the earth.
Do not allow the horror of the things
you see and hear numb you to those around you
for My people must be salt and light
in increasing measure in this day.
Do not let the attack of the enemy weary you
for I will redeem everything he has intended for harm
and build strength and resilience in My people.
Stand firm in your faith
and stand firm on My Word
which will not change
and will prevent you from faltering.
You are on the threshold of great blessing
and greater revelation.
Do not hold back but press into Me My people
and see My Glory manifest in these days.
Sunday, 7 June 2015
Word received 6.6.2015
There is a
sound rising up in this place that will be carried out to many nations. It is
the sound of My Spirit joining with the sound of the land. It is a sound that
people have not heard before but as soon as they hear it, it will be completely
familiar to them. The sound that I am raising up in this place has a
counterpart in heaven where mysteries are spoken and glory is revealed. It will
be a sound so attractive that even people who do not yet know Me will be drawn
into its hearing, and through hearing they will be set free. The sound will be
different for different people just as I speak My heart to each individual, but
the sound when heard by many will be the same. The sound cannot be replicated
by human means for it is the sound of My Spirit, and you will know without
doubt it is Me. The earth is beginning to resonate with the sound and you will
hear it in this place in the days to come, says the Lord.
Word received for Kaeo Church 6.6.2015
Hear what
the Spirit says to the church in Kaeo. Have I not brought you forth out of the
womb of My purposes? Have I not nursed you and caused you to stand on your
feet? Hear today what I will declare over you. That I will show forth My glory
from Kaeo and My praise shall go throughout the earth. For I am digging a well
in the Spirit and out of that well will come the sound of many waters. Water to
satisfy the parched earth, water to satisfy the parched soul, water to bring
life to places that have remained barren and desolate for many years. I am
bringing the sound of water to satisfy the thirsty and many who are thirsty
will travel to the well of My Spirit in this place. They will come and will not
go away disappointed for I will satisfy them, says the Lord. No one shall be
known in this place except for Me and no name shall be raised up except My own.
I will be glorified in your midst and cause My name to be known in generations
to come. I have caused the former things to come to pass and will cause these
to come to pass by My Spirit, says the Lord.
Wednesday, 20 May 2015
God the Father
Our Father says
He does not want His children begging for bread
when He has all the riches of heaven
and His Kingdom
to pour out to them.
He doesn't want His children
to live in poverty of spirit,
to be paupers.
He wants them to recognize their place in His family
as sons and daughters of the King.
He wants them to recognize the gifts and treasures
He has stored up for them,
and He wants us to just accept them
and thank Him for them.
We do not need to beg for them
from an owner of an orphanage,
wondering if he will
be in a good mood to give us a little.
God the Father delights
to pour out His blessings on us,
to lavish them upon us
because of His great goodness,
not because we have done
or need to do anything
to deserve it.
His love is extravagant
and extreme.
His love is strong, passionate,
fiercely protective,
delighting, rejoicing over us.
We have been fed a lie
that we need to earn His favour.
It is impossible to earn it
because we already have it.
We have His favour
Live in it,
live like you believe it.
Rejoice in it for His favour will never fail,
never diminish,
never change,
constant for eternity,
constantly with Him for eternity.
He does not want His children begging for bread
when He has all the riches of heaven
and His Kingdom
to pour out to them.
He doesn't want His children
to live in poverty of spirit,
to be paupers.
He wants them to recognize their place in His family
as sons and daughters of the King.
He wants them to recognize the gifts and treasures
He has stored up for them,
and He wants us to just accept them
and thank Him for them.
We do not need to beg for them
from an owner of an orphanage,
wondering if he will
be in a good mood to give us a little.
God the Father delights
to pour out His blessings on us,
to lavish them upon us
because of His great goodness,
not because we have done
or need to do anything
to deserve it.
His love is extravagant
and extreme.
His love is strong, passionate,
fiercely protective,
delighting, rejoicing over us.
We have been fed a lie
that we need to earn His favour.
It is impossible to earn it
because we already have it.
We have His favour
Live in it,
live like you believe it.
Rejoice in it for His favour will never fail,
never diminish,
never change,
constant for eternity,
constantly with Him for eternity.
Friday, 8 May 2015
Mothers
Mothers are marvelous beings they can see from in front and behind
They know what their child is doing almost all of the time.
They are caring, compassionate, cuddly and fun
Only grumpy and grouchy
when having to run.
Their smiles are so warm meaning a million words
Of love and affection
and you are so heard.
They believe and have hope in most
difficult times
Hearing the night clock through all its shortest chimes.
They rejoice and celebrate in victories
won
And they’re there for the bad times and working through sums.
They are constantly busy
and never sit down
Except when they’re visiting friends or at
the Dentist’s in town.
They glory in triumph
and weep for defeat
And make sure your
clothes are tidy and neat.
