4/7/19 Through 4/13/19

4/7/19 Through 4/13/19

Sunday

The dead among the rocks will rise

And radiance will fill the skies

The day when Christ returns to find

The fruit upon His holy vine.

No more will secrets here be kept,

The house all clean and neatly swept.

We'll see quite clear our every deed,

And earnestly, His mercy plead.

Each breath of life he gives to man,

Another step within His plan.

An offering for us to wed,

And every sinful action shed.

For on that day our fate be sealed,

And all our sinfulness revealed.

Just how we've turned away from Him

To follow every sordid whim.

Have mercy!  Mercy!  Mercy, Lord!

And stay Your terrible swift sword.

Grant repentance while there's time

To save these wayward souls of Thine.

Monday

Suppressed by lust, a conscience gone.

To evil actions quickly drawn.

A lie convenient for this time,

To cover up another crime.

The elders in that former day,

Much like our politics today,

Where truth is what's convenient now,

And sin will just, new sin allow.

To heaven now, our eyes must turn

If we, the truth, attempt to learn.

Then in humble supplication

Plead His blood upon our nation.

Our folly then be clear exposed

As to a life of love opposed,

And then repentant hearts can stand

Within a place like God had planned.

Tuesday

Contemplate the cross today,

And if you've followed well His way.

Has the Father's will been done?

In you, do people see the Son?

Has the cross been lifted high?

Are hearts renewed and transformed by

A life so closely kin to His,

They see what truth and beauty is?

If on the cross we daily gaze,

He lifts the cloudy, evil haze,

And shines a healing truthful light

Amid the dark and sin of night.

Wednesday

Three saints of old would be so bold

As to defy the king.

Their crime would prove his heart to move,

And then salvation bring.

But first they came to burning flame

For such a crime as this.

Yet cowered not, although so hot,

When cast in the abyss.

Then in the flame, One with no name,

That seemed a Son of God.

And then, once bound with fetters found,

The three to freely trod.

Amid the flame, a singing came

To glorify the Lord.

A coolness blew, as morning dew,

While conflagration roared.

Though only three who faithful be,

Their acts were multiplied.

The king's heart changed, things rearranged,

And God now glorified!

Thursday

I AM, the One who made all things.

I AM, to us, salvation brings.

I AM, the Way, the Truth, the Life,

I AM, your refuge in the strife.

Friday

My God, my God, Your love so fine.

Forgiving sins of such as mine.

So far I've strayed from Your sweet love,

And from Your paradise above.

The Lamb of God, would I too stone?

Or leave Him on the cross, alone?

I see myself the face of sin

Yet still You beckon me within.

Your heart afire with love for man.

A burning flame which evil can

Dispel and purify as gold,

Until at last, true Love behold.

Saturday

Unthinkable with Him not here,

To celebrate the feast this year.

They didn't know the Paschal Lamb

Would be, in fact, the great I AM.

Anticipating Him to rise

To bring about the reign's demise.

They thought it better one should die

To save the nation grief thereby.

3/31/19 Through 4/6/19

3/31/19 Through 4/6/19

Sunday

Show me one who trusted God

Was ever put to shame.

Instead the righteous path they trod

Led to a lasting fame.

So many in their wickedness,

Forgotten over time.

But good and holy righteousness

Is shown the fame sublime.

Monday

The wonders and the many signs

He offered in His grand designs

To rescue man from sinful chains,

And offer him what heaven gains.

A peace and joy before unknown,

The look of love when fully grown.

The total gift of self, like His,

The way to joy in heaven is.

Tuesday

A sprinkle of the water stirred

Brings new life, of which I've heard.

By just a touch or simple spray,

All our sins are washed away.

Wednesday

Just how is it our God is man?

Who would conceive of such a plan?

No god would ere  so humble be

Assuming flesh, to be like me.

But He is not like other gods

For they are all but useless frauds.

To sickly flesh he grants the grace

To every grief and hardship face.

For He revealed what sin did hide,

The folly of our sinful pride.

And showed the way that we should be,

A servant in humility.

Thursday

When ere I cry to You 

You answer me oh Lord.

Akin to morning dew,

Your love again out-poured.

When more than I can bear

You lend a helping hand,

And bring Your child where,

Your providence had planned.

Friday

Let me not reject You Lord

For in Your love is my reward.

