Moving

I am moving this blog onto the same account as my other two blogs. Please follow this link to my new Chasing Life blog:

http://leslie-chases-life.blogspot.com/

Thank you!

Strength

Psalm 8

O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

who hast set thy glory above the heavens.

Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained

strength because of thine enemies,

that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.

When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers,

the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;

What is man, that thou art mindful of him?

and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels,

and hast crowned him with glory and honour.

Thou madest him to have dominion

over the works of thy hands;

thou hast put all things under his feet:

All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;


The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea,

and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.

O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

Praise the Lord for the countless blessings he has placed in your life. Give glory to he whom it is so righteously due...

Shameless...

This is an advertisement to promote capitalism...okay, okay, it is really to tell you I have completed my novel and it is now available. I would like to leave the link for anyone interested in attaining it.

Please click the link here.

Thank you for your support. And thank you to all of you who rooted me on through this whole process. You know who you are.

The Word is Tried...

Psalm 18:30-32

"As for God, his way is perfect: the

word of the Lord is tried:

he is a buckler to all those

that trust in him. For

who is God save the Lord? or

who is a rock save our God?

It is God that girdeth me with

strength, and maketh

my way perfect."

It is a new month. I am struck by this verse on my calendar. God's way is of course perfect, yet we humans often forget...or put that fact aside, as we try to do everything our own way. God's way is perfect. He is the LORD. He is our buckler and the one in whom we should trust. He will not lead us in the wrong direction. We need only wait upon the Lord and he shall direct our paths.

At times we grumble and worry about how long we must wait to hear from the Lord. But when we still our souls, quiet our thoughts and ambitions, we will hear from him. Take time to be still before God. Trust that his timing is better than your own. He knows best and what he prepares for those who follow him, is MUCH better than anything we can generate on our own.

Never

It is important to know that when you stand with God, you never stand alone. God is the only person in your life that you never have to say good-bye to.

Not in life, not in trouble, not in turmoil, not in joyous occasions, not in illness, not in failure, not in death. Never. When you walk with God, you never walk alone. Times are frightening. We see panic all around us; generated and real. But, God would not have us to panic or be fearful if we are children of his. We may call on him for all our needs. We may talk to him about anything.

Psalm 4
Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness:

thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress;

have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.

2
O ye sons of men, how long will ye

turn my glory into shame? how long will ye

love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.

3
But know that the LORD hath set

apart him that is godly for himself:

the LORD will hear when I call unto him.

4
Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with

your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.

5
Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,

and put your trust in the LORD.

6
There be many that say,

Who will show us any good?

LORD, lift thou up the light of

thy countenance upon us.

7
Thou hast put gladness in my heart,

more than in the time that their corn

and their wine increased.

8
I will both lay me down in peace,

and sleep: for thou, LORD,

only makest me dwell in safety.

Stop with the Gimmicks

Imagine. Fully visualize this and put yourself in this place:

You are repeatedly slapped in the face and struck on your body
You are blindfolded and pushed around with beating hands
You are spit upon by many mouths
You are whipped with a whip that tears your skin apart
You are stripped of your clothes
You are struck multiple times in the head with thick, stinging sticks
You have long thorns pushed against and into your head, piercing and tearing the skin
You are mocked and spit on and humiliated
You are forced to drag the implement of your death for all to see
You are exhausted from the beatings, the torture
Your facial hair is ripped out, your face bruised and swollen so it is unrecognizable
Your wrists are pierced through with heavy nails, pinned to the cross
Your ankles are pierced through with heavy nails, pinned to the cross
You are lifted into the air, hanging on wood,
Your body weight draws down, slowly suffocating you, your lungs find it difficult to take in air,
You are naked and mocked and dying...

And you have the power and ability to call down the angels to release you from this torture

Yet,

You do not.

Because you see, Jesus Christ endured this torture, this suffering, this pain--for you.

Did you feel it? Did you see it clearly?

