Archive for the 'Uplifting Inspirations' Category


Settled Decision

posted by gbowen
February 21, 2010

God, it is my settled decision

Not to choose less

When You have chosen more for me.

Not to choose the worst

When You have chosen the best.

Not to stoop to defeat

When You have provided victory.

Not to let my emptiness

Close the door to Your fullness.


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New-born Ecstasy

posted by gbowen
February 14, 2010

When I resolve to come to You

Amid the chunks and cracks

Of all my mundane days-

When I resolve to listen

Really listen to Your gentle voice

Suddenly I know anew

That You are life

And life is joy!

Like a singing brook

Joy splashes over

All the common “dailies”

Until each empty space

Of my hungry heart

Is touched with new-born ecstasy.


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Once and for All

posted by gbowen
February 7, 2010

Lord

May I settle it once and for all

That I am dealing directly with You.

You need never apologize

For any plan You ordain for me

Since nothing but good

Can come from Your hand.

You are sufficient

For every changing circumstance

In my God-planned life-

For every unchanging circumstance as well.


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Reflection

posted by gbowen
January 31, 2010

Lord

Again and again I have asked You

To robe me in splendor—

To spark my life with radiance

Until there burns within me

A soft unquenchable glow.

Now today as I read Your Word

Your answer to my longing is so direct:

“They looked to him and were radiant.”

Lord, the mystery is solved!

I must look steadfastly to You

A shimmering reflection of Yours.


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I Trust

posted by gbowen
January 24, 2010

O God, thank You

That Your promises are valid

As long as the world lasts.

They do not suddenly dissolve

When my faith is feeble

And my courage fails.

When You have given a promise

You will perform  it-

Sight or no sight

Feeling or no feeling.

You may take me

Through the darkest night

The deepest waters.

The very worst may happen

But out of it

You will bring the very best

For Your Word remains secure.

Lord, keep me faithful in my trust.

When I can articulate no other prayer

May my waiting heart

Continually avow:

I trust!

I trust!


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Plain Old Me

posted by gbowen
January 10, 2010

This little verse really ministered to me and encouraged me. I felt better immediately after reading it several times.  I hope you also find it an inspiration to help you through your weeks ahead.

O Lord

Here I am again

Just plain old me

Coming to you

As I often come a thousand times –

And this is what always happens:

Your response is immediate

You open yours arms unhesitatingly

To draw me to yourself

You clasp me to your Father-heart.

Then you reaffirm my position:

I’m a child of the King

And all that is Yours is mine.

When I begin my stammering account

Of gross unworthiness

Your gentle smile hushes me.

With endless patience

You remind me once more

That my value never determines Your love.

Rather, your love determines my value.


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Thanksgiving Day Dream

posted by gbowen
November 22, 2009

Fall image Give thanks to the Lord

 

On this fragrant, frosty Thanksgiving Day

The huge turkey browns beautifully

In our king-size oven.

The tender yams are evenly candied;

The corn soufflé is beginning to bubble;

The congealed salad is ready to unmold.

The homemade bread with its crunchy texture

Is wrapped in foil for reheating.

The ice cubes are bagged in plastic;

The relishes are artistically arranged

On a round crystal plate.

The pumpkin pies are still slightly warm.

Fresh yellow chrysanthemums

Grace the long, colorful table.

The house glistens and shines.

My makeup is evenly applied…

So, dear family

How about settling down

In our favorite chairs

For an hours of relaxation

Before our guests arrive!

Lord, I dream of this happening

Some ethereal Thanksgiving Day!


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Dead Giveaway

posted by gbowen
October 25, 2009

JoyO dear God

My heart overflows

With proclamations of joy!

You are so good

So faithful

Your loving-kindness is so great.

I long for my continual gratitude

To be a dead giveaway

Of my deepening love for You.


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Superlatives

posted by gbowen
September 6, 2009

lord-jesusLord

It’s wonderful

That You see me

 

More wonderful

That You lead me

Most wonderful

That You love me.

 

Good, better, best?

No-with You

All is superlative:

Always best.


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So Slowly

posted by gbowen
August 31, 2009

flower-and-sunLord,

I seem to grow so slowly

So very slowly.

So thank You for reminding me

That never has a Master Musician

Composed a lasting symphony

In an hour.

Romans 8:29 NLT        

For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn, with many brothers and sisters.


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