My gain is not from others loss,

But only Yours upon the cross.

Let me not see dark as light

But let me see Your future bright.

Help me, lowly ones, to raise,

And give to You the rightful praise.

Saturday

None before like Him have spoken,

Order and convention broken.

Words of great authority

Pierce the heart and speak to me.

One who knows my every deed,

My selfishness and sinful greed,

Yet loves me with a burning flame,

And gently calls to me by name.

A random thought...

The near occasion comes to us

As simple and as pure,

But evil lurk among what was 

Okay to you, for sure.

Be gentle, yes, but very wise,

In everything you do.

Do not be fooled by his disguise

Or he will conquer you.

3/24/19 Through 3/30/19

3/24/19 Through 3/30/19

Sunday

Scrutinize my heart this day

Draw me close within Your way.

Cleanse me with Your holy fire

Make Your will my heart's desire.

Walk me through the parted sea

Share the angel's bread with me.

Bend and shape the thoughts I think

Split the rock and give me drink.

Grant repentance for my sin

For children and my other kin.

Counting gain as none but loss,

Bring us all to love the cross.

Monday

The wonder of a child conceived

The Virgin Full of Grace received.

No spot or wrinkle on her soul.

Fulfilling words upon the scroll.

Tuesday

Forgiveness in the eyes of men

Is blotting out our sins, but when

It comes to passing on this gift

Our charity is not so swift.

This stinginess will not avail

If our own debtors we assail.

For Master wishes all to be,

His ministers of clemency.

Wednesday

In many ways we look to law

To justify a blatant flaw.

We look to laws proclaimed by man

To do what only God's law can.

The voice of many makes not right

When they persist in dark of night.

The shades of sin obscure what's true,

And make a shameless fool of you.

The only way to justify

Is with the one true law comply.

And teach the young to follow well

The word of God, that we heard tell.

Thursday

Let me listen well today,

Following the words You say.

Taking heed where I am wrong,

And placing You where You belong.

Often strayed by selfish whim

Losing my clear sight of Him.

Hearing not His precious call

To love enough to give Him ALL!

Friday

With heart and soul and mind and strength

Our love must reach to any length.

When neighbor's loved as self, you see,

The Kingdom is not far from thee.

The answer comes within the storm,

The way to love, and thus reform

Our lives to meet the great command,

And take His love to all the land.

Saturday

He whom wind and sea obey

Provides the surest loving way

To reach the end for which we seek

Among the humble and the meek.

3/17/19 Through 3/23/19

3/17/19 Through 3/23/19

Sunday

When the rough has been removed

And every surface sanded smooth,

A shine appears so rich and clear

To prove the Lord is dwelling here.

They saw upon the mountain high

The glory of the Lord pass by,

And heard the words "This is My Son"

The good and holy, Chosen One.

So let Him now remove the dross,

And count your gain as none but loss.

When gazing at the Holy One

Who offered up His only Son.

Monday

Condemnation takes us where

There's judgment and complete despair,

But mercy and forgiveness bring

Quite a different sort of thing.

Give and thus receive the gift

To raise the soul and spirits lift.

A measure packed to overflow

For when we give, is when we grow.

Tuesday

St.  Joseph, man of quiet strength

Protecting Christ at any length.

Spouse of grace and purity

Grant such faithful love to me.

Let me love as well you did

While Christ within your home you hid.

Make me to love your docile way,

And grant a happy death I pray.

Wednesday

Lord make of me a humble saint,

And deep within my spirit paint

A love forgiving, kind, and true

So many see, in me, is You.

Though weakness oft befalls my will,

Thy cup, to drink, I beg Thee still.

And pray Your grace within that time

Provide the ladder I must climb.

A good and holy thing I ask.

For You, a simple little task.

To keep me always next to You,

And guide me in what ere I do.

Thursday

Trust in Him and make it known,

Rely not on the things you own.

For when the day of judgment comes,

Your money looks like useless crumbs.

The riches each of us receive

Will not be with us when we leave.

Except the riches of the heart,

That never will, from us depart.

Friday

A vineyard planted by the Lord

Should yield a just and rich reward.

But those He set as tenants there,

Refuse to give the Master's share.

Rejecting time and time again,

The messengers He sends, and when

They see the Master's precious Son

They crucify this Holy One.

