I get up early Sunday Morning and get all dress up.
I grab a donut and drink and head off to church.
I go to Sunday school and said hello to friends.
We visit and talk about our troubles and our day.
The choir and sing the same songs, we always have.
Hymns that tell us what God can do for us.
The members sit in their same old seats so everyone is comfortable
The service is the same order so everyone knows what to expect.
The sermon is given and rarely does anybody change.
We see no miracles, no angels, no outpouring of God’s presences.
We see no great victories in our lives, no difference from the world.
The alter is not filled with lost sinners or the backslidden.
Nor is it filled with the saints’ worship and prayers.
The service lasts the same amount of time
For if the invitation runs long there be Hell to pay.
They past the plate and take up money, we grudgingly give.
And we often leave the same way as we come in
Sadly never having met with God or worshiped Him.
I not quite sure when or how
But somewhere along the way it stop being worship.
The focus shifted from what God wants and meeting Him
To our wants, needs and what makes us comfortable.
But this is not true worship, just it trappings.
He takes no more pleasure in it than burnt bulls or sheep.
I am true sorry Lord, for what I have allowed it to become.
This is not what I want in my life
And I ask Your forgiveness.
My focus needs to be on meeting with You
And spending quality time with You, not just going to Your house.
My focus needs to be on getting closer to You as a friend.
Understanding Your heart and mind better.
Friends take time to listen and to share.
They are grateful for chance to be together.
They listen and value each other’s advice
Even when what they say is not what we do want to hear
Because we know that it is said in love.
They laugh, they talk for hours and lose track of time.
They sing, they clap hands, shout and enjoy each other’s company.
They cry, they weep, and comfort one another when they hurt.
Their heart breaks if they think they have offended the other.
They cry when they know they hurt the other.
They put the others wishes first.
They go out of their way to please the other.
They encourage, strength and give gifts to each other.
They remember what the other has done
And are thankful for each act of kindness.
They consider themselves blessed for know them.
They will lay down their life for their friend.
Christ will always be that friend, should do less for Him?
My focus needs to be on discovering Your will for my life.
My comfort keeps You from freely moving
For I expect You to do no miracles, or healings.
I don’t look for You to put the right person next to me
For me to witness to or encourage.
You should be allowed to planning the service
As You would have it to be done.
Even if that means we need to stay because You touch someone’s heart.
You made me, You have a plan for me. I need to find it.
You have dreams of good for me, You like to see implement in my life.
I need to search them out, and honor Christ by following them.
After all I am Your servant, bought at a costly price.
Yet You have always been a gentle and kind Master.
One I would chose to serve even if I were free.
My focus needs to be on honoring my Father
For the life and love, that He has given me.
I need to spending time just bouncing on His knee,
Listening to bedtime stories,
Giving hugs and kisses,
And returning the love he has given me.
For he choose to adapt me has His own child
And He delights in giving me good gifts.
My focus needs to be on listen to the Holy Spirit.
He is so wise and smarter than I. I need to learn all I can from Him.
So I don’t have to learn the hard way what does not work.
He even tell me how to success and prosper.
The truth will save me pain if I will but listen
And He does not make rules just to spoil my fun.
But because He is older and wiser than I.
If I will follow Him, He will keep me out of harm’s way.
And last My focus needs to be on God
Just he because He is the Great I Am.
He is good, kind, sweet, merciful, and gracious.
He is pure, holy, wise, powerful, faithful and just.
He is my Creator, giver of life and I the clay in His hand.
He is my Savior that died on a cross for my sin
And rose again that I might live a blessed life on earth
And rule with Him one day in Heaven.
And He deserves my praise and my worship.
And He desires my focus to be on Him.
He wants me to look into His eyes and heart
Not just what His hands can do for me,
Not just what I need.
For that is true worship.
Kathy Barnes
Copyright 6-7-09
Showing posts with label More of You. Show all posts
Showing posts with label More of You. Show all posts
Monday, April 5, 2010
Traditions
Like the fiddler on the roof, we all have our traditions.
Some traditions are joyful and exciting
The smell of gingerbread baking at Christmas.
Packages strode underneath the Christmas tree.
Dyeing Easter eggs bright colors and hiding them all around.
Cake covered with candles and ice cream for birthdays.
Something borrowed something blue.
Hitting the stores for the big sale days.
Big yellow buses starting their first running in September back to school.
Some traditions are minor and a nuance.
The return lines after the holidays.
Your favorite team is always loosing.
Politicians talking too long and taxes keep going up.
Someone is always beating you to the last piece of cake.
Vacations are never being long enough or just as planned.
There is never enough time to do it all in just one summer.
The flat tire that always comes when you are busy.
The dollars that never make it to the end of the month.
Some traditions however just should not be.
Sing songs of praise while looking like you ate a lemon.
Speaking blessing and curses with the same lips.
Showing up for church on Sunday, but never meeting God
And leaving as dry and lifeless as when you came in.
Knowing what your brother did wrong, but not yourself.
Quenching the Spirit, for He might not kept our time schedule
Or act in a way that we deem unbecoming.
Listening to the Word, but never hearing, never responding.
Watching the clock, and marking off your weekly time as done
While never opening the word or praying between times.
Some traditions need broken for they do not serve us.
Kathy Barnes
Copyright 5-23-09
Some traditions are joyful and exciting
The smell of gingerbread baking at Christmas.
Packages strode underneath the Christmas tree.
Dyeing Easter eggs bright colors and hiding them all around.
Cake covered with candles and ice cream for birthdays.
Something borrowed something blue.
Hitting the stores for the big sale days.
Big yellow buses starting their first running in September back to school.
Some traditions are minor and a nuance.
The return lines after the holidays.
Your favorite team is always loosing.
Politicians talking too long and taxes keep going up.
Someone is always beating you to the last piece of cake.
Vacations are never being long enough or just as planned.
There is never enough time to do it all in just one summer.
The flat tire that always comes when you are busy.
The dollars that never make it to the end of the month.
Some traditions however just should not be.
Sing songs of praise while looking like you ate a lemon.
Speaking blessing and curses with the same lips.
Showing up for church on Sunday, but never meeting God
And leaving as dry and lifeless as when you came in.
Knowing what your brother did wrong, but not yourself.
Quenching the Spirit, for He might not kept our time schedule
Or act in a way that we deem unbecoming.
Listening to the Word, but never hearing, never responding.
Watching the clock, and marking off your weekly time as done
While never opening the word or praying between times.
Some traditions need broken for they do not serve us.
Kathy Barnes
Copyright 5-23-09
Tongues
I have been taught from early days that tongues are
For those that are not quite all there,
For those that are weird and strange
For they cannot control their tongues.
They speak in languages that even they do not know,
Harsh clamming sounds that come from the Devil.
And they fall down and shake all over the place
Or run up and down the aisle like a madman
As if some great mystery has captured them
And bound their freewill and taken captive their bodies.
These tales come from those who fear the different
Those who are set in their traditions.
And sadly even some of those who speak talk as if it is not normal.
They are all lies the Devil’s spun to invoke fear
To hold people in bondage and powerless.
To a man dying of cancer
The thought of getting hands and oil on them
Seem a small price to pay for being healed. So he asks.
I had accepted Christ but saw no victory in my life.
I that believed those lie about tongues until one day
The thought of one more powerless day
One more day without joy or hope
Was more than I could take.
I realized that I did not even know what to pray
And I was missing part of His blessing.
Like the dying man, I asked for healing
And brace myself for what was to come.
Ready to be strange and peculiar if it brought relieve.
Ready to surrender every part of me to Jesus
Even my tongue and reputation.
Inside there was a stirring of my soul
A fire that set ablaze my longing for intimacy with God
The energy forced my heart to sing it praise.
Syllables came up from deep within my soul to my mouth
At first with help, and then one or two sounds on my own.
Soon words flowed to heaven on their own.
They were sweet and beautiful to my ear, a loving melody.
I did not know what they meant, I did not care, my chains were gone.
I did know the freedom that I felt,
As if a thousand pounds was lifted from my shoulders.
As praise went up the blessings came down
Peace filled my soul deep inside it core
And pushed out all fear from its hiding places.
A peace that can look at the storm as say, be still your safe.
A peace that knows without a doubt that everything will be all right.
A peace that starts at your head and flow down to your soul.
It was followed by power, not the power that I expected
For I looking for something to zap me and make miracles happen.
Instead it was a quite power, that built up faith in me.
One that said yes you can do it through Him. Get up.
You can believe and see your mountains move before you.
The joy that came was so wonderful, so sweet, so delightful.
Like the sun sings of a new and happy day and send forth it light.
Like the look on a mother the first time, she sees her child’s face.
Like that of a father that thought his child lost and dead
But now sees him running home to him.
If it had stopped there, I still would have been blessed
But I would have missed the best.
For it awoke in me the Holy Spirit.
Time and space seemed frozen for the moment
In that perfect knowledge and understanding.
I had felt God’s and Christ’s presences before
But somehow missed the person within me.
And yes I shook and trembled at that revelation
And if there had been an aisle to run, I might have.
I am still in awe of His presences inside this lowly vessel.
God has chosen to make his home in me.
So that I am never alone to face my fears
And always have someone to fight for my victory.
He is a friend closer than a brother is.
He speak quietly to my heart and mind
And teaches me how to pray and what to ask.
He tells me that whatever I need, He has it.
Tongues is an awesome wonderful gift from above,
It is quite natural if you let go of your fears.
The Holy Spirit is with you not controlling you against your will.
And you can call me crazy for wanting it,
But you are crazier if you do not and I pity you.
I know why Satan worked so hard to fan the fire of fears
For he knows that once we truly join with the Holy Spirit
He can never remove us from God
And he has lost forever his power and hold on us forever.
Kathy Barnes
Copyright 6-4-09
For those that are not quite all there,
For those that are weird and strange
For they cannot control their tongues.
They speak in languages that even they do not know,
Harsh clamming sounds that come from the Devil.
And they fall down and shake all over the place
Or run up and down the aisle like a madman
As if some great mystery has captured them
And bound their freewill and taken captive their bodies.
These tales come from those who fear the different
Those who are set in their traditions.
And sadly even some of those who speak talk as if it is not normal.
They are all lies the Devil’s spun to invoke fear
To hold people in bondage and powerless.
To a man dying of cancer
The thought of getting hands and oil on them
Seem a small price to pay for being healed. So he asks.
I had accepted Christ but saw no victory in my life.
I that believed those lie about tongues until one day
The thought of one more powerless day
One more day without joy or hope
Was more than I could take.
I realized that I did not even know what to pray
And I was missing part of His blessing.
Like the dying man, I asked for healing
And brace myself for what was to come.
Ready to be strange and peculiar if it brought relieve.
Ready to surrender every part of me to Jesus
Even my tongue and reputation.
Inside there was a stirring of my soul
A fire that set ablaze my longing for intimacy with God
The energy forced my heart to sing it praise.
Syllables came up from deep within my soul to my mouth
At first with help, and then one or two sounds on my own.
Soon words flowed to heaven on their own.
They were sweet and beautiful to my ear, a loving melody.
I did not know what they meant, I did not care, my chains were gone.
I did know the freedom that I felt,
As if a thousand pounds was lifted from my shoulders.
As praise went up the blessings came down
Peace filled my soul deep inside it core
And pushed out all fear from its hiding places.
A peace that can look at the storm as say, be still your safe.
