a poem

I had originally written this for a sweet sister, but i realized it is for all of my sisters, so i wanted to share it with you:

WHO YOU ARE

I know who you are; you are a beautiful bride.
You have many riches wrapped up inside.
Each one of those riches is precious and rare;
My Father has entrusted them to your care.
He has knit you together from the inside out,
So He knows what you are all about.
He formed your body and designed your face;
Not one of your features can you erase.
He created your smile, your nose, your hair;
He did it all with an artist's flair!

I know who you are: a daughter of the Most High,
Who loves the Truth and does not lie.
You have a different spirit from the world;
You are not the typical American girl.
Your beauty is exceptional; I should know.
I've listened to your thoughts and watched you grow.
I am pleased with you and your love for Me,
And I only wish you could see yourself as I see.
You are a child of God, which makes you My sister.
I'm calling you by name; can you hear Me whisper?

I know who you are; do you know who I AM?
For your life, I have the most wonderful plan!
It's not over till My Father brings it to an end;
There are still many things for you to do, My friend.
He wants to use your gifts, speak through your voice,
Mend broken hearts and give people a choice;
Bring a smile where there is only pain,
To let men know life in Me is not in vain.
Take His great love, His promises, His Word--
Go and be the best news they have ever heard!

I know who you are: a priestess to make intercession;
You are an eternal being with heavenly possessions.
You are a sweet drink of water to thirsty, dying souls,
A tasty, hearty meal to fill their empty bowls.
You are a bright ray of sunshine in the dark;
When they need a fire, you are the spark.
You are called to give them hope in the last hour,
To be My witness and display My power.
Yes, YOU are the one I have chosen to do this;
Not one opportunity do I want you to miss!

So the next time you wonder why you are here,
Remember who I AM and your purpose will be clear.

READ IT, EAT IT

Do you realize how important it is for us to read our Bibles and do what the Bible teaches? We can't do what it says if we don't know what it says. Even if we had known at one time, we need to be constantly reminded every day. We need those little gold nuggets of truth to meditate upon throughout each day, being nourished by them spiritually. Jesus gave us the parallel when He said that man doesn't live on bread alone but on the very Words of God. So when we read, we need to see it like food for our spirits. It is what we live on. It is even more important than our physical food. Consuming the Word will change us into the likeness of God's Son. Neglecting to eat it every day will malnourish us so that we don't look a thing like Him!

So here is a tasty passage for today: "Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the Name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:13-16

We must also BELIEVE what we read. How can we believe Christ was risen from the dead, yet fail to believe that God will heal sick people? It is also hard for some to believe that their sins can make them sick. God will actually give one of His children over to sickness so that they will confess their sins and find healing and forgiveness. I sat in a room with a fellow sister one time who refused to believe that could be possible for a believer. But it is right there in our Bibles. That doesn't mean every time you get sick that you need to confess, but you must be willing to accept that it could be the case at times.

Thankfully, i have known several people in my life who have gone in faith to the elders and had them anoint them with oil and pray for their healing, but how many of us will not do this because we don't even know the Scripture commands it? Or we are so far-removed from anointing with oil that we'd be embarassed to make such a request. Or we don't want to confess our sins because that would shame us and we don't want anyone to know our sins!

Come on, my fellow brothers and sisters, let us read, believe, and do. I know it is foolishness, but that is what God has chosen, isn't it? Do not be ashamed of Him and His commandments.

Let us eat together as one body today, and let our prayers be both powerful and effective!

I love you with all my heart, in His Name.