GOOD YEAR OR BAD YEAR?

2009 is almost in the history books; cast in stone. Quickly; you must decide the answer to the inevitable question that you will soon be asked. The question can come from anyone at anytime; including from within your own head. How will you answer? Do you have your answer ready? Have you sorted out the pros and cons and set the answer in stone? Have you even begun to ponder? Quickly; you will be asked and you must answer. And you only can have one answer; one side; no middle ground; those are the rules that you must abide by. And your answer must remain unchanged and affect your life from now and for all of eternity. 

The question is; “was it a good year or a bad year?” 

I must admit it is a strange question because the answer is so subjective depending upon your perspective. And yet, we ask the same question every year as we close the books on this year and anticipate the coming year. We have a strange way of making everything “black or white” and nothing in between when it comes to how we look at just about everything.  

If a sports team wins most of their games and improves how they played over last year; but loses the final game; did they have a good year or a bad year? If you made it through another year and paid all of your bills and still have some cash in your pocket, was it a good or bad year? If the old house burns down and you get another one that is better, was it a good or bad year? If your kids are noisy and ruin the carpeting as they fill the house with laugher and joy; was it a good year or a bad year? If your nine chickens only produce 5 eggs a day; was it a good year or a bad year? If you spill your second cup of coffee after spending a delightful first cup with a friend, was it a good year or a bad year?  

I’ve seen so many lives ruined and trapped because of a single event that seems to overshadow all the events that took place prior. I personally have in the past almost thrown away a whole weekend because of a wrong response; instead of realizing that one moment didn’t have to wipe it all away.  

I want to stop and state the obvious: YES, sometimes there will be events (sometimes tragedies) that will affect our lives in a radical way. And I don’t want to be insensitive to what took place in your life this past year and tell you to; “Get over it”; that would be wrong. But, I am get sad when I see lives ruined by perspective and want to suggest that sometimes a fresh perspective can help shape what is cast in stone. Albert Einstein is quoted as having said; "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result."  

Perhaps we need to process this past year (as well as the next) a little differently. Simply put; you don’t have to see the bad in every situation. Learn to see the good through the eyes of a Loving God who truly does want the best for us. Look for opportunities to be thankful EACH and every day. Learn to be thankful for your old clunker that still starts every day (even if it takes 10 tries to get it started). Learn to “Seek First the Kingdom Of God and His Righteousness” (read Matthew 6:24-34).  

Learn to be grateful for leftovers; our cities are filled with people who still go to bed at night hungry. Learn to see the good in that job that you don’t like going to. After all, there are people who are laid off and would love to have a job to complain about. Learn to be grateful for the extra pounds you put on this season from eating at too many parties; be grateful that your belly is bigger from eating rather than being bloated from malnourishment. Learn to be rejoice in muscles are sore from time spent in the gym; rather than from trying maneuver your wheelchair up a ramp to get into your house. Learn to sit and linger and enjoy life; instead of always “waiting for the other shoe to drop”. 

This is a New Year; A Fresh Start; A Chance to Do It Differently. How 2010 turns out to be can be partially in your control based upon how you choose to view it.

The question one year from now will still be; “was it a good year or a bad year?”

CHRISTmas: an answer to the Impossible

“Then the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you; you shall find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger”. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men”. 15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let us now go to Bethlehem, and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-16)

At Christmas we celebrate God sending His Son Jesus into the world as a child born to a virgin named Mary. We listen, we watch, we observe, we wonder about the message from the angels to the shepherds: “there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

But what do we do with this information that we heard in the songs and the stories? Is there really any relevance in this 2000 year old message? How do we apply what we’ve heard into our day to day lives? What do we do with this information as we try live this stuff out? What do we do with this information tomorrow as we gather with relatives only to face another Christmas of rejection, and pain, and disappointment? It seems impossible that they could ever change.

What do we do with this information as Monday we go back to our real jobs and real lives with all of its trials and seemingly impossible adventures? What do we do with this information when things look impossible?”

When things look impossible, we need to remember that the shepherd FOUND a babe wrapped in swaddling clothing laying in a feed trough. Did you notice that God didn’t leave His message simply up to human faith? My question is “How often do shepherds find the babies lying in a feed trough?”

God confirmed that born to us in the city of David was a Savior- Jesus Christ. And that same God who was born as a babe in a manger is waiting to reveal Himself to us in power and wonder and awe like He did to the shepherds!

When things look impossible, we need to remember that although Jesus came as a babe, He grew up and lived this life that we live.

The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the church in Rome: “It is Christ who died, and furthermore is risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” (Romans 8:34). Hebrews 7:25 says; “...He is able also to save them to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, seeing He ever lives to make intercession for them.

When things look impossible, we need to remember that the story of Jesus’ birth is not just some cute story told once a year. There is healing, and power, and deliverance available to us when we call upon His Name....RIGHT NOW! We have access to this same Jesus who is interceding for us: RIGHTNOW! 

In the Old Testament, we find God revealing Himself through various situations. Revealing who He is and His character as Healer, Provider, All Powerful. In our passage today, we find Him revealing that He is the SAVIOR.

Did you notice in that passage in Luke that the shepherds were told that: “There is born to YOU this day in the city of David, a SAVIOR, who is Christ the Lord”. YES: for unto YOU is born a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
 For YOU He left heaven and was born in a manger.
For YOU He bore the cross and was crucified.
For YOU His blood was poured out from His hands & His feet.
For YOU He said “Father forgive them, they don’t know what they do”.
For YOU He breathed His last breath and said, “It is finished”.
For YOU He rose from the dead on the 3rd day.