Not far from this our average day

When we refuse to walk His way,

And with contempt we treat the Son

In spite of all the Lord has done.

Saturday

Mercy in the Father's plan

The greatest gift He has for man.

A welcome home with robe and ring,

If we but our repentance bring.

A love we cannot comprehend

Forgiving those who oft offend

A prodigal and wasteful way

To love a flock that often stray.

3/10/19 Through 3/16/19

3/10/19 Through 3/16/19

Sunday

As I journey through this time,

And greater heights attempt to climb,

I need Your Spirit everyday

To guide me in the proper way.

Help me find a strength unknown,

And give myself to You alone.

That I may gladly choose to be

A son devoted unto Thee.

Monday

In nursing home or prison where

The least are oft abandoned there,

Give hope within these bleak confines

That somehow, here, His will entwines.

And comfort bring in simple bread,

The kind on which the martyrs fed.

That there within these lonely halls

They recognize His voice that calls.

Come join your suffering to Mine,

And to the Father's will incline.

Then know within these grim constraints,

He forms you into holy saints.

Tuesday

In praying do not babble so,

As if I were so blind.

Ask not, and yet I clearly know

Your need to be refined.

As no one better knows your need

Than maker of your kind,

For He with living bread will feed,

And give you peace of mind.

Wednesday

A fast will train the will of man

In ways no other method can.

It shows the weak how strong the will,

And shows the strong, much lacking still.

A fast can be sincerity,

Or cloak to hide dishonesty.

The fast to please our Blessed Lord

Is one where evil is abhorred.

Thursday

Ask and receive, seek and you find,

Hearing for ears and eyes for the blind.

Knock and find an open door,

An answered prayer, and so much more.

No snake for fish, or stone for bread.

But with the finest wheat are fed.

And children of a Father kind,

Will only good things ever find.

How often I have overlooked

The gift of which I oft partook.

The body of the King of Kings,

To me in daily Mass He brings.

Friday

Turn not away at any time.

Remember well these words of mine.

For love's an all-consuming thing

And not a single offering.

No haven for the taste of sin

No place for wickedness within

The place of rest I offer you,

So be forgiving, kind, and true.

Saturday

Oddly we should be His own,

And make the way of God well-known.

That friend and foe alike could see

His love irradiate from thee.

3/3/19 Through 3/9/19

3/3/19 Through 3/9/19

Sunday

For number one, it's self-control,

Or lack thereof, that plagues the soul.

The trifles that persuade the will

Give only but a moments thrill.

No leader be if they are blind.

If so, then none would ever find

The place of peace for which they vie

When plank and beam are in the eye.

Monday

Attachments, I have many Lord,

But none more great than You.

To lose, I think I can't afford,

But wish to make them few.

Let me not turn sad away

And cling to flow'rs that fade

But make my will to give away

And do as You have bade.

Tuesday

Quite generous in one respect,

But have I done what You expect?

Great blessings still abound for me

While others live in poverty.

I want dear Lord that final gift.

So if again, my soul You sift,

I trust You know, best what I need

To let my soul be fully freed.

Wednesday

Renew me Lord in greater ways

Than e're I've been before.

That all throughout these forty days

I wish to love You more.

But more than forty days I need

To change this life for me.

Athirst for You to then proceed

To be what I should be.

Thursday

The cross a mystifying sign.

A way repugnant oftentimes.

A way I shun in urgency,

Because beyond, I fail to see.

Each time rejected clear I see,

That pride is what took hold of me.

In shame and nakedness I flee,

From beauty that created me.

The loveliness my heart desires,

Comes from what the cross requires.

A soul obedient and true,

That learns to love the way You do.

Friday

A fast acceptable to Thee

I pray, at last, this Lent will be.

That I would take Temptation's hour,

And use it to display Your power.

That somehow in my everyday,

The fast would make me stop and pray,

Would call to mind my wretched state,

Then selfishness and greed abate.

Saturday
Weak and shameful, I have failed
Again to heed the grace
My strength it seems with age has paled
And left me in disgrace.

What love like His will once again
Forgive the weakly one?
If pride is shed with hubris then,
He welcomes back a son.

2/24/19 Through 3/2/19

2/24/19 Through 3/2/19

Sunday

How do I look at what happens today,

And not judge the people that make things this way?

The ones that would say it's a mother's free choice

To kill the poor baby that hasn't a voice.

