Praiseworthy Works

Text: Psalm 111

"Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation." From the outset, the psalmist encourages himself by taking the best of positions. Verse by verse, he describes God's wonderful works and provides indisputable evidence as to why we should praise and worship our God. If you're looking for some praiseworthy reasons, meditate on Psalm 111. You'll come away with a song in your heart and praise on your lips. He alone is worthy!

• The works of the LORD are great (verse 2) - Seek them out. [Look for them.] Take pleasure in them. [Songs: "I Will Dwell in the House of the Lord For Ever" and, "Bless the LORD, O My Soul"]
• The works of the LORD are honorable and glorious (verse 3) - His righteousness endures for ever. [Songs: "God is Great and Greatly to Be Praised" and, "Giving Glory and Honor to Jesus"]
• His works are to be remembered (verses 4-5) - The LORD is gracious and full of compassion. He gives meat to them that fear Him. He is ever mindful of His covenant. [Songs: "When I Think on the Goodness of Jesus" and, "Think About His Love"]
• He shows His people the power of His works (verse 6) - He gives His people the heritage of the heathen. [Songs: "Victory, Victory Shall Be Mine" and, "Shout with the Voice of Triumph" and, "The LORD is My Light and My Salvation" (Psalm 27:1)]
• The works of His hands are verity [truth] and judgment (verses 7-8) - His commandments are sure. They stand fast for ever and ever. They are done in truth and uprightness. [Songs: "Battle Hymn of the Republic" - (verse 3 and chorus,) and, "Standing on the Promises"]
• He sent redemption to His people (verse 9) - He hath commanded His covenant for ever. Holy and reverend is His Name - Jesus! [Songs: "I Will Sing of My Redeemer" and, "There is No Other Name"]
• The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom (verse 10) - Doing His commandments [obeying them] brings good understanding. His praise endures for ever! [Songs: "Trust and Obey" and, "Trust in the LORD with All Thine Heart" (Proverbs 3:5-6)]

Be blessed and encouraged as you meditate on His Word.

"Oh that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!" (Psalm 107:8)

"Many, O LORD my God, are Thy wonderful works which Thou hast done, and Thy thoughts which are to usward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto Thee: if I would declate and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered." (Psalm 40:5)

"We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and His strength, and His wonderful works that He hath done." (Psalm 78:4)

"He hath made His wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion." (Psalm 111:4)
  

Re-Thinking "Oh, Moanie Me!"

I've been dealing with a physical dilemma since July of 2008. Like quicksand, it's affected so many things in my life; my body, aches and pains, mobility, mood, and my livelihood (forcing early retirement). What's more, the sheer length of time involved has been an additional drag. Seems like everything I've always loved to do is in a holding pattern. Painful days have found me limping and gimping around the house and anywhere else. From some unknown somewhere, I picked up a little saying, "Oh, moanie me!" Believe me, it got frequent use.

Then, I realized the "Oh, moanie me's" I've immersed myself in are counter-productive. I'm all too aware of how long I've been in this case, but I'm seeing that dwelling on that aspect only hinders progress in other, more needful areas. All this came in the course of, and as a result of a couple of week's study and ponderfication on the Adult SS lesson I taught yesterday (March 25th) - "The Prayer of Moses." (Psalm 90).

Condensed; God is our Dwelling Place, our Refuge and Shelter, our Portion, and our Reward - there is no safer place to be - it is enough! HE is enough! Wow!

This may seem like no big revelation, sort of a "Duh!"; but when I applied it to my own situation it was like a light suddenly came on in a dark room. If my life exists, consists, and is wrapped up in HIM, I am rich beyond compare - my current (temporal) condition/situation has no bearing on that reality.

Think about it! HE is both Author and Finisher of our faith. "HE who began a good work in you will perform it until the day..." Seeing that in the abstract is way different than perceiving its specific application. It has nothing to do with so-called "eternal security." It has everything to do with Who and What HE is! My circumstances, uncomfortable and difficult though they may be, cannot deplete HIM. I needed to once again realize it never has been, isn't now, and never will be my own grace or strength... Thousands of years ago, Moses knew and fleshed this out in life and in his prayer - the 90th Psalm. Meditating on his perspective brought me to a need to re-commit my life, my health, my hopes, my aspirations - and wrap them all up in HIM.

And as to any current dilemma/s, HIS Word says, "MY grace is sufficient - MY strength is made perfect in [your] weakness," (Okay - I think I've got my part of that equation pretty well covered.)

