tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26189884994213654392024-03-25T08:38:54.923-07:00Windmill SongsCrossing Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10673780986868466053noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618988499421365439.post-21562734123438926922024-03-25T03:43:00.000-07:002024-03-25T03:43:36.225-07:00Our King Walked Among Us, Carrying His Cross<p> I wrote this song last year, when our church participated in a "Cross Walk" organized by ten local churches, to celebrate Good Friday by carrying a cross around to different churches, and at each church sharing a brief moment of reflection on the meaning of Good Friday. I am quite confident that when Jesus told us to take up our crosses and follow him, he didn't have this kind of cross carrying in mind, but the question of what he did mean, and what that instruction means for us today is something I still ponder. This song represents part of my attempt to grapple with that.</p><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Our King Walked</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our King walked among us,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Carrying his cross.</div><div style="text-align: center;">He'd been whipped and beaten,</div><div style="text-align: center;">And it seemed all hope was lost.</div><div style="text-align: center;">But he won the battle</div><div style="text-align: center;">When he died upon that tree –</div><div style="text-align: center;">He gave up his life for you and me.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our King died among us,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Nailed upon that cross.</div><div style="text-align: center;">He cried out, "Forgive them"</div><div style="text-align: center;">As the dice were tossed.</div><div style="text-align: center;">He cried, "It is finished" </div><div style="text-align: center;">As he took his final breath.</div><div style="text-align: center;">He brought us salvation with his death.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our King said to follow</div><div style="text-align: center;">And to carry our cross</div><div style="text-align: center;">To love one another</div><div style="text-align: center;">Whatever the cost.</div><div style="text-align: center;">To pray for our enemies</div><div style="text-align: center;">And leave all hate behind.</div><div style="text-align: center;">To love God with all our heart and soul and strength and mind.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Our King walked among us,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Carrying his cross.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/siMLq-rBTJ8" width="320" youtube-src-id="siMLq-rBTJ8"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img src="blob:https://www.blogger.com/1cabf1df-4ade-44fe-ae42-f175e3f4ef4e" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Crossing Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10673780986868466053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618988499421365439.post-53812986572764474932024-02-19T13:00:00.000-08:002024-02-19T13:00:59.620-08:00Psalm 130<p> This isn't really my song, but one someone taught me years ago when I was in college, sometime between 1973 and 1975. I have no idea now who wrote the tune. I wanted to share it with some folks, and so I made a video. The words are pretty much straight King James.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Psalm 130</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee, O Lord.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Lord hear my voice</p><p style="text-align: center;">Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.</p><p style="text-align: center;">If Thou Lord shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand</p><p style="text-align: center;">But there is forgiveness with Thee that Thou mayest be feared</p><p style="text-align: center;">I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait and in His word do I hope.</p><p style="text-align: center;">My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning</p><p style="text-align: center;">I say more than they that watch for the morning.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Let Israel hope in the Lord, for with the Lord there is mercy</p><p style="text-align: center;">And in Him is plenteous redemption</p><p style="text-align: center;">And He shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities</p><p style="text-align: center;">And He shall redeem Israel from all his sins.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SP4JXPvqk0g" width="320" youtube-src-id="SP4JXPvqk0g"></iframe></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Crossing Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10673780986868466053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618988499421365439.post-18419753647660851672024-02-18T09:11:00.000-08:002024-02-18T09:11:37.939-08:00The Belt of Truth<p> Something like 28 years ago, a close friend was given a vision in which God gave him the Belt of Truth. I was jealous. "Me too, God. Why don't I get cool visions like that?" And as long as I was praying for the belt of truth, I figured I might as well ask for the rest of the armor of God at the same time.</p><p>Why the focus on the belt of truth? Well, partly it was my envy of my friend's vision. But also it is perhaps the aspect of the armor of God that I struggle the most with. It is so easy to shade the truth so that I make myself look better. But that is not the total trust in God that I believe we are called to in this concept of spiritual armor.</p><p>I don't make a practice of religiously praying for this armor to be applied to me every day, but I do try to walk in the full meaning of each piece of the armor in all of my life.</p><p>At any rate, the subject came up recently, and I realized that I had not shared this particular song on the Internet.</p><p style="text-align: center;"> <b>The Belt of Truth</b><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I want to be ready for battle today</p><p style="text-align: center;">Wearing the armor that helps me to pray</p><p style="text-align: center;">Yielded in all that I am to your truth,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Lord, give me the belt of truth</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>And strip all the lies away</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>All my defenses, all my pretenses</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Let me walk in the light of day</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Give me the belt of truth</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">Only Your righteousness guarding my heart</p><p style="text-align: center;">Faith as my shield against fiery darts</p><p style="text-align: center;">Your gospel of peace as my shoes for my feet</p><p style="text-align: center;">O Lord, make my love complete</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>And strip all the lies away</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>All my defenses, all my pretenses</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Let me walk in the light of day</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Give me the belt of truth</i></p><p style="text-align: center;">With Your salvation protecting my head</p><p style="text-align: center;">Your Word the manna with which I am fed,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Your Word of life as my sword for the fight</p><p style="text-align: center;">Lord, help me to walk in light</p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>And strip all the lies away</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>All my defenses, all my pretenses</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Let me walk in the light of day,</i></p><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Lord give me the belt of truth.</i></div><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NsnTE_1f-PQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="NsnTE_1f-PQ"></iframe></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p>Crossing Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10673780986868466053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618988499421365439.post-20955037693411157052024-01-21T10:28:00.000-08:002024-01-21T10:28:36.624-08:00The Mercy Seat<p style="text-align: left;">I wrote this quite some time ago, but never published it to YouTube. I shared it with a Bible Study group and a friend encouraged me, "Time to get it up."</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CLiaAqey9Ew" width="320" youtube-src-id="CLiaAqey9Ew"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Mercy Seat</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I want to meet at the Mercy Seat</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I want to stand in Your Presence</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Under the wings of the Cherubim</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>There at your feet, at the Mercy Seat</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Where the streams of life are flowing</div><div style="text-align: center;">From beneath the throne of God</div><div style="text-align: center;">And your grace and mercy fall like rain</div><div style="text-align: center;">On your people, Lord.