Poetic Licence

Micah 6 vs. 1-8 -The LORD’s Case Against Israel

Oct 12th, 2010 by maffster

Micah 6 is one of those chapters I find myself challenged by – verse 8 in particular calls me to consider how I walk before the Lord. I think we can easily be blase about seeing God just as Abba Father, he is far more than that, he is a God to be worshipped, a God who is to loved with all we are, that requires all of our lives not just a little bit!

Micah 6 vs. 1-8 -The LORD’s Case Against Israel

Listen to what the LORD says: “Stand up, plead your case before the mountains; let the hills hear

What you have to say. Hear, O mountains, the LORD’s accusation; listen, you everlasting foundations of the earth.

The people of Israel were far from their God, they had fallen away, did not worship with holy fear

Rather they were going their own way, doing what they wanted, they disregarded God, treated him with mirth

They thought they could do what they wanted without consequences, they were without fear

They would not listen to God’s prophets clearly advising them of their sin, they did not give their words worth

Rather they scorned Micah and the other prophets, they their message did not want to hear

Micah had clear instruction and he spoke what the Lord told him from the highest to the lowest parts of earth

For the LORD has a case against his people; he is lodging a charge against Israel. “My people, what have I done to you?

How have I burdened you? Answer me. I brought you up out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery.

God is building his case against the Israelites, as in a court of law he begins his questioning “what have I done to you?”

How have I burdened you? Answer me. What’s your defence for your bad behaviour, didn’t I redeem you from slavery

Have you forgotten your history, have you forgotten what I have done over the years to help, save and protect you?

How can you be ignorant of the consequences of not following my laws, only I can stop you from going into slavery?

I sent Moses to lead you, also Aaron and Miriam. My people, remember

What Balak king of Moab counselled and what Balaam son of Beor answered.

Micah calls the people to look at their past and faithful leaders remember

Those that were prepared to listen to God and to his call had rightly answered

The people needed to follow their example to do more than remember

But to take action and be faithful, to hear counsel, and in him be bolstered

Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal,

That you may know the righteous acts of the LORD.”

Micah says remember the Exodus to Jordan and Gilgal

The provision of manna and quail, acts of the LORD

The safe crossing of the Jordan and entry into Gilgal

Through every step remember your faithful LORD

With what shall I come before the LORD and bow down before the exalted God?

Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old?

What makes God happy? Is it giving him lots of things, or does that leave him cold?

Is it about making a show and trying to prove loyalty, or is it to bold?

Can we impress God, the creator of heaven and earth, with silver and rolled gold?

He does not indulge our blatant attempts to buy him with silver or gold

Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil?

Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

God doesn’t need our presents, rather he needs our presence, he needs our all

His command quite clear we are to love him with all our heart, mind, strength and soul

To put him first, to after him hunger and thirst, to not put in from of him our wall

For he sees us for who we are, not just the outward appearance, he sees our inner soul

He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God

Our example is Christ, he became on earth a servant, was prepared to die for me and you

Prepared to do the will of his Father, to be subservient to our God

“Nevertheless not my will but yours be done”, he said, he went to the cross for me and you

In light of this great love will you give up your will and follow your God?

Mark Maffey, October 2010 (NIV) http://maffster.blogtown.co.nz/

Posted in Poems Old Testament | No Comments »

Romans 8 vs. 26 -31 – God who is actively at work in our lives

Sep 27th, 2010 by maffster

Romans 8 is one of those chapters in the Bible that I keep coming back to, it gives so much reassurance, from verse 1 we are new creations no longer under condemnation, through to verses 38-39, nothing can separate us from God’s love. Our church notices had an extract from Mark Keown, a lecturer at Laidlaw discussing the relevance of Romans 8 to our lives in this time, it was thought provoking and I know Mark is grappling with this chapter at present

As verses 26 – 31 the nature of our relationship with God is that we are weak, and we need the Holy Spirit’s help, he groans, intercedes for us, the other aspect which comes through is that God has plan for our lives we are predestined to be his children and to do his works. Yet we need to be open to his leading and listen for his voice guiding us

Romans 8 vs. 26 -31 – God who is actively at work in our lives

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. Forwe do not know what to pray

For as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words,

We struggle to express our thoughts and concerns, yet God knows what we say

His Spirit is our helper, interpreting our thoughts; he ensures that by God we are heard

We are weak, it is not by power or by might, but by the Spirit we can make headway

We are called to seek first the Kingdom of God, as we do God to us will keep his word

We are called not to worry, yet we do, we fret, we delay, God calls come to me, pray!

