Day Twenty Five #diet #asthma #healthyeating #mentalhealth

The last two days have been rotten
Feeling tired and aching so much
I've probably gone down with a virus
And it's making me want to touch
Every piece of food I shouldn't
Especially chocolates and cakes
But I know that won't help anything
So I'm hanging on by my fingernails

Daily Lectionary in Poetry Thursday 29th January 2015

Psalm 111

Praise for God’s Wonderful Works
1 Praise the Lord!
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,
    in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
2 Great are the works of the Lord,
    studied by all who delight in them.
3 Full of honor and majesty is his work,
    and his righteousness endures forever.
4 He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds;
    the Lord is gracious and merciful.
5 He provides food for those who fear him;
    he is ever mindful of his covenant.
6 He has shown his people the power of his works,
    in giving them the heritage of the nations.
7 The works of his hands are faithful and just;
    all his precepts are trustworthy.
8 They are established forever and ever,
    to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
9 He sent redemption to his people;
    he has commanded his covenant forever.
    Holy and awesome is his name.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
    all those who practice it[a] have a good understanding.
    His praise endures forever.
_______________________________________________________________

Praise the Lord
I give thanks to you
With all of my heart

Praise the Lord
Your works are great
Full of righteousness

Praise the Lord
He does wonderful deeds
He is gracious and merciful

Praise the Lord
He feeds the hungry
He cares for the needy

Praise the Lord
His works are faithful
Holy and awesome is His name
_______________________________________________________________


Deuteronomy 3:23-29

Moses Views Canaan from Pisgah
23 At that time, too, I entreated the Lord, saying: 24 “O Lord God, you have only begun to show your servant your greatness and your might; what god in heaven or on earth can perform deeds and mighty acts like yours! 25 Let me cross over to see the good land beyond the Jordan, that good hill country and the Lebanon.” 26 But the Lord was angry with me on your account and would not heed me. The Lord said to me, “Enough from you! Never speak to me of this matter again! 27 Go up to the top of Pisgah and look around you to the west, to the north, to the south, and to the east. Look well, for you shall not cross over this Jordan. 28 But charge Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, because it is he who shall cross over at the head of this people and who shall secure their possession of the land that you will see.” 29 So we remained in the valley opposite Beth-peor.

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Moses spoke to the Lord
You have only just begun
To show your greatness and might
What God in heaven acts like you?
Let me see the land of Jordan
The goodness of the land

But God was angry
He would not listen to him
Enough from you, He said
Never speak of this again
Go up the mountain
And look all around

You will never see Jordan
God told Moses
You will instead encourage Joshua
Strengthen him and make him ready
He shall cross to Jordan
He will secure the land

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Romans 9:6-18

6 It is not as though the word of God had failed. For not all Israelites truly belong to Israel, 7 and not all of Abraham’s children are his true descendants; but “It is through Isaac that descendants shall be named for you.” 8 This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as descendants. 9 For this is what the promise said, “About this time I will return and Sarah shall have a son.” 10 Nor is that all; something similar happened to Rebecca when she had conceived children by one husband, our ancestor Isaac. 11 Even before they had been born or had done anything good or bad (so that God’s purpose of election might continue, 12 not by works but by his call) she was told, “The elder shall serve the younger.” 13 As it is written,

“I have loved Jacob,
    but I have hated Esau.”
14 What then are we to say? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means! 15 For he says to Moses,

“I will have mercy on whom I have mercy,
    and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”
16 So it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God who shows mercy. 17 For the scripture says to Pharaoh, “I have raised you up for the very purpose of showing my power in you, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18 So then he has mercy on whomever he chooses, and he hardens the heart of whomever he chooses.

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It is not children of flesh
Who are the children of God
It is children of the promise
Who will be the true descendants

God has mercy on those he chooses
It is faith that matters most
Follow the Lord God always
For this He has raised us up 

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Daily Lectionary in Poetry Wednesday 28th January 2015

Psalm 46

God’s Defense of His City and People
To the leader. Of the Korahites. According to Alamoth. A Song.

1 God is our refuge and strength,
    a very present[a] help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
    though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
3 though its waters roar and foam,
    though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of the city;[b] it shall not be moved;
    God will help it when the morning dawns.
6 The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter;
    he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our refuge.[c]Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord;
    see what desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
    he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear;
    he burns the shields with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God!
    I am exalted among the nations,
    I am exalted in the earth.”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our refuge.

_________________________________________________________________

God is our strength
Available when we need
Do not fear or tremble
God keeps us safe indeed

God is in city and country
At the dawning of the day
He just raises his voice
And all troubles slip away

Come see the works of God
All that He can do
The Lord is always with us
Be still and know Him too

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Proverbs 8:1-21

The Gifts of Wisdom
8 Does not wisdom call,
    and does not understanding raise her voice?
2 On the heights, beside the way,
    at the crossroads she takes her stand;
3 beside the gates in front of the town,
    at the entrance of the portals she cries out:
4 “To you, O people, I call,
    and my cry is to all that live.
5 O simple ones, learn prudence;
    acquire intelligence, you who lack it.
6 Hear, for I will speak noble things,
    and from my lips will come what is right;
7 for my mouth will utter truth;
    wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8 All the words of my mouth are righteous;
    there is nothing twisted or crooked in them.
9 They are all straight to one who understands
    and right to those who find knowledge.
10 Take my instruction instead of silver,
    and knowledge rather than choice gold;
11 for wisdom is better than jewels,
    and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.
12 I, wisdom, live with prudence,[a]
    and I attain knowledge and discretion.
13 The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil.
Pride and arrogance and the way of evil
    and perverted speech I hate.
14 I have good advice and sound wisdom;
    I have insight, I have strength.
15 By me kings reign,
    and rulers decree what is just;
16 by me rulers rule,
    and nobles, all who govern rightly.
17 I love those who love me,
    and those who seek me diligently find me.
18 Riches and honor are with me,
    enduring wealth and prosperity.
19 My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold,
    and my yield than choice silver.
20 I walk in the way of righteousness,
    along the paths of justice,
21 endowing with wealth those who love me,
    and filling their treasuries.

