Finding The Secret

More Than Conquerors
December 2004

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
—James 1:2-4

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” —Romans 8:28

The world is lost, believing that chance is god, and we are here on earth because of billions of years of random events. But we know that we are created by Someone who guides our steps and refines us for His use.

The world lives in fear of what is next. Since life is nothing but mere existence, anything could happen at anytime to end that existence. The rule of life is to conquer or be conquered—and even if you could live forever, what would be the use of it without any purpose to life?

But we know that God created us with a purpose. And that everything that comes about is under His control. That He works all things for our good, and even the trials are part of His plan for us.

As Christians, we have something the world can’t even fathom. The world, trapped in the fears of random anarchy, will never be able to comprehend the complete ecstasy of knowing that a God is in control who loves us.

Beauty

My sadness is a rose.
Who knew that hurt could blossom,
And become a ripened flower
On the vine of time?

I do not wish to feel it again,
But I hold it to my nose,
Breathing in a scent somewhat sweet—
Not harsh like long ago.

Beauty is what we are becoming—
Gently, our so-often bruised buds
Twist and curl and open themselves
To just exactly God’s hue.

—Joanna Spencer
© Joanna Spencer. Used with permission.

Joy

The world is all aglow
With temporary pleasures,
Which it would have you think
Are really priceless treasures.

But all too soon the gloss
Has disappeared or faded;
For hopes once high have sunk,
And left you feeling jaded.

The world will tell you how
To gain the joy you’re after
Through mind control escapes,
Or ego boosts and laughter.

But if you seek true joy
You’ll find in Sacred Pages,
It springs from Christ alone,
And lasts through endless ages.

© by Betty Jo Mings
http://www.bettyjomings.truepath.com
Used with permission

Bliss

A dome of blue above our heads,
A sea of green beneath our feet,
With miles and miles of vibrancy
Where every breath’s a joyful treat!

The Father watches over us
With laughter dancing in his eyes,
He leads us through the hills and valleys;
Each step we meet a new surprise!

Together we are sharing bliss
As children trusting, free of fear,
We run the fields as friends forever—
We know our Father’s always near.

—Benjamin Graber

Our Ship

Had I a great ship coming home,
With big plunge o’er the sea,
What bright things, hid from star and foam,
Lay in her heart for thee!

The stormy billows heave and dip,
The wild winds veer and play;
But, regnant all, God’s stately ship
Is steering home this way!

—George MacDonald

Because of God’s Amazing Grace

Because of God’s amazing Grace
all things work together
to make a plan in His design
that makes a life much better

Through trials and pain, heartache, too
God’s there through thick and thin
you persevere, you run the race
this race He’s put you in.

The many kinds of trials you have
can be a learning tool
to teach you how to walk God’s road
being wise and not a fool !

Knowing Jesus here and now
makes a life complete
having Him reside in you
makes your life so sweet

No more living in fear or dread
no more hopelessness
always dwelling on His love
knowing He gives what’s best

Being cared for day and night
always feeling peace
knowing He is there for you
today and when life ceases.

Jesus Christ, the great I Am
can work your life for good
if you will only seek His face
and read His awesome Book.

He has shown me more each year
How very blessed He’s made me
with so much more than I could ask
He has opened my eyes to victory!

—Greta Cole
© 2004 Greta Cole. Used with permission.

My heart is breaking
Within my being and soul
My heart is breaking,
For you, you know.

A life that doesn’t radiate
The love of God
Is just an empty shell,
A blind, vacant façade.

Your life is filled—
But it’s empty too.
Your life is meaningless—
That doesn’t have to be true.

You can change,
Accept the Way.
Make the decision
To follow and obey.

Your life will have true meaning,
Once you’ve accepted the Lord.
Your life will be overflowing
And your broken soul restored.

—Terra Mandrell
© Terra Mandrell. Used with permission.

I Will Follow Christ

I will follow Christ
No matter what the cost.
For in seeking more
All is lost.

I will not seek
After earthly treasure.
In seeking only Christ
There is richness beyond measure.

I will follow Him
No matter earthly loss.
To seek only pleasure
Is too great a cost.

I will be no fool,
So to gain what I cannot lose
I will give what I cannot keep.
For Christ is what I choose.

—Gretchen L. Glaser
© Copyright 2002 by Gretchen L. Glaser
Used with permission

What is it Jesus saith unto the soul?
“Take up the Cross, and come and follow Me.”
One word He saith to all men: none may be
Without a cross yet hope to touch the goal.
Then heave it bravely up, and brace the whole
Body to bear; it will not weigh on thee
Past strength; or if it crush thee to thy knee
Take heart of grace, for grace shall be thy dole.
Give thanks today, and let tomorrow take
Heed to itself; today imports thee more,
Tomorrow may not dawn like yesterday:
Until that unknown morrow go thy way,
Suffer and work and strive for Jesus’ sake:—
Who tells thee what tomorrow keeps in store?

—Christina Rossetti

Breathing

Standing over my shoulder,
Gazing past my chin—
I can almost hear You breathing,
Your breath against my skin—
The minutes are ticking slowly,
The years are flying by—
But You are yet behind me,
Breathing soft and quiet—
No matter what this hour brings—
No matter how I fall—
No matter if I break and fade,
I know Your hand’s in all—
If it is meant to be, it is—
If not, I turn away,
And You are there to hold my heart,
And breathe the tears away—
Beside You, I can smile—
I am stronger than I am—
For You’re standing over my shoulder,
And holding both my hands—

The Richest Blue

Soaring through the richest blue,
I don’t know where God’s leading me,
But I know there’s treasures which
Have far surpassed all that I see—

What adventure is this life!
To fly with God through awesome plans,
Dancing on the waves of time—
The great expanse that His will spans;

Take a breath and float once more,
On clouds of love let’s take a stroll—
Soaring through the richest blue
Because it’s God who’s in control!

—Benjamin Graber

See every mountain’s radiant peak,
And every glorious sun-swept sky.
Dear friend, when you see these
Do you ever think to wonder why?

The mountain peak didn’t make itself,
The sky didn’t construct its own glory.
How can you hear and not believe?
In that timeless, ageless old story?

’Twas for our sins Jesus died -
No matter the sacrifice and all
He was focused on His vision,
On the outcome, not the fall.

He was focused on His Father,
Focused on you, and on me.
And as He breathed his last,
He had but one final plea:

As He reached out for me,
And as He reached out for you
There was one thought in His mind
“My dear child, who will you choose?”

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or
nakedness or danger or sword?… No, in all these things
we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”
—Romans 8:35, 37

If you have any comments or questions, or if you have a poem to share, please send an e-mail to bgraber@neo.rr.com

Back