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
Saturday, 27 February 2016
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.
Sunday, 26 May 2013
Word received 15.5.2013
A time of intense turbulence is coming, and people will think it is the end of all things, but it is not. For many more things must happen before the end. Nations will rise up against nations and peoples who lived in harmony will turn to enmity. Hatred will increase in the world and the love of my disciples will become more obvious to those who do not yet know me.
I am making a choice so clear that no one will be able to say they could not see a difference between those who know me and those that don't. You will be hated by all nations but those I call will answer and will lay down their lives for each other.
Stand fast on my Word for such confusion is coming on the earth that people will no longer know what they think. I will make my truth plain to see and many will come to me. There is a time of great discouragement coming on the earth when people's hearts will fail and they will cry out for something to cover them. My people will be as beacons of hope in the darkness and many will be drawn to me.
There is a time when I will shake out the earth as if it is a sheet held by its four corners and many will be convinced that this is indeed the end. But it is not and will not be until every word that has gone out of my mouth will be fulfilled in its completeness. Do not fear or be troubled for all these things must come but I am with you as my Word has said to the end of all things.
Sunday, 19 May 2013
Word received 15.5.2013
The Lord will arise in His mighty power
and sweep evil from this land.
As mud settles on a deck and needs to be swept
so evil has settled on this nation to devour its inhabitants.
But the Lord will sweep the evil off this land
and off the edges of the land
down into the sea.
There is a violent struggle for the soul of this nation
but the Lord will not lift His hand from this place
where He desires His glory to dwell.
Wednesday, 8 May 2013
Flying lesson
It is easy to fly.
You just start running
and you imagine yourself being able to fly
and when you can see yourself flying
you will lift off the ground.
You must be careful to rise through the air quickly
to avoid trees and other low lying objects.
You can spin and dip
dive and climb again as high
as you want through the perfectly clear air.
I must caution you though
once you have experienced
the thrill of flying
you may never want
to walk
anywhere
ever
again.
You just start running
and you imagine yourself being able to fly
and when you can see yourself flying
you will lift off the ground.
You must be careful to rise through the air quickly
to avoid trees and other low lying objects.
You can spin and dip
dive and climb again as high
as you want through the perfectly clear air.
I must caution you though
once you have experienced
the thrill of flying
you may never want
to walk
anywhere
ever
again.
Monday, 29 April 2013
The Eden Project
How would you do
if you had to face the same test as Adam and Eve?
If you were put in a garden and you had to obey
just
one
law?
Do you find yourself thinking
I would never have taken the fruit?
How did you do when you were last faced
with a temptation?
Did you run into the safety of God's arms
or
did you listen to the tempter?
How long would you have lasted
in the Garden of Eden?
How long would any of us have lasted?
We cannot go back to undo what has been done.
We can be thankful for God's answer.
Jesus
the cross
an invitation to receive
forgiveness for our sins
and the renewed opportunity
to walk again with the Lord
in the cool of the day.
if you had to face the same test as Adam and Eve?
If you were put in a garden and you had to obey
just
one
law?
Do you find yourself thinking
I would never have taken the fruit?
How did you do when you were last faced
with a temptation?
Did you run into the safety of God's arms
or
did you listen to the tempter?
How long would you have lasted
in the Garden of Eden?
How long would any of us have lasted?
We cannot go back to undo what has been done.
We can be thankful for God's answer.
Jesus
the cross
an invitation to receive
forgiveness for our sins
and the renewed opportunity
to walk again with the Lord
in the cool of the day.
Monday, 18 February 2013
Word received 13.2.2013
“Arise, shine for your light has come and the glory of God is coming to fill the earth. Do not be silent in these days for these are the days of harvest. The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord of the harvest for workers to be gathered in from where they are waiting on the outskirts of my fields. The workers are waiting for my command but I have already given it for my Word does not change. Go and make disciples of all nations so that my glory can fill the earth.” says the Lord.