A peace that knows without a doubt that everything will be all right.
A peace that starts at your head and flow down to your soul.
It was followed by power, not the power that I expected
For I looking for something to zap me and make miracles happen.
Instead it was a quite power, that built up faith in me.
One that said yes you can do it through Him. Get up.
You can believe and see your mountains move before you.
The joy that came was so wonderful, so sweet, so delightful.
Like the sun sings of a new and happy day and send forth it light.
Like the look on a mother the first time, she sees her child’s face.
Like that of a father that thought his child lost and dead
But now sees him running home to him.
If it had stopped there, I still would have been blessed
But I would have missed the best.
For it awoke in me the Holy Spirit.
Time and space seemed frozen for the moment
In that perfect knowledge and understanding.
I had felt God’s and Christ’s presences before
But somehow missed the person within me.
And yes I shook and trembled at that revelation
And if there had been an aisle to run, I might have.
I am still in awe of His presences inside this lowly vessel.
God has chosen to make his home in me.
So that I am never alone to face my fears
And always have someone to fight for my victory.
He is a friend closer than a brother is.
He speak quietly to my heart and mind
And teaches me how to pray and what to ask.
He tells me that whatever I need, He has it.
Tongues is an awesome wonderful gift from above,
It is quite natural if you let go of your fears.
The Holy Spirit is with you not controlling you against your will.
And you can call me crazy for wanting it,
But you are crazier if you do not and I pity you.
I know why Satan worked so hard to fan the fire of fears
For he knows that once we truly join with the Holy Spirit
He can never remove us from God
And he has lost forever his power and hold on us forever.
Kathy Barnes
Copyright 6-4-09
The Wedding Invitation
You are invited to the wedding of the century,
The weddings of all wedding.
A celebration of joy and love.
On the happiest and holiest day of days.
The bride and groom will come absolutely perfect.
Holy and a pure, waiting to become one.
Their eyes filled with love only for each other,
They have waited a long time for this day.
No bride and groom will every have been decked out is such fine array.
Have you ever seen a more beautiful couple?
Oh, It will be a sight to see. You can’t afford to miss it.
All the important people will be there.
The bride, the groom, of course,
The Father of the bride, family
Leaders from the Nations, Judges, Noble prizewinners,
Singers, Doctors, Teachers, Preachers, Bankers, Entertainers,
The well to do and the not so well do are all invited.
Absolutely everyone who is anyone will be there.
It is going to be grand, Like nothing you ever see before.
It is so big even Gabriel might show up.
Are you coming? Have you made plans?
I am going. Are You?
Do you know what you will wear?
Will you be ready? Don’t be late.
The angels of God Almighty will herald the trumpet call to come.
This time it will be God’s own son that is the groom.
Jesus Christ, himself, will arrive as the King He is.
His snow white robe covered with a flowing purple cape.
A crown of Gold upon His head.
The groom will stand while songs are sung of his praise.
Every knee will bow in respect and homage.
Stories of His greatness, faithfulness and love will be told.
Cries of Holy, Holy, Holy and blessed be his name,
Thanks for His life giving blood will be proclaimed.
Praise raised on high and too numerous to count
Will fill the heavens from one end to the other.
The angles will add their voices and instruments to the song.
Will there ever be so sweet a sound?
No ear has heard such melodies.
He has come for his beautiful bride, the church.
His precious one that he values more than death, will be complete.
The bride decked out in long robes of white, they shine so bright.
Precious stones and pearls embroidered into silk sewn from the finest seamstress.
For now she too is pure, holy, having a heart only for him.
No more will she cry, and weep,
No more will she fear death, sickness, pain or sorrow.
She will know instead, sweetness, joy uncontainable and love unsurpassed.
Her beloved has come to claim her. She will forever more sit at His side.
She will want for nothing, but to spent more time with him,
And thank him for his mercies and His perfect love.
The two will be as one again,
As was intended from the beginning.
Never again to be separated.
The promise now fulfilled.
Forever in heaven they will reign.
Blessed are You who rejoiced with them.
The King and Queen are home.
Let there soon be heard on streets of New Jerusalem the sound of joy
And the sound of gladness, the voice of the loving couple.
Let the sound of jubilation and the Kings song-filled feasts fill the air.
Music and dancing to follow for eternity in a celebration that never ends.
As he looks at his beloved, joy beyond measure radiates from his face.
And she will be wrapped for eternity in it, warmed by His undying love.
All who answer the invitation are welcome
Will you be there with me to see?
Sadly, some will not have ever known him, and will not know the way
So they can not enter into his rest.
Some will not find their name written in the guess book.
Some will we too busy to come, some will show up too late,
Some will cry “I’m ready now,” only to find there is no more time.
Some will say it cost too much, to enter.
Some will not be dressed, but still in rags never having changed for the king.
Some will claim they know him only be turn back at the door,
For they know the name, but not him.
Some will see themselves as they truly are for the first time
And be to unable to enter for they have never been forgiven and healed.
They will remain forever trapped in their sin, separated for the end of time.
The time is fast approaching. Will you be ready for your groom?
Do you look with longing for that time or do you tell Him to wait for another day?
Do you know him, as a friend, as a lover? Have you spend time with him?
Do you hang your head with shame because you have not yet cleaned yourself?
Will you be joyful to see him, or fearful?
Will your life change a little or will it be the ultimate make over?
What would you do different if you knew today is the wedding day?
What are you waiting for?
Kathy Barnes
Copyright 11-09-08
The weddings of all wedding.
A celebration of joy and love.
On the happiest and holiest day of days.
The bride and groom will come absolutely perfect.
Holy and a pure, waiting to become one.
Their eyes filled with love only for each other,
They have waited a long time for this day.
No bride and groom will every have been decked out is such fine array.
Have you ever seen a more beautiful couple?
Oh, It will be a sight to see. You can’t afford to miss it.
All the important people will be there.
The bride, the groom, of course,
The Father of the bride, family
Leaders from the Nations, Judges, Noble prizewinners,
Singers, Doctors, Teachers, Preachers, Bankers, Entertainers,
The well to do and the not so well do are all invited.
Absolutely everyone who is anyone will be there.
It is going to be grand, Like nothing you ever see before.
It is so big even Gabriel might show up.
Are you coming? Have you made plans?
I am going. Are You?
Do you know what you will wear?
Will you be ready? Don’t be late.
The angels of God Almighty will herald the trumpet call to come.
This time it will be God’s own son that is the groom.
Jesus Christ, himself, will arrive as the King He is.
His snow white robe covered with a flowing purple cape.
A crown of Gold upon His head.
The groom will stand while songs are sung of his praise.
Every knee will bow in respect and homage.
Stories of His greatness, faithfulness and love will be told.
Cries of Holy, Holy, Holy and blessed be his name,
Thanks for His life giving blood will be proclaimed.
Praise raised on high and too numerous to count
Will fill the heavens from one end to the other.
The angles will add their voices and instruments to the song.
Will there ever be so sweet a sound?
No ear has heard such melodies.
He has come for his beautiful bride, the church.
His precious one that he values more than death, will be complete.
The bride decked out in long robes of white, they shine so bright.
Precious stones and pearls embroidered into silk sewn from the finest seamstress.
For now she too is pure, holy, having a heart only for him.
No more will she cry, and weep,
No more will she fear death, sickness, pain or sorrow.
She will know instead, sweetness, joy uncontainable and love unsurpassed.
Her beloved has come to claim her. She will forever more sit at His side.
She will want for nothing, but to spent more time with him,
And thank him for his mercies and His perfect love.
The two will be as one again,
As was intended from the beginning.
Never again to be separated.
The promise now fulfilled.
Forever in heaven they will reign.
Blessed are You who rejoiced with them.
The King and Queen are home.
Let there soon be heard on streets of New Jerusalem the sound of joy
And the sound of gladness, the voice of the loving couple.
Let the sound of jubilation and the Kings song-filled feasts fill the air.
Music and dancing to follow for eternity in a celebration that never ends.
As he looks at his beloved, joy beyond measure radiates from his face.
And she will be wrapped for eternity in it, warmed by His undying love.
All who answer the invitation are welcome
Will you be there with me to see?
Sadly, some will not have ever known him, and will not know the way
So they can not enter into his rest.
Some will not find their name written in the guess book.
Some will we too busy to come, some will show up too late,
Some will cry “I’m ready now,” only to find there is no more time.
Some will say it cost too much, to enter.
Some will not be dressed, but still in rags never having changed for the king.
Some will claim they know him only be turn back at the door,
For they know the name, but not him.
Some will see themselves as they truly are for the first time
And be to unable to enter for they have never been forgiven and healed.
They will remain forever trapped in their sin, separated for the end of time.
The time is fast approaching. Will you be ready for your groom?
Do you look with longing for that time or do you tell Him to wait for another day?
Do you know him, as a friend, as a lover? Have you spend time with him?
Do you hang your head with shame because you have not yet cleaned yourself?
Will you be joyful to see him, or fearful?
Will your life change a little or will it be the ultimate make over?
What would you do different if you knew today is the wedding day?
What are you waiting for?
Kathy Barnes
Copyright 11-09-08
The Voice of God
The voice of God thunders in marvelous ways.
It does great things beyond our understanding.
By the power of it’s mighty, strong and forceful sound
The heaven exploded with the lights of a million stars.
The mountains rose from the depths of the sea at Your decree.
At Your assertion all life and mankind was created.
By Your verdict the waters fell from the heaven
And flood the Earth and then dry up again at Your command.
Your resounding anger at sinfulness was made known.
Your glory and power comes forth as thunderous rushing water
That cannot be silent by time itself to proclamation Your Holiness.
By Your strong voice, you announce this is my son
In whom I am well pleased. He is the way. Seek Him.
From the cross, it shouts it is done. Death is defeated.
The voice of God is sometime silent
When we think we need it most.
Sometimes because He want us to be still
And cease from our strife long enough
To seek His face and His hand.
Sometimes because we have sinned
And have not yet turned from it.
More often it is because the answer to the why we ask
Is beyond our minds ability to understand
For we cannot see all the universe at once
We cannot look forwards and backwards in time.
We only know the piece that we are in hurts.
It is at these times that we must trust His heart
And wait for the voice of God to return again.
The voice of God comes quietly in the stillness of the night,
A gentle whisper in the breeze to caress the heart of man.
Passionately, it speaks of undying love and forgiveness.
It melodiously sings praises to lift our soul upward
While it soothes away our murmurs and tears.
Delicately its soft voice calls to us to walk with Him in the garden again.
It embraces our mind speaking of holiness, glory and love.
As fragile as the dew of the morn the voice whispers
Stillness, calm, peace, and joy to man’s spirit of unrest.
It sighs, a soft fluttering sound of the essence of God’s character
Inviting the listener to enter into His rest and knowledge.
It talks of serenity, tranquility, and blessed hope.
It cries, be still and hear my voice and know that I am God.
Your voice is mighty and piercing as the roar of blazing fire,
Burning the souls of man to bring forth Your glory.
Which fills Your people with fear and awe.
Piercing the walls of man’s hearts and melting it.
The fire in Your voice brings with it the fear of God
And the beginning of wisdom to the simple.
The intenseness strength of it sound brings sinners to their knees.
With fear and trembling and the boldness of Christ
They come into the presences of a holy God sanctified.
Under its righteous booming roar of His voice
They fall prostrate before His love and grace.