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i>I want to meet at the Mercy Seat</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I want to stand in Your Presence</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Under the wings of the Cherubim</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>There at your feet, at the Mercy Seat</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Though I cannot always feel You</div><div style="text-align: center;">And I often do not see</div><div style="text-align: center;">I can boldly come before You</div><div style="text-align: center;">And receive Your love.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div> <i>I want to meet at the Mercy Seat</i></div><div><i>I want to stand in Your Presence</i></div><div><i>Under the wings of the Cherubim</i></div><div><i>There at your feet, at the Mercy Seat</i></div><div><i>Here at your feet at the Mercy Seat.</i></div></div>Crossing Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10673780986868466053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618988499421365439.post-29277212819597748552023-12-24T04:27:00.000-08:002023-12-24T04:27:03.352-08:00Better Than I Know Myself<p> </p><p>I tried posted this back in 2021, but was using a different way to post the song, which subsequently disappeared. Now I am soon going to preach about Jesus predicting Peter's denial (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+14%3A27-31&version=NIV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mark 14:27-31</a>) and this song becomes relevant again.</p><p>God knows us completely, and still loves us. And that's amazing. The Bible tells us that even when we were sinners, Christ died for us (<a href="https://biblehub.com/romans/5-8.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Romans 5:8</a>). And in <a href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/13-12.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 13:12</a> there is a wonderful promise that while things are hard for us to fully comprehend now, the day will come when we will know fully, even as we have been fully known. I wrote this a long time ago, but it has come back to my mind and heart recently.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>You know me</b></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>You know me better than I know myself</i></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>You know me better than I know myself</i></div></i><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>You know me better than I know myself</i></div></i><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And you still love me</i></div></i><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>You know me better than I know myself</i></div></i><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And you still care.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div></i></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">You know my sins.</div><div style="text-align: center;">You know my selfish pride.</div><div style="text-align: center;">You know my shame.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The things I've tried to hide</div><div style="text-align: center;">You know the worst there is to know</div><div style="text-align: center;">The things I haven't even learned</div><div style="text-align: center;">You know the truth I've twisted from and turned</div><div style="text-align: center;">And still You came and still You died.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><i>You know me better than I know myself</i></div><i style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>You know me better than I know myself</i></div></i><i style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>You know me better than I know myself</i></div></i><i style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And you still love me</i></div></i><i style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>You know me better than I know myself</i></div></i><i style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And you still care</i></div></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The day will come.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll see you face to face.</div><div style="text-align: center;">No place to hide</div><div style="text-align: center;">But in Your love and grace</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then I will stand before your throne</div><div style="text-align: center;">All my pretenses overthrown</div><div style="text-align: center;">And I will bow before the truth I'm shown</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then I will know </div><div style="text-align: center;">As I've been known</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I'll know You better than I know myself</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I'll know You better than I know myself</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I'll know You better than I know myself</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And I'll sing glory</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I'll know you better than I know myself</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And I'll sing praise.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/S0iznnoolaA" width="320" youtube-src-id="S0iznnoolaA"></iframe></div><br /><i><br /></i></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Crossing Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10673780986868466053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618988499421365439.post-76371489233392619642022-10-09T06:59:00.000-07:002022-10-09T06:59:02.925-07:00Deep Secrets<p> I've been reading The Passion Translation of the Bible lately, and it draws out the sense that God intends for us to know Him deeply, immediately, and intimately. When a Bible study that I participate in came to 1 Corinthians 2:9-10, I was touched and began scribbling down this song.</p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Things beyond our ability to imagine—</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">These are the many things God has in store </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For all his lovers.</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But God now unveils these profound realities to us by the Spirit.</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yes, he has revealed to us his inmost heart and <span style="font-family: inherit;">de</span>epest mysteries</span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Through the Holy Spirit, who constantly explores all things.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">—1 Corinthians 2:9-10 </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Deep Secrets</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Deep secrets, mysteries unbounded</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lord, take me deeper, over my head.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Love all around me, more than I can fathom.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How can I know things that cannot be known?</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You give your Spirit</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Over and around us</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Give us the mind of Christ.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How can a bucket ever hold the ocean?</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Still, help me know more of the mystery of grace.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Deep secrets, mysteries unbounded.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lord, take me deeper, over my head.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Love all around me, more than I can fathom</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How can I know things that cannot be known?</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">O Lord take me deeper than </span>I've<span style="font-family: inherit;"> ever known.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Deep secrets, mysteries unbounded.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lord, take us deeper, over our heads.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Love all around us more than we can fathom</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How can we know things that cannot be known?</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">O Lord take us deeper than we've ever known.</span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9-8DVSlkQqk" width="320" youtube-src-id="9-8DVSlkQqk"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p>Crossing Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10673780986868466053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618988499421365439.post-49685168223256632232022-10-04T05:39:00.000-07:002022-10-04T05:39:02.519-07:00Kingdom CallThis is a song I wrote quite some time ago, but it has recently floated up to the top of my awareness. <div><br /></div><div>I'm not entirely sure what it means to pray "Thy Kingdom come..." It is surely more than this, but maybe not less.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Lord we want to know You better </div><div>Long to see You face to face </div><div>Let Your presence overwhelm us </div><div>Help us understand Your grace </div><div><span> </span> </div><div><span> <span> </span></span>We are praying for Your kingdom </div><div><span> <span> </span></span> That Your will be done on earth </div><div><span> </span> <span> </span>Let the kingdom call within us