My friend; I’m not sure what challenges you are facing today:
 Maybe you are in a school or a job or a family where they take the name of God in vain or you are experiencing some other difficult situation, and you say, "I can't survive here spiritually!"
Maybe you’re facing seemingly impossible situations that have tormented you and stolen your sleep and your health.
Maybe you are facing overwhelming financial difficulties.
Maybe you are facing the loss of a loved who through death, or divorce and you can’t find any hope in this season of joy.
Maybe you are involved in sin, and a life style that has trapped you and can’t see any way out of your addiction.
Maybe you are dealing with loneliness that is crushing your soul.
Maybe disappointment and despair have gripped you to the point that you have been wrestling with thoughts of suicide.
Maybe you are simply facing a flat tire.

Listen dear friends, I’m writing this to let you know that the message that the angels brought to those shepherds centuries ago is still true today. That Jesus wants us to come to Him knowing that He longs to give you peace that only comes from a right relationship with Him: While you’re in the midst of what you are going through... and when you’re overwhelmed by your circumstances... Jesus said: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world”. (John 16:33).

To those who don’t know Jesus:  I would hate to think of someone going through another Christmas and not understand why Jesus came.  

Jesus came to pay for our sins so that we could be forgiven and be in right relationship with the Father. THAT WAS HIS PLAN ALL ALONG.  It is so easy to miss that as we sort through the bills, gifts and traditions. Simply put, Jesus is calling out for you today. But He wants so much more than just today, He wants your tomorrows and all that follows in the future. And all you have to do is respond to His calling for you to turn from your ways and ask His forgiveness. He will take care of the rest.  WON”T YOU ANSWER HIM TODAY?

To those who know Jesus:  I would hate to think of a Christian going through another day without knowing and entering into the victory and peace that comes when we call upon the Name of the Lord.  “YES”, He is our Savior, but He is so much more than that. And you need to remember that He is and cry out to Him.

When Things Look Impossible, we need to allow the Holy Spirit to reveal who God is. Reminding you that He is a faithful God and will come through

When things look impossible, remember His name is Jesus Mt 1:21  He is The Prince of Peace Is 9:6 The Mighty God Is 9:6 The Wonderful Counselor Is 9:6
 When things look impossible, remember He is The Holy One Mk 1:24 The Lamb of God John 1:29 The Lord God Almighty Rev 15:3 The Great I AM John 8:58
 When things look impossible, remember He is The Lion of The Tribe of Judah Rev 5:5 He is The Root of David Rev 22:16 The Word of Life 1 John 1:1
 When things look impossible, remember He is The Author and Finisher of Our Faith Heb 12:2  He is The Advocate 1 John 2:1 He is The Way John 14:6 He is The Dayspring Luke 1:78
 When things look impossible, remember He is The Lord of All Acts 10:36 He is The Son of God John 1:34 The Shepherd & Bishop of Our Souls 1 Peter 2:25
 When things look impossible, remember He is The Messiah John 1:41 He is The Root of Truth John 14:6 He is The Savior 2 Peter 2:20
When things look impossible, remember He is The Chief Cornerstone Rev 22:16 He is The King of Kings Rev 19:16 and The Lord of Lords Rev 19:16
 When things look impossible, remember He is The Righteous Judge 2 Tim 4:8 He is The Chief Shepherd 1 Peter 5:4 The Head of The Church Eph 1:22
 When things look impossible, remember He is The Light of The World John 8:12 The Bright and Morning Star Rev 22:16 The Son of Righteousness Mal 4:22
 When things look impossible, remember He is The Alpha and The Omega Rev 1:18 The Governor Matt 2:6 The Horn of Salvation Luke 1:69 The Resurrection & The Life John 11:25 
 When things look impossible, remember He is The Lord Jesus Christ Acts 15:11 
 When things look impossible, remember that JESUS IS LORD! Phil 2:11

I Have Days Like You

This is for all of you who had a bad day today; a day when you fought the good fight and still seemed to go backwards. 

I’ve been walking with the Lord for around thirty years. I came to the Lord when I was in college shortly after my parents had a radical conversion that was evident by changes in their lives. After much prayer for me, I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior; and I have, by His grace, been walking with Him ever since. 

As a Christian, I have served in ministry in many roles and capacities; among them as a small group leader, youth worker, deacon, elder, associate and senior pastor. I also work with pastors and have attended many pastors’ prayer groups. 

Throughout that walk, I have seen and heard what I perceive to be wrong beliefs about how to walk with God. Some of these beliefs are from misconceptions of what was being taught. Some of the beliefs were from erroneous teachings by well meaning people who had misconceptions themselves. 

Sometimes we inadvertently give out false beliefs to get people to make decisions for Christ; like saying; “Come to Jesus and all of problems will go away!”   

I am amazed that people give the impression that as Christians we will always have happy-happy joy-filled days. This is simply not true. Now, I know there are some people who have a pretty good outlook on life and see the best of every situation; but not always. There are some days, sometimes, some moments where life doesn’t always make sense. This is true for all of us and it doesn’t make us less of a Christian to admit from time to time that we are “stuck-in-the-mud”.   

As Christians we are not exempt. We all have opportunities to have life come at us. Death, pain, loss are all part of this fallen world. What we do with it when theses come makes all the difference in the world.    

Jesus said; “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

Hang in there; God loves you.

I HAVE DAYS LIKE YOU by Phil Keaggy
If I portray myself blessed within,
If I display myself, try to show
I meet the approval of my kind.
If I pretend to have all I need,
It's never intentional, I should have mentioned
I'm not always feeling just fine.