This hideous crime our lawmakers ignore,

While new ways to kill, the "doctors" explore.

Our clergy may say that the killing is wrong,

Yet still they will let the killers belong.

Is this what it means to judge not or be judged?

I think that this scripture, is somewhat misjudged.

Those wicked who flaunt their evil with glee,

All claim a great vision, yet blinded they be.

How much is enough, and just when do we stand?

Is there any point where the wicked are banned?

Do nothing and watch how the evil will grow.

We must speak the Truth so the masses will know.

Monday

For wisdom here and now I ask,

For guidance in my every task.

To lead me in the ways of truth

To guide the old, and teach the youth.

Grant me Lord the faith I need,

That in Your work, I may proceed.

And use the gifts bestowed on me

To heal the sick, and captives free.

How proud the branch to bear the fruit,

But all must know without dispute,

The fruit I bear's not really mine.

All fruit comes from the living Vine.

Tuesday

Be prepared to stay the course

And waiver not, far from the source.

Wait with patience for the Lord,

And find at last, His love out-poured.

Cling to Him, forsake Him not,

And you will find all that you sought.

Your ways with wisdom will abound,

And in the end, His peace be found.

Be steadfast in whatever comes

Be not afraid of warring drums.

For in your patience, love enshrined,

And in the furnace, gold refined.

Wednesday

Wisdom found on sacred scrolls

Will cheer and brighten darkened souls.

She walks along with humble men,

And tries them, every now and then.

Those that cling and hold Her fast,

In trial then, their strength will last.

Then love and knowledge overflows,

In they that walk the way She goes.

Thursday

Oh how proud the heart becomes

When to his riches, one succumbs.

When on great strength, his heart relies,

And wickedness within belies.

Though mercy He desires to give

The ones who wantonly will live

Against His will defiantly

Will suffer for eternity.

No joy can come from anger's wrath

No haughty soul can find the path.

For hope of happiness evades,

And pleasure, like a vapor, fades.

Friday

A faithful friend, a sturdy rock,

Remains close-by when mishaps knock.

He shares the joys and sorrows too,

But never will abandon you.

The friends we know as man and wife

Remain as one throughout their life.

What God has joined, let none destroy.

That they would fruits of love enjoy.

Saturday

How much we receive, how little we give.

Ashamed we should be, of the way that we live.

With knowledge and power endowed by the King.

With eyes, and with ears, and with voice that can sing.

In wisdom He gives us the power to see.

But often we choose not, the way it should be.

In mercy He heals and invites to repent

In hope that our hearts, to love, may assent.

2/17/19 Through 2/23/19

2/17/19 Through 2/23/19

Sunday

Blessed is what all wish to be,

A fruitful and productive tree.

Not bothered by the scorching sun,

With roots that far, and deeply run.

Monday

With God in flesh we have the sign

No other will the teacher find.

For they refuse to heed the word

Of righteousness that they have heard.

Though sin be lurking at the door

To master it, if you implore,

He grants the grace for mortal man,

And shows the humble that they can.

Tuesday

The wickedness in hearts of men,

A leaven that polluted them.

Refusing to acknowledge God,

Or all His mighty works applaud.

Let wickedness be swept away

In torrent flood like Noah's day.

As waters cleanse and newness sprout

May this new man, be sin without.

Wednesday

What wickedness in Noah's day!

Was it much more than ours today?

Were babes within the womb destroyed,

And every deviance employed?

Were masses fed with blatant lies,

And truth deliberately disguised?

Our day deserves the flood and worse.

Instead of love, we choose a curse.

So many blind and few that sees

Much more than men as walking trees.

Healing's needed for the masses.

Fit them with Your loving glasses.

Thursday

Recall as numbers quickly mount,

For every life we must account.

The life of babes convenience priced,

As myriads are sacrificed.

Each one the image of our God,

Including those considered flawed.

A gift He gives which love supplies,

Yet love rejected fades and dies.

Friday

The keys He gives to humble ones

To shepherd all His faithful sons,

And guide the flock along the way

In hopes that none would ever stray.

But ere they fall as sinful men,

Forgiveness welcomes back again.

To heal the sick and strengthen faint,

And make the sinner now a saint.

Saturday

Faith and trust in what is said

By Him who made the sky,

Can heal the sick, or raise the dead,

And brighten up the eye.