P.S. I know I may be preaching to the choir on this. Still, it's been an exciting weekend - even had the opportunity to back up what I've said herein with a public declaration/testimony last night during service. Hmm... Here's a bonus thought: It appears there's something very important about making an open statement for which you can be held accountable. Here's a well-known example. After posting his 95 Thesis, Martin Luther was required to defend himself. During that trial, he said, "Here I stand, I can do no other."

Next time you commit or re-commit something to God, tell somebody about it. That's what I just did!

Pastor/Shepherd

Pastor or shepherd, they're one and the same,

They take care of "sheep" and call them by name.

They feed the flock, lead them where they should go;

They guard them from danger, what e'er be the foe.

They know where the water runs cool and deep;

Where the grass is green, and the clover is sweet.

They lead, they don't drive - sheep follow by choice;

They only will listen to their shepherd's voice.

A shepherd keeps watch through dark, stormy nights;

When an enemy attacks, he stands up and fights.

Sheep tend to wander, and wander they will;

But shepherds seek the lost, o'er valley and hill.

Shepherds give from a heart overflowing,

And sheep are content because they are knowing...

They're safe in the care of a shepherd who's faithful;

Comfort like this makes the sheep truly grateful!

~ Marjorie Kinnee
June 20, 2010

What's Ahead?

2010 - Here we come! No going back; no redoing any part of 2009. It's history, back there, the book is closed. Its joys, its pain, its heartaches, its victories, its defeats and failures - they're all tucked inside of the volume labeled 2009. There is only one way to deal with what's back there. "If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9) Get it under the blood!

If you've failed - repent. If you've been hurt - forgive. If you've won a great victory - celebrate - but keep pressing on. Consign all the messes and mix-ups to "back there." Not only is 2010 a new year, it's a gift of unused minutes, hours, days, weeks, and months. What's more, it's a golden opportunity to start fresh and get it right this time.

In each new year we find a reminder of the precious promise... "Come now, let us reason together saith the Lord, Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be a white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isaiah 1:18) One of the most precious gifts God gives to men is a new heart to replace the old stony one, a transformed mind, a new creation, "a new man walking in my shoes." This is the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It's Salvation's hope!

What's ahead? I don't know. I cannot tell anyone what 2010 will bring.

We see uncertainty all around us. Turmoil and questions abound. Humanity's best minds offer flawed and incomplete quick-fixes. Sin and sinful men run rampant. Insane busy-ness crowds our lives with competing demands, vying voices, persuading spirits and a constant push for more... but this one thing is sure. The Word of God contains promises that have the power to hold us in this chaotic world and these tumultuous days.

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee." (Isaiah 26:3)

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end." (Jeremiah 29:11)

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

"And having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven." (Colossians 1:20)

"Lord, keep my soul from day to day,

Under the blood, under the blood;

Keep doubt and fear and sin away,

Under the precious blood.

I'm under the blood, the precious blood,

Under the cleansing, healing flood;

Keep me Savior from day to day,

Under the precious blood!"

Love, Trust, Know...

It was just a brief encounter in a local store. One of the clerks there is a child of God who attends a nearby Apostolic Church. As we talked, she mentioned the illness of a mutual friend and then spoke of a recent tongues and interpretation this friend had given... “My people love Me, but they do not trust Me because they do not ‘know’ Me.” Though I did not hear them when they were originally spoken, these words have not left my mind since I heard them.

I wonder, how often is the Lord frustrated by our unwillingness to trust Him? To ‘know’ Him? He counseled us to “learn” of Him, for He is meek and lowly in heart. He promised we would find rest for our souls – yet our human nature is unwilling to invest the time and effort necessary to achieve this kind of knowing. So we struggle on in our dilemmas, living way beneath the power available to us. The Apostle Paul longed to ‘know’ Him in the power of His resurrection and in the fellowship of His suffering. Ah! Our human nature likes the resurrection power part, but we cringe from the death and suffering that precedes that resurrection.

That brings us to the other two words; love and trust. It is a given that in order to trust someone you have to know them. But romance novels are built on the premise of infatuation and instant attraction. Evidently, you can love without trust, but such love is shallow and can’t endure the pressure and heat of time. Anything you can “fall” in love with easily can just as easily be swept away by a new infatuation. Shallow love is easily replaced. But love born of knowledge has a strong foundation and becomes the birthplace of trust.

