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Nehemiah 4 vs. 4-9 – Insults and Threats Directed at the Builders

Jul 26th, 2009 by

We can learn a lot from Nehemiah. We can’t be so spiritual to be of no earthly good, nor so earthly that we are no spiritual good. The People of Jerusalem prayed to God for protection from their enemies, but they also did something practical they posted guards day and night. We need to be assertive both in prayer and action, as James puts it “Faith without works is dead”

 

Nehemiah 4 vs. 4-9 – Insults and Threats Directed at the Builders

Hear us, O our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads.                                                              

Give them over as plunder in a land of captivity. Do not cover up their guilt                                                                   

For our enemies are your enemies, they insult us, they insult you, be it on their heads                                                

Surely God you will not let them overcome us, your plan must not die or wilt                                                        

We your people want to be secure, safe within our city walls, no arrows over our heads 

You O God are a righteous God you despise iniquity, you see our enemies guilt

Overcome our enemies God, the time must come when they are in over their heads  

Unable to stand, defeated by your mighty power, do not cover up their guilt    

                                                                           
Or blot out their sins from your sight, for they have thrown insults in the face of the builders,                                                        

So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart.                  

When we do things with all our heart, do what is right in God’s sight he will us favourably consider                   

When we acknowledge him and do not rely upon on our own understanding his love he does impart               

He will direct our paths as we are prepared to seek him with all we are, and he will us save and deliver

We cannot give up half-way through but press on toward the goal and work with all of our heart
But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the men of Ashdod heard that the repairs                          

To Jerusalem’s walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry.                    

They knew that if the walls were repaired Jerusalem could no longer be kept in a state of despair

Vulnerable to their raid and attacks, able to be easily subdued, and that made them very angry

They did not want a change to the status quo so they wanted to do all in their powers to stop the repairs          

They hadn’t expected any change in the walls to occur, to see gaps being closed they were angry                                                            

They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it.                                             

But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat. 

When we are prepared to stick our necks out for God we will be attacked and not a little bit 

But a lot, Jerusalem’s enemies plotted to stop the rebuilding it wasn’t an idle threat

Faith should be both practical and prayerful, they prayed and posted guards day and night 

We too need to know our enemies and protect ourselves from attacks and threats

Both by praying and putting on armour, but also by making choices which are in God right

God calls us “ choose this day whom you will serve”, choose him he will guard your hearts           
Mark Maffey, July 2009
(NIV)

Posted in Nehemiah, POEMS, Poems Old Testament | No Comments »

Psalm 29 vs. 1-8 – The Voice of the LORD in the Storm.

Jul 19th, 2009 by

Often the last thing we feel like is worshipping God when life seems a struggle, yet it should be the thing we do. The Psalmist is Psalm 29 calls us to Ascribe to the Lord the honour due him. As one of my favourite songs puts it “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in his wonderful face, and the things of Earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace”. Our Lord is able to do more than we can imagine, are we prepared to come to him and worship him Christ the Lord.

Psalm 29 vs. 1-8  – The Voice of the LORD in the Storm.

Ascribe to the LORD, O sons of the mighty, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due to His name; worship the LORD in holy array.
For your Lord is worthy of your praise, he is all powerful in width breadth and length
He is able to see your every need, understands when your life is in mess and disarray
He knows your every thought from afar off, knows the things you face in all their breath
He alone is able to give you his right hand; lift you up out of the horrible pit, the miry clay
Yet we try to do things on our own, to be independent, to struggle in our own strength,
Lift up your eyes, change your focus, seek and worship the LORD in holy array.