As we do we can know this, the Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words

Andhe who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints

According to the will of God, and we know that for those who love God all things work togetherfor good

The Spirit is in sync with, and knows God, he stands in the gap for us, and he neither gets weary nor is faint

He constantly intercedes for us, understanding where we are at, yet knowing Gods’ will which is for good

Yet there are times when we face difficulty, when life is a struggle, we shout to God, good you ain’t

Yet God says to us I order your steps, I delight in you, my ways are greater, I am not a God made of wood

I hear, I see, indeed it is I who carries you, in trials you build character, and become a stronger saint

For my purpose is to bring you into completion, those who love me, all things work together for God

Forthose who are called according to his purpose. For those whom heforeknew he alsopredestined

To be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

I am the God who shapes you, I am the potter, and you are the clay, do not become world conditioned

I have plans for you to give you a future and a hope, do not lose sight of me, I am your heavenly father

I desire that you be not conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind

For you are mine and I desire that you are shaped to become the firstborn among many brothers

And those whom he predestined He also called, and those whom he called he alsojustified, and those whom

He justified He alsoglorified, what then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can beagainst us?

For greater is he, than he who is in the world, o death where is your sting? God knows us from before the womb

He will not let our foot slip, he protects us by his righteous right hand, calms the storms, stops the runaway bus

Who is like him, no one! He alone has the words of eternal life, he will hold us, our enemies he will consume

Trust in the Lord your God; he will bring the good work begun in you to completion on the day of Christ Jesus.

Mark Maffey, October 2007 ©

(ESV)

http://maffster.blogtown.co.nz/

Posted in POEMS, Poems New Testament | No Comments »

2 Corinthians 4 vs. 7-9 – We Have This Treasure in Earthen Vessels

Sep 20th, 2010 by maffster

Hi All

Paul recognises in this passage that we are have our weaknesses, that as we are earthen vessels, at times we can get a bit cracked, we can lose our way. But he also recognises that it is God in us is our power source with him all things are possible. We need to keep coming back to the source, we need to open ourselves before him and let him in

2 Corinthians 4 vs. 7-9 – We Have This Treasure in Earthen Vessels

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels

That the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us

At times we struggle with life, with its ups and downs we wrestle

We get wrapped up in the stress of every day life, over it we fuss

In the midst of this we need to turn to Jesus and in him nestle

It’s not for us to do things in our own strength, to God second guess

We need to allow God to shape us, to us be the mortar, him the pestle

Open so God may mold and shape us, our lives be in God and not of us

We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed, we are perplexed

But not in despair, persecuted but not forsaken, struck down but not destroyed

For in these things God can build our character, of this I am convinced

That as we open ourselves to him, his Spirit in our lives can be employed

Seek first his Kingdom and his righteousness, of his love he will us remind

For he to us gives good gifts, and a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind.

Mark Maffey, August 2007 © (NKJV) http://maffster.blogtown.co.nz/

Posted in Poems New Testament | No Comments »

1 Kings 19 vs. 9-13 – Elijah In the Cave

Sep 6th, 2010 by maffster

In this passage we see the big 3 signs of God doing something powerful, wind, fire and earthquake, yet God was not in any of them, afterwards there was a still small voice. Sometimes we assume that because something big happens God is the cause, it is not always the case. As I reflect on the events of the weekend in Christchurch where all 3 were in evidence, one word that has been used is miracle, the miracle that no one has been killed, that it didn’t happen on a week day when the centre of Christchurch would have had 1000’s in the buildings which collapsed, that it is not worse than it is. I wonder if God is speaking to us in the midst of this as a country, perhaps it is a warning to change. Isaiah 30 v 15

15This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says:
“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and

trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.

1 Kings 19 vs. 9-13 – Elijah In the Cave

Then he came there to a cave and lodged there; and behold, the word of the LORD came to him,

And He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He said, “I have been very zealous for the LORD,

Elijah had destroyed the prophets of Baal and then fleeing Jezebel’s wrath, Elijah was all in

Tired, dejected after 40 days he came to the cave, ready to cave in, then a question the LORD had a word

Elijah had done what the LORD had told him to do, he had been zealous, over Baal had a win

Yet he was under threat, his life was at risk Jezebel wanted him dead, he was really being put to the sword

Elijah came to a cave, damp, dank, and dark, weather beaten, uncertain, hungry and thin

The word of the Lord came “What are you doing here, Elijah, He said, “I have been very zealous for the LORD,

The God of hosts; for the sons of Israel have forsaken your covenant, torn down your altars

And killed your prophets with the sword and I alone am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

Elijah had lost focus, lost sight of God’s power, his faith receding, his trust in God did falter

He saw what he wanted to see, tears obscuring that which God desired wanted him to do and say

Despondent, afraid, what can I do in the midst of my enemies, what can I do to them alter?

