"He Who Is In You..." [1st John series] (1st John 4:1-6; Isaiah 60:1-3; 61:1-4)

There is a lot of fluff which blows about in days of spring,
As Cottonwoods release their seeds and mourning doves there sing;
Those mellow days of summertime along our country lanes,
Bring warmth in thoughts of yesteryears – can life e’er be the same?

For life we knew just yesterday has disappeared at last;
Warm memories of apple pies now yield to winter’s blasts;
The country church where we first heard of God’s redeeming love,
Has gone the way of family farms, amidst the push and shove.

Well, maybe not completely that – His Spirit still is here,
Which warms us on the coldest nights and brings us Christmas cheer;
As we’ve grown old we’ve found it fits – Isaiah 61 –
“The Spirit of the Lord’s on me, through me to daughter, son –

“Glad tidings I now bring to you – the Lord’s anointed me
To bind the broken-hearted up and set the captives free;
To set in freedom those now trapped in life before their time –
Proclaim it is now Jubilee – rejoice, you’re doing fine!

“For ashes, here, slick up your hair with “gladness” brand of oil;
Faint-heartedness trade in right now for dance of righteous toil;
You will be oaks – God planted you, that He be glorified;
You’ll have this mess cleaned up quite fast – you weren’t just born to die.

“For Father-God has purposes He will fulfill in you –
Repair the ruined cities, walls, that you might live here too;
Not just with memories of life, once ’neath the cottonwoods,
But here where exiles now come home, and this is understood –

“God loves you, friend, desires for you that you be Spirit-filled;
For life has come, His glory’s risen – for this our sons were killed,
In days which swept them from our midst as war emerged once more –
Be being filled, O child of God – step through His opened door.

“For darkness covers all the earth, thick darkness over all,
But God will shine upon your lives, to lift you when you fall;
You faint when comes in adversity, alas small is your strength;
Rise up! The Spirit comes today – the Bridegroom’s come at length.”

Thanks Lord for this.

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