The voice of the LORD is upon the waters; the God of glory thunders,
The LORD is over any waters, the voice of the LORD is powerful,
The LORD is the LORD of all creation capable of ripping things asunder
The LORD is awesome in his majesty, his power is wonderful
Nothing can stand in his way; he is worthy of our worship and wonder
Listen; open your ears and hear the voice of the LORD is powerful
        
The voice of the LORD is majestic; the voice of the LORD breaks the cedars;
Yes, the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.
That which seems mighty, tall and strong, are weak, he can overcome leaders
He overturns the haughty, brings them to submission
Those that think they can rule the world, in the radiance of his light are conceders
For none can stand in his presence, he destroys the cedars of Lebanon

 He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox.
 The voice of the LORD hews out flames of fire
 He can destroy anything that stands in his way, blows off their sox
Turns them from hatred to worship with harp and lyre
Every knee will bow, every tongue confess of him, they can’t him outfox
People will sing his tune, he’ll become their desire

The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness;
The LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.
Tremble in his presence, and consider this
 He is able to do all and destruction unleash
Yet he calls us to listen to him for we are his
In stillness and in the storm, his voice is fresh
Walk out of your boat, move to him, do this
And he will lead you and show his love afresh.
Mark Maffey, November 2007
(NASB)

Posted in Poems - Psalms, Poems Old Testament | No Comments »

Mark 4 vs. 35-41 – Jesus Calms The Storm

Jul 12th, 2009 by

There are times when we all face storms whether they be physical, emotional, or spiritual. It is so easy to become afraid, to lose perspective. Various accounts in the Gospels share of how the disciples set out across the Sea of Galilee in a boat, 4 of the 12 were experienced fisherman, a storm blew up that even they were afraid of. In Mark 4 we see that Jesus was sound asleep in the stern of the boat even though it was likely he was been splashed by water coming into the boat.  The disciples were so afraid that the woke him up, and he stood up and rebuked the storm and all was calm. 

How often do we seek God in the midst of our storms? Sometimes we may need to go through the storm so our faith may grow, but we can have confidence that God will be with us guiding and bringing us through

 

Mark 4 vs. 35-41 – Jesus Calms The Storm
 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.”
 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat.
Jesus was exhausted have spoken to and fed the crowd, he needed to with his father abide
To get to the other side, find some peace and quiet, to keep things afloat
Jesus understood the need to re-charge, take time out to focus and not let things slide
To go away to a quiet place, spend time with his Father, and of him take note
To listen, to comprehend that which his Father wanted, to his will not tackle or undermine
He wasn’t worried about image, what others thought he was happy to sit in a boat

There were also other boats with him.  A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over
The boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion.
 It is easy to get fazed by things around us, to not switch off, to not rest, but be a mover
Jesus slept in the midst of the squall, water sloshing over him, an uncomfortable position
Storms can unsettle and ruffle us, we feel ill equipped to handle them, and they tip us over
We struggle to see night from day, needing someone to catch us and the impact cushion

The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down
It’s easy for us to lose sight of God in the midst of the storm and we feel let down
Yet he says to us “Quiet, Be still!” listen to me, I can calm your storm, you won’t drown
Turn your eyes upon me, look full in my wonderful face, the things of earth will calm down
When you see my perspective, I can heal, be still and know I am your God, you won’t drown

 And it was completely calm.  He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”  

They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
It’s so easy to write off the disciples, but like us they were human, afraid, and felt in the storm far from safe
Bearing in mind some of them were professional fisherman the conditions were rough, the light dim
To have Jesus stand up in the boat and tell the storm to quieten was outside their understanding and faith
They were amazed at what he had done, “Who is this?” Even the wind and the waves obey him!
Would we have been any different in the circumstances, probably not I suspect how strong is our faith?
In this world we can easy get lost or too busy, is Jesus saying to you, “Quiet, Be Still” and come to him?

Mark Maffey, February 2008
(NIV)

Posted in POEMS, Poems New Testament | No Comments »

James 1 vs. 2-6 Faith and Endurance

Jul 5th, 2009 by

Hi All

As much as we would like to sail through life without any issues that is not always going to happen. James exhorts us to count going through trials as great joy, which is often the last thing that awe consider when we are in the middle of them.

What God does encourage us to do is to seek him, his promise to us is that we will not be taken past what we are able to endure, and that we will from the experiences we undergo, build faith and character. My encouragement is to keep on preservering! You will end up a stronger person.

