In “Stained Glass Hearts – Seeing Life from a Broken Perspective”, Patsy Claremont, Women of Faith speaker and well-known author, uses analogies to stained glass windows to look at damage and restoration. With her usual humour and insight, she helps us realize that brokenness is not an end, but a beginning – in the hands of God, those fragments we think are fit only for a trash can are put together into a beautiful new pattern, illuminated by the light of His love. I enjoy working with stained glass myself, which undoubtedly contributed to my appreciation of this book, but the author’s ability to use a beautiful art form to explain Biblical principles will be appreciated by anyone who feels disillusionment or disappointment. Patsy has lived, and is living what she teaches: she illustrates her points with stories from her own life.
An added bonus is provided by the “Art Gallery” recommendations at the end of each chapter. The reader is encouraged to look at various paintings, read literature, including prayers and poetry, listen to music, and meditate on various Scriptures related to the topic of that chapter. I now have a new list of “must read” books!
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Grey Skies
The storm has passed;
Yet in its wake the clouds remain, skies are still dull.
No hint of sunrise splendour here –
Just shades of grey, from dark to light.
Then suddenly – a wondrous change:
The gloomy clouds, now edged with gold, provide
A striking frame for
One bright spot of intense blue.
Dawn, though unseen, had still arrived.
Although I could not see the sun I knew
Its glory shone
Unhindered by the clouds below.
And then I thought – how often does my day
Seem covered by a cloud? I cannot seem to sense
The presence of my God.
I wonder why this darkness comes, why can’t I understand?
Yet He is near! He’s promised that
He will remain with me. His Spirit lives within my heart
As pledge His Word is true.
So Father, next time clouds appear to block my view of You,
And when I next feel all alone, and doubt that you are near,
May I remember that You are
Unchanged, and faithful still.
You’re in control; You have allowed those clouds, but if
I’ll patient wait for You, You’ll edge those clouds
With dazzling gold,
And turn my grey day brilliant blue.
Yet in its wake the clouds remain, skies are still dull.
No hint of sunrise splendour here –
Just shades of grey, from dark to light.
Then suddenly – a wondrous change:
The gloomy clouds, now edged with gold, provide
A striking frame for
One bright spot of intense blue.
Dawn, though unseen, had still arrived.
Although I could not see the sun I knew
Its glory shone
Unhindered by the clouds below.
And then I thought – how often does my day
Seem covered by a cloud? I cannot seem to sense
The presence of my God.
I wonder why this darkness comes, why can’t I understand?
Yet He is near! He’s promised that
He will remain with me. His Spirit lives within my heart
As pledge His Word is true.
So Father, next time clouds appear to block my view of You,
And when I next feel all alone, and doubt that you are near,
May I remember that You are
Unchanged, and faithful still.
You’re in control; You have allowed those clouds, but if
I’ll patient wait for You, You’ll edge those clouds
With dazzling gold,
And turn my grey day brilliant blue.
EF - August 2011
I was disappointed by the grey cloudy skies when I went out to the deck for my morning devotions, but then ...
White Linen
Clothed in garments of salvation,
Given a robe of righteousness;
Dressed in linen, fine white linen
As a bride – the bride of Christ.
My own clothes – those rags and tatters –
Gone! Now I’m adorned like this!
All because my blest Redeemer
Took my guilt and made it His.
On Calvary He bore God’s judgment;
Paid the price that I might be
Now arrayed in white before Him;
No more in chains: I’ve been set free.
Jehovah tsidkenu is worthy;
Now to Him I bow the knee.
Praise Him; worship and adore Him
Now and through eternity.
EF – October 2008
Challenge by Beth Moore in “A Woman’s Heart”, to write something showing the praise and worship which rises from my heart at the thought of the “fine white linen” in which the Bride of Christ is adorned in Revelation.
Given a robe of righteousness;
Dressed in linen, fine white linen
As a bride – the bride of Christ.
My own clothes – those rags and tatters –
Gone! Now I’m adorned like this!
All because my blest Redeemer
Took my guilt and made it His.
On Calvary He bore God’s judgment;
Paid the price that I might be
Now arrayed in white before Him;
No more in chains: I’ve been set free.
Jehovah tsidkenu is worthy;
Now to Him I bow the knee.
Praise Him; worship and adore Him
Now and through eternity.
EF – October 2008
Challenge by Beth Moore in “A Woman’s Heart”, to write something showing the praise and worship which rises from my heart at the thought of the “fine white linen” in which the Bride of Christ is adorned in Revelation.
