Thursday, May 31, 2012

I MET WITH YOU - Rejoicing in the privilege of casting all my cares on HIM!


I met with You alone in wakeful hours last night

Just a bit discouraged at my unworthy fight

Again as ever always You welled up deep within

My heart laid bare before You and You forgave again



I met with You this morning; came to worship with the saints

The children sang Your praises in full voice without restraints

They wriggled, danced and lifted hands in such abandoned way

It nearly broke my heart in two to hear you loved that way



I met with You today as my shepherd taught Your Word

He faithfully etched into me the truths I read and heard

Unfolding wondrous mysteries; enlightening corners dark

The hating world - the loving Lord; the contrast ever stark



I met with You this afternoon while praying for those I love

A growing peace seemed to increase I’m so unworthy of

The lost, the sick, the weak, the blind weigh heavy on my heart

Your yoke is easy; weight is light if shared right from the start



I’ll meet with You this evening when day turns into night

Prepare a meal, relax and heal but always keeping sight

Of why I love to live a life that’s set on honoring You

For late last night I feared the fight.  I’m glad I met with You!

Monday, May 21, 2012

THE GATE - a story based on Matthew 7:13-14


The Gate - Matthew 7:13-14

Sally Bentley
                               

                You know when you're not quite awake and yet you are certainly not asleep and thoughts fill your mind.  Images of people and places cross the scene set there.  I was in such a state this morning and a vivid scene played out before me.  I saw myself walking down this huge highway that was packed with what must have been millions of other people walking along it.  Have you ever been to Disneyland when it's so crowded that you really have no choice as to where you were going?  This road was like that.  Everyone was just moving along in mass packed in like cattle and I'm certain that everyone, like myself wondered where we were all headed.  I also had a vague sense that something was making this walk terribly difficult. It was then that I realized that I was carrying this huge bundle of stuff that, for some reason, I don't really know what, I considered to be extremely valuable.  Everyone else was carrying their huge treasure as well.  The sad thing was that often times, someone would collapse under their load and although the rest of us felt sorry for him, we could not afford to loosen the grasp on our own bundles long enough to help the misfortunate person.  So eventually he was trampled under the feet of the throng who were pressed along, almost as if against their own wills, in the inevitable movement forward. (Amos 2:7)

                As I walked along, relieved that it was not I who fell, I noticed a fork in the road ahead.  Well, it wasn't a fork really - there was just sort of a path that diverged from the main road.  No one else seemed to notice it at all.  Several yards down the path there was some sort of unusual gate and standing beside it was a man unlike any I've ever met. 

                There wasn't anything particularly unusual about his appearance but there was something about his demeanor and his eyes that fascinated me.  As I was briefly studying him, suddenly I realized that his eyes were locked onto ME.  I saw his lips move but I couldn't quite be sure what he was saying and then somehow through the din of the crowd I heard it as plain as day.  It was only a whisper but somehow it broke through and I heard it.  He called MY name. (John 10:27)  I was drawn to him and I desperately fought to make it to the side of the highway where the path cut off before we passed it.  I barely made it there in time to see another person stumble and crushed by the crowd.  Then I turned my eyes back to the man at the gate and he was now reaching a hand out toward me as if he wanted me to come.  The nearer I came to him the more I noticed his hands.  They were healing from some horrible wounds.  As I approached, I had to ask him about them. 

                "Sir, how did you get these injuries?" 

                His voice came back, "I received them when I was building this gate for you." (Isa. 53:5)

                "For me?"  I said.  "You don't even know me."

                "I knew you and I chose you before the creation of the world." He replied.  (Eph1:4)

                "Chose me  - for what?"

                "To be my disciple.  Come follow me along this narrow path. (Matt. 11:28-30) The wide highway that you have been traveling on leads to a cliff over which everyone who travels it will fall and die.  It's a far easier road to take but it leads to death and destruction.  This gate opens onto a very narrow and treacherous path but it leads you right into the Father's loving arms. Come and we'll walk it together."

                "Who is the Father and why would he want to love me?" I asked.

