Carry Into Captivity

“And he carried out from there all the treasures of the house of the LORD and the treasures of the kings house . . .”  2 Kings 24:13

“Also he carried into captivity all Jerusalem; all the captains and all the mighty men of valor, ten thousand captives, and all the  crasftsmen and smiths.  None remained except the poorest people of the land.”  2 Kings 24:14

What a shock it must have been to see their lives dismantled.

Lord, please carry into captivity all my rebellious thoughts today. And here’s a simple poem . . .

Lock It Up

Please, carry away             
what’s proud in me
lock it up
and throw away the key
leaving behind
the poor and needy
that begs to let
You be all it seeks.

Wind and Wave Obey

“Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea.  And there was a great calm.”  Matthew 8:26

Sometimes when I’m in a stormy situation, I find it’s my pride that rises high and starts whipping around.

Jesus, please rebuke that pride in me and restore the calm of a humble heart.  And here’s a simple poem . . .

Sinking in a Sea of Self

Internal storms rock me
in ways external ones cannot
– chaotic waves of rebellion
– stiff winds of pride
drive me to the bottom
until You speak truth
– quietly diminishing
– my sea of self.