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 »

Psalm 1 – Delight in the Law of the Lord

Jun 28th, 2009 by

 

I am convinced that the more time we spend in God’s word the more we are able to comprehend his will for our lives. In this time when there is so much insecurity and uncertainty it should be that we are spending more time in the Bible, but the reality for many of us is that we are not. My challenge for this week is to spend more time with God. Have a good week

Psalm 1 – Delight in the Law of the LORD

 

Blessed are they who walk not in the counsel of the ungodly

Nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful

For they know that what the world offers is not of Christ’s body

It challenges their every belief; it seeks to hurt and is deceitful

They know God’s love, like a mother hen, God of them is broody

God knows them all, shows to them, his grace oh so wonderful

 

The Godly delight in the Law of the LORD

And his law they meditate day and night

And as they seek God, they are in one accord

Together in this world there is a battle to fight

The word of God polished in them a two edged sword

In the name of Jesus they pray, demons flee at the sight

The Lord calls his people come meditate upon my word

As you do you will see anew my power and might

 

God’s people shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water

That brings forth its fruit in its season

Their lives in him to be lived fully, not a half or a quarter

His people know him, everything he does has a reason

His people need upon his word do more than loiter

And to remember they are his salt and light every season

 

Their leaves never wither, and in all they do, they prosper

For they imbibe open, soak in, drink, receive holy water

God commands be my disciples, love one another

Every one of you is mine, each of a son or daughter

Come to me, drink of my Spirit, freely given, without quarter

I called you to bear fruit that would remain and prosper

 

Mark Maffey, October 2005

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Nehemiah 4 vs. 1-3 – Opposition to Rebuilding The Wall

Jun 21st, 2009 by

After 140 years the wall was being re-built Sanballat and Tobiah had a vested interest is not seeing this happen, a weak defenceless Jerusalem ensured they could continue to rob and plunder it.  To someone looking from the outside in re-building the walls from essentially burnt rubble was a monumental task that didn’t look acheiveable. However with God anything is possible. The Old Testament is Full of the improbable being achieved, Noah’s Ark,  David defeating Goliath, The walls of Jericho falling, Gideon’s 300… the list could go on..

It is inevitable that we will face opposition especially if we stand up for God, we need to have the assurance of our conviction, a firm trust in God, often like the disciples in the boat in a storm in the middle of Galilee we can become fearful, are we prepared to step out of the boat and trust our God that he will do as he promises?

An old song I can’t get out of my head at the moment is … “This little light of mine, I’m going let it shine, let it shine, let it shine. Don’t let Satan blow it out, NO!

Let your light shine this week!

 

Nehemiah 4 vs. 1-3  – Opposition to Rebuilding The Wall

When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed

The Jews, and in the presence of his associates and the army of Samaria, He said, “What are those feeble Jews doing?

When we step out for God the reality is often people will ridicule us, Noah got heaps of scorn, and he was ridiculed

Why build a monstrosity of a boat, it isn’t going to flood! Noah kept on going, he believed God, as a flood was coming

David was mocked by Goliath; the Jews have sent a boy to fight me! David trusted God and he Goliath defeated 

Samson at the end in the court of the King of the Philistines was ridiculed, he was mocked what is your God doing?    

They jeered, they laughed, but it was Samson who had the last laugh, calling on God he the Kings court destroyed

Nehemiah knew that he would face opposition from Sanballat, Sanballat said, “What are those feeble Jews doing?

 

 

Will they restore their wall? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they finish in a day?

Can they bring the stones back to life from those heaps of rubble—burned as they are?”

Sanballat looking with human eyes couldn’t see past the rubble, he said, no way!

These Jews have mucked around for 140 years they are not going to get very far

But God has a different view to men; his plans are such that he will carry the day

He can overcome the plans of his enemies, and thwart their intentions whatever they are

 

Tobiah the Ammonite, who was at his side, said, “What they are building—

if even a fox climbed up on it, he would break down their wall of stones!”                                                                                     

We live in a world that is cynical of things of God, they are of him unbelieving                                                                               

Tobiah didn’t see the complete picture, the wall was not finished, he didn’t atone                                                                   

Or change his view, he wanted the Jews to remain as defenceless weaklings                                                                               

He wanted control of Jerusalem, but God rebuilt the wall from a pile of stones

 

Mark Maffey, June 2009

(NIV)