Sunday, 23 December 2012
Song of Mary
It's dark
My soul magnifies the Lord
and I'm cold
And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior
The pain
For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant
is getting stronger
For behold
and it's coming more often
henceforth all generations will call me blessed
My legs hurt
For He who is mighty has done great things for me
and Joseph was the one who did the walking
And holy is His name
The straw sticks into my back
And His mercy is on those who fear Him
when I try to lie down
From generation to generation
All I can feel is pain
He has shown strength with His arm
My body is full of it
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts
I cry out
He has put down the mighty from their thrones
and my husband soothes me
And exalted the lowly
Breathe out my love
He has filled the hungry with good things
I scream
And the rich He has sent away empty
and He is born
the Savior of the world
My soul magnifies the Lord
and I'm cold
And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior
The pain
For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant
is getting stronger
For behold
and it's coming more often
henceforth all generations will call me blessed
My legs hurt
For He who is mighty has done great things for me
and Joseph was the one who did the walking
And holy is His name
The straw sticks into my back
And His mercy is on those who fear Him
when I try to lie down
From generation to generation
All I can feel is pain
He has shown strength with His arm
My body is full of it
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts
I cry out
He has put down the mighty from their thrones
and my husband soothes me
And exalted the lowly
Breathe out my love
He has filled the hungry with good things
I scream
And the rich He has sent away empty
and He is born
the Savior of the world
Thursday, 6 December 2012
Overnight success
Ten years from now
I'll become an overnight success
My talent will be discovered
and I'll be thrust
unwillingly
into the spotlight.
People will ask my opinion
on world issues
of which I know nothing about,
and ask me to make profound statements
while selling their products.
I'll declare that fame
will not change me
and shun celebrity gatherings
as being shallow
and unnecessary.
My friends will be happy for me
and my enemies
will have some decent ammunition.
She has become proud
and self seeking.
I do not think her writing
is any good
at all.
They may be right
but they will never know
how many days
and hours
and lonely,winding roads
you have to travel
to become
an overnight success.
I'll become an overnight success
My talent will be discovered
and I'll be thrust
unwillingly
into the spotlight.
People will ask my opinion
on world issues
of which I know nothing about,
and ask me to make profound statements
while selling their products.
I'll declare that fame
will not change me
and shun celebrity gatherings
as being shallow
and unnecessary.
My friends will be happy for me
and my enemies
will have some decent ammunition.
She has become proud
and self seeking.
I do not think her writing
is any good
at all.
They may be right
but they will never know
how many days
and hours
and lonely,winding roads
you have to travel
to become
an overnight success.
Sunday, 28 October 2012
Brain washed in blue
I live in a house full of boys
one grown up
and three still growing.
Friday night sees action packed movies
fighting, running, shouting
or all of the above.
A gentle kiss has met with more horror
than a full throttle battle scene
with pieces of alien creatures scattered to the wind
or brave soldiers dying slowly enough to deliver
their final significant words to friend or foe.
How many other ladies have a huge replica medieval sword
on their kitchen wall?
At more than six feet it's a little too large to be useful
as a letter opener
or
potato peeler.
I see a sea of blue
in the cupboards
jeans, jackets, t-shirts,
bed linen
even the furniture
shares the hue.
But I'm not complaining.
I love to live in this sea
and to be brain washed in blue.
one grown up
and three still growing.
Friday night sees action packed movies
fighting, running, shouting
or all of the above.
A gentle kiss has met with more horror
than a full throttle battle scene
with pieces of alien creatures scattered to the wind
or brave soldiers dying slowly enough to deliver
their final significant words to friend or foe.
How many other ladies have a huge replica medieval sword
on their kitchen wall?
At more than six feet it's a little too large to be useful
as a letter opener
or
potato peeler.
I see a sea of blue
in the cupboards
jeans, jackets, t-shirts,
bed linen
even the furniture
shares the hue.
But I'm not complaining.
I love to live in this sea
and to be brain washed in blue.
Friday, 13 July 2012
Word received June 2012
I am sending a fire across this nation
that will not be able to be quenched
by any man made organisation.
The fire of My Spirit will sweep through this land
and burn away the dross that has gathered over many years
so that the world may see the church as she really is
and not a tarnished image of what I intend her to be.
My fire will breathe life into dying congregations
and birth new ones across this land.
