What is Waiting?

Me and all my friends
We’re rolling in the mud
We say we stand for something
But then just wait here for the flood

Now we see everything that’s going wrong
With the world and those who lead it
So we fool around until They come
To punish and to beat it

So we keep waiting
Waiting on the world to change
We keep on waiting
Debating how the world can change

It’s hard to build a city
When we have no hope or pity
So we keep waiting
Waiting on the world to change

Now it’s time to seek the power
To convince the doubting souls
And God, I know you’ve got it
On the pages of your scrolls
So if you hear my crying
You’ll know the settled thought
They say the plan is crazy, oh
But it may be all you’ve got

And so I’m waiting
Waiting for the world to change
Yeah, contemplating
Relating how the world can change

An angel says it’s all or nothin’
But then we skirt the talk of trustin’
So no more waiting
Waiting on the world to change

But they keep waiting
Waiting on the world to change
We all keep waiting
Waiting on the world to change

It’s time our generation
Tried out a new consideration
Do away with all the grievin’
‘Cause now there’s something to believe in
So goodbye waiting
Waiting on the world to change

Let’s not keep waiting
Waiting on the world to change

The New Song

God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
The Word we surely must obey
To ride the coming storm.

Ye fearful Saints, fresh courage take;
The Winds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on thy head.

His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding ev'ry hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.

Wry disbelief is sure to err
When miracles do come;
God is his own interpreter,
Hear thou the sounding drum!

A crying voice has moved the posts

The Lamb is at your door

And notions from unholy ghosts 

Will mar your view no more.

The ancient tune has been revealed!

His tempo now is set.

Your song is new, but precious still.

So sing the Lord's duet!

The Voice

To the Love of my Life:

"Sacred doing." That is the root definition of "sacrifice," it is written. Some suppose to sacrifice is to be willing to relinquish our most esteemed treasures--gold, property and even kin, in order to be rewarded with something even greater. Others conclude it is to forfeit our comfort and health, honing our senses by starving and inflicting ourselves in sackcloth and ashes. There are also many who, as righteous sacrifice, yield their wills to that of a higher power (following with exactness the whispered commands).

I will not point a finger of scorn or accusation at those who offer in sincerity a pound of flesh or gold. I will not disparage the ones who have audience with gods and angels. They have made sure something which I can only hope for.

But, my love, I have circled through these things for long enough to learn. While I became stronger I also grew ever dizzier, as a horse who grinds the mill, chasing the carrot dangling just in front of him but never quite reaching the prize.

So I must stop now and consider...What is most holy and sacred to me?

It is the piercing gaze of your azure eyes.
It is the soft, gentle touch of your compassionate hands.
It is a journey with you through the green groves and meadows.
It is the warm consoling embrace of your arms.

There is no crown so gilded, no promise so enduring, no reward so vast that I would exchange what we already share for kingdoms, powers or dominions.

For a season, I have sung like David, psalms in the language of the muses. Few have listened, but no matter. It was what my heart desired. Now it is time to leave the few for a time, with hope for them in my heart, and turn my sacred doings towards you. Which means pausing the song and closing the books for an intermission. It may have all been a whimsy and with the wind it will fade to nothing. Even so, the fruit tasted so delicious along the way!

Look at yonder tree, there is more to be had! Come, Dearest, let us go undertake our sacred works together!! That is the desire of my heart.

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And it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord that he would give unto the Gentiles grace, that they might have charity for the House of Israel. "For thou hast manifested the rock of salvation unto the Gentiles, through the Holy Ghost; and thou hast blessed those who curse thee and caused it to rain on the just and the unjust alike. And now I know that this love which thou hast had for the children of men is charity; wherefore, except men shall have charity they cannot inherit that place which thou hast prepared in the mansions of thy Father."

And it came to pass that the Lord said unto me: Behold, there has been a great work in the land, even among the Gentiles, for their folly and their abominations have been manifest in the eyes of all people. I have shown them their weakness, and have shown unto them that faith, hope and charity bringeth unto me the fountain of all righteousness.

Hearken O ye Gentiles to the voice of the Lord which has been manifested unto you. Spend not in vain the talent which has been given unto you, but make your weaknesses strong and build your house upon the rock of your Redeemer.