The trumpets of the angels blare a gleeful noise
And He proclaims welcome home my child.
Kathy Barnes
Copyright 05-09-09
It does great things beyond our understanding.
By the power of it’s mighty, strong and forceful sound
The heaven exploded with the lights of a million stars.
The mountains rose from the depths of the sea at Your decree.
At Your assertion all life and mankind was created.
By Your verdict the waters fell from the heaven
And flood the Earth and then dry up again at Your command.
Your resounding anger at sinfulness was made known.
Your glory and power comes forth as thunderous rushing water
That cannot be silent by time itself to proclamation Your Holiness.
By Your strong voice, you announce this is my son
In whom I am well pleased. He is the way. Seek Him.
From the cross, it shouts it is done. Death is defeated.
The voice of God is sometime silent
When we think we need it most.
Sometimes because He want us to be still
And cease from our strife long enough
To seek His face and His hand.
Sometimes because we have sinned
And have not yet turned from it.
More often it is because the answer to the why we ask
Is beyond our minds ability to understand
For we cannot see all the universe at once
We cannot look forwards and backwards in time.
We only know the piece that we are in hurts.
It is at these times that we must trust His heart
And wait for the voice of God to return again.
The voice of God comes quietly in the stillness of the night,
A gentle whisper in the breeze to caress the heart of man.
Passionately, it speaks of undying love and forgiveness.
It melodiously sings praises to lift our soul upward
While it soothes away our murmurs and tears.
Delicately its soft voice calls to us to walk with Him in the garden again.
It embraces our mind speaking of holiness, glory and love.
As fragile as the dew of the morn the voice whispers
Stillness, calm, peace, and joy to man’s spirit of unrest.
It sighs, a soft fluttering sound of the essence of God’s character
Inviting the listener to enter into His rest and knowledge.
It talks of serenity, tranquility, and blessed hope.
It cries, be still and hear my voice and know that I am God.
Your voice is mighty and piercing as the roar of blazing fire,
Burning the souls of man to bring forth Your glory.
Which fills Your people with fear and awe.
Piercing the walls of man’s hearts and melting it.
The fire in Your voice brings with it the fear of God
And the beginning of wisdom to the simple.
The intenseness strength of it sound brings sinners to their knees.
With fear and trembling and the boldness of Christ
They come into the presences of a holy God sanctified.
Under its righteous booming roar of His voice
They fall prostrate before His love and grace.
The trumpets of the angels blare a gleeful noise
And He proclaims welcome home my child.
Kathy Barnes
Copyright 05-09-09
The Tongue
This is one of the tiny parts of the body
Yet this is one of the most significant.
Its power is enormous and impressive.
Such a diminutive part holds such immense might.
It is used at times devastatingly to tear down
Whatever is in its path like a hurricane’s fury.
We often use it without thinking before we speak.
What comes out is angry, harmful, hateful words,
Or discouraging, belittling, and disparaging words
Amid inward at ourselves and outward toward others.
Both can inflict more pain and damage
In a few seconds than lifetime can repair.
We curse ourselves by speaking of failures
Those of the past and future
For our words, keep us captive from present success.
We speak our fears into existence
When we let an uncontrolled mind run free
Filled with worry and doubts of what might happen.
The tongue can start an insatiable wild fire that cannot be contained
Or taken back once gossip has spew out our mouth.
Gossip consumes it victims gluttonously and yearn for more.
Often starting backfires that are just as ravenous and unquenchable.
The tongue may be forked and speak lies forth as truth
And deceives the foolish into following in it folly.
We often listen and believe our own lies.
The tongue encourages those that lack wisdom and understanding
To lie in bed with the sinful and wicked temptress of evil.
It can be used to take in vain the name of the Most High God.
The tongue is sometime used wisely.
It can easily be a great blessing to another.
When it is used to build up someone’s esteem
Encouraging them to be all that they can be.
To stand and boldly say, “Yes I can.”
It can articulate the love within our hearts for another
Let them know that they are important and not alone.
It conveys to them the worth that we see in them.
When used with love the tongue can mend a thousand fences
Restoring relationships and covering up offenses.
The right words have the power to heal the heart
And calm tempers back down from boiling.
It can speak joy, hope, and possibilities into our minds
And set us up to expect success and victory.
It can address the wisdom of the ages
And bring understand to the simple minded.
The tongue can speak forth the miracles of healing and life.
It can tell other bold of God’s love for them
And how Christ died to save them from sin.
It can stand up for what is good and right.
It can speak for those that have no voice.
It can be employed to praise our Maker and Creator
Thanking Him for all that, He has done for us
And offering up song of joy and celebration.
Sometimes the tongue’s best use is to be silent.
Otherwise, pride would speak and injure another.
The condemnation of another is best left unsaid.
Me, myself and I is wisely left unvoiced.
Voiceless fault finding and criticisms is more desirable
Than speaking curses on others or ourselves.
It is better to be quiet than speak of things
That the brain has not yet processed through
And only believe that is correct as facts.
He that controls his tongue
And not let it control his actions
Is the wisest and most powerful of men.
Kathy Barnes
Copyright 7-6-09
Yet this is one of the most significant.
Its power is enormous and impressive.
Such a diminutive part holds such immense might.
It is used at times devastatingly to tear down
Whatever is in its path like a hurricane’s fury.
We often use it without thinking before we speak.
What comes out is angry, harmful, hateful words,
Or discouraging, belittling, and disparaging words
Amid inward at ourselves and outward toward others.
Both can inflict more pain and damage
In a few seconds than lifetime can repair.
We curse ourselves by speaking of failures
Those of the past and future
For our words, keep us captive from present success.
We speak our fears into existence
When we let an uncontrolled mind run free
Filled with worry and doubts of what might happen.
The tongue can start an insatiable wild fire that cannot be contained
Or taken back once gossip has spew out our mouth.
Gossip consumes it victims gluttonously and yearn for more.
Often starting backfires that are just as ravenous and unquenchable.
The tongue may be forked and speak lies forth as truth
And deceives the foolish into following in it folly.
We often listen and believe our own lies.
The tongue encourages those that lack wisdom and understanding
To lie in bed with the sinful and wicked temptress of evil.
It can be used to take in vain the name of the Most High God.
The tongue is sometime used wisely.
It can easily be a great blessing to another.
When it is used to build up someone’s esteem
Encouraging them to be all that they can be.
To stand and boldly say, “Yes I can.”
It can articulate the love within our hearts for another
Let them know that they are important and not alone.
It conveys to them the worth that we see in them.
When used with love the tongue can mend a thousand fences
Restoring relationships and covering up offenses.
The right words have the power to heal the heart
And calm tempers back down from boiling.
It can speak joy, hope, and possibilities into our minds
And set us up to expect success and victory.
It can address the wisdom of the ages
And bring understand to the simple minded.
The tongue can speak forth the miracles of healing and life.
It can tell other bold of God’s love for them
And how Christ died to save them from sin.
It can stand up for what is good and right.
It can speak for those that have no voice.
It can be employed to praise our Maker and Creator
Thanking Him for all that, He has done for us
And offering up song of joy and celebration.
Sometimes the tongue’s best use is to be silent.
Otherwise, pride would speak and injure another.
The condemnation of another is best left unsaid.
Me, myself and I is wisely left unvoiced.
Voiceless fault finding and criticisms is more desirable
Than speaking curses on others or ourselves.
It is better to be quiet than speak of things
That the brain has not yet processed through
And only believe that is correct as facts.
He that controls his tongue
And not let it control his actions
Is the wisest and most powerful of men.
Kathy Barnes
Copyright 7-6-09
The Sun Come Up
The Sun Comes Up And The Sun Goes Down
The sun comes up and the sun goes down on yet another day
I have ran the whole day from one place to another
So much to accomplish, so much to do,
As I try to deal with the daily crises on my own.
I strive to get everything done at work that must be done, and fail.
Then cook and clean and feed the animals.
I hug the family; say I love you, while going through the motions,
Not truly see their needs, so caught up in my own.
Exhausted I slip into bed and hope for sleep release.
I toss and turn not able to release my cares, my fears or my pain.
My heart cries out and speaks of loneliness,
It complain that the hole in it is growing,
Slowly devouring it piece by piece, one section at a time dying.
It screams at me that you are not living just existing.
Can’t you see you are at death door? I turn up the TV.
I drag myself out of bed and say “What for? Why is life so hard?”
I grab a liquid breakfast of caffeine and running out the door reluctantly admit that I am already defeated, the battles lost.
The sun comes up and the sun goes down on yet another day.
In the still of the morning sun, I take a moment to be still and listen.
I take the time to thank God for the beauty I see around me
The breath He has given me today, His strength and power.
I have so much to do today I can’t possible get it done without Him.
I need His wisdom, for I don’t know how to best handle the daily trials.
The day flies by and I don’t understand how the mountain of errands get accomplished but some how they do. Why did they seem so big?
I look around and see others that need hugged and lifted up.
I am so full of love it is easy to give some of it away.
I don’t have to be afraid that somehow I be shorted.
My needs are meet, so I can afford meet others needs.
I turn off the TV and my thoughts reflect upon the day.
I am reminded that I am never alone. God has surely blessed me.
I am in awe of His love, and my heart explodes joy.
I crawl into bed as I lay the cares and burdens of the day down and drift into sweet sleep.
Refreshed I wake, ready to master another day, to be victorious.
Any fool can tell which day to choose, what gives the best results.
More days that I care to admit, he is wiser than I am.
Some times, I get so lost chasing what is good; I fail to ask what is best.
The gods of money, honor, power, belongings, time and family draw my eye away from Him.
My fears boisterously speak what the heart does not truly believe.
My pride speaks and says I can do it. No need to bother the Master.
I have the resources and wisdom to deal this problem, I don’t require help. Someone may think me weak if I ask for help.
Worst some days this broken earthen vessels longs to be equal to it Maker. Declaring that it know best, it fruitlessly strives to be perfect.
If I am not in control of everything, then I stand a chance of being hurt.
If people could see the real, me then they would all turn away. I can’t let anyone close especially God.
Some days I am so caught up in myself that I can think of no one else.
I turn my back to the cross, to it cost, to God’s love.
Just like a spoil rebellious child, I demand my own way.
Loving Father that He is, He let me choose my day
When I hurt enough cry out to Him to rescue me, He is there waiting.
He is quick to forgive, to restore, and to lovingly call me home once more.
But as I draw closer to Him, slowly changing into His likeness, I see glimpses of His heart and it breaks mine for I can see the pain I cause.
How many tears have I made you shed? How many times have I ripped Your heart into pieces? Way too many times, Lord. One would be too much.
The sun comes up and the sun goes down on yet another day.
I start again and pray for the sense to choose wisely,
Not just to avoid my pain if I do not, but because I love You.
I may fail another day, but I will always come back to You for You have love me when I was unlovable, lost in sin.
Without You I am hopeless, Without You nothing else matters, life is pointless, not worth living, full on only pain.
Without You there is only death and a pit of fire.
I can think of nothing worst than to be forever cut off from You love,
Never to be able to see Your face.
I long for the day You come back for Your bride, and I can be perfected.
I will enter into your banquet feast and spend forever basking in Your glory. Oh, to be able to live daily in Your presences.
A thousand years is not enough time to sing praise to Your name or begin to thank You for all You have done for me. Do not tarry come quickly my King, my Lord, my Husband for I look eagerly for Your return.
