Category Archives: Christianity

Oceans of Love

Posted on by
2

 

art beach beautiful clouds

Dear Friends,

As I meditated on the precious love of God, I began to get carried away in deep thought about the vastness of His love and just wanted to share these reflections with you …….

We’ve probably all experienced unrequited love in one way or another – through friends, loved ones, etc. Many of us know what that feels like and how painful it is – giving love, opening the door of our hearts, hoping for relationship, only to experience coldness or rejection – and so does God, especially as He has oceans of love for us.

Even if we have a relationship with God, through Christ, sometimes our erring ways can cause us to actually move away from Him, from that close fellowship we should have, because we know He is holy, and when we fall short we feel we have failed Him .. yet again.

It can be the case that instead of running TO Him, we may find ourselves missing out on those special times of closeness in His presence. The love of God, being unfathomable and pure, reaches out to us in mercy. Again and again, He lovingly calls us to draw near to Him, in so many ways: perhaps through a song, a word of scripture, encouragement from a friend, a sermon, even through circumstances. God patiently waits … with oceans of love … but are we always aware?

There have been seasons in my faith life when things were going along nice and smoothly, then, at some point, a situation may occur in which I felt I’d failed God again in one way or another, and (feeling defeated) would think to myself, `He must be tired of me constantly coming back for forgiveness’. As my relationship with Him grew, however, I became reassured by the reminder that it wasn’t any good that I had done that made me acceptable to God – but the righteousness of Jesus alone. Thank You Lord!

We are encouraged in scripture to “come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16, NKJV).  We are saved by grace through faith, and not by our own works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Although we are saved FOR good works, we’re not saved BY them. When we realise this, we can not only ask for forgiveness when we’re in the wrong, but can forgive ourselves and others too. It’s all about the life of Jesus being lived through us. It’s all about Him, not us! Through the everlasting love of God, that same saving grace is available to us for daily living.

When Jesus sacrificed His life for us on the cross, He paved the way for those special words that He uttered to be fulfilled – “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). The transaction was done in terms of God. He “SO loved the world that He gave ..” (John 3:16). God’s oceans of love caused Him to give. He did His part. After that, it was our turn to respond to His gift, so that we could experience this forgiveness and the vastness of His love.

It’s continually our turn to respond to His heart of love which extends beyond the cross, however. As we seek to follow the Lord in our daily walk, we can experience more and more the reality of His love, and continual cleansing and forgiveness, because of our fellowship with Him (1 John 1:7-9). His sacrifice makes us acceptable; His perfection covers our imperfection.

Against the many distractions, trials, temptations and struggles in our journey with God, His eternal and holy love beckons us to keep on coming. God is love ~ rich and free. Love calls us ~ love awaits us. Isn’t that precious?! Tears fill my eyes just to think about this fact. That love is unconditional, forgiving, full of mercy, continually reaching out to all the world, looking for an inlet into human hearts. What a treasure we have in our hearts as believers!

Prayer:
Thank You Heavenly Father for your fathomless oceans of love, shown to us through  Jesus, Your Son, in His sufferings, death and resurrection. Thank You that this precious love made it possible for us to draw near to You, to come before Your throne and find all our needs met, because of Your heart of mercy and forgiveness. May the love You continually show .. fill our hearts daily, and may that love be poured out through us to others also ~ for Your glory and praise, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Here is a beautiful song about the love of God (a song I love) written by Graham Kendrick entitled “Such Love” …..

 

I hope this may have blessed your heart!

Much love,
Christine

 

(Revised Jan 2019)

Copyright © 2014  Christine V. Mitchell

 

One for All

Posted on by
6

A poetic dramatization, based on the Biblical story of Jesus’ suffering and crucifixion.

Carrying the cross

“What’s going on? What’s going on?
Where are they going, this gathering throng?
Why are they shouting? Why are they mad?
Some look so happy. Many are sad”.

“Haven’t you heard? Where have you been?
They’ve taken Him, Jesus, the Nazarene”.

“I was away, but I’ve just returned,
I heard some talk that made my ears burn”.