He that believeth the things which the Lord hath spoken, him has he visited with the manifestations of his Spirit, and he does know and has born record to you. And the Lord said: remember, whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do good is of me; for good cometh of none save it be of me. I am the same that leadeth men to all good; he that will not believe my words which have sounded in your ears will not believe me—that I am; and he that will not believe me will not believe the Father who sent me. For behold, I am the Father, I am the light, and the life, and the truth of the world.

Come unto me, O ye Gentiles, and I will show unto you the greater things, the knowledge which is hid up because of unbelief. Believe and follow that which has been written upon your hearts. Speak not stout words against me, but think upon my name that ye may be immovable in the time of desolation. Then in that day when I make up my jewels I will spare you Gentiles as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. And all nations shall call you blessed, for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of Hosts.

Therefore, repent all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me, and believe in my gospel, and be immersed in my name; for he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned; and signs shall follow them that believe in my name. And blessed is he that is found faithful unto my name at the last day, for he shall be lifted up to dwell in the kingdom prepared for him from the foundation of the world. And behold it is I that hath manifested it unto the Gentiles. Amen.

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We've been taken back to school
To learn and love the golden rule
Now I lay it on the line
To sing the music one more time
Oh, let me tell you again
Can you feel it
I will tell you again
Tonight

Every gentile heart it seems
Is carried by a world of dreams
Each and every rising sun
Is lifted by the Holy One
Oh, let me tell you again
Can you feel it
I will tell you again
Tonight

'Cause out on the ocean of life my loves
There's so many storms we must rise above
Can you hear the Spirit calling
As it's carried across the waves
You've so long been falling
It's calling you back to face the music
And the song that is coming through
You're no longer falling
The one that it's calling is you!

Make a promise take a vow
And trust your feelings it's easy now
Understand the voice within
And feel the changes already beginning
Oh, let me tell you again
Can you feel it
I will tell you again
Tonight

And how many words have I got to say
And how many times will it be this way
With your arms around the future
And your back up against the past
You've so long been falling it's calling you
On to face the music
And the song that is coming through
You're no longer falling
The one it's calling is you!!

Every gentile heart it seems
Is being shown a world of dreams
Look and see the rising sun
You'll find the kind and loving One
Oh, let me tell you again
Can you feel it
I will tell you again
Tonight

The Shield

"Go away, you pesky imps!" was the man's daily mantra. "I shield myself from your vile influence!" Yet, the unclean spirits still bothered, still wreaked their havoc. So every day he continued his prayer.

Finally, as men will do, the man passed away. As he was walking from here to the unknown Beyond, he caught a glimpse of the vexatious disembodied and decided that he must inquire of them.

"Why did you torment me so? What did I ever do to you?" he stopped and asked. The man caught the attention of a particularly sinister-looking devil who crept his way over and faced him directly.

"I s'pose it won't do no harm ta say now tha'cher one of us..." scowled the hellion. "Here's the secret, mate, to sinkin' yer teeth into the souls of the livin': We wait fer them to cry out against us, casting us off with their mean words. If they didn't make such a ruckus, we could hardly even see 'em! Sure, sometimes we hook onto those who don't deserve it, but they can get borin' fast, unless they start gettin' riled up... then it gets int'resin'!

"We have to leave fer a minute when they yell at us like that, but make no mistake, we come back, mad as hell. If they get to be so noisy t'wards us, why shouldn't we get to have some fun with them? It's only fair, ya know! They are always so forceful when they talk to us!"

"Now there was that time quite a while back when we were really goin' to town on this poor fella. He was so messed up that he ran around buck naked like a loon! But then we came across the One, who talked to us much nicer than any other folk. He had every right to cast us off, 'cause we had been pretty nasty with the man. But He talked to us and let us move on the way we wanted instead of pushin' us out to the Great Empty."

"If yer livin' brothers were to deal with us like that, I s'pose that we'd have nuthin' to do, 'cause we can attack those who accuse us. The One said so. But we got no int'rest in the Skinned who don't wanna play."

The man absorbed the words then carried on his way. As he walked, he heard a call from the demon, "Hey! I'll see ya soon, mate!"

The Song of Elijah

Got a rock and roll ditty
from the ones we should pity
at a country lane far away.
Drums are beatin'
and the bass repeatin'
but we're still asleep just the same.

Asleep! Comforted, warm!
(Who cares, they're all gone.)
C'mon, it won't take long,
we should be singin' Elijah's song!
Singin' Elijah's song!

