In God's Country

Looking through the window of a plane one day,

I dreamed of a country far, far away

Where there’s no more sorrow and pain…

In God’s Country, beyond the bright blue

In the third Heaven

Where I’ll be going soon…

In God’s Country, where His children will abide

The streets are paved with gold that no one desires!

A rainbow encircles the throne of the Most High

In God’s Country, where there’s no more crying…

In God’s Country, where His children will abide

They will picnic with Jesus under the Tree of Life;

There are mansions fair, glorious and bright

In God’s Country, where there’s no more night!

No more sea of separation, or lonely isles;

No more silent tears or wistful goodbyes;

No more death and dying, sickness or pain

All because of Jesus, the Lamb that was slain!

The beauty of God’s Country is its Saviour  and King

Who died to ensure that His children get in;

We will see His hands, the scars  will testify

Of a love that never, ever will die!

Until that time I arrive at that place,

The blessed city with it’s pearly gates

A piece of it remains within my heart;

A hope that won’t die until I see it at last!

In God ‘s country far, far away

For a thousand years, the redeemed will remain!

And then God’s Country will come down to earth

Like a bride adorned, there will be joy and mirth…

In God’s Country, where His children abide

Blessed Sabbaths together, songs at eventide;

The lion and lamb, they will lie down in peace

In God’s Country, where my home will be…

I can see it afar, but I’m not there yet!

Over the horizon’s line, is the Promised Land

My faith can taste the goodness of the Land afar

That flows with milk and honey, it’s golden doors ajar

God’s Country is mine, for I am His

It’s His Promise to me, it’s my heritage!

Scripture refs: Rev 21, 22

Raise up my Love!

Raise up my love!

It has died and gone cold.

Let Your Spirit make alive

My heart of stone…

Raise up my love!

It is dead without Yours,

The love of my God

Who first loved me…(Chorus)

Raise up my love!

Resurrect the blessed Hope

That brightly will burn,

Showing others the road…

Raise up my love!

Come into my heart;

Let Your Spirit transform me

As together we sup…

Raise up my love!

We’re in the last days;

Evil is all around

Yet Your grace still abounds…

I have no love of my own

Please give me a piece of Yours;

Like the moon reflects the sun

Let me reflect Your perfect love…

This poem/song was inspired by:

Psalm 51:10-13, Rev 2:4-5, 1John 4:19-21, Rev 3:17-20, John 3:16, John 13:34-35, 2John 1:5, 1 Cor 13

God's Thoughts toward You

What does God think of me? It’s a question that we seldom ponder upon, yet it is one of the most important questions of our lives.

This answer to this question should override the fears that so often plague us and hold us back from our true potential in Christ which, more often than not, comprise other people’s expectations of us i.e. our family, friends and those closest to us.

Not knowing our identity in Christ causes myriads of problems in our lives. These include uncertainty, lack of confidence, depression and instability. Mankind is fickle and if we are to base our worth on others’ estimation of us, we will be miserable because people often do not admire us for who we are, but rather what we can do or what we possess. It is only God that looks at us from above and with all our faults and failures, still pronounces us as “good” and the pinnacle of his Creation.

Christ also experienced this when He walked the earth; one minute the crowds shouted “Hosanna!” but very soon thereafter, the same people shouted “Crucify Him!”(Matt 21:7-9; 27:20-25)

Basically, it comes down to this. We would live happier, healthier and more fulfilled lives if we focused on what God thought of us instead of worrying about what others think of us. Consult God when making important decisions-make Him your number one “go-to person” and when in doubt about how to behave in a particular circumstance, always think: “Will what I am about to do please God?” We seek the approval of our earthly parents so much; why not crave the approval of our Heavenly Father?

When you feel depressed and worthless, remember that the cross is what keeps us balanced. It shows us the horror of our sinfulness, but also how much God loves us despite ourselves.

Don’t make important decisions based on what others will think of you, especially when it concerns your own salvation. There are some matters that should be kept between you and God.

“How precious are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them!” Ps 139:17

Jesus DIED so you could live!

Let’s just imagine that you did something wrong and the consequence for that action was to be beaten to within an inch of your life. Suddenly, a stranger (or a family member if it’s a stretch for you to believe a stranger would do this) stands up and randomly volunteers to take your punishment instead so that you would not have to suffer. How would you treat this person after it was all over? How careful would you be not to commit the same act again, knowing that it cost someone else needless pain? How much respect would you have for that person and how much would you pay him before you considered the debt repaid?

Well, while you’re pondering on these thoughts, here are the cold, hard facts. Barabbas, who deserved to die for his crimes, was released and Jesus took his place. What did he do with the second chance afforded him? The Bible is not clear on this, but we must remember that Barabbas represents us; what are we doing with the second chance at life that Jesus has afforded us by his atoning, redeeming death? We think of Barabbas as a vile man who was too easily pardoned because of Pilate’s cowardice and corruption, but who are we? Jesus died for the sins of the whole world! (1 John 2:2) We are not the heroes or the judges in this great conflict between Christ and satan! That title belongs to Christ alone.

If you could respect a person for life because they took some punishment for you that did not result in death, why then do we not respect Jesus Christ our Lord  who gave His sinless life and every last drop of blood in the quest for our redemption and salvation? Why do we trample underfoot and regard lightly the fact He carried a heavy cross up that hill after being scourged to within an inch of His life, had nails rammed through His hands and feet, a spear in His side and only vinegar to drink as He suffered and died in our stead? Why do we regard lightly the fact that He faced eternal separation from His Father so we could be adopted into the family of God?

The very thought of our Lord on the cross should be enough to keep us away from evil habits and practices. Heb 6:6 says that we crucify Jesus afresh and put Him to an open shame when we continue in our sins after having personally experienced knowing God and His grace. Every time we commit the same sin again, we basically say to Jesus,” I am sorry, but Your suffering and death was not enough, and still is not enough to save me. My instant gratification is more important at this point, than Your suffering.” Think about this the next time you are tempted to do something that is contrary to God’s Law. It is a strong motivator to live a life pleasing to God, because it’s the least we can do considering that He has done so much for us.

Scripture readings: Heb 6:6, John 15:13, 1 John 3:16