They are marvelous cooks
and even when not
Food is flavored with love as it
comes from the pot.
They are happy and kind in the
midst of a storm
And can see in your soul
if you’re feeling forlorn.
Mothers are wonderful as you can see
God made them that way
for you and for me.
Word Received 2.5.2015
A time of
increased devastation is coming
on the earth and has already come.
Disaster upon disaster shall come
but do not let
your hearts grow cold
towards those who are in despair.
Pray for My
will and My kingdom
to come on the earth
with a
fervency you have not known yet.
Cry out to
me with true intercession,
standing in the gap for those who do not
yet know how
to call on me as Father.
I will be
blamed for the catastrophes
but I am not the one causing them.
The earth is
groaning and laboring,
all creation waits for the sons and daughters
of God to be
manifest
and to wield their rightful authority on the earth.
Your prayers
can bring change on a level
that is as yet not imagined by you.
You do not
yet believe the authority
I have given you to bring
My kingdom
onto the earth.
Rise up in
that authority and declare My purposes
so that the people who do not yet
know of My
love shall come to Me.
Creation is
groaning to see My life in you brought forth.
Allow it to
come and do not resist
the move of My Spirit in these days,” says the Lord.
Sunday, 12 April 2015
Word Received 11.4.2015
Be quick to respond to My Spirit's
leading in these days.
For I am doing a quick work
and I need My people to walk in step with me.
There will be a time of walking
and there will be a time of running
in my purposes.
You cannot wait for other things
to be done
for you must seek My Kingdom first.
The other things may be necessary
but the advancing of My kingdom must be center stage in your lives.
Be consumed by My presence
Be consumed by My love
Be consumed by My heart for the lost,
and walk in that passion
and run in that purpose.
leading in these days.
For I am doing a quick work
and I need My people to walk in step with me.
There will be a time of walking
and there will be a time of running
in my purposes.
You cannot wait for other things
to be done
for you must seek My Kingdom first.
The other things may be necessary
but the advancing of My kingdom must be center stage in your lives.
Be consumed by My presence
Be consumed by My love
Be consumed by My heart for the lost,
and walk in that passion
and run in that purpose.
Grandmother
My grandmother Constance watches me.
Part of the great cloud of witnesses
she takes tea with Florence Nightingale and Madame Curie
on her terrace in heaven.
She nursed me through all my childhood illnesses,
my parents time tied with their own patients.
Measles
Mumps
Chickenpox
Glorious seasons of undivided attention
and chicken soup flavored love.
I lay in state in her downstairs bedroom
her ear attentive to my smallest wish.
Illness became blessing
and I reveled in it,
reluctant to return to health and school
where harsher voices undermined my spirit.
She smelt of Lily of the Valley
and her heavily powdered cheek
would brush mine
with complete acceptance.
Her death bruised much deeper than I expected
and waves
then ripples of grief
journeyed with me.
More than anyone else in my childhood life she showed me God
Richly perfumed
unconditional love
and grace poured on pain.
Part of the great cloud of witnesses
she takes tea with Florence Nightingale and Madame Curie
on her terrace in heaven.
She nursed me through all my childhood illnesses,
my parents time tied with their own patients.
Measles
Mumps
Chickenpox
Glorious seasons of undivided attention
and chicken soup flavored love.
I lay in state in her downstairs bedroom
her ear attentive to my smallest wish.
Illness became blessing
and I reveled in it,
reluctant to return to health and school
where harsher voices undermined my spirit.
She smelt of Lily of the Valley
and her heavily powdered cheek
would brush mine
with complete acceptance.
Her death bruised much deeper than I expected
and waves
then ripples of grief
journeyed with me.
More than anyone else in my childhood life she showed me God
Richly perfumed
unconditional love
and grace poured on pain.
Tuesday, 23 December 2014
Christmas Day (Things to Remember)
Remember to wake up early
Remember to turn the oven on.
Remember to put the turkey in the oven.
Remember to wear surprised and delighted face as stockings are unwrapped
even when the gifts were dealt with late last night.
Remember to email friend/relative you forgot to send a card to.
Remember to dig gifts out from under the guest bed where they were hidden from rummaging hands.
Remember to smile and nod as aged relative arrives and repeats a tale you have heard before
several times.
Remember to ring family scattered across the globe
trying not to wake them up.
Remember to remember the cooking in all the excitement.
Remember to thank everyone for all the gifts
welcome or not.
Remember not to start an argument while playing Monopoly
It can end badly for all concerned.
Remember not to eat too much
you will regret it.
Remember to ask for help with the clearing up.
Remember to be thankful for the blessings of the day
and let go of anything else.
Remember Jesus
Remember Jesus
Remember Jesus
It's His birth we are celebrating!
Remember to turn the oven on.
