Ashes to beauty

Ashes to beauty

Bringing food to the park

Building relationships at the very heart

So simple a plan Yet why had it not been executed before

Feeding nourishment for spirit and body and so much more

A small faithful troop

So much love in this little group

Using all of their resources

To provide for those with less

God in his pleasure

Awakening my heart to this treasure

Raising up more

So simple a plan the feeding of the poor

The discipling of both server and served

And yet diversity preserved

Unity redefining the cultural atmosphere

Erasing division and proud veneers

Loving like Jesus the goal

Bringing before Christ to make whole

Small acts of kindness bringing together sister and brother

Praying and helping to restore others

Simple words of gratitude at the core

New relationships to explore

Circling together breaking our brokenness

Freeing hearts, growing in holiness

Ever widening circle of love

Reigning down in fullness from above

Ashes to beauty now family

Beauty from ashes the plan for humanity.

Addiction

Addiction

Heroin you are from the pit of hell

Your time is almost done

We claim back our nation, cities and our son’s

You slithered in on the opium trail

Then onto Morphine’s’ quiet coattail.

The increasing need for a numbing place

And subsequent disgrace

Has destroyed enough

Its time now to call your bluff.
The craving coursing through the veins
We ask Lord, for a renewing exchange
Stronger is your spirit than our flesh
Your heart, Son ransomed, to pluck us from the mess
The stake has been placed in the ground

Come and hear the sound

In Jesus Christ victory is found

And together with the spirit we resound

Echoing the Lords renown

Freedom is at hand

Together we will take a stand

Striking down with prayer and power from on high

Eternal love will be our battle cry

Taking back what the enemy stole

Power in resurrection winning back souls.

For all the parents or folks who have or had loved one's  lost to this world of addiction

Prayer regarding the body of Christ

Prayer regarding the body of Christ

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for your heart for your creation, your people and your body.

Thank you that we are created in your image and that you designed the church to reflect your truth, to grow others and point to your love. You desire the body to work in unity just as the Father, son and Holy Spirit.

Lord, you say in your word you desire that we be brought into complete unity to let the world know that you sent Jesus and love them even as you love Him.

Dear Jesus, you are the head of the church, we pray in your name that we as your body would in greater measure come under your headship and move forth in obedience, walking and moving in a way that will bring you Glory. Jesus continue to stir and awaken your church to true religion, not to a dead set of rules but to the truth of our purpose, identity and relationship to you.

May your bride continue to surrender herself to your ministrations so that she will be a bride readied for her groom, Cleansed and purified to walk fully in the righteousness that was paid for by your blood shed.

Lord we ask that you continue to pour out your spirit so we may increase in our faith and give greater testimony to your goodness.

You are our saving Grace, we ask Lord, open our eyes and hearts to our brothers and sister in Christ to be encourager's of one another, lifting each other up in faith and in our prayers. Help us to move out of our places of complacency and comfort to move beyond our myopic view of life, to see with greater kingdom optics, embracing our differences and uniting because of your love for your family.

Forgive us Lord for the places that we as your body have defamed your name, acting in a way that did not display your love. Forgive us where we have judged the world and not displayed your glory, forgive us where we took hold of religion and held others under the heavy yoke and burden of man made rules instead of allowing your spirit to convict and your word to shed light.

Let your churches not be buildings but by your spirit be a moving breathing body that moves in grace in this world, bringing forth your light, life and hope. Let us honor each other embracing those who are feet, hands, eyes and even the less noble parts, all so vital to a body that moves in fluidity and strength and purpose.

Lord, let us then, in unity continue to go forth in power and authority, claiming those who belong to you, releasing the captives, setting the prisoners free, so that every knee will bow and tongue confess you as Lord.

The meeting place

The Meeting Place

Hurt and anger welling up inside,

 Quickly run and hide.

Escaping where you can’t be found,

Place for tears and screams to sound.

Back and forth comfort sought on a swing,

 And yet sadness and worry cling. 

Seeking to hear his voice

Needing to change course

Something new, transforming grace

Running to the son’s embrace

Back and forth on a swing,

But still apprehension and uncertainty cling.

Angels now line the gate,

Taking each care and all the weight.

Freedom to be in the safe place

Laughter and joy now interface

Savior by my side, back and forth on the swing

Peace and fellowship now to cling.

The meeting place,

 There for all to escape.

The sea, starry skies or mountains

Whatever your imagined surroundings

Find rest and peace in the exchange

Find the savior in your meeting place.

A new Garment for his bride

Cloaked in finery and frills

Twirling in its own delight

Robed in wordy scrolls

Restricted so tight

Draped in gossamer gown

No weight or depth

Clothed in traditional garb

Where half the body is oppressed

Gown ripped and soiled

No longer able to hide behind

The Bridegroom washing,

Bathing all cuts, bruises,

Filth and grime.

