Skyview

2007-04-29T14:30:00.000-03:00

Retouched
(By skywatcher101)

Each life’s canvas starts so new,
unmarred, a potential masterpiece.
Parents sketch the background,
friends contribute varied elements.
Each stroke adds intricate detail.
Yet, it is we who determine the result
based on our willful choices.

At times choosing wisely,
we cause the canvas to come alive
with colours bright, warm and attractive.
At times, we load our brush with darkness from sin’s palette,
distorting the original intent, marring beauty.
Then, hung on exhibit for critics to rail against,
shaking their heads and wagging tongues of gossip,
we are filled with deep regret and remorse.
In agonizing despair we cry aloud, wishing
to destroy what we have produced,
smash it, shred it, rip it into tiny pieces, bury the remnants,
hoping eyes will never see it again.

The Curator of life’s gallery hears the artist’s lament.
Seeing the damage, the Master too
weeps over the needless destruction. Then, only upon invitation,
He slowly moves in and begins to add new strokes.
Strokes that initially make little sense mixed in with the mess.
Over time, a new image begins to emerge. An increasingly
more beautiful, more radiant image. Recreated in the likeness
of His Son, love’s light emanates more brightly than ever.
Fascinated gazers stand in awed silence, amazed,
wondering why their dull canvases have not become
spectacular works of art such as this priceless treasure.

Author's Comment:
No damage is beyond the Master's repair.

Dedicated to those who know the feel of His brush against your canvas.

2007-04-29T14:26:00.000-03:00

Provision
(By skywatcher101)

A tiny choir with feathered wing,
daily, they, to their Maker sing.
Each beat of heart, so filled with song,
their praises raising all day long.

They worry not for dress or feed,
depend on Him for every need.
On Heart of Love they do rely,
resting under His watchful eye.

When winged one falls, He forgets not.
Such love! Through these, the Savior taught
of greater worth to Him are we,
yet, often filled with fear we be.

What harm can touch one in His care?
Safety, shelter, sustenance there
provided free, for us so weak,
if we His kingdom only seek.

Author's Comment: Based on Luke 12 and personal observation of these winged wonders.

2007-04-29T14:07:00.000-03:00

Whisper from Above
(By skywatcher101)

My sweet child, come rest a while.
Place your head upon my chest.
Cast all your cares upon me
and let me do the rest.

I know that you are burdened
From carrying the heavy load
Why do you try to walk alone
along earth’s rocky road?

I long to take you in my arms
And have you know my heart
that cares for you each second
and has done from the start.

I see when you are hurting.
I gather up your tears.
Come, let me comfort and restore.
I’ll calm your every fear.

I love you more than you can know
On you, that love I’ll shine
Oh, sweet child, come rest a while
I'll give you peace divine.

Psalm 55:20
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.

Author's Comment:
To the Lord, I must look pretty silly somedays as I struggle along, stumbling under the weight of my own burden. All the while, He stands ready, willing and able to carry the load for me. I am so busy 'dealing with things' that I miss His quiet whisper as He gently calls my name. Will my first reaction ever be to sit down and talk to the Lord? Look at Psalm 55:20. What a pair of promises! "He WILL sustain you; He WILL NEVER let the righteous fall."

Time to start casting....

2007-01-21T23:18:00.000-04:00

Shortfall

Standing on shore looking at the floating dock
I believe I can swim that far.
Standing on shore looking at the tiny island in the lake
I believe I can swim that far.
Standing on shore looking at the ocean knowing
another continent lies somewhere out there,
I know my shortfall.

Standing on Earth looking forward to Heaven
I believe I can please God today.
Standing on Earth looking forward to Heaven
I believe I can please God most days.
Standing on Earth looking forward to Heaven knowing that
pure righteousness is demanded in order to dwell in God’s presence
I know my shortfall.

Neither has anything to do with my desire or my intention,
but, everything to do with the vast distance between where
I am and where I need to be. Shortfall.

Attempting to enter God’s kingdom
solely on my own effort ~ futility at best.
The gulf ~ too vast.
The only bridge
that can span from my heart to Heaven
~ the perfect Son of God.
Sin caused the gap. Christ filled it.
It cost Him His life to build the bridge.
I will walk safely across from my world into His kingdom.

Anyone want to come for a walk......

We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. Romans 3:22-25 (NLT)

Author's Note:

Not my original thought ... arrangement based on something heard over the past month.

2007-01-14T15:42:00.000-04:00

'Roses' Have Thorns

Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the maidens.
Song of Solomon 2:2

I am NOT a gardener. I wanted to set that straight from the start. Love flowers, I do. Plant them, water them, tend them, I do. Mostly, I watch and pray, hoping that God will once again create a miracle in my yard. He does, every year. I have four rose bushes which have beautiful blooms that I love to see reappear each year. Four rose bushes that have made me bleed, pierced by their thorns, multiple times. Yet, knowing I will most likely be hurt and bleed no matter how careful I am, I still go back and tend those bushes. WHY? I love the finished product. I love their fragrance and their beauty. I have learned to put up with the thorns because I love the roses.