We got a prophet says, "Daddy
will be made so glad if we
go lookin' for His comforting arms,"
and to go findin' His face
whatever our place,
but all the while they wait
for us to think about their fate.

Asleep! It's all well and good
to try to find Who we should.
Hey, it's time for leavin' the 'hood!
we should be singin' Elijah's song!
Singin' Elijah's song!

The idol of our fathers
is here.
We won't ever leave this place
I fear.
While we're wanderin' 'round
there's a song that they left in our head.

Dream, (that's what we do).
Dream, this dream'll come true.
Now that we're big and strong
let's remember Elijah's song.
Remember Elijah's song!
Remember Elijah's song!!
Remember Elijah's song!!!


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And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them. Behold, I will show unto the Gentiles their weakness, and I will show unto them that faith, hope and charity bringeth unto me—the fountain of all righteousness.

And it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord that he would give unto the Gentiles grace, that they might have charity for My People.

Your Turn at the Bat

So on the stricken multitude grim melancholy sits.
How can an earnest Gentile troop go on a "saving blitz?"
A mystery so hidden up Isaiah might well ask:
"Are these the ones I prophesied are up to head the task?"

But wait! A clue is given in the pages of a book
which people read so often that they quickly overlook
a story of some missionaries meeting in the field,
and how united efforts did produce a bounteous yield.

The brothers were familiar with a wicked sort of state:
A life of such iniquity that they had sealed their fate.
But rather than consigning to an endless gulf of woe,
The Lord saw fit to bless the men and snatch them from below.

Although they were His enemies, great mercy was allowed--
so much, they all repented and their sins were disavowed.
The foursome (and another) saw the pattern of the Lord:
to serve those who oppose us. From evil, grace restored.

The thousands who converted, in kind did follow through--
they laid their swords beneath them and charity pursued.
What storm can now defeat them? What rain can snuff or douse?
As children of the Holy One, how sturdy is their house!

So now I testify the thing which never was revealed
(At least our clouded vision kept the common knowledge sealed)
Feel free to spread the word to all the fellowships and souls
whose hopes of wond'rous miracles do match the Brothers' goals.

Behold, there is no natural man who knows the subtle ways
of Zion's operandi and how God's love to praise.
This is the holy order and the mark upon the head,
The heav'nly invitation and the feast of wine and bread:

To not accuse the enemies of man or even God,
but serve them with great diligence, although they might be flawed.
The promise is quite obvious to those who walk the path:
Great multitudes will see the light and shake Justice's wrath.

Although you're not commanded, will you take the righteous dare
to gather in a circle and recite a worthy prayer?
A plea for the oppressors and a cry for evil ones
will make you Holy Daughters and Consecrated Sons.

And do not slow your litany of blessings to impart;
pray for them unceasingly with all your might and heart.
Then do the works which evidence your supplicated speech,
take the action requisite to practice what you preach.

Your fruit will ripen speedily and God will clearly see
that your desires match the orbs which grow upon His Tree.
This promise is extended forth to all the sons of men
that through their choice and agency they'll come to Him again.

The worth of souls is great, you know, and saving even one
will bring a person endless joy when all is said and done.
And if the luscious fruit is sweet with just a single soul
Envision how ten thousand lives will make your spirit whole.

My friends, go out and prove Him to authenticate His vow;
you'll find fruit so abundant that it almost breaks the bough.
He'll open Heav'nly windows and protect your sacred wheat.
No insect will devour all the harvest at your feet.

He'll crown His holy temple with the jewels of Ephraim's toil
and heal the once forgotten with His Consecrated Oil.
All nations then shall call you blessed--a pure delightsome land;
the Lord of Hosts has spoken it and witnessed through His hand.

--------------------------

Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright;
the band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light,
and somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children sing;
for there'll be joy in Zion! (when Gentiles do their thing).

The Hunters

Hunter of priests, the souls

Out of the rocks and holes,

Out from the circled prayer,

Take them, dear Lord, from there--

From ev'ry hill and mount,

Faithful on ev'ry count,

Drawing Thy bow to claim

Thy sharpened arrow's aim.

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O Lord, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, let our fathers know thy hand and thy might; let them know that thy name is The Lord.

The Fullness

Could it be: your broken heart
Comes when blessings you impart
To the wicked and the vile
Who put the righteous men on trial?