Come to birth. </div><div><br /></div><div> Father, bring a revelation </div><div>So our hearts and minds can see </div><div>Who You are and what You've promised </div><div>Come and set Your people free </div><div><br /></div><div><span> <span> </span></span>We are praying for Your kingdom </div><div><span> <span> </span></span>That Your will be done on earth</div><div><span> <span> </span></span>Let the kingdom call within us </div><div><span> <span> </span></span>Come to birth.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="322" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gEHwwd3-lN4" width="400" youtube-src-id="gEHwwd3-lN4"></iframe></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm not entirely sure what it means to pray "Thy Kingdom come..." It is surely more than this, but maybe not less.</div></div>Crossing Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10673780986868466053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618988499421365439.post-64601807732406449712022-07-07T08:49:00.002-07:002022-07-07T08:49:53.495-07:00Having the Mind of Christ<p>I've been thinking about the passage in Philippians (Philippians 2:5-10) that talks about having the mind which was also in Christ. I guess I don't have a very accurate word for word memory of Scripture, because I was remembering this passage as starting, "Each one of you should have this mind which was also in Christ..." That's not accurate, but the chorus I started with stuck with me, and I like it. What does it mean to have the mind of Christ, the way Paul talks about it? As I wrestled with it, this is what I came up with.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Each one of us, each and every one of us</p><p style="text-align: center;">Should have this mind which was also in Christ </p><p style="text-align: center;">Each one of us, each and every one of us</p><p style="text-align: center;">Should have the mind of Christ</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">He did not claim his rights, he left God's throne in heaven</p><p style="text-align: center;">He did not come to rule, he came to be a servant.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Although it cost his life, he did as God directed.</p><p style="text-align: center;">So every knee shall bow, in earth and up in heaven.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sdbz63L7vDE" width="320" youtube-src-id="sdbz63L7vDE"></iframe></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Crossing Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10673780986868466053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618988499421365439.post-72794308302385760222022-06-01T15:48:00.001-07:002022-07-07T12:57:46.161-07:00Where Can I GoIn <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20139&version=NIV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Psalm 139:7-14</a>, David is feeling a bit trapped by the omnipresence of God.<div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Where can I go from your Spirit?</div><span class="indent-1"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-7" style="position: relative;">Where can I flee from your presence?</span></div></span><span class="text Ps-139-8" id="en-NIV-16248" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; left: -4.4em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; text-align: center; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">8 </span><div style="text-align: center;">If I go up to the heavens, you are there;</div></span><span class="indent-1"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-8" style="position: relative;">if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.</span></div></span><span class="text Ps-139-9" id="en-NIV-16249" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; left: -4.4em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; text-align: center; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">9 </span><div style="text-align: center;">If I rise on the wings of the dawn,</div></span><span class="indent-1"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-9" style="position: relative;">if I settle on the far side of the sea,</span></div></span><span class="text Ps-139-10" id="en-NIV-16250" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; left: -4.4em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; text-align: center; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">10 </span><div style="text-align: center;">even there your hand will guide me,</div><span class="indent-1"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-10" style="position: relative;">your right hand will hold me fast.</span></div></span><span class="text Ps-139-11" id="en-NIV-16251" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; left: -4.4em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; text-align: center; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">11 </span><div style="text-align: center;">If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me</div></span><span class="indent-1"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-11" style="position: relative;">and the light become night around me,”</span></div></span><span class="text Ps-139-12" id="en-NIV-16252" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="display: inline; font-size: 1.2rem; font-weight: 700; left: -4.4em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; text-align: center; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">12 </span><div style="text-align: center;">even the darkness will not be dark to you;</div></span><span class="indent-1"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-12" style="position: relative;">the night will shine like the day,</span></div></span><span class="indent-1"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-12" style="position: relative;">for darkness is as light to you.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="text Ps-139-12" style="position: relative;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="text Ps-139-12" style="position: relative;">I recently did a prayer dance in Tucson, Arizona. For about four days, we danced towards a tree that represented God and then turned around and danced blessing out to the world. One of the insights that nearly overwhelmed me during the dance was the thought that while the branches of the actual tree I was dancing with only covered about half of the space in the dance area, in reality I am never out from under the presence of God. From that and from David's psalm came this song.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="text Ps-139-12" style="position: relative;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="text Ps-139-12" style="position: relative;"><span> <b>Where Could I Go?</b></span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="text Ps-139-12" style="position: relative;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="text Ps-139-12" style="position: relative;"><span><i>Where could I go and not find Your presence?</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="text Ps-139-12" style="position: relative;"><span><i>To the top of the mountains or under the sea?</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="text Ps-139-12" style="position: relative;"><span><i>Over the ocean or down in my cellar</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="text Ps-139-12" style="position: relative;"><span><i>Your presence is there and you still find me.</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="text Ps-139-12" style="position: relative;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="text Ps-139-12" style="position: relative;"><span>If I went out to space, well what would I find?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="text Ps-139-12" style="position: relative;"><span>You're the God of the universe, not just mankind.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="text Ps-139-12" style="position: relative;"><span>If I peer through a microscope isn't it odd?</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="text Ps-139-12" style="position: relative;"><span>A world that is tiny, and filled with the glory of God</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="text Ps-139-12" style="position: relative;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">In the eyes of a stranger or voice of a friend</div><div style="text-align: center;">Your love reaches out to me, love without end.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Every person around me, familiar or strange</div><div style="text-align: center;">Is a picture of God, and I welcome the insight it brings.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Of course there are times when I don't feel Your care.</div><div style="text-align: center;">When I look all around and see dust and despair</div><div style="text-align: center;">But my numbness of spirit or hardness of heart.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Have nothing to do with the fact that You're there.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/O3GQz7R6JpE" width="320" youtube-src-id="O3GQz7R6JpE"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><h4></h4></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></span></div>Crossing Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10673780986868466053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618988499421365439.post-21308489247672798462022-05-21T08:59:00.001-07:002022-07-07T08:30:28.963-07:00A God Who Cares About SparrowsI am a Princeton graduate, and I have spent my life (mostly) doing things that are not particularly important in the eyes of the world. I've tried to do those things well, raising (with my husband) our three children, teaching Sunday school, writing and organizing Vacation Bible Schools, being a good friend and neighbor to the extent that I can. I've worked some as a teacher at various levels and as a secretary. I write poems that (mostly) nobody reads, and songs that (most of the time) nobody hears. It is not that I believe these things don't matter, but to the extent that they do matter, they matter to God and in the context of God's kingdom, not to this current world system. And so I wrote this song.