HIS NAME
“In His name only can I boast.” What does that mean to me?
What do I know about my God? How does He meet my needs?
When restless fears and worries come, and press in all around
I’ll turn to Him, for in His Name my confidence is found.
Elohim, the Creator God; He speaks and it is done.
His Words created heaven and earth; the stars, the moon, the sun.
He formed and made me too, I know; He has a plan, you see –
That I should show His glory forth, through His power within me.
Another name - El Elyon, the only God Most High,
The Sovereign One whose will prevails on earth and in the sky.
The end from the beginning – to Him alone it’s known;
He plans, He does, and in all things, His mighty power is shown.
He knows what happens to us here, throughout our daily life;
El Roi who sees, who never sleeps, allows some pain and strife.
He sees, He knows, and for my good permits these things to be
So I will trust Jehovah-jirah to provide for me.
Yes, El Shaddai, the All Sufficient One – behold He stands
Waiting for us to turn to Him, to take His outstretched hand.
Jehovah! Now and through eternity He will remain the same.
The Only Self-Existent One, the “I AM WHO I AM”.
As my Jehovah-rapha He brought healing from my sin;
He paid the price, He took the stripes – it all fell onto Him.
At Calvary Christ chose to pay redemption’s awful price;
My cleansing purchased by His blood – His death gives me new life.
So now I own Him as my Lord; to Him I bow the knee;
Confess Him Adonai and seek ever to Him obey.
I want to live my life for Him, according to His plan;
To walk with Him, and talk with Him – to KNOW the great I AM.
Jehovah-tsidkenu: He is my righteousness, you see;
For there was nothing I could do – He did it all for me.
Jehovah-mekoddishkem now completes the work begun;
He sanctifies me in His truth, gives me a heart for Him.
Jehovah-shalom bestows peace – a gift beyond compare;
Not as the world’s uncertain truce: His peace removes all care.
Jehovah-raah my Shepherd is; He leads me day by day;
He calls my name; I know His voice; I’ll follow Him always.
When circumstances get me down; or when I cannot cope
Then to Jehovah-sabaoth I cry, the mighty Lord of Hosts.
It may be He’ll deliver me; provide a clear way out;
But if not, then He’ll strengthen me, I know beyond a doubt.
And when the battle rages wild, with satan’s fierce attack
I put on God’s whole armour; use His Word to fight back.
In conflict my Jehovah-nissi will become the standard bright;
The One on whom I fix my gaze; the Banner lifted high.
No matter what my life may bring I’ll never be alone;
My God has promised to be with me everywhere I go.
Jehovah-shammah! He is there! His Spirit lives within
Empowering me to do His will, to always obey Him.
Yes, in His many names I’ll boast; such promises I see;
They clearly show His character, His holiness to me.
Salvation, hope, and confidence He’ll meet my needs always –
Jesus, my Savior and my Lord – to You be all the praise!
What do I know about my God? How does He meet my needs?
When restless fears and worries come, and press in all around
I’ll turn to Him, for in His Name my confidence is found.
Elohim, the Creator God; He speaks and it is done.
His Words created heaven and earth; the stars, the moon, the sun.
He formed and made me too, I know; He has a plan, you see –
That I should show His glory forth, through His power within me.
Another name - El Elyon, the only God Most High,
The Sovereign One whose will prevails on earth and in the sky.
The end from the beginning – to Him alone it’s known;
He plans, He does, and in all things, His mighty power is shown.
He knows what happens to us here, throughout our daily life;
El Roi who sees, who never sleeps, allows some pain and strife.
He sees, He knows, and for my good permits these things to be
So I will trust Jehovah-jirah to provide for me.
Yes, El Shaddai, the All Sufficient One – behold He stands
Waiting for us to turn to Him, to take His outstretched hand.
Jehovah! Now and through eternity He will remain the same.
The Only Self-Existent One, the “I AM WHO I AM”.
As my Jehovah-rapha He brought healing from my sin;
He paid the price, He took the stripes – it all fell onto Him.
At Calvary Christ chose to pay redemption’s awful price;
My cleansing purchased by His blood – His death gives me new life.
So now I own Him as my Lord; to Him I bow the knee;
Confess Him Adonai and seek ever to Him obey.
I want to live my life for Him, according to His plan;
To walk with Him, and talk with Him – to KNOW the great I AM.
Jehovah-tsidkenu: He is my righteousness, you see;
For there was nothing I could do – He did it all for me.