No one will be able to control or take credit for this move of My Spirit
and it will be welcomed by all who love My name.
I will not share My glory with another
and I will not allow a human to take any credit for what My Spirit will do in these days.
Many will come to know Me and be swept into the kingdom.
Do not doubt that this is the work of My hand
but embrace what I am going to do in your nation through My people and by My Spirit
says the Lord.
that will not be able to be quenched
by any man made organisation.
The fire of My Spirit will sweep through this land
and burn away the dross that has gathered over many years
so that the world may see the church as she really is
and not a tarnished image of what I intend her to be.
My fire will breathe life into dying congregations
and birth new ones across this land.
No one will be able to control or take credit for this move of My Spirit
and it will be welcomed by all who love My name.
I will not share My glory with another
and I will not allow a human to take any credit for what My Spirit will do in these days.
Many will come to know Me and be swept into the kingdom.
Do not doubt that this is the work of My hand
but embrace what I am going to do in your nation through My people and by My Spirit
says the Lord.
Sunday, 27 May 2012
Five Minute Christian : 3
I chose to stand before God
in a quiet place
and closed my eyes.
I stopped praying
and just listened.
I imagined myself on the phone to God
allowing Him time to communicate with me
by His Holy Spirit
and His still, small voice.
It's amazing how much can be said
in five minutes.
in a quiet place
and closed my eyes.
I stopped praying
and just listened.
I imagined myself on the phone to God
allowing Him time to communicate with me
by His Holy Spirit
and His still, small voice.
It's amazing how much can be said
in five minutes.
Five Minute Christian : 2
I am so busy.
There's the washing
screaming to be put on.
The carpets need vacuuming,
the bathrooms are waiting,
and the weeds in the garden
seem to have grown bigger
suddenly.
A friend rings,
emails need checking,
and a book needs editing.
Homework must be helped with,
dinner prepared and cooked,
and a meeting attended.
There are twenty four hours in one day.
Sixty minutes in an hour.
One thousand, four hundred and forty minutes
each day.
God asked me for five.
There's the washing
screaming to be put on.
The carpets need vacuuming,
the bathrooms are waiting,
and the weeds in the garden
seem to have grown bigger
suddenly.
A friend rings,
emails need checking,
and a book needs editing.
Homework must be helped with,
dinner prepared and cooked,
and a meeting attended.
There are twenty four hours in one day.
Sixty minutes in an hour.
One thousand, four hundred and forty minutes
each day.
God asked me for five.
Five Minute Christian : 1
God asked me to spend time with Him
Each day
Just five minutes
Being with Him
Not praying
Just being with Him
Not talking to Him
But listening to what He might say to me
And allowing His Holy Spirit to fill me afresh
Each day
Just five minutes
Being with Him
Not praying
Just being with Him
Not talking to Him
But listening to what He might say to me
And allowing His Holy Spirit to fill me afresh
Thursday, 3 May 2012
Word recieved 1.5.2012
The Lord says I am not pleased with the sacrifice of your lips
when your hearts are far from me.
I am not pleased with your outward show
when your heart is not toward me.
Do not be like the Pharisees who loved
the praise of men more than me.
Be like my Son in the laying down of your lives for each other.
Do not try to gain access to my presence through your works
for you have access by the work of my Son.
You can do nothing to add to it,
nothing to change it,
nothing to fulfil it.
It is finished.
Do not look to yourselves to see how well you are doing
But look to my Son and follow Him.
when your hearts are far from me.
I am not pleased with your outward show
when your heart is not toward me.
Do not be like the Pharisees who loved
the praise of men more than me.
Be like my Son in the laying down of your lives for each other.
Do not try to gain access to my presence through your works
for you have access by the work of my Son.
You can do nothing to add to it,
nothing to change it,
nothing to fulfil it.
It is finished.
Do not look to yourselves to see how well you are doing
But look to my Son and follow Him.