<div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Sparrows</h3><div><br /></div><div>In this world, I am not important</div><div>I teach Sunday school, and helped to raise my family.</div><div>I doubt I'll ever stand before thousands,</div><div>But let me say, "That's all right with me."</div><div><br /></div><div><span> <span> Because I know a God who cares about sparrows</span></span><br /></div><div><span><span><span> <span> He clothes the flowers, and he calmed the seas.</span></span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span> <span> He holds everything together.</span></span><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> <span> He knows my name and he cares about me.</span></span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Now in this world you may be rich and famous</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Or hanging on by your fingernails.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Jesus said that we don't have to worry</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>And he's the one who puts the wind into our sails.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> Because there is a God who cares about sparrows</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> He clothes the flowers, and he calmed the seas.<span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> He holds everything together.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> He knows your name and watches over you and me.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IPR9q72KrRw" width="320" youtube-src-id="IPR9q72KrRw"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>Crossing Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10673780986868466053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618988499421365439.post-4637902587434285282022-05-19T12:19:00.000-07:002022-05-19T12:19:38.596-07:00Next Right Steps<p> I guess the idea of asking God to show us our "next right steps" is a 12-step catch phrase. I'm not a 12-step participant myself, but I hang with such folks a fair amount of the time, which I guess is where I picked up the phrase. I found the chorus echoing in my heart for a bunch of weeks, and then the verses came together pretty suddenly.</p><p>I'm not a hundred percent sure I believe that we don't get long term visions that "last through the years". But I am sure that knowing the next right steps, and walking in them is one of the more important things that God can help us to see.</p><h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Next Right Steps</span></h1><div><span style="text-align: center;"><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Next right steps, next right steps</span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Father won't you show us our next right steps.</span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Next right steps, next right steps</span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Father won't you show us our next right steps.</span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Well, I seem to want a vision that would last through the years</span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>To fill me up with confidence and calm all my fears</span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>But I'm slowly learning you don't work that way</span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>You give strength for the journey</span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>And bread for today</span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Next right steps...</span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Now if we want a vision that will carry us through</span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>We don't need to know the what or how we just need who</span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>We need to know the Spirit who can show us the way</span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>And to trust that Jesus loves us at the end of the day</span></div><div><span style="text-align: center;"><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Next right steps...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p27cwPyfxnk" width="320" youtube-src-id="p27cwPyfxnk"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Crossing Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10673780986868466053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618988499421365439.post-1083278016917338262022-02-22T09:58:00.000-08:002022-02-22T09:58:39.512-08:00The Well<p> I wrote this about 22 years ago, but I found it recently in my papers, and I think it is still relevant.</p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b>The Well</b></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: center;"><b></b><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i>An imaginary conversation with God</i></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px; text-align: center;"><i></i><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Oh, God. How kind of you to come. I want to show you my prayer life. Please come and look. Isn’t it pretty?</p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>What is THAT?</i></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><i></i><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">It’s a wishing well. Look. See how nicely I made it. It has a roof, and a bucket, and the walls are neatly cemented. There’s even a dipper for people who want to take a drink.</p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>What’s it for?</i></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><i></i><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">For wishing, of course. When I want something, I take a coin, and make a wish, and throw it in. Other people can wish for things too. Not everyone has a wishing well as nice as this one. I’ve worked very hard to make it nice. Everyone can see how nice my wishing well is. And look, I use really good coins. There’s fasting, and worship, and good deeds, and tithing. See how they sparkle and glitter? Everyone can see what a good wishing well I have.</p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>And does this wishing change anything?</i></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><i></i><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">It makes me feel like I’ve done something. That’s what prayer is all about isn’t it? Everyone knows prayer is a good thing. And sometimes good things happen, after I’ve wished forthem.</p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>Yes, sometimes good things happen.</i></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I know the wishing part may not work too well. But this is still a wonderful well. Look at the water, here for anyone to drink.</p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>I see. It doesn’t look very deep.</i></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Well, no.</p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>Or very fresh.</i></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">No. But it’s better than nothing, you know.</p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>Maybe. Where does the water come from?</i></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Oh, well, now. Here and there. Sometimes I get some from someone else’s wishing well. Sometimes it rains. Of course, the new roof keeps out most of the rainwater. But the roof is pretty, don’t you think? It helps me keep everything under control. Only the water that I put in goes into this well.</p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>“If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”</i></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">O God. Umm, this doesn’t look very much like that, does it?</p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>[silence]</i></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">God, what do You want me to do?</p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>I want to dig a well. A real one.</i></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Aaah…Just where did you say this well was going to be?</p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>You heard.</i></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">God?….A real well is going to mean an awful lot of work.</p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>I’ll do the work. But you’re going to be with me.</i></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">There’s going to be an awful lot of mud and stones. Plaes where it’s hard to dig. I’m not sure what we’ll find under the surface. I’m a little scared of what we’lll find under the surface.</p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>Don’t worry. I already know everything that we’re going to run into. I’m a master well-digger. Trust me.</i></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">God? It could get dark being at the bottom of a real well. And scary. And lonely.</p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>“I will not leave you desolate; I will come to you.” I’ll be there.</i></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Yeah, but nobody else will be.</p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>Does that really matter?</i></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 8px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">No.</span> <span style="font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">No.