A child’s trust is built on experience. All they know is that their mother and/or father have been the central point of their existence and so they tend to trust even in the most scary times. We’ve heard the story of the child who jumped into his father's arms from the window of a burning building. A teenager or an adult might have questioned the father’s strength and ability to catch him, but the little child has not learned to doubt, so “what if?” never crosses his mind. He leaps – fully trusting his father to catch him. All he knows is what he’s learned from and about his father and mother. His trust is based on that knowledge. It’s a heavy parental responsibility but one that has made weak men strong.

Is it any wonder why Jesus said, “except ye become as a little child, you cannot enter into the Kingdom of heaven”? The trust a child displays is born of his love and his knowledge. You may say, “Some parents are not trustworthy!” and this may be true of earthly, sinful parents – but if you know God, you know it is not true of your Heavenly Father. “His strength is made perfect in [our] weakness.”

Even when His answer is “No” – He has promised never to leave or forsake you. He goes with you and gets under the yoke with you even in the most difficult of times; when you’ve failed, when you’re sinking, when your body is wracked with pain, when your heart is broken, when your mind skitters about in panic, when the enemy comes in like a flood, when you’re perplexed and don’t know what to do, when you’re between a rock and a hard place. Whatever the circumstance, if you know Him and His Word, your love can anchor itself in that knowledge, and, like that little child, take a leap of faith into His waiting arms.

“Perfect love casteth out fear.” The more experiences you’ve had, the more times you’ve depended on His Word and His promise, the more you have seen His hand at work in your life and in the life of others, the more you know of His Word and His Character; the better you are able to trust Him and obey without fear. Obedience is the measuring stick of trust. Abraham trusted God’s promise and bound Isaac to the altar. Noah trusted God’s Word and built an ark to the saving of his house. Mary trusted God and yielded her body and her reputation to bring the Lamb of God into the world.

Lord, haste the day when Your people love You and trust You because they know You!


Marjorie Kinnee
July, 2009

Audacious Hope

The week of January 20, 2009 - what an amazing week it was! Observing the inaugural events, one couldn’t help but note the overwhelming numbers and the cross-section of cultures, races and creeds that crowded into our nation’s capital. One photo showed a woman gazing adoringly toward the podium, hands clasped as though in earnest prayer. Many a face was streaked with tears as old and young alike stood in awe. The sheer power of a unified mass of people was evident and electric as throngs around the world pinned their hopes on a promise of change. In interviews, one man said it was “more like a coronation than an inauguration.” A woman described the festivities as “Mardi Gras, without the nudity.” Over and over, there were comments on the patience of the crowds with the cold, the long lines and the waiting. Goodwill hung in the air like an aura, infecting even the dour. The New York Times featured stories like; “Obama Takes Oath and Nation in Crisis Embraces the Moment” and, “A Portrait of Change: In First Family, a Nation’s Many Faces.”

Lean and earnest, clad in the traditional presidential black cashmere overcoat, a man of eloquence delivered a carefully crafted inaugural address that acknowledged the challenges and the need to face the future with a shared sense of responsibility. Everywhere you looked, the crowds seemed ready to buy into his hopefulness and promise of change to come.

Mankind longs to be the master of his own destiny, so he seeks for strong leadership that promises to move in the direction of his own leanings. Add to that the realization of long sought victory and the fulfillment of hopes long denied, and a potion more powerful than the most potent drug results. For hope is an emotional thing, enduring in the face of formidable odds.

Paul said, “For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?” (Romans 8:24) The wise man said, “Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.” (Proverbs 13:12) Realized hope is a generating force – with the power to foster both great good and unimaginable evil.

But we are living in a day when the hopes of a vast cross-section of diverse opinions and ideologies have married the good and valid with the evil and unthinkable, making its weakness visible. (See Daniel 2:41-43.) As iron and clay cannot be mixed or mingled, so two cannot “walk together, except they be agreed.” (Amos 3:3) The problem is one side has to give in to the other. Elementary science says when you mix cold and hot water; cold water does not become warmer, hot water cools down. (Note God’s opinion of lukewarmness – Revelation 3:15-16.) Because such combinations make a weak foundation, King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream is alive in today’s headlines.

“…Yea, let God be true, but every man a liar…” (Romans 3:4) and, “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34) The world is tottering because it’s founded on flawed hope, which cannot succeed. Man’s broad way panders to the unthinkable for political advantage.