By faith we see beyond the clouds 

To land of clearer light,

Above the din of skeptic crowds

To land where ne'er is night.

One shining and majestic where

The One they crucified,

Reigns beside the Father there,

Acclaimed and glorified.

2/10/19 Through 2/16/19

2/10/19 Through 2/16/19

Sunday
When I see Him face to face
I'll understand my sin.
How far away I strayed from grace,
And sin's effect within.

The weight of these can crush the bone
And lead one to despair.
Forgiveness comes from Christ alone
Who answers every prayer.

Monday
Each day is better than before,
Our God is giving evermore.
New graces everyday received,
Through one immaculate conceived.

The light of day and stars of night
Portend a future ever bright
For those, by grace, who's hearts are stirred,
Who learn to trust His every word!

Tuesday
Is my heart near or far away?
Did I just hear and not obey?
Is my heart where my lips proclaim,
Or mired in a land of shame?

Wednesday
That from within defiles the man
As nothing touched, or eaten can.
When pride controls what we would do
Our hearts grow far away from You.

Those fallen as the Devil's prey
Would doubt the things the Lord will say
And follow their misguided will
To wallow in the Devil's swill.

But love desires only good
And wisdom sees what all men should.
That God made man to live in love,
And dwell in heaven's light above.

Thursday
Flesh of flesh and bone of bone
Made so man was not alone.
Given to the man as wife.
Given for the gift of life.

Though naked with no shame or lust,
The two in purity and trust.
Become one flesh as meant to be,
And thus a child comes to be.

This beauty God has made for man
Within His Trinitary plan.
Reflecting wonders of the love
Among the Godhead, up above.

Friday
With that first sin we chose our shame.
A lying serpent, now we blame.
But what, in truth, has caused the fall
Are pride and hubris, most of all.

The gates were closed and man shut out,
Then sin was raging all about,
But One was promised from above
To show again the ways of love.

He came as one akin to man
According to the Father's plan.
In poverty he grew to be
Our model of humility.

He opened ears, and loosed the tongue
Of deaf and mute He walked among.
Then on the cross He opened wide
The gates once shut by sinful pride.

Saturday
How sad, for all, the Garden lost.
For every sin a frightful cost!
What looks attractive to the eye,
May not be something we should try.

March for Life 2019

March for Life 2019

A crisis at the border looms.

Society at large presumes

Invaders never count for much

Those inconvenient, weak, and such.

So they dispose this human trash

In hope to fix things in a flash.

But when at last they clearly see,

A precious life has ceased to be.

The womb is now the border wall

For all those feared, yet oh so small.

This wall should mean it's safe within,

But that is far from how it's been.

This wall, they say belongs to me

And strips the child of dignity.

No one can govern what is mine,

So put away your protest sign.

For happiness they make a choice

Denying little ones a voice.

Indulgence, never brings such mirth

As when a child comes to birth.

And so we walk again this year,

In hope that those in power hear,

That love is needed in this time

To end, at last, this heinous crime.

A million LEGAL immigrants

This year alone will die.

Much more we need, than signs and chants,

Or just to wonder why.

An active plan that's far beyond

What ere we've done before.

A love to show that morn has dawned,

That hate cannot ignore.

A demonstration everyday

That all are due respect.

Sincerity in all we say,

Not soon, they will forget.

Lord grant this grace that we may see

One day Your will be done.

Then here on earth the cry will be,

Lord let Your kingdom come!

2/3/19 Through 2/8/19

2/3/19 Through 2/8/19

Sunday

Lord of love our task today

Is love according to your way,

To love the evildoer here

And cast away our useless fear.

The end we know, You conquered sin

So we should not let evil win,

But love until the bitter end,

And truth and justice, here defend.

Monday

Proclaim what God has done for you

What mighty works this faith can do,

For those enduring to the end

Our blessed Lord will more than mend.

What glory waits is yet unseen

Where every soul is pure and clean.

Where sin is banished far away,

And evermore is light of day.

Tuesday

If I but touch upon His cloak,

His love will break this heavy yoke.

If I but near myself to Him

He'll clear the eyes and strengthen limb.

Not satisfied to leave it there

He bids us come and know Him where

In ordinary bread and wine

He offers flesh and blood divine.

Though some may scoff and wonder why

We place on this, such value high,

But once you recognize this bread

It's where your very soul is fed.

