Whatever is Pure, Inspiring Christian Poetry, Devotionals and Testimonies February 2006

Twelve windows open on my computer, telemarketers calling and the news on in the background. Popcorn in the microwave and laundry waiting in the dryer. Pulled in way too many directions and I press the wrong button on my computer. Disaster strikes and windows open and close at their own whim, my computer shuts down into 'stand by mode' and restarts again and again.

Alarmed, I turn off the computer in a way that all computer experts tell you never to turn off your computer and wait for my blood pressure to return to normal before I gingerly restart the machine yet again. The problem is not solved! The machine continues to go 'stand by'. I run a virus scan, do a defragmentation, clear the recycle bin and plead with the computer to just behave itself. One more time, I turn off the computer, making sure this time I follow proper procedure and praise God as the problem is solved, my windows stay nicely where I put them and the computer returns from its coffee break.

I made some classic errors. I became cocky and did not read the manual that came along with my software. I became distracted from my task and allowed myself to be pulled into way too many directions. I tried to avoid the problem and hoped it would go away by just shutting off my computer. What I can't see, doesn't exist, right?

Sin and deception enters into my life in much the same fashion. It is rare that the enemy of my soul comes along in a blatant fashion with one focused temptation. Usually it is the small things that pull me away. The tyranny of the urgent tries to assert itself over the truly important. Once there are enough distractions demanding my attention then the enemy comes in to pull the rug under my feet and then tosses the rug over my head so I don't see the truth about my situation.

I'm learning that multi-tasking in God's kingdom is not necessarily a virtue and that I need to keep my eyes on the race set before me. In the same way that I keep only one or two windows open at a time when focusing on a complex computer situation, so I am determined to keep the windows of my heart open only to the promptings of God's spirit and his direction.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Do you hear me?...Close your eyes, and you will hear me.
Do you see me?...Look inside, and you will see me.
Do you feel me?...Be still, and you will feel me.

I'm in your heart - just waiting to be found.
Turn off the TV - Turn off the radio - Turn off the useless talk.
I need to be heard - You need to hear me.

Then you will find love. Then you will find peace.
Then you will find true happiness & joy.

Fear not...for you have been called by name.
Listen to the story - made just for you.

Stop and hear your story.
Be still, and feel your story.
Arise, then live your story.

Listen to the Voice of The Shepherd,
for I am with you always -
patently waiting for you to come Home.
Please email author for permission to reprint or use in any format.
© Susan LaPlume - Brooklyn, CT.
Suestimeout@charter.net

Transitions come. Transitions go.
Sometimes fast. Sometimes slow.
Some change our lives forever
(for better or for worse),

And we don't always know if they're
a blessing or a curse.
They happen in an instant,
or slowly over time.

But one thing I am certain of,
God's team is on our side.
If we just love & work with
the people that we meet,

It's God's way of helping to
turn the bitter into sweet.

Please email author for permission to reprint or use in any format.
© Susan LaPlume - Brooklyn, CT.
Suestimeout@charter.net

Although the prayer box can be used for any prayer, it specifically works for prayers that concern your personal life, your problems. The things that bug you, that are constantly on your mind. You might have talked to God about them for a million times and still... You might have handed them over to Him telling Him you would let go, but...

To make it easier for you to leave your troubles with God (see 1 Peter 5:7) use the prayer box, a very concrete concept to see how prayer works in your personal life. Take a box, a simple ordinary cardboard box, and put it in the place where you always pray. Then write down what problems or matters concern you most at this moment. Make separate notes with the problem or person described on it, or visualize the problem in another way. For example if you worry about paying the mortgage on your house you could draw a house and cut it out. Put the problems and needs in the prayer box. Pray for the matters in the prayer box every day and...,- this is important-, otherwise, do not touch them. That is, they are in the prayer box and not in your hands (or head or heart). This way you can let go of your problems, while you know someone is working on them in your stead. As soon as a problem is solved, take it out of the prayer box. Some may be in it for days, others for months or even years. But that is not your problem anymore. Trust God with your problems and they will no longer bother you!

Carol - Web Editior
© 2006 Happinessisaverb.com
info@happinessisaverb.com for permission to reprint or use in any format.

No more will I slumber
In the darkness of my false endeavor
Nor will I shut my eyes
Upon the bed of worldly lies
But in the morning I will seek your face
I will search for you at the break of day,
When the sky is roaring
Praises to you I will bring
And as David said in his song
Truly I will awaken the dawn!
My harp is tuned, my lute is ready
I stand here with my heart steady.
My timbrel and my organ are ringing
And my pipe reels with joyful singing.
Together we sing in one accord
Praises to our gracious Lord
Beyond all powers we lift You high
Be exalted O God above the earth and sky!

Please email author for permission to reprint or use in any format.

© Mary Phipon
maryphip@yahoo.com

As of May 2012, "WHATEVER IS PURE" ARCHIVES will no longer be seeking submissions. As most authors and poets now have their own blogs, we noticed a significant drop in submissions over the past year and felt it was best to move on to other endeavors.

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