I have days like you,
Stuck in a rut, feeling the blues,
Oh I have days like you,
Just holding my ground.

If I defend myself hastily, 
If I recommend myself, call for security
For the renewal of my mind. 
There is a greater will to be done
In the name of the Father and of the Son
With all my intentions behind.

I have days like you,
Stuck in the mud, feeling the blues,
And I have days like you,
Just holding my ground.
Life leaves us to choose,
How will we finish, win or lose?
Oh I have days like you,
And these days just come around.

I have days like you,
Stuck in a rut, feeling the blues,
And I have days like you,
Just holding my ground.
Life leaves us to choose,
How will we finish, win or lose?
Oh I have days like you,
And these days just come around.
I have days like you,
Stuck in the mud, feeling the blues,
Oh I have days like you,
Just holding my ground.

And these days just come around.

Let Everything Else Go

Have you ever asked yourself the question; “What is the meaning of life?” Usually this type of question comes at the end of a long hard day filled with ups and downs; victories and failures.  

“So what is it all about anyway?” King Solomon, who was one of the richest people in his day; maybe of all time; pondered this question in one of the books of the Bible called “Ecclesiastes”. Solomon had it all and tried it all and yet he still felt empty.  

King Solomon realized some hindsight from his experiences and was trying to pass on to his sons wisdom learned from “The School of Hard Knocks”. He wrote; "Vanity of vanities," says the Preacher; "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 1:2).

King Solomon went on to write: “Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done and on the labor in which I had toiled; and indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 2:11). Pretty sad reflection from a guy who could afford anything he wanted in order to get happiness.    

After many years of trying, King Solomon concluded; “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandment, for this is man's all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).  

The Westminster Shorter Catechism says that the chief end of man is to “glorify God and to enjoy Him forever”. Perhaps it is best sometimes to stop striving for things that won’t last; take time to seek God, and let everything else go.

Let Everything Else Go by Phil Keaggy

Chasing down hot air balloons on Sunday morning,
In pace with a familiar tune
I reach for nothing less, but something more.
All the day, and the wind is at my back most of the way.

Holding conversation with a friend I know is near,
Great anticipation fills my soul,
It fills my heart, it fills the air.
All the day, and the wind is at my back

Oh I can't wait to see you Jesus, face to face,
Nothing in this world can take Your place.
All the pride of man laid low,
And all his works of gold,
Nothing can compare with what You are,
Let everything else go.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lro7oGCxJyQ

I APOLOGIZE

Apologetics is the whole of the consensus of the views of those who defend a position in an argument of long standing. The term comes from the Greek word apologia (απολογία), meaning a speaking in defense. (taken from Wikipedia).

Several years ago I was asked to do apologetics and defend Christianity to a philosophy group at a local college; and it was met with overwhelmingly good results. I want to state clearly that I don’t consider myself an apologist but rather one who loves God and His Word and saw this as an opportunity to tell what I believe the Bible says about who Jesus is.

I am writing this today for those of you out there who don’t know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. I want to do a different form of apologetics; I want to do “Christian-apologizing” .

I should probably tell you that “Christian” means “Christ-bearer”; that is, “a follower of Christ”.  I say this because I have discovered that you are sometimes confused by those of us who call ourselves Christians and see our history filled with a whole lot of skeletons. On behalf of all Christians everywhere I want to apologize to you today for how we have NOT represented God as we have lived our lives among you. 

It really is embarrassing sometimes how we act as Christians towards one another. I apologize that you have had to see our rivalries as we filled our airwaves with our debates trying to prove how our church is the correct and perfect church, as we slammed fellow Christians. I want to apologize to you for how we bicker and fight and argue and have at times in the past even killed each other simply because of a difference in doctrine, gifting, race, and gender. You’ve heard our ramblings and gossip about our pastors, the people we worship with, and our church we attend; and we were shocked that you never once wanted to visit when we invited you.   

I want to apologize to you that we have not practiced what we have preached; living our lives among you filled with hypocrisy and shameful habits. You’ve read stories about us as we were caught doing the very things that we told you not to do. You’ve had to watch as we beat our kids, cheated on our spouses, and neglected our families. We’ve “fleeced the flock” abusing those under our care; all the while amusing ourselves as we fulfilled our own depraved lusts.    

Our love has been filled with hypocrisy; Jesus hates hypocrisy. We’ve not abhorred what is evil and clung to what is good. We’ve not been kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; instead we have lagged in diligence serving our own agendas. You’ve watched when we have gone through trials and we have been hopeless and impatient in tribulation. 

I apologize that you have seen our selfishness as we have cut off our wallets to those around us who have been in need. I am so ashamed that you have heard us cursing instead of blessing this world and all who dwell here. We have not been of the same mind toward one another but instead have been arrogant and wise in our own opinion of ourselves.        

I apologize that you have seen us repay evil for evil instead of mercy, having no regard for good things in the sight of all men. We pursued wars instead of trying to live peaceably with all men as we have tried to avenge ourselves, giving place for wrath.  

 I apologize to you for how we have stolen land and forced whole people groups to give up beliefs instead of sharing and living out our faith among them in an effort to win them to Christ. I am so sorry for what we have done in the Name of Jesus.  

I apologize to you for the times you have come to us over the past 2000 years with hearts that were hurting and we told you to “quit smoking” and “wash your face" and "cut your hair” and “put on a tie”; instead of the good news that God loves you so much that He sent His only Son Jesus to die for you. We’ve majored on minors and minored on majors. For not telling the truth; for not standing up when we should have. We’ve kept silent at times, and people have gotten away with murder.      