Remember to put the turkey in the oven.
Remember to wear surprised and delighted face as stockings are unwrapped
even when the gifts were dealt with late last night.
Remember to email friend/relative you forgot to send a card to.
Remember to dig gifts out from under the guest bed where they were hidden from rummaging hands.
Remember to smile and nod as aged relative arrives and repeats a tale you have heard before
several times.
Remember to ring family scattered across the globe
trying not to wake them up.
Remember to remember the cooking in all the excitement.
Remember to thank everyone for all the gifts
welcome or not.
Remember not to start an argument while playing Monopoly
It can end badly for all concerned.
Remember not to eat too much
you will regret it.
Remember to ask for help with the clearing up.
Remember to be thankful for the blessings of the day
and let go of anything else.
Remember Jesus
Remember Jesus
Remember Jesus
It's His birth we are celebrating!
Sunday, 21 December 2014
Fulfilment (Revisited)
There is a sense of fulfilment that people search for their entire lives
but can never find
because they are looking in the wrong places
at the wrong times
with the wrong people.
Life is full of tragedies that come from this
frantic
destructive
searching.
Some seek fulfilment in noise
some in pleasure
some in hard work
some in fame.
We look at the richly famous,
the very attractive people,
ambassadors for all that is desirable in the world.
We hang on their every word,
until the day they fall from their shiny pedestal,
leaving others to rake through the ashes of their lives.
There is a fulfilment
so simple
so profound
that everyone can receive it.
It's the fulfilment of a promise made to the first of humankind.
Grace and truth lived among us.
It's what we celebrate at Christmas.
God was born as a baby.
His name is Jesus.
Sunday, 14 December 2014
Waiting (Revisited)
How long do you wait
for someone to return your call
for a friend to make an expected visit
for a bus or train or plane that's been delayed?
Waiting can be
frustrating
even for those mastering the elusive art of patience
in this instant gratification world.
You can look at it as a waste of your precious
ever
running
out
time.
The Bible says that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength.
How long am I meant to wait?
And what will I do if
He arrives in a way
I'm not expecting
and I don't recognize Him?
How many of those waiting
for the Messiah
didn't recognize Him?
How many still wait?
for someone to return your call
for a friend to make an expected visit
for a bus or train or plane that's been delayed?
Waiting can be
frustrating
even for those mastering the elusive art of patience
in this instant gratification world.
You can look at it as a waste of your precious
ever
running
out
time.
The Bible says that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength.
How long am I meant to wait?
And what will I do if
He arrives in a way
I'm not expecting
and I don't recognize Him?
How many of those waiting
for the Messiah
didn't recognize Him?
How many still wait?
Sunday, 7 December 2014
Longing (Revisited)
God longs for you to know Him better.
Do you know that?
Do you believe it?
Does it change the way you behave every day?
Can you imagine why the Creator of the universe would want you to know Him better?
Some talk about relationship with God
and then act
like it's just another religion.
I wouldn't talk to my best friend on the phone
and not expect her to say something back.
I wouldn't ask her to help me with something
and then not expect to see a response.
You might say
God must be busy with bigger issues than my life.
I don't even like myself sometimes.
How can He be interested?
Why should He care about me?
So you say to yourself
I will just stay busy trying to solve my own issues
and pretend I know enough about life to get through it
so people think everything's okay with me
but I've got this longing
deep inside.
Do you know that?
Do you believe it?
Does it change the way you behave every day?
Can you imagine why the Creator of the universe would want you to know Him better?
Some talk about relationship with God
and then act
like it's just another religion.
I wouldn't talk to my best friend on the phone
and not expect her to say something back.
I wouldn't ask her to help me with something
and then not expect to see a response.
You might say
God must be busy with bigger issues than my life.
I don't even like myself sometimes.
How can He be interested?
Why should He care about me?
So you say to yourself
I will just stay busy trying to solve my own issues
and pretend I know enough about life to get through it
so people think everything's okay with me
but I've got this longing
deep inside.
Sunday, 30 November 2014
Expectation (Revisited)
There was an expectation that the Messiah would be born
King of the Jews.
So many words foretelling
signs in the heavens.
A star moved across the night sky,
watched intently by those who had studied the words and signs,
and thought they knew the meaning of them.
The shepherds were expecting a pay rise soon.
There had been grumblings and mutterings,
voices trying to be heard.
Some had taken the matter into their own hands,
and flocks had been miscounted
several times.
Well sheep have a way of disappearing
now and again.
Mary was expectant
heavy with child.
She hadn't expected the tedious donkey ride to Bethlehem for the census.
Did they really have to be there in person?
Not yet the future days of forms to be filled in with black ink
within the boxes so a computer program can read it.
Joseph was expecting...
he didn't quite know what.
It had all been a bit of an emotional roller coaster
for someone like him to process.