Kathy Barnes
Copyright 09-04-08
The sun comes up and the sun goes down on yet another day
I have ran the whole day from one place to another
So much to accomplish, so much to do,
As I try to deal with the daily crises on my own.
I strive to get everything done at work that must be done, and fail.
Then cook and clean and feed the animals.
I hug the family; say I love you, while going through the motions,
Not truly see their needs, so caught up in my own.
Exhausted I slip into bed and hope for sleep release.
I toss and turn not able to release my cares, my fears or my pain.
My heart cries out and speaks of loneliness,
It complain that the hole in it is growing,
Slowly devouring it piece by piece, one section at a time dying.
It screams at me that you are not living just existing.
Can’t you see you are at death door? I turn up the TV.
I drag myself out of bed and say “What for? Why is life so hard?”
I grab a liquid breakfast of caffeine and running out the door reluctantly admit that I am already defeated, the battles lost.
The sun comes up and the sun goes down on yet another day.
In the still of the morning sun, I take a moment to be still and listen.
I take the time to thank God for the beauty I see around me
The breath He has given me today, His strength and power.
I have so much to do today I can’t possible get it done without Him.
I need His wisdom, for I don’t know how to best handle the daily trials.
The day flies by and I don’t understand how the mountain of errands get accomplished but some how they do. Why did they seem so big?
I look around and see others that need hugged and lifted up.
I am so full of love it is easy to give some of it away.
I don’t have to be afraid that somehow I be shorted.
My needs are meet, so I can afford meet others needs.
I turn off the TV and my thoughts reflect upon the day.
I am reminded that I am never alone. God has surely blessed me.
I am in awe of His love, and my heart explodes joy.
I crawl into bed as I lay the cares and burdens of the day down and drift into sweet sleep.
Refreshed I wake, ready to master another day, to be victorious.
Any fool can tell which day to choose, what gives the best results.
More days that I care to admit, he is wiser than I am.
Some times, I get so lost chasing what is good; I fail to ask what is best.
The gods of money, honor, power, belongings, time and family draw my eye away from Him.
My fears boisterously speak what the heart does not truly believe.
My pride speaks and says I can do it. No need to bother the Master.
I have the resources and wisdom to deal this problem, I don’t require help. Someone may think me weak if I ask for help.
Worst some days this broken earthen vessels longs to be equal to it Maker. Declaring that it know best, it fruitlessly strives to be perfect.
If I am not in control of everything, then I stand a chance of being hurt.
If people could see the real, me then they would all turn away. I can’t let anyone close especially God.
Some days I am so caught up in myself that I can think of no one else.
I turn my back to the cross, to it cost, to God’s love.
Just like a spoil rebellious child, I demand my own way.
Loving Father that He is, He let me choose my day
When I hurt enough cry out to Him to rescue me, He is there waiting.
He is quick to forgive, to restore, and to lovingly call me home once more.
But as I draw closer to Him, slowly changing into His likeness, I see glimpses of His heart and it breaks mine for I can see the pain I cause.
How many tears have I made you shed? How many times have I ripped Your heart into pieces? Way too many times, Lord. One would be too much.
The sun comes up and the sun goes down on yet another day.
I start again and pray for the sense to choose wisely,
Not just to avoid my pain if I do not, but because I love You.
I may fail another day, but I will always come back to You for You have love me when I was unlovable, lost in sin.
Without You I am hopeless, Without You nothing else matters, life is pointless, not worth living, full on only pain.
Without You there is only death and a pit of fire.
I can think of nothing worst than to be forever cut off from You love,
Never to be able to see Your face.
I long for the day You come back for Your bride, and I can be perfected.
I will enter into your banquet feast and spend forever basking in Your glory. Oh, to be able to live daily in Your presences.
A thousand years is not enough time to sing praise to Your name or begin to thank You for all You have done for me. Do not tarry come quickly my King, my Lord, my Husband for I look eagerly for Your return.
Kathy Barnes
Copyright 09-04-08
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Spiritual Gifts
Commandments of Jesus Christ
Given by Him to Believers
That We Should be Following
Concerning Spiritual Gifts and Witness.
Luke 24:49
And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.
Matthew 28:19-20
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
Matthew 9:37-38
The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore, beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His Harvest.
Matthew 10:7-8
And as you go, preach, saying The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons; freely you received, freely give.
Mark 16:17-18
And these signs will accompany those who have believed in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it shall not hurt them; they will lay hand on the sick, and they will recover.
Matthew 25:35-36, 40
For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me: I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me. … Truly, I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.
Mark 6:7, 12-13 Luke 9:1-2
And He summoned the twelve and began to send them out in pairs; and He was giving them authority over the unclean spirits. … And they were casting out many demons and were anointing with oil many sick people and healing them.
Mark 9:39-40
But Jesus said, Do not hinder him, for there is no one who shall perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me. For he who is not against us is for us.
John 14:12-13
Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do: because I go to the Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
Matthew 18:18-20
Truly I say to you whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in my name, there I am in their midst.
Other Promises of God
About Spirit Gifts
Joel 2:28-32 Acts 2:17
And it shall be in the last days, God says, that I will pour forth of My Spirit upon all mankind And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Even upon My bond slaves, both men and women I will in those days pour forth of My Spirit and they shall prophesy.
1 Corinthian 12:7-11
But to each one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.
1 Corinthians 12:28
And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second, prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues.
Romans 12:6-10
And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us let each exercise them accordingly; if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith, if service, in his serving, or he who teaches, in his teaching, or he who exhorts, in his exhortation, he who gives, with liberality, he who leads, with diligence, he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor evil, cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love, give preference to one another in honor.
1 Corinthians 14:1, 3
Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation.
1 Corinthians 14:39-40
Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues. But let all things be done properly and in an orderly manner.
Romans 11:29
For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.
2 Timothy 1:6-7
And for this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of hands For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.
Are we doing all that He has told us? Are we crying out for more of His Spirit? Are we asking for Miracles and Wonders? Are we looking for them? Are we willing to get out of our comfort zone? Are we willing to be rejected or thought a fool? Are we concerned about the lost? Do we love only with words, or do our actions betray our hearts? Are we looking forward to His return? Are we prepared for it?
Given by Him to Believers
That We Should be Following
Concerning Spiritual Gifts and Witness.
Luke 24:49
And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.
Matthew 28:19-20
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
Matthew 9:37-38
The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore, beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His Harvest.
Matthew 10:7-8
And as you go, preach, saying The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons; freely you received, freely give.
Mark 16:17-18
And these signs will accompany those who have believed in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it shall not hurt them; they will lay hand on the sick, and they will recover.
Matthew 25:35-36, 40
For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me: I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me. … Truly, I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.
Mark 6:7, 12-13 Luke 9:1-2
And He summoned the twelve and began to send them out in pairs; and He was giving them authority over the unclean spirits. … And they were casting out many demons and were anointing with oil many sick people and healing them.
Mark 9:39-40
But Jesus said, Do not hinder him, for there is no one who shall perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me. For he who is not against us is for us.
John 14:12-13
Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do: because I go to the Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
Matthew 18:18-20
Truly I say to you whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in my name, there I am in their midst.
Other Promises of God
About Spirit Gifts
Joel 2:28-32 Acts 2:17
And it shall be in the last days, God says, that I will pour forth of My Spirit upon all mankind And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Even upon My bond slaves, both men and women I will in those days pour forth of My Spirit and they shall prophesy.
1 Corinthian 12:7-11
But to each one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.
1 Corinthians 12:28
And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second, prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues.
Romans 12:6-10
And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us let each exercise them accordingly; if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith, if service, in his serving, or he who teaches, in his teaching, or he who exhorts, in his exhortation, he who gives, with liberality, he who leads, with diligence, he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor evil, cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love, give preference to one another in honor.
1 Corinthians 14:1, 3
Pursue love, yet desire earnestly spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation.
1 Corinthians 14:39-40
Therefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak in tongues. But let all things be done properly and in an orderly manner.
Romans 11:29
For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.
2 Timothy 1:6-7
And for this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of hands For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.
Are we doing all that He has told us? Are we crying out for more of His Spirit? Are we asking for Miracles and Wonders? Are we looking for them? Are we willing to get out of our comfort zone? Are we willing to be rejected or thought a fool? Are we concerned about the lost? Do we love only with words, or do our actions betray our hearts? Are we looking forward to His return? Are we prepared for it?
Send the Rain
Dust blows across a desert land, longing for Your precious rain.
The ground is dry and parched, yearning for Your Word to melt hearts.
The soil is scorched and blistering hungering for Your truth and wisdom.
The plants are wilting and dying, craving Your Spirit presences.
The seed has sent forth it roots, but it cannot grow and flourish
Underneath the oppressive, dry winds of traditions and rituals.
In blazing boiling hot sun of apathy, it cannot produce.
It need the present of the Creator of all things.
Lord send, yet again fresh rains of hope and joy
To move across the land with it healing power
And restore the gift of life to its sickly dying vegetation.
Free us from death grip on our cold uncaring hearts.
Allow the seed that has been planted, bring forth their fruit abundantly.
Permit the harvester once again reap the bounty of the land.
Let the living water burst forth and let the miracles of life abounds
Sending out new and tender shoots to claim once again this land.
From the rocks of this sizzling bareness, give the drink of life once more
To quench the thirsty creatures within it infertile domain.
Once again, allow your praises will be sung in joyful jubilee.
The inhabitance of the land to dance in celebration
Hands clapping, arm outspreaded in praise, tongues speaking.
Cause Your creation to know how great and sweet Your goodness is.
Rain down Your mercies and blessing upon us once again.
Do not forbid Your Holy Spirit to revive us once more
Or we will return to the dust from which we were formed
Incapable of birthing new life into Your kingdom
Or giving glory to Your Holy name.
Kathy Barnes
Copyright 5-20-09
The ground is dry and parched, yearning for Your Word to melt hearts.
The soil is scorched and blistering hungering for Your truth and wisdom.
The plants are wilting and dying, craving Your Spirit presences.
The seed has sent forth it roots, but it cannot grow and flourish
Underneath the oppressive, dry winds of traditions and rituals.
In blazing boiling hot sun of apathy, it cannot produce.
It need the present of the Creator of all things.
Lord send, yet again fresh rains of hope and joy
To move across the land with it healing power
And restore the gift of life to its sickly dying vegetation.
Free us from death grip on our cold uncaring hearts.
Allow the seed that has been planted, bring forth their fruit abundantly.
Permit the harvester once again reap the bounty of the land.
Let the living water burst forth and let the miracles of life abounds
Sending out new and tender shoots to claim once again this land.
From the rocks of this sizzling bareness, give the drink of life once more
To quench the thirsty creatures within it infertile domain.
Once again, allow your praises will be sung in joyful jubilee.
The inhabitance of the land to dance in celebration
Hands clapping, arm outspreaded in praise, tongues speaking.
Cause Your creation to know how great and sweet Your goodness is.
Rain down Your mercies and blessing upon us once again.
Do not forbid Your Holy Spirit to revive us once more
Or we will return to the dust from which we were formed
Incapable of birthing new life into Your kingdom
Or giving glory to Your Holy name.
Kathy Barnes
Copyright 5-20-09
Remove the Veil
Lord, I want, no I need You to remove the veil from before my eyes. The things of this world are too real and the things that are true are too distant for me to see. I can no longer be content to accept anything less that all of You in my life and heart. Fill every part of me until there is no more of myself in me. I need You to be the Lord and Master of my life that God intended You to be.