Could it be: contrition's air
Is the pleading of your prayer
For enemies and the bound as well
Who cry the bitter tears of hell?

Rend the veil and free the mind
Forsake the thing that makes you blind!
Form the circle, do not cease
To say the words which shall release!

Bring the fruits meet for the gift
Which will sanctify and lift
You from the depths to rise above
This fallen world, in truth and love!

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It is not the hearers of the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but the doers of the law who will be justified. When Gentiles, who do not possess the law, do instinctively what the law requires, these, though not having the law, are a law to themselves. They show that what the law requires is written on their hearts, to which their own conscience also bears witness; and their conflicting thoughts will accuse or perhaps excuse them on the day when, according to the gospel, God, through Jesus Christ, will judge the secret thoughts of all.

The Fruits of Repentance

By this shall ye know them: they have followed their Lord and their Savior down into the water, according to his word, and they have received the Holy Ghost; then cometh the baptism of fire; and then can they speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel. Yea, then cometh the cleansing and sanctification, wherein they become worthy vessels to house the Spirit of the Lord. They do humble themselves and do walk after the holy order of God. And they, after being sanctified by the Holy Ghost, having their garments made white, being pure and spotless before God, cannot look upon sin save it is with abhorrence.

I speak by way of invitation, saying: Come and be baptized unto repentance, that ye also may be partakers of the fruit of the tree of life. Bring forth fruits as a witness that you are children of the Father, that your sins may be cloaked from His eyes. Be ye therefore perfected in Him, and then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot.

Our Prayer

Have mercy upon us, O God, according to your loving kindness: according unto the multitude of your tender mercies blot out our transgressions.

Wash us thoroughly from our iniquities, and cleanse us from our sins. For we acknowledge our transgressions: and our sins are ever before us. Against you have we sinned, and done evil in your sight: and you would be justified if you spoke angrily and judged against us.

Behold, we were shaped in a world of iniquity; and in a world of sin did our mothers conceive us. But you desire truth in the inward parts: and in our hidden parts you will make us to know wisdom, if we but hearken to your voice.

Purge us with the holy herb, and we shall be clean: wash us, and we shall be whiter than snow. Make us to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which you have broken, and the bodies you have marred may rejoice.

Hide your face from our sins, and blot out all our iniquities. Create in us a clean heart from the broken one, O God; and renew a righteous spirit within us.

Cast us not away from your presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from us. Restore unto us the joy of your salvation; and uphold us with your free spirit. Be our Captain and our Rearward, as we put our trust in you only, and work not according to the ways of man or our own appointment.

Then will we teach transgressors your ways; and sinners shall be converted unto you. Then will we seek your people, O God, who have been cast aside and who have mingled in unbelief.

You desire not sacrifice, other than a broken spirit: you delight not in an offering other than a contrite heart.

Deliver us from our stumbling blocks, O Lord; from the pride of our hearts, and from all manner of lyings, and of deceits, and of mischiefs, and all manner of hypocrisies, and murders, and priestcrafts, and whoredoms, and of secret abominations. O God of our salvation, then our tongues shall sing aloud of your righteousness with the angels, as we declare your ways. O Lord, open our lips; and our mouths will sing forth your praise.

Bless our enemies and adversaries, O Lord. Bless those who have shamed us, who have lied to us and deceived us. Bless the mischievous, the hypocrites; even the murderers, and those who practice priestcraft and work in the dark with their secret combinations. Bless the whoremongers and the abusers of children. Send not your arm of judgment upon them, for we know not but that they will repent and be immersed in the name of Christ.

Show us how we can do good to our enemies. Let us invite all to our congregations and give a hand of fellowship to the unworthy, since we know that all fall short of the glory of God.  We come unto Christ and pray in His name, that we might be perfected in Him, and deny ourselves of all ungodliness. And we know if we will love you with all our might, mind and strength, that your grace is sufficient for us, and by your grace we may be perfect in Christ; therefore, we cannot deny the power of God.

Do good in your good pleasure unto Zion: build the walls of the New Jerusalem. Then will you be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, the whole offering of our hearts!

This is our prayer and we will cease not to pray in our hearts until we are washed clean, like the deluge of a spring day in the desert, and become pure vessels before you.

Amen.

