Only thru the Blood Of Jesus

YES, WE Can!! By: Maxine M. During the last political campaign, “Yes, we can” was what we often heard the winner to say Inspiring many with hope & encouragement at the end of a strenuous day Promises were made that all troubles would be OVER…if you vote the right way But what about the WE in “Yes WE can”…WHO was he referring to? All the people of the nation…be it store clerks, doctor, teachers, or highway maintenance crew? OR was it WE as in “We the government ELITE”…for only WE know what’s best for you WE will decide what is done with all the tax money you pay And very soon, WE the government will decide when & where you work, live & play As “Big Brother”, WE watch your every move, guard the airways…rid them of what “RUSH” has to say WE interpret the constitution…what our forefathers really meant Perhaps WE even need to rewrite it…give it a more modern day socialist bent By a redistribution of the wealth fr...

Clenched Fist By: Maxine M. Have you ever tried to remove something from the tightly clenched fist of a child? RESISTANCE!! will occur even from one normally meek and mild We may offer a “distraction”, but they are LEARY of being beguiled The object may be detrimental to the child’s well-being and cause harm But so often the fist is clenched even tighter…screaming in alarm “MINE”, in a loud voice is declared…absent is their usual delightful charm But the child doesn’t understand CONSEQUENCES, so the wisdom of the adult must prevail The voice of responsibility must be 1st and foremost…whatever it will entail To keep the child SAFE…if left to their own will, both will fail Now, do we who are true children of the Heavenly Father also clench our fist? Our way IS the right way for US…isn’t that what we adamantly insist Tightly hold on to all those things on our “I WANT” list Vigorously defend a relationship…the one WE think would ma...

Perilous Times! By: Maxine M. In latter days “PERILOUS TIMES” will come…the warning given by Paul And over the centuries many believed that in their days they’d hear the trumpet’s call As wars and rumors of wars abounded & terrible natural disasters would befall Early church persecution, Roman domination…perilous times in so many ways Famine, disease, plagues all threatened extinction in our forefather’s days The shame of slavery, the “dirty thirties”, the Great Depression…the emotion of hopelessness conveys In each era, many must have considered “latter days” to be in full force How could life get even more perilous…but they were mistaken of course For life did continue on…strength and perseverance found in a Higher source But look around today!! Don’t we live in perilous times as well? Our borders MUST be daily guarded…ever vigilant against another terrorist cell The horrors of war, our brave young men & ...

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...