Jehovah-mekoddishkem now completes the work begun;
He sanctifies me in His truth, gives me a heart for Him.
Jehovah-shalom bestows peace – a gift beyond compare;
Not as the world’s uncertain truce: His peace removes all care.
Jehovah-raah my Shepherd is; He leads me day by day;
He calls my name; I know His voice; I’ll follow Him always.
When circumstances get me down; or when I cannot cope
Then to Jehovah-sabaoth I cry, the mighty Lord of Hosts.
It may be He’ll deliver me; provide a clear way out;
But if not, then He’ll strengthen me, I know beyond a doubt.
And when the battle rages wild, with satan’s fierce attack
I put on God’s whole armour; use His Word to fight back.
In conflict my Jehovah-nissi will become the standard bright;
The One on whom I fix my gaze; the Banner lifted high.
No matter what my life may bring I’ll never be alone;
My God has promised to be with me everywhere I go.
Jehovah-shammah! He is there! His Spirit lives within
Empowering me to do His will, to always obey Him.
Yes, in His many names I’ll boast; such promises I see;
They clearly show His character, His holiness to me.
Salvation, hope, and confidence He’ll meet my needs always –
Jesus, my Savior and my Lord – to You be all the praise!
EF July 2008
Just finished the Kay Arthur book “Lord, I Want to Know You”. One of the points she makes is that we are slow to bring our needs to God because we don’t know Him … and one of the best ways to get to know Him is to study His names. Some of them were already in my head, but I need to move them ALL down to my heart, so they become real to me; so I can call on Him and claim the promises inherent in His Holy name.
ELOHIM: Creator God
EL ELYON: The God Most High
EL ROI: The God Who Sees
EL SHADDAI: The All Sufficient One
ADONAI: The Lord
JEHOVAH: The Self-Existent One
JEHOVAH-JIRAH: The Lord Will Provide
JEHOVAH-RAPHA: The Lord Who Heals
JEHOVAH-NISSI: The Lord My Banner
JEHOVAH-MEKODDISHKEM: The Lord Who Sanctifies You
JEHOVAH-SHALOM: The Lord is Peace
JEHOVAH-SABAOTH: The Lord of Hosts
JEHOVAH-RAAH: The Lord My Shepherd
JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU: The Lord My Righteousness
JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH: The Lord is There
Just finished the Kay Arthur book “Lord, I Want to Know You”. One of the points she makes is that we are slow to bring our needs to God because we don’t know Him … and one of the best ways to get to know Him is to study His names. Some of them were already in my head, but I need to move them ALL down to my heart, so they become real to me; so I can call on Him and claim the promises inherent in His Holy name.
ELOHIM: Creator God
EL ELYON: The God Most High
EL ROI: The God Who Sees
EL SHADDAI: The All Sufficient One
ADONAI: The Lord
JEHOVAH: The Self-Existent One
JEHOVAH-JIRAH: The Lord Will Provide
JEHOVAH-RAPHA: The Lord Who Heals
JEHOVAH-NISSI: The Lord My Banner
JEHOVAH-MEKODDISHKEM: The Lord Who Sanctifies You
JEHOVAH-SHALOM: The Lord is Peace
JEHOVAH-SABAOTH: The Lord of Hosts
JEHOVAH-RAAH: The Lord My Shepherd
JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU: The Lord My Righteousness
JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH: The Lord is There
ONE THING
“One thing”… oh such simple words; such meaning lies beneath.
For what we hold as our “one thing” defines the life we lead.
Do I desire with all my heart to dwell within His gates?
To gaze upon my blessed Lord? To worship at His feet?
Or is there something here I seek, some treasure dear to man?
The great deceiver does his best to fool me if he dcan.
For money, praise or fame he’ll make appear before my eyes;
He tries to make me think of them as something I should prize.
Perhaps it is a “something good” – no harm it seems to hold;
A spouse, a child, a cause so dear; a friendship made of gold.
Yet if I value it too much, to it devote my life
In serving it I’ll lose that joy for which Christ paid the price.
And if I can resist those lures, there’s yet another snare;
I try so hard to serve my Lord, yet trouble, grief or care
Can quickly come if I’m to tired to spend some time with Him,
For then I start to look around: my spiritual sight grows dim.
“One thing I know …” – I once was blind, and He has given sight,
Has shown me that I need His help to set my goals aright.
Oh Lord, I ask, let my “one thing” while here on earth below
Be all my days to follow You, Your glory forth to show.
