Work in Progress, Thank You, Jesus

Walking on the beach one morning, I started picking up the very smooth stones.  Then there are some I noticed that are in the process of becoming smooth. 

Here is my "stone" story.   I am God's workmanship, a work in progress.

The first stone I found represents me before I met Jesus as my "Savior".  The stone was all dark representing sin in my life and separated from God. It is very rough stone with small holes.  Not pretty!!!

The CROSS represents when I asked Jesus to come into my heart and be my "Savior".  I became His stone.  He took that stone and began His work.

This stone is white representing that I was washed clean, "as white as snow".    My sins were forgiven.  This stone still showed small holes all over.  He is working on me!

Each stone I found after this represented a continued work in progress.  They were becoming smoother.  One stone showed traces of black representing sin.  I will still sin but the difference now is I can take it to Jesus and repent and ask for His forgiveness.  He forgives and wipes the sin away.  Other stones will show great smoothness but will still be flawed.  Still a work in progress.

The perfect stone???  When Jesus comes for His bride, the church.  He is the Perfecter.

written by Arlene Miner

New Song - Psalms 149:1

I am excited to be with you today, Jesus.
You bring a smile to my face and
My heart is filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.

Entering the throne room,
Draw me near, draw me close to You.
So close that I can feel Your heart beat,
To feel You breathe on me,
And to hear Your voice in my ear.

I want to whisper in Your ear, "I love You." "I love You."
A smile on His face and His heart is filled with
An inexpressible and glorious joy.
In our fellowship together He whispers "I love you."

Capture all of me Jesus, every part of my being.
Saturate me with Your glory and Your pure love.
In His arms He holds me, at His feet I bow down in worship.
Together with the saints we sing this NEW song.

written by Arlene Miner

Peace in the Storm

I sit and watch Him sleep.
I just want to be near.
Everything is calm, such a beautiful day.
The sun so warm, the sky so blue.
I hear the lapping at the boats brow and the flopping of the sails in the wind.
The breeze warm, I lean back and enjoy the moment.
A smile on my face I can't help but notice how peaceful He sleeps.
I love being so near!

All of a sudden a storm, only moments before so quiet, so peaceful.
The sails are fastly changed, the winds disturbingly high.
The sky becomes dark, the winds increasingly stronger, the boat tossed to and fro.
What will I do? Becoming afraid, I start to run as I see may others do.
Frantic now, I turn to see Jesus - I see Him sleeping - sleeping peacefully.
Then I decided to stay and soon I felt the peacefulness, tranquility - just being near and watching Him sleep.
This is where I want to stay!!!

The storm grew worse, the winds harder.
My fear subsided but soon they were coming to wake Him, asking what to do.
They were terrified and so afraid.
Urgently they said we're going to drown.
He walked to the brow of the boat and I ever so close.
He stretched out His arms to the sea and the wind - they ceased and there came a calm.
They marveled at His power over the sea and wind.

I stood close to Him and I too marveled!
He turned to me, smiled and took my hand and said to me
"The peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
Will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus."
Close to Him in storms of life,
I want to always remember where I want to be.
I love being so near!

written by Arlene Miner

What God Did With Me

Lord, keep me ever mindful that You are always near.
Uphold me with Your righteous right hand.
Hold me in Your loving arms, never let me go.
Jesus I love You so! Your love never fails.
Comfort I find in Your unconditional love.

There was a time Lord when I turned away.
Sin entered in.
Satan snarled me and led me astray.
He came with lies and deceit, deceiving me with more and more lies.
Soon I believed my Lord Jesus left me.
He could not love me!
Weighed down with guilt and shame, I made wrong choices.
My mind was confused but did not know why.

Worldly joy is what I found.
I remembered the joy and peace I once had.
I was blinded by the enemy's lies.
Oh, the bondage and sinful wrongs committed.
The person I had become!
Rationalizing had become my way of life.
I believed I was without hope.

My eyes were opened.
The blinders were gone.
Jesus came and rescued me.
This wayward soul returned to Him,
Repenting and confessing that I sinned.
My compassionate Father told me as He did the Prodigal son,
My son (daughter) was dead and is alive again,
And was lost and is found.

How I must have hurt Him and others along the way.
I am grateful for His forgiveness and
Unconditional love He has for me.
The enemy runs as the Father's love flows in.
Joy and peace is restored within.
You never left me when I turned from you.
I am grateful dear Jesus for saving my soul.

Lord, I pray for the "wayward soul".
May You reveal Your love in a very special way.
May this "wayward soul" know
The love, compassion and forgiveness
You give and never forsaking.

written by Arlene Miner

'Be Ready! I Am Coming.'...The Bridegroom Comes for His Bride

I am calling out to the ones who are called by My name.........

Come out of passiveness, lukewarmness, and bondage! Be set free! My promises are for you. My blessings are for you.

Once I knocked on your "door" and you let Me in. So why is it now you have shut the "door" and not let Me in? Why do you not let Me in, that I may set you free? Oh, that I would turn your sorrows to joy and your weeping to gladness and heal your broken heart.

I want to give you joy. I want to rejoice and sing over you. It is pure joy when I see you running to Me like a child. Go ahead run to Me! Go ahead and jump into My arms! Throw your arms around My neck and give Me kisses! It is okay. I take quite a delight in you!

Your joy, peace, and rest will be complete in Me. "All that I AM - I AM!"
I Cor. 1:5-8

written by Arlene Miner

Liken to the Garden of Eden

A dwelling place for you!
You will find My joy and peace.
I have a place for you in My garden.
A garden liken to the Garden of Eden.
You are reconciled to Me.
You will walk and talk with Me.

Everything is beautiful.
Take off your "rose colored" glasses.
I have given you new eyes and a new heart.
Now see with My eyes.
Because of Jesus, My Son you experience My Garden.
You have the power within you, the Holy Spirit,
to enjoy My garden while here on earth.

I am able to protect you.
I hide you in the shadow of My wings.
You are crowned with loving kindness and tender mercies.
Your mouth is filled with good things.
Your youth will be renewed like the eagles.
You will be comforted and
I will rejoice over you with singing.

In My Garden, I am your banner of love.
I love you with all My heart.
When looking upon you, I am poured out with love.
You are planted in My Garden like an oak of righteousness
For the display of My splendor.
You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord's hand
And a royal diadem in My hand.
You are called Holy, the redeemed of the Lord.

You are reminded that I am your Creator.
You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
I made you in the secret place
And woven together in the depths of the earth.
I saw your unformed body.
I am familiar with all your ways.
I take great delight in you.

In My Garden,
We are able to share our love and fellowship together.
Enjoy Me, delight yourself in Me.
You are My beloved, My friend.
You have a glorious day coming.
I will mold and refine you.
I prepare you, Beloved.
Your Bridegroom comes soon.

written by Arlene Miner

A Request From the King

My Beloveds, those who love Me and called according to My purpose.

I come to give you a refreshing,
Drink of Me.
Replenish your soul.
Come walk in My "Garden".

The enemy is forbidden,
He cannot enter in!
There is no turmoil, unrest or uncertainty.

Find rest and shelter.
I have all that you need.
Who is he who wants to be close?
I will draw you near.
Who is he who will be devoted
To be close to ME?

written by Arlene Miner