The angels were not expecting such a small audience
to their heavenly choir.
Great practice had gone into the harmonizing
and there didn't seem many to appreciate it fully.
If humans ever can appreciate angelic sounds.
Jesus was expectant of his own birth.
He had seen down through time,
and now the time had fully come
to be born as a baby.
He was ready to be
the Saviour of the world.
King of the Jews.
So many words foretelling
signs in the heavens.
A star moved across the night sky,
watched intently by those who had studied the words and signs,
and thought they knew the meaning of them.
The shepherds were expecting a pay rise soon.
There had been grumblings and mutterings,
voices trying to be heard.
Some had taken the matter into their own hands,
and flocks had been miscounted
several times.
Well sheep have a way of disappearing
now and again.
Mary was expectant
heavy with child.
She hadn't expected the tedious donkey ride to Bethlehem for the census.
Did they really have to be there in person?
Not yet the future days of forms to be filled in with black ink
within the boxes so a computer program can read it.
Joseph was expecting...
he didn't quite know what.
It had all been a bit of an emotional roller coaster
for someone like him to process.
The angels were not expecting such a small audience
to their heavenly choir.
Great practice had gone into the harmonizing
and there didn't seem many to appreciate it fully.
If humans ever can appreciate angelic sounds.
Jesus was expectant of his own birth.
He had seen down through time,
and now the time had fully come
to be born as a baby.
He was ready to be
the Saviour of the world.
Thursday, 23 October 2014
Meditation on Psalm 23 Verse 3
"He leads me in the paths of righteousness"
I don't have to worry
or stress
or work it out
or pace back and forth
till my brain explodes.
I don't have to figure out
complex riddles
or mind bending equations.
I don't have to have a degree
in advanced moral ethics.
I don't have to fear
that I'll make the wrong choice
or fall at that hurdle
or come up short.
I am not the one who has to understand
everything
hold every possibility
weigh every fraction of opportunity.
He leads me.
He knows the way.
He knows the paths of righteousness
because He formed and laid them down.
What is my call?
To follow as He leads.
I don't have to worry
or stress
or work it out
or pace back and forth
till my brain explodes.
I don't have to figure out
complex riddles
or mind bending equations.
I don't have to have a degree
in advanced moral ethics.
I don't have to fear
that I'll make the wrong choice
or fall at that hurdle
or come up short.
I am not the one who has to understand
everything
hold every possibility
weigh every fraction of opportunity.
He leads me.
He knows the way.
He knows the paths of righteousness
because He formed and laid them down.
What is my call?
To follow as He leads.
Saturday, 4 October 2014
Word Received 3.10.2014
Prepare for battle
Raise up the standards
Sharpen your swords
for the Commander of the army is coming
to raise His army for battle.
Get up and get ready
for My Holy Spirit is coming to anoint
those who are ready
to anoint them with wisdom and understanding
to anoint them with revelation and insight
to pull down strongholds
and to create an open heaven
for God's glory to flow down freely
and bring blessing to many.
Raise up My standards
Raise up My banners
and rejoice for My Spirit is coming
upon you in these days.
Raise up the standards
Sharpen your swords
for the Commander of the army is coming
to raise His army for battle.
Get up and get ready
for My Holy Spirit is coming to anoint
those who are ready
to anoint them with wisdom and understanding
to anoint them with revelation and insight
to pull down strongholds
and to create an open heaven
for God's glory to flow down freely
and bring blessing to many.
Raise up My standards
Raise up My banners
and rejoice for My Spirit is coming
upon you in these days.
Sunday, 27 July 2014
Word Received 26.7.2014
Prepare your lives as living sacrifices
for my fire is going to fall
on those who have prepared their lives
for My Spirit to come
and rest on them
and live through them.
My Spirit is looking for ones to consume
with My love
for My love to flow out of them
in an extraordinary way
which will touch many lives.
It will be like an avalanche of love
going out into the community
sweeping away established preconceptions
of what the Church is like
breaking the lies of the enemy
and bringing My truth
and My Church to the world.
Sanctify your hearts and lips
and let My fire fall.
Let My fire fall on those who are hungry and ready.
Let My fire fall on the living sacrifices of My people
says the Lord.
for my fire is going to fall
on those who have prepared their lives
for My Spirit to come
and rest on them
and live through them.
My Spirit is looking for ones to consume
with My love
for My love to flow out of them
in an extraordinary way
which will touch many lives.
It will be like an avalanche of love
going out into the community
sweeping away established preconceptions
of what the Church is like
breaking the lies of the enemy
and bringing My truth
and My Church to the world.
Sanctify your hearts and lips
and let My fire fall.
Let My fire fall on those who are hungry and ready.
Let My fire fall on the living sacrifices of My people
says the Lord.
