Lifeline

A little brown spider
Dropped in for a drink
And then found he couldn’t
Get out of the sink.
I watched as he slithered
And tried to climb
But he slipped back down
Every time.
I wanted to help him
So looked around
I wondered if something
Could be found.
I saw some string
Dangled it in
Watched as the spider
Began to cling
Then clambered to the top.

That little brown spider
Has made me think
If I am standing on the brink
I need to throw a lifeline so
Those who are struggling down below
Can climb back to the top.

Ruth Jessup

Prodigal

The wanderer’s returning
Head hung in shame
Rehearsing a speech
Guilt weighing heavily
Feeling such a failure
So unworthy
Then
Looking up sees
His Father
Standing
Patiently waiting
Door open
Arms open
Heart open
Ready to receive
Welcome
Embrace
Cover in love
Shower with good things.

Ruth Jessup

Stooping & Standing

Just where I was
On the ground
Jesus stooped to meet me
Showed me compassion.

He stood up to challenge
Displaying His power.
Then stooped to forgive me
Demonstrating His grace.

Stood up to say,
“No one condemns you
Neither do I
Go and sin no more.”

He granted me mercy.
Then said, “Follow me
I am the light
When you walk with me
It is never night.
My light will lead you
Into a new life.

Jesus dealt with my past
Forgave me my sin
Invited me to start
A new life with Him.

John 8:1-12

Ruth Jessup

Open Arms

I fall
Cry
Then hear
“Come”
I look up
Run
Into the open arms
Of my Father.

Luke 15:20

Ruth Jessup

Requirements

What does the Lord require of me?
To act justly – to do what is right
To love mercy – show compassion to all
To walk humbly – with the Lord.

I feel a bit of a failure now
How do I respond to your call?
Move from my sense of guilt & shame
To a place of where I will always bring
Glory to your name.

In every situation Lord
I ask for the Father’s heart
To share the pain of those who are hurt
To give sacrificially.
To listen, give time to everyone
Who crosses my path each day
Keep me from any indifference Lord
Help me act in line with Your will
Oh, give me an overflowing heart
Then I’ll see as you see; share in part
In your expanding kingdom of love.

Micah 6:8

Ruth Jessup