Just Past the Bend

Once an offering is given, it cannot be lost. For to the one who gave it, a record is kept , for all of it's cost. There is only one item, We give,  that can't be bought. Only one offering,  you cannot replace. That genuinely comes from your heart. It's the time you spend with God alone . It's the moment's you give Him, the attention you've shown. It says here is a gift, that can't be bought or sold. For my time with You, is more precious,  than silver or gold. It says, our relationship is more important, than the time of my days. It says, I want to know You. In all of Your ways. It says, You already know this, but, You're written on my heart. And my time with You Lord, just deepens that mark. Precious time spent with You Lord, is never a waste. For it's that time, that I long,   for my home,  where time has no place. 

Lord, this day, as I come before You. I am grateful, for Your promises,   for Your Word is true. I thank You, That I shall not want. For in You, I have all that I need. I thank You Lord, That I lie down in green pastures. And that You, Oh Lord, Lead me beside the still waters. I thank You Lord, For restoring my soul. And leading me in the paths Of righteousness. Yea, though I walk through the valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me. Your protection & direction, Comforts me. You prepare a table before me, In the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil, And my cup overflows. Surely, Your goodness & mercy, Shall follow me all the days of my life. Then, after this life,   I will dwell in Your house, Forever. 

Lord Jesus,  as I come before You. Forgive me, for all the things I've failed to do. Forgive me, for the times I sat in Your seat as judge. Forgive me, for the years that I held a grudge. Forgive me, for pride, and arrogance too. For always thinking my way was the right way, and not listening to You. Forgive me, for always thinking my denomination was best. And thinking You favored us, more than the rest. Forgive me for the strife and jealousy, that came from me. For though a Christian for years, I chose not to see. Forgive me,  for waste, wasting my days. And filling them with everything, minus Your ways. I'm sure there's much, that I have forgot. Forgive me for that also, because I've failed a lot. 

Don’t wait for the weather, To change. Change the weather, Around you. When the heat gets to great, You bring the breeze. If where you’re standing is dry, You bring down the rain. If it's cold You bring the heat.          If the storm is raging,           You calm the storm. When the winds are to strong, You shelter those around you. If it’s raining everywhere you go, You show off The Son. Don’t let,   the world change you. You change, The world around you!  For Greater is He, that is in me. Than he that is in the world.

The most powerful thing, one can receive. Is also the most powerful thing, one can give. It's not some secret, meaning of life. But rather, a choice, in how we live. It's not some riddle for the wise, nor a puzzle for the keen. It's simply Forgiveness, and I forgive you,  is all that it means. It runs the gambit of emotions, for it brings joy,  as well as tears. It brings freedom to the bound, destroying bondage, and fears. To receive it is more precious, than gold's purest ore. For its power restores relationships, once embattled and tore.    To give it echoes the words, that Jesus taught us to believe. For it is more blessed, to give... than receive.

Value is a word, we hear bandied about. For the greater ones value, the greater their clout. Though value is not,   just one size.  It's that element of worth, regardless the prize.  All have value, all have worth. While much is apparent,  some is hidden,  upon this earth. Value to one, may be loss another.  While loss to one may be value to others. Where your heart is, your treasure is too.  And where you place value, are the things that you do. Do you value your flesh, more than your soul? Are the things of this world,  your highest of goals? There's nothing wrong,  With goals and success.  But if that's all that moves you, You're settling for less.

Every highway has a sign, directing to and fro. Warning us of the hazards, in all the places we must go. Merge right, one sign says, while another, warns of weather ahead. All signs are for the living, it's now too late for the dead. No more passing, along the way, to go as fast as you choose! Yield, is now the sign, and Yield is your clue. Dead End, coming up! A warning this lane will end. Last warning on a highway, filled with accidents and sin. There is still time to change lanes, and still, begin again. But know this my friends, this lane will surely end!  

Past, present, future! Past, present, future! Where I am, where I’ve been. Where I’m headed, where I’ll end! My reflection in the mirror Shows what others see. But the direction of my path, Is the true reflection of me! To reminisce in a looking glass Only pays tribute to where I’ve been. As times return of days forgotten, I judge my losses, by my wins. To look behind me With my eyes fixed straight ahead. Makes it hard to see the living, As I resurrect the dead. Time to put away a past, That robs my here and now. If I am ever to enjoy the present, Today, I must learn how. No more hurts or unforgiveness, To look upon with remorse! For GOD has given me the present, To change my former course! The shadows of my past, I choose to bury with the dead. With any choice other than, Only blurs the light that is ahead.  Forgiven and forgotten, Are the pains of my past! The present is my home, With the future closing fast !

We have all walked, through the valley of the shadow. Some times we won, and sometimes we lost. But Jesus was always with us, even if we didn't recognize Him. He was there, to console our loss. We saw only the pain, through our times of travail. It's so hard to see anything, when it's your time to wail. But without the pain, it's hard to appreciate the blessings and praise. From those moments of loss, to the hurts of our days.  Do we overcome our pain, through our emotions and flesh? Or is it the hand of the Master, that reaches down,  and renews us afresh. The place we're headed, pain cannot follow. Nor sorrow, nor despair, nor tears that wallow.  Lord,  let our pains, of the past.  Fuel our praise's today! For only in You Lord, do they pass away!