For they are going to kill me, I’m the only prophet left, and they seek my life, to take it away

“So He said,” Go forth and stand on the mountain before the LORD” And behold, the LORD

Was passing by! And a great and strong wind was rending the mountains and breaking in pieces the rocks

The LORD sees all our needs, understands our fears, he is worthy of our trust, he keeps his word

Sometimes we expect God to do things in certain ways; we look for the big things that will blow our socks

We expect big things; we want to see signs and wonders, yet no eye has seen nor ear heard

No mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him, despite us, opportunity knocks

To do that which he has appointed us to do, whether it be what we imagine or not, it is to be obeyed

For God does not always reveal himself in winds which rend mountains and break into pieces the rocks

Before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD

Was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire;

We look for a sign, it’s not a big arch with a “M”, yet how often do we stop texting and read the word?

My word is a lamp unto your feet, a light unto your path, yet how much do you it desire?

It is life giving, will you sit, will you read, will you consider, listen and then act on what you’ve heard?

Don’t expect me to shake you or light a fire underneath you, often I am not in the fire

And after the fire a sound of a gentle blowing. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out

and stood in the entrance of the cave and behold, a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

What are you doing here? Have you heard God whisper, heard him call, or are you to busy to be still, is God about?

God is always there, like the father waiting for the prodigal to come back to him, God knows and is beside you

Mark Maffey, December 2007 ©

(NASB)

http://maffster.blogtown.co.nz/

Posted in POEMS, Poems Old Testament | No Comments »

Isaiah 61 vs. 1-3 – The Spirit of The Sovereign Lord is on Me

Aug 30th, 2010 by maffster

Jesus when commencing his ministry took hold of these verses and announced their fulfilment in and through him. We need to be open to what he wants to do in our lives, will you let him in?

Isaiah 61 vs. 1-3 – The Spirit of The Sovereign Lord is on Me

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news

To the poor, He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives

When Jesus preached in the synagogue announcing the fulfilment of this prophecy, criticism did ensue

He was perceived by those around him to be a mere carpenter’s son, his imagination overactive

In the years to come he showed by his deeds that he was the Messiah, and some changed their views

Others though failed to recognise him, they saw him as a threat, and the religious leaders were reactive

Jesus called them a brood of vipers for they were unable to see the good and wouldn’t change their views

Jesus was inaugurating a new kingdom, which was radical, proclaiming freedom for the captives

And release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favour

And the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,

Jesus came that we might have life, life in abundance now that is something to savour

But we need to be open to his Spirit, and not of Satan a pawn

Giving over all the things that cause us to sin, and to hold onto our faith so we don’t waver

Jesus desires we hold firm, he will comfort us when we mourn

And provide for those who grieve in Zion to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,

The oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair

He alone can take us up from the pit, the miry clay, place in us a new song, and heal our gashes

Dress our wounds, place our feet upon a rock and give us stability instead of utter despair

He desires that we are prepared to let go of the things that hold us back all the dings and bashes

And he will anoint us with oil and soothe the hurt, his desire to restore and us totally repair

They will be called oaks of righteousness,

A planting of the LORD for the display of his splendour

For God desires that we are his witnesses

That we by our lives shine and other lives bring colour

Demonstrating that our God is peerless

Beyond compare, worthy of worship for he is our saviour

Standing firm, standing on his promises

For he is the Christ, the first and the last, our holy saviour

Mark Maffey, September 2008 ©

(NIV)

http://maffster.blogtown.co.nz/

Posted in POEMS, Poems Old Testament | No Comments »

James 1 vs. 2-6 – Faith and Endurance

Aug 16th, 2010 by maffster

Hi All,

Sometimes the journey can be a bit of a battle, when things aren’t as smooth as we would like. It is how we respond in these times that can impact on our growth, if we are prepared to seek God in the midst of our trials, then he can build into us, patience, endurance, strength. James calls us to ask with assurance, not to waver, or allow ourselves to be storm tossed. Remember our God is able to still the storm. cf Matt 14vs.22-33, Romans 5vs. 1-5

James 1 vs. 2-6 – Faith and Endurance

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.