_________________________________________________________________

Wisdom calls to you
Understanding is at hand
Teaching you the lessons
Of pure intelligence

From this will come the truth
Worth more than any jewels
Hatred of evil will come about
And righteousness will give you wealth
_________________________________________________________________


Mark 3:13-19a

Jesus Appoints the Twelve
13 He went up the mountain and called to him those whom he wanted, and they came to him. 14 And he appointed twelve, whom he also named apostles,[a] to be with him, and to be sent out to proclaim the message, 15 and to have authority to cast out demons. 16 So he appointed the twelve:[b] Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); 17 James son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); 18 and Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Cananaean, 19 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

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Jesus went up the mountain
He called to those he needed
Twelve became his apostles
To be sent out to share the message
Simon, he named Peter
James, son of Zebedee
John, names Boanerges
Andrew and Philip
Bartholomew and Matthew 
Thomas, James and Thaddeaeus
Simon and lastly
Judas the betrayer
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Day Twenty Three #diet #asthma #healthyeating #mentalhealth

It's day twenty three
Week four has commenced
Just one pound lost last week
But I'm OK with that I guess

Slow and steady wins the race
That's what the experts say
So I'm making all good choices
Mostly every day

I'm finding much support
From the charity HOOP
They understand how it is
And help me know the truth

I've always had a problem
With food and how I eat
It'll take time to reverse it all
I will not allow defeat


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HOOP is the charity Helping Overcome Obesity Problems
Find them at http://www.hoopuk.org.uk/

Daily Lectionary in Poetry Tuesday 27th January 2015

Psalm 46

God’s Defense of His City and People
To the leader. Of the Korahites. According to Alamoth. A Song.

1 God is our refuge and strength,
    a very present[a] help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
    though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
3 though its waters roar and foam,
    though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of the city;[b] it shall not be moved;
    God will help it when the morning dawns.
6 The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter;
    he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our refuge.[c]Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord;
    see what desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
    he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear;
    he burns the shields with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God!
    I am exalted among the nations,
    I am exalted in the earth.”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our refuge.


_________________________________________________________________

God is our strength
Available when we need
Do not fear or tremble
God keeps us safe indeed

God is in city and country
At the dawning of the day
He just raises his voice
And all troubles slip away

Come see the works of God
All that He can do
The Lord is always with us
Be still and know Him too

_________________________________________________________________

Genesis 12:1-9

25 So they went up out of Egypt and came to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan. 26 And they told him, “Joseph is still alive! He is even ruler over all the land of Egypt.” He was stunned; he could not believe them. 27 But when they told him all the words of Joseph that he had said to them, and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of their father Jacob revived. 28 Israel said, “Enough! My son Joseph is still alive. I must go and see him before I die.”

Jacob Brings His Whole Family to Egypt
46 When Israel set out on his journey with all that he had and came to Beer-sheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. 2 God spoke to Israel in visions of the night, and said, “Jacob, Jacob.” And he said, “Here I am.” 3 Then he said, “I am God,[a] the God of your father; do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make of you a great nation there. 4 I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again; and Joseph’s own hand shall close your eyes.”

5 Then Jacob set out from Beer-sheba; and the sons of Israel carried their father Jacob, their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons that Pharaoh had sent to carry him. 6 They also took their livestock and the goods that they had acquired in the land of Canaan, and they came into Egypt, Jacob and all his offspring with him, 7 his sons, and his sons’ sons with him, his daughters, and his sons’ daughters; all his offspring he brought with him into Egypt.

_________________________________________________________________

They left Egypt for Canaan
Where they told Jacob the tale
That Joseph was still alive
Take me to him though I am frail

He prayed to the Lord
Asked Him what they should do
"Go be with your son" He said
Take all your family too
_________________________________________________________________

Acts 5:33-42

33 When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. 34 But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people, stood up and ordered the men to be put outside for a short time. 35 Then he said to them, “Fellow Israelites,[a] consider carefully what you propose to do to these men. 36 For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him; but he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and disappeared. 37 After him Judas the Galilean rose up at the time of the census and got people to follow him; he also perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38 So in the present case, I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; because if this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them—in that case you may even be found fighting against God!”

They were convinced by him, 40 and when they had called in the apostles, they had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 As they left the council, they rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name. 42 And every day in the temple and at home[b] they did not cease to teach and proclaim Jesus as the Messiah.


_________________________________________________________________

They were angry
They wanted to kill
But a pharisee came forward
"Think carefully and be still"

Those who came forward
Wanting to lead others
Were killed  
And their followers scattered

Keep away from these men
Was the order
Do not be found fighting God
But they kept teaching about the Messiah

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Daily Lectionary in Poetry Monday 26th January 2015

Psalm 46

God’s Defense of His City and People
To the leader. Of the Korahites. According to Alamoth. A Song.

