No Bars Hold.... Middle click ~ Susan Boyle -Wings To Fly
~No Bars Hold ~
There are never any fences, walls, that hold the glory in,
There are no bars surrounding, to imprison us within.
For Jesus gave to us His word, that opened wide the door,
His life has set us free,
so we can walk through all.
He didn't hide the secret, beneath an unknown place,
But, put it in our hearts, inscribed on it, is grace.
We step out now unhindered, no matter where we are,
Though imprisoned by conditions
that seem to block our path.
Our Father has control, our lives are not our own,
He chooses how His glory, from us will best be known.
For, our Saviour dwells inside us, yes, God now lives within
And He will always finish,
whatever He begins.
So, if our bodies are restricted, expect that God's at work
Just as apostle Paul, imprisoned, could always spread the word.
No enemy can stop The Lord, despite failure, pain or grief,
No bars can hold us back
From what The Father says will be.
Soft Whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © Jan 2012
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
There are never any fences, walls, that hold the glory in,
There are no bars surrounding, to imprison us within.
For Jesus gave to us His word, that opened wide the door,
His life has set us free,
so we can walk through all.
He didn't hide the secret, beneath an unknown place,
But, put it in our hearts, inscribed on it, is grace.
We step out now unhindered, no matter where we are,
Though imprisoned by conditions
that seem to block our path.
Our Father has control, our lives are not our own,
He chooses how His glory, from us will best be known.
For, our Saviour dwells inside us, yes, God now lives within
And He will always finish,
whatever He begins.
So, if our bodies are restricted, expect that God's at work
Just as apostle Paul, imprisoned, could always spread the word.
No enemy can stop The Lord, despite failure, pain or grief,
No bars can hold us back
From what The Father says will be.
Soft Whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © Jan 2012
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
~ It Is I ~
The winds keep blowing, cruel and fierce
Our nerves are raw and frayed, we weep, then comes a tender voice-
It is I, don't be afraid.
The storm is wild, the ocean rough, we're thrown by every wave,
We cry, then hear a gentle voice-
It is I, don't be afraid.
The night is long, the darkness deep,
There is no light of day, within the nightmare steals a voice-
It's I, don't be afraid.
The laughter's still, there seems no joy, with no more games to play,
But, soft a whisper brushes by-
It is I, don't be afraid.
There is no family, near to help and no dear friends can stay,
There in the loneliness, a voice-
It is I, don't be afraid.
The path's obscure, the roadway blocked, we cannot find the way,
A lantern shines, a voice directs-
It is I, don't be afraid.
Soft Whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © Jan 2012
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
Stay close to Him. Trust His leading. Surrender control. Talk, listen to Him.
Be keenly aware of Him, in all things. He won’t be anything but good…
it’s by our own doing that we run aground in our journey to the unimaginable blessings He has for us.
Ironically, being still keeps God moving in our lives. Still and surrendered, brings glory and grace.
Breathe deeply, move effortlessly, in all He has ahead.
-Bonnie Rickner Jensen
The winds keep blowing, cruel and fierce
Our nerves are raw and frayed, we weep, then comes a tender voice-
It is I, don't be afraid.
The storm is wild, the ocean rough, we're thrown by every wave,
We cry, then hear a gentle voice-
It is I, don't be afraid.
The night is long, the darkness deep,
There is no light of day, within the nightmare steals a voice-
It's I, don't be afraid.
The laughter's still, there seems no joy, with no more games to play,
But, soft a whisper brushes by-
It is I, don't be afraid.
There is no family, near to help and no dear friends can stay,
There in the loneliness, a voice-
It is I, don't be afraid.
The path's obscure, the roadway blocked, we cannot find the way,
A lantern shines, a voice directs-
It is I, don't be afraid.
Soft Whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © Jan 2012
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
Stay close to Him. Trust His leading. Surrender control. Talk, listen to Him.