We do not need a gimmick to replace the truth of the crucifixion. The power is in the cross and what Jesus did there. It is still relevant today. Jesus suffered extreme shame, pain, and torture by the hands of his own creation. All in order that we should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Read the truth. You will find it in the Word of God:

Matthew chapters 26 & 27
Mark chapters 14, 15, & 16
Luke chapters 22, 23, 24
John chapters 18, 19, 20, 21

Fear Not

I chose this picture to show that even when we seem to be surrounded by pain or fear, God is always with those who seek him. It is a new beginning to another month. April 1st is known as fool's day, yet the message is to not be fooled by the temptations and the misleading of the enemy. Do not fear the fiery darts the enemy throws at you. It is time to post the calendar verse:

Psalm 9:9-11

The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed,

a refuge in times of trouble. 10 And they that know thy name

will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord,

hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

11 Sing praises to the Lord, which dwelleth in Zion:

declare among the people his doings.

Praise the Lord for his faithfulness.

One last memory as the time goes by for remembrance of my lost one. Magnolias bloom quickly in the spring, yet last for such a little while...

Magnolia Dreams

Magnolia dreams
reaching toward the sky,
life’s sickness screams
yet your spirit flies.

Round, full flower
growing seeds where sown,
counting the hours
before going home.

Branches wrapped in care
strength slips with time,
loving moments snared
hiding when you cry.

Fragrant petals rise
as sudden sadness falls,
grasping for the prize
you hear the final call.

Leaves of peace and calm
taking one last breath,
guilty, you lift your Psalm
singing of hope in death.

Magnolia dreams are gone
fading in winter’s night,
the peace for which you longed
now rests within your sight.

Copyright Leslie Lynn King, 2007

Beginnings...

Today is the official first day of Spring. With it, comes sadness for me as I remember a dear lost loved one, who now resides with the Lord. But along with this sadness comes a clear breath, a clear mind, and a hopeful joy that only God can bless one with. I know I shall see her again. I know that I am in God's hands and he directs and keeps me.

This is a poem I wrote a while after my grandmother passed. I knew the night she would pass and when I woke that next morning, I knew she had left us. You see, she and I were deeply connected. Not only do I miss our grandmother/granddaughter relationship...I also miss our friendship...she was my best friend.

Tangled Fingers

Tangled fingers in sunset glow,
transparent skin and one not old.
Taunting tickings cause us to slow
neither palm wanting to let go.

Time to slip in drips of death
angelic hands pull and insist;
demanding good-byes from our breath
slower we walk and resist.

A gentle press as we agree
life’s rules will wait for our command:
a moment more, still too brief,
walking, tangled --hand in hand.

No hurry to step on grey grave ground,
we smile and talk as before,
until I wake to unwelcome sounds
of quiet steps beyond life’s door.

Fingers slip from tangled weaving,
tracing life in carved stone;
like a whisper gently stealing
I notice now --I walk alone.

And to leave you with a positive thought...


Promises

Rhythmic promises in the skyline dawn
as little sprinkles of leaf buds yawn
Restless winds breathe through brown branches
as time lays down life’s new chances
Calming sighs slip from every man
as yellow rays creep across the land
Small green blades peek from the ground
as Spring’s soft song begins to sound.

Psalm 13:5-6
But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. 6 I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.

Psalm 17:15
As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.

Psalm 30:4
Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.

Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

Did he see you?

I was reading in Revelation a while ago (no, it isn't a scary book of the Bible) and was given a beautiful message that I would like to share. The verses that struck me were these:

Revelation 7:9-12

"After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; 10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. 11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, 12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen."

After reading the rest of the chapter and thinking on it, God impressed something on me. It was a message I needed to hear from him and it blessed my soul greatly. Suddenly, in my mind and heart I heard these words, "John saw me in that multitude. John saw me in this vision. My face was in that crowd." I cried. And after I cried I wanted to leap and dance around the room!

Take a moment and think about this image. Read the verse again. Think about this question: Did John see your face among the multitude around the throne of the Lamb?

Read on in the chapter:

Revelation 7:13-17

"And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? 14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. 16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. 17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes."

And so I ask again: Did he see you there?