You’ve taken hold of me, my Lord; Your work begun in me,
You’ve shown to me the value of committing time to be
Apart with You to start each day, to read Your Word, to pray;
To quietly commune with you; to hear what You will say.
So by your power in me, my God, this “one thing” do I claim;
Forgetting that which is behind, toward the goal I strain
To win that prize for which, O God, You’re heavenward calling me
In Christ my Lord: Him will I praise throughout eternity.
For what we hold as our “one thing” defines the life we lead.
Do I desire with all my heart to dwell within His gates?
To gaze upon my blessed Lord? To worship at His feet?
Or is there something here I seek, some treasure dear to man?
The great deceiver does his best to fool me if he dcan.
For money, praise or fame he’ll make appear before my eyes;
He tries to make me think of them as something I should prize.
Perhaps it is a “something good” – no harm it seems to hold;
A spouse, a child, a cause so dear; a friendship made of gold.
Yet if I value it too much, to it devote my life
In serving it I’ll lose that joy for which Christ paid the price.
And if I can resist those lures, there’s yet another snare;
I try so hard to serve my Lord, yet trouble, grief or care
Can quickly come if I’m to tired to spend some time with Him,
For then I start to look around: my spiritual sight grows dim.
“One thing I know …” – I once was blind, and He has given sight,
Has shown me that I need His help to set my goals aright.
Oh Lord, I ask, let my “one thing” while here on earth below
Be all my days to follow You, Your glory forth to show.
You’ve taken hold of me, my Lord; Your work begun in me,
You’ve shown to me the value of committing time to be
Apart with You to start each day, to read Your Word, to pray;
To quietly commune with you; to hear what You will say.
So by your power in me, my God, this “one thing” do I claim;
Forgetting that which is behind, toward the goal I strain
To win that prize for which, O God, You’re heavenward calling me
In Christ my Lord: Him will I praise throughout eternity.
EF - June 2009
After finishing Kelly Minter's "No Other Gods" study: functional vs professed gods. Is there something, even something right and good in itself, that I unknowingly am "serving" instead of Christ?
GREAT THINGS
Lord, You have done great things in me, and oh, I thank You so!
My life: a miracle of love and grace; Your mercy do I know.
Relentless patience you displayed; no matter how I ran
You drew me back, and deep in me, a hunger for you fanned.
You have in mind a plan for me to follow here below;
And if I do obey, oh Lord, my “promised land” I’ll know.
I don’t know what You’ll ask of me, what changes must be made,
But Lord, You have begun that work – continue it, I pray.
You’ve given me Your strength, Your power; Your Spirit lives within,
Enabling me to do Your will, to have no fear of men.
Your Word alive, active in me: a sword that I can use
To fight back when the devil would discourage or confuse.
Through prayer I cast my cares on you, bring all my worries too;
Pour out my heart, and know that You are listening as I do.
It’s such a comfort Lord, to know, no matter what I face,
That You are there with me, and so, will strengthen me with grace.
You’ve said as I remain in You, You will remain in me,
And only then I’ll bear much fruit – Oh Lord, please let it be
My goal in life on earth to thus abide in You alone,
And glory bring to God above – HE reigns upon the throne.
My life: a miracle of love and grace; Your mercy do I know.
Relentless patience you displayed; no matter how I ran
You drew me back, and deep in me, a hunger for you fanned.
You have in mind a plan for me to follow here below;
And if I do obey, oh Lord, my “promised land” I’ll know.
I don’t know what You’ll ask of me, what changes must be made,
But Lord, You have begun that work – continue it, I pray.
You’ve given me Your strength, Your power; Your Spirit lives within,
Enabling me to do Your will, to have no fear of men.
Your Word alive, active in me: a sword that I can use
To fight back when the devil would discourage or confuse.
Through prayer I cast my cares on you, bring all my worries too;
Pour out my heart, and know that You are listening as I do.
It’s such a comfort Lord, to know, no matter what I face,
That You are there with me, and so, will strengthen me with grace.
You’ve said as I remain in You, You will remain in me,
And only then I’ll bear much fruit – Oh Lord, please let it be
My goal in life on earth to thus abide in You alone,
And glory bring to God above – HE reigns upon the throne.
EF – June 2008 (re-baptism, but first time as a believer)
So many changes over the past 2 years! Beth Moore says in one of her studies that the more she is obedient, the more God asks her to do. At the time that scared me - and it still does, a bit - but I'm realizing the tremendous peace and joy He gives when I am obedient to what I sense Him telling me to do ... and that is worth far more than the opinions of those around me.
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