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
“You
have multiplied, O Lord my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts
toward us; none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell of them,
yet they are more than can be told” (Ps 40:5, ESV).
CHRISTIANS! YOU WERE BORN TO STAND OUT, NOT BLEND IN
ADD-ONS
When Satan Raps, Run!
When the devil
calls from some shabby alley (he always lurking in the shadows, you see), and
hollers the following kind of rap (which is nothing but a trap),
run!
“Hey there, brother (or sister), you know, I’ve kinda missed yer, you and I going way
back, and now you’re giving me flak, which hey, really bugs my head,
for why Jesus Christ instead, as didn’t I please you well, and it all
waiting there still, the world your oyster, Kiddo, and I’ve the
contacts, you know, which could see you riding high, for it’s man I glorify, get the picture?
Hey, come on, for soon your doubts will be gone, and you the one, real cool as, living big and all that jazz — yes, no concerns, none at all, for you’ll be having a ball.
Hey, come on, or one more time, as a little fun’s no crime, and I’ll
take good care of you, and not balk at what you do, for I’m a real
laid-back guy, who won’t trouble you with, Why?”
Yes, ain’t that just like the old dragon, for you say “Yes” and he’ll be
draggin', you going where he wants you to go, and haven’t you
been there before? Oh, forgot, huh? Well, I wouldn’t, you know, his
scene something like a rodeo, for soon you’ll be off his high kicking horse,
and why so many others have changed course, for only too well they know that
his horse is prone to throw, and then you’ll be on your back, in the red and
not the black, and hollering out, “Please help me, God!” and feeling the old
devil prod, for out will come another rap, one that more energy will
sap, and why once again, I’d run!
“Hey, got you real good, huh? Yea, and hey, while you’re lying there,
take this! And here’s some guilt too, God being real angry at you, so
don’t bother crying out, for now God isn’t about, and you well and
truly lost, for hey, man, look at the cost, your trail an absolute
mess, and why I wouldn’t confess, and why now you’re stuck with me, just as doomed eternally.”
Wow! What a dreadful liar! He soon destined for fire, for what he says is far
from true, and hey, friend, let me tell you this too, God can rap just as good
as he can, God around long before raps began, so listen to
this:
“Hello, son, come take My hand, so that I can help you stand, for I don’t turn folk away, but welcome them any day, for I’m a forgiving
God, who that path to the cross trod, where grace can rescue and save,
it not tied to how you behave, but to your repentant cry, and strong
desire to comply, for My way is better, son, and why from Satan I’d
run, and yes, straight into My arms, for there’s nothing more that
calms,and hence that peace
I’ll give you, and yes, the Spirit’s strength too, that you may walk
righteously, thereby witnessing of Me, that others may also see, how
much better life can be, when one surrenders to Me.”
Now what do you think of that? Christ clearly where it’s all at, and once
you’ve immortality — in other words, eternity — you’ll no doubt be rapping too,
the following heard from you:
“I’m so grateful for that cross, for I count Earth but no loss, as I’ve
gained eternity, via Christ’s death on Calvary, and now live in
Paradise, having taken His advice, for He truly knows what’s best, and
why I’m glad I confessed, and put the old life behind, sin no longer on
my mind, and where I am now, I’ll be
praising God eternally, for He deserves the glory — oh, what a joyous story!”
And may such a happy rap soon come true for you, heartache no longer felt and
nor in view, the wonders of Paradise enthralling, and Jesus your very name
calling, and thus you two walking together, midst a heavenly kind of heather,
and sharing the warmth and relaxing hue, where every day you will get to say,
“Thank you,” and stimulating conversation pursue.
By Lance
Landall
This poem was altered and renamed on 7 August 2019.
“For
I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers,
nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor
depth, nor anything else in creation, will be able to separate us from
the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 8:38,39).
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 my poetry garden number two.
GOD NOT ONLY GAVE HIS SON BUT HIS WORD
— The Christian Bible, which says:
That the things that the apostles have imparted came via the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 2:10,13; 1 Thess 2:13; John 14:26; 16:13).
That we’re to study God's Word so that we may receive His approval (2 Tim 2:15; 3:15-17; 1 Tim 4:6; John 8:31,32).
That we’re to make sure that we have a sound understanding of it (2 Tim 2:15; 1:13; Titus 2:1; 1:9).
That we imperil ourselves by paying little attention to it (Hosea 4:6; Ps 11:3; 2 Tim 4:3,4; Heb 5:11-14; Eph 4:14).
