Perhaps Some Things of Worry

Perhaps some things of worry Chewing on some bone Thinking mine the effort Self-contained, alone.

This will nag persistent Doubt that weakens too Just another guy who thinks The rescue he must do.

Can’t there be a prayer time?

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Lay the stuff all out Just to know that Father Hears the whole thing out.

Yes repentance also Things clearly amiss.

Comes a knowing blissfully He will handle this.

His the Hands so mighty His the Love unique His the Wisdom much above All that I might seek.

Resting comes now surely Needful work is done Wait and watch rejoicing Yoke-mate with God’s Son. Note: Try a delightful reading of Psalm 37. It all fits in.

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The Target, Yes Attainable

Bearing with me through all these years. Speaking rich hope, but many my fears.

Yours is a loving-kindness matchless I’m sure. Yours is a mercy impartial and pure.

God will there come a day I give you joy? Cleaned up and thanking you, this humbled boy.

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Won’t come from grim resolve, must be by Grace. Mould me, enfold me, disclosing Your Face.

Individuality

BY OSWALD CHAMBERS JESUS SAID TO HIS DISCIPLES, “IF ANYONE DESIRES TO COME AFTER ME, LET HIM DENY HIMSELF…” —​MATTHEW 16:24

Individuality is the hard outer layer surrounding the inner spiritual life.

Individuality shoves others aside, separating and isolating people. We see it as the primary characteristic of a child, and rightly so. When we confuse individuality with the spiritual life, we remain isolated. This shell of individuality is God’s created natural covering designed to protect the spiritual life. But our individuality must be yielded to God so that our spiritual life may be brought forth into fellowship with Him. Individuality counterfeits spirituality, just as lust counterfeits love. God designed human

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nature for Himself, but individuality corrupts that human nature for its own purposes.

The characteristics of individuality are independence and self-will. We hinder our spiritual growth more than any other way by continually asserting our individuality. If you say, “I can’t believe,” it is because your individuality is blocking the way; individuality can never believe. But our spirit cannot help believing. Watch yourself closely when the Spirit of God is at work in you. He pushes you to the limits of your individuality where a choice must be made. The choice is either to say, “I will not surrender,” or to surrender, breaking the hard shell of individuality, which allows the spiritual life to emerge. The Holy Spirit narrows it down every time to one thing (see ​Matthew 5:23-24​). It is your individuality that refuses to “be reconciled to your brother” (​Matthew 5:24​). God wants to bring you into union with Himself, but unless you are willing to give up your right to yourself, He cannot. “…let him deny himself…”— deny his independent right to himself. Then the real life-the spiritual life-is allowed the opportunity to grow.

Known Before It All

December 29, 2019

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Child the tears flow freely. But fretting is all past. You let it eat up hours and hope. And feared the pain would last. But finally you just sat down.

And raised requests on High. And rescue comes and closeness thrives.

Not quite that brazen Sky. No I have seen and Father’s heart Has moved a thing or two. Already you sense winds of change. Refreshing like the dew.

prayer of faith​ ​quandary​ ​rescue​ ​submission

Offered by Doug Blair, Waterloo ON, 2020

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