I want to let you know that what you have seen may not be who God is, and I apologize. My hope is that as you call to Him today, that God will reveal Himself to you thru His Son Jesus Christ. 

You see, God doesn’t over look any of our sins, Jesus paid for our sins by His death, burial, and resurrection. Jesus died that we might live; and He did it BEFORE we knew about; while we were still sinners. 

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 NKJV); and “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 NKJV).    

All who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ; and put their complete faith and trust in Him and His complete work on the cross are brought into right relationship with God. This righteousness is unattainable by simply trying to completely obey the law, or by a person’s own merit, or by any other condition other than faith in Jesus Christ.

Don't give up on God, He hasn't given up on you or His Church.

JESUS LOVES THE CHURCH Written By Sheila Walsh

You say that You believe in us,
At times I wonder why
You say You see the Father in our eyes.
But I think if I were You, Lord,
I'd wash my hands today,
And turn my back on all our alibis.

And we crucify each other,
Leaving a battered, wounded bride,
But Jesus loves the church.
So we'll walk the aisle of history,
Towards the marriage feast,
For Jesus loves the church.

We fight like selfish children,
Vying for that special prize,
We juggle with our gifts before Your face.
And I know You look with sorrow
At the blindness in our eyes
As we trip each other half-way thru the race.

And we crucify each other,
Leaving a battered, wounded bride,
But Jesus loves the church.
So we'll walk the aisle of history,
Towards the marriage feast,
For Jesus loves the church.

I want to learn to love like You,
I don't know where to start,
I want to see them all but through Your eyes.
For You believed enough to live
Amidst the maddened crowd
Enough to die before our very eyes.

But we crucify each other,
Leaving a battered, wounded bride,
But Jesus loves the church.
And so we'll walk the aisle of history,
Towards the marriage feast,
For Jesus loves the church.
Yes we'll walk the aisle of history,
Towards the marriage feast,
For Jesus loves the church.

And as He hung in naked grief,
Bleeding for our crimes
He saw our fickle hearts and cried, I Love You.

Thank God for His indescribable gift of salvation available to each one of us through Jesus Christ!

Need more information? Call 1-888-NEED HIM (633-3446)

THANKFUL HEARTS

1 Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands!
2 Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing.
3 Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
5 For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.  (Psalm 100)

Today is Thanksgiving Day in the USA. It is a day set aside by President Abraham Lincoln when he declared the final Thursday in November as a national day of thanksgiving. Thanksgiving Day was made an official national holiday in 1941.

BUT, we are to give thanks ALWAYS: Not just on Thanksgiving Day. The Bible says; “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1Thessalonians 5:18). God wants us to give Him thanks for everything: The good, the bad, and the ugly; knowing that He is in control of our lives.

All day (every day) we are to give thanks: From the time we get up to when we go to bed; and all points in between. This includes when you:

• Get up (grateful that you had a place to sleep last night and that you slept)
• Take a shower (warm water, soap…something to not always take for granted)
• Get dressed (Wow, look at the amount of clothes in the closet to choose from!)
• Eat (So many have nothing to eat all day)
• Drive to work (the car works and has gas in the tank; the bus came on time)
• At work (Yeah, you still have a job!)
• Drive home (the car still works and has gas in the tank; the bus came on time)
• Eat (So many have nothing to eat all day and here you are eating again!)
• Bedtime (tiredness after a long day is a gift)
• Other activities (what else can you thank God for… what else comes to mind?)

How do we do this? Start at home – literally walking thru your house; thanking God for everything that you see. Let God remind you where and how you got each of your possessions.

Thank God for His indescribable gift of salvation available to each one of us through Jesus Christ!

More information? Call 1-888-NEED HIM (633-3446)

I love this, I don't know who the author is:

If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the millions who won't survive the week.

If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 20 million people around the world.

If you attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death, you are more blessed than almost three billion people in the world.

If you have food in your refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of this world.

If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace, you are among the top 8% of the worlds wealthy. 

If your parents are still married and alive, you are very rare, especially in the United States.

If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful, you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.

If you can hold someone's hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder, you are blessed because you can offer God's healing touch. 

If you can read this message, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read anything at all.

You are so blessed in ways you may never even known. 

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO SIN?

Sin is something that we all do, but no one really wants to talk about because it makes us uncomfortable. It reflects a failure on our part to uphold God’s Word in our lives.

It seems that many preachers don’t talk about sin any more from the pulpit. I think that pastors are afraid that if they talk about sin and a need for a Savior, people might not come back to their church. After all, talking about Christ and the cross or hell might leave some “worshippers” feeling bad.

I thought that the Gospel was the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16) and that as Christians we are commissioned to proclaim this truth (Mark 16:15). Maybe we all missed that message as we heaped another preacher to our itching ears to tell us about how we too can get everything we could ever want or imagine (2 Timothy 4:3). 

Even though churches may run from the topic, sin still it invades our lives and destroys hopes and dreams and leaves a trail of brokenness. Too many of us get stuck in the dark and sinful side of life; when God’s best is only a prayer away. Often the enemy creeps into our lives without us noticing. While the “big” sins are still obvious, the “little” sins often times slide by. But it only takes one sin to separate us from God. None of us are innocent. “All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” (Isa 53:6 NKJV) Yet all of us can be forgiven.  

So, what are you doing about the sin in your life? It is easy to see the sin in leaders’ lives and compare ourselves with them. But this is a day when each of us, individually, must look sin in the eye; see it for what it is, and run as far away from it as possible! I believe that our whole earth is shaken because of sin. 