</span> No.</p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">O God, forgive me for thinking that my fancy wishing well was prayer. Come, dig a well in my heart. Let me go to the depths of my being with You, so that out of my heart can flow streams of your living water. Come Holy Spirit. Have Your way in my life and in my heart.</p><div><br /></div>Crossing Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10673780986868466053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618988499421365439.post-13891228284801058972021-11-16T16:52:00.000-08:002021-11-16T16:52:00.300-08:00Lord We Trust in You<div style="text-align: center;"> <b>A meditation on Psalm 125</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lord, we trust in You</div><div style="text-align: center;">And You fill us with a mountain of your presence</div><div style="text-align: center;">You fill us with a mountain of your strength</div><div style="text-align: center;">So we won't be moved.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Growing stronger and stronger so we can't be moved</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lord, we trust in You</div><div style="text-align: center;">And You surround your people with the mountains of your presence</div><div style="text-align: center;">So we can't be moved</div><div style="text-align: center;">So we won't be moved.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lord, we trust in You</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lord, we trust in You</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lord, we pray that no wickedness</div><div style="text-align: center;">Would ever come to rule in our lives, in our land</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lord, we trust in You.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Let us stand in your righteousness</div><div style="text-align: center;">With your strength in us and around us</div><div style="text-align: center;">So we can't be moved</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lord we in you</div><div style="text-align: center;">With your mountains of protection</div><div style="text-align: center;">In us and around us</div><div style="text-align: center;">So we can't be moved</div><div style="text-align: center;">So we won't be moved</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lord, we trust in You</div><div style="text-align: center;">Help us trust in You</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lord, we trust in You</div><div style="text-align: center;">Help us trust in You.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LIrj5a3Nw6A" width="320" youtube-src-id="LIrj5a3Nw6A"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Crossing Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10673780986868466053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618988499421365439.post-62440333543107102592021-11-11T06:18:00.000-08:002021-11-11T06:18:43.126-08:00If it hadn't been for GodI'm part of an amazing Bible study with a great group of women whose hearts are
devoted to following God. We were studying Psalm 124 and as I was praying
through the psalm this is what came: <div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<b>If it hadn't been for God</b> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<span> </span><i>If it hadn't been for God </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span> </span>If it hadn't been for God</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span> </span> If it hadn't been for God </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span> <span> <span> </span></span></span>What would have happened?</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>If it hadn't been for God</i><i> </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>What would we do?</i> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> He delivered us </div><div style="text-align: center;">He has set us free. </div><div style="text-align: center;">When the enemy set traps </div><div style="text-align: center;">He gave us all the
key </div><div style="text-align: center;">He sets us free. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">When the floods of life </div><div style="text-align: center;">start to sweep us away </div><div style="text-align: center;">He gives
shelter from the storm </div><div style="text-align: center;">Strength to come through the day. </div><div style="text-align: center;">He sets us free. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<i>If it hadn't been for God </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>If it hadn't been for God </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>If it hadn't been for God </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> What would have happened? </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>If it hadn't been for God </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>What would we do?</i> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> When the enemy sweeps in </div><div style="text-align: center;">With a raging tide of sin </div><div style="text-align: center;">You have hidden us within </div><div style="text-align: center;">And
they couldn't find us. </div><div style="text-align: center;">You set us free </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You are God who made the heavens </div><div style="text-align: center;">You are
God who made the earth </div><div style="text-align: center;">You are the one who wins our battles </div><div style="text-align: center;">You bring your plans
for us to birth </div><div style="text-align: center;">You set us free. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<i>If it hadn't been for God </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>If it hadn't been for God </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>If it hadn't been for God </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> What would have happened? </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>If it hadn't been for God </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>What would we do?</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qjP4cbsbPuQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="qjP4cbsbPuQ"></iframe></div><br /><i><br /></i></div>Crossing Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10673780986868466053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618988499421365439.post-56330913890395847852020-08-17T12:17:00.001-07:002020-08-17T12:17:00.471-07:00A Prayer from Hebrews 1Over 20 years ago, I took a very vigorous Bible study course that required about an hour a day of homework, studying the book of Hebrews. And at the end of the the homework for chapter 1, they asked us to ask the Lord for a song or prayer that would sum up the things that God had shown us.<div><br /></div><div>This is what came. In some ways, the fact that it rhymes and scans in a rather trite pattern dismayed me. Am I just writing rhyming doggerel? I do not claim that this is great literature. But it still satisfies me at some deep level, so I share it here.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>A Prayer from Hebrews 1</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Father,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You have spoken to us through the prophets</div><div style="text-align: center;">In portions, a bit at a time--</div><div style="text-align: center;">And the word that you spoke overwhelms me,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Your law is so awesome and fine.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You spoke to the people through angels,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Great creatures of wind and of fire.</div><div style="text-align: center;">People shook at the visions in terror,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Such fear did their speaking inspire.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And now you have spoken in Jesus,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Not a shadow, but the brilliance of Your light.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Word that created the planets</div><div style="text-align: center;">is spoken to us in the night.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Word that holds all things together,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Came down to destroy all our sins.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">When the world is changed like old clothing,</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Word that is Jesus will stand.</div><div style="text-align: center;">A better will never be spoken,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Through Him you have reached out Your hand.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The ears that I hear with are shallow,</div><div style="text-align: center;">The eyes I can see with are dim.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Father, speak Jesus into my being,</div><div style="text-align: center;">'Til my life is completed in Him.</div>Crossing Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10673780986868466053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618988499421365439.post-154501651557090422020-08-10T12:09:00.001-07:002020-08-10T12:09:05.478-07:00Informed Consent<div>I wrote this close to 20 years ago, but I still feel this way, and need to remind myself of this from time to time. And because this may not be crystal clear, let me say that the shape of this poem is deliberately a little bit like an exclamation point.</div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b>Informed Consent</b></div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, Lord, yes!