New Rhymes

I would like to share some lines I enjoyed writing recently.

Crucified with Christ
Justified by faith
Incredibly surprised
To stand in Jesus' place

For he came down and stood
Where I deserve to stand
Nailed to a cross of wood
Blood dripping down his hands

Paying out in full
What I deserved to pay
Tragic, dark 'Place of the Skull'
Then on God's judgment day

Angels bow to you,
Kings and rulers, too,
And yet I see you do
Have so much care for who?

For anyone who will
Quite honestly confess
That he was hopeless 'til
He saw your righteousness

I see he offers us
Life so abundantly
It's metamorphosis,
He's really changing me

To follow in his steps
I'll daily reach for him.
Discovering the depths
Of mercy he has given.

I take his righteousness
And immortality,
and ne'er grow tired of this:
My God is pleased with me

And though my greatest deeds
Are just a crappy pile,
O, for a heart that beats
to see my Father smile

To know my Father well
And nothing more than this,
I trust no one can tell
Me of a greater bliss.

David Brainerd

I just started over reading The Life and Diary of David Brainerd. It is very interesting and encouraging to read and see into the heart of this man. He struggled so long and hard to try to earn God's love by being disciplined in prayer and bible study but found it so hard to meet God's Law's demands especially on our thoughts and affections. He found that every time he thought he was doing well, he was really acting out of pride and selfishness, not for God's glory. He finally found the sweet truth that we can never earn a right standing before God but must submit completely to the righteousness that Jesus offers. I love this quote from the time the gospel became so real to him...

"I wondered that all the world did not see and comply with this way of salvation, entirely by the righteousness of Christ."

He is one cool puritan.