Does this sound at all familiar? The Master Gardener, Creator of all, has such patience with the 'roses' in His garden. How often He gets the pain of our thorns as we lash out at Him, or worse, ignore His presence. So why does He bother with us? He knows we need tending. He loves each and every single 'rose'. He knows how to get us to bloom for Him in time. Each of us can become His prized rose.

With His help we can be more like Him as we deal with, 'prickly people', the other 'roses' in our lives. Perhaps a little reminder might help. Looking for an addition to your garden.....

.....plant a rose bush.

Roses Have Thorns

Dedicated to all the 'roses' in my life's garden.

Bleeding, I sit and weep, for
once again you have pierced my
heart with the thorns of your hurt.
When will you realize? When will you
know, I am not your enemy. I am your
comrade fighting this battle with you.
Life has wounded you so many times. Left
you hiding behind thick, stone walls so high.
With patience, I will chip away
your rough mortar until
a sliver of my soul’s radiance
shines through. Don't be afraid.
Embrace it, bask in it, knowing
that only love’s light will allow you to grow,
bloom, and become my prized rose.

AUTHOR'S COMMENT: Based on an old adage or saying:
Persons who love roses will have patience with their thorns.

2006-12-01T11:16:00.000-04:00

Lessons in a Fish Bowl

It is amazing the way God speaks to us sometimes. In the Bible, among other things he used burning bushes, choirs of angels and even a talking donkey. Recently, he used a little blue beta fish. As I watched the little fish gently swimming around in the bottom of his bowl, I thought how like that little fish I am at times. Swimming round and round in circles but not really going too far... spiritually that is. Effort is not the issue. I'm on the move but in what direction and in whose strength?

If my little fish stays at the bottom without coming up for air and food, eventually it will die. The availability of air and food is not the issue. Both are available but the fish must make the effort to come to the source. I long for the fish to surface and feed on what I supply. I watch the fish and try to encourage it to come up. I try to get its attention and lead it up the glass with my finger. Sometimes I think how silly that little fish is or perhaps how stubborn. Once when my little fish was sick and couldn't swim the distance to the surface, I intervened and lowered the water level so it didn't have to travel as far for food. How like that little fish I am. God will do his part but I must still come to Him daily. God is so willing to supply all I need. He longs for me to come to Him and feed. Why is it that I wait so long sometimes and grow so weak before struggling back? He is constantly watching me and trying to get my attention. Kind of reminds me of the story of the prodigal son.

Perhaps my little fish will help remind me each day of the importance of feeding on God's word. How are you doing? Are you in need of a new pet? How about a fish.....

They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. Psalm 36:8

2006-11-21T22:13:00.000-04:00

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase, "Heavenly Father"? Some people think of a gentle, loving person who is eager to bestow wonderful gifts on them. Others think of a harsh, angry person just waiting for them to make a mistake so they can punish them. Often the way in which a person views their Heavenly Father is influenced by the relationship between them and their earthly father. It is essential to remember that our Heavenly Father is perfect which no earthly father can be. Fortunately, my earthly father, who is now present with the LORD, knew my Heavenly Father and helped introduce me to Him.

Our Father...........our father
to both my fathers

Our Father which art in heaven…
....our father who now lives in heaven
Hallowed by Thy name...
...your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life
Thy kingdom come…
...you are in His kingdom and will come back with Him
Thy will be done on Earth...
...just ‘the look’ and your will was done on Earth
As it is in Heaven…
...you do His will in Heaven
Give us this day our daily bread…
...you provided daily bread for so many years
And forgive us our trespasses...
...you often helped keep us from trespassing
As we forgive those who trespass against us...
...you made sure we knew of His forgiveness
Lead us not into temptation...
...you guarded us that we’d not be tempted
And deliver us from evil…
...you are safe from all evil now
For Thine is the kingdom…
...you are in the presence of the King of Kings
The power…
...you are witness to that great power
And the glory…
...you give Him glory continuously now
Forever and ever…
...and forever more
Amen...
...A man

© 2006 skywatcher

2006-11-20T11:59:00.000-04:00

Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see—
how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him.
Psalm 34:8 (The Message)

Love......My Love......His Love

To the Lover of my soul

My love, what to you is love?
Love, hhmmm, God is Love.

My love, what do you need?
His love, more than life.
God‘s love is what I need.

My love, what do you feel?
His love, deep inside my heart.
God’s love is what I feel.