Wednesday, 25 April 2012
Enter
Funny isn't it
A post can tell me so much about you
Can I see who you really are
Even in your silent moments
Because everyone wants to be connected
Odd ones out choose to live in reality
Oldest and newest friends scrambled together
Kindling the desire to reconnect
A post can tell me so much about you
Can I see who you really are
Even in your silent moments
Because everyone wants to be connected
Odd ones out choose to live in reality
Oldest and newest friends scrambled together
Kindling the desire to reconnect
Thursday, 29 March 2012
I wonder what he will look like
I wonder what he will look like
the Antichrist.
Obviously no horns,
that would be way too unsubtle.
Tall or short,
dark haired or fair,
stocky or slim.
Will he be gently spoken or a stirring orator.
Will he be ever so handsome,
or merely striking enough to command the attention of the masses.
Will he be able to sing and dance.
Will he have the common touch, being able to kiss
a baby on the head in the street without seeming cheesy.
Will he laugh and love and have a family who truly cares for him.
Will he be a peacemaker on the earth,
one who can bring seeming solutions to mankind's problems.
Will he be respected by world leadership
a man for our times.
One who can make a positive difference to the global financial crisis.
Will we fall for his deception.
Will we know him when he appears.
the Antichrist.
Obviously no horns,
that would be way too unsubtle.
Tall or short,
dark haired or fair,
stocky or slim.
Will he be gently spoken or a stirring orator.
Will he be ever so handsome,
or merely striking enough to command the attention of the masses.
Will he be able to sing and dance.
Will he have the common touch, being able to kiss
a baby on the head in the street without seeming cheesy.
Will he laugh and love and have a family who truly cares for him.
Will he be a peacemaker on the earth,
one who can bring seeming solutions to mankind's problems.
Will he be respected by world leadership
a man for our times.
One who can make a positive difference to the global financial crisis.
Will we fall for his deception.
Will we know him when he appears.
Welcome to the end of the world
I hope you're sitting comfortably.
The 5:30 news is about to begin.
You can snuggle up with your cup of tea and biscuit on the sofa.
There's been a tornado,
a famine,
earthquakes in various places,
wars and their rumours,
poverty and greed in a sickening dance,
and corruption making sure nothing is fair.
Slavery
and unspeakable crimes
against children and adults,
nuclear meltdown and global pollution,
civil unrest and city riots.
You can blaspheme the name of Jesus as much as you like,
but you cannot under any circumstances
even slightly offend the members of any other religious group.
Chip implants in your hand or forehead to stop identity fraud.
It's coming soon to a town near you.
Political correctness gone mad
and truth shot down in flames.
I hope you're sitting comfortably.
Not long to go now until the news is over.
Welcome to the end of the world.
The 5:30 news is about to begin.
You can snuggle up with your cup of tea and biscuit on the sofa.
There's been a tornado,
a famine,
earthquakes in various places,
wars and their rumours,
poverty and greed in a sickening dance,
and corruption making sure nothing is fair.
Slavery
and unspeakable crimes
against children and adults,
nuclear meltdown and global pollution,
civil unrest and city riots.
You can blaspheme the name of Jesus as much as you like,
but you cannot under any circumstances
even slightly offend the members of any other religious group.
Chip implants in your hand or forehead to stop identity fraud.
It's coming soon to a town near you.
Political correctness gone mad
and truth shot down in flames.
I hope you're sitting comfortably.
Not long to go now until the news is over.
Welcome to the end of the world.
Monday, 19 March 2012
Foundations
You can't see the building by just looking
at the foundations being dug
but you can visualise something
of its height and size
by the depth
and
dimension
of those
foundations.
You only
discover
the necessity
and value
of them
in future
days.
Most
noticeably
when the
storms
of life come.
Allow God to dig a solid foundation in your life.
Even if at first there seems nothing to show for it.
Foundation building time is never wasted in the purposes of God.
at the foundations being dug
but you can visualise something
of its height and size
by the depth
and
dimension
of those
foundations.
You only
discover
the necessity
and value
of them
in future
days.
Most
noticeably
when the
storms
of life come.
Allow God to dig a solid foundation in your life.
Even if at first there seems nothing to show for it.
Foundation building time is never wasted in the purposes of God.
Tuesday, 13 March 2012
Beside the stream
I sat down beside the stream
and cried
for a long time.
