And Even So, You Still Created Me.
(As we were going through a study on knowing God, it occurred to me that God knew, from the beginning, even before He created us, that we would rebel against Him. He knew, from the beginning that He would send His own son to shed His own blood and die as the substitutionary payment for our sins. Knowing all of this, He loved us so much that He still set in motion CREATION.)
You knew me when I was but just dust upon the earth.
You knew, even then, all that I'd be.
You also knew how far my heart could stray away from you,
and even so, you still created me.
You even knew the price you'd pay to bring me back to you,
would be to shed your blood at Calvery.
You knew that there would never be a way I could repay,
and even so, you still created me.
This priceless gift you offer there is nothing that can buy,
so this sacrificial gift has been made free.
My good works are as filthy rags, no matter how I try,
and even so, you still created me.
I know that I can't do enough to show my gratitude,
for in knowing you, I've truly been set free.
Just help me live my life that I can glorify your name,
that these in the world might see and then believe,
and this eternal gift of grace they can receive.
-Marianne
Oh Lord, I Want to Serve You
Some things that aren't good for us are easy to lay aside, but other things are much more difficult to give up. God's will is always the best, and if we are willing, He is faithful to bring us to the point where it it is easier to throw off, with His help, the sin that 'so easily besets us”. Heb. 12:1
Oh Lord, I want to serve you,
I really, truly do.
I want to die to self
and live totally for You.
But sometimes, the choice is hard...
so please, just help me Lord.
No matter what it takes,
I want to follow you.
-Marianne
The Earliest Thing that I Recall
I wrote this out in the 2 year old nursery, as I was watching the kids. It is so important to teach them, from the beginning, that Jesus loves them. At this age, THEY WILL BELIEVE YOU. Later in life, when I had a choice to make as to whether to follow God or not, the FIRM BELIEF that Jesus loves me helped me to make the choice to trust Him with my life. (Also, we must never assume that everyone who attends church is a Christian. The simple gospel must be periodically proclaimed.)
The earliest thing that I recall
of learning of His love,
was in the nursery, as a child,
praising God above.
I remember, with our teacher,
in a circle we would stand.
“Jesus loves me, this I know”,
we'd sing while hand in hand.
My memories of my early years
at church are bittersweet,
while they fed me very little milk,
I don't remember meat.
I didn't hear of death or hell,
or sin in thought or deed.
How could I know the Savior
if I never knew the need?
Oh, I heard they called Him 'Savior'
and that He was 'God the Son',
but no one spelled it out for me,
“Why did He have to come?”
As years went by the Lord prepared,
and brought me to a place,
where I would hear with clarity
of His amazing grace.
How God so loved us in the world
that He gave His only son.
That if I would just believe,
forgiveness has been won.
He took our sins upon himself
and in our place He died
to satisfy the wage of sin
and the third day rose, alive!
I remember standing in the crowd
and knowing it was time...
for while hearing Him called 'Savior”,
I had never made Him mine.
So, I asked Him then to save me
as I called upon His name.
And I know for sure He did it
'cause I've never been the same.
He's used so many means to teach
this one prevailing thought;
That I'm to strive to follow Him
and trust Him as I ought.
As I think back across the years...
wrong choices I have made,
I thank the Lord and praise His name,
I know the debt's been paid.
And as time goes by and God reveals
the sins that fill my path,
I'll change my course, but stand amazed,
I WILL NOT SUFFER WRATH!
-Marianne
We'll Soon be Home for Dinner
The thought that one day we will be gathered together at the marriage supper of the Lamb has been a promise and a comfort to me over the years. Sometimes it is such a challenge to be able to gather everyone together as our family grows and spreads out. And, as a friend grieved the loss of her baby, and I watched others loose loved ones to death, this promise has become even more of a comfort to me.
We'll soon be home for dinner
at that supper of the Lamb.
With our loved ones gathered 'round about,
we'll be there, together, again.
As we each run our race set before us,
it may seem that the distance is dim.
But with our eyes on the Lord,
and our trust in His Word,
we'll soon be, together, again.
Sometimes choices in life separate us.
To others, death's door opens wide.
But to trust and obey
will establish our way,
for to all who are willing, He'll guide.
Let our life be a proof of His love,
to those that are standing around.
That through life we can see,
as we learn at His knee
that His love, grace and mercy abound.
And we'll soon be home for dinner
at that supper of the Lamb.
With our loved ones gathered 'round about,
we'll be there, together, again.
-Marianne