My love, what do you smell?
His love, the essence of Heaven.
God’s love is what I smell.

My love, what do you hear?
His love, in the whisper of the wind.
God’s love is what I hear.

My love, what do you taste?
His love, I savour and have found favour.
God’s love is what I taste.

My love, what do you see?
His love, gazing down from the cross with forgiving eyes.
God’s love is what I see.

My love, what do you have?
His love, for God so loved me,
that he sent his only Son,
that if I believe on Him,
I will not perish,
but will have everlasting life.

God’s love is what I have…a forever love.

© 2006 skywatcher

2006-11-18T23:45:00.000-04:00

God is an intensely personal God who desires an intimate relationship with each of us. If any one of us were the only being he had created he would still have offered His Son to redeem us. Why?

For God So Loved...........

When alone, in the stillness, my heart sometimes cries,
"Why do I have life while the innocent dies?"

'For God so loved you,' I imagined I heard
or did I once read that in God's holy word.

"But how do I know for sure that it's true?"
'He gave His only Son just for you.'

"For me? Surely not. It was meant for another."
'For you. Who ever believes; he'll become your brother.'

"I'd believed in my mind, oh, but now in my heart."
'He longed for this day right from the start,
to give you life abundant, everlasting and free!'
"I know I'm forgiven, for God so loved...........me!"

© 2006 skywatcher

2006-11-16T22:23:00.000-04:00

Who Doesn't Want a Little Good News?

We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. Romans 6:6, 7 (New Living Translation)

I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 7:21-25 (NLT)

Have you ever been reading scripture and it feels like you are reading a script from a comedy routine. “That’s the good news.” “Oh, so that‘s the good news.” “No that’s the bad news.” “I get it. That’s the bad news.” “No that’s the good news.”

As I read Romans chapter six and then chapter seven, I almost wanted to say “Wait a minute, aren’t these two chapters in the wrong order?” After all, chapter six clearly tells me that I am no longer a slave to sin. That’s the good news. Christ died for me. I accept that. I’m dead to sin. Christ freed me from the penalty of sin and brought me out of slavery. He freed me from the power of sin. So, sin doesn’t have to wield any power over me unless I choose to allow it. Sounds like I could be doing a whole lot better. Not that I will ever be sinless on this Earth but at least I have the power to sin less. Not my power really, but His power available to me. All I have to do is tap into it. Call on it. Use it and sin less. Yes, definitely that must be the good news.

Then along comes chapter seven and it seems to be telling me that there is another power working against me; a power that is making me a slave to the sin that I still have in me. That’s the bad news! How discouraging is that!? Well, honestly, pretty discouraging but then along comes another news flash. Jesus Christ our Lord will free us from this life that is dominated by sin. Yes, that is the good news.

If you continue into chapter eight, it’s all good news.
· There’s no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus
· The power of the life-giving Spirit has freed us from the power of sin
· God declared an end to sin’s control over us
· Letting the Spirit control one’s mind leads to life and peace
· The Spirit of God lives in our bodies
· The Spirit that raised Christ will raise our mortal bodies to life
· We are not obligated to obey our sinful nature
· We are adopted as God’s own children
· We are his heirs
· His Spirit joins with our spirit
· He will reveal his glory to us
· We will have freedom from death and decay
· We look forward to the day he will give us new bodies
· The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness
· The Holy Spirit prays for us
· The Holy Spirit pleads to God for us in harmony with His will
· God has given us right standing with himself
· No one can condemn us
· Christ Jesus died for us
· Christ Jesus was raised to life for us
· Christ Jesus is sitting at God’s right hand pleading for us
· Overwhelming victory is ours through Christ
· Nothing can separate us from God’s love

What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? Romans 8: 31

"That's the good news."
"Not quite, it's the best news I've ever heard."

2006-11-13T14:17:00.000-04:00

Blood Shed........ Not Spilled

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Colosians 1:19 -20 (New International Version)

One Sunday morning, a woman, who had not been attending our church for very long, sat directly in front of me. We had reached the communion segment of our worship service. Our church uses trays of little individual plastic communion cups. As this woman took a cup, it slipped from her hand spilling the contents on her clothing. She appeared quite embarrassed as she passed the tray to the person next to her and attempted to wipe the stain with a tissue. I felt so sorry for her. I wanted to tap her on the shoulder and tell her that it was okay. I knew that would most likely make things worse.

“Why did that have to happen to her, Lord?” I silently prayed.

It was as if the Lord Jesus were sitting right next to me whispering in my ear.

“As a lesson for you my dear one… a reminder of my plan. Don’t you see? My blood was never spilled. Spilled blood would have been an accident. My blood was poured out intentionally. Spilled blood would have left the stain of sin. My shed blood washes away all stains and leaves you righteous in my sight… white and pure as snow.”