Wednesday

In love the martyrs shed their blood

Amidst the overwhelming flood

Of suffering and gruesome pain

To win the prize of heaven's gain

He grants the grace to meet the need.

And through the pain He plants a seed

To soften hearts of hardened stone

And let the love of God be known.

You too can win a martyr's crown,

Be clothed in white with flowing gown,

By meeting well temptation's threat

And using every grace you get.

Thursday

Rejection causes bitterness

And sinfulness I must confess.

So shake it off as useless dust,

And look to Him with total trust.

He who was rejected first,

Hung on the cross, and said, "I Thirst",

His love drove out all bitterness,

So hardened hearts might acquiesce.

We too, must love without reserve,

And faithfully, our brothers serve.

So when rejected, let it fall,

That love might be our all in all.

Friday

For sure the oil's running low

That which keeps our lamps aglow

We mustn't wait to fill the flask,

As that should be a daily task.

The Bridegroom comes here unannounced.

Those in dark will be denounced.

Sorrow for the unprepared

That sloth and lethargy ensnared.

Saturday

The sheep must have a shepherd,

A teacher, loving, kind.

Protector from the leopard, 

And teeth of roaring lion.

Overwhelmed by needy ones

Without the time to pray.

That's the way the story runs

For parents everyday.

Yet sometime in the busy day

There'll be a moment's rest

When one can look to heav'n and say

Lord come and be my guest.

The work they do shall be a prayer

An offering of praise

The best that they can offer where

Their loving fills the days.

1/27/19 Through 2/2/19

1/27/19 Through 2/2/19

Sunday

For old enough to understand

We study well what God has planned.

Attractive as the faith might be,

It calls for dread humility.

The order and stability

Of those with faith appeals to me,

But not the thought of the unknown,

Or moving from my comfort zone.

With fear and longing intertwined,

Faith is not for weak, I find.

No room for those who store and save,

The realm of faith is meant for brave.

So if you will, then take the plunge,

And useless fear, from life, expunge.

Then find the grand stability,

That flows from true humility.

Monday

Entering the sanctuary,

Sheep or goat He did not carry.

But His precious blood divine,

He offers as the sacred wine.

Pleading mercy and forgiveness,

Freeing man from all his illness,

Perfect sacrifice was made,

Debt of all our sins was paid.

Tuesday

Stronger than the ties of blood,

Love abounds in lavish flood,

For those who do the Father's will,

And thus, the great command fulfill.

To do His will is such delight,

To watch His hand of love rewrite

The story in a better way,

That leads to light of endless day.

Wednesday

Break the path and clear the thorn.

Rocks be gone, this blessed morn.

Hoe and fertilize the ground,

So that which welcomes can be found.

A deep, and soft, and welcome earth,

Prepared to bring the seed to birth

That it may grow and richly bear

A harvest well beyond compare.

Thursday

The lamp stand is a fitting place

To put the light of truth and grace.

Not hidden, or just kept for one,

But giving light to everyone.

Don't say your gifts don't count for much.

The Beast would have you think as much.

But give, and then be given more,

And then, to greater depths explore.

His love is there to light the path,

And save us from the sinful wrath.

So all must use the gifts He gives

To prove to darkness that He lives!

Friday

To persevere, the word today,

Enduring troubles on the way,

But weakness causes me to sin,

Relying on just strength within.

His grace is key to understand

The wonders that our God has planned.

For grace will simply multiply

When troubles start to amplify.

The tiny seed of grace will grow,

And shelter little birds that know,

In weakness God is glorified,

And saves us from our sin of pride.

Saturday

Light of lights, light up my way,

Dispel the darkness of the day.

Salvation now my eyes have seen,

By prophets, long ago foreseen.

The day is here, the hour is now.

Our God has kept His holy vow.

Though many sorrows yet to come,

All darkness, He will overcome.

1/20/19 Through 1/26/19

1/20/19 Through 1/26/19

Sunday

May this empty jar be filled,

Let me act as God has willed.

Spirit fill my emptiness,

Bring me to Your place of rest.

No longer called "Forgotten One",

But one for whom gold robes are spun,

For King has come to call His bride,

And break the chains of sin from pride.

Monday

A gem within the word today

That teaches how to fast and pray

With perseverance to the end

To thus obtain our dividend.