Posted in Nehemiah, Poems Old Testament | No Comments »

Nehemiah 3 vs. 23-32 Section by Section The Wall is Repaired

Jun 7th, 2009 by

The rebuilding of the wall was truly a community effort, from different echelons of society, from different occupations, and different skill sets, every person had a part to play. 1 Cor 12 talks about how the church should function as a body, we often discuss in our churches the concept of every-member ministries. Nehemiah models many of these things

 

Nehemiah 3 vs. 23-32 Section by Section The Wall is Repaired

Beyond them, Benjamin and Hasshub made repairs in front of their house; and next to them, Azariah son of Maaseiah,

The son of Ananiah, made repairs beside his house, next to him, Binnui son of Henadad repaired another section,          

People didn’t have to look very hard to see what needed repairing, it was right in front of their houses so it wasn’t far!       

They worked in front of and beside their houses, neighbours working together fixed and repaired each section                

Of the wall as each household took care of what was their responsibility it ensured that together they raised the bar             

They took the wall to a new level, what was broken was mended, together they fixed and completed each section

From Azariah’s house to the angle and the corner, and Palal son of Uzai worked opposite the angle and the tower

projecting from the upper palace near the court of the guard. Next to him, Pedaiah son of Parosh and the temple             

Nehemiah is at pains to describe who was involved in rebuilding every section of the wall thru it they did power             

The scope of the work can be under-estimated the wall was about 2 miles long, the task wasn’t all that simple                

The wall wasn’t all one height or thickness, Towers buttressed the various gates and these were much higher                   

than the wall and needed to be strengthened to withstand enemy attacks and protect  Jerusalem and its people                    

Servants living on the hill of Ophel made repairs up to a point opposite the Water Gate toward the east                              

And the projecting tower, next to them, the men of Tekoa repaired another section, from the great projecting tower             

The people knew what they had to do, and where they needed to start and finish, they did their best                          

They understood that by doing their part it would contribute to making their city safe from attack by outside powers 

The great protecting towers enabled the workers to keep a watchful eye on the enemies, they didn’t rest                  

For they knew that their enemies did not want the wall re-built and they didn’t want Jerusalem to blossom and flower        

To once again be a stronghold, a place of strength where the Israelites could over them an advantage wrest                   

But the workers were determined the men of Tekoa repaired another section, from the great projecting tower                            

To the wall of Ophel above the Horse Gate, the priests made repairs, each in front

of his own house, next to them, Zadok son of Immer made repairs opposite his house.                                                                   

A big job can seem to immense to one person it can make them defeated and diffident                                                     

The people of Jerusalem had lost hope, didn’t have courage, couldn’t bravery rouse                                                   

Nehemiah had a different vision of what could be accomplished in God he was confident                                              

Together every one achieves more, side by side each of them worked in front of their house

Next to him, Shemaiah son of Shecaniah, the guard At the East Gate, made repairs, Next to him,                            

Hananiah son of Shelemiah, and Hanun, the sixth son of Zalaph, repaired another section.                                                        

A big job needs to be broken down into workable components and managed so people don’t spin                                    

Out of control, they need to be encouraged to see the value of their abilities and contribution                                          

At the end of the day it isn’t how talented they are, rather that they don’t toss what they have in a bin                              

And like Bob the Builder say yes I can do it, I can do what I can, the wall was rebuilt section by section                  

Next to them, Meshullam son of Berekiah made repairs opposite his living quarters, next to him,                                                              

Malkijah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs as far as the house of the temple servants                                                            

In today’s church we speak of every member ministries, it not new witness the wall of Jerusalem                                    

People from all walks of life contributed, priests, goldsmiths, guards, merchants and servants                                           

It wasn’t that they were all bricklayers and builders highly skilled, but almost builders out on a limb                                     

Yet slowly but surely they did what they had to do even if it seemed the work of menial servants                                             

And the merchants, opposite the Inspection Gate, and as far as the room above the corner; And between                          

the room above the corner and the Sheep Gate the goldsmiths and merchants made repairs.                                                    

In God’s Kingdom every person has a place and a part to play, those that trust in him can in his love be seen                     

