Only thru the Blood Of Jesus

Search Me, Oh Lord By: Maxine M. Ever gone to the doctor with mysterious symptoms, wondering what’s wrong? Trying to figure out WHY you’re feeling weak & tired instead of physically strong Then the doctor decides an MRI test is needed as health they try to prolong This test will show “whatever” is amiss anywhere inside For seldom can disease or growths, from its concise piercing picture, hide Internal organs are easily seen…heart & brain, where often trouble can abide A technician takes pictures, reads the graphs, reports the results A diagnosis is made…hopefully designed so the problem halts Perhaps with a group of specialists your doctor consults But have you also been mentally, emotionally, spiritually a little sluggish in recent days? Something’s wrong!! But what? Maybe it’s a mid-life crisis phase A typical MRI won’t reveal it…no matter how strong it’s penetrating rays David felt these unusual pangs nagging at his

Confidence or Pride? By: Maxine M. Confidence…trust, belief and certainty that what we undertake CAN be DONE Example – God told Joshua “Be not afraid”…through ME your victories will be won And Solomon asked for GOD’S wisdom so this great people’s business he could run Abram left home CONFIDENT that God’s promise of a new land was true Moses FOUND confidence to lead all those people even when THEIR discontent grew Samson knew it was God’s power & strength when a lion he slew Paul spoke BOLDLY for Christ, even tho his bodily image wasn’t large or intimidating Because even amid perils and dangers, CONFIDENCE in his LORD he found exhilarating CONFIDENT that no matter life’s outcome, the open arms of JESUS were waiting Indeed all the Bible’s “Heroes of Faith” had confidence…what God could do through them was limitless Because they trusted Him in a lion’s den, in prisons, in a firey furnace…in every kind of mess Confid

How Does the Story End? By: Maxine M. The children squirmed in excitement and anticipation as the story was read What would be the eventual outcome…would the hero & heroine wed? Or would the ending be woefully tragic instead? Would the puppy find his way back home again? How would the heroine manage competing in a world run by men? Would the disabled athlete recover…go on once again to win? How will the soldier be treated when war is over & he’s returned? So we’re kept in suspense till the final chapter is discerned Sometimes the end is PREDICTABLE, but often a surprise is learned Because stories may start out light & happy…joy and hope in place But in the end the main character succumbs to life’s problems…loses his race Or perhaps he’s born in poverty or handicapped and prevails against the odds he’s forced to face Now isn’t it TRUE that EVERY life is a “STORY” in itself…a total complete book With more twist

Solitude or Loneliness? Maxine M. At the end of a busy, noisy, hectic day don’t we often seek a little solitude? Just some soft gentle background music will quiet our mood Let our thoughts untangle…pressures of the day dare not intrude And we all enjoy that time alone…when we meet with the Lord in prayer One on one…with no distractions, kneeling beside our favorite chair The damages of life’s stressful hours perhaps the Psalms will repair But isn’t there a difference between solitude and loneliness that we can perceive? For solitude is often sought…loneliness we never want to conceive Solitude refreshes…loneliness; a dark web will quickly weave Solitude happens when we’re alone…loneliness can happen in a crowd Is there anyone who truly understands these thoughts loneliness has allowed? Now, unwittingly, a sense of being alone can occur between those who “FOREVER” vowed Time & distraction can send them in different dire

New Duds By: Maxine M. Does anything perk us up like a new outfit…no matter the time of year? As a child at the school program, in your very “best” you wanted to appear Perhaps in a blue velvet dress trimmed in white lace…how could you not feel the Christmas cheer? Even as an adult, doesn’t it feel good just to get all “DRESSED UP”? A beautiful gown, a suit with “tails”…a mundane & ordinary day will interrupt It lifts our spirits, at least temporarily…self-confidence will erupt Clothing stores “doll-up” their windows HOPING something will catch our eye Something we can’t live without…surely this, to our credit balance we can apply Or perhaps that fancy sweater or jacket as a gift for another we’ll buy Brides dream of the fancy dress they’ll wear on their wedding day It’s so expensive!! “But, daddy, won’t you please help me pay?” That groom never looked as “GOOD” either in a tux of black, white or gray Athletes are easily IDENTIFIED b