Jehovah Jireh
My God
My God has always been, is, and always will be. He has
immortality, lives eternally.
He’s the Commander of the heavenly hosts, He’s royalty, a sovereign who
reigns on high ruling universally — the universe His dominion,
territory.
He’s unchangeable, constant, reliable, stable, trustworthy, tireless,
faithful. The same today as He was yesterday.
He’s omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient.
He’s holy, righteous, perfect, pure, blameless, Divine, supreme,
stately, glorious, majestic.
He’s impartial, just, clear, articulate, forthright, decisive,
discerning, knowing, transparent, honourable, incorruptible, honest,
sincere, of noble intent.
He’s strong, courageous, skilled, inventive, intelligent, confident,
visionary, scholarly, eloquent.
He’s a God of reason, wisdom, soundness, manners, order, excellence,
beauty, dignity, positivity, propriety, conscientiousness, progress,
punctuality, lawfulness, accountability.
He’s a creator, a potter, an artist, a designer, an engineer, an
architect, a builder,
a doctor, a surgeon, a gardener, a scientist, an author, a
mathematician, an astronomer
a physicist, a pilot, a captain, a teacher, a preacher, a psychologist.
He’s the Way, the Truth, the Life, the Word, the Light, the Door, the
Vine, the Alpha and Omega, the First and Last — a firm foundation, an
antitype, a God who’s unsurpassed.
He has faced, suffered, endured, conquered, triumphed, risen,
delivered, silenced, unmasked, proven, spoken.
He overcame Calvary, beautified the cross, broke sin’s shackles,
defeated the devil and death, which tore the veil in the sanctuary.
He’s a champion, a hero, a winner, a victor, a vanquisher.
He’s an anchor, a rock, a refuge, a shield, a stronghold, a hiding
place. He’s love, He’s grace.
He offers peace, joy, happiness, purpose, satisfaction, contentment,
fulfilment, success.
He’s a miracle worker, a prophesier, a provider, a problem solver, a
repairer, a restorer, a polisher, a synchroniser, an organiser, a
healer, a mediator, an adjudicator.
He’s loving, caring, tender-hearted, devoted, gentle, understanding,
thoughtful, generous, gracious, merciful, compassionate, forgiving,
humane, longsuffering.
He’s accessible, responsive, cordial, listening, interested, concerned,
watchful, waiting, seeking.
He’s a burden bearer, a comforter, a confidante, a friend, a
reconciler.
He encourages, persuades, invigorates, rejuvenates, motivates,
permeates.
He leads, directs, supports, defends, carries, strengthens, tends.
He illuminates, enlightens, educates.
He calls, selects, sends, commissions, authorises, apportions,
appoints, anoints.
He calls a spade a spade, shakes, rouses, instructs, examines, records,
warns, rebukes, disciplines, judges, executes judgment — and rightly so
too, where such is due.
He’s the Messiah, the Saviour, the Redeemer, the Lamb, the Resurrection
and the Life, the Good Shepherd, the Master, the Head of the Church,
the Bridegroom, the Cornerstone, the Lord of the Sabbath, the Lord of
the Harvest, the Lord of lords, the King of kings, a High Priest, the
Prince of Peace. He’s the Lord God Almighty, the Bright and Morning
Star.
He’s a humanitarian, a good Samaritan, a liberator, an emancipator, an
environmentalist, a peace and animal activist, a lobbyist, a pacifist,
a promoter of harmony, an upholder of civil/religious liberty.
He’s the defender of the poor, the orphan, the widow, the oppressed,
the disabled, the persecuted, the vulnerable, the weak, the frightened,
the abused, the wrongly accused, the misunderstood, the stricken, the
heartbroken, the disadvantaged, the miserable.
He laughs, weeps, is grieved, displays righteous anger, recoils from
sin, sings, rejoices, desires that He’ll be received.
He’s the God of the Ten Commandments, the One who rescues, spares,
empowers, blesses, rewards, — yes, the Living One, the Son — the
perfect role model, seated on His throne, and around Him cherubim and
seraphim.
And His Word is true, tested, historically accurate, inspired,
prophetic, corrective, challenging, encouraging, inspiring, uplifting,
life changing, informative.
Yes, that’s why He’s my God, a God of whom I’m not ashamed, a God whose
promises I’ve claimed, and why here, His attributes I’ve proclaimed.
He’s in control, well aware, on track, on Satan’s tail, finishing off,
poised, pausing, that more might be saved; and soon will come back.
He’s worthy of obeisance, worship, adoration, praise, glory, centrality.
He’s the great 'I AM.'
Jehovah Jireh.
My God.
By Lance Landall
“ ‘...so that you
may know that there is no one like the Lord our God’ ” (Ex 8:10, ESV).