I cried for myself
for others
for the world.
I cried for the past
and the future
but more for the present.
And I will continue to cry
until all my tears are shed
and I can return to you
knowing that my tears have been counted
and preserved
as a treasure and an offering.
and cried
for a long time.
I cried for myself
for others
for the world.
I cried for the past
and the future
but more for the present.
And I will continue to cry
until all my tears are shed
and I can return to you
knowing that my tears have been counted
and preserved
as a treasure and an offering.
Wednesday, 7 March 2012
Peace Without Measure
Peace without measure
do I give you
My peace I leave with you
not as the world gives
do I give
for they give and take it back
scorning the one for being afraid
yet fearing themselves.
Perfect love casts out fear.
My love I give to you
not as the world gives
for that has become corrupt,
and is no longer recognizable as love.
My hope I leave with you,
not as the world gives
on the night the lottery is drawn.
You could be a millionaire tomorrow,
with all that means
or doesn't mean.
My grace I leave with you
and the world does not even understand
so you must learn about it through my Word.
My peace, my love, my hope, my grace
I leave with you
because in this world
you will need it.
do I give you
My peace I leave with you
not as the world gives
do I give
for they give and take it back
scorning the one for being afraid
yet fearing themselves.
Perfect love casts out fear.
My love I give to you
not as the world gives
for that has become corrupt,
and is no longer recognizable as love.
My hope I leave with you,
not as the world gives
on the night the lottery is drawn.
You could be a millionaire tomorrow,
with all that means
or doesn't mean.
My grace I leave with you
and the world does not even understand
so you must learn about it through my Word.
My peace, my love, my hope, my grace
I leave with you
because in this world
you will need it.
Word received November 2011
Do not be dismayed when you see the signs of my Kingdom coming,
but rejoice for you know that your redemption is near.
Darkness will increase but it will not triumph
for My Spirit will rule in this day to hold back the forces of evil
that would try to destroy my people through the world.
Be bold and do not be afraid of persecution,
for it will come.
But my grace and favour will be stronger,
and I will uphold you in this time.
Kings and princes will tremble but my people will rest secure.
When you see the signs know that the time of this being fulfilled is near.
Do not wait, do not put off till tomorrow what you can accomplish today,
for tomorrow will never come according to your hearts desires.
There is a season now for fruitfulness in the kingdom
so do not be slack in your heart or your hand.
But labour in the harvest fields for they are white, says the Lord.
but rejoice for you know that your redemption is near.
Darkness will increase but it will not triumph
for My Spirit will rule in this day to hold back the forces of evil
that would try to destroy my people through the world.
Be bold and do not be afraid of persecution,
for it will come.
But my grace and favour will be stronger,
and I will uphold you in this time.
Kings and princes will tremble but my people will rest secure.
When you see the signs know that the time of this being fulfilled is near.
Do not wait, do not put off till tomorrow what you can accomplish today,
for tomorrow will never come according to your hearts desires.
There is a season now for fruitfulness in the kingdom
so do not be slack in your heart or your hand.
But labour in the harvest fields for they are white, says the Lord.
Thursday, 1 March 2012
You have no idea what you are capable of
You have no idea what you are capable of
what talents you possess
what gifts and strengths.
You have never truly flexed your spiritual muscles
or let out your loudest shout.
Fear of what others might think keep you tamed and contracted
wanting to unwind to your full measure
but shy of the consequences.
So let yourself go
let the shout out
let the fire fall
let God set you free.
what talents you possess
what gifts and strengths.
You have never truly flexed your spiritual muscles
or let out your loudest shout.
Fear of what others might think keep you tamed and contracted
wanting to unwind to your full measure
but shy of the consequences.
So let yourself go
let the shout out
let the fire fall
let God set you free.
Wednesday, 29 February 2012
Word recieved November 2011
The day is coming and is now near at hand
When the Lord shall arise like a mighty man
The sword of judgment shall be in His mouth
for He comes to judge the world of its unrighteousness and contempt for His name.
He is coming to judge that which can be judged,
and to shake that which can be shaken.