Sin alienates us from God. If we are walking in sin, we can’t be in His presence. This, in part, is why God hates sin; HE WANTS TO BE WITH US and we can’t when we sin. “That God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5b NKJV). “You are of purer eyes than to behold evil, and cannot look on wickedness.” (Habakkuk 1:13 NKJV) 

Sin brings death. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 NJKV). Every time you sin, it is as though you come up with another reason why Jesus had to die for you. 

Sin enslaves us. Sin is more than an unfortunate outward act. It can involve a deep-seated inward corruption. Often it is an outward manifestation of our corrupt hearts.  “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within and defile a man." (Mark 7:21 NKJV).  

Sin affects our relationships with others: We are supposed to love God first, others second, and then ourselves. Sin reverses the order: ME first, then God (if we give Him any place at all). Sin’s character is the desire to get; love’s character is the desire to give. “So he answered and said, "'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND,' and 'YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.'" (Luke 10:27 NKJV) 

How should we respond to sin? RUN: From sin: In our society it is fashionable and even “admirable” to sin; almost like a badge of honor. Our society calls good bad and evil good. Pastors have become afraid to preach against it. The Bible says; “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, And prudent in their own sight!” (Isaiah 5:20-21 NKJV). 

How should we respond to sin? RUN: To God’s Word: In this crazy mixed up world, we need to use the Bible as the standard for all truth; instead of what the world, media, and even our legislators tells us as truth.  

How should we respond to sin? RUN: To God. He is eager to forgive us and show us how to walk righteously. The first step is to know that God has made a way. The second step is recognizing where we have gone wrong. Thirdly, humbly repent of this sinful behavior. Fourthly, once we are forgiven, REJOICE in the LORD for His mercy to us! Finally, tell others the Good News that they too can know God and His forgiveness. 

Don’t delay. RUN from sin into the loving arms of the Everlasting only True God through His Son Jesus Christ.

Garlic on My Hands

I really enjoy eating and cooking with garlic. Along with toast, chocolate, coffee, hot peppers and spices it is a must staple in our daily diets; or at least mine.

However I don’t enjoy the smell that can linger on my fingers for days when I cut up garlic; I’m not sure too many of you do either. And, need I say anything about how after eating garlic; we can become hypersensitive to cover our mouths as though our hands are now a shield against this toxic emission. And even if you use a bottle of mouth wash, that garlic still finds a way to leech through your body. Sometimes this smell can seem to find its way to escape our bodies through our sweat gland, and those around us know that we have been eating garlic.

Ever notice how washing and scrubbing endlessly doesn’t remove the smell? You try scrubbing until your hands are raw and still days later you can smell it on your hands! Feeling bad about it doesn’t make it go away nor does promising to “do something good”. It is a consequence of a moment of pleasure that can affect all of those around us. It is in our skin and others around us smell it. It doesn’t “affect only me”.

There are many suggestions for getting rid of that garlic smell from our hands, but very few really work. Probably the best suggestion is to rub your hands against stainless steel after cutting garlic. The solution is simple, and yet for some reason we don’t seem to do what we know to do. Instead we search and try ideas, but they don’t work and still days later you can smell it on your hands!

I wish that we only did this when it came to garlic, but it is my observation that we try to deal with sin our lives the same way we deal with garlic on our hands. The solution is simple, and yet for some reason we don’t seem to do what we know to do. Ever notice how washing and scrubbing endlessly doesn’t remove the consequences of our sin? You try some religious ritual until your hands and knees are raw and still days later you can “smell it on your hands”! Feeling bad about it doesn’t make it go away nor does promising to “do something good”. It is a consequence of a moment of pleasure that can affect all of those around us. It is “in our skin” and others around us smell it. It doesn’t “affect only me”.

And, need I say anything about how after sinning we can become hypersensitive to cover our tracks as though our efforts are now a shield against this toxic emission ever coming into the light. In time our sin still finds a way to become known to those around us.

There are many suggestions for getting rid of sin in our lives, but very few really work. Probably the best suggestion is an old fashioned word; a biblical word called “confess” which means to acknowledge that what God calls sin is sin. The Bible says; “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1John 1:9 NKJV).

In other words, it means to admit with our own mouths to God that we blew it. No attempts at trying to “scrub” it away or to mask it are ever going to remove it. It will linger on you like garlic on your hands. Admit it; “God, YES, what you call sin I did. And I was wrong to do so.” The Bible also says that we are to confess what He did. He died for our sins so that we are forgiven.

“And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” (1John 1:4-10NKJV)

"Nothing But The Blood"
What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

For my cleansing this I see--
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
For my pardon this my plea--
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

Nothing can my sin erase
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
Naught of works, 'tis all of grace--
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

This is all my hope and peace--
Nothing but the blood of Jesus!
This is all my righteousness--
Nothing but the blood of Jesus

YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT

I was watching "Simply Ming" on PBS and a guest of his said; "You are what you eat. And if you don't know what you are eating, you don't know who you are" I like that statement! Cathy and I try to eat only healthy foods (except for chocolate!); which means that we take time to research where our foods come from. We’ve come to realize that what we put into our bodies DOES make a difference on our overall health and well being. What can I say; I’m a “health-nut”! We came to realize that we didn’t need to eat bad foods and be overweight. There are good stores and farms and markets FILLED with great healthy foods to feed our bodies. We simply do not have to stay being the people we are today; yes, we can change.   

YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT. This is also true for our souls (mind/will/emotions) and our spirit. It doesn’t take us long to realize how true that is when you look at the overall health of the people in the USA. People are over-weight, sad, depressed, and emotionally unstable. Proverbs 18:21 says; “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it shall eat the fruit of it.” Some of you have had a lifelong steady diet of criticism, negative thoughts and words. “You’re no good!” “You’ll never amount to anything!”  