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, I know there are times it will hurt.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, I know there are times it will be scary.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, I know You will lead me down roads</div><div style="text-align: center;">I would never have chosen for myself.</div><div style="text-align: center;">But now, I choose them freely and fully--</div><div style="text-align: center;">Any road that You will walk with me,</div><div style="text-align: center;">That You would choose for me.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And I know You will not hurt me</div><div style="text-align: center;">Any more than you have to.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And I know that I am save</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here in Your arms.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, Lord, yes!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, Lord yes!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I give my full permission--</div><div style="text-align: center;">To last through days and hours</div><div style="text-align: center;">When my flesh may scream, "NO!"</div><div style="text-align: center;">Do whatever You have to do.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Come in power, Lord.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes!</div><div style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div>Crossing Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10673780986868466053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618988499421365439.post-43314575369900834472020-08-03T12:06:00.001-07:002020-08-03T12:06:30.428-07:00RagsAnother old poem, but one that still rings true to me.<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Rags</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">God, I stand before you</div><div style="text-align: center;">Dressed in the tattered rags </div><div style="text-align: center;">Of my own attempts to get it right,</div><div style="text-align: center;">And you hold out to me</div><div style="text-align: center;">The shining robes of Jesus' righteousness.</div><div style="text-align: center;">No question which is better,</div><div style="text-align: center;">But will I make the change?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Or will I choose to cling to what is mine?</div>Crossing Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10673780986868466053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618988499421365439.post-22610308821238717392020-07-29T06:00:00.000-07:002020-07-29T06:00:00.403-07:00The VeilOne I wrote a bunch of years ago, that still feels real to me.<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Veil</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hey! Jesus did it!</div><div style="text-align: left;">The veil has been torn in two</div><div style="text-align: left;">The way is open now--</div><div style="text-align: left;">You can go straight into the Father's presence</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Isn't this the news my heart has been longing to hear?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">No more barriers</div><div style="text-align: left;">No more walls between me and the Father.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Uh, wow!</div><div style="text-align: left;">You mean, I can go now. Right now.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Really got to Him. Stand in His presence.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Just the way I am.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Oh, gee.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Um.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Really.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Now?</div><div style="text-align: left;">Are you sure?</div><div style="text-align: left;">God, the God of the Universe?</div><div style="text-align: left;">He wants to see me?</div><div style="text-align: left;">My presence is requested?</div><div style="text-align: left;">In the throne room?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But, um, what about the dishes?</div><div style="text-align: left;">And that crossword puzzle I'v been meaning to get to?</div><div style="text-align: left;">And? And?</div><div style="text-align: left;">Now?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Father, help me.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Help me do it</div><div style="text-align: left;">Help me draw near with confidence.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Not lightly, but not afraid.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Not making excuses and hanging back.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Sincerely trusting in the work that Jesus finished</div><div style="text-align: left;">Sprinkled with the Blood, Washed with the Father,</div><div style="text-align: left;">Walking the Living Way that Jesus opened and that He is</div><div style="text-align: left;">Let me draw near to the throne of grace</div><div style="text-align: left;">And find there mercy, and</div><div style="text-align: left;">Grace to help</div><div style="text-align: left;">In time of need</div><div style="text-align: left;">I need you, Lord.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I need you.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Amen.</div>Crossing Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10673780986868466053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618988499421365439.post-40969108098120431352020-07-17T13:21:00.000-07:002020-07-24T03:54:01.408-07:00In these last days...I had just joined a new church, after some traumatic times at the old church. A Bible study was being offered on Hebrews, and I signed up to do the most rigorous Bible study I had undertaken for years, on a book which I had previously considered very dry and boring. And I discovered, as I have learned again and again, that there is life to be found in all parts of the Bible if you look at them seriously and prayerfully. <div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>In these last days, God has spoken to us in His Son</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A meditation on Hebrews 1:2-3</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jesus, You are appointed heir of all things</div><div style="text-align: center;">You're the one the Father chose to have it all.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Keep me from grabbing, clutching things to myself.</div><div style="text-align: center;">In You, I have it all.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Apart from You, there's nothing left to own.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jesus, through You, the Father made the world,</div><div style="text-align: center;">The ages past, the present,</div><div style="text-align: center;">And all the future there will ever be</div><div style="text-align: center;">Were spoken into being through You,</div><div style="text-align: center;">And You made me.</div><div style="text-align: center;">You knew me and planned me, held me in your heart,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Before the beginning.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jesus, You are the radiance of the Father's glory,</div><div style="text-align: center;">The light that shines forth from the blazing sun.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Help me be a true mirror,</div><div style="text-align: center;">With veils and masks stripped away,</div><div style="text-align: center;">So that I can catch your light</div><div style="text-align: center;">And shine it truly into the darkness I see.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jesus, You are the perfect engraving</div><div style="text-align: center;">Of the Father's underlying essence,</div><div style="text-align: center;">The exact representation of His being.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am like a coin that's blurred and fuzzy</div><div style="text-align: center;">I long to be new-minted.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Melt me in the fire of your love</div><div style="text-align: center;">And stamp your image plainly on my heart.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jesus, You uphold all things by the word of your power,</div><div style="text-align: center;">By the spoken word that creates and brings forth life</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hold me up, Lord.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hold me together</div><div style="text-align: center;">And speak Your powerful word into my life.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jesus, you made purification of sins,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cleansed, purged, made it right</div><div style="text-align: center;">The work was finished, final, and complete.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Complete it in my heart, O Lord,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Bring your cleansing, purify my inmost being.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jesus, You sat down</div><div style="text-align: center;">On the right hand of the Majesty of the Father</div><div style="text-align: center;">Your work was finished, You entered into your rest.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Bring me too, into that Sabbath rest,</div><div style="text-align: center;">That having run the race, I may sit at your feet,</div><div style="text-align: center;">And worship You forever.