There have been places in my life that I known beyond all doubt that You were there. Your existence caused the very ground to sing Your praise. Peace, Love, and Joy shone brightly from every surface. The wonder, amazement, and astonishment of Your glory and holiness is more than I can grasp. My body trembled and fell in fear from Your presences unable to stand before a mighty and powerful God. My life was never again the same because I had been with You and there was no doubt that I had been touch by You.
There have been times where time itself frozen. I prayed for hours yet it seems but seconds for I was so lost in Your thoughts and dreams that the troubles of this world were not real. There have been times when a single moment of joy lasted a lifetime and I have not wanted to return to this world of troubles and trails below.
There have been times when I have known who I am; a child of the King blessed beyond all imagination, a sinner forgiven and cleansed, a slave, a holy and righteous priest, a might soldier ready for battle, and a victorious general. There have been times when I have run in to my Daddy arm’s crying Abba and known just how much that I am love, wanted and valued. There have been times when I am aware just what my inheritance is and who my Father is. There have been times when I was fully aware that God lives inside me and filled with wonder and awe that He would choose me to be His temple. Why I don’t understand nor can I explain.
There have been times when I have been able to stand in Your power, strength and authority receiving all that You have for me. There have been times when I have had enough faith to move mountains of disease and infirmity. Because I had been with You and in You I could lay hands on the sick and they would recover. Just as I have seen You do, I could speak to pain, cancer, disease and tell it to flee. I could command body parts to function once again. I could say to mountains of unforgiveness, and broken relationship be wiped away. Sometimes I could speak to mountain of pain, sorrow and hurt; and demand that the soul be healed and comforted. I could tell mountains of fear, debt and poverty that they too much go.
There have been times when I could take up the name of Jesus and demand that Satan flee refusing to listen to Satan’s lies, doubts and fear. There have been times when I could say to the curses of disease, addictions, drugs, alcohol, poverty, failures, failed relationships and hopelessness that they are broken. I have declared that its prisoners have been washed and covered by the blood and demand that the demons set them free. There have been times when I have the courage to stand toe to toe with Satan and said, “No this is my child, my father, my brother, my friend and I claim them for the Lord. You cannot touch their hearts, their minds, or hinder God’s call to repent.”
There have been times when I have answer the call, fallen to my knees, and dressed for battle ready to raise the dead. Times when I have bold proclaimed this is my nation, my courts, my leaders, my school, my city, my church and God’s people. I call them back to life. There have been times when I have said to death enough. Aids, drugs, sickness, broken homes, hunger, murder, crime and sin have claimed their share of victims it is time you give up your hold. There have been times when I could no long bear the empty pews, the white wash tombs that sit joylessly out of tradition on Sunday morn and pleaded for hearts to melt, that they find a living God and they awake from death’s grip. There have been times that I have shed tears for those that are lost and don’t even know that they are dying.
There have been times that I said I don’t care what man thinks I will stand for God. Even if man laughs or reject me, I will tell the world of You. I will praise and worship Jesus Christ with songs of joy and thanksgiving even when I hurt for you are faithful to do all You have promised. I will smile and be happy for You are good, merciful, and kind. I will shout, clap and sing for You have blessed me with a future and a hope. I will lift my hands high, jump for joy, and dance in His presences for He has made me righteous. I will say Amen, bow my knee, and fall prostrate at the cross for you have saved my soul and given me life. I will welcome all His gifts for His desire is only to bless me. I will serve even if no one see or knows for He will see. I will give my money, my time, my dreams and my talents for He deserves no less. Even if I am thought a fool or don’t see how to do what He has asked, still I will step out in faith and try.
There have been times when I have said enough pain, sorrow, and rebellion. I have tried my way it doesn’t work and leads only to death. I don’t care what the cost I can no long live like this. Sometime that means I simple say take it, for I do not know how to give it up. But I need a savior and I surrender all to His call. I don’t care what people think or don’t. I don’t care if no one else comes, but I must. I cannot stand to have only parts of the word, parts of truth, parts of Your Spirit. I need all of You. So lift the veil from my eyes that I may clearly see Your face. I cannot live with some of the time anymore. My heart cries out to be filled with all of You, all of the time in all Your fullness. My soul cannot be happy until it reflect Your image, and Your glory. Rest on me Your hand of blessing and let Your love permeate my being until You bring me home again.
Kathy Barnes
Copyright 7-28-09
There have been places in my life that I known beyond all doubt that You were there. Your existence caused the very ground to sing Your praise. Peace, Love, and Joy shone brightly from every surface. The wonder, amazement, and astonishment of Your glory and holiness is more than I can grasp. My body trembled and fell in fear from Your presences unable to stand before a mighty and powerful God. My life was never again the same because I had been with You and there was no doubt that I had been touch by You.
There have been times where time itself frozen. I prayed for hours yet it seems but seconds for I was so lost in Your thoughts and dreams that the troubles of this world were not real. There have been times when a single moment of joy lasted a lifetime and I have not wanted to return to this world of troubles and trails below.
There have been times when I have known who I am; a child of the King blessed beyond all imagination, a sinner forgiven and cleansed, a slave, a holy and righteous priest, a might soldier ready for battle, and a victorious general. There have been times when I have run in to my Daddy arm’s crying Abba and known just how much that I am love, wanted and valued. There have been times when I am aware just what my inheritance is and who my Father is. There have been times when I was fully aware that God lives inside me and filled with wonder and awe that He would choose me to be His temple. Why I don’t understand nor can I explain.
There have been times when I have been able to stand in Your power, strength and authority receiving all that You have for me. There have been times when I have had enough faith to move mountains of disease and infirmity. Because I had been with You and in You I could lay hands on the sick and they would recover. Just as I have seen You do, I could speak to pain, cancer, disease and tell it to flee. I could command body parts to function once again. I could say to mountains of unforgiveness, and broken relationship be wiped away. Sometimes I could speak to mountain of pain, sorrow and hurt; and demand that the soul be healed and comforted. I could tell mountains of fear, debt and poverty that they too much go.
There have been times when I could take up the name of Jesus and demand that Satan flee refusing to listen to Satan’s lies, doubts and fear. There have been times when I could say to the curses of disease, addictions, drugs, alcohol, poverty, failures, failed relationships and hopelessness that they are broken. I have declared that its prisoners have been washed and covered by the blood and demand that the demons set them free. There have been times when I have the courage to stand toe to toe with Satan and said, “No this is my child, my father, my brother, my friend and I claim them for the Lord. You cannot touch their hearts, their minds, or hinder God’s call to repent.”
There have been times when I have answer the call, fallen to my knees, and dressed for battle ready to raise the dead. Times when I have bold proclaimed this is my nation, my courts, my leaders, my school, my city, my church and God’s people. I call them back to life. There have been times when I have said to death enough. Aids, drugs, sickness, broken homes, hunger, murder, crime and sin have claimed their share of victims it is time you give up your hold. There have been times when I could no long bear the empty pews, the white wash tombs that sit joylessly out of tradition on Sunday morn and pleaded for hearts to melt, that they find a living God and they awake from death’s grip. There have been times that I have shed tears for those that are lost and don’t even know that they are dying.
There have been times that I said I don’t care what man thinks I will stand for God. Even if man laughs or reject me, I will tell the world of You. I will praise and worship Jesus Christ with songs of joy and thanksgiving even when I hurt for you are faithful to do all You have promised. I will smile and be happy for You are good, merciful, and kind. I will shout, clap and sing for You have blessed me with a future and a hope. I will lift my hands high, jump for joy, and dance in His presences for He has made me righteous. I will say Amen, bow my knee, and fall prostrate at the cross for you have saved my soul and given me life. I will welcome all His gifts for His desire is only to bless me. I will serve even if no one see or knows for He will see. I will give my money, my time, my dreams and my talents for He deserves no less. Even if I am thought a fool or don’t see how to do what He has asked, still I will step out in faith and try.
There have been times when I have said enough pain, sorrow, and rebellion. I have tried my way it doesn’t work and leads only to death. I don’t care what the cost I can no long live like this. Sometime that means I simple say take it, for I do not know how to give it up. But I need a savior and I surrender all to His call. I don’t care what people think or don’t. I don’t care if no one else comes, but I must. I cannot stand to have only parts of the word, parts of truth, parts of Your Spirit. I need all of You. So lift the veil from my eyes that I may clearly see Your face. I cannot live with some of the time anymore. My heart cries out to be filled with all of You, all of the time in all Your fullness. My soul cannot be happy until it reflect Your image, and Your glory. Rest on me Your hand of blessing and let Your love permeate my being until You bring me home again.
Kathy Barnes
Copyright 7-28-09
My Love, My Groom
I eagerly await You, my love.
Come close to me and lie down with me,
I long for You to be the first thing I see in the morning
And the last thing I see at night and every moment in between
For I cannot live without Your presences.
You are my life, my hope, my future.
My sweet, fill even my dreams with Your desires.
Your will and mine will be united as one.
Cause our bodies to be as one undistinguishable.
I do not want to know where one of us starts and the other stops.
Put Your mighty strong arms around me so tight
That if death and hell came against You
I know that You would never let me go.
Let my head rest upon your chest.
I want to hear your heartbeat.
I want to feel the passion that beats in it.
It heals my every wound and restores my soul.
It causes my heart to skip with joy and gladness.
Cause me to know the depth of Your love deep within my soul.
Let our hearts embrace in glorious praise.
I want to feel your breath on me
For You give life to me.
Caress me gently my groom.
Forgive my faults.
Your hands of compassion, they comfort me.
They are strong as an ox, yet soft as a dove.
From them flow goodness and blessing unsurpassed.
I want to look into your face
And see the joy, love and glory that shine from it.
Its light sets my soul ablaze with fire.
Let me look into Your eyes of love
That are deeper that the ocean
Wider that the heaven.
Eyes that tell me that I am prized
That I am desirable to my Lord.
May I be forever pleasing to Him.
Smile at me and let the ecstasy of Your glory fill my being.
For I wish to bring You pleasure and reflect Your holiness.
Tenderly kiss my lips with Your, sweeter than honey
And tell me that you love me enough even to die for me.
Whisper into my ear Your hopes and dreams
For I desire that they be mine also.
The words of life You speak, bring peace my troubled mind.
Let me be still and rest in Your pasture
Basking in Your loving-kindness and mercies.
I want to drink in all of you.
So that every part of me is filled to overflowing.
It is not enough that other have told me of your greatness
I must know for myself it splendor and grandeur
Its wisdom and its glory.
I devote my life to seeking all there is of You.
With all my heart with all my mind and soul until time itself ends
I will declare my love of You.
For I will never get enough of You, my King.
Christ come quickly for Your bride excitedly awaits You.
Kathy Barnes
Copyright 5-19-09
Come close to me and lie down with me,
I long for You to be the first thing I see in the morning
And the last thing I see at night and every moment in between
For I cannot live without Your presences.
You are my life, my hope, my future.
My sweet, fill even my dreams with Your desires.
Your will and mine will be united as one.
Cause our bodies to be as one undistinguishable.
I do not want to know where one of us starts and the other stops.
Put Your mighty strong arms around me so tight
That if death and hell came against You
I know that You would never let me go.
Let my head rest upon your chest.