Be keenly aware of Him, in all things. He won’t be anything but good…
it’s by our own doing that we run aground in our journey to the unimaginable blessings He has for us.
Ironically, being still keeps God moving in our lives. Still and surrendered, brings glory and grace.
Breathe deeply, move effortlessly, in all He has ahead.
-Bonnie Rickner Jensen
~The One I Know ~
I needn't search among the heavens, nor in the valleys green,
I needn't wander far and wide, nor look, to never see.
I need not ferret darkened caves, nor woodlands deep, unknown,
Traverse a barren desert, to find the One I know.
For He is here beside me, within me and before
Behind, above, surrounding, my Shepherd as my all.
My dear beloved Shepherd, I talk to through the day
I love with all my heart, who takes the fear away.
He's with me in the sorrow and holds my trembling hand,
Assures me of His presence, to help me understand
That life is made for trials to keep my eyes on His,
That if my face is turned to Him, I'll feel His tender kiss.
I cannot seek for comfort in things of earth I see,
For they are merely shadows, of the real that soon will be.
I need to look beyond the parchment, beyond what I now view
To gaze beyond the present, concealing what is true.
And then I'll see the promise, of all my Shepherd is
I'll sit with Him in heaven
While living here as is.
Soft Whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © Jan 2012
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
I needn't search among the heavens, nor in the valleys green,
I needn't wander far and wide, nor look, to never see.
I need not ferret darkened caves, nor woodlands deep, unknown,
Traverse a barren desert, to find the One I know.
For He is here beside me, within me and before
Behind, above, surrounding, my Shepherd as my all.
My dear beloved Shepherd, I talk to through the day
I love with all my heart, who takes the fear away.
He's with me in the sorrow and holds my trembling hand,
Assures me of His presence, to help me understand
That life is made for trials to keep my eyes on His,
That if my face is turned to Him, I'll feel His tender kiss.
I cannot seek for comfort in things of earth I see,
For they are merely shadows, of the real that soon will be.
I need to look beyond the parchment, beyond what I now view
To gaze beyond the present, concealing what is true.
And then I'll see the promise, of all my Shepherd is
I'll sit with Him in heaven
While living here as is.
Soft Whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © Jan 2012
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
~ As My Treasure ~
The grief I have is not, mine, for grief I did not choose,
For life thrust it upon me
So I'll decide it's here to use.
The grief belongs to Jesus, He placed it in my hand,
That it will work out for my good
For there's much to understand.
God says- trust Me, it's a gift, I gave with all my love,
You didn't seek it, want it
For it will not be fun.
But, I will show you secrets, not gained another way,
You'll find me in the darkness
By needing me all day.
You won't breathe any breath except by what I give,
You won't move hand nor limb
But by the strength I live
There won't be parties, pleasure, the world speaks gaily of,
There won't be fame nor wealth
Your name won't gain aplomb.
But, you will know The Father and He will dwell within,
The Holy Spirit from above, content to you will bring.
You'll learn to sing in sorrow, sweet dreams will all come true,
Beloved as my treasure
Forever-lives in you.
Soft Whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © Jan 2012
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
The grief I have is not, mine, for grief I did not choose,
For life thrust it upon me
So I'll decide it's here to use.
The grief belongs to Jesus, He placed it in my hand,
That it will work out for my good
For there's much to understand.
God says- trust Me, it's a gift, I gave with all my love,
You didn't seek it, want it
For it will not be fun.
But, I will show you secrets, not gained another way,
You'll find me in the darkness
By needing me all day.
You won't breathe any breath except by what I give,
You won't move hand nor limb
But by the strength I live
There won't be parties, pleasure, the world speaks gaily of,
There won't be fame nor wealth
Your name won't gain aplomb.
But, you will know The Father and He will dwell within,
The Holy Spirit from above, content to you will bring.
You'll learn to sing in sorrow, sweet dreams will all come true,
Beloved as my treasure
Forever-lives in you.