God’s way is straight and narrow. The solid foundation, built on the Rock declares, “The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him. The Lord is good unto them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh Him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.” (Lamentations 3:24-26)

The old hymn declares, “On Christ, the solid Rock I stand – all other ground is sinking sand.” The hope of the believer is founded on His Word and His promise. God’s Word cannot fail. It is the nail fastened in a sure place! This hope is the anchor for the soul of man. It’s sure and steadfast. It’s a good hope... a blessed hope... a lively hope... a glorious hope... an audacious hope... a hope that maketh not ashamed. “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” (I John 3:3) Blessed is every man, woman, boy and girl who puts all their hope in the Lord!

~ mjkinnee

The Prodigal's Mother

Of the prodigal’s tale, we all are aware,
Stubborn, he wanted to manage his share;
So he took it and headed off into the sun,
Determined to have his share of fun.

We hear how he partied away all he had,
Rumors were flowing and all were bad;
The father kept watch as the months wore on,
Only love could rescue his wayward son.

We hear of his downfall, the ruins of sin,
We hear of the pigpen he found himself in;
We hear of the change that began in his heart,
How he thought of home and the servant’s part.

We hear of his journey and father’s delight
We hear sounds of joy as they ring in the night;
Brother’s envy and spite make our spirits groan,
But through it all – we’re glad he’s home.

But what of his mother? We never do hear,
Yet surely her presence was always near;
Her baby was lost – her precious son,
She must have wept and prayed, undone.

In dark, night hours, while others slept,
A tear-stained vigil his mother kept;
She groaned and travailed more deep than at birth,
For the wayward one’s soul had yet greater worth.

She waited and hoped in the promise of God,
Reminding, abiding, her faith walked dry-shod;
Through oceans of tears, through doubts and fear,
Come what may - though it took many a year.

And then, when the promise finally did arrive,
Imagine the sparkle of joy in her eye;
Hustling, bustling in a glorious dither,
The servants all rushing hither and thither.

Mama, in high gear, was doing her best,
Preparing a fabulous celebration fest;
All her boy’s favorite cookies and cake,
Were piled high and waiting for more to bake.

But right in the midst of the joyful preparation,
Mama steals off for a quiet conversation –
With the One who had shared her burden and grief,
“He’s home now, Lord, Oh, what blessed relief!”

By Marjorie Kinnee

Note: I took the liberty of adding a possibility to this age-old story in honor of Mothers Day and in tribute to mothers of wayward children. They carry a special burden, full of sorrow, travail and pleading intercession. But they partner with the One whose heart is touched and is able to work, even in the darkest of situations. What He's done for others - He'll do for you! "Now unto Him who is able to do exceeding, abundantly above all we can ask or think...", be all the glory and honor and power and dominion. In Jesus' Name!

Sometimes...

Sometimes life is hectic,

Sometimes slow and sweet,

Sometimes joy surprises us -

Hidden 'round our feet.

But this we know assuredly,

In Jesus all is well;

He measures every day with love,

Secure in Him we dwell.

mjk - 4/20/09

A Prayer for My Family . . .
(And Your Family Too!)


Dear Jesus,

Please help, strengthen and protect our little ones!
We live in an evil, wicked and perverse generation
Which desires to ensnare men, women, boys and girls.
No one is exempt.
This world works hand in hand with the enemy of our souls
To try to thwart Your plan and purpose for our lives.

Help us to to know the truth of the verse...
"Greater is He that is in me,
Than he that is in the world."
Help us to seek after You
With all our heart, soul, mind and strength.
Fill us with Your power from on high.

Thank You for Your Holy Spirit,
Which gives us the power to live a victorious life
In this present world.

Guide our footsteps, make us to walk in Your ways.
Keep our minds and hearts pure and vigilant.
Help us to study and know and love Your Word,
To believe and live by its precious promises.
Help us to teach it faithfully to our little ones;
To take delight in it and it's teachings,
And to hide it in each and every heart,
That we might not sin against Thee.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Where is Your Faith?
[Inspired by a message by Sis. Connie Shepherd of Doniphan, Missouri.]

You’re in a violent storm. The shoreline is obliterated by the wind-driven deluge. Towering waves swamp your little boat and threaten your life. All your previous experience is no match for this foe, Herculean strength can’t bail fast enough. Fear rises in your throat like bile.