I want to hear your heartbeat.
I want to feel the passion that beats in it.
It heals my every wound and restores my soul.
It causes my heart to skip with joy and gladness.
Cause me to know the depth of Your love deep within my soul.
Let our hearts embrace in glorious praise.
I want to feel your breath on me
For You give life to me.
Caress me gently my groom.
Forgive my faults.
Your hands of compassion, they comfort me.
They are strong as an ox, yet soft as a dove.
From them flow goodness and blessing unsurpassed.
I want to look into your face
And see the joy, love and glory that shine from it.
Its light sets my soul ablaze with fire.
Let me look into Your eyes of love
That are deeper that the ocean
Wider that the heaven.
Eyes that tell me that I am prized
That I am desirable to my Lord.
May I be forever pleasing to Him.
Smile at me and let the ecstasy of Your glory fill my being.
For I wish to bring You pleasure and reflect Your holiness.
Tenderly kiss my lips with Your, sweeter than honey
And tell me that you love me enough even to die for me.
Whisper into my ear Your hopes and dreams
For I desire that they be mine also.
The words of life You speak, bring peace my troubled mind.
Let me be still and rest in Your pasture
Basking in Your loving-kindness and mercies.
I want to drink in all of you.
So that every part of me is filled to overflowing.
It is not enough that other have told me of your greatness
I must know for myself it splendor and grandeur
Its wisdom and its glory.
I devote my life to seeking all there is of You.
With all my heart with all my mind and soul until time itself ends
I will declare my love of You.
For I will never get enough of You, my King.
Christ come quickly for Your bride excitedly awaits You.
Kathy Barnes
Copyright 5-19-09
My Father
When I was born, my Father held me in his hand and looked at me with eyes of love. He saw a small image of himself and said it is good. He saw a hope and future and He gloried in my life. With His other hand, he blessed me and proclaimed me a prince. Oh, the things that we would do together when I was big and strong like Him. What a proud Daddy, He was.
When I was still a babe, He rocked me in his mighty arms. I was never safer than when I was resting in them. He placed me on His chest so I could hear the beat of His heart. Words of wisdom and life He spoke to me, and sang of joys to come. I learn to hear is voice and my face would light up just at its sound. He would kiss my face and I would fall asleep in sweet, sweet peace.
When I was a child, He would call my name and I would come running. I would jump in Daddy’s arms and hug His neck tightly. I knew without a doubt that I was loved and the apple of His eye. I was spoil rotten. It was His delight to bring me new and wonderful gifts each day. I could not wait to see how I would be blessed today. Would He show me a lovely rainbow or take me hear a cricket’s serenade? I would sit in His lap and He would tell me the most wonder stories; how the world was made, the names each of the stars, and how one day everything I saw would be mine to rule. We would go for long walk in the cool of the garden breeze and He taught me the names of everything, and told me the ways of life. His hands and heart were always so gentle and kind. When I stumbled, He would catch me and set my foot back on firm ground. He would kiss my bumps and bruise and they would instantly be healed. If I looked into His eyes, I believed that I could walk on water, because He did.
When I became a teenager, I started listening to my own heart. I did not seek to please Him now, but my own selfish desires. I did not run to his voice, but sought to silent it. I half did what I was told and grumble at having to do that. I rebelled and said I know it all. You have nothing left to teach me. I know better than You what is in my best interest. I want it my way and I want it now. You cannot stop me and I don’t need You anymore. I don’t want Your love and I ran away.
At first, it was fun having no one to tell me what I could and couldn’t do. There were many willing souls to help me spend my time and money. I was free to do all the things that once were forbidden. Then one day I started to notice that the pleasures I treasured were not half as pleasing as one walk in the garden. It was only after they exacted their told of pain and destruction did I understand why they were forbidden. My friends’ advice was not as good as my Fathers. It was only dragging me down into a bottomless pit. I slowly realized that He knew more than I thought. I became sick and weak and there was no one there to comfort me or heal me. I tried to lean on my friends, but they had disappeared, as had all my possessions. No one loved me. As I lay dying, I remember my Father and my heart broke. I regretted all the things I had said and done. I prayed a silent pray if only I could go home for one last time, then I close my eyes to sleep and its temporary escapes for pain.
When I awoke, I thought that I was dreaming for I saw my Daddy’s face, his hand reached down to me and He said, “Get up it time to come home.” My heart song once more for joy, I was going home. Not once did He condemn or belittle me. He never said, “I told you so, you should have listened to me, you got what you deserved ungrateful child.” My wounds He bound and He carried me back home. Once again, He called me His pride and joy. All was forgiven as if nothing ever happen. He was still my Father and He still loved me somehow. However, I noticed now His hands and feet were scared with holes and another was in His side. I asked what had happen and He said it was just the cost of love and that all was right again. Another told me just what He had done, and for the first time I knew the cost of the pain I caused and just how great is a Father’s love. I wept for my heart was broken and I prayed for the strength and wisdom never to break His heart again.
Kathy Barnes
Copyright 6-13-09
When I was still a babe, He rocked me in his mighty arms. I was never safer than when I was resting in them. He placed me on His chest so I could hear the beat of His heart. Words of wisdom and life He spoke to me, and sang of joys to come. I learn to hear is voice and my face would light up just at its sound. He would kiss my face and I would fall asleep in sweet, sweet peace.
When I was a child, He would call my name and I would come running. I would jump in Daddy’s arms and hug His neck tightly. I knew without a doubt that I was loved and the apple of His eye. I was spoil rotten. It was His delight to bring me new and wonderful gifts each day. I could not wait to see how I would be blessed today. Would He show me a lovely rainbow or take me hear a cricket’s serenade? I would sit in His lap and He would tell me the most wonder stories; how the world was made, the names each of the stars, and how one day everything I saw would be mine to rule. We would go for long walk in the cool of the garden breeze and He taught me the names of everything, and told me the ways of life. His hands and heart were always so gentle and kind. When I stumbled, He would catch me and set my foot back on firm ground. He would kiss my bumps and bruise and they would instantly be healed. If I looked into His eyes, I believed that I could walk on water, because He did.
When I became a teenager, I started listening to my own heart. I did not seek to please Him now, but my own selfish desires. I did not run to his voice, but sought to silent it. I half did what I was told and grumble at having to do that. I rebelled and said I know it all. You have nothing left to teach me. I know better than You what is in my best interest. I want it my way and I want it now. You cannot stop me and I don’t need You anymore. I don’t want Your love and I ran away.
At first, it was fun having no one to tell me what I could and couldn’t do. There were many willing souls to help me spend my time and money. I was free to do all the things that once were forbidden. Then one day I started to notice that the pleasures I treasured were not half as pleasing as one walk in the garden. It was only after they exacted their told of pain and destruction did I understand why they were forbidden. My friends’ advice was not as good as my Fathers. It was only dragging me down into a bottomless pit. I slowly realized that He knew more than I thought. I became sick and weak and there was no one there to comfort me or heal me. I tried to lean on my friends, but they had disappeared, as had all my possessions. No one loved me. As I lay dying, I remember my Father and my heart broke. I regretted all the things I had said and done. I prayed a silent pray if only I could go home for one last time, then I close my eyes to sleep and its temporary escapes for pain.
When I awoke, I thought that I was dreaming for I saw my Daddy’s face, his hand reached down to me and He said, “Get up it time to come home.” My heart song once more for joy, I was going home. Not once did He condemn or belittle me. He never said, “I told you so, you should have listened to me, you got what you deserved ungrateful child.” My wounds He bound and He carried me back home. Once again, He called me His pride and joy. All was forgiven as if nothing ever happen. He was still my Father and He still loved me somehow. However, I noticed now His hands and feet were scared with holes and another was in His side. I asked what had happen and He said it was just the cost of love and that all was right again. Another told me just what He had done, and for the first time I knew the cost of the pain I caused and just how great is a Father’s love. I wept for my heart was broken and I prayed for the strength and wisdom never to break His heart again.
Kathy Barnes
Copyright 6-13-09
Glory of the Lord
Lord, Let your glory fall down fresh on us again
As Your Shekinah Glory did when it lead
Your Chosen people to the Promised Land.
A light so stunning, beautiful, wonderful and complete
It sets all of heaven a glow from the radiances of it love.
Walk again with man like You did in Eden’s garden.
Dwell again with man that we might know Wisdom.
Join, my soul with the valiant luminous angels that guard His sanctuary
In offering the adoration, laurels, and reverence to the Almighty.
Fall trembling before the weight of His holy and righteous deity.
Oh, my soul, lift up praise that you may inhabit His dwelling place,
Enter into His tabernacle with praise, honor and the esteem due Jesus.
Lord, let your divine light shine on me as it did on Moses.
I want to see you face to face in all your awesome glory.
Transform me too into the Your virtuous and flawless image.
It is my desire to know Your heart and perfect will.
Let the brilliance of Your presence radiate in my life
And convert my heart of stone into the steadfast heart that You desire.
Push back the veil from my eyes so that I may worship You freely
Before the magnificence and splendor of Your holiness.
Light Your holy fire inside my heart to purify it of all unrighteousness.
Open my eyes so that like the cherubs eyes they are always
Having revealed to them anew the depth of your grandeur and wonder.
My darling husband, return for Your bride.
Meet me underneath the candelabrum and stars above
Unite with me that I might fully understand Your undying love
And walk in Your covenant promises and protection.
Do not pass me by my King for you are my heavenly hope.
Cover me with Your blood wrap me in the cloak of Righteousness.
Bestow on me Your forgiveness, mercy and grace.
I hunger for the manifestation of Your Spirit.
Rain down on me Your immense and enormous blessings
Anoint me with Your holy oil that I might obtain Your favor.
Release in me Your power that I might be used to move mountains,
See visions, dream dreams, cast out demons, and speak in tongues.
Anoint me to heal and minister to the hurting souls and bodies
As Your son did when He walked this Earth.
Guide me with Your eye, as You did the patriarchs and saints.
Liberate my soul so that I can be free to experience
The ecstasy of Your joy and the tranquility of Your peace.
Delight, my heart, in the hope of Your Salvation.
Be thrill my soul that He would honor this temple
With the knowledge that He will never depart from you
And wherever you go He will go with you.
Oh, tongue declare His miracles and faithfulness to all generations.
Shekinah Glory fall on me for I still hunger and thirst
For the chance to sit in the shadow of Your wings
And rest in Your mighty arms as a nursing child
Absorb the essence of Your spirit and the life it delivers.
Kathy Barnes
Copyright 3-10-2010
As Your Shekinah Glory did when it lead
Your Chosen people to the Promised Land.
A light so stunning, beautiful, wonderful and complete
It sets all of heaven a glow from the radiances of it love.
Walk again with man like You did in Eden’s garden.
Dwell again with man that we might know Wisdom.
Join, my soul with the valiant luminous angels that guard His sanctuary
In offering the adoration, laurels, and reverence to the Almighty.
Fall trembling before the weight of His holy and righteous deity.
Oh, my soul, lift up praise that you may inhabit His dwelling place,
Enter into His tabernacle with praise, honor and the esteem due Jesus.
Lord, let your divine light shine on me as it did on Moses.
I want to see you face to face in all your awesome glory.
Transform me too into the Your virtuous and flawless image.
It is my desire to know Your heart and perfect will.
Let the brilliance of Your presence radiate in my life
And convert my heart of stone into the steadfast heart that You desire.