Soft Whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © Jan 2012
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
~ He Broke The Chain ~
Oh yes, we walk in sorrow, upon this cursed earth,
We can't escape the sadness
Beginning at our birth.
For, life is trapped in accidents, illness, aging, pain,
The clouds will always gather
To shower us with rain.
But, light glowed in that darkness, the sunshine's broken through,
When Jesus came to live, to die, He rose for me and you.
And by that death, He broke the chain, that fettered us to grief
He cut the rope with passion
That you and I might live.
And now there's hope in sorrow, it has a purpose true,
To lift our souls to Jesus
That He will see us through.
We cannot live without Him, for life's a hopeless end
Unless he lives within us
To be our dearest friend.
We might think that we can cope, by seeking what we will,
Yet every moment is but fruitless
In the craving of true love.
It's only when we give up trying and struggling to win,
God comes with life's fulfillment - He comes to dwell within.
And then He soothes the sorrow
We are no more alone - He lives in us to bear
The burdens as His own.
Soft Whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © Jan 2012
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
When you are in the furnace,
your Father keeps His eye on the clock and
His hand on the thermostat.
He knows just how much we can take.
Oh yes, we walk in sorrow, upon this cursed earth,
We can't escape the sadness
Beginning at our birth.
For, life is trapped in accidents, illness, aging, pain,
The clouds will always gather
To shower us with rain.
But, light glowed in that darkness, the sunshine's broken through,
When Jesus came to live, to die, He rose for me and you.
And by that death, He broke the chain, that fettered us to grief
He cut the rope with passion
That you and I might live.
And now there's hope in sorrow, it has a purpose true,
To lift our souls to Jesus
That He will see us through.
We cannot live without Him, for life's a hopeless end
Unless he lives within us
To be our dearest friend.
We might think that we can cope, by seeking what we will,
Yet every moment is but fruitless
In the craving of true love.
It's only when we give up trying and struggling to win,
God comes with life's fulfillment - He comes to dwell within.
And then He soothes the sorrow
We are no more alone - He lives in us to bear
The burdens as His own.
Soft Whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © Jan 2012
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
When you are in the furnace,
your Father keeps His eye on the clock and
His hand on the thermostat.
He knows just how much we can take.
~ Sorrow's Gift ~
Trials shift our focus on where we fix our gaze,
From what seems so important
To what will bring God praise.
Trials change priorities on what we're working for
From things that tickle fancies
To what will please the Lord.
Sorrows alter passions, that drive us through the day
Until we seek to question
The things we do and say.
Grief will change dependence, in whom we place our trust
Causing us to put our faith
On God, who's good and just.
Suffering will lift our sight, to look beyond this earth,
There we will find The Saviour
Who gives to us new birth.
Problems thus become a gift, to lift us from the hurt
That we might find the treasure
That has eternal worth.
Soft Whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © Jan 2012
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
He may not tell you how He will care for you,
but He does assure you that you will always be in His care--1 Peter 5:7
He may not tell you when He will answer your prayer,
but He does assure you that it will be in His time and for His purpose--Ecclesiastes 3:1
He may not tell you where you will be in a few years,
but He does assure you that He is leading you on the right path--Psalm 23:3
He may not tell you what He will use to shape and mold your life,
but He does assure you that He is conforming you to the image of His Son--Romans 8:29
He may not tell you why you are going through certain difficulties and trials,
but He does assure you that nothing will separate you from His love--Romans 8:37-39
Roy Lessin
Trials shift our focus on where we fix our gaze,
From what seems so important
To what will bring God praise.
Trials change priorities on what we're working for
From things that tickle fancies
To what will please the Lord.
Sorrows alter passions, that drive us through the day
Until we seek to question
The things we do and say.
Grief will change dependence, in whom we place our trust
Causing us to put our faith
On God, who's good and just.
Suffering will lift our sight, to look beyond this earth,
There we will find The Saviour
Who gives to us new birth.
