I remember memories that replay yesterday and wonder why
I remember memories that sway back and forth today and sigh
I remember memories that delay like deja vu arrayed in the future reapplied
I remember memories of mistakes and failures made causing pain I’d rather hide
I remember memories held at bay I’d rather not say went awry
I remember memories once afraid no longer make me prey in the night
I remember memories laid bare so much stronger that I pray won’t be how I die
I remember memories of hell’s visit down the broadway with sin’s choice for entrance prefaced I’d preferably decide to contrive and be deprived
I remember memories like shade in the hottest summer to evade under a tree think twice about while I reside with the littlest faith arise
I remember memories where I strayed until found by the ONE I betrayed now unto will abide with hope to enter HIS arms in Heaven arrive
I remember memories of fear weighed heavily upon this casualty of war that love conveyed in order for it to disappear and heal me inside
I remember memories that slay my pride to display the humility I now allow to guide
I remember memories that give way to HIS grace now to follow as I soar above the storm on the heights by HIS Spirit not by might
I remember memories that trade my punishment with HIS mercy instead that covers me always new every morning to find supplied as I remain contrite
I remember memories that pervade of HIS compassion embraced that erased the oppression and loneliness while it trained me to comfort others with a depth of understanding comprised
I remember memories where HIS truth sustained and prayers uplifted with thanks maintained a peace that surpassed all understanding guarding my heart and mind in JESUS Christ
I remember memories spent alone with HIM that I can now say will remain as I’ve been taught HIS Word to obey where I’ve been tried as gold refined, where I’ve been aligned to HIS will defined, and where I’ve dined with HIM to always remind me I’m HIS and HE is mine for all time…
Faith in HIM represent
Mind renew always with wisdom eloquent
Thankful YOURS known to intersect for minds to reprove of heaven's advice lent
Riveting amount is opulent
Letting one see what is transcendent
Toward the shore for new life that is imminent
Hope is what is sent
Soul restore always defend
Make YOURS shown to resurrect for souls redo to win who arise again
Giving out encouragement
Getting to dream of what is meant
For more of a future that is relevant
Love every moment
Heart revive always open
Take YOURS alone to reflect for hearts to remove fear within comprise to mend
Living fount covenant
Setting free awoken
Pour forth the Word to be spoken
Grace, mercy, and compassion evident
Spirit refresh always with peace mitigant
Break through with YOURS sown to reconnect for spirits that regrew like butterflies ascend
Pivoting stout when repent
Forgetting past things that were arrogant
Soar North above the storms resilient
Onward becoming who you’re meant to be rather than retreating or worse yet leaving
Onward knowing HE lives at the right hand of GOD with scars for you interceding
Onward heeding HIS voice of encouraging to continue enduring and persevering even if for now it’s just breathing
On HIM always lean…
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Press on rather than regress despite feeling depressed
Pass the test to go on beyond the trials and tribulations that oppress
Continue with faith in the SON for making progress
Continue to hope in HIM to find rest
Continue in HIS love which is greatest and will work out what is best
Choose life and blessing over death and cursing that HE died to give you as your inspiring and motivating quest
Draw near to HIM and HE will draw nearer sincerest as you pour out your heart to HIM in confidence rather than those feelings just suppress
Reassess life as a maturing process, mess of sin with guilt and shame confess to find forgiveness, and then will profess HIS evidence realized further along life’s journey of HIS faithfulness
Focus is more when there is less…
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Less to not weigh you down in fear replaced by HIS love held dear
Less worry in your heart found in HIM who makes it disappear
Less weary chasing after empty success that falls aground like tears
Less willful of your own plans that fail here
Less want of the world’s lust wandering into sin that causes pain and torment so severe
Less wasting away in your illness with HIS acceptance of all that you are by caring for yourself to improve mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health adhere
Less wavering in unbelief by simply believing HE will turn your life around with HIS patience and gentleness steer
Less wondering about what ifs of the past that HE uses in your future to help others made more clear
Less while HE becomes more to you during your extended years
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More faith in HIS truth so you’re no longer unruly that will no longer duly offend
More hope and trust in HIS ways you can truly depend on now that you’re newly opened
More love in HIS life abiding to be a light shining in darkness to give freely and often
More mercy from HIS healing throne of Heaven that is new every morning sent
More compassion from HIS heart to listen to others vent -even from suicide may prevent
More grace from HIS hand to lead and guide you along righteous paths that will leave no regret in retrospect
More of HIS Spirit welcoming within who will comfort you with HIS Presence, counsel you with HIS wisdom, and care for your well-being with moans expressed according to GOD’s will for your life when words of prayer fail to connect
More delighting in HIM to be given the desires of your heart meant to mend your dreams again made relevant where nightmares can’t circumvent
More freedom will come after suffering through a set timeframe where to live is Christ and to die is gain that is effective when wait on GOD’s timing and not your own as you wait to resurrect into HIS arms as Heaven’s resident
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Wait on HIM for new strength returning to soar above the storms on eagle’s wings freeing
Wait on HIM for renewing your mind with truth until having soundness of peace releasing
Wait on HIM for reviving your heart recreating within purity and right desires brought back into the land of the living reconvening
Wait on HIM for rescue unto redemption forthcoming that will restore your soul and implore within you vision, purpose, and meaning that’s increasing