A Heart to Heart

If by one simple act you could change the world for the better,
     would you do it?
Never mind the study and worthiness you think is required,
     do you dare to try?
If something seemingly small and insignificant could wash you clean
     like the deluge of a spring day in the desert,
     and then overfill your basket with the bounties of heaven
     would it cross your mind to investigate?
Or would you think it must be more complicated, and not even attempt an easy road?

Could a single person make a difference,
     give hope to the doubters
     and even cause the gods and angels to take notice?
If you gave heed and diligence to one principle
     would that be sufficient?
Would you spread the word if it worked?

Can one soul change the world... not just in a figurative sense,
     but quite literally?

Yes.
And that soul is you.

Now what are you waiting for?

The Dream

What happens to a dream deferred?

Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?

Or fester like a sore--
And then run?

Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
Like a syrupy sweet?

Maybe it just sags
Like a heavy load.

Or does it explode?


What happens to a dream engaged?

Does it take form
Like a rock washed from mud?

Or blossom
Like a flower from its bud?

Does it need permission to move?
Or let the motion carry
Like a needle in its groove?

I think they are now waiting to see
What type of dream it will be.

But that will depend on YOU (and me).

The True Order

At an altar, on a tower
Do these spots of prayer have power?
With a loved one? All alone?
In a cottage? On a throne?
What's the order? What is true?
- The answer is not where, but who!

- For your country, for your kin
- For fellowships... yes, all within!
- Pray for those who fill your heart
- Then perhaps you'll reach the start.

- But if you want to be a child
- Of God, your Father, meek and mild,
- You will bless the evil ones:
- Perdition's daughters and its sons.

- All the villains, all the foul,
- Those who cheat and those who prowl
- Enemies and cursing men
- Pray for them-- once and again!
- Like Daniel said, where e'er you stand
- Will then be holy, firm and grand!

The Mighty Prayer

I tell a story of doom and glory
The day they gave the prayer--
Some men were kneeling while the Damned were reeling
From how they acted there.

The Lord sent servants who were so fervent,
Their tongues were like a flame.
The first had power upon a tower
And Samuel was his name.

And then came others who taught their brothers
Of what would soon take place
When He had ended His work so splendid
To save the human race.

The Damned were fuming, their wrath consuming.
In anger did they shed
The blood of others. They fought their brothers,
And stoned them until dead.

Alas! Lamenting them not repenting,
The Damned, Earth's fury felt.
She burned the offending with fire, upending
The cities where they dwelt.

Not too long later a sermon greater
Than any other speech
Was then presented to those segmented
From the Damned's abusive reach.

The Lord directed the ones collected
Upon the temple grounds
To bless the vicious who were malicious
And to the earth brought down.

"You people hearing my word endearing
Are children of the few
Who saw the burning and water churning--
The prophets bold and true."

The angels guided the twelve provided
By Jesus (for the crowd)
To pray for healing and love. While kneeling
They said these words aloud:

"While they're abusers, we're not accusers.
Please bless the Damned and Shamed.
Oh Father hear us, come quickly near us!
We cry out in His name!"

The Father listened, their visage glistened
And Jesus voiced these words:
"You washed their spirit, I now revere it
And thank thee that thou heard."

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You Gentiles under a curse, you wonder
"How shall we gather there,
In Zion to flourish, our hearts to nourish?"

The answer's in a prayer.

The Blessing

Oh! that they could see it.
The chance before their feet-
To summon all us lost ones,
And at the curtain meet.

Will charity surround them?
Will water turn to wine?
Will we become their purpose?
Will they their hearts refine?

Or will again the drinking
And feasting on the gift
Produce some selfish drunkards,
The curse not keen to lift?

I wonder as we suffer,
Confounded in the dark,
Can such a people hear us
And on our path embark?

Oh Lord, do not forget us!
Please help them all to see
That if they want to find you
They'll show us charity!

We seek to hear the offering
With hands laid on a head-
That through the living vessel
Comes blessings for the dead!