1 God is our refuge and strength,
    a very present[a] help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
    though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
3 though its waters roar and foam,
    though the mountains tremble with its tumult.
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of the city;[b] it shall not be moved;
    God will help it when the morning dawns.
6 The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter;
    he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our refuge.[c]Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord;
    see what desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
    he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear;
    he burns the shields with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God!
    I am exalted among the nations,
    I am exalted in the earth.”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our refuge.


_________________________________________________________________

God is our strength
Available when we need
Do not fear or tremble
God keeps us safe indeed

God is in city and country
At the dawning of the day
He just raises his voice
And all troubles slip away

Come see the works of God
All that He can do
The Lord is always with us
Be still and know Him too

_________________________________________________________________


Genesis 12:1-9

The Call of Abram
12 Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”[a]

4 So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. 5 Abram took his wife Sarai and his brother’s son Lot, and all the possessions that they had gathered, and the persons whom they had acquired in Haran; and they set forth to go to the land of Canaan. When they had come to the land of Canaan, 6 Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem, to the oak[b] of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. 7 Then the Lord appeared to Abram, and said, “To your offspring[c] I will give this land.” So he built there an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him. 8 From there he moved on to the hill country on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; and there he built an altar to the Lord and invoked the name of the Lord. 9 And Abram journeyed on by stages toward the Negeb.

_________________________________________________________________

God said to Abraham
Leave your country far behind
I will make you a great nation
I will give you a sign

Abraham did as instructed
Took his wife and all they had
Settled in the land of the Caananites
Built an altar to God in that land

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1 Corinthians 7:17-24

The Life that the Lord Has Assigned
17 However that may be, let each of you lead the life that the Lord has assigned, to which God called you. This is my rule in all the churches. 18 Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision. Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? Let him not seek circumcision. 19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing; but obeying the commandments of God is everything. 20 Let each of you remain in the condition in which you were called.

21 Were you a slave when called? Do not be concerned about it. Even if you can gain your freedom, make use of your present condition now more than ever.[a] 22 For whoever was called in the Lord as a slave is a freed person belonging to the Lord, just as whoever was free when called is a slave of Christ. 23 You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of human masters. 24 In whatever condition you were called, brothers and sisters,[b] there remain with God.


_________________________________________________________________

Lead the life that God gives you
He will tell you how to live
You are free to do His bidding
What you need He'll freely give
_________________________________________________________________

Day Twenty One #headache #diet #asthma #healthyeating #mentalhealth

Boy have I got a headache
One of those horrible ones
That moves around all over
It really is no fun

I'm trying not to complain
Because it's not as bad as all that
But it makes me want to hide away
And I know my eyes look flat

On the other hand my breathing
Isn't too bad really
On a scale to suffocating or pain
It's not to low today

But some friends at church reminded
Me today that it's not quite right
That I'm putting up with such ill health
Perhaps I should put up a fight

But who do I choose to target
My GP's doing all they can
And the specialists can't think out of their boxes
And anyway they're no longer my biggest fans

I keep faith that there is a solution
Although I've now idea where it will be
But at least writing this is a relief
It's medication through poetry

We are the Nativity Crowd #kindle

In September last year I wrote a poem which told the nativity story from the angel visiting Mary and Joseph, through the journey to Bethlehem, search for a room, birth of Jesus and visits by Shepherds and Wise Men.  In thirty verses, which can easily broken into five acts, the reader is taken through the Christmas story.

The poem was written to be performed as a play, but it works equally well as a poem to be read by adults and children alike, or to be read aloud to groups of children.  

The poem had it's debut performance at St Nicolas Earley on Christmas Eve 2014.  It was also included in it's entirety on this blog here

Following a number of requests I have made the poem available as a kindle book for sale at £1.99.  Click here or on the image to purchase a kindle copy.   If demand requires then it may be produced into a booklet before next Christmas.

Daily Lectionary in Poetry Sunday 25th January 2015

Psalm 62:5-12

For God alone my soul waits in silence,
    for my hope is from him.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
    my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
7 On God rests my deliverance and my honor;
    my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.
8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
    pour out your heart before him;
    God is a refuge for us.Selah
9 Those of low estate are but a breath,
    those of high estate are a delusion;
in the balances they go up;
    they are together lighter than a breath.
10 Put no confidence in extortion,
    and set no vain hopes on robbery;
    if riches increase, do not set your heart on them.
11 Once God has spoken;
    twice have I heard this:
that power belongs to God,
12     and steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord.
For you repay to all
    according to their work.
__________________________________________________________________________

My hope is true
My soul is waiting
God is my rock
My fortress, my salvation

I trust in God
You should do so also
God is our refuge
Share your heart and soul

Ignore riches
Do not desire possessions
Trust only in God
For all our needs he gives us

__________________________________________________________________________


Jonah 3:1-5, 10

The word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time, saying, 2 "Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you."  3 So Jonah set out and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly large city, a three days' walk across.

4 Jonah began to go into the city, going a day's walk. And he cried out, "Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!"  5 And the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and everyone, great and small, put on sackcloth.

10 When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it.

__________________________________________________________________________

Jonah had work to do
Although He didn't like the plan
He was sent to Nineveh again
And so converted every man
__________________________________________________________________________


1 Corinthians 7:29-31

7:29 I mean, brothers and sisters, the appointed time has grown short; from now on, let even those who have wives be as though they had none.  30 and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no possessions,31 and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.

