It was God's decision not ours!: He Chose Us

I took up my bible and was reading John 15. When I read verse 16, it struck me that I wasn't the one who decided ok well i'm going to serve God. It was God when He was making me said guess what you're going to serve me. It was a humbling revelation.

YOU DID NOT CHOOSE ME, I CHOSE YOU AND APPOINTED YOU TO GO AND BEAR MUCH FRUIT, THE KIND OF FRUIT THAT ENDURE. AND SO THE FATHER WILL GIVE YOU WHATEVER YOU ASK IN MY NAME.
John 15:16

He Chose Us
I didn't choose Jesus; He chose me.

Though He knew I'd cause Him hurt and pain.
He knew that I'd find it hard to accept,
Because if I were Him,
I wouldn't have chosen myself.
He knew that I had misgivings and fears,
That I would fall and feel too weak to get up.
But He still loved me after all that I did.
That's because I didn't choose Jesus; He chose me.

We didn't choose Jesus; He chose us

Even though He knew how stupid,selfish and ungrateful we could be
He knew we would turn a blind eye
To all the people right in front of us
Who were hurting and pleading for our help
He knew we would neglect to worship Him
And take all the glory for ourselves
But after all,
That's why we didn't choose Jesus; He chose us.

You didn't choose Jesus; He chose you


Though He knew you'd get involved with friends who'd draw you away
He knew that you'd feel your entire world collapse
And that you could no longer fake your joy
Because of the burden you refuse to give away.
He knew that you'd do that thing
You said you'd never ever do
But God is God
He hand-picked you
He pre destined you
He knows all your heartaches and your pain
He knows all your struggles and all your shame

So next time when you'e thinking of an excuse
Remember:
You didn't choose Jesus; He chose you!

~ Jordanna Guthrie

Stalker Meets Girl

It kinda hurts putting up Jodi's stuff on this blog because they're such untraditionsal peices, it's hard to get the flow of her work unless you've heard it before, or you know her in person. I'm sure many of us can relate to this piece, I won't say much so see what she has to say.
Words from the author:
This reflective piece sums up my encounter with Jesus (after months of running, and running, and well, more running from His call). Boy was He after me. I can't help but think how blessed I am to be called. To be chosen. To be chased! lol. He really loves me and I am grateful.
Thank you Lord that you consider me.
Revelation 3:20
²⁰Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.

Stalker Meets Girl

You know, normally you'd hear
Boy meets girl
Girl likes boy
Boy buys ring
Girl says yes
They get hitched,
and...well...
You know the rest.

Well, I'm currently in a relationship
and well, He takes my breath away.
We talk about everything!
He tells me His inner-most thoughts
- and the ones towards me?
Always seem to fit perfectly.
He always knows what to say
I guess you could call Him my sweet-talker
But to be honest, it wasn't always like this
See, He was my stalker.

Now I know this sounds strange
Ladies I promise it's far from gory.
Guys, don't worry. You're safe.
It's no lifetime story.

It first started when I was on my way to this meeting
I was forced to attend every Sunday.
I remember I felt a stare.
You know when someone's looking at you from behind?
I turned around and looked and saw nothing
So I thought: "Jodi, its your mind."

And days would pass
and I notice I'd get these little love notes.
They never had a signature
Just some words in quotes.
But I'd always ignore them.
I thought He was one out of many.

But the more I ignored,
THE MORE HE PERSISTED
And the more I rejected
THE MORE HE INSISTED.

As if notes weren't enough,
He sent persons instead.
They'd tell me these things
- these things that he said
That He wrote me a book.
Many books in one
And one of them He named Songs of Song.

Now I'm thinking "creepy?"
Yes.
"Restraining order?"
Oh yea!
Except...
I barely knew His name.
Though I heard it time and again
I was not interested in this dude.

But no matter where I turned
He was always there.
And I think He got frustrated
And He just grabbed me.

Held me close.
He caressed my face.
And with every stroke I shuddered.

And the tears came.

Tears of Joy?
Nope
Sadness?
Nah.
Relief?
Yes.
I had finally found
My true Love.

~Jodi-Ann Johnson.

Purposeful Living: Made to Worship

First time I heard this song, I was in such awe. The second time, even more. It's a shame that just reading the words can't capture the experience of hearing a song being performed. We need to realise that we weren't put on this earth to start a business, be an actress, or discover the cure for AIDS. We were literally made to give God glory - we were made to worship. We're supposed to worship with every step and evey breath by committing whatever it is we do to the Most High God.
Romans 12:1
¹Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.

Made to Worship

Verse 1
I think about all the things that I’ve been through
And I realise how blessed I am to have found you
You’ve been there to pick me up
Every time that I fall down
You’re always there to walk with me
Through every storm

Prechorus
I want to thank You
For all You’ve been to me
Without You Lord
Life makes no sense
You’re the reason I still stand today
And because Your loving kindness is better than life

Chorus
I will praise You with all of my heart
And I will give myself to you
Whatever you want Lord, I’ll surrender
'Cause I was made to worship You my King

Verse 2
My life is dependent on You
You’re my heart’s one desire
And I wanna be close to You
I can’t imagine where I’d be
If it weren’t for your grace
Enabling me to hold on
When I thought I had no strength

Prechorus
I want to thank You...

Chorus x2

Bridge
I was made, I was made, I was made to worship You Lord
I was made, I was made, I was made to worship
(repeat)

Chorus

With all of my heart
(repeat x4)

~Sasha Allen.

