1. ARE YOU FIRST IN LINE, LAST IN LOVE?
   
   He was zealous to begin with,
   Grateful. Just to be chosen.
   The sun was hot, but does it even matter?
   O for the honor of serving the Master.
   
   But somewhere along the line, he shifted ...
   His eye from the owner to the “others”;
   Instead of laboring for the Lord of the vineyard,
   He looked for rights, rewards, recognition.
   
   And so his days stretched long and hard,
   Everything became a chore.
   He lost the joy of serving in the vineyard
   When he forgot God’s grace and call.
   
   Are you first in line, last in love?
   Have you forgotten why you came into the vineyard?
   Have you become weary? Is your eye envious?
   Remember: the last shall be first, and the first last.

I AM NOT A PRISONER

Reflections from studying the man Paul as he wrote to his disciples from a Philippian jail (from the book of Philippians):

I AM NOT A PRISONER

To the shackles on my feet –
I stand tall and steadfast as a bond-slave of Christ Jesus,
I can do all things through Him who strengthens
Me.

I am not a prisoner,

I am not defined by my chains;
To know His power, I count all things as loss,
For to me to live is Christ, to die is
Gain.

I am not a prisoner -

Of man-made glory, greats and
Gods -
These soon shall pass, but O for the surpassing
Value of knowing Him, and reaching His upward
Call.

I am not a prisoner -
The Son of God has set me free
To serve and suffer for the sake of the gospel,
To fly beyond these walls, to dare to dream.

“I draw a line on the sand

And it cannot be crossed.” (Jer 5:22, The Message)

“I draw a line on the sand

And it cannot be crossed.”

The sea, with its pride may rush and roar,

Yet must bow humbly, be hushed, . . . withdraw.

“I draw a line on the sand

And it cannot be crossed.”

Man may be smart, he may scheme and soar -  

But he’s nothing till he’s still, and knows He is God. 

“I draw a line on the sand

And it cannot be crossed.”

When He orders, “Move!” No angel can halt;

When He says, “Go!” No power in heaven and hell can stop. 

“I draw a line on the sand

And it cannot be crossed.

Why do my people not stand in awe?

Why do they dishonor Me, and follow after false gods?

Today is the last day of the year 2013. Here's my wish for everyone:

COME & SEE

The disciples were curious,
“Teacher, where do you live?”
Jesus turned around, waved, and said,
“Come, and you will see.” (John 1:39-40)

The woman at the well was shocked,
“He knows everything about me!”
“Come, see Him who gives living water.”
And those who did believed. (John 4:28, 40-41)

Mary was afraid and trembling,
“Where is my Lord?” she cried.
“He’s not here, He’s risen  –  come see
“The tomb’s empty,” the angel replied. (Mat 28:5-7)

As 2013 draws to a close,
Here’s a prayer for you, my friend,
May you come every day to Him with curiosity,
And see His grace, His love, His plan.

Come, leave all that behind -
The old, bad, ugly;
And see Him who knows and cares for you  –
And Who fills you with fresh grace and beauty.

Come and see, fear not, He's alive,
He lives in you and me -
And in anyone who will make room for Him,
And say, "Yes, I want to come, and see."