“Quick move aside, they’re coming this way!
Oh, this is awful! A terrible day!
He only did good, was loving and kind.
There’s no-one like Him. He is divine!

Sick folk were healed, dead even raised.
I think the rulers envied His praise.
Multitudes loved to be blessed by His words,
So much more precious than any they’d heard.

He spoke of God’s kingdom and life from above.
He spoke of forgiveness, mercy and love;
That He is the Truth, the Life and the Way
To get to the Father, whenever we pray”.

“Merciful Father! Look at His head!
A crown of thorns, pierced ’til He bled!
Look at the sorrow and pain in His eyes
And still they are mocking with cruel cries”.

“Crucify Him!  Crucify Him!”
“Why? What wrong has He ever done?”
“Crucify Him!  Crucify Him!
Called Himself God’s only Son!”

“Leave Him alone!  He’s our Messiah!
He came to save us from hell’s fire!”

“Step aside woman, don’t get in the way!
If you’re so worried, start to pray!

“Oh no! They’re nailing His feet and hands!
The suffering and pain He bravely withstands.
No-one should ever have this to endure,
Especially someone so kind and so pure”
. . . . .

His body whipped, His flesh torn.
He bore the shame, mocked and scorned.
Upon the cross He felt alone;
Endured all of this, our sins to atone.

He suffered all for the entire world
And yet insults at Him are hurled.
He sacrificed Himself that day,
Gave His life and opened the way.

One man for all, Whose purity
Now meant that God could have mercy.
Jesus tasted of death and hell
But He ROSE AGAIN, ALIVE and WELL!

History cannot erase that day.
It happened, dear friend,
so that we could pray:

“Lord, I believe that YOU are the One
Who came to die, God’s only Son.
You took my place and died on a cross
to cleanse my soul from sinful dross.
I believe that You rose again.
Forgive me Lord of every sin.
Come, Lord Jesus, into my heart.
Help me to make a brand new start.
Wash me, cleanse and make me new.
From this day, I’ll follow You.
Thank You Lord that I’m forgiven
and ever will live with You in heaven”
Amen.

–o0o–

© 2013 Christine V Mitchell
All Rights Reserved

www.expressionspoetry.com
https://poetrybychristinemitchell.wordpress.com

The cross - victory

There’s A Love

Posted on by
2

1-1202055758tict orange rose


There’s a love that’s like no other.
It’s a love that’s from on high.
There’s none like it in this world,
the love of God for you and I.

Breaking barriers, building bridges,
reaching high and low alike,
it can overcome the darkness
with its penetrating light.

It’s a love that brings forgiveness
and will pardon every sin.
It is found in Christ the Saviour,
as we ask Him to come in.

It’s a love that says “You’re special”.
It’s a love that calls you “Friend”.
If you open up your heart, you’ll find
it’s a love that never ends.

–oOo–

 (Ephesians 3:19)

© 2014  Christine Mitchell
All Rights Reserved
___________

The poem above is also from my new book of uplifting poetry entitled
COMFORT & HOPE
now available in paperback and ebook from Amazon
(click on book title above to purchase a copy)

Comfort_&_Hope_Cover_for_Kindle

 Dear friends … God is just great!! He’s so wonderful!
Again and again, my heart is touched by the preciousness of His love.
– Always remember, His love never lets go –
___________

I invite you to check out my website too!
www.expressionspoetry.com 

Lowly King

Posted on by
4

nativity scene

 ~*~

He didn’t need to find a place
All decked with silver and gold,
Adorned with riches and splendour –
Too wonderful to behold.
~
He didn’t seek the praise of man
Or a life of fame and glory.
He came to earth as love, unveiled;
His life became a story.
~
The darkness of this world could not
Prevent His light, so holy.
From heaven, He came, the Prince of Peace;
His heart was meek and lowly.
~
The wise men saw a bright light shine
Announcing the birth of a king.
They knew the Babe was heaven-sent
And brought their gifts to Him.
~
Jesus, Saviour of all mankind ~
Gift from God above
The King of kings, new life would bring
To a world in need of love.
~
How wonderful! How precious
That God’s righteous, holy Son
Should come to show us how to live
And the people we could become!
~
All He seeks is a place within
Our hearts, where He may dwell
For Christ is the reason for Christmas ~
…The story we love to tell.