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Amen.</div>Crossing Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10673780986868466053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618988499421365439.post-43616196886406125382020-07-17T12:37:00.000-07:002020-07-17T12:37:01.921-07:00TruthSomeone just handed me a collection of poems that I gave to friends and family in Christmas of 1998. Some of them are ones I had lost track of, but that I find are still meaningful to me, and perhaps they will be to others as well.<div><br /></div><div>This one I may have originally written as a birthday card for someone, but I found that I liked it well enough to hang onto.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Truth</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;">When the Great Creator</div><div style="text-align: center;">thought of snails, and butterflies,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and sparkling fish scales </div><div style="text-align: center;">in the bottom of deep blue pools,</div><div style="text-align: center;">You also were thought of</div><div style="text-align: center;">And known</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">No mistakes were made in your making</div><div style="text-align: center;">Inside and out,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Backwards and forwards,</div><div style="text-align: center;">You are known and loved by God.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div>Crossing Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10673780986868466053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618988499421365439.post-14494584567742514602020-04-14T16:27:00.000-07:002020-04-14T16:28:10.447-07:00Transparent Gold<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The book of Revelation is not one that has generally appealed to me, and pictures of heaven as a place with streets paved with gold don't particularly float my boat. It is not a metaphor that I love. But one day, and I no longer remember whether it was mentioned in a sermon or something that came to me spontaneously, I was suddenly captivated by this notion of people becoming transparent gold.<br />
<br />
You can read about John's vision of this city that is also a bride, where tears are washed away and there is no longer a need for the sun because God shines so brightly in Revelation 21 and 22.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Transparent Gold</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God showed John a city,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He said the city was the bride</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was a city made of gold as clear as glass.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A city made of people with nothing they would need to hide</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was a vision that will surely come to pass.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Transparent gold, transparent gold.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How I long to see, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How I long to be transparent gold.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The city needs no sunshine</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God's glory sets it all ablaze.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And there's a river there that flows with healing grace.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With every tear forgotten, the people overflow with praise.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And now they call to all who thirst, "Come to this place."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Transparent gold, transparent gold</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Don't you want to see,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Don't you want to be transparent gold?<br />
<br />
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<audio controls=""> <source src="https://filedn.com/l54G1hNssNu0eRpn5XnwubX/Transparent%20Gold.mp3" type="audio/mpeg"></source></audio>
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Crossing Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10673780986868466053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618988499421365439.post-42264727778217762682020-04-14T11:17:00.000-07:002020-04-14T11:17:03.706-07:00No word from God will ever fail<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In this Coronavirus season, my sisters and I are reading through the gospels together, the first time for a few of us.
And it made me want to dig up a memory verse song I wrote several years back as I was working my way through making an interactive Advent Calendar that would give children Biblical activities in the days leading up to Christmas. Maybe someday I will rewrite and release that. But in the meantime, I was struck by this line in the angel's pronouncement to Mary.<br />
<br />
No word from God will ever fail<br />
<br />
The angel Gabriel came to Mary<br />
to tell her she would have a special son.<br />
<br />
For no word from God will ever fail<br />
No word from God will ever ever fail<br />
Luke 1:37 is what the angel said<br />
No word from God will ever ever fail.<br />
<br />
A boy named Jesus, the son of the Most High,<br />
Who would also be a king<br />
<br />
For no word from God will ever fail<br />
No word from God will ever ever fail.<br />
Luke 1:37 is what the angel said<br />
No word from God will ever ever fail.<br />
<br />
When Mary wondered how this all could happen<br />
He said it would be done by God.<br />
<br />
For no word from God will ever fail<br />
No word from God will ever ever fail<br />
Luke 1:37 is what the angel said.<br />
No word from God will ever ever fail.
<br />
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Crossing Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10673780986868466053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618988499421365439.post-14061218708064541162020-03-25T07:56:00.000-07:002020-04-14T13:29:25.385-07:00So Special<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
One of my sisters just wrote a <a href="http://thewonderwriter.com/2020/02/hearing-compliments/" target="_blank">blog about the difficulties inherent in hearing compliments</a>. And it made me think of a song I wrote quite some time ago, as I was struggling with one of the ingrained messages from my childhood, "What makes you think you're so special?" The implied message was "You're not special, don't think too highly of yourself." I understand why my mother wanted us to absorb this kind of humility, but I don't think it's the right tack.<br />
<br />
Because we are special, each and every one of us. Yes, "special snowflakes", one in a million, all special in our own tiny way, but individually created by a Heavenly Father who has a unique purpose and destiny for each one of us. The Bible says of Christians that we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (<a href="https://biblehub.com/ephesians/2-10.htm" target="_blank">Ephesians 2:10</a>, NIV).<br />
<br />
It's difficult for me to sing the first verse of this song. It's so deeply ingrained to say that I am nothing special. How dare I boast and proclaim that I <i>am</i> special? It's just not done. <br />
<br />
But the more I have considered this, the more I felt that I wanted my own children to understand that they ARE special, without losing sight of the fact that everyone else is special too. And I want my own heart to be aware of that too, because ultimately I think that this is the message that God has given us in the Bible.<br />
<br />
So Special<br />
<br />
So special, I am so special, I am precious in the eyes of God.<br />
So special, I am so special, I am precious in the eyes of God.<br />
<br />
All of creation is waiting to see<br />
The praise and the wonder that I'm going to be.<br />
I was created by the Father above<br />
To stand in his presence<br />
And pour out his love.<br />
<br />
So special, you are so special, you are precious in the eyes of God.<br />
So special, you are so special, you are precious in the eyes of God.<br />
<br />
All of creation is waiting to see<br />
The gift and the glory that you're going to be.<br />
A world that is hurting needs us to go share<br />
The love of the Father<br />
With people out there.<br />
<br />
So special, they are so special, they are precious in the eyes of God.<br />
So special, they are so special, they are precious in the eyes of God.<br />
<br />
<audio controls=""> <source src="https://filedn.com/l54G1hNssNu0eRpn5XnwubX/So%20Special.mp3" type="audio/mpeg"></source></audio>
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Crossing Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10673780986868466053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618988499421365439.post-20632770681128188152020-03-25T03:38:00.001-07:002020-03-25T07:51:03.638-07:00For Such a Time as This<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A friend posted this verse on Facebook, and I thought that the time had come to share this song through the blog.<br />
<br />
When Esther became Queen, and then the Jews were in great danger from the plots of Haman, she was initially afraid to risk her life in order to speak out, and her uncle Mordecai challenged her that, "if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" (<a href="https://biblehub.com/esther/4-14.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Esther 4:14 NIV</a>). In the end, after much prayer, Esther used her position to great effect.<br />
<br />