To draw our strength from God as man

And act within the Father's plan

Accepting troubles day by day

To learn obedience on the way.

Tuesday

The gift of life, the breath of God,

A gift that's high and deep and broad.

So little man does comprehend,

Whenever choosing life to end.

His work of art and masterpiece,

Imbued with soul to never cease.

Now treated just as common trash

By those audacious, bold, and brash.

How can the human heart be changed,

And this vast folly rearranged,

To cherish life at every stage,

And such a tragedy assuage?

The only way, is follow Truth,

And teach it well to old and youth,

That as the next duration dawns,

No more will serve as Evil's pawns.

Wednesday

What's withered in my soul today,

Where I have left sin have its way?

What part of me must be restored

By Mercy's gracious love out poured?

Desiring some recognition

Feeding pride in this position.

Show me how to listen well

To Wisdom, that my heart will swell.

Thursday

Around Him pressed an anxious crowd

To hear the words of Him endowed

With pow'r to heal the blind and lame,

And even raise the dead of Nain.

Unlike the haughty Pharisee,

This one would speak with love, you see.

Rejecting honors of the day

To with His Father, kneel and pray.

No man e're spoke as He would speak

So bold, yet always, mild and meek.

Authority His words possess

And every one will heal or bless.

Let me hang upon that word,

And act in haste on what I've heard.

For that will heal and mend my sin,

Inviting love to dwell within.

Friday

If many more would see the light,

And join us in the ardent fight,

The world would change and be renewed,

And wickedness, be much subdued.

For love has conquered over sin,

And only love can change within,

To bring about the peace we seek,

And give the flesh to words we speak.

Saturday

How has darkness grown this deep?

Why is faith considered cheap?

How can I become a light,

To rend the veils of sin and night?

By answering Your every plea

And thus by growing close to Thee.

By sacrificing foolish pride,

And taking You to be my guide.

Be not afraid to speak the truth,

To educate both old and youth,

For I will save the pure of heart,

If you but do your given part.

1/13/19 Through 1/19/19

1/13/19 Through 1/19/19

Sunday

That day He cleansed what water flows

Between the banks that Jordan knows

Forever holy found is thee,

Which flows from Sea of Galilee.

And flow it must, if life be found

In trees that flourish all around.

For when it fails new life to spread,

What's left are waters, simply dead.

So too the baptized life must be

A vessel clean and flowing free.

To water well the thirsty earth,

And spread the gifts of our new birth.

Monday

Come follow Me, the call of Christ,

Who's invitation seems high priced.

Abandon nets that feed you well,

And listen to the words I tell.

Those nets can just, your belly fill

But if with me, you just be still,

I'll fill your heart and satisfy.

Then grace, in you, I'll amplify.

Tuesday

Such humility unknown

As by the Lord of Lords was shown

To condescend to human form

That men could sinful lives reform.

To show the pow'r of love prevails

Where haughtiness and malice fails.

To bring forgiveness of our sin

And teach us love, to welcome in.

Wednesday

The healing He desires to give

Would teach the multitudes to live

In faith and total trust each day,

And follow on the narrow way.

All sickness that assails my heart

Would fade away and then depart,

If in His presence I would call,

Upon His grace to stop my fall.

Thursday

Blessed are those along the way

Who learn to listen and obey.

Who harden not their sinful hearts,

But learn to love what grace imparts.

For those who turn disdainful eye

To simple words for living by

May never know the promised land

Of love and peace that God has planned.

Their casual defiance of 

His call for self-restraint

Is really just rejecting love,

And choosing that which aint.

Friday

Four friends whose faith was strong that day

Would carry him along the way.

They found no way to get him in, 

Nor thought his need, forgiven sin.

So through the roof they let him down

Before the Lord, and then they found

A controversy taking place

O're blasphemy, or holy grace.

But when He made it plain to see,

The Son of Man's authority

Was that of God's in flesh below,

One stood and grabbed his mat to go.

The crowd astounded, glorified!

Yet one stood there just horrified.  

While all were giddy and aloof,

He wondered, who would fix the roof?

Saturday

Grace will come when need arises

Wisdom, font of love advises.

In obedience, Christ amassing

Grace on grace with love surpassing.

To the ones who hear His voice

He grants the grace to make a choice,

To follow Him in ways unknown

Until we find our final home.