The Ring

I saw a ring laying there, and while picking it up, I noticed the inscription said: “True Love Waits”. Wow, I thought what a statement, it captured me, I felt the Spirit of God leading me by this simple yet profound statement.

At once my thoughts went to God and to Scripture that tells of this and what the meaning of that statement says to me. How the Father waited for the return of his son and the depths of a love that is expressed in that story. And personally of how my own parents waited, praying for decades for my salvations and to be used by God. At my Baptism, just a couple of months after Jesus became Lord and Master of my life. My dad, in the pool with me, helping baptize me, said, son this is 20 some years of prayers answered. That blew me away. Wow

True Love Waits, no matter what the trails or joys life brings. Even has a son stumbles through life, lost, with little hope. Parents wait praying, patiently, waiting, never turning away, never forcing their wants. What devotion, what love that spoke to me.

Working that statement further, I could see how this is expressed or not expressed in marriage. I think of my own marriage and how God has moved me from lusting after my wife, with a self-centered passion to please my own sexual desires, to a place where just having sex with her is no longer desirable, is no longer acceptable. Don’t get me wrong here. I long to express true love to her, love that is centered on her needs, not my desires. I have an ache deep down in my soul that’s driving me to pursue my wife. Treasuring her as God does. True Love Waits. Even in the bedroom.

Then taking this further into my life, working it into other areas. I think of the opportunities with my children, and how if I truly love them how I am to wait. And I can tell you that, that has offered some of the greatest challenges most of which have been before I knew Christ. But since Christ came into my life, I’ve had children come to the Lord and also walk away from the Lord. I’ve make some mistakes both coming and going. But, I’ve learned that True Love Waits.

This ring, this statement on the ring, was introduce to young people, to guide them as they struggled in a world where everything is driven by sex. To help them remember, to wait till marriage and true love before having sex. But this statement has now penetrated so deeply into soul. It talks to me about my relationship with God and His relationship with me. How He does wait, how I should wait. Keep this. Work it into the very fabric of your life. True Love Waits. True Love Waits.

Richard.

Fifty years

Fifty years been hanging around
ran over, raped, hid underground
stayed hidden all but a few
does fifty years seem long to you

Fifty years been walking this earth
fell on my face tasted the dirt
what's on the inside isn't what you see
there so much more to little old me

Fifty years been playing in the mud
wallowing in the filth, feces, blood
never experiencing His Grace and Love
yet, always protected by Him from above

Fifty years been hanging around
most of it lying shackled and bound
shame and contempt horrible sight
that's all changed by God's Love Light

Fifty years been breathing this air
resurrected to life, learning to share
past behind me where it should be
looking ahead to Great Company

Fifty years has gone by quick
won't change a thing letting it stick
Love came to town set up shop
thank you Lord Jesus that's all I got

Richard

Before

I heard You calling
waiting to come in
there were idols erected
where You should have been

my soul is in a shamble
my body a wreck
my spirit held captive
O' what a mess.

Not knowing what I was doing
somehow struggling to the door
You came in resurrecting life
where death was only before.

clearing out the temple
of yesterdays no more
You rearrange my inner world
of right standing restored.

I needed rescue, rescued from myself
restored to what You intended
restored unto Yourself
Rivers of Life ever flowing

Richard.

Someday

Someday I'll walk this ground no more
freed from this body to rise and soar
into the arms of Jesus forevermore

leaving behind the pain and strife
death's bitter taste turned to delight
on that day when the lights go dim
I'll pass thru the door to be with Him

about that day I will not fuss
when ever it happens is good enough
for in my heart I have the hope
sealed forever by the Holy Ghost

into His Kingdom I will be
to reign with Him forever in eternity.
Come Lord Jesus or call me home
I just can't wait to see Your throne.

Richard.

Washed by the Water

washed by the water
when the rain is falling
washed by the water
as the river swells
washed by the water
when storms are brewing
washed by the water
standing by the well.

washed by the water
held by your love
washed by the water
showered from above
washed by the water
seeking Your face
washed by the water
sweet saving Grace.

Richard.