That those who hide, suppress or distort its truths will incur God’s wrath (Rom 1:18; Gal 1:8,9; 2 Peter 3:16; 1:20; Prov 30:5,6).
That we're not to add to it or subtract from it — in other words, and also, that we're not to tamper with it, change, dismiss or dispute anything in it.
That those who seek to study and understand the prophecy contained in the book of Revelation (which deals with End-time events), will be blessed by their so doing (Rev 1:3).
And remember this too:
A) God’s Word gives us information that can save us from eternal death.
B) God’s Word gives us information that can help us to be happier, healthier and wiser.
C) God’s Word gives us information that helps us to come to know Him better.
D) God’s Word gives us information that helps us to know what He requires of us.
E) God’s Word gives us information that provides us with hope for the future.
F) God’s Word gives us information that provides us with the answers to life itself.
G) God’s Word gives us information that we can use to help others come to know Him,
and His will, so that they too can be saved and live happier, healthier and wiser.
H) And lastly, there's never any problem with God’s Word, but often with us.
WANT TO KNOW WHAT GOD'S LIKE?
Well, dwell on these examples:
Beautiful singing voices;
Natural, wholesome laughter;
Melody, harmony and rhythm;
Sunshine;
Starry skies;
Amazing creatures;
Dawn choruses;
Pretty flowers;
Artistry;
Poetry;
Beauty;
Order,
Cleanliness;
Love;
Kindness:
Tenderness;
Compassion;
Mercy;
Forgiveness;
Sympathy;
Smiles;
Hugs...
A HYMN
Saviour God
Verse One
Help us give our all to Thee,
O God of love and mercy,
Help us put more trust in Thee,
O God of hope and glory.
Refrain
O Saviour God, Saviour God,
How we yearn for Your return,
O Saviour God, Saviour God,
May we more of Your love learn.
Verse Two
Help us walk and love like Thee,
O God so wise and Holy,
Help us praise and worship Thee,
O God so great and mighty.
Verse Three
Help us rise and speak of Thee,
O God of truth and beauty,
Help us always dwell on Thee,
O God so true and steady.
By Lance Landall
Would you like to put this to music? Let me know.
Christian version (added verse).
Questions
Tell me, why do penguins waddle, why do elephants lumber,
And why do bears relax in winter, curl up and slumber?
Why do rabbits have big ears, why do pigs have curly tails,
Why do mockingbirds mimic, why is there a shell on snails?
Why do lizards shed their skin, why do puffins have bright bills,
Why do barn owls hunt at night, why do fish have fins and gills?
Why do moles love eating worms, why do humpback whales sing,
Why do vipers have long fangs, and why do jellyfish sting?
How do hummingbirds hover, why do platypus lay eggs,
Why do centipedes and millipedes have so many tiny legs?
Why is a giraffe’s tongue blue, why do albatross have wide wings,
Why do horses enjoy oats, why do magpies nab bright things?
Why are cicadas noisy, why are turtles very slow,
Why do beavers create dams, why do roosters always crow?
Why is a slug so slimy, why do vampire bats seek blood,
Why do termites build towers, why do hippos love the mud?
How do tadpoles become frogs, why do meerkats stand on guard,
Why are pigeons rather plump, why is rhino skin so hard?
Why do carp fish suck up mud, why do leopards climb up trees,
Why are vultures scavengers, and who put that jump in fleas?
How does a woodpecker drill, how do bees produce honey,
And why do domestic cats pinch places warm and sunny?
Why do panthers like to swim, why do condors fly so high,
And why are gorillas hairy? Please tell me how and why.
Now, if you cannot help me, I certainly know who can,
'Cause He knows all the answers to the questionings of man.
And one day we can ask Him, providing He’s become our King,
'Cause Christ’s returning shortly, and saved ones He’ll Heavenward wing.
By Lance Landall
This poem was tweaked on 31 December 2022.
Regarding Christ
On the cross of Calvary, hanging there instead of me,
And having suffered cruelly, and also because of me,
Was One divine and holy, One who gave His life for me,
One who suffered willingly, One who risked it all for me.
And all that Jesus went through, He also went through for you,
And I’m so glad He did do, showing that same love for you.
And everyone else too, thus not simply me and you,
But all who’re faithful and true, and hence why I pray for you.
By Lance Landall
Truly Knowing Him
Many things are said about God, but only His Word is to be trusted, and
Both rightly interpreted and clearly understood, which is just what He'd planned.
And so, many claiming this and that, but not correct, and then that mystery,
Certain things about God that we will never know this side of eternity.