                "He is the One who made all things and He has sent me here to bring you to Him.  We love you because we have chosen to do so and our reasons are beyond your understanding. (John 15:16) The question is - Will you enter through the gate?"

                I thought for a moment.  Who wouldn't want to go through it?  The path may be hard but the highway would only lead to death.  "Yes - Yes I want to come through!" I answered with joy. 

                I walked up to the gate and tried to pass through but I couldn't seem to fit.  All of the things I was holding onto made me too large to enter.  No matter how I struggled, turned and twisted I simply couldn't get through the opening with all my stuff.  I looked up in frustration at the man who smiled patiently at me. 

                "You must leave all of that behind." He said.  (Matt. 6:19-21)

                "But it's mine.  I've worked for years to acquire all of this.  How can I just leave it?" 

                "If you want to come through the gate you must lay it all down." He replied. (Mark 8:36)

                Just then I thought of a great idea.  Maybe I can fit part of it through.  I looked carefully at my treasures and decided that maybe I could do without a couple of them.  I selected a few of the least precious ones and dropped them on the ground.  First I picked one that was labeled MONEY and then I thought I'd really sacrifice and I laid down two more labeled CAR and HOUSE. (Matt. 6:24) Then I tightened my grip on everything else and tried again.  No luck.  The man looked at me wistfully and said "You've got to let go of everything."  So I looked again at my precious bundles and couldn't decide which would go next.  I even considered just walking back and getting on the main highway with everyone else but somehow I was drawn to go through the narrow gate down the small path. 

                "Here sir," I said, "This is a large parcel." and I laid down one called PRIDE.  "And how about these?"  and I let go of PLEASURE and SELF INDULGENCE.  (Mark 8:34-35)  I now only had a few precious packages left and I really couldn't believe he would want me to leave these behind.  I pressed on the gate.  I squeezed and strained but no matter what I did I couldn't fit through.  

                I looked up at this man who had called me out from the rest of the world.  I looked into his eyes - his beautiful loving eyes and I realized that nothing I had was more precious than walking through the narrow gate and down the rugged path with this man.  I suddenly wanted to run into the Father's arms more than anything I had ever desired in life.  (Phlp 3:8)

                I dropped the last two parcels that I was holding onto.  The packages labeled HUSBAND and CHILDREN dropped from my hands (Luke 14:26) but I couldn't help but ask the man if he would call them to walk down the path after me one day too.  "They will hear my voice and they must choose to follow for themselves." 

                I turned toward the gate and the man placed his hand on my shoulder to stop me.  "My hands are empty sir.  I should be able to fit through now." 

                "One thing more" He said.  "Look at the clothes you're wearing." 

                I looked down.  "I made this outfit myself!  What's wrong with it?" I asked.  "These are the rags of SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS" He replied. (Isa. 64:6) "They cannot be worn on the other side of the gate.  I have made for you a very special robe called THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF CHRIST.(Isa. 61:10)  As soon as you pass through the gate I will place it on you and so my Father can accept you into His Holy Presence."

                The thought of leaving behind these garments that I had worked so methodically to piece together frightened me and yet I knew in my heart that the robe now offered to me was beyond comparing to the meager clothes I was wearing.  It was by far the most humbling thing I have ever done but I dropped my clothes there and the kind and gentle man opened the gate before me.  Trembling with joy mixed with a little fear I passed through the gate easily.  And as I crossed over the threshold, my new loving friend placed a robe on my shoulders that was the most radiant and glorious garment I have ever seen!  I stood there beyond the gate with a heart of gratitude for being saved from certain death and for being relieved of my heavy burdens. 

                And so began the adventure down the path that will one day lead to untold riches in the Everlasting Kingdom of Light. (Isa. 35:8-10)                           

THE BEGINNING!

Thursday, May 17, 2012

TWIST FOR EASE - Reinterpreting Scripture to make life easier :)






We are twist for ease if you please
We are twist for ease if you don’t please
Scripture twisting is a lot of fun to do
Makes life easier for me, for you


Do you see the part that says serve with whole heart?

