I Will Not Be Robbed

      In life all of us struggle with heartaches and pain.  We wonder "Why" this is happening and usually get no answers.  However, there is a difference between being happy and having joy.  My joy comes from my Christ and His Spirit living within, and I will fight with all my might to retain that joy by not allowing worldly circumstances to rob me.  Satan comes to rob and steal but he cannot have my joy. 

I Will Not Be Robbed

 Though unhappy I be,

My joy remains in me.

I will not be robbed!

For, happiness will return in time;

Joy is mine,

Not that of Satan who roams to steal and take.

And though I struggle with heartache,

I choose the joy God can make.

I choose to pursuit Christ, my Savior

Over life’s flavor;

Never taking my eyes off my Lord;

The love and power of His sword.

Though, from loss, I grieve,

My joy is what I want others to perceive.

I will not be robbed!

There is power to overcome;

For God holds my hand so I do not succumb.

Though unhappy I be,

My joy remains in me.

I will not be robbed!

In my struggles God walks by my side

As I journey, in joy, through this earthly ride.

I will not be robbed!

Although I often cry

And ask, “Why?”

I know I never walk alone.

No matter my troubles,

My joy is not gone.

 Mary Crisp Jameson  2/14/2021

 

“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.”  Romans 5:5 KJV

 

The How and the Way

      Goliath was a mighty giant, but he was a cruel bully that even a small boy defeated.  Samson had the strength of many men, but his pride and lack of wisdom led to his early death.  These men could have accomplished so much more had they fully taken  advantage of the spiritual gifts which were distributed to them by God. They did not know how to come together with others. 

     We, as Christians, also have the ability to accomplish small and large tasks for God.  It may require forming a “network of shoulders”, supporting others to accomplish God’s purpose.  We just need to remember that God directs the “How” and the “Way”.     

How Long?

      During these times of the rapidly spreading virus, rioting, and division among Americans, there is a reference to 2 Chronicles 7:14 which states, "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."  Many Christians are asking for this promise to be fulfilled, yet we are still putting into law murder against our babies.  Many wonder "How long, O Lord!"

How Long

How long, O Lord? I cried,

And He replied, 

"As long as it takes to accomplish My will, 

But I will be with you still.

As long as it takes for you, in faith, to turn to Me

So I can lovingly set you free.

As long as it takes for you to turn from your wicked ways

And follow me all of your days.

As long as it takes to break your stubborn pride, 

Yet, I will be forgiving by setting your sins aside.

As long as it takes for you to die to self

And stop setting Me upon a dusty shelf.

As long as it takes for you to turn to me in prayer,

Knowing, I am everywhere.

I am the oxygen within your breath;

My presence is in the air,

For I greatly love and care."

"How long, O Lord?" again was my reply.  

"How long?" I repeated with a sign.

I just had not heard what my Savior said

As I trudged rebelliously ahead.

"How long? How long/"

As I turned wearily from my God upon His throne.  

                                            Mary Crisp Jameson 

God is good and Heaven is real

 Having just turned the calendar to February, I realize that time is moving on.  Yet, I look forward with hope, knowing that God is good and Heaven is real.

 God is good and Heaven is real!

I don’t have to see, just feel.
I look forward; I look up,
For He filleth my cup.
God is good!
Through the ages, His word has stood.
When, in sorrow, He lifts me up;
With Him, I sup.
His ways, not understood,
Embraces all brotherhood.
There is so much He does reveal.
As in worship, with Him, I kneel.
My Heavenly reward, no one can steal,
For God directs my steps, as I look up,
Awaiting His gift of my immortal cup.
God is good and Heaven is real; 
My all, my life, sealed in steel. 

            Mary Crisp Jameson  2/2/2021