Soul Conversion
We’ve changed, so much
have we lost that soft touch?
when the wind blows through the leaves
do we hear the music, as she grieves?
We’ve changed, it happened when?
I’m not sure, but if feels like sin
when the music of God’s grace
listens to the voices – the human race.
We’ve changed, lost our gift for giving
is this the answer? Have we stopped living?
Did it happen when cell phones awoke
a feeling inside – like another world spoke?
We’ve changed, but it isn’t the end
we can return to being a true friend
give from our heart, our light and love
with kindness stirred by God above!
We’ve changed and I believe we all know it
if we will simply look inside ourself and admit
when all is said and done, we’ve lost our concern
will we let go of our pride and finally learn?
When it comes down to it, we only need one thing
the love and hope and faith inspired by our King
the peace that comes to us, because He gave it all
His life a sacrifice, guiding us so we’ll never fall
We’ve changed quite a bit, but the truth shall tell
He saved us from the darkest place called hell
He saved us from these fears and tears, all the worst
Reassuring our souls that our lives He reversed.
We’ve changed and sometimes I know it seems strange
to let God take control, our lives, our hearts, to rearrange
but I know, when He takes control – love has its way
and all I need to do is open my heart and pray…
wherever I’m weak, He’ll be my strength
and I know He will go to the greatest length
to give me a second chance to live altruistically
life with Jesus is a life lived optimistically
with hope, I offer Him my life
with faith, I believe in His sacrifice
with love, the way looks so bright
with Him, I know it’s going to be alright!
Jesus didn’t just endure the pain inflicted by the cross but also willingly chose to ignore the agonizing shame and humiliation it would bring. Although the cross was a symbol of shame, Jesus embraced it, refusing to be humiliated or distracted from doing what God needed him to do. He allowed humanity to despise him as he bore the weight of their sins. The spotless Lamb of God, who knew no shame, became shame for them.
Vermilye, Alan. The Hymns of Easter: Daily Lent and Easter Devotions on Classic Hymns (40 Daily Devotions for Lent and Easter) (The Devotional Hymn Series) (p. 78). Brown Chair Books. Kindle Edition.
Metamorphosis (terza rima)
It wasn’t spring, with all its flowery shadows
Who taught me wonders too startling to explain
More stirring than any rhyme I could compose
It wasn’t summer, with its smiles and dancing rain
Who taught me beauty far gentler than a tear
More light than my soul could possibly contain
It wasn’t autumn with her navy skies so clear
Who taught me melodies, songs of joy and grace
More startling than the wind who hears our prayer
It wasn’t winter with snow my heart would embrace
Who taught me of a love that would never end
More sure that I’d shortly meet Him face to face
Seasons passed and my broken heart He would mend
He soon changed me and came to be my best friend
Song of Grace (villanelle) “Grace is God as heart surgeon, cracking open your chest, removing your heart—poisoned as it is with pride and pain—and replacing it with his own. Rather than tell you to change, he creates the change. Do you clean up so he can accept you? No, he accepts you and begins cleaning you up. His dream isn’t just to get you into heaven but to get heaven into you.” - Max Lucado, Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine Grace upon grace, pouring over my soul Bleeding through doubts, past darkest fears Restoring my song, breathing love to console Feelings silence the ache – love’s in control Reaching beyond grief, silencing the tears Grace upon grace, pouring over my soul Melodies of light, blessing, while God I’ll extol Memories so alive, singing through the years Restoring my song, breathing love to console Perfect music weeps, my heart, love surely stole Whispers of light fall as the worst shadow clears Grace upon grace, pouring over my soul Harmonizing with God’s voice makes one whole As my life reveals gentleness the heart hears Restoring my song, breathing love to console This song, bursting with love, has been my goal My heart will welcome Jesus with endless cheers Grace upon grace, pouring over my soul Restoring my song, breathing love to console
Whether performed during Easter or Christmas, Messiah, with its powerful “Hallelujah Chorus,” has unquestionably been used as a means to evangelize and spread the gospel to a wide audience. Moreover, the message of Messiah has served as a source of inspiration for millions of people, compelling them to donate to those in need, all in the name of Christ. Most composers from that era never expected their music would endure beyond their lifetime. Handel’s Messiah is certainly the outlier, being perhaps the oldest continuously performed composition from any composer. Yet George Frideric Handel refused to take the credit. In a beautiful gesture, at the end of Messiah, Handel paid homage to his faith by including the letters “SDG” for Soli Deo Gloria, which means “To God Alone the Glory.”
Vermilye, Alan. The Hymns of Easter: Daily Lent and Easter Devotions on Classic Hymns (40 Daily Devotions for Lent and Easter) (The Devotional Hymn Series) (pp. 18-19). Brown Chair Books. Kindle Edition.
When God is Near Just knowing the way, Doesn’t make real love stay Just feeling like things can change, Doesn’t silence the feelings so strange Just believing in the One who forgives, Yes, this will assure you that hope still lives! Just knowing the shadows of doubt, Won’t offer the spirit the easiest route Just feeling like life must go on, Won’t bring back hope that has gone Just believing that God’s grace is alive, Won’t guarantee your dream will always strive. Just knowing that love is God’s gift, Can’t cause your mind to always be swift Just feeling like His love is enough, Can’t make you feel strong and tough Just believing that He’s the answer, the hope Can’t leave you completely sure you can cope. Just let God know that you believe, you agree He is light – He is love – and you can see… Just because He doesn’t always answer each prayer, With a yes, - because He knows you best, which is rare… Just know that, whatever comes, He’s the voice Beneath each hope, each joy, the best choice… With God beside you, you’ll never have to fear He abides with those who know He’ll wipe away each tear He gives the heart hope, the spirit – love that is so sincere… With God beside you, everything will be so clear… With God beside you, life will always appear… to be the way it should be, because He is near!
