A Gift of Poetry for Capt. Billy

One of the men who prays on my Pastor's Prayer Patrol heard me say that my Dad, Capt. Billy, loves poetry. In response, this kind man of prayer and poetry, Gene, sent some original lines to share with my Dad during his cancer challenge season of life. When I read it to my Dad, tears lined his eyes and he said, "Son, write those lines on a 3x5 card so I can keep it in my Bible." Here is the simple but profound gift of poetry for Capt. Billy and for the rest of us:

Lay your tear-stained cheeks at His blood-stained feet
He may not dry your eyes or make your problems flee
He will however give you strength to endure and joy through sorrows
as the bitterness of your tears turn sweet.
-- Gene Stainback

Grateful

Bethlehem Encore

I know it's already December 27th and nearly December 28th as I load this late night blog post, but Bethlehem is still strong on my mind. Those hope-filled words in the last verse of "O Little Town of Bethlehem" are still touching my soul deeply:

Cast out our sin and enter in,
Be born is us today!

If you believe a Bethlehem Encore is in order, just click the link below and watch as Amy Grant introduces my friend, Jim Cole, to play and sing his Holy Day contemporary Christmas carol titled In Bethlehem Tonight for a Direct TV Christmas Special:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qh_NwTtCxLc&feature=related

The Lamb sent to free us
lies asleep on the hay...

Simple but profound poetry! Thanks Baby Jesus! Thanks Big Jim!

ALL JOY TO YOUR WORLD... STILL!
Grateful

The Name of Jesus

From a prison cell the Apostle Paul penned these words in his "Book of Joy" -- Phillipians 2:10-11 (NIV): ...that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in Heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

And in Romans 14:11, these words are given to us from the same Apostles pen: "'As I live and breathe,’ God says, every knee will bow before me; Every tongue will tell the honest truth that I and only I am God.’" (The Message)

Yes, one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. I choose to kneel and confess this day and everyday day-after-day until That Day.

The Name of Jesus has taken on a whole new power in my life this week. The lyrics of this old hymn make great poetry to pray. I invite you to join me in praying in Jesus' name:

Take the Name of Jesus with you, Child of sorrow and of woe,
It will joy and comfort give you; Take it then, wherever you go.

Precious Name, O how sweet! Hope of earth and joy of heaven.
Precious Name, O how sweet! Hope of earth and joy of heaven.

Take the Name of Jesus ever, As a shield from every snare;
If temptations round you gather, Breathe that Holy Name in prayer.

O the precious Name of Jesus! How it thrills our souls with joy,
When His loving arms receive us, And His songs our tongues employ!

At the Name of Jesus bowing, Falling prostrate at His feet,
King of kings in Heaven we'll crown Him, When our journey is complete.

ALL... JOY TO YOUR WORLD!
Grateful