The At-One-Ment

Many times I've tried to tell you
Many times I've cried alone
Always I'm surprised how well you
Cut my feelings to the bone

Don't wanna leave you really
I've invested too much time
To give you up that easy
To the doubts that complicate your mind

We belong to the light
We belong to the thunder
We belong to the sound of the words
We've both fallen under

Whatever we deny or embrace
For worse or for better
We belong, we belong
We belong together

Maybe it's a sign of weakness
When I don't know what to say
Maybe I just wouldn't know
What to do with my strength anyway

Have we become an idol?
Do we distort the facts?
Now, there's just looking forward
'Cause we're not turning back
When they say

We belong to the light
We belong to the thunder
We belong to the sound of the words
We've both fallen under

Whatever we deny or embrace
For worse or for better
We belong, we belong
We belong together

Close your eyes and try to sleep now
Close your eyes and try to dream
Clear your mind and do your best
To try and wash the palette clean

We can't begin to know it
How much they really care
I hear their voice inside me
I see His face everywhere
Still they say

We belong to the light
We belong to the thunder
We belong to the sound of the words
We've both fallen under

Whatever we deny or embrace
For worse or for better
We belong, we belong
We belong together

We belong to the light
We belong to the thunder
We belong to the sound of the words
We've both fallen under

Whatever we deny or embrace
For worse or for better
We belong, we belong
We belong together

We belong to the Light
We belong to the Thunder

The Coming Day

We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace. Alas! for the coming day is great, so that none is like it: now is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it. For it shall soon come to pass, saith the Lord of hosts, that I will break his yoke from off thy neck, and will burst thy bonds, and Gentiles shall no more serve themselves of His Spirit: But they shall serve the Lord their God.

Therefore fear thou not, O my servant Jacob, saith the Lord; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be in rest, and be quiet, and none shall make him afraid.

For I am with thee, saith the Lord, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure. For thus saith the Lord, Thy bruise is incurable, and thy wound is grievous.

There is none to plead thy cause, that thou mayest be bound up: thou hast no healing medicines. All thy lovers have forgotten thee; they seek thee not; for I have wounded thee with the wound of an enemy, with the chastisement of a cruel one, for the multitude of thine iniquity; because thy sins were increased.

Why criest thou for thine affliction? thy sorrow is incurable for the multitude of thine iniquity: because thy sins were increased, I have done these things unto thee.

But soon I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after.

Thus saith the Lord; Behold, I will have mercy on his dwellingplaces; and the city shall be builded upon her own heap, and the palace shall remain after the manner thereof.

And out of them shall proceed thanksgiving and the voice of them that make merry: and I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small. Their children also shall be as aforetime, and their congregation shall be established before me, and I will return on their own heads all that oppress them.

And their nobles shall be of themselves, and their governor shall proceed from the midst of them; and I will cause him to draw near, and he shall approach unto me: for who is this that engaged his heart to approach unto me? saith the Lord.

And ye shall be my people, and I will be your God. Behold, the whirlwind of the Lord soon goeth forth with fury, a continuing whirlwind.

The Mighty Eagle Feather

The Eagle is considered to be a messenger to God. It was given the honor of carrying the prayers of man between the World of Earth and the World of Spirit, where the Creator and grandfathers reside. To wear or hold an Eagle feather ♤ causes the Creator to take immediate notice. With the Eagle feather, the Creator is honored in the highest way.

Many dancers use Eagle feathers as part of their regalia, often dancing in circles. The Cherokee has an Eagle Dance. If for any reason an eagle feather is dropped, it needs to be cleansed.

The recipient of an Eagle feather must have shown acts of bravery or righteousness to be given such an honor.

The Part

What e'er thou art
Come from the heart.

For acting is a phony's game
And does not baptize in His name.

The Phoenix

Into living water stepped,
Commandment of the Lord you kept.
Dove descended to reside,
Faithful child is justified.
By his blood you truly pray:
"Sanctify my soul today!"


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Therefore it is given to abide in you; the record of heaven; the Comforter; the peaceable things of immortal glory; the truth of all things; that which quickeneth all things, which maketh alive all things; that which knoweth all things, and hath all power according to wisdom, mercy, truth, justice, and judgment. And now, behold, I say unto you: This is the plan of salvation unto all men, through the blood of the Only Begotten.

And it is given unto you to know good from evil; wherefore you are agents unto yourselves, and I have given unto you a new commandment, that ye love one another as I have loved you. By this shall all men know ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another, and if ye treat all men as your brother. 

Call unto the Lord in mighty prayer, that your garments may become spotless through the blood of the Lamb!

The Angels

We, unaccustomed to courage
exiles from delight
live coiled in shells of loneliness
until love leaves its high holy temple
and comes into our sight
to liberate us into life.

Love arrives
and in its train come ecstasies
old memories of pleasure
ancient histories of pain.
Yet if we are bold,
love strikes away the chains of fear
from our souls.