Esther was a queen, but all of us have been placed by God to be able to accomplish good things. "We are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus, for good works which he has prepared in advance for us to do." (<a href="https://biblehub.com/ephesians/2-10.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ephesians 2:10 NIV</a>). So this song came to me. <br />
<br />
In this time of social distancing and coronavirus, we may not want to be literally touching people, but it is definitely a time for reaching out in many other ways. What is God calling you to do "in such a time as this"?<br />
<br />
<b>For Such a Time as This</b><br />
<br />
For such a time as this I have called you<br />
For such a time as this you were born<br />
For such a time as this I have given you my spirit<br />
For such a time as this.<br />
<br />
There are people that I love who've never met me.<br />
There are people that I love who've never heard.<br />
There are people who are hungry for a smile or for a touch<br />
There are people who are desperate for a word.<br />
<br />
For such a time as this I have made you<br />
For such a time as this you were formed<br />
For such a time as this I have brought you through the fire<br />
For such a time as this.<br />
<br />
For such a time as this I have called you<br />
For such a time as this you were born<br />
For such a time as this I have given you my spirit<br />
For such a time as this.<br />
<br />
<audio controls=""> <source src="https://filedn.com/l54G1hNssNu0eRpn5XnwubX/ForSuchaTime.mp3" type="audio/mpeg"></source></audio>
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Crossing Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10673780986868466053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2618988499421365439.post-54550525407616529732017-04-24T07:19:00.001-07:002017-04-25T12:21:58.963-07:00In These Last Days, God has Spoken to Us in His Son<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This is a poem or prayer, or meditation that I had lost for a long time, and did not have memorized. I was glad to find it again. Yesterday, someone shared that their professor on the book of Hebrews had claimed that almost all theological questions find answers in Hebrews. I won't go that far, but it is certainly a rich book. This is a meditation on Hebrews 1: 2-3, and since that's not a complete sentence, let me give you Hebrews 1:1-3:<br />
<br />
<i><span class="text Heb-1-1" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">In the past God spoke<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29965A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29965A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> to our ancestors through the prophets<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29965B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29965B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> at many times and in various ways, </span><span class="text Heb-1-2" id="en-NIV-29966" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">but in these last days<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29966D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29966D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> he has spoken to us by his Son,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29966E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29966E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> whom he appointed heir<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29966F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29966F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> of all things, and through whom<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29966G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29966G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> also he made the universe. T</span><span class="text Heb-1-3" id="en-NIV-29967" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">he Son is the radiance of God’s glory<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29967I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29967I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and the exact representation of his being,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29967J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29967J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> sustaining all things<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29967K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29967K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29967L" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29967L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></i>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
In these last days, God has spoken to us in His Son</h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A meditation on Hebrews 1:2-3</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jesus, you are appointed heir of all things.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You're the one the Father chose to have it all.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Keep me from grabbing, clutching things to myself.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In You, I have it all.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Apart from You, there's nothing left to own.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jesus, through You the Father made the world.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The ages past, the present,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And all the future there will ever be</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Were spoken into being through You.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And You made me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You knew me, and planned me, held me in Your heart,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Before the beginning.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jesus, You are the radiance of the Father's glory,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The light that shines forth from the blazing sun.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Help me be a true mirror,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With veils and masks stripped away,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So that I can catch Your light,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And shine it truly into the darkness I see.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jesus, You are the perfect engraving</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Of the Father's underlying essence,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The exact representation of His being.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am like a coin that's blurred and fuzzy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I long to be new-minted.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Melt me in the fire of Your love</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And stamp Your image plainly on my heart.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jesus, You uphold all things by the word of Your power,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
By the spoken word that creates and brings forth life.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hold me up, Lord.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hold me together,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And speak Your powerful word into my life.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jesus, You made purification of sins,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cleansed, purged, made it right.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The work was finished, final, and complete.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Complete it in my heart, O Lord.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bring your cleansing, purify my inmost being.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Jesus, You sat down</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On the right hand of the Majesty of the Father.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Your work was finished, You entered into Your rest.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bring me too into that Sabbath rest,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That having run the race, I may sit at Your feet</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And worship You forever.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Amen.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHG4t3BEOt356XwPdQKpJeRbb_fqHNjuOFwGjE5wqqg2HF2sDfTigSPHTMYeMrVTxg6f9PItzQREj_soyrXF9sLmf8KKhCVZCMwxE67wfrGoqh-mloPW5tzf2OLOa4sBZ84stb3svfMt2/s1600/sunflower-1679502_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHG4t3BEOt356XwPdQKpJeRbb_fqHNjuOFwGjE5wqqg2HF2sDfTigSPHTMYeMrVTxg6f9PItzQREj_soyrXF9sLmf8KKhCVZCMwxE67wfrGoqh-mloPW5tzf2OLOa4sBZ84stb3svfMt2/s320/sunflower-1679502_1920.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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(Why sunflowers? I recently had a dream about growing sunflowers, and as I was waking up I questioned what sunflowers were about and immediately felt that sunflowers represented the fruit of relationship with the Son. I am hoping that putting a picture in this post will reduce the likelihood that Facebook will associate this link with the Kiva logo. Much as I like Kiva, I don't think that that picture encourages people to click through to this blog.)</div>
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Crossing Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10673780986868466053noreply@blogger.com0