The Warrior

This morning my thoughts traveled along
to a place in my life where days have long since gone
beholding an image of what I used to be
as visions were stirred, and God spoke to me.

He showed me a warrior, a soldier in place
positioned by Heaven, yet I saw not the face.

Achilles Triumphant

I watched as the warrior fought enemies
that came from the darkness with destruction for me.

I saw as the warrior would dry away tears
as all of heaven's Angels hovered so near.

Huge Host of Angels Descend Through the Clouds in Paradise

I saw many wounds on the warrior's face
yet weapons of warfare were firmly in place.

I felt my heart weeping, my eyes held so much
As God let me feel the warrior's prayer touched.
I thought "how familiar" the words that were prayed
The prayers were like lightning that never would fade.

I said to God,"please, the Warrior's name"
He gave no reply, He chose to refrain.

I asked, "Lord, who is broken that they need such prayer?"
He showed me an image of myself standing there.

Bound by confusion, lost and alone
I felt prayers of the Warrior carry me home
I asked "Please show me Lord, this Warrior so true"

I watched and I wept,

Silhouette of Woman Praying

for Mother...the Warrior -- was you!

Larry S. Clark

Were You There?

I Was There when they nailed Him to the tree

Jesus Alone on the Cross

Crucifixion was a common means of execution in our day. It was chosen for the worst of criminals because of the slow agonizing death it brought to the victims.

In fact there were two others crucified at the same time as Jesus. I even heard Jesus say to one of these criminals..."Today thou shalt be with me in paradise."

such tender compassion......

and coming from one who was about to die.

Crucifixion at "Way of the Cross Procession"

Yes...... I was there when they nailed Him to the tree...

And I saw the Pain on the countenance of Jesus...

As each heavy nail spike was driven through his hands and feet.

Nailing the Feet

pictures courtesy of all posters

Me, Worry?

Be anxious for nothing, but... let your requests be made known to God

(Philippians 4:6)

Whenever a preacher begins to talk about worry, without even turning my head, I knew that my husband was  looking at me to see if I was paying attention.

I hate to admit it, but I'm a worrier.

And because there are a lot of people just like me, Jesus addressed this problem in Matthew 6:25-34 when He said: "Do not worry." Don't worry about the basic needs of life-- food, clothing, shelter -- and don't worry about tomorrow.

Worry may be a symptom of a bigger problem. Sometimes it's a lack of gratitude for the way God has cared for us in the past. Or perhaps it's a lack of faith that God really is trustworthy. Or it may be a refusal to depend on God instead of ourselves.

Some people expand the worry circle to their families and friends. They're a lot like the 10 spies in Numbers 13:26-33 who spread their fear and doubt to everyone else. But those who put their trust in God alone can stand alongside Joshua and Caleb, the only ones in the group of 12 whom God allowed to enter the Promised Land.

Don't let worries hold you back from what God may be trying to teach you.

He invites you to bring your anxious thoughts directly to Him (Phil. 4:6) 

When you feel the tension mounting, And across the busy day Only gloomy clouds are drifting, As you start to worry -- pray!

To be anxious about nothing, pray about everything.

He hears our prayers,
 

A Royal Robe for Mordecai

So Haman took the robe and the horse, arrayed Mordecai and led him on horseback through the city square, and proclaimed before him, "Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor!" (Esther 6:11)

There is no higher drama in literature than the story of Esther and her cousin Mordecai, a commoner elevated to the right hand of the king of Persia.

Because of her beauty, Esther received the king's favor and his hand in marriage.











But because of his integrity and service, Mordecai was given a royal robe and made the chief minister of the king.

Mordecai's Honour

Mordecai is a picture of the Christian who will be judged one day by Jesus Christ on the basis of service to the King (1 Corinthians 3:11-15).

• There will be royal rewards given to those who are found faithful -- not robes, but crowns which will ultimately be cast in worship before the throne of the King himself (Revelation 4:10)

As the parable of the talents reveals (Matthew 25:14-30), our assignment is to take what we have been given and use it for the Master -- to hear Him say, "well done, good and faithful servant."

• Because we are given the grace necessary to be faithful, it is only right that we use our talents wisely and cast our crowns before Him

Faithfulness in carrying out present duties is the best preparation for the future.

Francois Fenelon

David Jeremiah
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Mimi

Jesus Warns Against Hypocrisy

Close-up of the brown muddy hand of a potter as he spins a clay pot on his wheel

The greatest among you must be a servant.

But those who exalt themselves will be humbled,

and those who humble themselves will be exalted

Matthew 23:11-12 (NLT)

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Son In Law...or... Son by Love

There Once was a daughter,
resourceful and smart,

Couple in Rowboat, Hearts

who picked out a great guy
and gave him her heart--

So when it's his birthday,
best wishes are due
for that prince of a guy--

and, of course ,
that means you!

Birthday Cake with Burning Candles

Happy Birthday Dave
Love Mom and Dad

pictures courtesy
of all posters