Push back the veil from my eyes so that I may worship You freely
Before the magnificence and splendor of Your holiness.
Light Your holy fire inside my heart to purify it of all unrighteousness.
Open my eyes so that like the cherubs eyes they are always
Having revealed to them anew the depth of your grandeur and wonder.
My darling husband, return for Your bride.
Meet me underneath the candelabrum and stars above
Unite with me that I might fully understand Your undying love
And walk in Your covenant promises and protection.
Do not pass me by my King for you are my heavenly hope.
Cover me with Your blood wrap me in the cloak of Righteousness.
Bestow on me Your forgiveness, mercy and grace.
I hunger for the manifestation of Your Spirit.
Rain down on me Your immense and enormous blessings
Anoint me with Your holy oil that I might obtain Your favor.
Release in me Your power that I might be used to move mountains,
See visions, dream dreams, cast out demons, and speak in tongues.
Anoint me to heal and minister to the hurting souls and bodies
As Your son did when He walked this Earth.
Guide me with Your eye, as You did the patriarchs and saints.
Liberate my soul so that I can be free to experience
The ecstasy of Your joy and the tranquility of Your peace.
Delight, my heart, in the hope of Your Salvation.
Be thrill my soul that He would honor this temple
With the knowledge that He will never depart from you
And wherever you go He will go with you.
Oh, tongue declare His miracles and faithfulness to all generations.
Shekinah Glory fall on me for I still hunger and thirst
For the chance to sit in the shadow of Your wings
And rest in Your mighty arms as a nursing child
Absorb the essence of Your spirit and the life it delivers.
Kathy Barnes
Copyright 3-10-2010
First Love
I remember the first time I fell in love.
He was the victorious white knight come to rescue me.
All the universe revolved around him, the sun rose and set at his word.
The light he gave was so beautiful the stars bowed their heads in shame. He was above all others.
I could not believe how lucky I was, that he choose me to love.
He was a prince; any maiden would have gladly fallen at his feet.
Yet somehow, I caught his eye.
The price he paid for me would have made you think I was a queen.
The gift he gave me was more precious than all the diamonds in the world.
I could not wait to spend time with my beloved.
I would make excuses not to leave, even when I should.
I waited eagerly for his return and for the next time
I would hear his voice or see his face.
I searched for him afraid of missing even a minute with him.
I would spend time just thinking of ways to please him.
What he would like, came before what I needed.
I did not have to ask what he liked, I knew.
I went out of the way to bless him with it.
Even if all we did was sit and hold each other, it was precious time.
We did not have to use words to speak.
We could finish each other’s thought, each other’s sentences.
Our hearts were one, Our souls were one.
Without the other one, we were incomplete.
How did we ever live apart from each other?
When I could not spend a day, an hour, with him I felt cheated.
I clung to his every word, as if it was more precious than gold.
I treasured every love letter he wrote, and read them over and over.
To hear him say “I love you,” meant more to me that life itself.
I knew beyond any doubt that we would be together for all eternity.
Nothing was capable of keeping us apart, this was true love.
They would write sonnets about this love. It would never fade.
Then one day I realized that I was spending less and less time with him.
It had happened so slowly that I had not been aware of it.
His wonderful love taken for granted, beginning to fade away.
My eyes no longer searched for him, or sought his face.
My heart no longer jumped with joy, when he came near.
His letters were a chore to read and I often forgot.
I was too busy to sit and just be still with him.
He would speak, but it would go in one ear and out the other.
Pleasing him instead of me was far from my mind.
We would schedule time to be together, to share our hearts.
I would say, “Do I have to go?” and look for excuses not to meet.
My heart turned to another, and I went in search of other pleasures
Breaking my vow of love and tearing my true love’s heart to pieces.
His love was so great that he let me walk away,
He would not hold me against my will.
His tears filled the oceans as he called out, “Come back.”
In time, I realized just what I had given up,
That what I had run after, would never satisfy me.
As I lay in utter, despair, grieving over my choices
My true love came and put his arms around me once again
And said “Come home. I still love you.”
Not believing my ears, I ask, “You would take me back again
knowing all that I have done?”
Christ answered, “Yes, nothing can ever stop me from loving you.
It who I am, not who you are or what you done. Here, my bride, put on my robe and my crown. I have made a mansion for you. Come and reign with me.”
Kathy Barnes
Copyright 09-05-08
He was the victorious white knight come to rescue me.
All the universe revolved around him, the sun rose and set at his word.
The light he gave was so beautiful the stars bowed their heads in shame. He was above all others.
I could not believe how lucky I was, that he choose me to love.
He was a prince; any maiden would have gladly fallen at his feet.
Yet somehow, I caught his eye.
The price he paid for me would have made you think I was a queen.
The gift he gave me was more precious than all the diamonds in the world.
I could not wait to spend time with my beloved.
I would make excuses not to leave, even when I should.
I waited eagerly for his return and for the next time
I would hear his voice or see his face.
I searched for him afraid of missing even a minute with him.
I would spend time just thinking of ways to please him.
What he would like, came before what I needed.
I did not have to ask what he liked, I knew.
I went out of the way to bless him with it.
Even if all we did was sit and hold each other, it was precious time.
We did not have to use words to speak.
We could finish each other’s thought, each other’s sentences.
Our hearts were one, Our souls were one.
Without the other one, we were incomplete.
How did we ever live apart from each other?
When I could not spend a day, an hour, with him I felt cheated.
I clung to his every word, as if it was more precious than gold.
I treasured every love letter he wrote, and read them over and over.
To hear him say “I love you,” meant more to me that life itself.
I knew beyond any doubt that we would be together for all eternity.
Nothing was capable of keeping us apart, this was true love.
They would write sonnets about this love. It would never fade.
Then one day I realized that I was spending less and less time with him.
It had happened so slowly that I had not been aware of it.
His wonderful love taken for granted, beginning to fade away.
My eyes no longer searched for him, or sought his face.
My heart no longer jumped with joy, when he came near.
His letters were a chore to read and I often forgot.
I was too busy to sit and just be still with him.
He would speak, but it would go in one ear and out the other.
Pleasing him instead of me was far from my mind.
We would schedule time to be together, to share our hearts.
I would say, “Do I have to go?” and look for excuses not to meet.
My heart turned to another, and I went in search of other pleasures
Breaking my vow of love and tearing my true love’s heart to pieces.
His love was so great that he let me walk away,
He would not hold me against my will.
His tears filled the oceans as he called out, “Come back.”
In time, I realized just what I had given up,
That what I had run after, would never satisfy me.
As I lay in utter, despair, grieving over my choices
My true love came and put his arms around me once again
And said “Come home. I still love you.”
Not believing my ears, I ask, “You would take me back again
knowing all that I have done?”
Christ answered, “Yes, nothing can ever stop me from loving you.
It who I am, not who you are or what you done. Here, my bride, put on my robe and my crown. I have made a mansion for you. Come and reign with me.”
Kathy Barnes
Copyright 09-05-08
Do you love Me?
Lord, you are so good, so sweet, and so merciful
There are not words enough to tell how much I love You.
Your love is so great it stretches across the heaven,
From the highest mountain to the lowest valley, it is always there.
You loved me when I was totally unlovable.
I will always love you for that with all my heart.
I heard a quiet voice whisper do you love me, truly
Yes, yes of course I do. You have to know I do.
Oh, the day is almost gone and only now are you find time for me.
Is it because you miss me, you want something, or duty?
I miss talking to you also you know.
I want to know how you day is going?
I want to encourage you and lift you up when thing are hard.
I have so much joy and happiness it is running over.
I wanted to share some with you.
I tried to talk to you several times today and you turn away.
You did not know what to do; I want to tell you,
However, you shut me out when I wanted to bless you with wisdom.
I saw you take time today to help someone and I was proud of you
How could I tell you, when you will not set still for a minute?
Sometimes I just want to share my heart, to be one with you.
I want to know you care what I think what I feel.
Sometimes I feel as if you do not think I have feeling too.
You know you find time to talk to your other friends,
What are they doing that I cannot? Do they love you more than I do?
It hurts me when don’t trust me.
You ask for a gift. I want to give you one.
I picked it out especially for you.
It was far nicer than you asked for but I could not help myself.
I just knew you love it.
You had not time for me so I could not give it.
Then I heard you question if I would be willing to give it.
Then you sound as if you expected me to give you poison.
It hurts me that you don’t know me better than that.
You know not every bad thing is my fault.
I am still the same whether your day is good or bad.
I love you with an everlasting love and
I would never purposely hurt you. It is not who I am.
You are my child that I have search for and chosen you.
I am your father and I love you and want to bless you.
I don’t know how to make you believe me.
I took your place. I shed my blood. I died for you.
I don’t know what else I could do.
However, I am glad you here now. I love you and I miss you.
I love to hear you sing praise, to dance and clap your hands,
Shout for joy, earnestly praise my name, but I want it freely given.
I want to you to want to be with me.
I don’t want you to come to me just because,
You feel you have to come just because it Sunday.
If you refused to worship the rocks would cry out in praise.
I know who I am; I don’t need you mindless words
Repeated to make you feel good and reassure you.
I have all the gold and diamonds in the world,
I don’t need you mite in order to get by.
I spoke and made the sun, the moon, the earth and all in it.
Why is it you think I require you help?
I have given you everything you have. Why do you think that I would steal from you?
If you truly love me, you would believe what I say.
Just one true heartfelt I love from you was worth dying for.
My heart broke at his rebuke and again, when he asked,
Do you love me, not just with cheap words but with deeds?
Do you love me enough to go out of your way?
Do you love me enough to take time from your day?
Do you love me enough to turn off the TV and pick up the Bible?
Do you love me more than riches, power, fame, time, family, and self?
Do you love me more than drugs, drink, sex, or money?
Do you love me enough to feed and tend my sheep?
Do you love me enough to tell your neighbor about me?
Do you love me enough not to judge him?
Do you love me enough to face rejection?
Do you love me enough to forgive the person that has hurt you?
Do you love me enough not to lie, cheat, steal, gossip, and kill?
Do you love me enough to do what right,
Even when it hard and no one looking but me?
Do you love me enough to serve, to wash the others feet,
Even if only I see?
Do you love me enough to except that my way is better than your?
Do you love me enough to trust me to want only the best for you?
Do you love me enough to give me your dreams and hopes?
Do you love me enough to let me take your fears and pain?
Do you love me enough to do what I asked
Even if it is not what you have always done what you are comfortable with?
Do you love me enough to take my spiritual gifts, all of them not just the ones you like?
Do you love me enough to total except my gift on the cross?
Do you love me enough to walk the aisles and surrender all?
If you do, then observe and obey my commandments.
Kathy Barnes
Copyright 9-07-08
There are not words enough to tell how much I love You.
Your love is so great it stretches across the heaven,
From the highest mountain to the lowest valley, it is always there.
You loved me when I was totally unlovable.
I will always love you for that with all my heart.
I heard a quiet voice whisper do you love me, truly
Yes, yes of course I do. You have to know I do.
Oh, the day is almost gone and only now are you find time for me.
Is it because you miss me, you want something, or duty?
I miss talking to you also you know.
I want to know how you day is going?
I want to encourage you and lift you up when thing are hard.
I have so much joy and happiness it is running over.
I wanted to share some with you.
I tried to talk to you several times today and you turn away.
