Disciplined by Grace

Freed from the tyranny of self-indulging,
By receiving light regarding disciplining, 
I am resolved "things" will not be my master,
I will to be transformed by "The Master".

Freed to be flexible, when it is required,
Enduring hardness, when darts are fired.
Accepting reproof, when chastened sore,
Receiving His peace, loving Him more.

Putting priorities where they belong,
Liberated by discipline, given a song!
Thank-you Lord for this lesson today,
On discipling myself, not going astray.

Putting you first, yielding my all,
Reading Your Word, heeding Your call.
Becoming like You, This is my aim.
Crucified with you, despising my shame.

Risen with you, to God be the glory,
Readied to go, to tell others Your story.
Growing in grace, knowledge, self-control,
Always pressing upward to reach the goal.

Marjorie Searles
August 23, 1982

Inspired by reading "Discipline" in Decision Magazine, and Hebrews 12: 5-11.

The Body of Christ

Thank you for insight,
To my brothers' plight,
May I fan the embers
Of love for the members.
Sit where they sit,
Every joint to fit,
Their problems understand,
Help them to stand.
Your words to cheer,
Give your promises so dear.
Bring them into my home,
So they'll never more roam.
And if there be any other,
May it be simply to "love my brother."

Marjorie Searles
August 23, 1982

Reference: Matthew 25:40

The Preaching of the Cross

Man, by wisdom, cannot know God.
He's only known by preaching HIs word.

The preaching of the cross is foolishness to man,
But it's part of His purpose and plan.

To save those who will only believe,
And by simple faith, the Lord Jesus receive.

If the pride of man will not be humbled,
Then by the cross he will be stumbled.

But to identify with Christ and His cross,
He will gain heaven and not suffer loss.

Marjorie Searles
August 6, 1982

References: 1 Corinthians 1: 18-31; Galatians 6:14

God's Loving Care

Early in the morning while everything is still,
The majesty of God is shown, as the sun comes o'er the hill.
My soul is filled with joy and power,
As I worship Him in this early hour.
He whispered softly in my ear,
"Just trust in Me and do not fear."
Lean hard on Me, I love you so,
With a love that will not let you go.
It stretches from the mountains to the sea,
And by my Holy Spirit I will sustain thee.
I have many blessings for you today,
And many lessons to show you the way.
To that fair land, and the mansions I've gone to prepare,
So walk and live with courage and dare.
Very soon the trumpet will sound,
Calling you up to higher ground.
Where you'll be safe, forever at home,
Never, ever more to roam.

Marjorie Searles
August 6, 1982