If I’ve just described you, hang in there, I have some hope. Once you realize that we are the results of what has been put into us, then we can do something about changing who we are.  

So, WHAT ARE YOU EATING? Not physically; but what is feeding your thoughts – your soul?

The Bible tells us; “7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows, that he also will reap. 8 For he sowing to his flesh will reap corruption from the flesh. But he sowing to the Spirit will reap life everlasting from the Spirit” (Galatians 6:7-8). 

What that means is; “Garbage in, garbage out”. This is true physically, spiritually, and emotionally. This comes from people we hang with as well as movies we watch or books we read. I think that is why I like to read the Bible. I have come to learn to turn to the Bible to find out who I am in Christ to replace what I had believed through wrong “messages” poured into me over the years.  

But, I am still amazed at the number of people who “quote” passages they’ve heard from the Bible, but have never actually read the Bible from cover to cover for themselves. And, they wonder why they have no real nourishment for their souls and spirit.

The Bible, God’s Word to us, is FILLED with messages of hope and encouragement to feed our soul and our spirit. We simply do not have to stay being the people we are today; yes, we can change. We can read it for ourselves to find out what God really thinks about us and feed our souls and spirit.

You may say; “But Tom, I’ve tried reading the Bible, but it just doesn’t make sense to me!” I understand. That is because you are trying to discern spiritual things without the Holy Spirit. “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Corinthians 2:14) 

Ask God to allow His Holy Spirit help make sense of what you are reading; and He will; because He wants you to understand. He loves you and wants you to feed on good things. And when you eat good things, you will be healthy in body, soul, and spirit. “How sweet are Your Words to my taste! More than honey to my mouth!” (Psalm 119:103)

Dusty Trophies

I came across some trophies in an old box this week from the 1970’s; my how time quickly passes! One day long ago battles were fought and a trophy was given. And now; the roar of the crowd is long gone and the great prize is now stuck in an old box in the attic. My, how quickly the ‘glory’ has faded!

It amazes me, sometimes, how we spend our days; how we spend our lives. Let me quickly say that I think that we all need a good healthy dose of time spent enjoying activities that may not seem very important to others. Training to participate in a marathon may not make a difference to the rest of the world, but it can certainly add years to your life: both physically and psychologically. Or spending hours doing an activity such as making a puzzle, only to put it back into a box can have value if you are sharing it with a friend. Collecting leaves that will become dust in a few years adds value to those who spend time collecting them. You get my point.

What I am commenting on is that we work hard to get the prize only to find out that in time it is simply put on shelf or in an old box in the attic. We spend all of our time and energy striving for a "laurel wreath" that is only a vapor in light other things. 

The Apostle Paul in the Bible wrote that we should strive for laurel wreaths that have lasting purposes :   24 Do you not know that those running in a race all run, but one receives the prize? So run, that you may obtain. 25 And everyone who strives for the mastery is temperate in all things. Then those truly that they may receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. 26 So then I run, not as if I were uncertain. And so I fight, not as one who beats the air. 27 But I buffet my body, and lead it captive, lest proclaiming to others I myself might be rejected. (1Corinthians 9:24-27 ) 

In fact what impresses me about Paul is that he lived his life on a quest to run a race that had a prize of the high calling of God in Jesus Christ:   7 But whatever things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 But no, rather, I also count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them to be dung, so that I may win Christ 9 and be found in Him; not having my own righteousness, which is of the Law, but through the faith of Christ, the righteousness of God by faith, 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable to His death; 11 if by any means I might attain to the resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect, but I am pressing on, if I may lay hold of that for which I also was taken hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 My brothers, I do not count myself to have taken possession, but one thing I do, forgetting the things behind and reaching forward to the things before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:7-14 ) 

They say that very few people on their death beds say; "I wish I had spent more time at the office". So, is what you are striving for today going to make a difference in 5 years? It’s not too late to change the road you are on.

Simple Egg

One simple egg came this week and it was news worthy! “Way to go Amy (and Jason, Sam, and Isabel!)” I was so happy for them to the point that I felt the need to write about the arrival of the first egg. 

You see, my sister-in-law Amy sent an email to share her good news. After a long summer her baby chicks had turned into chickens and had finally produced the first egg. It was simply an egg from a chicken: nothing fancy; nothing special; except that it was the first. (And has no additives!). 

Eventually all of her chickens together will daily produce a dozen or more eggs and the newness of this simple egg will pass. Or does it have to? The cool thing about us as humans as we have the capacity to remember and to celebrate over and over again events like this simple egg; if we want to.   

Remember your first kiss? How about your first car or apartment or friend? How about the first leaf that fell this fall or the first crocus that pushed its way up through the snow this past spring. All of these are simple events that brought us joy when we experienced them and have been forgotten in time. But, they are sitting in our memories waiting to come up so that we can again smile and remember them with fondness.   

The newness of things doesn’t need to drift away and become forgotten as we long for something new. Yes, kittens eventually become cats; new cars eventually lose that ‘new-car-smell’. Over time that first love turns into a relationship that requires growth and flexibility. The new baby eventually grows up and moves away. The new toy becomes set in a closet. The new apartment eventually becomes the place that you always come home to. But time shouldn’t stop us from celebrating and recapturing the joy of the time when it was new.  