A new Garment white and pure

Righteous, holy,

Dripping with frankincense and Myrrh,

Offered up to his bride.

The choice is ours,
Donning in humble attire

 Our churches to be transformed,

Or clinging to our remnants, be cast aside.

Ephesians 5:27" so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.[a]"

Revelation 19:7-9"Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His [a]bride has made herself ready.” 8 It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the [b]saints."

A prayer regarding Trafficking

A prayer regarding Trafficking

Dear Heavenly Father,

You are father to the fatherless, lover of the orphan, hope for the broken hearted. You are Lord of lords and creator of all. We thank you that we can know your heart, we can see how you feel about those who are oppressed and held prisoner plainly in your word. Lord, we ask a renewed aligning of our hearts with yours. We pray for eyes to see the true value and love you have for all of your creation. We specifically pray for the issue of human trafficking and all that it entails.

 WE ask you to break the yoke of domestic violence and sexual abuse that leave many vulnerable.

 We ask you to bind up the stronghold of addiction especially pornography and that you would raise up men of purity of mind and spirit with the courage to battle for the weak.

 Lord Jesus we call out against the spirit of mammon, the love of money and greed that fuels the entire process of trafficking.

 In Jesus name we ask your store houses of heaven be opened to relieve the hunger and poverty in the physical and spiritual realms so those who are prey will become strengthened in you.

Lord we ask you stop in their tracks those who purposely manipulate and control others for personal gain.

We pray for the women who have been so beaten down that they no longer see themselves as deserving of more. Lord we ask healing over these that have been used, abused and thrown away. May they be given a double portion and may they walk in the full beauty of your righteousness.

Holy Spirit minister to those who are called to minister and the various organizations, give their hands strength, be their provision in finances, discernment, hope and help. May they see your mighty hand at work and never fail to see your goodness no matter what. We pray protection and clear direction and unity.

Lord we say “NO More” to the sale of women and children for man’s profit. By the power of the Holy Spirit and the blood of the lamb we say No more to human trafficking. Lord we stand united as you stand united in the trinity, knitting our hearts together to stand in the gap for our brothers and sisters caught in this horrific industry.

Jesus with the authority you have given us, we pray for a revival of hearts, Holy Spirit come and convict and turn hearts away from this practice and towards our savior Jesus Christ.

The living word living in us

The living word living in us

The Logos of life, from before time began

Words speaking forth all existence

Rhema emanating from the one who knows the plan

Word of God coming alive

Words shared in verbal history

Words spoken to the scribe

Words given to uncover mystery

Words forming new life

The living word living in me

Words being given voice

Words that set captives free

Words that give choice

The musician’s words poured forth in song

The poetic word a personal psalm

The Spoken word preached hard and long

The bloggers word providing healing balm

The encouragers’ words helping others along.

The prophet’s words making others strong.

Kingdom words coming down

Words so needed for our world

Release of heavenly words where truth is found.

Gifts tumbling down,

Gifts tumbling down,

Righteousness in white frock

 bestowed.

Salvation's

Gown.

He lovingly adorns

Bejeweled crown,

 with splendor un-paralleled.

Beauty instead of thorns.

Clothing in Garment of praise,

Dancing, singing,

moving in freedom.

Glory to his name.

Anointing oil streaming,

 Fragrant perfume

 poured out.

Priestly duties receiving.

Captives and prisoners unbound

Cities, lives,

hope released

Heaven Coming down

This is Isaiah 61 spoken over me by my beloved Lord

for all who are his!

  

Rended heart

Rended heart

Joel 2;13  New Living Translation
Don't tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead." Return to the LORD your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish.

Prideful heart

Full of self

Runs aground

Repentant heart

About face

Turning round

Rended heart

Torn wide

Raw and unbound

Humble heart

Bent low

Where lost is found

Surrendered heart

New spaces

Giving ground

Watered heart

Food and drink

Hope found

Tended heart

Past no longer holds

Loosened and unwound

Warrior heart

Spirit lead

 Prepared for battleground

Fully Yielded heart

Christ full

Love abounds

Fallow Fields

The hearts’ fields lay fallow

The ones who wound

Appear unforgiving and shallow

Ruts furrowed in the ground

Dry,harsh and unfruitful

Weeds embedded choking all.

Onlookers mournful

Praying for the rainfall,

Praying for the plowing up of dirt,

Hoping the hardened will soften

 Stop the hurt,

And allow the healer to make blossom.

Praying for righteousness raining forth

Fresh seed allowed to grow

Rivers flowing new on the earth

Fruit bearing, good seed to sow.