__________________________________________________________________________

The time for the end is coming
Then all earthly things will pass away
Do not regret the life you lead
Bring Jesus to your heart to stay

__________________________________________________________________________

Mark 1:14-20

1:14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God,
15 and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news." 16 As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea--for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, "Follow me and I will make you fish for people." 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him.

__________________________________________________________________________

After John was arrested
Jesus came to Galilee
He spread the news of God
Told everyone to believe

He spoke to Andrew and Simon
There on the shore of that sea
Asked them to help him spread the word
"Come leave your nets and follow me"

Immediately they followed
And then a little further along
They found James son of Zebedee
And they also followed him

__________________________________________________________________________

Daily Lectionary in Poetry Saturday 24th January 2015

Psalm 62:5-12

For God alone my soul waits in silence,
    for my hope is from him.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
    my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
7 On God rests my deliverance and my honor;
    my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.
8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
    pour out your heart before him;
    God is a refuge for us.Selah
9 Those of low estate are but a breath,
    those of high estate are a delusion;
in the balances they go up;
    they are together lighter than a breath.
10 Put no confidence in extortion,
    and set no vain hopes on robbery;
    if riches increase, do not set your heart on them.
11 Once God has spoken;
    twice have I heard this:
that power belongs to God,
12     and steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord.
For you repay to all
    according to their work.
__________________________________________________________________________

My hope is true
My soul is waiting
God is my rock
My fortress, my salvation

I trust in God
You should do so also
God is our refuge
Share your heart and soul

Ignore riches
Do not desire possessions
Trust only in God
For all our needs he gives us

__________________________________________________________________________


Jeremiah 20:14-18

Cursed be the day
    on which I was born!
The day when my mother bore me,
    let it not be blessed!
15 Cursed be the man
    who brought the news to my father, saying,
“A child is born to you, a son,”
    making him very glad.
16 Let that man be like the cities
    that the Lord overthrew without pity;
let him hear a cry in the morning
    and an alarm at noon,
17 because he did not kill me in the womb;
    so my mother would have been my grave,
    and her womb forever great.
18 Why did I come forth from the womb
    to see toil and sorrow,
    and spend my days in shame?

__________________________________________________________________________

Do not bless my day of birth
I do not know why I was born
Everything is falling apart
Why was I born of her womb
I spend all of my days in shame
Do not bless my day of birth

__________________________________________________________________________


Luke 10:13-16

Woes to Unrepentant Cities
13 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14 But at the judgment it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than for you. 15 And you, Capernaum,will you be exalted to heaven?
    No, you will be brought down to Hades.
16 “Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me, and whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.”

__________________________________________________________________________

Why do you ignore me
Why do you do such wrongs
Why do you not repent
You reject me and reject the one.

__________________________________________________________________________

My author pages #poet

Hi lovely readers

If you'd ever like to visit my author pages then you can do so at

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You can also see a full list of my published books and books I'm working on here on my blog at the page entitled My Books

Day Nineteen #healthyeating #mentalhealth #asthma #reflexology

Day Nineteen at last
It's been a long old week
Felt great at the start
Now at the end I'm feeling weak

At least I was until this morning
Then reflexology
Helped me breath much deeper
Gave a boost of energy

So I went back on the treadmill
Walked a fair old way
There's no doubt reflexology works
Give it a go is what I say

Daily Lectionary in Poetry Friday 23rd January 2015

Psalm 62:5-12

For God alone my soul waits in silence,
    for my hope is from him.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
    my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
7 On God rests my deliverance and my honor;
    my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.
8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
    pour out your heart before him;
    God is a refuge for us.Selah
9 Those of low estate are but a breath,
    those of high estate are a delusion;
in the balances they go up;
    they are together lighter than a breath.
10 Put no confidence in extortion,
    and set no vain hopes on robbery;
    if riches increase, do not set your heart on them.
11 Once God has spoken;
    twice have I heard this:
that power belongs to God,
12     and steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord.
For you repay to all
    according to their work.
__________________________________________________________________________

My hope is true
My soul is waiting
God is my rock
My fortress, my salvation

I trust in God
You should do so also
God is our refuge
Share your heart and soul

Ignore riches
Do not desire possessions
Trust only in God
For all our needs he gives us

__________________________________________________________________________

Jeremiah 20:7-13

Jeremiah Denounces His Persecutors
7 O Lord, you have enticed me,
    and I was enticed;
you have overpowered me,
    and you have prevailed.
I have become a laughing stock all day long;
    everyone mocks me.
8 For whenever I speak, I must cry out,
    I must shout, “Violence and destruction!”
For the word of the Lord has become for me
    a reproach and derision all day long.
9 If I say, “I will not mention him,
    or speak any more in his name,”
then within me there is something like a burning fire
    shut up in my bones;
I am weary with holding it in,
    and I cannot.
10 For I hear many whispering:
    “Terror is all around!
Denounce him! Let us denounce him!”
    All my close friends
    are watching for me to stumble.
“Perhaps he can be enticed,
    and we can prevail against him,
    and take our revenge on him.”
11 But the Lord is with me like a dread warrior;
    therefore my persecutors will stumble,
    and they will not prevail.
They will be greatly shamed,
    for they will not succeed.
Their eternal dishonor
    will never be forgotten.
12 O Lord of hosts, you test the righteous,
    you see the heart and the mind;
let me see your retribution upon them,
    for to you I have committed my cause.
13 Sing to the Lord;
    praise the Lord!
For he has delivered the life of the needy
    from the hands of evildoers.

