Seeing God
Sometimes
we may wonder where God is, but the God who loves and died for
humanity, the longsuffering, merciful God who offers hope and eternity,
can always be seen…
In calls for disarmament.
In calls for peace, non-violence, fairness, openness, transparency, honesty and accountability.
In calls for freedom of expression and civil/religious liberty for all.
In calls for the protection of the aged and infirm.
In calls for an end to animal cruelty.
In calls for the protection of endangered species.
In calls for the restoration and protection of the environment.
In attempts to end poverty, starvation, oppression, persecution and torture.
In the defence of another wrongly accused.
In attempts to free the wrongly imprisoned.
In efforts to make the lot of those who’re less fortunate or burdened easier.
In the persistent prayer of someone wrestling and pleading with God on another’s behalf.
In a beautifully sung song of praise, an emotional recital of a
touching poem, or worthy passage, that speaks to the heart and mind.
In tears of empathy that well up at the sight or knowledge of someone’s misfortune, sadness or loss.
In a brotherly or sisterly embrace, a reassuring cuddle, a warm handshake, or guiding hand.
In a little gift or surprise awaiting some receiver or finder — perhaps
a bag of groceries, a mown lawn, a washed car, a freshly baked cake, a
concerned visit or phone call, or an encouraging note.
In a surgeon’s deft movements, a doctor’s understanding and special
efforts, a businessman’s or tradesman’s thoughtful reduction in price.
In someone’s willing acceptance of blame.
In a kindly invitation.
In an act of mercy.
In the keeping of a confidence.
In a pretty flower, a cherry blossom, a bubbling brook, a gentle
waterfall, a colourful rainbow, a striking sunset, a chirping bird, a
delightful garden.
In the playful antics of a kitten, the innocent chuckle of a child, a
caring smile, a thoughtful compliment, a leap of faith, an act of
trust, or another chance given.
In a principled stand.
In the midst of a testing time where someone’s temper is held in check,
where someone endures nobly, where someone displays patience, where
someone maintains hope, where someone perseveres, where someone remains
positive despite it all.
In a humble refusal.
In a wallet or purse that’s somewhat emptied on behalf of another.
In a worthy promise kept.
In the written work of someone seeking to call others to a better way
of life, or a healthier lifestyle, someone seeking to help others
appreciate the plight of those afflicted by certain events or
conditions, someone seeking to simplify the difficult yet worthy,
someone seeking to inform of truth, someone seeking to provide helpful
answers, someone seeking to bring glory to God.
In flowers left beside a sick-bed or on a tombstone.
In a grateful heart.
In the refusal to hold a grudge, nor let bitterness take hold.
In benevolence towards some vagrant.
In a sincerely meant “I’m sorry.”
In the genuine acceptance of another’s apology.
In an offered lift, an outstretched hand, a generous offer.
In the wavering of a debt.
In a desire to understand.
In a lovingly prepared meal.
In the gentle stroking of a pet, in the tending of a wounded creature.
In a sanctified life.
In a loving rebuke that steers someone away from danger and destruction.
In the quest of those who’re seeking to uncover evil plotting, cruelty, abuse, and underhand activity.
In the quest of those who’re ferreting out charlatans hiding behind religion or some worthy organisation or institution.
In the quest of those who’re attempting to bring to justice any who’re committing crimes against humanity.
And in so much more too, to which we should all say, Amen!.
By Lance Landall
ADD-ON
This All Need To Know
Our
fitness for Heaven is primarily decided by our treatment of others, be they
fellow sisters or brothers, workmates, strangers, family or friends, a
vagrant who nights in an ally spends, even an enemy, an anytime
adversary — yes, whoever, wherever, whenever — for ALL are the children
of the Lord, (connected by a creational cord), but He, only the lovers
of Himself and humanity will reward, and not those who wound, mock and
hate, not those who seek to dominate, subjugate, or annihilate, not
those who coldly calculate, manipulate, or intimidate, not those who
losses of liberty legislate, not those who evidence against others
fabricate, or others wrongly implicate, not those who hold grudges and
alienate, not those who the hopes and dreams of others decimate, not
those who with evil intent lie in wait, not those who misery and
trouble for others create, not those who another’s woe aggravate or
complicate, not those who unfair or cruel things advocate, not those
who the misfortunes of others celebrate, not those who lies and untrue
rumours circulate, or perpetuate, not those who wrong-doers elevate, not
those who another’s new beginning frustrate, not those who revengefully
retaliate, not those who another soul try to mislead or bait, not those
who pain and suffering orchestrate — in other words, those who don’t
act like the Lord, and whose life and Heaven aren’t in accord, and who
in regards to eternity, will discover that their acts against humanity,
their underhand and clandestine activity, and thus moral bankruptcy, are things that
one can't afford.
Yes, too many Christians
are far from Christian, their thoughts, words and ways far from
heavenly, their lives so full of hypocrisy, and yet, they think they’ve
secured eternity.