Problems thus become a gift, to lift us from the hurt
That we might find the treasure
That has eternal worth.
Soft Whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © Jan 2012
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
He may not tell you how He will care for you,
but He does assure you that you will always be in His care--1 Peter 5:7
He may not tell you when He will answer your prayer,
but He does assure you that it will be in His time and for His purpose--Ecclesiastes 3:1
He may not tell you where you will be in a few years,
but He does assure you that He is leading you on the right path--Psalm 23:3
He may not tell you what He will use to shape and mold your life,
but He does assure you that He is conforming you to the image of His Son--Romans 8:29
He may not tell you why you are going through certain difficulties and trials,
but He does assure you that nothing will separate you from His love--Romans 8:37-39
Roy Lessin
~ If I Am Hushed ~
I cannot know the reasons behind what God doth send,
I cannot fathom mysteries
Nor know what's 'round the bend.
But, I can trust my Saviour, for yes, He knows it all,
He holds my hand in sorrow
And hears my every call.
He grants me wisdom as I need it, and courage for the day,
Comfort in the dark of night, when tears won't go away.
If I am hushed before Him
and listen for His word
'Tis then He says. Don't be afraid
I'm here, I am your Lord.
Soft Whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © Jan 2012
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
If God wants us to do something, He'll make it possible for us to do it,
but the grace He provides comes only with the task and cannot be stockpiled beforehand.
We are dependent on Him from hour to hour, and the greater our awareness of this,
the less likely we are to faint or fail in a crisis.
Louis Cassels
I cannot know the reasons behind what God doth send,
I cannot fathom mysteries
Nor know what's 'round the bend.
But, I can trust my Saviour, for yes, He knows it all,
He holds my hand in sorrow
And hears my every call.
He grants me wisdom as I need it, and courage for the day,
Comfort in the dark of night, when tears won't go away.
If I am hushed before Him
and listen for His word
'Tis then He says. Don't be afraid
I'm here, I am your Lord.
Soft Whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © Jan 2012
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
If God wants us to do something, He'll make it possible for us to do it,
but the grace He provides comes only with the task and cannot be stockpiled beforehand.
We are dependent on Him from hour to hour, and the greater our awareness of this,
the less likely we are to faint or fail in a crisis.
Louis Cassels
~ A Tunnel Is A Tunnel ~
Life is as a set of tunnels that we are called to walk
But, at the entrance of the darkness, we will always baulk
For the tunnel looks so narrow
Too dim, too long, unknown
And we cannot bear a tunnel, where we will feel alone.
A tunnel is a tunnel, when the end we cannot see,
It stretches in the distance
While for the past we grieve.
We want to back out from it, propelling us ahead
But, try as hard we will, this tunnel's our bequest.
And so we trip within the darkness
On obstacles that hurt, and cry for each thing lost
We felt had greater worth.
Yet, we know God's set this tunnel, that we might lose the dross
Whatever's not of value, of no eternal worth.
And as we travel onward,
God draws us with His hand, gently easing us along,
For pain He understands, He wipes the tears, the sobs,
Holds us in His arms,
Gives us wisdom needed, and calms the great alarm.
Sweet secrets He will whisper, on why we are beset,
While others on the pathway, observe the peace God gives -
And peace we have to find, for nothing can result
But that we walk in Jesus - He alone our catapult.
Soft Whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © Jan 2012
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
Pressing on in painful circumstances is the discipline of keeping our
faith when everything not only goes wrong, but becomes worse. It means
holding onto the Lord during deep trials and believing He's holding onto us
when we feel weak in faith and hope.
Sheila Cragg
Life is as a set of tunnels that we are called to walk
But, at the entrance of the darkness, we will always baulk
For the tunnel looks so narrow
Too dim, too long, unknown
And we cannot bear a tunnel, where we will feel alone.
A tunnel is a tunnel, when the end we cannot see,
It stretches in the distance
While for the past we grieve.