Sunday, 13 July 2014
Birthday Girl
I turn forty-five
in a few days time.
Forty-five.
I used to think that sounded old,
not any more.
Birthdays are often
recollection times
of former years.
Sifting significant memories.
Parties of my youth
where the treasure hunt prizes
were brightly wrapped toothbrushes,
which only a dentist's daughter
wouldn't think of as strange.
Baked creations by grandparents,
unique masterpieces every year.
My six year old tear stained face distraught
as a ladybird cake was cut up
before it's official photograph was taken.
Summer barbecue gatherings of relatives.
Raspberries, strawberries and chocolate cake
Gifted sweet scented soaps,earrings and more chocolate.
Time treasured cards
too precious to throw away.
Kind words written by loved ones
who genuinely care.
Exchanging English mid summer
for the depths of New Zealand winter storms.
Missing far away parents who made me possible.
Yet glad
so very glad
to be alive.
in a few days time.
Forty-five.
I used to think that sounded old,
not any more.
Birthdays are often
recollection times
of former years.
Sifting significant memories.
Parties of my youth
where the treasure hunt prizes
were brightly wrapped toothbrushes,
which only a dentist's daughter
wouldn't think of as strange.
Baked creations by grandparents,
unique masterpieces every year.
My six year old tear stained face distraught
as a ladybird cake was cut up
before it's official photograph was taken.
Summer barbecue gatherings of relatives.
Raspberries, strawberries and chocolate cake
Gifted sweet scented soaps,earrings and more chocolate.
Time treasured cards
too precious to throw away.
Kind words written by loved ones
who genuinely care.
Exchanging English mid summer
for the depths of New Zealand winter storms.
Missing far away parents who made me possible.
Yet glad
so very glad
to be alive.
Friday, 11 July 2014
Flood
We live in Northland
New Zealand
and we are flooded.
Not in our home or our street
but throughout the whole region.
Sixty or more roads closed
East and West
travelling North or South
blocked by slips
or under water.
We're cut off
from the rest of the country.
You see this sort of thing on the news
beamed from different places
around the globe.
Now it's here.
Four days of storms
high winds
torrential rain.
Another "once in a hundred years" event
so soon after the last.
Civilization grinds to a halt
reading by candle light comes back into fashion.
Thousands of homes without power
for hours or days.
Road blocks and warning signs
There is no way through
however hard you try.
I'm thankful
we are safely
at home
in this
flood.
New Zealand
and we are flooded.
Not in our home or our street
but throughout the whole region.
Sixty or more roads closed
East and West
travelling North or South
blocked by slips
or under water.
We're cut off
from the rest of the country.
You see this sort of thing on the news
beamed from different places
around the globe.
Now it's here.
Four days of storms
high winds
torrential rain.
Another "once in a hundred years" event
so soon after the last.
Civilization grinds to a halt
reading by candle light comes back into fashion.
Thousands of homes without power
for hours or days.
Road blocks and warning signs
There is no way through
however hard you try.
I'm thankful
we are safely
at home
in this
flood.
Tuesday, 3 June 2014
Another Word Received 9.5.2014
I have purposes for you in these days.
Do not draw back.
Do not miss them
for some of the windows of opportunity will be very brief.
Do not slumber or sleep for now is the time for action.
Do not compromise with the world
but stand firm on my word.
Be alert for the enemy is prowling around
seeking those he may destroy.
The battle is going to become fiercer and less compromising
so people will see their spiritual choice more clearly.
Do not rest in these days but actively fight in the spirit and with my word.
My word has not lost its power
though many in the world think it has.
My word is alive and active
sharper than a two edged sword
so wield it in the lives of others
and allow it to cut in your own life to remove
that which is dead.
Rise up and go forward.
Do not draw back.
Do not miss them
for some of the windows of opportunity will be very brief.
Do not slumber or sleep for now is the time for action.
Do not compromise with the world
but stand firm on my word.
Be alert for the enemy is prowling around
seeking those he may destroy.
The battle is going to become fiercer and less compromising
so people will see their spiritual choice more clearly.
Do not rest in these days but actively fight in the spirit and with my word.
My word has not lost its power
though many in the world think it has.
My word is alive and active
sharper than a two edged sword
so wield it in the lives of others
and allow it to cut in your own life to remove
that which is dead.
Rise up and go forward.
Wednesday, 21 May 2014
Word received 9.5.2014
Be still for my presence is coming
in a way that you have not experienced before.
I want to bring freedom to my people
and I am going to smash down the doors
of every man made religious tradition
that would stop people coming to me.
I am not a respecter of persons
and if people want to be respected by others they will miss what I am doing.
If people want to stay in control
they will miss what my Spirit is doing in people's lives
for I want to bring freedom to my people
so that they in turn can bring freedom to others.
My people are so bound up they can hardly breathe.