__________________________________________________________________________

Lord you make me suffer
You have destroyed me
You have punished me

Lord I know I deserved it
But when I try to ignore you
I feel even worse for it

So Lord I'm tempted to turn my back
But I know that's not right
I know it will make things worse

Lord you're always with me
Your truths are within me
I know what I must do

I am committed to you
I will sing to you
For truly you have saved me

__________________________________________________________________________

2 Peter 3:1-7

The Promise of the Lord’s Coming
3 This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you; in them I am trying to arouse your sincere intention by reminding you 2 that you should remember the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets, and the commandment of the Lord and Saviour spoken through your apostles. 3 First of all you must understand this, that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and indulging their own lusts 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since our ancestors died,[a] all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation!” 5 They deliberately ignore this fact, that by the word of God heavens existed long ago and an earth was formed out of water and by means of water, 6 through which the world of that time was deluged with water and perished. 7 But by the same word the present heavens and earth have been reserved for fire, being kept until the day of judgement and destruction of the godless.

__________________________________________________________________________

I am writing again
This is not the first time
I am reminding you now
To follow the commandments

For in the last days
Many will fail
But if you remember God is creator
Then you won't go far wrong
__________________________________________________________________________

Daily Lectionary in Poetry Thursday 22nd January 2015

Psalm 62:5-12

For God alone my soul waits in silence,
    for my hope is from him.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation,
    my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
7 On God rests my deliverance and my honor;
    my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.
8 Trust in him at all times, O people;
    pour out your heart before him;
    God is a refuge for us.Selah
9 Those of low estate are but a breath,
    those of high estate are a delusion;
in the balances they go up;
    they are together lighter than a breath.
10 Put no confidence in extortion,
    and set no vain hopes on robbery;
    if riches increase, do not set your heart on them.
11 Once God has spoken;
    twice have I heard this:
that power belongs to God,
12     and steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord.
For you repay to all
    according to their work.
__________________________________________________________________________

My hope is true
My soul is waiting
God is my rock
My fortress, my salvation

I trust in God
You should do so also
God is our refuge
Share your heart and soul

Ignore riches
Do not desire possessions
Trust only in God
For all our needs he gives us

__________________________________________________________________________


Jeremiah 19:1-15

The Broken Earthenware Jug
19 Thus said the Lord: Go and buy a potter’s earthenware jug. Take with you[a] some of the elders of the people and some of the senior priests, 2 and go out to the valley of the son of Hinnom at the entry of the Potsherd Gate, and proclaim there the words that I tell you. 3 You shall say: Hear the word of the Lord, O kings of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem. Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: I am going to bring such disaster upon this place that the ears of everyone who hears of it will tingle. 4 Because the people have forsaken me, and have profaned this place by making offerings in it to other gods whom neither they nor their ancestors nor the kings of Judah have known, and because they have filled this place with the blood of the innocent, 5 and gone on building the high places of Baal to burn their children in the fire as burnt offerings to Baal, which I did not command or decree, nor did it enter my mind; 6 therefore the days are surely coming, says the Lord, when this place shall no more be called Topheth, or the valley of the son of Hinnom, but the valley of Slaughter. 7 And in this place I will make void the plans of Judah and Jerusalem, and will make them fall by the sword before their enemies, and by the hand of those who seek their life. I will give their dead bodies for food to the birds of the air and to the wild animals of the earth. 8 And I will make this city a horror, a thing to be hissed at; everyone who passes by it will be horrified and will hiss because of all its disasters. 9 And I will make them eat the flesh of their sons and the flesh of their daughters, and all shall eat the flesh of their neighbors in the siege, and in the distress with which their enemies and those who seek their life afflict them.

10 Then you shall break the jug in the sight of those who go with you, 11 and shall say to them: Thus says the Lord of hosts: So will I break this people and this city, as one breaks a potter’s vessel, so that it can never be mended. In Topheth they shall bury until there is no more room to bury. 12 Thus will I do to this place, says the Lord, and to its inhabitants, making this city like Topheth. 13 And the houses of Jerusalem and the houses of the kings of Judah shall be defiled like the place of Topheth—all the houses upon whose roofs offerings have been made to the whole host of heaven, and libations have been poured out to other gods.

14 When Jeremiah came from Topheth, where the Lord had sent him to prophesy, he stood in the court of the Lord’s house and said to all the people: 15 Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: I am now bringing upon this city and upon all its towns all the disaster that I have pronounced against it, because they have stiffened their necks, refusing to hear my words.
__________________________________________________________________________

The Lord was cross
Angry and let down
He could take no more
From the valley of Hinnom

He called on Jeremiah
"Get an earthenware jug
Gather everyone together
Share with them the word of God

Tell them I am angry
With them and all their acts
That I will destroy them
They should expect this fact

Break the jug before them
Show them what I mean
I will bring disaster down
Because they do not believe"

__________________________________________________________________________

Revelation 18:11-20

11 And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn for her, since no one buys their cargo anymore, 12 cargo of gold, silver, jewels and pearls, fine linen, purple, silk and scarlet, all kinds of scented wood, all articles of ivory, all articles of costly wood, bronze, iron, and marble, 13 cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, olive oil, choice flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, slaves—and human lives.[a]

14 “The fruit for which your soul longed
    has gone from you,
and all your dainties and your splendor
    are lost to you,
    never to be found again!”
15 The merchants of these wares, who gained wealth from her, will stand far off, in fear of her torment, weeping and mourning aloud,

