THE GIFTS – Music and Poetry
MUSIC
Larry and Lyndell Groenewald – Capetown, S.A.
Tony and Gale Cullen – Ontario, Canada
https://anthocul.wordpress.com/spiritual-songs-audio/
John McDowell – Georgia, U.S.
http://tryingthespirits.com/2011-12/give-me-jesus-live/
POETRY
The Marriage Supper of the Lamb
[by Angela Martinez]
We are glad and we are rejoicing and giving him glory.
Behold the marriage of the Lamb has come.
His wife is being made ready
she has been granted to be arrayed in fine linen. Clean , bright and beautiful.
The finest of all linens is the righteous acts of the saints.
The Lambs wife is being made ready
to be joined to her husband.
There are a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments. they will walk with him in white. For they are found worthy.
He who overcomes will be clothed in white garments.
And his name shall not be blotted out from the book of life.
He will confess their names before our father
and his angels.
They have bought from him gold refined in the fire.
And they are made rich and clothed with White garments.
You will not be shamed with nakedness
Their eyes will be anointed with eye salve. That their vision will be ever so clear.
A beautiful bride adorned in the finest of linen. preparing for her husband with a Love ever so dear.
The groom adorns himself with a
beautiful headress like a priest.
The bride adorns herself with her jewels.
As they are joined together there is a table set before them as one that has never been seen . No eye has witnessed this table before.
Blessed are they who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.
We Are One in Christ
[by Jonathan Gonzales – May 20, 2019]
Continually in my heart,
The Christ doth impart,
Such sweet and peaceful rest.The waves may crash each day,
The winds may rage, the fire blaze.
Take heart, The Christ remains,
Faith strengthened through the pain!Knowing we are one,
Atop the sea of glass
Whilst facing fiery tests
Christ in us is our best!
The People of God
[by Wendy Davison – Posted May 2, 2017]
We, Lord
yes, we, Lord
Are the people of your Temple
But not the fullness thereof
We, Lord
yes, we, Lord
Are the people of your Temple
But not the completion thereof
We, Lord
yes, we, Lord
Are the people of your Temple
But not the All in All thereof
Gratitude
Written by Tony Cullen – March 2011
[Posted January 13, 2017]
Thinking of your providence which was once thought as time and chance
Cause that brought a circumstance: effects we couldn’t deny
But now we see a bright light; a God of power, a God of might
Who controls the dark and light, and lifts the veil of doubt
Caught between the flesh and light, burning through the sacrifice
That is offered day and night to you our Father of Love
Fill our hearts with gratitude
Help us see all that you do
And never let us take your mercy for granted!
Bridge the darkness of our hearts
With songs of praise and joyful shouts
Guide us to that holy mount where we can see your face!
Narrow is the path we know that only Christ can lead us through
And we are shepherds with your Love shed abroad in our hearts
Help us see the brighter side of the pillar through the night
Tribulations that subside and leave us with your peace
In a moment we’ll arise: a sea of glass that’s full of fire
Transparent and full of eyes, within and without
Fill our hearts with gratitude
Help us see all that you do
And never let us take your mercy for granted
Bridge the darkness of our hearts
With songs of praise and joyful shouts
Guide us to that holy mount where we can see your face!
BEHOLD! THE LORD
[by Susan Berndtson – Posted 12/3/16]
Behold, the Lord
He is before you
Your very next step
Next thought
Next move
He is your Way
He is your Light
As you look to Him first
And follow His leading
He is your eyes
Your ears
Your being
He is your Word
He is your Life
Behold Him beholding
Two become one
Through Him
In Him
Because of Him
Christ
Christ and His Christ
To God be the glory!
To God be the praise!
Behold! His creation!
Behold the Lord
Behold!
THAT NIGHT OF NIGHTS
by Susan Berndtson
[Posted June 15, 2016]
Humility’s Grace
Quietly listening
are ears that hear
true meaning
A light surrounds . . .
The cozy atmosphere scintillates expression . . .
thoughts enjoyed lovingly . . .
His voice begins to speak . . .
stilling . . .
Leaning forwards, looking upwards to expectant ears
His words wash through all
minds and thoughts listening . . .
pretenses disappear . . .
Truth attracts
Humility’s Grace infolded . . . u n f o l d s
feeding the hungry hearts . . .
with its Joy immeasurable
Susan 3/20
Here’s a food-related poem based on a childhood poem familiar…at least to the older set among us…
Study Snacks
by Susan Berndtson
[Posted June 15, 2016]
A tisket, a tasket
A center table basket
Of cashews, almonds, nuts galore
To nibble on when seeking Him
To seek Him, to find Him
He fills us up to our brim
Our hearts are changed, our lives renewed
He truly is our best health food!
A Pocket Full of Glory
Susan Berndtson (10/15)
Praise be our glorious God of Mercy
through whom all blessings flow
Tribulations and troubles
wrap me in despair
sparking faint and weary
darkness cloaks … pressing
Lord Jesus, I cry
Loving kindness knows
He sees and hears
carefully wrapping me
in his handkerchief of mercy
tucking me tenderly
in a pocket of His heart
Gently, grace pulses
through my feeble strength
my spirit is nearly spent
His Love revives
Praise be our glorious God of Mercy
through whom all blessings flow
His Love…
Can you feel love floating from my heart to your heart
across every land and divide,
passing o’re troubles, all people, the heartaches,
humming its song as it flies…
Softly my heart sings its song just for your sake,
arising beyond time and space;
God’s reason through seasons, His measure this treasure,
envelops my heart with its grace…
My heart’s celebration is joy’s exaltation,
knowing my love’s found its rest;
tucked in His Heart-song expressed through our beings,
we now, being one…Love so blessed…
Susan Berndtson (copyright 2011)
[Posted September 30, 2015]
We Are God’s People
by Hollis McIntosh
We are God’s People
A Melody Line Of Gratitude
Our Hearts Agree
In A Loving Attitude
Unfaithfulness And Ignorance
Christ’s Body With Extended Hands
Stand Before God In Obedience
As His Jewels Embracing
His love Reality And Beauty
United By His Spirit Of Praise
In Togetherness And Loyalty
Ready To Be Used Joyfully
In All Glory And Honor
To Worship, How sweet A Pleasure
As Servants, Bound By Equality.
Faith’s Gift
by Susan Berndtson
Tears sourced of His Love
one’s spirit uplifting
as light as the dew
vanishing in the Son
lighting the heart
with his joy everlasting
illuminate one’s countenance
heavenward bound
THE OPEN DOOR
by Susan Berndtson
[Posted April 1, 2015]
I’ve been ‘whelmed’
by the Love of God
My heart of deepest desire
loving, knowing, having, beholding
His Love within, unfolding
I’ve been ‘whelmed’
in the Love of God
My life is His; it’s in His
Immersed into One
Through Lord Jesus, His Son
It was; it will be
IT IS
Your gratefully ‘whelmed’ sister from the ‘little flock’, Susan