Look again! Do you see it? There’s a light in the distance. You rub your eyes and wonder, “Am I seeing things?” But no! It is there – and it’s coming closer. Your boat heaves and lurches but your eyes are riveted on that approaching light. You nudge the one next to you when you realize it’s not something – it’s someone! Then you recognize Jesus! He’s walking on the waves toward you!

His voice comes clear above the roar of the storm, “Fear not!”

“Oh Lord, is it really You?” your voice quivers.

And His reply is reassuring, “It is I.”

“If it’s really You, bid me come to You.” The words tumble out without forethought. Your mind can’t believe what you’ve just said.

Jesus speaks only one word – “Come!”

As if in a dream, you step out of the tossing boat and onto the surface of the stormy sea. One foot, then the other… step, step, step. “Wow!” you think, “Look what I’m doing!” You glance around, “Is this real?” You see the waves, the wind-driven rain, the depth of the darkness, the peril you’re in. All of a sudden, you think again, “Look what I’m doing!” and, “This is impossible!” In that moment your body begins to sink. Panic stricken, you cry out, “Lord, save me!”

Just that quick, He reaches out and takes you by the hand. You and He continue toward the still tossing boat. “Oh Peter,” He sighs, “where is your faith?”

As you both step into the boat, the howling wind abruptly ceases and the clouds dissipate. The moon shines a silvery path; stars are mirrored on the face of the now calm water. Lights twinkle on the shoreline and peace reigns.

You turn and bow low in awed worship, “Truly, You are the Son of God!”

Fast forward… Today’s headlines tout doom, gloom and despair. Mega-global financial problems feed a seething pot of political unrest and perplexity. Rampaging weather, raging seas, earthquake, fire and flood bring upheaval, death and destruction. New disconcerting stories surface every day. Homes are at risk, financial hopes evaporate, unseen forces threaten your health. Children face unbelievable pressures now and a bleak tomorrow. You feel overwhelmed and helpless in the face of it all.

But an important lesson is crystallized in the words, “Where is your faith?” If it is in your own strength or in the things of this world, it’s misplaced – for all these are destined to perish, either with the using or in the storms that assail.

Two kinds of faith co-exist – negative and positive. Both are powerful, both speak to outlooks and outcomes.

Hitler’s negative faith-filled utterances deceived many and brought unspeakable horror, World War and devastation.

David’s positive faith-filled words defeated Goliath and exalted God in the face of fear and unbelief. And the faith-filled words of the three Hebrew children honored God’s commands above those of an angry earthly king. As a result, God honored their faith.

Young David's victory put the entire Philistine army to flight. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego walked out of the fiery furnace unharmed, without even the smell of smoke. Each was a living testimony to the kind of faith God blesses.

Life brings many kinds of storms. Some are Goliaths, others are angry kings and/or fiery furnaces. The question is, where is your faith? At what are you looking? The words you speak into your situation are powerful. If you take your eyes off Jesus and place them anywhere else, negative faith will drown you.

But when your faith and your words focus on God’s Word and His promise, victory is assured. Whether the storm ceases or not, over HIM the storm and the waves have no power. With HIM you will walk on the stormy waves in perfect peace!

Protecting the Harvest

An uneasy restlessness grips me

Finding no simple solutions, I begin to probe deeper,

Touching tender places, bruised and sore,

Seeking the core, the roots.

On my knees, I crouch low,

The hot sun scorches my back,

And I sweat in the heat.

It's hard work;

Work I'd rather leave for a more convenient season,

When the sun's rays weren't so hot,

And the soil was softened by rain.

But the angle of the sun tells me

I haven't much time.

So I poke and sift, pinching off insects;

Driving away the pesky birds and bunnies

That would harm my harvest.

My heart is cheered when I pause...

And realize that The Lord of the Harvest

Is working close by.

~ By Marjorie Kinnee

My Trust in God

My trust in God does not depend on who will trust with me;
My trust in God will not be fixed by polls or parity.
I do not need the bolsters of supporting evidence;
Tides of popular opinion will not lure me toward the fence.

A strongly worded motto cannot be my creed;
My trust in God is founded on the Rock that meets my need.
My heart is fixed, my mind is stayed, I’ve vowed, O Lord, to You;
That You’ll find faith within this earth, whene’er You come to view.

My trust is placed in You alone, Your Word, my guide, my friend;
My heart, my all, belongs to You through eternity, without end.