We want to back out from it, propelling us ahead
But, try as hard we will, this tunnel's our bequest.
And so we trip within the darkness
On obstacles that hurt, and cry for each thing lost
We felt had greater worth.
Yet, we know God's set this tunnel, that we might lose the dross
Whatever's not of value, of no eternal worth.
And as we travel onward,
God draws us with His hand, gently easing us along,
For pain He understands, He wipes the tears, the sobs,
Holds us in His arms,
Gives us wisdom needed, and calms the great alarm.
Sweet secrets He will whisper, on why we are beset,
While others on the pathway, observe the peace God gives -
And peace we have to find, for nothing can result
But that we walk in Jesus - He alone our catapult.
Soft Whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © Jan 2012
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
Pressing on in painful circumstances is the discipline of keeping our
faith when everything not only goes wrong, but becomes worse. It means
holding onto the Lord during deep trials and believing He's holding onto us
when we feel weak in faith and hope.
Sheila Cragg
Gather up the stones flung at you and build from them an altar of love to your Father in Heaven;
fit them together with forgiveness and intercession for all that seeks to hurt you.
Rick Cruz Torres
THE WEAVER
My life is but a weaving between my Lord and me,
I cannot choose the colors He worketh steadily.
Oft times He weaveth sorrow, and I in foolish pride
forget He sees the upper but I the under side.
Not till the loom is silent and the shuttles cease to fly,
shall God unroll the canvas and explain the reason why.
The dark threads are as needed in the Weaver’s skillful hand,
as threads of gold and silver in the pattern He has planned.
by Benjamin Malachi Franklin (1882-1965)
fit them together with forgiveness and intercession for all that seeks to hurt you.
Rick Cruz Torres
THE WEAVER
My life is but a weaving between my Lord and me,
I cannot choose the colors He worketh steadily.
Oft times He weaveth sorrow, and I in foolish pride
forget He sees the upper but I the under side.
Not till the loom is silent and the shuttles cease to fly,
shall God unroll the canvas and explain the reason why.
The dark threads are as needed in the Weaver’s skillful hand,
as threads of gold and silver in the pattern He has planned.
by Benjamin Malachi Franklin (1882-1965)
|
Heavenly Father, my life is in Your hands.
Yesterday, today, and forever, I am safe and secure in You. Lord, please help me to know that You are in control. Help me to believe You are at work in my life right now, even when I don't see it. Help me to trust in what I do not see, when what I see is so painful. Please help me to know You are taking care of my needs. Lord, thank You for listening to my cries for help. Thank You for loving me so much. Help me to believe You and the promises You have made. Forgive me when I doubt You and Your love. I believe, Lord. Forgive me for my unbelief. The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8 God cares about every detail of your life… He collects every tear in a bottle. (Psalm 56:8) He numbers every hair on your head. (Luke 12:7) He knows every hurt in your heart. (Psalm 34:18) The Lord knows all you are going through. He loves you, He cares for you, and He will make sure not one detail is overlooked. God cares, cares right down to the last detail. James 5:11 The Message by Jill Kelly, from her book Prayers of Hope for the Brokenhearted |
WHAT IS YOUR PRISON?!
Acts 16:29-30 “Paul called with a loud voice, saying, ‘Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.’ Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. He brought them out and said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’” There have been times in my life when I found myself confined that seemed very much like I was in prison. Some situations found me cut off from my precious family while other times it was the shadow of death that hung very near. The more I read God’s precious Word, the more I realize that this world is not our home and we have an enemy that tries to confine us. It is during times of our greatest trials that the Lord gives us the greatest witness. Please read that again. I fear that all too often we spend our efforts trying to escape the prison. Paul was a dedicated servant of the Lord. In spite of this he experienced the pain of prison. Rather than feeling sorry for himself, he rejoiced in the Lord and as a result he was able to lead others in the prison to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour. Joseph used his years as a slave and prisoner to become the saviour of the brothers who had sold him. What is the prison that you find yourself in? Is it the pain of personal loss or agonizing pain? Are you allowing it to crush your spirit? Are you defeated as the iron doors slam behind you? I pray that you will ask the Lord to illuminate your prison with His presence and allow you to minister where you are. Cecil A. Thompson |
Jesus said, "Not one sparrow can fall to the ground without Your Father knowing it."