He will filter the thoughts and hearts of His people
and bring a cleansing fire to burn away the dross that has established itself in people's lives.
He will bring a call for unity,
that love will be the benchmark of those who are known by His name.
And He will bring a call for purity,
that there would be an abandoning of the ways of the world's system
and a fresh adherence to the content of His word.
There will be a struggle between those who are half-hearted,
and those who want to commit fully to the kingdom
and there will be a departure from old ways that were ordained by man.
There will be bringing up and letting go of all that is seen as dross in people's lives,
for I desire a holy people separated to me in this day of evil, says the Lord.
When the Lord shall arise like a mighty man
The sword of judgment shall be in His mouth
for He comes to judge the world of its unrighteousness and contempt for His name.
He is coming to judge that which can be judged,
and to shake that which can be shaken.
He will filter the thoughts and hearts of His people
and bring a cleansing fire to burn away the dross that has established itself in people's lives.
He will bring a call for unity,
that love will be the benchmark of those who are known by His name.
And He will bring a call for purity,
that there would be an abandoning of the ways of the world's system
and a fresh adherence to the content of His word.
There will be a struggle between those who are half-hearted,
and those who want to commit fully to the kingdom
and there will be a departure from old ways that were ordained by man.
There will be bringing up and letting go of all that is seen as dross in people's lives,
for I desire a holy people separated to me in this day of evil, says the Lord.
Saturday, 25 February 2012
To dodge bullets
We are not taught in school how to dodge bullets.
It does not come somewhere in the timetable between history and maths.
We are not shown the trajectory or the target
the mechanism or the firepower.
Can you shoot someone and not kill them?
Can you merely main them so they walk through the rest of their life with a limp?
Can you choose the calibre of a bullet
so as to damage but not destroy completely?
When the time comes you will not have to dodge bullets.
With a wave of his hand they fell to the ground.
I wonder if it works with other people's words.
It does not come somewhere in the timetable between history and maths.
We are not shown the trajectory or the target
the mechanism or the firepower.
Can you shoot someone and not kill them?
Can you merely main them so they walk through the rest of their life with a limp?
Can you choose the calibre of a bullet
so as to damage but not destroy completely?
When the time comes you will not have to dodge bullets.
With a wave of his hand they fell to the ground.
I wonder if it works with other people's words.
Word recieved 7.2.2011
A time of shaking is coming when the safest place to be is on the floor.
Those who are standing in pride will be knocked down.
Those who are sitting in complacency will stumble from their seats.
Those who are walking according to their own understanding
will find themselves confused and disorientated.
Those who are kneeling before me will desire to go lower.
Those who are face down in worship and prayer for the lost will feel the shaking too.
But they will know it is my Spirit drawing close to them to answer the cry of their hearts.
I am coming to shake the earth says the Lord.
Those who are standing in pride will be knocked down.
Those who are sitting in complacency will stumble from their seats.
Those who are walking according to their own understanding
will find themselves confused and disorientated.
Those who are kneeling before me will desire to go lower.
Those who are face down in worship and prayer for the lost will feel the shaking too.
But they will know it is my Spirit drawing close to them to answer the cry of their hearts.
I am coming to shake the earth says the Lord.
Thursday, 23 February 2012
Freefalling
Freefalling in the Spirit.
That's what it's like when you let go
and let God.
Letting go of the need to control
the need to know what's going to happen next
at what time
and in what place.
Allowing God to steer the ship you are in
so you feel the rise and fall of the waves
without having to cling to the tiller for dear life.
Free falling in the Spirit.
It's letting go of all the anguish, pain and disappointment
you've been carrying around in big black bags.
Being led by the Spirit
and blown by the wind
not careless and haphazard
but trusting another to guide you to the right point.
It's being at the top of a water slide and letting go of the edge
knowing once you start you cannot go back
even if you tried
twisting and turning and falling
but always safe
always secure that you will end up
where you are meant to be.
Freefalling
It's dying to your own desires
that are so often wrong and muddled
in the first place
and letting one wiser and stronger
than you be in charge
of the final decisions.
Freefalling in the Spirit.
It's like nothing I've ever felt before.