They cannot dance and sing and praise me
because they are afraid of what others will think of them.
The religious spirits have authority in so many places
where my people are gathered
and I am going to come and smash down the doors
so people can breathe my fresh air and dance in freedom.
He who withstands me I will sweep aside for zeal for my house consumes me.
I am the Lord of hosts who will do these things.
in a way that you have not experienced before.
I want to bring freedom to my people
and I am going to smash down the doors
of every man made religious tradition
that would stop people coming to me.
I am not a respecter of persons
and if people want to be respected by others they will miss what I am doing.
If people want to stay in control
they will miss what my Spirit is doing in people's lives
for I want to bring freedom to my people
so that they in turn can bring freedom to others.
My people are so bound up they can hardly breathe.
They cannot dance and sing and praise me
because they are afraid of what others will think of them.
The religious spirits have authority in so many places
where my people are gathered
and I am going to come and smash down the doors
so people can breathe my fresh air and dance in freedom.
He who withstands me I will sweep aside for zeal for my house consumes me.
I am the Lord of hosts who will do these things.
Mother's Day
Mothers
know you are loved
know you are cherished
know you are honored
know you are cared for.
Every smile that spreads across your face is seen by your Father in heaven
every tear that you shed
every sacrifice you have made for your children is seen
every sleepless night
every weary day
every sock mended
every knee patch sewn
every sticking plaster applied
every piece of clothing washed and re-washed.
Every busy day seen with the countless things that make up motherhood;
carer, chef, nurse, adviser,cleaner, financier, counselor, peacemaker, teacher and so much more.
Every evening spent waiting for a child to return safely home
every anxious thought, every struggling prayer, every deep sigh of relief.
Every proud and deeply satisfying moment as your child's flourishes and excels. Every moment of
anguish and pain as they choose the wrong path.
Mothers know you are loved
know you are cherished
know you are honored
know you are cared for
know that in all that it means to be a mother
you are never alone.
Sunday, 4 May 2014
Elephant in the room
There was an elephant in the room of my mind
It stood and watched me silently.
When I introduced myself to people it looked up
waiting to be introduced.
But
it's my socially unacceptable secret
my conversation killer
my secret past
hidden but huge
like an elephant in the room of my mind.
Imagine if I said to someone
Hi I'm Sarah. I was abused as a child by someone I didn't know, my family unaware.
And they would say...
well what would they say?
So I didn't say it to anyone
but that abuse had twisted my mind and my soul so I was walking dysfunction.
For a long time unaware of how broken I was
thinking the tormenting demons were normal
normal for hell maybe
but not meant for a princess of the King
a precious child made the image of God.
Sinned against yet consumed with shame and guilt
as if it was my fault.
If you've broken your arm or leg you get sympathy, understanding, an encouraging smile.
When your soul's been broken and you limp on the inside
you want to say the fact you're broken
so someone can help you.
But you stay silent
looking at the elephant in your own mind
and wishing someone would take it away forever.
Then someone did it for me.
It was Jesus.
He appears in different forms
and he came in the form of an older woman in my church
who was filled with the Holy Spirit.
And she gave hours
and hours
and hours to me
listening to my brokenness
understanding my pain
bringing God's word to my life through prayer
hugging me when words just wouldn't do.
Unlike coffee healing wasn't instant
when you've been hurt over a long time
it takes time for healing to come.
But it came
and gradually I realized
Jesus had gently but firmly
led the elephant away out of the room of my mind.
This is what healing looks like
the effective,
comprehensive,
complete removal of any elephant that fills the room of your mind.
It stood and watched me silently.
When I introduced myself to people it looked up
waiting to be introduced.
But
it's my socially unacceptable secret
my conversation killer
my secret past
hidden but huge
like an elephant in the room of my mind.
Imagine if I said to someone
Hi I'm Sarah. I was abused as a child by someone I didn't know, my family unaware.
And they would say...
well what would they say?
So I didn't say it to anyone
but that abuse had twisted my mind and my soul so I was walking dysfunction.
For a long time unaware of how broken I was
thinking the tormenting demons were normal
normal for hell maybe
but not meant for a princess of the King
a precious child made the image of God.
Sinned against yet consumed with shame and guilt
as if it was my fault.
If you've broken your arm or leg you get sympathy, understanding, an encouraging smile.
When your soul's been broken and you limp on the inside
you want to say the fact you're broken
so someone can help you.
But you stay silent
looking at the elephant in your own mind
and wishing someone would take it away forever.
Then someone did it for me.
It was Jesus.
He appears in different forms
and he came in the form of an older woman in my church
who was filled with the Holy Spirit.
And she gave hours
and hours
and hours to me
listening to my brokenness
understanding my pain
bringing God's word to my life through prayer
hugging me when words just wouldn't do.