16 “Alas, alas, the great city,
    clothed in fine linen,
        in purple and scarlet,
    adorned with gold,
        with jewels, and with pearls!
17 For in one hour all this wealth has been laid waste!”
And all shipmasters and seafarers, sailors and all whose trade is on the sea, stood far off 18 and cried out as they saw the smoke of her burning,

“What city was like the great city?”
19 And they threw dust on their heads, as they wept and mourned, crying out,

“Alas, alas, the great city,
    where all who had ships at sea
    grew rich by her wealth!
For in one hour she has been laid waste.”
20 Rejoice over her, O heaven, you saints and apostles and prophets! For God has given judgment for you against her.
__________________________________________________________________________

It is so easy
To focus on things to own
But this is the wrong way
We should focus on God alone
__________________________________________________________________________

Children's Bible Stories in Bemba and English

Today has been a very exciting day.  I have received the proof for my book of children's bible stories in English and Bemba.

I wrote this book with the lovely Meluse when I was in Zambia in 2012 and after sitting on it for a couple of years I finally asked Daniel Daka to translate it last year.

Last week the process of type setting, checking and designing was completed and today I approved the proof which means it's ready to be sold.

I have priced the book at £9.99 which allows for the following arrangement:
For every copy bought for £9.99 (either from me or through the lulu bookshop) a second copy will be sent to Zambia to be given to a child by the Jubilee Centre.  £1 will also be sent to Jubilee Centre to help cover any costs of this distribution which they might incur.

I have 20 copies winging their way to me as I type, but if you're not local to me but want to support this amazing charity and their work with orphans in Zambia then please consider purchasing your very own copy from http://www.lulu.com/shop/emma-major/childrens-bible-stories-in-english-and-bemba/paperback/product-21998920.html  Remember that every copy sold puts another copy in a child's hands in Zambia.  What a gift.

Daily Lectionary in Poetry Wednesday 21st January 2015

Psalm 86

Supplication for Help against Enemies
A Prayer of David.

1 Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me,
    for I am poor and needy.
2 Preserve my life, for I am devoted to you;
    save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God; 3 be gracious to me, O Lord,
    for to you do I cry all day long.
4 Gladden the soul of your servant,
    for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
5 For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving,
    abounding in steadfast love to all who call on you.
6 Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer;
    listen to my cry of supplication.
7 In the day of my trouble I call on you,
    for you will answer me.
8 There is none like you among the gods, O Lord,
    nor are there any works like yours.
9 All the nations you have made shall come
    and bow down before you, O Lord,
    and shall glorify your name.
10 For you are great and do wondrous things;
    you alone are God.
11 Teach me your way, O Lord,
    that I may walk in your truth;
    give me an undivided heart to revere your name.
12 I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,
    and I will glorify your name forever.
13 For great is your steadfast love toward me;
    you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.
14 O God, the insolent rise up against me;
    a band of ruffians seeks my life,
    and they do not set you before them.
15 But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
    slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me;
    give your strength to your servant;
    save the child of your serving girl.
17 Show me a sign of your favour,
    so that those who hate me may see it and be put to shame,
    because you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.
__________________________________________________________________________

Please listen to me Lord
Listen to me and answer me
Please save me Lord
I am devoted to you completely

I cry to you
I lift my soul to you
In the day of my trouble
I cry out to you

There is none like you
All the nations bow down to you
You alone oh God
Teach me your ways of truth

Save me from my enemies
Comfort me again
Your love is ever lasting
I'll be your servant then

__________________________________________________________________________

Genesis 16:1-14

The Birth of Ishmael
16 Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, bore him no children. She had an Egyptian slave-girl whose name was Hagar, 2 and Sarai said to Abram, “You see that the Lord has prevented me from bearing children; go in to my slave-girl; it may be that I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. 3 So, after Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar the Egyptian, her slave-girl, and gave her to her husband Abram as a wife. 4 He went in to Hagar, and she conceived; and when she saw that she had conceived, she looked with contempt on her mistress. 5 Then Sarai said to Abram, “May the wrong done to me be on you! I gave my slave-girl to your embrace, and when she saw that she had conceived, she looked on me with contempt. May the Lord judge between you and me!” 6 But Abram said to Sarai, “Your slave-girl is in your power; do to her as you please.” Then Sarai dealt harshly with her, and she ran away from her.

7 The angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, the spring on the way to Shur. 8 And he said, “Hagar, slave-girl of Sarai, where have you come from and where are you going?” She said, “I am running away from my mistress Sarai.” 9 The angel of the Lord said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit to her.” 10 The angel of the Lord also said to her, “I will so greatly multiply your offspring that they cannot be counted for multitude.” 11 And the angel of the Lord said to her,

“Now you have conceived and shall bear a son;
    you shall call him Ishmael,[a]
    for the Lord has given heed to your affliction.
12 He shall be a wild ass of a man,
with his hand against everyone,
    and everyone’s hand against him;
and he shall live at odds with all his kin.”
13 So she named the Lord who spoke to her, “You are El-roi”;[b] for she said, “Have I really seen God and remained alive after seeing him?”[c] 14 Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi;[d] it lies between Kadesh and Bered.
__________________________________________________________________________

Abraham and Sarah
Weren't blessed with a child
Through many long years
Their dreams were defiled

Eventually Sarah
Offered her slave to Abraham
Telling him to take her
So that they could have a son

But when the plan succeeded
The girl looked with contempt
Upon her own mistress
On this Sarah wept

Abraham had no sympathy
She is yours, deal with it
So Sarah sent her away
And she went, still young and fit

On the way this slave girl
Was visited by an angel
He told her to return
And call the baby Ishmael

This baby was not blessed
He was in opposition to everyone
But the slave girl doing as told
Had many more daughters and sons

__________________________________________________________________________

Luke 18:15-17

Jesus Blesses Little Children
15 People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it. 16 But Jesus called for them and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. 17 Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.”

