Just Past the Bend

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!

In the field of battle, that is the Christian life. Many lie wounded,  just clinging to life. As the smoke rises, from the field of war. Some lie dead, while many lie tore. Some wounds were inflicted, by evil ambushes from behind. While others fought carelessly, trusting only their mind. Warriors lie wounded to the point, that their mission is now incomplete. Reduced to a causality, though their hearts still beat. Their faith wounded, Now they lie as lifeless as death. Willing to lie on the field, until final rest. Wound's of ones spirit, heals not, like the skin. For these wounded warriors, are wounded from within. Every story is different,  But the end is the same. Only they can choose to arise, And cast away the blame and shame. Encourage the wounded, As you cross their lane. It may be your words that restores them, From walking as the lame.

If I am to live Oh LORD, Let it be with great zeal. Not with pompous words, Or even in how I feel! Oh LORD, may just a part of Your passion,  Live in one as simple as me. And may my steps honor You, For all to see! For to live without Your passion, Is to die slowly each day. Like a ship with no compass, Sailing away! No port ahead, No mission to complete. Just another day on board, Lost to the fleet! Sailing the globe, But never seeing the sites. Passing great cities, Only at distance,  seeing their lights. May The LORD call me home, Should I grow this cold. For should my passion die, May I never grow old!

Where will you be, in a thousand years? Rejoicing with JESUS, or trembling in fear? Will you have met, the apostles of old? Or have been in torment for what seems, like time untold. The just and the unjust, are each promised their day. Both promised eternity, both promised their pay. Eternity for all, will know no end. And for all mankind,    it's waiting for them...

On throne so pure, it appears like fire. At a place so high, none can go higher. Sits GOD, so holy, in His glory and power. As the scent of mercy and grace, fills His tower. At the sound of His voice, time stands still. As He stretches forth His hand, death is quelled. To stand in His presence, all evil must flee. To accept His Son, sets one free. Millenniums pass, yet He remains the same. As His Spirit and Word, still honor His name. Who is so mighty, That He never changes His ways? Only, The GOD of Forever, The Ancient of Day s.

                                      Oh GOD, Most High, maker of everything. You are awesome in power, and in the love that You bring. When the words are sung, their is none other like You. Few realize... these words are true. With the most colorful imagination, that man can explore. It falls short of the majesty, of The GOD I adore. Most High, Your ways are holy, Your heart so pure. With all that life offers, only in You am I sure. Your ways never change, Oh Holy One. For, You are the same this day, as when time begun. Psalm 7:10