Stop and Listen: Be Still

This song reminds us that God is all powerful and capable of doing the impossible. It also reminds us that God cares for us and wants to speak to us and speak to our hearts to comfort us and that we should acknowlege Him for who He really is.

Psalm 46:10

Be still. and that I am God. I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth!


Be Still

Be Still and that He is God

Sit quietly and hear that still small voice
He wants to speak right into your heart
And show His love in new ways
Acknowledge Him
Be still and know that He is God



Be still and know that He is God
Sit quietly and hear that still small voice
The mountains shake at His voice
Demons flee
He utters, the earth melts away


Be still and know that I am God says the Lord
Be still, make me your dwelling place
Be still and hear the voice of the Lord

~ Antoinette Campbell

Remember Joy's Source: The Acknowledgement

This piece sounds like it could be from so many perspectives. The questioning mind of an unbeliever, or maybe even a believer who doesn't know why he/she believes. Possibly a believer trying to convince the unbeliever of God's existence. Or as the author plainly puts it, a believer who is meeting God all over again. Whatever window you decide to view this through, I'm sure you'll agree with me that God is in the details, the little things of life, and there lies the most convincing argument for Him.
Words from the author:
Well I'd have to say that while writing this poem, I was in tears. I literally felt the power of the Holy spirit convicting me as I sat on my bed crying and frustrated one Sunday evening. It was as if I had forgotten that God should constantly be the centre of my joy. So this is a reminder that its all about Him, and so I simply called it "The Acknowledgement". It was like I met Him all over again.
Isaiah 29:23
When they see among them their children, the work of my hands, they will keep my name holy; they will acknowledge the holiness of the Holy One of Jacob, and will stand in awe of the God of Israel.

The Acknowledgement

How is it that we can see
And feel the things we ought to feel
Without knowing it has feelings
But still knowing it's there?

Is it magic that we arrange
the type of things we do each day?
Of course not.
It's tragic.
That we just don't know how to match it.

And by matching I mean deciphering right from wrong
Weak from strong,
How and why we get along

Or why not.

Isn't there something we should know
Something that tells us why we glow
When we smile or make a child laugh?

You can't pass it.
No.
Not the thought.
Can never give up the search for the reason:
To find out why we are so blind to
SOMEONE
SOMETHING
That's been there all along
Who never gets weak
He's always strong,
He plans for us as we go along
Life's journey,
Road,
Path,
or pasture.
HE is the master.

But all day long
We yawn and nod
When we think of Him

He is God.

~Jodi-Ann A. Johnson.

The Story of a Christian Struggle: A Silent Storm

Wow...was all I had to say after I read this the first time around. I'm sure SO many people could relate to this poem. The sheer momentum, constant questioning, and descriptave imagery pain such a vivid picture of confusion. We're so blessed that the answer to all these questions is Jesus Christ and He'll always deliver us from our struggles! How faithful our Lord is!
James 1: 2-4
²Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. ⁴Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

A Silent Storm

My belly was churning
My head felt sick
My life was spiraling
I had to think quick
Who could I call?
Who could help me fight?
When I'm about to fall
Into the clutches of the night
Wait what would I say?
Could I ever explain it?
Could I stand the blank stares?
Should I expose my fears?

I'm tossing and turning
My feet feel so heavy
I'm trying to press forward
This all seems so awkward
So I send up a smoke signal internally
Im screaming and shouting "Help Me! Save me!"
i can't explain
My secret shame
My inward pain
My heart's strain
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

AAAAAAAA
I want to be all that I can be
Deep inside I know God wants to use me
But my flesh has launched an all out attack
Insecurity and guilt now ride my back

Can I ever
Will I ever
Find my way back home
Out of the place...this zone
Im trying to speak I'm opening my mouth
Where are the words? Nothing's coming out
Sigh
Ok here goes, here's my moment to be free
I want to blurt it out but my heart condemns me
So I say it again
To yet another friend
Pray for me
I'm at my wit's end
I need strength for things I cannot dare say
Cause your eyes of condemnation will do me a way

I really want to move
But there's a mountain in my way
Ive been chipping at it you know day by day
But nothing's getting better, I feel sick
The SOS is out, Lord come quick
hello where is God?
Is this judgment
Why isn't he coming?
Is this...punishment?
How did I get here, to this forbidden place
Where I feel like such a violator of God's abundant grace
Its raining its pouring
When is it going to stop?
My hands are shaking, heart's racing, spirit's failing, i'm sinking
Pop!

Im so tired, so disappointed in myself
For allowing my flesh to win
When Jesus won the victory
For my struggles, guilt and sin
I've made a decision, I will not back down
The devil is a liar, my Jesus wears the crown
I am not a bastard child
I hear the Spirit wooing me
Wait! does that mean he still wants me?
Do I still have use?
I'm looking up through blinding tears
There's a dim light ahead
The Lord now arrests my fears
There's a place to rest my head
He's looking past my faults again
Now he's stopped the rain
He's cleansing my mind,
He's healing my heart
The confusion suddenly stops
He's speaking once again

I saw you in your pain
The breaking of your heart
I Know the battles of this world
Try to pull us apart
TRUST ME
I need to purify you
Purge you through and through
So you could bring glory to Me
As a real life testimony
Of a struggling Christian set free!

~Korene Crawford.