One thing that helps me to continue in this place of rejoicing for simple things is to write them down so that I won’t forget. Every event is worth celebrating and sharing with others and to give thanks to God for ALL the things that I get; big and small. The Bible says that we are to ‘give thanks in everything; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you’ (1Thessalonians 5:18). 

Another thing that helps me to remember the simple things and give thanks is to recognize where it all comes from. The Bible says that ‘every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variation or shadow of turning.’ (James 1:17). 

So, “Good job Amy!” Your persistence in feeding and providing a shelter for the chickens and roosters has paid off with a simple egg. More importantly, the simple egg brought up a flood of memories for me of things and people who were once new in my life. And, I rejoiced and once again was happy just like I was after the read the email announcing the arrival of a simple egg.

Why you are here?

Have you ever thought about: Why you are here on this earth? Why you are a Christian?

Have you ever asked God: What’s my purpose? What’s my vision? What am I suppose to do with my life?

If you cash in God’s plans for your life for your plans: Self-centered, Self-orientated, Feeble plans, you’ve not only made the worst mistake in your life; you’ve made one of the classic mistakes of history because you did not know the time of your visitation (Luke19:44) because you did not know the day in which you were living (1Chron 12:32)

Your God and my God wants fruit from the earth; He wants people to be saved. The MISSION hasn’t changed. God weeps for the broken lives spread across our land! God loves people!

We’ve been so selfish. We’ve been so self-centered. Everything revolves around what I want to do with my time, with my life, my energy, my money. Mine! Mine! Mine!!!!

What about the people who don’t know what you know? What about the people who never had one sin forgiven? What about the people all across this city right now who are sitting at home RIGHT NOW thinking of killing themselves? People who are looking for truth, and you’re sitting here with truth! What about those people?!?

There has to be somebody, sometime, somewhere who gets it into their hearts that God hasn’t called you to do your own thing; But to rescue a dying world.

You are either a part of the solution or part of the problem. We don’t need more Christians in America messing up their lives. We don’t need more Christians in America wasting their lives. We’ve got millions of them

This world we live in is going to hell! It is coming apart at the seams; economically, socially, morally it is coming to an end. And the only hope for these lost souls is not Christians; the world is loaded with Christians. What God wants and needs people who will wholehearted follow Jesus Christ.

We have a whole lot of people who say they follow Jesus who have never really surrendered to His Lordship. Christians who are so content sitting waiting for Jesus to return; Christians who really don’t want to be bothered with the things of God.

A Christian is someone who is radically sold out to Jesus in EVERY area of their lives. This is not based on performance; it is based upon surrender to WHATEVER He wants you to do or not do

LET ME ASK YOU A QUESTION: When was the last time you asked Jesus: how you were to spend your time? How you were to spend your money? When was the last time you asked Jesus: for permission to go or to do something?

God wants us to wake up and to grow up! The Church is filled with Christians who are 30 years old in Christ and still babes who can’t give up this and they can’t give up that; because they never became fully surrendered to the Lord Jesus Christ

Being saved by grace is not an excuse to remain immature. God wants us to let His grace to allow our flesh to be removed. He wants us to become representatives of Jesus here on the earth

You say; “I can’t do it on my own!” I say; “You’re right!” But Jesus wants to help you to become a whole person; and then instead of needing counsel, you’ll be the person who is giving counsel!

God wants us ALL to mature. God is looking for someone to tell people that Jesus loves them. God wants to put His love into your hearts for this world

God is looking for someone to stand up and say; Jesus is the Way; Jesus is the Light; Jesus is the Truth. The Creator of the universe wants to use YOU!

You may be thinking; “I’m not a preacher!” “I’m not even sure if I have the qualities God is looking for” God is looking for ordinary people; People who love Him with all their heart, minds, soul, and strength; People who will say “YES” when He calls; People who will look to Him alone for what to do and say

Throughout the history of the Christian church and throughout the Bible, we find stories of God doing extraordinary things using ordinary people. The Apostle Paul said: 1Corinthians 1:27 “But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty;”

This world is getting darker; gross darkness (Isaiah 60:2). We can’t put too much hope in politicians to solve this mess; is much as they want to solve everything; I just don’t think that they will. The only hope for our world is a spiritual awakening thru Jesus. We have to get the gospel out. We have got to work as never before, because time is short. The devil knows that, his goal is to drag as many people down as he possibly can. 

It is quite possible that God has put you where you are at this moment for such a time as this. (Esther 4:14) We have got to get out there and make a difference knowing that God wants to use you. He has a place for you, a part for you to play, a seed for you to sow, a call for you to answer. You can and will make a difference – IF YOU LET GOD USE YOU.

PRAY: Lord, use me in your mission. I will be a laborer. I don't know what I can do. I don't know what I can offer. I don't have a lot, Lord. But I give it to you. I'm just an ordinary person. But I offer my life to you; TODAY. Lord, it's not much, but it's yours. I give my life to you. Here I am Lord, send me.

Let God use you, and watch what God can do!

Can't Buy Me Love

I have a friend named “Mike” who used to say to me; “If you ever run out of things to preach, remind us again that God loves us; I never get tired of hearing that”. Well Mike, this is blog is for you.

Today, my blog is short; here it is: GOD LOVES YOU! And you know what, He always has; even when you didn’t know Him and do what He wants you to. He loves you even if you don’t know Him and have never surrendered your heart to Him and received Jesus Christ as you own Lord and Savior.

The Bible says; “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8). Did you catch that, He died for us sinners! Each of us! Even when we were rejecting Him! That’s love!