Wait on HIM for refilling your cup to overflowing until refreshing your spirit into HIS will agreeing and being a doer of HIS Word unleashing
Wait on HIM watching as HE wins every battle in your war raging against the enemy who attempts at deceiving
Wait on HIM to direct your steps through open doors revealing
Wait on HIM for HIS promises open handed toward until receiving
Wait on HIM for complete healing that makes you whole whether here on earth or there in Heaven as the great reward for continually believing
Monday came; she stood there waiting, locked gaze in suspended time, then walked away because I couldn’t respond as if in a daze
I pray she knows HIS love all her days…
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Mistakes I dare to share
Open up not sure she’d even care
Return the favor listening, revealing all unaware
College, first relationship, burdens to bear
Found solace for a short time so rare
She had to leave across the sea and I let go too scared
I pray she finds HIM suddenly out of no where
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Mistakes I regret
Awkward, unsure, how to interpret
Searching for identity unkept
College, second relationship, just met
A whirlwind transpires; I easily make her upset
She gave it one last chance; I hurt her heart and can’t forget
I pray she experiences HIS joy each day on reset
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Mistakes of getting too close without commitment
Except our faith in GOD, we’d abstain from being intimate
Taking a chance after my suicide attempt and mental illness onset
Singles group in church, third relationship, her a divorcee with a daughter, could we reinvent
GOD would make it clear we weren’t meant to be in marriage represent
She was saddened, but moved on to start her own family circumvent
I pray she always has HIS encouragement and a love for HIM that’s fervent
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Through all my mistakes I came to find HIM anew
My refocus in relationship with HIM intertwined with her and grew
Drawn together as we served HIS children in love’s purpose pure and true
Times well spent with each other set in motion HIS will to pursue
It is evident we were meant to be a family within HIS faith, hope, and love through and through
She has fought to win battles with the enemy as revealed by scars and wounds
She has fought to win battles for me in the midst of my darkest hours now removed
She has fought to win battles for herself of declined health faithful to be there for our children proved
I pray she feels HIS love through me continually, reveals HIS love through our children repeatedly, conceals within HIS love fully to share assuredly, and kneels with me in awe of what the LORD has done mercifully in Heaven one day and then walk together as best friends for all eternity…
After JESUS died on the cross for you and I, HE rose again to Life…
What does that mean for me?
If you’ve put your trust and hope in JESUS for the forgiveness of your sins, HE has bought and won victory for you through HIS shed blood, death on the cross, burial, and resurrection on the 3rd day.
What victory?
You may know that HE won victory over sin, satan, hell, death and the grave. HE is the Way, the Truth, and the Life… You receive forgiveness for your sins, victory over sin, authority over satan in JESUS name, and the promise of a prepared place for you in Heaven after you die. Since HE is alive HE will never leave nor forsake you… You don’t have to be alone…
After JESUS died on the cross, HE was placed in a tomb with a large and heavy rock blocking its entrance. The chief priests remembering that JESUS said “after 3 days I will rise again” asked Pilate, the governor to have soldiers secure the tomb and stand guard.
HE is the Light of the world and walked alive once again into the light at dawn of a new day after HIS crucifixion on the cross… HE will bring HIS Light into your darkness and one day shine within you… HE will help you through the depression, mental illness, and/or suicidal thoughts… HE did it for me and HE can do it for you too…
Luke 24
Jesus Has Risen
24 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb,3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them.5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee:7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ”8 Then they remembered his words.
9 When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others.10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles.11 But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense.12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.
On the Road to Emmaus
13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem.14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened.15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them;16 but they were kept from recognizing him.
17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”
They stood still, their faces downcast.18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”
19 “What things?” he asked.
“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people.20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him;21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place.22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive.24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”
25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken!26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?”27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther.29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together34 and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.”35 Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
Jesus Appears to the Disciples
36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost.38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”
40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet.41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?”42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish,43 and he took it and ate it in their presence.
44 He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”
45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day,47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.48 You are witnesses of these things.49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
The Ascension of Jesus
50 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them.51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.52 Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.53 And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.