Not for who they are or what they do, rather because God first loved them and about them doesn’t despair                       

Great is his faithfulness and mercy yet those he loves he will also chasten and rebuke and want them to learn                           

That there is a cost to discipleship, the Jerusalemites had to overcome their fears in order to make the repairs

Mark Maffey, April 2009

(NIV)

Posted in Nehemiah, Poems Old Testament | No Comments »

Revelation 3 vs. 15-22 – Message to the Church in Laodicea/NZ

Jun 1st, 2009 by

In Revelation 3 John address messages to the seven churches – of these the one to Laodicea rings most true of where I see the Church in NZ. The time is now to become wholehearted in our reverence and desire to be God’s people to step away from our independent spirit, to recognise that the she’ll be right, I can fix it myself attitude to a wholehearted acknowledgment that we are not rich

You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you                           

Are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked so I advise you to buy gold from me         

Are we prepared to be purified to acknowledge our sinfulness, to repent of our materialistic spirit?

         

Revelation 3 vs. 15-22 – Message to the Church in Laodicea/NZ

“I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the                            

Other, but since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!                   

Have you not seen, have you not heard, there is no searching of God’s understanding, don’t you see?                

He neither tires or gets weary, he knows all you do or don’t do he sees all from north to south

From East to West nothing is hidden from him, he is all-seeing, all-knowing, he will forever be

This is not a time for fence sitting, there will be a winnowing, a sifting, of the couth from the uncouth

The wheat from the chaff, is your faith in God such that you will withstand this and with God be

For you were born for such a time as this, be hot or cold, or else God will spit you from his mouth

You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you                           

Are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked so I advise you to buy gold from me                  

Money can’t buy you love, money can’t buy its way into the Kingdom, keep this firmly in view                                 

Are you prepared to put God first, to seek first his kingdom and its righteousness, to in God be?                              

For it as you are prepared to seek him with all your heart that he can of his plans for you                                       

Begin to reveal for he needs us to hear him when he says I advise you to buy gold from me                                                          

Gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me                                   

So you will not be shamed by your nakedness and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see.                     

The things God wants us to see are the things that we have to change and with his eyes see                                   

The plans and purposes he has for us, which are for good and not of evil which will come to be                            

He alone can give us a future and a hope that will not be destroyed, even greater than we can see                       

God desires that we are pure, untainted by the world, will you let him in and change what you can be?

I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.

“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in,                               

For in order for there to be change in your life, first you need to give God precedence                                               

To not only say come in but open yourselves to his Spirit and step away from your sin                                               

You need to accept the change, it might be painful at first but God will see your diligence                                            

And if you pray about everything you will know his peace, open your life door, he will come in

 

And we will share a meal together as friends. Those who are victorious will sit with me                                          

On my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.                                                            

For behold what manner of love my Father has bestowed on you so you can sit with me                                           

For through my death and resurrection you can be called Children, God’s own                                                              

I will lift you up to my banqueting table, my banner over you is love, come sit with me                                                 

Hear my voice caIling to you, I stand and knock, listen do not me disown                  

“Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit                                                                                                           

And understand what he is saying to the churches.”                                                                                                           

Be still like Elijah listen to the still small voice, wait and sit                                                                                                    

Listen to what he says and then do what he urges                                                                                                   

Will you trust and Obey? You can’t do what you thinks suits

But you must do according to God’s word and what it urges   

Mark Maffey, October 2008

(NLT)                             

Posted in POEMS, Poems New Testament | No Comments »

Jeremiah 29 vs 11-13 I Know The Plans I Have For You

May 24th, 2009 by

We live in a time of uncertainty, the Babylonian exiles were in a place not of their choosing and I can understand that they may well have had a sense of having a future that was without hope, that God had forgotten them. Sometimes we can come to this place as well. Jeremiah speaks into this in saying we have a God who does have plans for us, plans which give us a future and a hope.