 Jeremiah 4:3
This is what the LORD says to the people of Judah and Jerusalem: "Plow up the hard ground of your hearts! Do not waste your good seed among thorns. NLT

Hosea 10:12
Sow with a view to righteousness, Reap in accordance with kindness; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the LORD Until He comes to rain righteousness on you.

http://www.theprayerlife.com/tozerfallow.html

Key keeper's

Keeper of the keys

,

Unlocking the store houses,

The hungry and thirsty are coming.

Desire for free flowing of provision,

Lord of the heavens giving access to those who trust in him.

Spirit affirming our affiliation,

 New name’s given in anticipation,

“Key keepers”, breaking free those in prison.

Authority to abolish all accusations,

Love brought forth in impartation.

Key keeper’s giving keys in affirmation,

Encouraging brothers and sisters to rise up in exhilaration,

The Keys have been given! 

Go forth in power for restoration!

The key for hope in this generation

Has been given by Christ to his relations,

His beloved children, for its dispensation.

Key’s to pour out his Salvation,

No shying away or need for trepidation.

Key keepers in Christ bring glorification.

Matthew 16:19 (AMP)

¹⁹ I will give you the keys (authority) of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind [forbid, declare to be improper and unlawful] on earth ^[a]will have [already] been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose [permit, declare lawful] on earth ^[b]will have [already] been loosed in heaven.”

Photo creds. Sarah Bland Haluko

fists held high

Little Girl fists held high,

Holding back the tears,

The wall slowly being built inside.

Tenderness giving way to fear,

Raw emotions finding places to hide,

Relationships out of focus, no longer clear.

All held at arm’s length,

Not allowing others to draw too near,

Erected for safety, a picket fence.

All energy used to control the gate.

Relaxed appearance a pretense.

Love expressed in shallow haste.

Running towards a well that’s deep,

Glimpses of eternity impart a foretaste

Of a tidal wave of loving so steep,

Hard hearts and broken promise are laid waste.

Fists become open palms,

Pouring into arms wide,

 Abundance of healing balm,

Where past and truth collide.

Feet swiftly going forward

Obedience requires this love to be amplified

Heart no longer hemmed in or bordered

No barricade to stop the loving tide.

Worn out

Worn out

Nagging thoughts niggling their way in…

“No worries, God’s got this”

Little pests poking at my peace…

“No Problem Lords in control”

Constant noise knocking…

“Nothing's wrong, I'm giving it to God.”

Tiny worry beads weighing down

“All’s well, my burdens light…”

Plumb worn out trying “to fight the good fight”.

Truth needing deeper places to dwell,

Allowing spirit to invade each cell.

Rejoicing in relationship,

No pressure in ambassadorship.

No “what If’s” allowed,

Or” what about that”, to join the crowd.

Trusting in surrender in theory right

But the work to not struggle found only in hindsight.

Renewing power for the mind,

Available and accessible anytime.

To be still and know,

To be still and to the quiet space go.

To sit with attentive heart and listen.

To sit and receive from the Physician.

The prescription for fatigue,

Letting go of the need to achieve.

God getting glory.

The author of the story,

Knows the beginning and the end.

Holy spirits work is to send

And to give guidance.

Our work to simply be refreshed in abidance.

no need to wear out.

Redeemed

Redeemed

When innocence was lost

Stolen midstream

Ripped apart,

God heard your scream.

The path out of the nightmare

Like swimming upstream.

The anger, heartache, pain

Loneliness and isolation,

Jesus has experienced the same.

With pierced hands open wide

He asks you to give him your hurt and shame

Safety is near, in him you can hide.

Trust is difficult to give,

Broken so many times.

But either is in fear, a way to live.

Your emptiness and despair

God saw and sent his son,

And took the penalty to show he cares.

Your wholeness his desire,

But his love for you just as you are

Burns in his heart like a consuming fire.

Your worth and beauty he has seen,

The true lover of your soul

Declares unequivocally you are redeemed!

Boot Camp

Boot camp

 

Captain say’s it’s time to move,

Time to establish a new groove.

Each morning with purpose arise,

Routinely allowing the renewing of the mind.

Trainer demonstrating the way,

 Giving the orders each day.

Small steps taken faithfully,

Going forward obediently.

Self-Discipline exercised,

Daily grind now energized.

Not giving into legalism,

But a new baptism.

Spirit core to be strengthened.

Prayer time to be lengthened.

The marathon is waiting,

But first to kingdom, dedicating.

Seeking a will that can flex

And a comfort zone to stretch.

Incremental submission,

Practicing repetition,

Training at a different pace,

All action done without haste.

Soul and spirit given living water

Waiting on the Captain to give the order.

Entering in

Entering In

Entering In

Jesus interceding,

Entering into our pain,

Ever before the father pleading,

For those who belong to him.