You did not know what to do; I want to tell you,
However, you shut me out when I wanted to bless you with wisdom.
I saw you take time today to help someone and I was proud of you
How could I tell you, when you will not set still for a minute?
Sometimes I just want to share my heart, to be one with you.
I want to know you care what I think what I feel.
Sometimes I feel as if you do not think I have feeling too.
You know you find time to talk to your other friends,
What are they doing that I cannot? Do they love you more than I do?
It hurts me when don’t trust me.
You ask for a gift. I want to give you one.
I picked it out especially for you.
It was far nicer than you asked for but I could not help myself.
I just knew you love it.
You had not time for me so I could not give it.
Then I heard you question if I would be willing to give it.
Then you sound as if you expected me to give you poison.
It hurts me that you don’t know me better than that.
You know not every bad thing is my fault.
I am still the same whether your day is good or bad.
I love you with an everlasting love and
I would never purposely hurt you. It is not who I am.
You are my child that I have search for and chosen you.
I am your father and I love you and want to bless you.
I don’t know how to make you believe me.
I took your place. I shed my blood. I died for you.
I don’t know what else I could do.
However, I am glad you here now. I love you and I miss you.
I love to hear you sing praise, to dance and clap your hands,
Shout for joy, earnestly praise my name, but I want it freely given.
I want to you to want to be with me.
I don’t want you to come to me just because,
You feel you have to come just because it Sunday.
If you refused to worship the rocks would cry out in praise.
I know who I am; I don’t need you mindless words
Repeated to make you feel good and reassure you.
I have all the gold and diamonds in the world,
I don’t need you mite in order to get by.
I spoke and made the sun, the moon, the earth and all in it.
Why is it you think I require you help?
I have given you everything you have. Why do you think that I would steal from you?
If you truly love me, you would believe what I say.
Just one true heartfelt I love from you was worth dying for.
My heart broke at his rebuke and again, when he asked,
Do you love me, not just with cheap words but with deeds?
Do you love me enough to go out of your way?
Do you love me enough to take time from your day?
Do you love me enough to turn off the TV and pick up the Bible?
Do you love me more than riches, power, fame, time, family, and self?
Do you love me more than drugs, drink, sex, or money?
Do you love me enough to feed and tend my sheep?
Do you love me enough to tell your neighbor about me?
Do you love me enough not to judge him?
Do you love me enough to face rejection?
Do you love me enough to forgive the person that has hurt you?
Do you love me enough not to lie, cheat, steal, gossip, and kill?
Do you love me enough to do what right,
Even when it hard and no one looking but me?
Do you love me enough to serve, to wash the others feet,
Even if only I see?
Do you love me enough to except that my way is better than your?
Do you love me enough to trust me to want only the best for you?
Do you love me enough to give me your dreams and hopes?
Do you love me enough to let me take your fears and pain?
Do you love me enough to do what I asked
Even if it is not what you have always done what you are comfortable with?
Do you love me enough to take my spiritual gifts, all of them not just the ones you like?
Do you love me enough to total except my gift on the cross?
Do you love me enough to walk the aisles and surrender all?
If you do, then observe and obey my commandments.
Kathy Barnes
Copyright 9-07-08
All of Me
Lord, take all of me and use me for Your glory. I give you control of every part of me. Change me into Your likeness.
When you look with His eyes, you see the beauty in the sunrise, the stars at night, the elephant and the butterfly. Problems are not so large that you are overwhelmed by them. You look into the face of a newborn child and the elderly and you see someone that need loved. You see past the homeless man in tattered clothes and see a hurting child that needs a helping hand. You see the woman held prisoner by her additions that needs to know how to be set free. You quickly turn your gaze from looking on fleshly desires that degrade another and see instead someone else daughter or son as if they were you own. You cry tears of joy when they find their way home and of sadness when they turn astray. You look to time when Israel, and the church will be blessed and peace restored. You keep watch for the grooms return.
When you listen with His ears, You are listening always for the words that show repentance and acceptance of salvation. You listen for the praise of you children and their cries for help. You listen carefully for whisper of the Holy Spirit for you long to hear His voice. You hear God’s word and take it inside your heart. You hear the words that come out from the heart of man, both good and bad and know hearts true state. You hear the needs of those around you and look for ways to meet them. You listen to the same old stories the old man has told a hundred times because he lonely and he needs to talk. You hear the cry of abandon babies, the sick, the lost and hungry, and do not turn a deaf ear to their needs.
When you have His mouth you watch what you say, letting no curses mindlessly come from it but speak blessings instead. It tells no lies or gossips. You are quick to declare to Him your thanks for all that He has done for you. It sings praises of the holiness and glory of Jesus precious gift of life. His mouth will speak for those without a voice, and demand that justice be given. It will declare truth to all that will listen. It offers encouragement to those that are down on their luck and lift them up. It wisely offers up word of healing and forgiveness to others. Your voice is quick to tell the lost and dying how they can be saved. It is swift to confess its sin, ask forgiveness and mercy.
When you have His hands, you are busy serving others. His hands are lift up in praise and worship. They are extended in friendship to the people around us. They are busy taking care of children, cleaning house, and cooking food for the family He has placed in your care. His hands are used to wash the feet of others. They are busy planting seed and harvesting they crops. Those nail scared hands offer healing to the body, soul, and mind. You arms are open wide, and then wrap each soul with love that knows no bounds. Under His wings, they can rest in peace and protection.
When you have His mind then you will take captive it thoughts and dwell on God’s goodness and love. It will turn abrupt when evil and injustice cross it path and in its place thinks on things that are good, holy, pure deserving of praise. It is to resist the Devil. It is not be idol and filled with worthless teachings but with full knowledge of the truth. It will not plot evil nor entertain ways to lift up one’s self. It will be creative and look for new ways to serve and bless others. It will be in perfect peace without fear or worry. It will seek out wisdom as if it were a precious treasure of gold or diamonds.
When you have His heart, You see the harm and sickness that Your children’s disobedience has cause them and Your heart breaks. You have so much love that you cannot keep it all inside you and it must overflow to those around you. You cannot hold grudges, bitterness or unforgiveness because there is no place for it inside. You cannot look on a hurting world and do nothing. It pours out prayers for others pain. The heart does not demand it own way. It is tender and longs to be a peace with its creator doing His perfect will. It is quick to obey. It does not envy or boast. It is patient and kind and understanding of others failures for it know its own.
When you have His feet you walk, the path laid before you carefully, running swiftly away from any type of sin for they have walked to Golgotha hill before. These feet dance in the present of the King for He has defeat death. His feet walk across the globe to spread the good news to rich and poor alike looking for lost sheep. Like hinds feet they jump for joy on the mountaintops. They walk boldly into the fires of trials and come out again unharmed. These feet become planted strong, firm beside the streams, and let their roots run deep into faiths fertile soil lifting high their branches for the entire world to see.
When you body is His temple, it is holy and pure. It is not your own to do with what you wish, but is to be honored and respected. You do not defile it by filling it with drugs, alcohol, and overeating. It is not given as an offering to the god’s of lust and perversions but reserved in righteousness for the bridegroom. It is not be overworked or lazy. It is to be offer up for service to the master ready and able to perform all tasks having been trained, and equipped, ready to stand and fight the enemy. The slave capable of running the race until it is completed in victory.
Does the Lord have all of you?
Kathy Barnes
Copyright 10-17-09
When you look with His eyes, you see the beauty in the sunrise, the stars at night, the elephant and the butterfly. Problems are not so large that you are overwhelmed by them. You look into the face of a newborn child and the elderly and you see someone that need loved. You see past the homeless man in tattered clothes and see a hurting child that needs a helping hand. You see the woman held prisoner by her additions that needs to know how to be set free. You quickly turn your gaze from looking on fleshly desires that degrade another and see instead someone else daughter or son as if they were you own. You cry tears of joy when they find their way home and of sadness when they turn astray. You look to time when Israel, and the church will be blessed and peace restored. You keep watch for the grooms return.
When you listen with His ears, You are listening always for the words that show repentance and acceptance of salvation. You listen for the praise of you children and their cries for help. You listen carefully for whisper of the Holy Spirit for you long to hear His voice. You hear God’s word and take it inside your heart. You hear the words that come out from the heart of man, both good and bad and know hearts true state. You hear the needs of those around you and look for ways to meet them. You listen to the same old stories the old man has told a hundred times because he lonely and he needs to talk. You hear the cry of abandon babies, the sick, the lost and hungry, and do not turn a deaf ear to their needs.
When you have His mouth you watch what you say, letting no curses mindlessly come from it but speak blessings instead. It tells no lies or gossips. You are quick to declare to Him your thanks for all that He has done for you. It sings praises of the holiness and glory of Jesus precious gift of life. His mouth will speak for those without a voice, and demand that justice be given. It will declare truth to all that will listen. It offers encouragement to those that are down on their luck and lift them up. It wisely offers up word of healing and forgiveness to others. Your voice is quick to tell the lost and dying how they can be saved. It is swift to confess its sin, ask forgiveness and mercy.
When you have His hands, you are busy serving others. His hands are lift up in praise and worship. They are extended in friendship to the people around us. They are busy taking care of children, cleaning house, and cooking food for the family He has placed in your care. His hands are used to wash the feet of others. They are busy planting seed and harvesting they crops. Those nail scared hands offer healing to the body, soul, and mind. You arms are open wide, and then wrap each soul with love that knows no bounds. Under His wings, they can rest in peace and protection.
When you have His mind then you will take captive it thoughts and dwell on God’s goodness and love. It will turn abrupt when evil and injustice cross it path and in its place thinks on things that are good, holy, pure deserving of praise. It is to resist the Devil. It is not be idol and filled with worthless teachings but with full knowledge of the truth. It will not plot evil nor entertain ways to lift up one’s self. It will be creative and look for new ways to serve and bless others. It will be in perfect peace without fear or worry. It will seek out wisdom as if it were a precious treasure of gold or diamonds.
When you have His heart, You see the harm and sickness that Your children’s disobedience has cause them and Your heart breaks. You have so much love that you cannot keep it all inside you and it must overflow to those around you. You cannot hold grudges, bitterness or unforgiveness because there is no place for it inside. You cannot look on a hurting world and do nothing. It pours out prayers for others pain. The heart does not demand it own way. It is tender and longs to be a peace with its creator doing His perfect will. It is quick to obey. It does not envy or boast. It is patient and kind and understanding of others failures for it know its own.
When you have His feet you walk, the path laid before you carefully, running swiftly away from any type of sin for they have walked to Golgotha hill before. These feet dance in the present of the King for He has defeat death. His feet walk across the globe to spread the good news to rich and poor alike looking for lost sheep. Like hinds feet they jump for joy on the mountaintops. They walk boldly into the fires of trials and come out again unharmed. These feet become planted strong, firm beside the streams, and let their roots run deep into faiths fertile soil lifting high their branches for the entire world to see.
When you body is His temple, it is holy and pure. It is not your own to do with what you wish, but is to be honored and respected. You do not defile it by filling it with drugs, alcohol, and overeating. It is not given as an offering to the god’s of lust and perversions but reserved in righteousness for the bridegroom. It is not be overworked or lazy. It is to be offer up for service to the master ready and able to perform all tasks having been trained, and equipped, ready to stand and fight the enemy. The slave capable of running the race until it is completed in victory.
Does the Lord have all of you?
Kathy Barnes
Copyright 10-17-09
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