What if you doubt? JESUS understands and has compassion on you if you doubt HIM. HE can reveal HIMSELF to you and help you believe. HE helped Thomas who doubted, so HE will help you too… JESUS says we are blessed if we believe and yet have not seen HIM yet…
Jesus among His Disciples
19 So when it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and *said to them, “Peace be with you.”20 And when He had said this, He showed them both His hands and His side. The disciples then rejoiced when they saw the Lord.21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.23 If you forgive the sins of any, their sins have been forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they have been retained.”
24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.25 So the other disciples were saying to him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”
26 After eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus *came, the doors having been [f]shut, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.”27 Then He said to Thomas, “Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing.”28 Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”29 Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.”
Why This Gospel Was Written
30 Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.
We read that JESUS met with those HE cared for and loved after HIS death to help them believe in HIM, continue to trust in HIM, to encourage them, and to give them their mission assignment after HE returned to Heaven…
This is the reason I share my faith story, GOD’s Word, and refer to JESUS throughout my writing… I have found victory in Christ for my life and I’m compelled to share the faith, hope, and love I have found in HIM… HE is faithful and true… HE is able to give you victory in your life too…
Have you fallen away from your relationship with JESUS for any reason? One of my favorite stories in the Bible is how Peter is restored and redeemed by JESUS after being risen to life… HE knew Peter felt guilt and shame after he had disowned HIM 3 times leading up to HIS death.
John 21
Jesus Appears at the Sea of Galilee
21 After these things Jesus manifested Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and He manifested Himself in this way.2 Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together.3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will also come with you.” They went out and got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing.
4 But when the day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.5 So Jesus said to them, “Children, you do not have any fish, do you?” They answered Him, “No.”6 And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch.” So they cast, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish.7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put his outer garment on (for he was stripped for work), and threw himself into the sea.8 But the other disciples came in the little boat, for they were not far from the land, but about one hundred yards away, dragging the net full of fish.
9 So when they got out on the land, they saw a charcoal fire already laid and fish placed on it, and bread.10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have now caught.”11 Simon Peter went up and drew the net to land, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not torn.
Jesus Provides
12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples ventured to question Him, “Who are You?” knowing that it was the Lord.13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and the fish likewise.14 This is now the third time that Jesus was manifested to the disciples, after He was raised from the dead.
The Love Motivation
15 So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My lambs.”16 He *said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him “Shepherd My sheep.”17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus *said to him, “Tend My sheep.
JESUS allowed Peter to return his love to JESUS and JESUS reappointed him to love HIM and others with new found responsibility… HE is able to restore and redeem you too!!!…
JESUS, even before HE died on the cross, revealed that HE was the Resurrection and the Life… Let’s take a look:
John 11:20-28
20 Martha therefore, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went to meet Him, but Mary stayed at the house.21 Martha then said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.22 Even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.”23 Jesus *said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”24 Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.”25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies,26 and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”27 She said to Him, “Yes, Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world.”
JESUS reassures Lazarus’ sisters Martha and Mary that Lazarus would rise again to life… HE went on into the tomb where Lazarus laid after he had died. JESUS raised Lazarus to life again… HE is able to handle anything you’re dealing with in this life… HE will encourage and support you as you walk with HIM putting your faith and trust in HIM… HE will be with you even to the end and then welcome you into Heaven to live forevermore…
Psalm 103
Of David.
1 Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
6 The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.
You may thank HIM for these benefits that HE has won victory for you to have in your life…
If you need prayer, support, encouragement, and/or have questions/concerns let me know and I will respond back to you soon…
May the LORD bless and keep you in HIS care and love always and forever…
Might as well revisit memories then store up Heaven’s treasuries
Life is not about me alone to own
Might as well revisit to make known to others HIS wonders to become sisters and brothers
Life is faith, hope, and love sown to be shown
Might as well revisit to make known HIS salvation plan unto ovation stand
Life is lived from a place of quiet try it and then aloud allowed
Might as well revisit the solitary momentarily for when a missionary extraordinary
Life is hard pressed on every side abide, yet not crushed to be rushed forth
Might as well revisit how we make it through anew
Life is perplexed reflexed, but not in despair aware to care
Might as well revisit those who are under par broken apart in scars near and far
Life is persecuted reputed, but not forsaken awaken to truth unshaken
Might as well revisit to be there for the burdens to bear and love to share
Life is struck down upon the ground, but not destroyed to be deployed
Might as well revisit to fight the good fight in view of Heaven’s witnesses to join as future citizens setting free those in prisons lost and afraid with no decisions until arisen
Life is eternal going on and on and you’re not forgotten
Might as well revisit the reason why you cry and then apply why you are alive born to do more than just survive, today arrive at a crossroads decide who you can confide in, tomorrow into a hope and future abide under HIS wings of mercy hide no longer cast aside or denied this side of eternity until into HIS arms open wide ride on the heights when fears subside HE will always and forever guide…