God hates that we try to figure it out or try to pay for it ourselves. You can’t buy a “stairway to heaven”; no way, no how – that wasn’t God’s plan. The old Beatles song had it right; “money can't buy me love”. No, we receive this love thru Jesus Christ. Jesus said that He was the Way, Truth, and Life; NO ONE comes to the father except thru Him (John 14:6). It is a gift from God because He wants loves you.

The Bible also says; “4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:4-9).

Notice, the passage didn’t say that He approves of what we are doing; in fact some of the things that we do hurt Him and make Him angry; no matter how much we try to make laws to say that it is OK for us to do them. The Bible calls this ‘doing what we want to do’ “SIN”. And God hates it because it is wrong and hates it because it separates us from Him. 

God also hates it when we reject Him and do it on our own. In the Bible we read Jesus weeping as He said; “Jerusalem! Jerusalem! The one killing the prophets, and stoning those having been sent to her; how often I desired to gather your children in the way a hen gathers her brood under the wings, and you did not desire it.” (Luke 13:34).

Well my friend, this is blog is for you. God loves you; I hope that you never get tired of hearing that. God wants us to receive this love and share it with others in our day to day life; they need to hear of God’s love as much as you and I.

For more information, go to my website at http://www.riverofhopeministries.org/ and read the article; “How to Get Right with God”

Snowbirds and Starlings

We had our first “cold” days this past week in Minnesota; we had to bring some plants in doors to avoid any potential frost. The warm weather we had this past month is now gone and we are reminded that winter will soon be here. For some Minnesotans the changing of the season means a change in where they live. Many will make plans to migrate to warmer locations in the south such as Arizona, Texas, California, or Florida. The people who live in the southern states call these temporarily transplanted Minnesotans “snowbirds” because they will head south to live when it is cold and then return to Minnesota when it is warm again in the spring.

Snowbirds are typically people who are retired or those who have wealth and can afford to be away from home for long periods of time. Some of these people have second homes; others will drive their campers (RVs) to their new location. They temporarily head south like the swallows of Capistrano or some other beautiful song bird or the lovely monarch butterflies. For snowbirds, these are happy times filled with warm sand and sunshine. For us, we miss them until they return in the spring.

There are some snowbirds who head south not because they can afford to, but because they have to; it is just too cold here in Minnesota for them to sleep on the streets. These are the homeless people who for whatever reason have nowhere to live but on some piece of real estate that is not their own.

We don’t think of them as “snowbirds”, but rather as “starlings”; those pesky birds who seem to be nothing but pests. Starlings are loud scavengers who take the scraps left behind by road kill or steal from farmer’s fields; taking never giving or contributing to society. They are not pretty nor do they seem to serve any purpose; we don’t need them and we are “happy” when they head south for the winter. Always asking people for a hand out; why don’t they just go away? Why, because for some reason they don’t seem to be able to. And so they move from location to location searching for someone who will care for them. For us, we wish they would just go away and not return in the spring. Then we wouldn’t feel guilty as we justify why we don’t do anything to help their situation.

Now, my goal is not to put any of us on guilt trip; I certainly don’t need any. But I want to remind us as we check our furnaces and get out the warmer clothes and get ready for the cold that there are a whole bunch of people out there who will be spending the winter sleeping outside. And, they can’t afford to go away “somewhere else”. They are your problem and my problem; and we need to care.

You might be thinking; “Didn’t Jesus say the poor you will have with you always; we aren’t going to solve the problem of homelessness! Two thoughts: First of all, Jesus said that to refute Judas who was mad because of a woman who poured out perfume that was worth a year’s wages, on the feet of Jesus as a gift. Judas Iscariot said, “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for and given to the poor?” This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. Jesus was saying that the poor you have with you always, but He they would not always have (John 12:1-8).

Secondly, in the Bible, Isaiah chapter 58 we hear God’s heart on this matter. The people were “fasting” for God and wondering why He wasn’t doing what they wanted. God said through the Prophet Isaiah; v6-7 “Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh?” In verse 10 God goes on to say that we should “extend your soul to the hungry, And satisfy the afflicted soul”

I’m not sure what the answer is or what God is calling each of us to do when we see these “starlings” out on the street; trying to stay warm and get something to eat. I bring this up to keep it fresh in our faces; not for guilt, but because I believe that we need to say to God; “What are you asking me to do?” And then to go do it; and make a difference for the starlings of this world we live in.

“Starlings” by Randy Stonehill
Riding with my family in a '58 Buick
I can still recall

How we'd drive through the valley

To my Grandmother's house

Every summer vacation, when I was small
And I'd gaze out the window
At the farms and the orchards
And the sound of our motor
Would frighten the starlings
And they'd rise from the fields to fly


My mother would grumble
"Those birds are a curse
They're a thorn in the farmers" side
But I couldn't help feeling sad and inspired
By their desperate ballet in the sky


Chorus
Say a prayer for the starlings
A hot, dry wind beats their ragged wings
Have a thought for the starlings
No one ever listens to the songs they sing
Say a prayer for the starlings
There's no welcome for them anywhere
Leave some crumbs for the starlings
They say that Winter will be cold this year


She was sitting on a curb by the Seven Eleven
She asked if I had some spare change
Her skin wore that leathered and wind-burned look
And the light in her blue eyes was wild and strange
I sat down beside her and asked her name
She said, "pick one you like, I need something to eat"
And her life made me think
Of the dead leaves in Autumn
Drifting like ghosts down the street


Is the life that we celebrate only a dream
A lie that we serve like a god made of stone
And our hearts are the hunter
Birds with no nesting place
Weary and aching for home


Chorus


Written By Randy Stonehill
© 1989 Stonehillian Music/Word Music
(a division of Word, Inc.)/ASCAP