I silently bowed my head and thanked the Lord for the lesson learned that morning from that tiny cup that was spilled and the precious blood of Christ that was poured out, both for me.

Blood shed, not spilled
Your love outpoured
Redeeming me forevermore
Life given, not taken
By choice you died
A cleansing stream ran from your side

I see your eyes with love gaze down
I see on your head, the cruel crown
Of thorns that cut your holy brow
I hear your words, ‘Forgive her now’

No condemnation do I fear
As to your cross I draw near

‘Twas meant to be
Blood shed for me
Humbly I bow
In remembrance now

-Skywatcher 2005

2006-11-13T13:50:00.000-04:00

A Good Man....

Sunday mornings, at our church, I usually stand at the rear doorway to the ‘sanctuary’ which at present is actually a school gymnasium. My specific purpose is to watch for newcomers and latecomers and make sure they know they are welcome. One week, two other women were with me. During communion, the bread and wine were being passed around by two young men. One of the ladies whispered to me, “I wonder if one of them will bring it back here to us.” We watched as the bread was passed throughout the congregation. After everyone in his section was served, one of the men noticed us. He softly walked the distance to bring the bread to us. As I reached for a piece, I quietly whispered, “You’re a good man.” He smiled.

A good man… where have I heard that before? When discussing Jesus I’ve heard some say, “He was a good man.” People haven’t really changed much in two thousand years. When Jesus Christ was on Earth, people said the same thing. Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, "He is a good man." Luke 7:12 Others took it a step further and called him a good teacher. As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone. Mark 10:17, 18 Who did Jesus say he was? “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." John 6:51

As these thoughts ran through my mind I thought how Christ- like the actions were of the young man offering me the communion bread. He humbly walked the distance for me. The bread of course was a symbol of Jesus body ‘broken’ for me. That morning the symbolism went deeper. What if the young man had not noticed me? Or worse, what if he had seen me but decided I wasn’t worth the extra effort? What if he had decided not to bring the bread to me? What if he was indifferent and just didn’t care? I bowed my head and thanked God that morning for the extra picture of Christ’s love for me. Jesus saw my need. He cared. He came and took on a human body. Filled with love and compassion he made the ultimate sacrifice on the cross. He thought I was worth the effort. It cost him so much to ‘go the distance’ for me so that I can live forever in his kingdom.

2006-09-03T14:22:00.000-03:00

Psalm 107:6, 13, 19, 28 (New International Version)
Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress.

Just when was then? One might wonder what kind of trouble these poor folks were in that caused them to cry out to the LORD. Did their trouble come as a result of their own doing? Was an ememy causing them grief? Was the LORD punishing them for wrongdoing or were they just in the wrong place at the wrong time?

When we read the entire chapter we find the answer to be yes, yes, yes and yes again.
Some were redeemed from the hand of the enemy.
Some wandered and nearly died of starvation and dehydration.
Some rebelled against God's word and despised His counsel and found themselves in dark, gloomy bondage where they were subjected to bitter labour.
Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their misdeeds.
Some were merchants, going about their business, sailing along on their ships on the mighty water when He spoke and the storm struck.

Then they cried out to the LORD... He brought them out of their distress.

Take time to read the whole chapter. Here is some of what the LORD did for them. He redeemed them, led them, filled the hungry, satisfied the thirsty, gathered them, brought them out of darkness, broke their chains, sent His word, healed them, rescued them, stilled the storm, guided them to safe haven, blessed them, lifted them, increased their families.

Why would the LORD do that for people in trouble? Verse one gives us a clue.

For he is good; his love endures forever.

Regardless of how we end up in trouble, and eventually we all end up there, we can, should and in fact must cry out to the LORD. Often times we are doing lots of crying but most of it is in the wrong direction. We moan to ourselves. We cry on a friend's shoulder. We wail to our counsellor. We want help and wander about looking for the answer. The LORD knows all about our trouble. He is waiting and listening for our cry. He is good; his love endures forever.
Next time, cry out in His direction and let him rescue you. Then give thanks to the LORD.

2006-08-28T23:23:00.000-03:00

Acts 1:11 "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.

For as long as I can remember, my father refused to talk about his life coming to an end. He always said he was "looking for the Uppertaker not the undertaker". As a Christian, he lived with the ever present hope that Jesus Christ would return and take him to heaven without him ever having to die. He lived, as it were, with his eyes on the sky. Well, in 2005 my father died. Guess what. The moment he drew his final breath on this earth, his eyes caught sight of his Creator. I believe Dad saw the Uppertaker long before the undertaker ever laid eyes on him.
Each day, I attempt to live with what I refer to as a skyview perspective. Any day, either way, I too hope to see my Uppertaker. Like the verse says... encourage one another with these words. This world could sure use some encouragement don't you think.