Month: May 2024

No part of myself

Ruth Kirk

O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me (Psalm 139:1; NLT). 

There’s no part of myself, Lord,
That I want to keep from you:

We share this fragile flesh and blood,
This mind and heart, Lord, too.

Nothing in this fallen world
Can separate me from your love:

I offer all I am to you each day –
My spirit soars above.

He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:29-31; NLT).

References 

You know everything I do (Psalm 139:3; NLT).

Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely (Psalm 139;4; NIV). 

No power in the sky above or in the earth below – indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:39; NLT).

 

Praying for others

Ruth Kirk

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them (1 Timothy 2:1; NLT). 

I willingly accept my sickness
For the sake of those who suffer:
Anxious, frightened, losing hope –
Yahweh, help us all to cope.

I willingly embrace my losses
On behalf of all those grieving:
Anguished, sorrowful, disgraced –
May all share your dear Son’s faith.

I willingly endure my exile
For the sake, Lord, of the dying:
When, at last, our bodies fail –
Lift our souls beyond the veil.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me (Psalm 23:4; KJV).

The dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it (Ecclesiastes 12:7; NIV).

References 

He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore I would rather boast in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I am content with infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, and imprisonments for Christ’s sake: for when I am physically weak, then I am mentally strong (2 Corinthians 12:9-10; BLB). 

You will not leave my soul among the dead (Psalm 16:10; NLT).

Jesus, having uttered a loud cry, breathed His last. And the veil of the temple was torn into two from top to bottom (Mark 15:37-8; BLB).

We have free access to the Holy place through the blood of Jesus, by the new and ever-living way which He opened up for us through the rending of the veil (Hebrews 10:19-20; WEY).

 

My soul

Ruth Kirk

The LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul (Genesis 2:7; NKJV).

My soul is not my own:
It’s God, within.

He breathed it into me
When I was born.

So, though I’m here in exile,
We are one,

Sharing each joy and sorrow,
Pain, and thorn.

I was given a thorn in my flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7; NLT).

References

My spirit is still in me, and the breath from God is in my nostrils (Job 27;3; NET).

The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you (Romans 8:11; NLT).

The kingdom of God is within you (Luke 17:21; NKJV). 

The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life (Job 33:4; NLT). 

Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows (John 16:33; NLT).

God rejoices over you (Isaiah 62:5; LSV). 

My soul rejoices in my God (Isaiah 61:10; NIV).

The person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him (1 Corinthians 6:17; NLT).

In all their suffering he also suffered (Isaiah 63:9; NLT).

In all their distress… He lifts them up, and carries them (Isaiah 63:9; LSV). 

God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:3-4; NLT). 

The dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it (Ecclesiastes 12:7; NIV).

 

Lifetime

Ruth Kirk

Draw near to God and he will draw near to you (James 4:8; NET). 

Spend your lifetime
Drawing close to God.

Spend your lifetime
Learning from the King.

Spend your lifetime
Following Christ’s way.

Spend your lifetime
Growing more like him.

This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ (Ephesians 4:13; NLT).

References

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me (Matthew 11:29; NIV).

At just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords (1 Timothy 6:15; NLT).

Jesus told him, “I am the way” (John 14:6; NLT).

The Lord – who is the Spirit – makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image (2 Corinthians 3:18; NLT).

God creates

Ruth Kirk

Sing to the one who rides across the ancient heavens (Psalm 68:33; NLT).

God creates the ancient heavens;
Time begins in endless space.
All existence made from nothing:
Earth, light, water; life, peace, grace.
The Three-In-One makes men and women,
Each reflecting God’s dear face.

Disobedience; selfishness!
Oh, how our lust for power grows!
Watching, waiting; weeping, raging:
Still, the God of mercy shows
Unfailing love, and sends their Son.
Most precious gift, although God knows

Exactly what will happen next.
We spurned Christ’s Way, and all he said.
Scorned him, beat him, jeered, and spat,
As, hanging on the cross, he bled
And died that day, for all our sins.
Since then, his Spirit comes instead,

To those who trust his holy name.
Shun selfishness! Take up your cross!
Put others first! Accept what comes
With thanks, and see the rest as dross.
Then, follow Christ through life’s dark vale,
And cling to him in pain and loss.

Cling to your faith in Christ (1 Timothy 1:19; NLT).

His body [lamenting its decay] grieves in pain over it, and his soul mourns over [the loss of] himself (Job 14:22; AMP).

References

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1; NLT).

God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them (Genesis 1:27; NLT).

The [population of the] earth was corrupt [absolutely depraved – spiritually and morally putrid] in God’s sight, and the land was filled with violence [desecration, infringement, outrage, assault, and lust for power] (Genesis 6:11; AMP).

The Lord your God is a raging fire (Deuteronomy 4:24; GW).

He loves us with unfailing love (Psalm 117:2; NLT).

God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16; NLT).

On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4; NLT).

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God (John 1:12; NIV).

Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23; NLT).

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18; NIV).

Everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him (Philippians 3:8-9; NLT).

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me (Psalm 23:4; NLT).

What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his soul? (Mark 8:36; DBY).

Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will leave this life. The LORD gives, and the LORD takes away. Blessed be the name of the LORD (Job 1:21; CFSB).