God's concern includes everything.
We often interpret the word "fall" as "falling in death."
But the word "fall" in this verse refers to a bird that is in flight, lands, hops around and them takes off again.
Jesus was teaching that every time a small sparrow hops from one place to another,
God is aware of each little vulnerable "hop" of each little bird.
Whenever we feel insignificant or unimportant, we need to remind ourselves of God watching birds hop.
Michael A. Guido, D.D
God's concern includes everything.
We often interpret the word "fall" as "falling in death."
But the word "fall" in this verse refers to a bird that is in flight, lands, hops around and them takes off again.
Jesus was teaching that every time a small sparrow hops from one place to another,
God is aware of each little vulnerable "hop" of each little bird.
Whenever we feel insignificant or unimportant, we need to remind ourselves of God watching birds hop.
Michael A. Guido, D.D
COMFORT FROM THE SHEPHERD
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."PSALM 23:4
"As a child of God you are never alone! Your Shepherd is with you at all times.
You never have to call Him in to your situation. You never have to wonder where He is.
You never have to fear that if things become too difficult,
He will never abandon you. He goes before you; He walks beside you; He comes behind you.
He protects you securely. Just as He sees every sparrow and knows every hair that is on your head,
so His gaze is constantly upon you
(Luke 12:6-7).
Even when you cannot see Him, He always keeps His eyes upon you.
He comforts you with His strong presence in times of sorrow and grief.
He leads you through the valley of the shadow of death. He does not necessarily lead you around the valley
as you might wish. There are times when your Shepherd knows that the only way to get you
where He wants to take you is to lead you down the path that passes through the dark valley.
Yet, at these times He walks closely with you, reassuring you throughout the journey
that He still loves you and is with you. It is during those times that you experience His love
and compassion in a deeper dimension than you ever have before.
You never need to fear evil. As intimidating as evil can be, there is nothing you will ever face
that intimidates your Shepherd. He has seen it all and soundly defeated every form of wickedness.
Evil never catches Him by surprise. Your Shepherd is always prepared and knows exactly when
and where you will experience difficulty. Place your absolute trust in your Good Shepherd
that He will protect you and demonstrate His love for you through the darkest valley."
Blackaby Ministries
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."PSALM 23:4
"As a child of God you are never alone! Your Shepherd is with you at all times.
You never have to call Him in to your situation. You never have to wonder where He is.
You never have to fear that if things become too difficult,
He will never abandon you. He goes before you; He walks beside you; He comes behind you.
He protects you securely. Just as He sees every sparrow and knows every hair that is on your head,
so His gaze is constantly upon you
(Luke 12:6-7).
Even when you cannot see Him, He always keeps His eyes upon you.
He comforts you with His strong presence in times of sorrow and grief.
He leads you through the valley of the shadow of death. He does not necessarily lead you around the valley
as you might wish. There are times when your Shepherd knows that the only way to get you
where He wants to take you is to lead you down the path that passes through the dark valley.
Yet, at these times He walks closely with you, reassuring you throughout the journey
that He still loves you and is with you. It is during those times that you experience His love
and compassion in a deeper dimension than you ever have before.
You never need to fear evil. As intimidating as evil can be, there is nothing you will ever face
that intimidates your Shepherd. He has seen it all and soundly defeated every form of wickedness.
Evil never catches Him by surprise. Your Shepherd is always prepared and knows exactly when
and where you will experience difficulty. Place your absolute trust in your Good Shepherd
that He will protect you and demonstrate His love for you through the darkest valley."
Blackaby Ministries