Oh, how foolishly deluded, given those they’ve
excluded, mistreated, neglected, rejected, maligned, abused and used,
and are still continuing to do so, but certainly not for long though,
for Christ will soon put an end to their charade, and they, coasting on
their broad, selfish and sinful boulevard, will discover far too late
their sorry yet much deserved fate, given repentance and obedience were
given too little regard.
No, Heaven’s not for such as these, nor that grace that they eagerly seize, for God
knows the secrets of each heart and mind, He being far from naive,
foolish or blind, and hence why many surprised folk will find, that
Heaven’s only for those who’ve left wrong behind — those who truly love
God and humankind, and in whom a good fruitage we find.
By Lance Landall
Note the comments regarding this poem that are underneath the following two poems.
“For if we willingly persist in sin after having received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer
remains a sacrifice for sins [God’s grace is made void], but a fearful prospect of judgment…” (Heb 10:26,27).
“Now
that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have
sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart"
(1 Peter 1:22, NIV).
“Many
will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy
name? and in Thy name cast out devils? and in Thy name done many
wonderful works?’ And then will I profess unto them, ‘I never knew you:
depart from Me, ye that work iniquity’ ” (Matt 7:22,23, KJV).
"Do you not know that wrongdoers will not enter the kingdom of God?..." (1 Cor 6:9)
More
poems like the one that's directly above can be seen by clicking on the row of buttons positioned
near the top and on the right hand side of the poem list page.
Savers Of Others
Every day I praise my Saviour that there’re those who behave like Him — and shouldn’t that be the way with us all? —
They running to the rescue of anyone who’s being mistreated, and thus responding to our Master’s call.
And oh, how they touch one’s heart, and this, as if Christ himself had acted, and in a sense, that is somewhat true,
For any who so aid others, and more so at their own expense, are those who do what Christ himself would do.
And coming to mind, (for example), are those who sheltered many from Hitler’s wickedness, as would our Lord,
And they doing so at great risk to themselves, and in my mind, they thus deserving of that coming reward.
For in such acts is found the love of Christ — our Saviour — He no taker of life, nor violent offender,
But rather, when it comes to the mistreated, oppressed and wrongly accused, He their most passionate defender.
Thus those who protect and aid the innocent, and condemn the mistreatment of others — a most noble act —
Are but imitators of Jesus, and like Him, any such satanic wickedness seek to counteract.
And this, they also do via their witness, their light exposing darkness, they restoring truth and rightful ways,
But never via means that run contrary to the ways of Christ, they knowing that via such means, one badly strays.
And hence why I praise my Saviour that such folk still exist, though fewer in number, for most give in to fear —
Well, when push comes to shove, that is — they being at risk, or sneered at by the majority, their cowardice clear.
For such requires a Christ-like courage and selflessness, and why many won’t make it through Heaven’s pearly gates,
As leaving others to suffer at the hands of wickedness is something that our Saviour condemns and hates.
Yes, savers of others, they imitating Jesus Christ himself, who thought it no loss to die on a cross,
And this, in order that others might live, such the same thinking of savers of others who take up their cross.
And I praise my Lord that they do, and this, midst my praying that we all may have the same courage, the same heart,
For such is not only the way of our Saviour, but the path that He’s always desired every person chart.
By Lance Landall
Less Than Converted
Deep within each Christian, there should be a thirsting for the heavenly, not just Heaven-cum-eternity,
As the Christian experience has less to do with Paradise and more to do with living righteously.
You see, so many want to go to Heaven, they desiring to be free of heartache, misery and pain,
But when it comes to righteous living, they not so enthusiastic, and why Heaven they may not obtain.
God knows the heart, and as far as Heaven goes, whether our interest is in Him or ourselves, as seen here,
For if we’re still in love with this base world, which seems the case with most, we’re hardly in love with all that's up there,
And we thus hardly genuine — wanting the prize, but not that keen on taking up our cross, turning from wrong,
A problem God had with ancient Israel, and now with Christendom it seems, Christians still midst the worldly throng.
Yes, so many long for Heaven, but not for Christ-like-ness, hence all that unchristian behaviour that we see,
And as a result, very little improvement, if any, and yet, they still expecting eternity.
Well, expecting is one thing, getting quite another, for grace hardly covers those with a foot in each camp,
Nor those — who like the five foolish virgins — don’t remain watchful, letting the oil run out in their midnight lamp.
Oh for the need of revival in the life of the Christian, the faithful having always been but a few,
As in Elijah’s time when he thought there were none, but in fact seven thousand who’d remained faithful and true.
For they sought the Lord and not just the reward, their life a living testimony, they thus known by their fruits,
And not just some hollow profession of faith, for those who’re worthy, aren’t those who simply do whatever suits.
You see, unless we’re thirsting for Christ-like-ness-cum-righteousness, we’re less than converted — this a fact —
For according to God’s Word, those who’re genuine aren’t just hearers but doers, and thus by their fruits attract.
Yes, they not only Christ-like, but living righteously, true ambassadors for Christ, their focus on their Lord,
And therefore — just like that seven thousand who remained faithful and true — they assured of that coming reward.