I like to think…

Ruth Kirk

Be kind and compassionate (Ephesians 4:32; NIV). 

Do not judge others, and you will not be judged (Luke 6:37; NLT).

I like to think I’m kind,
But I’m judgemental.

I like to think I care,
But I’ve no heart.

I like to think I love,
But I’m resentful –

Help me to change, Lord:
Show me where to start.

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1; NLT).

References

Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly – not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God (1 Peter 5:2; NLT).

I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart (Ezekiel 36:26; NLT).

Love your neighbor as yourself (Luke 10:27; NLT).

Change your hearts and stop being stubborn (Deuteronomy 10:16; NLT).

Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the LORD that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously (Isaiah 55:7; NLT).

Surrender your pride and power. Change your hearts before the LORD (Jeremiah 4:4; NLT).

Start afresh

Ruth Kirk

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-3; NIV).

Yahweh God,
Please help us all
To start afresh each day,

To take our cross,
And bear it well,
And follow Jesus’ way.

Yahweh God,
Please help us all
To lift our hearts in prayer,

To love you, praise,
And serve you,
Till we meet you in the air.

First, the Christians who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; NLT).

References

Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23; NLT).

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:6; NLT).

Let us lift up our hearts and our hands to God in heaven (Lamentations 3:41; NIV).

Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17; NIV).

‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’ (Luke 10:27; NLT).

Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms (Psalm 68:19; NLT).

Serve only the LORD your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him (Deuteronomy 13:4; NLT).

One Spirit

Ruth Kirk

God is Spirit (John 4:24; NLT).

There is… one Spirit (Ephesians 4:4; NLT).

Spirit of God,
You help us in our weakness,
Teaching us what to ask
And how to pray.

Spirit of Christ,
You walk with us in sorrow,
Pleading on our behalf
Both night and day.

Spirit of Truth,
You guide us in our darkness,
Lighting our path with love
Along the way.

Holy Spirit,
You are in all creation,
So we are one with you,
Though we are clay.

Thine incorruptible spirit is in all things (Wisdom of Solomon 12:1; KJV). 

The person who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him (1 Corinthians 6:17; NLT). 

We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand (Isaiah 64:8; NLT).

References 

The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you (Romans 8:11; NLT).

The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for (Romans 8:26; NLT).

The Spirit teaches you everything you need to know (1 John 2:27; NLT).

They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ’s suffering and his great glory afterward (1 Peter 1:11; NLT).

The Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me (Philippians 1:19; NLT).

Christ Jesus is the one who died, but even more, has been raised; he also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us (Romans 8:34; CSB).

He entered into heaven itself to appear now before God on our behalf (Hebrews 9:24; NLT).

When He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth (John 16:13; AMP).

The Spirit is truth (1 John 5:6; NKJV).

Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light (Micah 7:8; NLT).

Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13; NLT).

Rejoice

Ruth Kirk

Rejoice always (1 Thessalonians 5:17; NIV).

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior (Habakkuk 3:17; NIV).

No matter what befalls me, Lord,
May I rejoice in you;
And when I suffer pain or loss,
May I rejoice in you.

No matter how depressed I am,
May I rejoice in you;
And when I’m feeling anxious, Lord,
May I rejoice in you.

When I’m in death’s dark valley, Lord,
May I rejoice in you;
Then, when I reach your Kingdom, Lord,
I will rejoice in you!

My soul will rejoice in the LORD and delight in his salvation (Psalm 32:11; NIV).

References

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me (Psalm 23:4; KJV).

He will remove the cloud of gloom, the shadow of death that hangs over the earth. He will swallow up death forever! The Sovereign LORD will wipe away all tears. He will remove forever all insults and mockery against his land and people. The LORD has spoken! In that day the people will proclaim, “This is our God! We trusted in him, and he saved us! This is the LORD, in whom we trusted. Let us rejoice in the salvation he brings!” (Isaiah 25:7-9; NLT).

Hell on earth

Ruth Kirk

How terrible it will be for pregnant women and for nursing mothers in those days (Matthew 24:19; NLT). 

I pray for those whose lives
Are hell on earth:
The sick; the grieving;
Those who lack self-worth;

The homeless; those in prison;
Lost; abused;
The poor; the dying;
Those who are confused;

Those with mental illness;
Lonely; sad;
And those who are rejected –
Seen as ‘bad’;

The hungry; refugees,
And those who thirst
For hope, Lord:
Help us all to put them first.

Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:42-5; NLT).

The last will be first, and the first will be last (Matthew 20:16; NIV).

References

Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands (Luke 21:10-11; NLT).

They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future. They will live in the barren wilderness, in an uninhabited salty land (Jeremiah 17:6; NLT).

I thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him? (Psalm 42:2; NLT).

When the poor and needy search for water and there is none, and their tongues are parched from thirst, then I, the LORD, will answer them. I, the God of Israel, will never abandon them (Isaiah 41:17; NLT). 

Love your neighbour as yourself (Leviticus 19:18; NLT).

Love the stranger (Deuteronomy 10:19; NKJV).

Show love to foreigners (Deuteronomy 10:19; NLT).

Love your enemies (Matthew 5:44; NLT). 

When you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me (Matthew 25:45; NLT).