The Letter Kills but the Spirit Gives Life

What is worship? Do you know?
Does your worship please God? Do you care?
Do you want to know how to truly worship?
Do you feel empty at church?
Bored?
Is it time wasted?
Is God distant?
Here is a message from God.
Does it apply?

The Letter Kills

I abhor your empty rituals.
You say the "right" things.
You do the "right" things.
Your fast means nothing.

Your hollow sacrifices
like Cain's offering
like older brother's acts
done in duty not love.

O adulterous one
when will you return
to your beloved and
share intimacy with Me?

You claim to join Me
in your celebration.
Yet show no sign
it transforms you.

I love you.
Do you love Me?
Show your love for Me
in how you love the other.

In worship know Me fully.
Take Me deep within.
Take up your cross
then follow Me.
Genesis 4:5, Hosea 2:14-22, 2 Corinthians 3:1-6, Mark 2:18-21, Luke 15:28-30
Inspired by Dennis P., February 26, 2006
© Presbypoet, February 26, 2006

Have you ever known God's true presence in worship?

Choose Joy

Joy is a mystery, most don't even know is possible. They pursue happiness, and wonder why it fails to satisfy. Into our lives suffering comes. Happiness is impossible. Yet in the midst of the flame, pure joy still lives. This strange mystery from God. Joy in the midst of sorrow. Joy found in sorrow. This poem sums it up. This strange mystery. A further mystery. How can we choose Joy?
Choose Joy

In midst of
sorrow - choose Joy.

In the refiners
fire - choose Joy.

Mere happiness
consumed - by the flame

Choose eternal Joy.
Gold - gift from Me.

Galatians 5:22
Inspired by Lynn V.
© Presbypoet, January 28, 2006

When suffering comes, know you can choose joy. Know you are not alone. Know there is hope.
I know because I live it. Rejoice. Be not afraid.