That's what it's like when you let go
and let God.
Letting go of the need to control
the need to know what's going to happen next
at what time
and in what place.
Allowing God to steer the ship you are in
so you feel the rise and fall of the waves
without having to cling to the tiller for dear life.
Free falling in the Spirit.
It's letting go of all the anguish, pain and disappointment
you've been carrying around in big black bags.
Being led by the Spirit
and blown by the wind
not careless and haphazard
but trusting another to guide you to the right point.
It's being at the top of a water slide and letting go of the edge
knowing once you start you cannot go back
even if you tried
twisting and turning and falling
but always safe
always secure that you will end up
where you are meant to be.
Freefalling
It's dying to your own desires
that are so often wrong and muddled
in the first place
and letting one wiser and stronger
than you be in charge
of the final decisions.
Freefalling in the Spirit.
It's like nothing I've ever felt before.
Wednesday, 22 February 2012
Word recieved October 2011
Do not compare me to other gods
for I am not like the gods
you make in your own image.
I am not like the ones made
of tin or brass, bronze or stone.
I am not like the ones people
carry around on their arms or their necks,
trusting in shapes or symbols.
I am not just the God of history
who you read about
or the God of the future
that you hope for.
I am the God of the present day
the God of now.
You can seek me now.
You can find me now.
You can know me know.
Don't just know about me
know me
know my voice
know my leading
for I desire to be known by each one of you.
for I am not like the gods
you make in your own image.
I am not like the ones made
of tin or brass, bronze or stone.
I am not like the ones people
carry around on their arms or their necks,
trusting in shapes or symbols.
I am not just the God of history
who you read about
or the God of the future
that you hope for.
I am the God of the present day
the God of now.
You can seek me now.
You can find me now.
You can know me know.
Don't just know about me
know me
know my voice
know my leading
for I desire to be known by each one of you.
Dissatisfaction
It's a hideous thing this curse of dissatisfaction
a horror that seeps into
your soul
and saturates it.
It brings its own clouds and rain
to an otherwise sunny day
and threatens to spoil the most
perfect of moments.
It has not received its fair share
of bad press
for it lurks with the minor sins
looking askance at the more
unmentionable ones
satisfied in the knowledge that
humanity cannot see it
for what it is.
It climbs onto the victor's podium
of many a life
spoiling and souring the success
that could have been.
So I hate you and I name you
dissatisfaction
and cast you out into
the darkness where you belong
a horror that seeps into
your soul
and saturates it.
It brings its own clouds and rain
to an otherwise sunny day
and threatens to spoil the most
perfect of moments.
It has not received its fair share
of bad press
for it lurks with the minor sins
looking askance at the more
unmentionable ones
satisfied in the knowledge that
humanity cannot see it
for what it is.
It climbs onto the victor's podium
of many a life
spoiling and souring the success
that could have been.
So I hate you and I name you
dissatisfaction
and cast you out into
the darkness where you belong
and from whence you slithered
in the first place.
Word recieved 22.1.2012
Do not seek me for the manifestation of my presence alone
for I desire more than that for your lives.
Allow my Holy Spirit to come and minister to you in a new way
to take over your lives completely.
My presence is not so you can feel good and satisfied in yourselves.
My presence comes for the needs of the world
and those who are perishing in it.
Allow my Spirit to weep through you for the nations
to intercede through you for those who you love who do not know me yet.
Allow me to fight through you to push back the powers of darkness that would try to destroy this land.
Weep at the altar for those that I give you and see my presence fill this land.
for I desire more than that for your lives.
Allow my Holy Spirit to come and minister to you in a new way
to take over your lives completely.
My presence is not so you can feel good and satisfied in yourselves.
My presence comes for the needs of the world
and those who are perishing in it.
Allow my Spirit to weep through you for the nations
to intercede through you for those who you love who do not know me yet.
Allow me to fight through you to push back the powers of darkness that would try to destroy this land.
Weep at the altar for those that I give you and see my presence fill this land.
Welcome to my world
It's a rainy day in New Zealand.
But as good a day as any to start.
Welcome to my world.
But as good a day as any to start.
Welcome to my world.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)