 ~*~

© 2014 Christine V. Mitchell

(Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 2:1-12; Revelation 19:16)

In this season, we love to retell and celebrate the
wonderful story of His birth and exalt His Name,
for He is the centre of our joy and rejoicing! Amen

Again and Again

Posted on by
Reply

pexels-photo-243125.jpeg

Who wants to be a candle,
that shines in a lowly place?
Who wants to be in the shadows,
where nobody knows your face?
Ploughing behind the scenes –
and sowing seeds of love?
Such a heart is precious
to our heavenly Father above.

 Who will keep on giving
their best for no return,
to help someone keep living,
though long-lost love they yearn?
There are so many people
who may have been ignored,
who need to know that they are loved –
it’s precious to our Lord.

 While stars on high above us
in celestial realms do glow,
remember, it’s because of
dark surroundings that they show.
Now every soul is precious –
and needs to know we care.
When seeds of love have blown their way,
they’ll spread them everywhere.

 So let us not be weary
in doing well, dear friends.
The season yet will come if we
hold steadfast to the end.
As blossoms follow sunshine
and also showers of rain,
we’ll reap if we keep sowing
seeds of love – again and again.

 –oOo–

(Galatians 6:9)

 © Copyright 2014  Christine V Mitchell
________

I invite you to also visit my website!
http://www.expressionspoetry.com

Free Kindle Promotion (2 days!!) Forever Grateful

Posted on by
Reply

 

FG Kindle Cover (Purple)

Dear Friends

I’m excited to let you know that I’m running a 2-day free promotion for my first book of inspirational poetry FOREVER GRATEFUL (available from Amazon – published Jan 2014). Forever Grateful is a collection of 40 poems full of heartfelt words of comfort, encouragement, praise and appreciation of the love of God that I found through Christ – a love that has sustained me during difficult life experiences, and which is the inspiration behind my writing. This will be available FREE on KINDLE for 2 days:

THIS FRIDAY – SATURDAY
(28 – 29 NOVEMBER)

Normal Amazon Kindle price, currently
(US)$4.13 / (UK) £2.64

Here are the links for US and UK:

UK – http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/149369247X
US – http://www.amazon.com/dp/149369247X

or you may use the following link which will also transfer you to Amazon  – http://smarturl.it/comfortandhope (then click on the Kindle link).

I pray that you will be blessed and enjoy reading as much as I have enjoyed writing the poems. If you have obtained a free Kindle copy of Forever Grateful, I would very much appreciate a review on Amazon, if you would be so kind!! 🙂 (Or here on my blogsite).

My new book of poems, Comfort & Hope has now been released (published Nov 2014). Details in my next blog 🙂

Thanks so much for following me!
God bless you,
Christine 🙂

Make A Difference

Posted on by
Reply


Let’s make a difference
by things that we say;
help brighten the day,
along our life’s way.

Let’s make a difference
by showing we care,
by just being there
when emotions are bare.

Let’s make a difference
by staying a while,
by sharing a smile,
going that extra mile.

Let’s make a difference
by sharing God’s peace
that brings a release;
help worries to cease.

Let’s make a difference,
it may strike a chord,
bring untold reward
and praise to our Lord.

Let’s make a difference
along our life’s way.
“Lord help us, we pray
to start from today”.