But even the angels who touch our hearts
cannot find this mystery.
They are subject unto Him
to minister according to His command--
every word.
And by setting up stakes
miss the mark of freedom.

It is time to be weaned from your timidity
In the flush of love's light.
Dare be brave!
And suddenly you will see
that love costs all you are
and will ever be.
Yet it is only love
which sets you free.

Look to the ancients
and remember their pain.
Cite your minds forward
to the time of ecstasies.
Be bold, and bless all
who travel on your road.
Then will cords of bondage fall.

And not only for you.

The Psalms: 13

Psalm 13

I waited patiently for the Lord; and he listened to me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, out of the filthy water and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps.

And he has put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God; even His doctrine: many shall see it, and do good to their enemies, and shall trust in the Lord.

Blessed is that man who makes the Lord his trust, and walks a mile with the proud, and agrees with his adversary while he is in the way with them.

Many, O Lord my God, are your wonderful works which you have done, and your thoughts which are toward us: they cannot be counted to you in order: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.

Sacrifice and offering you did not desire; my ears you have opened: burnt offering and sin offering you have not required.

You once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for you shall you appear the second time without sin unto salvation. For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

Then you said, "Behold, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me."

I delight to do your will, O my God: and your law is within my heart. I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: indeed, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, you yourself know this is true.

I have not hid your righteousness within my heart; I have declared your faithfulness and your salvation: I have not concealed your loving kindness and your truth from the great congregation.

Do not withhold your tender mercies from us, O Lord: let your loving kindness and your truth preserve us from the desolation.

For many follies and abominations have surrounded us: our iniquities have taken hold upon them, so that they are not able to look up; therefore their hearts fail them. But I will not deny your power. I know your grace is sufficient, so I will look up and cry:

Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver us: O Lord, quickly help us.

Let them be blessed that seek after my soul to destroy it. Let them not be desolate for a reward of their shame that say to me, "Indicate with an oath!"

Let all those that seek you rejoice and be glad in your doctrine: let such as love your salvation be immersed in your name and say continually, "The Lord be magnified. Let there be good fruit."

I am poor and needy and only a fool; yet the Lord thinks upon me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God.

The Fathers

Faith of my Fathers! living still
In spite of dungeon, fire, and sword:
Oh, how my heart beats high with joy
Whene'er I hear His glorious Word.
Faith of my Fathers! Holy Faith!
I will be true with ev'ry breath.

Faith of my Father! Abraham,
Sought for the blessings of his kin.
The Holy Order, severed twain
Will be restored to man again!
Faith of my Father! Greater light--
Convince the nations of His might!

Faith of my Father! Jacob's son,
Egypt's deliverer, Pharaoh's hand.
Fruit of thy loins, a righteous branch
Calling us to the Promised Land.
Faith of my Father! Dreamer true!
I will believe my visions too!

Faith of my Father! played the lyre,
And with the psalt'ry sung the hymn.
A promise giv’n through Nathan bids,
"Build me a house to dwell within."
Faith of my Father! David, King!
Praises and thanks to God I sing!

Faith of my Father! Ancient Days!

Founder of Patriarchs and men.

One with my Mother, they will sing

To all mankind the Plan again!

Faith of my Father! Saw the Tree!

As I am able, let me see!

Faith of my Fathers! Pioneers!
Shall be released and fly to Heav'n:
How sweet would be their children's fate,
If they would search the promise giv'n!
Faith of our Fathers! Holy Faith!
We will deliver thee from death.

Faith of my Father! Gone too soon!

Leaving me as a child confused.
Thy absence taught this student blind
To look to Heav'n and questions muse!
Faith of my Father! Came to me!
A teacher marvelous are ye!

Faith of our Fathers! I will bless
Both friend and foe in all my strife:
This is the strait and priestly way
To gain a free and endless life!
Faith of our Fathers! Love confess!
Let us go forth in righteousness!

Faith of my Father! Holy One!
Showed us the way by blood He shed.
Succoring all, that He might know,
Christ holds the key for quick and dead.
Faith of my Father! Sin eschew!
I will do all I see thee do!

The Burden of the Lord

I had a dream, and I told that dream.
I received his word, and I spoke the word faithfully.
Yet, I may be chaff and not wheat
Because I condoned their error.

I may be utterly forgotten and forsaken
Because I agreed with the lie.
There might be an everlasting reproach upon me,
And a perpetual shame upon my name.