PAIN
AND SUFFERING IS NOT CAUSED BY THE ABSENCE OF GOD BUT BY THE PRESENCE
OF SATAN
ADD-ONS
The God Who Can
I
don’t believe in wishing wells, nor in magical spells, but rather, in
the power of prayer, and God’s providential care, for He has proven
time and time again, unlike men, that when I’m in need,
He’s always there.
Thus my faith is not in man, 'cause where he
can’t, God can — yes, the impossible God makes possible, He’s never
short of a heavenly plan.
No, I don’t believe in good luck charms, fortune tellers who gaze at
crystal balls or palms, but rather, in the God above, who wraps me in
His love, and my fears and anxiety calms.
Thus, my trust is in the Lord, not those who seek reward, via
astrology, the illusionary, a shuffling of cards, or an Ouija board,
and, who thereby folk defraud.
No, I don’t put trust in a four leaf clover, a rabbit’s foot, or horse
shoe, and nor do I lean on some mind numbing brew, that leaves one with
a hangover, but rather, I look to the God on high, the One who can truly
prophesy, a God who’s in control, and whose goodness I extol, a God who
understands and hears each cry, and knows the answer to every, “Why?”
No, I don’t believe in those who can’t deliver, clairvoyants, wizards,
astrologers, some mystical Indian giver, but rather, in He who freely
offers grace, keeps the stars in place, knows each case, and who’s
always there for me, anytime, anyplace.
Yes, He’s the God who can, so in Him
I trust, not man, for I know that He is able, loving and true, a God
who any human attempt can outdo — yes, a God who’ll faithfully see me
through.
By Lance Landall
Look Up
When
feeling rather low, amidst life’s ebb and flow, and possibly
discouraged — be encouraged —
and this one thing surely know: That our
God is just a prayer away, and angels will quickly send your way, if
you just kneel and for assistance pray.
Yes, let a smile replace
your frown, don’t let the devil keep you down, and have you in
introspection drown, nor flailing pointlessly, for misery so loves
company, and speaking very honestly, who wants to share the devil’s,
who only in darkness revels, and stirs up trouble and controversy?
No, better to sing and praise, bask in heavenly rays, and to ponder on
what God says, than to pay attention to what Satan may mention, for
he’s nothing but a liar, whose ultimate evil desire (after dragging
you through the mire), is to see you destroyed by fire.
Yes, better to trust in the Lord, who faithfulness will soon reward,
and whose promises are tried and true, for He, unlike the cunning
devil, is always on the level, and lovingly watches over you.
And best you also read God’s Word, and yourself with His armour gird,
lest Satan sneak up from behind, and with error and temptation
bind, 'cause his way forfeits eternity, the pleasure of
Christ’s
company, and
happiness eternally — a loss that I pray you won’t find.
Therefore, allow me to repeat: Don’t settle for defeat, nor fall for
the devil’s deceit, but instead, remember who bled, died in your stead,
supplies your daily bread, and “I’ll come again” said, for in Him,
truth and love meet, hearts much brighter beat, and life’s not bitter
but sweet, for anxiety and fear retreat, leaving light, hope, joy and
peace instead, and thereby, us with a lighter tread.
By Lance Landall
"We have a God
who delights in impossibilities."
Billy Sunday
(1862-1935)
More
of the poems directly above can be seen by clicking on the row of
buttons positioned
near the top and on the right hand side of my poetry garden number two.
A. W. Tozer
CALVARY
What rebellion cost.
Where no greater love was seen.
Where no greater mercy was shown.
Where no greater sacrifice took place.
Where no greater gift was given.
Where Christ did what man couldn’t.
Where Satan was defeated.
Where God’s character was confirmed.
Where a promise was kept.
Where Christ paid our debt in full.
Where rebellious angels shivered and faithful angels rejoiced.
Where the temple veil was torn and the Earth shaken.
Where Satan was proven a liar once and for all.
Where type met anti-type.
Where innocent blood was spilt.
Where a King died for His subjects.
Where a Master became as a servant.
Where no Father suffered more.
Where no Son showed greater trust.
Where prophecy was fulfilled in every way.
Where an act took place that’ll never cease to amaze.
Where an instrument of torture became a symbol of salvation.
Where one thief recognized divinity and the other scoffed at it.
Where saved has no greater meaning.
Where proof’s no firmer.
Where shattered lives are mended.
Where hope, freedom and victory are found.
Where divinity reaches out to humanity.
Where one should surrender.
Where one should kneel.
Where one should meditate.
By Lance Landall
SPIRITUAL THOUGHTS WITH A TRAIN IN MIND
Know the Driver — God the Father.
Know the Conductor — Jesus Christ the Son.
Get on board — Be baptized.
Produce your ticket — God’s gift of grace.
Take a seat — Study and meditate on God’s Word.
Open a window — Be receptive to fresh insights and revealed truth.
Use the rack provided — Leave all your burdens at Calvary.