Our suffering he has touched, tasted and seen,

 Tempted and Tried.

Jesus has experienced everywhere we have been,

Rejected by foe, friend, and all

Whipped, spit on and pierced in his side,

In death, bridging the gap, restoring as before the fall.

Entering in so we may take part.

We too now to enter into,

Not passively praying,

But actively engaging for the healing to come through.

Moving out from our own pain and junk,

Not just looking past it,

Nor pushing down into the deep,

But dredging the bottom of the basket,

Offering it up in a sacrifice of praise.

Taking time with the savior

Until we exit with a new gaze.

Eyes that see the need all around,

Interceding by co- laboring.

On mission with God, where healing is found.

Entering in as if the son still resided,

Entering into another’s need 

By way of the spirits guidance,

Through love and sacrificial acts of kindness.

Entering in, no longer judging or standing by

But one who does battle and comes along side.

Entering by blood, spirit, and flesh,

Our ashes being used as nitrogen to nourish.

Our identity with Christ enmeshed.

No longer held captive by sin,

But now in freedom we enter in.

With courage and love,

Poured down from above.

A cross bearing, entering in,

Where the hopeless and hurting become kin.

Not as hero to the drowned,

But as the lost helping each other to become sound,

Nor seeking jewels for a crown,

But entering with power that knows no bounds.

Traded for a bowl full of mush

Traded for a bowl full of mush,

Some stew grabbed in a rush,

How easily the promise disregarded.

Over and over again discarded,

Just to have my fill.

Desiring The Lord but unable to fight stubborn will.

For Esau loss of birthright was his reward

For believers, each day a chance for clean record.

Tomorrow may bring temptation to the soul

But Belief in His sanctification the only goal.

The inheritance cannot be lost

 Bloody Recompense paid the cost.

Strength given in increasing measure

When in pursuit of Godly treasure

 Instead of immediate pleasure.

 The provision is ongoing when we fall,

By the spirit, in Jesus name, the power to call,

The craving, the stronghold or addiction,

In Christ has no jurisdiction.

A bowl of grub or eternal inheritance

The choice has been made, His love covers all in preeminence.

Wait and watch.

Watch me as I move

Breathing life into dead things

Awakening hearts so they may sing.

Providing when provision is dried up,

Refilling again and again an empty cup.

Look with anticipation

Where once was shaky, I lay firm foundation.

Where tangled loose ends meet,

And sin and strongholds are broken at the mercy seat.

Pay attention to my spirit moving as the wind moves across a wheat field,

Watch as darkness to my light must yield.

See and taste

With me nothing lost or laid to waste.

Wait and observe how I move earth and heaven above

 For my people and the church I love.

Salvation brought to furthest corners,

For nothing can stop it, no walls or borders.

Envision the time where unity reigns,

How the prisoners and captives will break their chains,

My all-encompassing love will have no bounds,

Heaven and earth will meet on new grounds.

Wait and watch.

Wider School

Wider School

Widening Horizons

Expanding my Child's learning,

No longer about grades they are earning.

Broadening their minds.

Knowledge based acquisition a confine,

But instilling curiosity, how great a find!

Uncovered in both school and child, true Treasures

Value not placed in ordinary measures.

Expansion of creativity and passion,

Experience gained less from books than from action.

Instructions and lessons geared to excite,

Encouraged to see more than black and white,

Deeper looking at relevant topics.

Opportunities to encounter gardening and robotics.

Fearlessness, playfulness, resourcefulness and innovation

All these qualities encouraged without reservation.

When challenged, given full consideration

No child left behind, no stagnation.

Each poured into without hesitation

Uniquely designed, each child considered a celebration.

Wider, fuller, broader, larger, bigger, deeper,

Wider school, Educational Leader.

Encircling snare

Encircling snare

 In Naivety opening a dangerous can

 Leading down a treacherous  path

Innocent curiosity

 Turning into a monstrosity.

Losing site of the garden intent

Man and woman with God ever present

In His image designed.

Sin and Satan now leading the mind

Creating unhealthy desires

Dragging both parties into the mire

Women now objectified,

Men believing the lie,

“Images better than flesh”

“Woman are just objects”.

Serpent gripping our kinsmen,

Encircling in snare,

Blinding from needed warfare.

Complacent accomplices,

Leaving behind broken promises.

True Identity lost 

Feeding the addiction at all cost

Creating turmoil and strife.

Jesus who in death conquered life

Died for the bound as well as the broken

Captives to be made free simply by his name spoken

OH Jesus emancipate those who have been ensnared

Open their eyes to their sister’s, help them to care.

Break these strongholds we ask in your Name 

This also the reason you came

Not just for victim 

But for perpetrator too

Death and resurrection

Ample in power for restitution.