My trust in God is based upon words more sure than mine;
For I have learned that I’m a branch, but Jesus is the Vine!
While I remain attached to Him and yielded to His will;
He prunes and dresses, nurturing in me – fruit that’s pleasing still.

And so I’m trusting You, O Lord, and know You’re in control;
What others say, be it yea or nay, You’re the Captain of my soul.

© mjk - 1/31/03


About "My Trust in God " . . .

Inspiration comes in odd ways at times... A friend sent me a forward about "In God We Trust" being taken off the wall of a post office in Texas for being a religious statement. The forward was espousing writing out "In God We Trust" on the back of all of our correspondance. That set me to thinking. Sometimes we think our voice carries more weight if it is supported by a majority - or at least a very vocal minority. It is the assumption that many voices carry more weight than one. Biblically speaking, I think a holy contradiction arises...

While yes, there is a Scripture that says, "in the multitude of counsellors there is safety." (Proverbs 11:14) and there are times when venturing outside of collective wisdom and experience is utter folly. But there is also the oft repeated lesson that one individual, who stands up for right makes a difference in the eternal outcome, both for themselves and for others who are watching and perhaps inspired (or provoked,) to do likewise. Consider the Bible stories of Deborah, Esther, David and Goliath, Daniel and the Three Hebrew Children, Gideon, Abraham, and Moses. Many Scriptures exhort us to "be not conformed," to remember that "greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world," and we're taught we should not allow the things others say to dissuade or persuade us to leave our calling...

"But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God." (Acts 20:24)

My conclusion is: I must stand and be counted for myself... not just to be a part of a crowd or to prove that I am somehow validated because I am siding with the majority, but because me and Jesus (when I am standing on His Word and His authority,) are a majority - no matter what the crowd says - or doesn't say.


And therein was my inspiration for the poem...

About the "Egyptian" Poem . . .

Though written a number of years ago, I've received a number of requests for a reprint of this poem because it speaks to the heart of the parents of children who've gone astray. The heartbreak is no easier whether the child is a teenager or a grown adult. There is little anyone can do or say that will affect a headstrong will. Unless you've had a wayward child, you cannot understand the depths of that pain. Some, ignorantly or intentionally, make comments that wound and inflict more pain into an already raw situation.

It's important to know the only "Perfect Parent" [God Himself] has had to deal with wayward children. Adam and Eve were the first prodigals and their experience did not prevent them from having a prodigal of their own [Cain]. Since then, every parent of wayward children deals with mistakes and mountains of "if only's" and regrets. These add to their burden.

One thing is certain - when the will of another is involved - there are no guarantees. The enemy means to destroy the wayward one before he or she can get back home. There may be other contributing factors, (people, habits, and/or things,) whose influence is stronger than yours. The battle is fierce and exhausting. You're also racing the clock, which adds urgency to your concern. All your hope and trust is bound up in the promises of God.

The best thing anyone can do for the parents of prodigals is to pray and encourage them to trust in the promises of God. When the only news was negative, the prodigal's father did not abandon hope. And when the prodigal came to himself and returned home, his father saw him a long way off and ran to meet him with open arms. (Luke 15:11-32) Herein lies two great truths - 1.) every prodigal needs to know there still is a "home" to return to, and 2.) every parent needs to know their hope is tied to holding fast until...

"...In due season you shall reap, if you faint not." (Galatians 6:9)

"With God, nothing is impossible!" (Luke 1:37)

"Now unto Him, who is able to do exceeding, abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us." (Ephesians 3:20)

You’re Not An Egyptian

My child, you’re not an Egyptian,
You were raised as a child of the Light.
Though you run far and wide,
You can't escape, cannot hide;
You will never be out of God's sight.

My child, you’re not an Egyptian,
And your heart of hearts knows this right well.
You can bury yourself,
Put your heart on a shelf;
But the knowledge continues to swell.

My child, you’re not an Egyptian;
Sin's stains look ill on your face.
Its' chains drag you down,
Soil your white wedding gown,
And frustrate the Dove of God's Grace.

My child, you’re not an Egyptian!
Too much time's been invested in you,
By those who have cared,
And have willingly shared;
Teaching you to be loyal and true.

My child, you’re not an Egyptian,
You're bewitched by Egypt's facade.
So the war rages on,
`Twixt God and Dagon;
But my trust's in the promise of God!

© MJKinnee
June 1993