Serving others is so hard, can't be my part

To learn to serve, I serve myself, yes, this will do

Serving me comes first, then perhaps some for you


Oh, observe the words "wives, submit to husbands"

This submit must be for wives who are very dumb

I am smart so when he's right I will obey

When he's wrong will be wise and choose my way


Do you read the Bible says to give at church?

Leaves no money when I want more pants and shirts

What to do I wring my hands, oh what the heck

If some is left after I shop, I write the check


Monday, May 14, 2012

I HAVE LEARNED - on learning contentment




Philippians 4:11-13

I have learned to be content
In whatever circumstances I am. (repeat)

I know how to get along with humble means
And I know how to live in prosperity
I know the secret of being filled and going hungry
Both of having abundance and of suffering need

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me

Music: Sally Bentley & Matt Bentley
Lyrics: Scripture

Friday, May 11, 2012

I NEED A GRANDMA! (a short story I wrote about the start of an unusual friendship)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I stepped into her tiny office.  There was hardly room to turn around within it and the walls were virtually made up of file cabinets. I thought of how many people were represented in those files there; how many people had come here never to leave again. 

The woman behind the desk was an attractive lady in her early sixties.  “ACTIVITY DIRECTOR” - That’s what it said on her door.  What is that anyway?  She smiled kindly at me, introduced herself and asked, “How may I help you?”

“Hi, my name is Sally Bentley and I’m looking for a grandma.”

She opened one of her file drawers. “And what’s her name?” she asked.

“No, I need to find someone to be my grandma.”

My only living grandmother had died a few weeks before and I had enjoyed our visits.  I had sort of established a pattern of going to see her every Wednesday morning taking my children with me.  She was a funny lady – very direct and extremely (often too) honest.  She had died in her sleep in her managed care facility.  I missed her.

“My grandma passed away recently and I wondered if there might be a lady here who would appreciate regular visits.”  I had some stipulations – “I’d like a woman, with all of her ‘marbles’, who doesn’t get many visitors.”  The activity director seemed surprised at the request – which in turn surprised me.  Clearly this place was loaded with lonely grandmas for people to adopt.

A huge smile crossed her face.  “Have I got the lady for you!  Follow me.” 

            We left her little closet of an office and headed down a long hall with white walls and chair rails on either side.  There were people seated in wheelchairs lining the corridor.  Some smiled back at me as I smiled and said hi.  Others looked back with vacant stares.  Permeating it all was the unmistakable smell of urine.  I came to the immediate conclusion that this was not a place I would really enjoy visiting every week. 

I’m not sure I can do this I thought as we continued down the endless halls.  Finally, she stopped at a doorway and whispered, “This is Virginia Turner’s room.  She has a disease that has made her unable to walk or care for herself.  She’s extremely intelligent and loves to read.”  I swallowed hard and in we went.

There lay a nice looking lady in her early sixties.  She was propped up with pillows.  Her bed was cranked into a seated position.  She had a very intent look on her face. She was wearing headphones and was listening attentively to whatever was coming through them.

The activity director greeted her enthusiastically and slipped her headphones off. She looked up and smiled.  They obviously knew each other fondly.

 Virginia this is Sally and she’s looking for a grandma.”   She looked a little confused.

I explained, “My grandma died recently and I just came over to try to find a new one.”

Virginia’s face lit up beautifully and I saw traces of the lovely young woman she must have once been.  She had flawless skin, hardly a wrinkle and big blue eyes.  There was an awkward moment of silence, neither of us really knowing quite what to say.

“I just wondered if you might like a visitor now and then.  I hear that you like to read.  I’m a great reader!”

She sort of looked me over a bit and finally spoke, “How old are you?” she asked. 

“I’m 30 years old.  I’m married to an L.A. County Fireman.  We have two kids; Matt, who’s 6 and Stephanie, who’s 7.”  Why do I feel like I’m applying for a job?  Does she think I’m some kind of weirdo?  Of course she does, who else comes traipsing into a convalescent home and says, “Will you be my grandma?”

“I’m too young to be your grandma but I’ll be your friend.” She said with a smile.