Unlike coffee healing wasn't instant
when you've been hurt over a long time
it takes time for healing to come.
But it came
and gradually I realized
Jesus had gently but firmly
led the elephant away out of the room of my mind.
This is what healing looks like
the effective,
comprehensive,
complete removal of any elephant that fills the room of your mind.
Saturday, 15 February 2014
Word received 12.2.2014
Do not waste time this year
but take every opportunity that I place before you.
The door is open to the Gospel of my Kingdom this year
and the hearts and ears of people are open.
Do not miss the opportunities that I place before you
for the doors will not remain open continually.
Respond to my prompting and whether it is a big task or a small task
respond to it immediately by faith
and watch me work in people's lives.
I love this nation and I will not let the enemy consume it completely.
Rise up my people in these days.
but take every opportunity that I place before you.
The door is open to the Gospel of my Kingdom this year
and the hearts and ears of people are open.
Do not miss the opportunities that I place before you
for the doors will not remain open continually.
Respond to my prompting and whether it is a big task or a small task
respond to it immediately by faith
and watch me work in people's lives.
I love this nation and I will not let the enemy consume it completely.
Rise up my people in these days.
Wednesday, 22 January 2014
New Year's Resolution
I resolve to be firm in my determination.
I have made my New Year's resolution and it will happen.
I resolve to be resolute in my resolution.
What had I resolved to do?
The turn of the New Year seems so far away.
Already February looms
with the rest of the months chasing its tail,
and I am left wondering about my resolute resolutions.
They reflect and hold hopes, plans and dreams,
yet they have a frustrating habit of getting lost in the headlong rush of life.
What do you hope for this year?
What lives in your heart that you would like to make more substantial?
Will you rest in the fading memory of your own resolutions,
or will you step out in creative faith?
This year what will you do?
What will I?
I have made my New Year's resolution and it will happen.
I resolve to be resolute in my resolution.
What had I resolved to do?
The turn of the New Year seems so far away.
Already February looms
with the rest of the months chasing its tail,
and I am left wondering about my resolute resolutions.
They reflect and hold hopes, plans and dreams,
yet they have a frustrating habit of getting lost in the headlong rush of life.
What do you hope for this year?
What lives in your heart that you would like to make more substantial?
Will you rest in the fading memory of your own resolutions,
or will you step out in creative faith?
This year what will you do?
What will I?
Sunday, 22 December 2013
Fulfilment
There is a sense of fulfilment that people search for their entire lives
but can never find
because they are looking in the wrong places
at the wrong times
with the wrong people.
Life is full of tragedies that come from this
frantic
destructive
searching.
Some seek fulfilment in noise
some in pleasure
some in hard work
some in fame.
We look at the richly famous,
the very attractive people,
ambassadors for all that is desirable in the world.
We hang on their every word,
until the day they fall from their shiny pedestal,
leaving others to rake through the ashes of their lives.
There is a fulfilment
so simple
so profound
that everyone can receive it.
It's the fulfilment of a promise made to the first of humankind.
Grace and truth lived among us.
It's what we celebrate at Christmas.
God was born as a baby.
His name is Jesus.
Saturday, 14 December 2013
Waiting
How long do you wait
for someone to return your call
for a friend to make an expected visit
for a bus or train or plane that's been delayed?
Waiting can be
frustrating
even for those mastering the elusive art of patience
in this instant gratification world.
You can look at it as a waste of your precious
ever
running
out
time.
The Bible says that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength.
How long am I meant to wait?
And what will I do if
He arrives in a way
I'm not expecting
and I don't recognize Him?
How many of those waiting
for the Messiah
didn't recognize Him?
How many still wait?
for someone to return your call
for a friend to make an expected visit
for a bus or train or plane that's been delayed?
Waiting can be
frustrating
even for those mastering the elusive art of patience
in this instant gratification world.
You can look at it as a waste of your precious
ever
running
out
time.
The Bible says that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength.
How long am I meant to wait?
And what will I do if
He arrives in a way
I'm not expecting
and I don't recognize Him?
How many of those waiting
for the Messiah
didn't recognize Him?
How many still wait?
Saturday, 7 December 2013
Longing
God longs for you to know Him better.
Do you know that?
Do you believe it?
Does it change the way you behave every day?
Can you imagine why the Creator of the universe would want you to know Him better?
Some talk about relationship with God
and then act
like it's just another religion.
I wouldn't talk to my best friend on the phone
and not expect her to say something back.
I wouldn't ask her to help me with something
and then not expect to see a response.
You might say
God must be busy with bigger issues than my life.
I don't even like myself sometimes.
How can He be interested?
Why should He care about me?
So you say to yourself
I will just stay busy trying to solve my own issues
and pretend I know enough about life to get through it
so people think everything's okay with me
but I've got this longing
deep inside.