__________________________________________________________________________

Jesus was on the street
Teaching as he went
Kids wanted to come close
But the disciples away they sent

Jesus saw this happen
He was cross about it all
Bring the children to me
Into God's kingdom will they go

__________________________________________________________________________

Day Fifteen #healthyeating #mentalhealth #asthma

Two weeks down
Like a ripple in an ocean
But at least it's a start
A change is in motion

A stone has gone
I wouldn't believe it
But the scales don't lie
Even when we want that

I'm being more active
On treadmill and off
Music motivates me
When I want to step off

Into week three
I head positively
Wonder what's in store
I'll just start with tea

Daily Lectionary in Poetry Tuesday 20th January 2015

Psalm 86

Supplication for Help against Enemies
A Prayer of David.

1 Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me,
    for I am poor and needy.
2 Preserve my life, for I am devoted to you;
    save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God; 3 be gracious to me, O Lord,
    for to you do I cry all day long.
4 Gladden the soul of your servant,
    for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
5 For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving,
    abounding in steadfast love to all who call on you.
6 Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer;
    listen to my cry of supplication.
7 In the day of my trouble I call on you,
    for you will answer me.
8 There is none like you among the gods, O Lord,
    nor are there any works like yours.
9 All the nations you have made shall come
    and bow down before you, O Lord,
    and shall glorify your name.
10 For you are great and do wondrous things;
    you alone are God.
11 Teach me your way, O Lord,
    that I may walk in your truth;
    give me an undivided heart to revere your name.
12 I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,
    and I will glorify your name forever.
13 For great is your steadfast love toward me;
    you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.
14 O God, the insolent rise up against me;
    a band of ruffians seeks my life,
    and they do not set you before them.
15 But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
    slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me;
    give your strength to your servant;
    save the child of your serving girl.
17 Show me a sign of your favour,
    so that those who hate me may see it and be put to shame,
    because you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.
__________________________________________________________________________

Please listen to me Lord
Listen to me and answer me
Please save me Lord
I am devoted to you completely

I cry to you
I lift my soul to you
In the day of my trouble
I cry out to you

There is none like you
All the nations bow down to you
You alone oh God
Teach me your ways of truth

Save me from my enemies
Comfort me again
Your love is ever lasting
I'll be your servant then

__________________________________________________________________________


1 Samuel 15:10-31

Saul Rejected as King
10 The word of the Lord came to Samuel: 11 “I regret that I made Saul king, for he has turned back from following me, and has not carried out my commands.” Samuel was angry; and he cried out to the Lord all night. 12 Samuel rose early in the morning to meet Saul, and Samuel was told, “Saul went to Carmel, where he set up a monument for himself, and on returning he passed on down to Gilgal.” 13 When Samuel came to Saul, Saul said to him, “May you be blessed by the Lord; I have carried out the command of the Lord.” 14 But Samuel said, “What then is this bleating of sheep in my ears, and the lowing of cattle that I hear?” 15 Saul said, “They have brought them from the Amalekites; for the people spared the best of the sheep and the cattle, to sacrifice to the Lord your God; but the rest we have utterly destroyed.” 16 Then Samuel said to Saul, “Stop! I will tell you what the Lord said to me last night.” He replied, “Speak.”

17 Samuel said, “Though you are little in your own eyes, are you not the head of the tribes of Israel? The Lord anointed you king over Israel. 18 And the Lord sent you on a mission, and said, ‘Go, utterly destroy the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are consumed.’ 19 Why then did you not obey the voice of the Lord? Why did you swoop down on the spoil, and do what was evil in the sight of the Lord?” 20 Saul said to Samuel, “I have obeyed the voice of the Lord, I have gone on the mission on which the Lord sent me, I have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and I have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. 21 But from the spoil the people took sheep and cattle, the best of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the Lord your God in Gilgal.” 22 And Samuel said,

“Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,
    as in obedience to the voice of the Lord?
Surely, to obey is better than sacrifice,
    and to heed than the fat of rams.
23 For rebellion is no less a sin than divination,
    and stubbornness is like iniquity and idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the Lord,
    he has also rejected you from being king.”
24 Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned; for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice. 25 Now therefore, I pray, pardon my sin, and return with me, so that I may worship the Lord.” 26 Samuel said to Saul, “I will not return with you; for you have rejected the word of the Lord, and the Lord has rejected you from being king over Israel.” 27 As Samuel turned to go away, Saul caught hold of the hem of his robe, and it tore. 28 And Samuel said to him, “The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from you this very day, and has given it to a neighbor of yours, who is better than you. 29 Moreover the Glory of Israel will not recant[a] or change his mind; for he is not a mortal, that he should change his mind.” 30 Then Saul[b] said, “I have sinned; yet honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel, and return with me, so that I may worship the Lord your God.” 31 So Samuel turned back after Saul; and Saul worshiped the Lord.