Mingle with the passengers — Fellowship with other believers.
Be ready when the whistle blows — Stay tuned.
Pay attention to the signals — Note the signs of the times.
Stay coupled to the engine — The Holy Spirit.
Keep the fire stoked with coal — Be unceasing in prayer.
Don’t lose your steam — Remain committed.
Top up at the water tank — Quench your thirst via the living water — Christ.
Stay on track — Don’t stray or be derailed.
Prepare for tunnels — Take hold of God’s promises.
Help fill more carriages — Call the lost.
Harmonize with the rhythm — Be in sync with God’s will.
Rejoice in the journey — Sing praise songs and share blessings.
Make use of the caboose — Fill it with spiritual treasure.
Don’t miss the station — Look out for Heaven.
By Lance Landall
HEAR
YE, GOD HATES VIOLENCE!
Jesus taught his followers not to hate their enemies but to love them; and he acted accordingly when the armed crowd came with Judas to the Garden of Gethsemane to arrest him. In that historic encounter he specifically forbade his disciples to use violence. Jesus rebuked one of his disciples, Peter, who, untrained in swordsmanship, swung wildly with his sword and cut off the ear of the High Priest's servant, Malchus. "Put your sword back into its place," Jesus said, "for all who take the sword will perish by the sword" (Matt 26:52, ESV). He could not have made it more plain. To take the sword, gun, or bomb in Christ's name is to repudiate both Christ and his message. He will have none of it. Gunning for God, in the sense of taking a weapon into one's hands on God's behalf, is a contradiction of and an affront to the Christian message."
From the book "Gunning For God" by John C. Lennox.
The title "Hear Ye, God Hates Violence!" is mine.
“I don't remember Moses writing, 'Thou shalt not kill...unless you think you have a good reason.”
Willie Nelson
A
MARITAL ANALOGY
Christ is our coming bridegroom; we His bride to be.
When we accept Him as our Lord and Saviour, via baptism, we become betrothed to Him.
By the way: We can’t accept Christ as our Saviour without accepting Him as our Lord — otherwise we’re still in that rebellious mode.
Christ is very jealous of His bride to be, and rightly so given that we’ve chosen Him too.
And so,
He wants us to be faithful to him.
Therefore,
We shouldn’t idolize anyone else.
We shouldn’t remain involved with our old flame (ex-boyfriend, Satan).
We shouldn’t continue to flirt with the world.
And so,
We shouldn’t give Him reason to doubt our sincerity,
By spending most of our time suiting ourselves what we do.
By jeopardizing that relationship in anyway.
By falsely representing Him and all that He stands for, as that would shame Him.
By doubting His promises.
By showing a lack of faith in Him.
By being on and off — in other words, inconsistent, a part-timer.
And so,
We should put a lot of time into our new relationship with Christ.
Hence,
That Sabbath day that He set apart for quality time and freedom from common distractions.
That morning and evening devotional.
That moment by moment prayerful attitude.
That putting Him first; before others and things.
And so,
We should be concerned about those things that matter most to Him, and that are dear to His heart,
Like saving more of His currently lost children, and treating them just as kindly as He does.
Like promoting, upholding and sharing His biblical authorship.
Like looking after His creation and creatures.
Like coming together to share and learn more about Him, His Word, will and ways.
Like supporting His cause via our generosity.
Like putting things right between ourselves and others.
And so,
We should show how much He means to us,
By singing His praises.
By doing those things that please Him.
By carrying out His instructions.
By treating Him respectfully.
By reverently worshipping Him.
By putting up with things for His sake.
By defending His reputation and Word.
By our eager anticipation of His soon return.
And so,
We also preparing for that wedding day,
By enlisting the help of the Holy Spirit.
By clothing ourselves in a garment that’s only made in Heaven’s loom.
By detoxing our inner temple.
By acclimatizing via the heavenly.
By regular contact.
By Lance Landall
SADLY,
We SHAME God when we behave un-Christ-like.
We ROB God when we don’t give Him the time He’s due.
We ANGER God when we injure His children.
We BETRAY God when we aid His arch-enemy.
We INSULT God when we ignore His Word.
We SADDEN God when we choose our way over His way, or put things or people before Him.
We HURT God when we show a lack of trust in Him.
We REWOUND God whenever we choose to sin.
We MALIGN God when we portray Him incorrectly.
We TWO-TIME God when we play around with the world.
We USE God when we accept His grace but don’t conform to His wishes.
We DISAPPOINT God when our thoughts, words and acts aren’t heavenly.
We HAMPER God when we frustrate His efforts on our behalf.
We DISMAY God when we don’t fulfil those things we promise Him.
We DECEIVE God when we say we love Him and yet don’t keep His Commandments which He's asked us to keep:
“ ‘If you love Me, you will keep My commandments’ ” (John 14:15, ESV).