Hence why the authors of the Bible wax lyrical about living righteously, conforming to God’s will,
Or to put it another way, keeping His commandments — and, they say, how the genuine Christian we can tell.
For those who truly love God, delight in obeying Him, they no longer shackled by sin or its wages,
But rather, covered by Christ’s robe of righteousness — amazing grace — their new found joy in the Rock of ages.
And why those Christians whose lives aren’t in accordance with God’s will are less than converted, and thus still chain bound,
They not having fully surrendered their all to Christ, and why in their lives, a rebelliousness is still found.
“Oh yes,” they say, “I believe and accept Your grace, Lord,” for at the end of the day, they desire the reward,
But one that they won’t be getting until they have truly repented, and surrendered their all to the Lord.
By Lance Landall
Further to the poem "This All Need To Know" is this:
It's very clear from Scripture that only those who do God's will will receive eternity:
"
'Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of
heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven' " (Matt 7:21,
NKJV).
So what is God's will then? Well, the following pretty much sums things up without saying a lot more:
That we take care of our body:
"If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and that temple you are" (1 Cor 3:17, RSV).
That we take care of the Earth:
"The
nations raged, but Thy wrath came, and the time for the dead to be
judged, for rewarding Thy servants, the prophets and saints, and those
who fear Thy name, both small and great, and for destroying the
destroyers of the earth" (Rev 11:18, RSV).
That we consider the well-being of creatures:
"A righteous man has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel" (Prov 12:10, RSV).
That we neither hurt anyone nor willingly neglect their need:
“
‘And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you,
inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you
did it to me.’ ‘Then He will say to those on the left hand ,‘Depart
from me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil
and his angels’ ” (Matt 25:40,41, NKJV).
" 'In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you..." (Matt 7:12, NASB).
"But
if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet
closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? (1 John
3:17, RSV).
That we emulate His love:
"Above all, maintain constant love for one another..." (1 Peter 4:8).
"So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love" (1 Cor 13:13, ESV).
That we put Him first in our life:
"For
am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to
please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a
servant of Christ" (Gal 1:10, ESV).
That we seek the salvation of others:
"Go
therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name
of the Father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to
observe all that I have commanded you..." (Matt 28:19,29, ESV).
That we never put a stumbling block in another's way:
"...but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother" (Rom 14:13, ESV).
That we forgive others and not seek revenge:
"But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses" (Mark 11:26, KJV).
"Beloved,
never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is
written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." (Rom 12:19,
ESV).
That we keep the Ten Commandments, His moral law:
"Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law" (Rom 3:31, ESV).
" For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it" (James 2:10, RSV).
"Blessed
are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the
tree of life [eternal life], and may enter through the gates into the
city [the renewed earth (Rev 21:1-3)]" (Rev 22:14, NKJV). Note also Rev 14:12.
“Whoever
says, “I know Him” but does not keep His commandments is a liar, and
the truth is not in him [the Ten Commandments are the standard of
Christian conduct. Not saved by, but judged by]” (1 John 2:4, ESV).
That our worship of Him always be in keeping with His holiness and majesty:
"Therefore
let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and
thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe"
(Heb 12:28, ESV).
"God
is greatly to be feared [respected] in the assembly of the saints, and
to be had in reverence of all them that are about Him" (Ps 89:7, KJV).
That we only uphold what's sound biblical doctrine:
"But
even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel
contrary to that which we preached to you, let him be accursed" (Gal
1:8, RSV).
"...Teach what is consistant with sound doctrine" (Titus 2:1, ESV).
"For
the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but
having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to
suit their own likings, and will turn away from listening to the truth
and wander into myths" (2 Tim 4:3,4, RSV).
"Speaking of this
as he [Paul] does in all his letters. There are some things in them
hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own
destruction, as they do the other scriptures" (2 Peter 3:16, RSV).
That we walk in accordance with His Word:
“You
were taught to put away your former way of life, your old self, corrupt
and deluded by its lusts, and to be renewed in the spirit of your
minds, and to clothe yourselves with the new self, created according to
the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Eph 4:22-24).
"In
order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled
[realized] in us, who walk not according to the flesh, but according to
the Spirit" (Rom 8:4, ESV).
"To set the mind on the
flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, it does not
submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh
cannot please God" (Rom 8:6-8, ESV).
"Thus you will know them by their fruits" (Matt 7:20, NKJV).
That we always keep in mind that we're His ambassadors:
"Abstain from all appearance of evil" (1 Thess 5:22, KJV).
"
'In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may
see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven' " (Matt
5:16, ESV).
"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us..." (2 Cor 5:20, ESV).
And that we appropriately expose error and falsehood and rebuke wrong:
"But test everything..." (1 Thess 5:21, RSV).
"But
those who rebuke the wicked will have delight, and a good blessing will
be upon them" (Prov 24:25, RSV). Note also Ezek 3:17-19; Col 3:16.
"All
scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof,
for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that every one
who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work" (2
Tim 3:16,17).
"Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them" (Eph 5:1, RSV).
"But speaking the truth in love..." (Eph 4:15, RSV).