Having said this he calls the people to place of wholehearted seeking after God, Mk 12:30 and other parallel scriptures in the Gospels call upon us to love the Lord our God,  with ALL our heart, ALL our mind, soul and strength. Are we at a place where we will give priority to seeking God in prayer, having a preparedness to seek what his will for us is and then follow it. Below are two reflections on Jeremiah 29 vs. 11-13

 

For surely I know the plans I have for you says the LORD

Plans for welfare and not for harm, to give you a future and a hope

At times you will experience loss, yet I am with you, that is my word

You are mine; I desire good things for you, in my presence lope

You can run like a deer, be sure footed in my love, free as a bird

If you trust in me and my word, then in my love you will soak

For I know your every need, have faith, trust in me your LORD

My peace is greater than the world can give an eternal hope

 

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you

When you search for me, you will find me, if you search for me with all your heart

Seek me and my entire kingdom first, as you do this you’ll keep me in view

And as you do I will be faithful to you, from me you’ll never be apart

Worship me with all you are heart, mind, body, spirit, of your praise I am due

For in doing this you will know my presence and my peace warming your heart

 

Mark Maffey, November 2005

(NRSV)

For I know the thoughts that I think towards you says the Lord

Thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope

At times you may feel lost, alone, yet I am always with you it’s my word

You my people are faced with life challenges; at times it’s hard to cope

But I say this to you my promise gives hope, seek, and treasure my word

For I am able to do all things, my plans for you are beyond your scope

You can place your trust in me, have you not seen, have you not heard?

I never tire, I never weary, and my thoughts toward you give you a future and hope

 

Then you will call upon me, and go and pray to me, and I will listen to you

And you will seek me, and find me, when you search for me with all your heart

As you come to me my people, and seek me with all your heart, I will hear you

For I know the blueprint, the plan I have prepared for your life from the start

Build your life on my precious cornerstone; you need to keep me in clear view

Seek first my kingdom and its righteousness, and do it will all of your heart

 

Mark Maffey, August 2007

(NKJV)

Posted in POEMS, Poems Old Testament | No Comments »

Psalm 8 – O Lord How Majestic Is Your Name In All The Earth

May 17th, 2009 by

 

Hi All

It is good to enjoy God’s creation, on Saturday I played Golf at Wairakei International Golf Course, and then in the Afternoon was on a boat cruise of Lake Taupo we live in such a beautiful country and it is good to give thanks to out God

 

Psalm 8 – O Lord How Majestic Is Your Name In All The Earth

 

O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory

Above the heavens, from the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise      

Worthy are you of their praise, you are almighty God worthy of their heart outpouring

Your majesty is demonstrated over all the earth; you created it, all its nights and days

You desire that your people worship you, at your name the demons will flee far away

Who can stand in your presence? Only those with clean hands and pure hearts can stay

You have torn the veil, you desire that people enquire in your temple and see your glory

They will come and worship, from the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise

 

Because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger, when I consider your heavens,
The work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, what is man that you are mindful of him,
You know as your people praise you, the devil cannot speak, their praises heaven leavens

Their praises come as a result of your grace in giving your Son he carries away their sin

Who is like you O Lord; you alone are worthy of praise, may it be as incense in the heavens

For your love for your people is so amazing, what is man they you are mindful of him

    

 

The son of man that you care for him?  You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings  
 and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of your hands;

Yet in order to do this; to Earth he had to come, incarnate, made flesh, to die and rise again

At his name every knee will bow, every tongue confess, worship him you heavenly bands

They survey the empty cross, their richest gain they count but loss, for he for them was slain

Now the Lamb of God sits upon the throne, you made him ruler over the works of your hands

 

 You put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field,

The birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.

For he has paid the price, redemption of creation is in him, their strength and shield

A mighty fortress, a buttress where they know his protection, their enemies flee

Everything is under his hand, all to him must bow, he is LORD, and all to him must yield

He came that we might have life in abundance; to free his creation from sin and diseases,

 

O LORD, O Lord how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You are worthy of all praise; wisdom, honour, glory and strength,  

Great are you Lord how majestic is your name in all the earth

There is none holy as you Lord as we worship you we gain strength  

Come before his presence with singing, he is King of heaven and earth

Bless his holy name; how majestic is his name in all the earth

Mark Maffey, September 2007

(NIV)

Posted in POEMS, Poems - Psalms, Poems Old Testament | No Comments »

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