For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow,

Be prepared to seek God’s guidance and look to him for help so that the Spirit he can employ

On your behalf to help fight the good fight and to guide you in what things you need to faith show

On what things to take a stand, on what things to be prepared to let go, and on what to be coy

On what to be open, for you are called to be wise and discerning about what we let others know

For the Spirit is your counsellor who guides us in truth and knows God’s will and Satan’s every ploy

So you can know when your faith is tested, that you can endure in God’s strength and let your faith grow

For when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you, he will not rebuke you for asking

Rather he calls seek and keep seeking, knock and keep knocking, ask and keep asking all things

And as you do you’ll find your God does answer and guide you through, he is able to do multi-tasking!

Indeed he is all-present and all knowing, as we trust him he is able to inspire and hope to us brings

So if you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you, he will not rebuke you for asking

But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person

With divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.

We need to be alert for our enemy prowls around looking to devour the weak to a person

God’s desire is that we do not have a spirit of timidity but of power, love and a sound mind

And if seek him with all we are, not relying on own understanding we won’t be uncertain

Rather we can know and trust him who calms the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind

Mark Maffey, August 2008©

(NLT)

Posted in POEMS, Poems New Testament | No Comments »

Philippians 4 vs. 8-13 – Fix Your Thoughts on What is True

Aug 2nd, 2010 by maffster

Hi all

In our Church Newsletter I was again reminded of the issue of contentment. NZ is a land of plenty, and I am fortunate to live where I do and to have so much, yet at times it is easy to feel like there should be more to life. Paul though recognised that contentment is not in things or how much or how little we have. Rather it is being in Christ and recognising that in him is the source of our strength and help

Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little.

I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living

In every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.

For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.

Philippians 4 vs. 8-13 – Fix Your Thoughts on What is True

And now, dear brothers and sisters let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts

On what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable.

We live in a world which offer us many alternative views, views that can be absorbed and caught

It’s easy to lose focus on that which is good, when the alternative seems plausible and reasonable

When we view the liberalisation and watering down of what we hold true, it is easy to be tense and taut

We are called to be salt and light to a lost world, in order to do this we need to be by God seasonable

Open to our God, focused upon his will, his ways, he calls upon us to seek him in his courts

To enter his courts with praise, to seek him will he may be found, that is unquestionable

Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise .Keep putting into practice all you learned

From me and heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you.

As we look to God’s word we can learn from the example of Paul, God’s intentions can be discerned

Paul whilst saved by grace, demonstrated his faith, we do well to keep this in view

Like Paul can we say that we no longer live, but Christ lives in us, in him are we confirmed?

Choose this day whom you will serve, know this in all things God will bring you thru.

How grateful I am, and how I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again.

I know you have always been concerned for me, but for a while you didn’t have the chance to help me.

Paul knew the cost of following Christ, from Damascus where for him it all began

He knew that whatever his circumstances that he was called to do all for the Glory of God you see

Yet he also knew that no man is an Island and he needed all the support he could gain

Our God who has began a good work in us will take it to completion in the day of Jesus, trust and see

Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little.

I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living

Can we like Paul apprehend that God is aware of all our needs, and knows them every jot and tittle?

Paul knew that by himself he could do nothing, but with the Spirit he and church were thriving

At the end of the day for Paul nothing else mattered than to live for Christ in every way not a little

As we seek and look to the author and perfector of our faith we like Paul, can be in Christ living

In every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.

For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.

Paul didn’t rely on his own understanding; in God he put his trust, wholly not a little

He went through storms, faced all sorts of danger, yet his faith in God did not recede

For us the challenge is will our anchor hold in the storms of life, it’s no riddle

If we like Paul can say I no longer live, but Christ lives in me, we will be free indeed

(NLT)

http://maffster.blogtown.co.nz/

Posted in POEMS, Poems New Testament | No Comments »

2 Corinthians 4 vs. 7-9 – We Have This Treasure in Earthen Vessels

Jul 26th, 2010 by maffster

Hi All

Though we are weak, God is strong. We are earthen vessels, some of us are a bit cracked, others a bit chipped around the edges, regardless of this God stills moulds and shapes us. We go through times of struggle and doubt, and yet regardless, God is still with us, building patience, character, strength. Don’t give up, keep looking to him for help, where does your help come from? The Lord, the maker of heaven and earth, and you!

2 Corinthians 4 vs. 7-9 – We Have This Treasure in Earthen Vessels