I liked her.  I reached out to shake her hand.  “Well it’s nice to meet you.”  She looked down at my hand and just stared at it.   Was I out of line or something?  Then she very slowly and deliberately lifted her right hand.  It was obviously not fully functional but she got it into my waiting hand.  I squeezed it gently and felt it pop in my hand.  Oh great, Sally!!  You brake her hand the first time you meet her.  She flinched a bit but looked at me warmly.  “Sorry” I said.  Mental note:  Don’t hurt the nice lady!!

“So what can I do for you when I come to visit?”

“I have letters that I need to write.  I need books ordered.  There are a few items I occasionally need from the store.  I need help ordering clothes from a catalog.  And I’d like you to read to me.”  Oh great, what have I signed onto?  This lady sounds like a full time job.

“I can only come once a week.”

“That’ll be wonderful.”

And so began weekly visits that continued for the next 16 years.



I am a Christian – not just an “I go to church and give money” Christian.  I love the Lord with all of my heart.  I live for Him.  I study the Bible and seek to be obedient to the truths He’s teaching me there.

Virginia was an instrument of God in my life, not because she was a Christian; for indeed I never knew her to respond to the gospel.  I was faithful to share it with her. 

But God used her to teach me to be delighted with the little things in life – being able to walk around the block, go grocery shopping, even clean my own toilets.  Virginia could do none of that and yet rarely complained. 

That woman who had nothing to give, gave me a life-long gift more precious than gold….CONTENTMENT!  Phil. 4:11


Tuesday, May 8, 2012

MISTER SOUNDMAN (a parody in honor of the unsung hero of music ministry!)






Mr. Soundman bring us a dream; make us sound better than we really sing
While we bark orders you show us kindness and make our solos sound their very finest
Soundman, what would we do if you weren't with us just helping us through
Please turn on your magic board
Mr. Soundman, just for the Lord

Mr. Soundman, Mr. Soundman you're all alone; can't find nobody to help you along
So every practice your running miles
Between the artists and the knobs and dials
Soundman we never say how much we miss you when you are away
Please forgive your music team
Mr. Soundman bring us, move us, string us,
Mr. Soundman you are a dream!

(Keith W. & Steve U. - You guys are THE BEST!!)


Friday, May 4, 2012

YOU WERE THERE (thoughts on Divine election)






From ancient history You set Your sights on me
You formed my destiny to make me Your own
While yet unformed was I conceived in sin to die
But the Apple of Your Eye.  Such grace You have shown

You were there - seeking out my very heart

You were reaching form the start
Seeing every sin and still you chose to love and save me
There - to make my mind conceive
And make my heart believe
Pouring grace and love and all the blessings that You gave me

Jesus both God and man You fulfilled the whole plan
You died but rose again that I might live too
You never sinned or lied and yet were crucified
"It is finished" then You cried.  What more could you do?
 
 I never could repay the price you had to pay
Just live for You each day and walk in Your love
When facing the unknown I never walk alone
It's clear I'm heading home to heaven above
You'll be there - Seeking out my very heart

And we'll never be apart
Then we'll comprehend the fullness of the gospel story
There - the crowns that we receive
We'll cast before Your feet
Resurrected we, with eyes unveiled will see Your glory

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

CREATION ANTHEM

 Click HERE!  to hear me sing it.

Sitting on a hillside, gazing at the view. 

Looking at the beauty but all I see is You

Listening to the river, the eagle’s call is clear. 

The wind up in the treetops, but Your voice is all I hear


     The earth declares Your beauty.  Your glory shines ablaze.
     The heart of man cannot deny the wonder of all You’ve made.
     The river sings of your power. 
     The mountains display your strength.
     The clouds show me Your gentle love;
     the sky it’s breadth and length.

And then my eyes look down and see the smallest little flower

It’s delicate design still moist from last night’s gentle shower

There I see Your tenderness, Your kind and loving care

The pleasure of Your beauty.  Is that why You placed it there?


O Lord, how many are your works?  In wisdom You’ve made it all.

The earth is full of Your possessions; animals great and small.

Lord, be glad with all You’ve made.  May your glory always endure.

I will sing to You as long as I live for Your ways are perfectly pure!