Do you know that?
Do you believe it?
Does it change the way you behave every day?
Can you imagine why the Creator of the universe would want you to know Him better?
Some talk about relationship with God
and then act
like it's just another religion.
I wouldn't talk to my best friend on the phone
and not expect her to say something back.
I wouldn't ask her to help me with something
and then not expect to see a response.
You might say
God must be busy with bigger issues than my life.
I don't even like myself sometimes.
How can He be interested?
Why should He care about me?
So you say to yourself
I will just stay busy trying to solve my own issues
and pretend I know enough about life to get through it
so people think everything's okay with me
but I've got this longing
deep inside.
Saturday, 30 November 2013
Expectation
There was an expectation that the Messiah would be born
King of the Jews.
So many words foretelling
signs in the heavens.
A star moved across the night sky,
watched intently by those who had studied the words and signs,
and thought they knew the meaning of them.
The shepherds were expecting a pay rise soon.
There had been grumblings and mutterings,
voices trying to be heard.
Some had taken the matter into their own hands,
and flocks had been miscounted
several times.
Well sheep have a way of disappearing
now and again.
Mary was expectant
heavy with child.
She hadn't expected the tedious donkey ride to Bethlehem for the census.
Did they really have to be there in person?
Not yet the future days of forms to be filled in with black ink
within the boxes so a computer program can read it.
Joseph was expecting...
he didn't quite know what.
It had all been a bit of an emotional roller coaster
for someone like him to process.
The angels were not expecting such a small audience
to their heavenly choir.
Great practice had gone into the harmonizing
and there didn't seem many to appreciate it fully.
If humans ever can appreciate angelic sounds.
Jesus was expectant of his own birth.
He had seen down through time,
and now the time had fully come
to be born as a baby.
He was ready to be
the Saviour of the world.
King of the Jews.
So many words foretelling
signs in the heavens.
A star moved across the night sky,
watched intently by those who had studied the words and signs,
and thought they knew the meaning of them.
The shepherds were expecting a pay rise soon.
There had been grumblings and mutterings,
voices trying to be heard.
Some had taken the matter into their own hands,
and flocks had been miscounted
several times.
Well sheep have a way of disappearing
now and again.
Mary was expectant
heavy with child.
She hadn't expected the tedious donkey ride to Bethlehem for the census.
Did they really have to be there in person?
Not yet the future days of forms to be filled in with black ink
within the boxes so a computer program can read it.
Joseph was expecting...
he didn't quite know what.
It had all been a bit of an emotional roller coaster
for someone like him to process.
The angels were not expecting such a small audience
to their heavenly choir.
Great practice had gone into the harmonizing
and there didn't seem many to appreciate it fully.
If humans ever can appreciate angelic sounds.
Jesus was expectant of his own birth.
He had seen down through time,
and now the time had fully come
to be born as a baby.
He was ready to be
the Saviour of the world.
Thursday, 17 October 2013
Retrospective Prophecy (16.6.2001)
Here O people
this is what the Lord is saying to the nation of New Zealand
by his Holy Spirit.
Listen to me my people
listen to me and do not be slow of hearing
for this is a message that runs to you
so catch it while you can still hear it.
A time is coming and has already come
when great darkness is trying to consume the land
but my desire for this land of New Zealand
is for it to be a bright burning flame of fire to my glory.
It is up to my saints who live in this land to pray
and turn back the tide of darkness
which is encroaching while there is still time.
I want New Zealand to be a cornerstone in my plan
for the coming last days, a pivot on which many things are hinged.
But I need my people to pray in cooperation for my will to be done
in this place so that the enemy will not have his way.
Arise my people, stir your hearts, gird your loins
and run with this vision to see New Zealand burning bright for me.
It is not impossible for me to do these things
and I long to answer your prayers if only you would ask.
Turn to me again, humble your hearts before me, seek my face, and you will find me in this day
says the Lord.
this is what the Lord is saying to the nation of New Zealand
by his Holy Spirit.
Listen to me my people
listen to me and do not be slow of hearing
for this is a message that runs to you
so catch it while you can still hear it.
A time is coming and has already come
when great darkness is trying to consume the land
but my desire for this land of New Zealand
is for it to be a bright burning flame of fire to my glory.
It is up to my saints who live in this land to pray
and turn back the tide of darkness
which is encroaching while there is still time.
I want New Zealand to be a cornerstone in my plan
for the coming last days, a pivot on which many things are hinged.
But I need my people to pray in cooperation for my will to be done
in this place so that the enemy will not have his way.
Arise my people, stir your hearts, gird your loins
and run with this vision to see New Zealand burning bright for me.
It is not impossible for me to do these things
and I long to answer your prayers if only you would ask.
Turn to me again, humble your hearts before me, seek my face, and you will find me in this day
says the Lord.
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