__________________________________________________________________________

The Lord spoke to Samuel
He was disappointed in Saul's acts
Samuel was angry with God
So he spoke to Saul with facts

He presented Saul's wrong doings
But Saul wouldn't listen
He felt that he had been faithful
But to God he hadn't risen

As Samuel turned away
Saul's kingdom was destroyed
As it happened Saul repented
And with Samuel to God honoured

__________________________________________________________________________


Acts 5:1-11

Ananias and Sapphira
5 But a man named Ananias, with the consent of his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property; 2 with his wife’s knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds, and brought only a part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 “Ananias,” Peter asked, “why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the proceeds of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, were not the proceeds at your disposal? How is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You did not lie to us[a] but to God!” 5 Now when Ananias heard these words, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard of it. 6 The young men came and wrapped up his body,[b] then carried him out and buried him.

7 After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you and your husband sold the land for such and such a price.” And she said, “Yes, that was the price.” 9 Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 Immediately she fell down at his feet and died. When the young men came in they found her dead, so they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And great fear seized the whole church and all who heard of these things.

__________________________________________________________________________

Ananais sold his land
But kept back part from God
Peter knew of his failing
Accused him of lieing to God

Ananais, when he heard this,
Fell down and immediately died
Great fear seized all around him
In fear of God they cried

__________________________________________________________________________

Daily Lectionary in Poetry Monday 19th January 2015

Psalm 86

Supplication for Help against Enemies
A Prayer of David.

1 Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me,
    for I am poor and needy.
2 Preserve my life, for I am devoted to you;
    save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God; 3 be gracious to me, O Lord,
    for to you do I cry all day long.
4 Gladden the soul of your servant,
    for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
5 For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving,
    abounding in steadfast love to all who call on you.
6 Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer;
    listen to my cry of supplication.
7 In the day of my trouble I call on you,
    for you will answer me.
8 There is none like you among the gods, O Lord,
    nor are there any works like yours.
9 All the nations you have made shall come
    and bow down before you, O Lord,
    and shall glorify your name.
10 For you are great and do wondrous things;
    you alone are God.
11 Teach me your way, O Lord,
    that I may walk in your truth;
    give me an undivided heart to revere your name.
12 I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart,
    and I will glorify your name forever.
13 For great is your steadfast love toward me;
    you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.
14 O God, the insolent rise up against me;
    a band of ruffians seeks my life,
    and they do not set you before them.
15 But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
    slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me;
    give your strength to your servant;
    save the child of your serving girl.
17 Show me a sign of your favour,
    so that those who hate me may see it and be put to shame,
    because you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.
__________________________________________________________________________

Please listen to me Lord
Listen to me and answer me
Please save me Lord
I am devoted to you completely

I cry to you
I lift my soul to you
In the day of my trouble
I cry out to you

There is none like you
All the nations bow down to you
You alone oh God
Teach me your ways of truth

Save me from my enemies
Comfort me again
Your love is ever lasting
I'll be your servant then

__________________________________________________________________________


1 Samuel 9:27-10:8

Samuel Anoints Saul
27 As they were going down to the outskirts of the town, Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the boy to go on before us, and when he has passed on, stop here yourself for a while, that I may make known to you the word of God.” 10 1 Samuel took a vial of oil and poured it on his head, and kissed him; he said, “The Lord has anointed you ruler over his people Israel. You shall reign over the people of the Lord and you will save them from the hand of their enemies all around. Now this shall be the sign to you that the Lord has anointed you ruler[a] over his heritage: 2 When you depart from me today you will meet two men by Rachel’s tomb in the territory of Benjamin at Zelzah; they will say to you, ‘The donkeys that you went to seek are found, and now your father has stopped worrying about them and is worrying about you, saying: What shall I do about my son?’ 3 Then you shall go on from there further and come to the oak of Tabor; three men going up to God at Bethel will meet you there, one carrying three kids, another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a skin of wine. 4 They will greet you and give you two loaves of bread, which you shall accept from them. 5 After that you shall come to Gibeath-elohim,[b] at the place where the Philistine garrison is; there, as you come to the town, you will meet a band of prophets coming down from the shrine with harp, tambourine, flute, and lyre playing in front of them; they will be in a prophetic frenzy. 6 Then the spirit of the Lord will possess you, and you will be in a prophetic frenzy along with them and be turned into a different person. 7 Now when these signs meet you, do whatever you see fit to do, for God is with you. 8 And you shall go down to Gilgal ahead of me; then I will come down to you to present burnt offerings and offer sacrifices of well-being. Seven days you shall wait, until I come to you and show you what you shall do.”

__________________________________________________________________________

Samuel and Saul
Were going in to town
Samuel said to Sail
Tell the boy to hurry down

Saul and Samuel waited
And spoke about the Lord
With oil upon his head
Samuel anointed Saul

Go Saul
It's time
Go to Rachel's tomb
To receive a sign

The head to the oak of Tabor
There men will meet you
Offering you bread
Of which you'll take two

Then go to the Philistine garrison
Where prophets will be in a frenzy
There the Lord will possess you
And you will become a different person

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2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1

The Temple of the Living God
14 Do not be mismatched with unbelievers. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship is there between light and darkness? 15 What agreement does Christ have with Beliar? Or what does a believer share with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we[a] are the temple of the living God; as God said,

“I will live in them and walk among them,
    and I will be their God,
    and they shall be my people.
17 Therefore come out from them,
    and be separate from them, says the Lord,
and touch nothing unclean;
    then I will welcome you,
18 and I will be your father,
    and you shall be my sons and daughters,
says the Lord Almighty.”
7 Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and of spirit, making holiness perfect in the fear of God.

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Do not mix with unbelievers
The light and darkness can not mix
Accept the heart of the living God
And forever more live separate

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