–oOo–

 © 2013  Christine V Mitchell

(Matthew 5:16)
___________

You’re welcome to visit my website:
http://www.expressionspoetry.com

Victory In Your Praise

Posted on by
Reply

In the midst of trials and challenges, it can be so easy to live by our emotions. We all have feelings … and sometimes they can get the better of us, plunging us into despair when someone causes us hurt, or during testing times and lonesome valleys, times when it seems everything is going against us. But what if feelings get in the way of our relationships with others and most of all with God, our loving Heavenly Father, the One to Whom we can turn in the midst of the battle, the One Who truly understands?  Thank God, there is something at our disposal which can lift us in trying times and draw us into His Presence ….. it’s called praise!   (I’ve written a poem on this – below 🙂). I’ve had to remind myself of this truth at times when things have happened that left me feeling I had every right to mope for however long! I’m sharing these few words to encourage you, just as I’ve had to encourage myself (and still do!!). It’s nice to read  in the Bible of how the psalmist David “encouraged himself in the Lord”!! (1 Samuel 30:6). Our God understands all things and ALWAYS, ALWAYS has a word for us. We can literally have His presence fill us, as the scripture says, through “psalms, hymns and spiritual songs…” (Ephesians 5:19). Oh there are battles on our journey, but how WONDERFUL is the promise we have in God’s word that “we are more than conquerors” through Christ. We may not be perfect and don’t always get it right, but “greater is He Who lives in (us) than He that is in the world” (1 John 4:4). He (Jesus) is ALWAYS right – so, once again, we have hope!

sparrow

 VICTORY IN YOUR PRAISE

At just the time the storm is getting closer;
when the road seems dark and the journey’s far from over;
when all your friends have gone their separate ways,
know this – there’s victory in your praise!

At just the time you feel like giving up;
when you have had to drink the bitter cup.
He’s there with you throughout the nights and days.
Know this – there’s victory in your praise!

You may not feel like praising God right now.
Considering all, you may just wonder how.
Remember how Paul and Silas spent their days?
Behind those prison walls were songs of praise!

Just one step closer, praise will draw us near
to the Lord, Who heals our wounds and calms our fears.
As we exalt and lift Him up always,
He will draw near, for He lives in our praise.

—oOo—

 Copyright 2014  Christine V Mitchell
All Rights Reserved

Psalm 22:23; Acts 16:25-34; Romans 8:37
~ ~ ~
I also share poems on my website:
http://www.expressionspoetry.com

Potter

Posted on by
5

On our journey with the Lord, it’s easy to forget that all things work together for good to them that love Him (Romans 8:28), which means God can use anything, any situation, anyone to help us become all that He created us to be. We are “God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10 NIV). Nothing we go through is wasted therefore. As we put our trust in Him and allow Him to work in us, though things may take a while to take shape –  it’s win win in the end as we have the encouraging words of scripture that remind us that  “the path of the just is as the shining light, that shines more and more to the perfect day”. (Proverbs 4:18 AKJV)

jar

Thank You, Lord,
for Your arms of love
all around us,
shaping us
for heaven
above.
On solid ground
You keep our feet
as we walk life’s street.
As a potter works with clay,
every day, You’re working to
melt and mold us, till Your perfect
will unfolds; refining, till at last we’re
shining, as gold. Help us, Lord, to
understand. Let this piece of clay, I pray,
be a useful vessel in Your hand,
surrendered and transformed
by Your pure and
holy love.

 –oOo–

© 2014 Christine V Mitchell

(published in “Forever Grateful:  Inspirational Christian Poetry”
 by Christine V Mitchell

(Photo courtesy of kozzi.com)

Love Beyond Limits

Posted on by
1

Dear Friends

I’m honoured to be a Guest Blogger on Blogs by Christian Women and today they published my recent article entitled “Love Beyond Limits”. in which I share some of my life experiences. I pray this will be a blessing to someone …… thanks for reading!

Below is a portion of the article  (for full article, click on http://wp.me/p4YjKM-aL):

LOVE BEYOND LIMITS

“There’s something so very wonderful about God’s love. It reaches beyond all the restrictions of the human mind that cause people to close doors to one another (and to Him); restrictions that cause people to go so far and no further, and for so many different reasons – status, culture, appearance, belief systems, disability, etc. The love of God even reaches beyond the limitations we place on ourselves because of past experiences – loss, failure, hurts, etc.

I lost my mother at the age of 18 months. My sister and I were in care for almost a decade and during that time she became disabled. Although she was older than me, ……… ”  (to see remainder,  click on this link  http://wp.me/p4YjKM-aL)

I pray this may be an encouragement to someone reading it today.

Love and blessings,
Christine