Thus God needing to be experienced via a personal relationship,
Enter not just the Written Word, but the Spirit, fervent prayer, mindful worship.
That hour by hour, day by day talking to Him, waiting for an answer, ready,
Our understanding of Him and our interaction with Him both sound and steady.
By Lance Landall
Can't You See?
God’s trying to break our stony hearts with His love, all why He bears long, and why
He’s gracious even in our moanings and failings, we still the apple of His eye.
It not about punishment, and all why He appeals via His creative ways,
That we might never want to hurt Him again, but willingly please Him all our days.
Jesus wants people to love Him —and to love, one must be able to reject,
And thus affection not forced but chosen, and how the love of God we reflect.
Robots unable to choose, and all why God gave us free choice, that hopefully
We would choose to follow Him out of love, thereby marked by our sincerity.
So can’t you see, it’s His love that’s behind all that He does, that He might woo us,
And thus we responding to that love, or rejecting it, and thereby Jesus;
And ultimately, there’s consequences, but that being our choice, and why we
Should let His love melt our hearts, and never view Him as acting menacingly.
By Lance Landall
WHAT SUCH REMIND ME OF
A spade reminds me of how we should dig deep into God’s Word.
Scissors remind me that we should cut our ties with unholy influences.
A fishing line reminds me that we’re meant to be fishers of souls.
A vacuum cleaner reminds me of how our heart and mind should be regularly hoovered too.
A watering can reminds me of new converts who shouldn’t be left to wither.
A ruler reminds me that God has His demarcation lines.
A waste can reminds me where error and falsehood belong.
A spanner reminds me of how some minds need undoing.
A flower reminds me of how we need the Son too.
A fence reminds me of how we should always keep Satan out.
A lamp reminds me that we’re meant to shine too.
A tap reminds me of the Fountain of Life.
A heater reminds me of the warmth that we should radiate.
A letterbox reminds me of how fellow Christians are waiting to hear from us too.
A chapel reminds me that a quiet place and prayer go together.
A clothesline reminds me that we should always hang out our thankfulness and gratitude.
A church reminds me that a visible Christian presence is needed.
A hospital reminds me that sinners need surgery too.
A petrol pump reminds me that we can’t get very far without the Spirit's octane.
A court reminds me that Christ will have His day.
A sign post reminds me of the “signs of the times.”
A ladder reminds me that we’re supposed to be climbing.
A toothbrush reminds me that our mouths should also be free of verbal bacteria.
A thistle reminds me that there are things in our lives that need weeding too.
A give way sign reminds me that we should think of others.
A stop sign reminds me that there are certain places we shouldn’t go.
Traffic lights remind me that there’s a time and place.
A speed bump reminds me to slow down for others on their way too.
A clock reminds me of Christ’s soon return.
Scales remind me that we should be weighing everything according to Scripture.
A door reminds me that Christ is knocking on hearts.
The moon reminds me of how we should be a light in the darkness too.
A basket reminds me of the fruits of the Spirit.
A measuring tape reminds me that we should measure up too.
A gift reminds me of the greatest gift of all.
A radio reminds me of how we should be tuned into a heavenly frequency.
A bridge reminds me of how we should always try to bridge gulfs.
A train reminds me that all need to get on board regarding salvation.
A fan reminds me of the Gospel cheer that we should be spreading.
A washing machine reminds me that our righteousness is as filthy rags.
A book reminds me that there are chapters to our lives, and why we need to give others time.
A pen reminds me of the written Word.
A grinding stone reminds me that we need to sharpen our spiritual senses.
Feet remind me that we must tread the same path that Jesus trod.
Glue reminds me to stick to the straight and narrow.
A plane reminds me that one day we'll fly too.
A kettle reminds me to sing under presure.
BUT A MISLEADING DISTRACTION, EVIDENCE OF GOD NOT MERELY A FRACTION, BUT ABOUNDING, AND THUS MAN'S IGNORANCE ASTOUNDING, BECAUSE WHO DOSEN'T MARVEL OVER CREATION, AND GIVEN THE PUNY ACHIEVEMENTS OF CIVILISATION? — WELL, IN COMPARISON, I MEAN — MAN UNABLE TO OUTSHINE CREATION, AND MORE THE DESTROYER OF CREATION, AS IF IT'S HIS WORK, HIS RIGHT, THUS DISASTER IN SIGHT, AND ALL BECAUSE HE'S LOST SIGHT, CAN'T SEE THE WOOD FOR THE TREES, AND HOW THE TRUTH FROM HIS MIND FLEES.