By Lance Landall
A Story Like No Other
Midst the ugliness of the cross, there’s a beautiful story, hope-filled picture,
One glowing with love, which, as one ponders searchingly, grows deeper and richer.
Yes, one that never fails to amaze — oh, the agony and the ecstasy —
The scope of it breathtaking, blood exchanged for life, death swallowed in victory.
Oh yes, a love scene, the story of stories, the pathos excruciating,
The attention to thoughtful details mind-boggling, the image captivating.
Yes, forever nailed in the memory, one returning time and again, and
Struggling to turn away, unable to fully grasp, nor truly understand.
It hardly a human story, but involving humans, who God created,
And thus they and the ugliness and beautifulness of that cross related.
Amazing grace having reached out, undeserved mercy, love unfathomable,
A sacrifice beyond comprehension, which every heart and mind should fill.
By Lance Landall
Another Soul Rescued!
My dear brother in Christ, what a joy that you sought baptism, and finally,
Having rightly not rushed into such, but having considered things carefully.
One needing to be sure, and committed to such a step, and that, dear brother,
Will leave you much stronger, ’cause Satan’s attacks can come one after another.
But having said that, praise God that you’ve taken this stand, shown whose side you’re on,
A new creature risen from the waters of baptism, the old creature gone.
Yes, having died to rebellion, publicly expressed via a watery grave,
And now your life really beginning, you the child of a king, thus not a slave.
What joy, dear brother in Christ, truth winning rather than Satan’s lies, and may you
Continue to grow in Jesus, and that same likeness passionately pursue.
It’s not about you anymore, but Him, in whom true happiness is found, and
How a coming kingdom is inherited, that paradise that Jesus planned.
And remember, it’s not about perfection, but progress, love first and foremost,
Your walk a relationship seen in your words and actions, thus God uppermost.
Yes, grace having saved you, not your own works, and lest it be that anyone boast,
And Christ receive less glory, who praise wise, should receive it to the uttermost.
So meantime, the Holy Spirit enabling, continuing to move and mould,
Your Saviour with you every step of the way, though His hand you must firmly hold.
Heaven watching and waiting, and backing you to the hilt, so stay the distance,
And despite whatever ill may come your way, strong muscles built by resistance.
By Lance Landall
The following poem is not endorsing nor promoting pantheism.
God's Presence
We see God in the rainbow that reminds us of His love,
And in the starry bodies that twinkle at night above.
We see God in those sunsets, that prior to dusk, cast their glow,
And in the hills and mountains from which fountains gush and flow.
We see God in the forest where many living things dwell,
And also in lush jungles where exotic creatures thrill.
We see God in the rivers, and brooks and lakes, throughout earth,
And in those new born babies whose first cry is heard at birth.
We see God in the sunshine that soon warms us with its rays,
Even in cotton wool clouds on those not so sunny days.
We see God in the green meadows, in wrapped flower bouquets,
In wholesome humour, and in answers to prayers that one prays.
We see God in the seasons that various changes bring,
Refreshing days of autumn, those blossoms that come in spring.
The cleansing cool of winter, that breeze felt on summer days,
Those contrasts of each season that delights and not dismays.
We see God in affection, in tenderness and mercy,
And in compassionate acts, kind deeds, also chivalry.
We see God in friendliness, in fellowship and harmony,
In an all-embracing love and appropriate intimacy.
We see God in selflessness, and in generosity,
Also in benevolence, people acting pleasantly.
We see God in gratefulness, and in worship that’s self free,
And where there’s praise of others, never where there’s praise of ME.
The reason God is seen in these things I’ve stated here,
Is because He’s our Creator, hence His presence is everywhere.
Not only in creation, but in each action, word and thought
That has the stamp of Heaven and our Holy God’s support.
By Lance Landall
GOD HAS GIVEN US FREE WILL, AND THEREFORE, AND ON A PERSONAL LEVEL, WE CAN THWART HIS WILL, THOSE DESIRES THAT HE HAS FOR US, AND MOSTLY THAT OUR LIVES REFLECT JESUS, BUT WE HAVING THE FREEDOM TO CHOOSE, TO EVEN ABUSE, THOUGH WARNED OF THE FOLLY OF REJECTING HIS WILL, AND HOW SUCH BRINGS ABOUT INJURY AND ILL, BUT WE NOT ROBOTS, GOD WANTING US TO RESPOND FROM LOVE, THUS HE NOT FORCING HIS WILL FROM ABOVE, BECAUSE A FORCED RESPONSE ISN'T A WILLING RESPONSE, AND THUS FOR US TO RESPOND WILLINGLY, WE NEED TO HAVE THAT LIBERTY — IN OTHER WORDS, THAT CHOICE TO ACCEPT OR REJECT, THOUGH ULTIMATELY, WE CHOOSING BETWEEN MORTALITY AND IMMORTALITY.
