Accolades and Applause

Jesus,

The accolades and applause of men,
are so hard to resist.
The heart gets full, the emotions fueled,
and the adrenaline is high.

"That was awesome, just magnificent."
"No one does quite like you."
"You really spoke to me today."
"I am so glad that you came."

Ahh... the words that make me smile,
That put my mind at ease.
How soon again will I need the rush,
Just one more week.

The accolades and the applause of men
Are temporaries best.
Soon gone, forgotten,
Trophies covered in dust.

Jesus, just to feel your smile,
To notice the Father's nod,
To sense the Spirit's cheering,
Will always be enough.

Captivity to Prosperity

The choices of my life have led me captive,
Away from hearth and home to foreign land.
There are no prison walls,  no chains to bind me,
Only consequences for the choices made.

But in this place of my captivity,
You tell me I can find prosperity,
This is not a place to hide and feel decrease,
It is a time for seeking out increase.

You tell me not to listen to the voices,
That prophesy my ultimate defeat.
You are not a God delighting in destruction,
But from captivity to freedom you release.

So when my banishment has come to end.
When my heart is captive to you once again.
Your plans for me do not include my harm,
My hope, my future in you will be charmed.

Quiet Me

Father, quiet me with your love,
Wrap me in your protective arms
Let me be still in your presence.

Let the sobs diminish,
Let the tears be wiped away,
Let me see into your eyes of tenderness.

Sing your song over me,
As a child troubled in the night,
Let the darkness be dispelled.

Let my head rest on your shoulder,
And be comforted by your warmth,
Hear my cry, "Daddy."

Lift me up and I will be still,
Hold me close and I will be comforted,
Quiet me with your love.

Life Happens

O Lord,

I know life happens.
It is not punishment from you.
It is not the enemy winning.

Help me not to blame.
Help me not to accuse.
Help me not curse the circumstance.


I will trust you in the now.
I will have faith for the future.
I will not live in the past.

You are my provider.
You are my protector.
You are my prosperity.

Character

Jesus,
I know the most important thing,
is not my comfort,
is not my career,
But my character.

Test me that I may be proven.
Protect me that I may not fall.
Keep me from the pit of destruction.

Prove me.
Let the fire come.
Burn the dross away.

May all who see - rejoice.
May all who watch - glorify You.
May all who wonder - be convinced.