Turning the Page

I have turned the page once again, on the calendar. A new month brings new opportunities, new experiences, and new light to the days in which we live. If you are worried, stressed, or overwhelmed, listen to the verse that is sitting on this calendar page:

Psalm 18:2-3

"The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies."

Think about each of these words:

My rock: a solid foundation that is strong and unmoving...

My fortress: a fortifide place, impenetrable...

My deliverer: the one who saves me from all things...

My God: Praise the Lord!

My strength: the power that keeps me going, that leads me, that never lets me go...

My buckler: a shield for all the firy darts the enemy wants to throw...

The horn of my salvation: a resting place where no one can touch me...

My high tower: a place of total safety and protection...

God is here for us. He is the only one on whom we can fully place our trust and our lives.

Waiting

I thought this song was appropriate for the times in which we are in. I suggest getting the movie "Fireproof" too. It is inspiring and hopeful. Enjoy the song and video.

• While I'm Waiting by John Waller

More John Waller music on iLike

Be Still

Ps 46:10

"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth."

The existance of God is evident in the world around us. The perfection in creation sings out God's presense. Enjoy the beauty around you. God has given it to us. He is an artist.

No matter how crazy this world gets, when it all boils down to the end, what will matter most is your relationship with Jesus Christ and seeing that souls are saved. Step into God's work. Shine the beauty of salvation to this lost world.

Matthew 5:16

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Graceful

Romans 5:1-8

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Grace

Graceful hands lent in view
stretching, solemnly toward you.
Needful prayers full of want
at heaven's door do I haunt.

Graceful hands extend to me
dripping stains upon a tree.
Saving grace fills my soul
blending, molding, making whole.

Graceful hands carry me through
gently, silently toward you;
Wiping tears from my eyes--
grateful hands receive the prize.

Copyright Leslie King 2009

Winter Uplifting

As of today there are 46 days left until Spring. I flipped the page in my calendar and read the verse for the month of February. So here it is:

Psalm 5:11-12

"But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield."

What a blessing to hear especially in the days and times in which we are now living! The world is becoming more and more hostile toward Christians. Jesus told us that the world would despise us.

Matthew 10:22

"And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved."

Endure to the very end. Don't compromise on the truth or on God's word. God does not change and he does not compromise with sin. Be watchful, for many try to disguise themselves in the winds of change and unity, but if that change and unity requires a compromise against God's word and truth --it is not of God.

Mt 24:9-13

"Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. 10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."

It is hard to go against what society tells you is "acceptable" but society does not write what truth is, God does. Maintain, endure to the end dear ones.

Add to Your Faith

The snow is falling and blowing all around. The promise is that the wind will turn bitterly cold; the temperature falling to the single digits. I am encouraged and warmed by what I read last night; a goal and a promise:

2 Peter 1:5-11

"And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."

You see, we should all be in a constant reforming of ourselves...not that we can save ourselves, but that we can strive to please God and can do so when we follow His word. It is so full of promises. Hold your cup out and God will fill it.

The New Year

As I place a new calendar on my desk, I am reminded of the countless days ahead. At times each day can feel and look the same; a repeat of failure or stagnation. At times, a person can look out on the ocean of a brand new year and feel like she is drowning in obscurity and uselessness. An insignificant lap of water in the ocean of waves...

And then I look at this calendar; something I made months ago. Each month of the year I pasted a verse from the book of Psalm and January's verse is most significant:

Psalm 3:3-5

"But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. 4 I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. 5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me."

It is a new year. It is time to walk in full faith; knowing that God, the maker of all life, is listening when we pray. It is time to stand like grown men and women, ready to walk fully in the will of God; not continue to crawl, like infants wanting always the easy way. Life is hard. It was never promised not to be; yet with God leading us, with walking in his will, how can anyone go wrong?

James 1:5-7

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord."

It is time to stop being tossed by turbulent seas. It is time to stop wavering in faith. It is time to look, listen, and believe that God is all he says he is, and that we (being saved through acceptance of Jesus Christ) are God's children. A father takes care of his children. How much more so does God, our Father, take care of us?