Lord, help me! I must walk with them
Despite the burdens they have spoken
And placed upon themselves,
And now upon me.

Wilt Thou burn one grain of wheat
With a whole field of chaff?
Be as it may, I have set my face like flint,
And I will not be ashamed for following Thee.

     My son, thou hast taken on thee my yoke
     Yea, thou hast learned of me and my ways.
     And thou beholdest that my burden is light
     Thou hast found rest unto thy soul, and hast been sanctified.

     Therefore, go thy way in peace.

Lord, the fruit is most sweet, above all that I ever tasted.
It is white, to exceed the whiteness that I have ever seen.
As I partake, it fills my soul with exceedingly great joy;
Wherefore, I am desirous that all who are ready should partake also.

The Worms of Jacob

After considerable pain and nausea (and low spirits),  I finally got to sleep last night. I dreamt that I was with my family in a building next to a river. I walked out to the river bank and saw the strangest thing coming at me. It was a very large mound of dirt "floating" on the water like an iceberg. As it approached, I realized that it was much bigger than I originally thought, and it was quickly advancing. I told everyone to run back into the building. Just as we did, the mound came crashing into the structure. I got up to make sure my family was okay, and after I found them, we decided to flee the area, because the structure we were inside was no longer stable and I knew it would come falling down any minute. As we departed, I turned around and noticed that the dirt extended to the other side of the river, so that one could freely cross from the other side if they wanted to.

The Sabbath

Sweet is the work, my God, my King,
To praise thy name, give thanks and sing,
More than the symbols give delight:
I live thy word by day and night.

While gleaning grain the Lord was caught
And then this higher law He taught:
"To glorify your Lord in heav'n
The Sabbath Day to men was giv'n."

That we might enter to thy rest
A denotation is expressed.
Thy royal jewels will soon be crowned
As David's children. Cry the sound!

In me thy Spirit shall reside
If I am cleansed and sanctified.
From the foundation of the world,
Thy Holy Order is unfurled!

And now my brethren, hear my plea:
Bring ye fruit from Repentance Tree!
Blood of the Lamb will make thee whole--
An ordination of the soul.

The law is dead! Shake off your dust!
Take on His name, in God give trust.
No more a single day is due,
The Sabbath ever lives in You!

The Psalms: 12

Psalm Twelve

I heard a voice, which said,

Deceivers make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but their inward part is full of ravening and wickedness. But did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also?

But rather give alms of such things as ye have--all your heart, might, mind and strength; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.

I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteems anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.

But if your brother is grieved and exacts over your meat, do not walk uncharitably or destroy him with your meat, for whom Christ died. Do not let  then your good be evil spoken of: for the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

For he that in these things serves Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. For meat need not destroy the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who exacts over much and eats with offence.

Beware of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: let us not give in to them for a moment, that the Gospel might be preserved in us.

For, brethren, you have been called unto liberty; only do not use liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: Love your neighbor as yourself.

But if you bite and devour one another, you may then be consumed by one another. This I say then: walk in the Spirit -- in the name of Christ -- and then you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh, but rather you will look on sin with abhorrence and be sanctified, made pure and enter into the rest of the Lord your God.

Remember He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to us -- the Gentiles -- through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit and not the curse of the law.

The Bells of Ghent

If those we love were lost
The dusty voice would tell us --
If those we love were found
The Western lights would shine --

While those we love repose
The Muses do impel us.
And soon we'll see fruition--
The branches will combine

The Psalms: 11

Psalm Eleven

My beloved brethren, give ear to my words. Remember the greatness of the Holy One of Israel. Come unto the Lord, the Holy One. Remember that His paths are righteous. Behold, the way for man is narrow, but it lies in a straight course before him, and the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employs no servant there; and there is none other way save it be by the gate; for he cannot be deceived, for the Lord God is his name.

O, my beloved brethren, remember my words. Behold, I put on your garments, and I walk with you; I pray the God of my salvation that He view me with His all-searching eye; wherefore, you will know at the last day, when all men shall be judged of their works, that the God of Israel did witness that I took your iniquities upon my soul, and that I stand with you before Him, and I plead for mercy for us.

O, my beloved brethren, let us turn away from our sins; let us shake off the chains of him that would bind us fast; come unto that God who is the rock of our salvation.

O the greatness and the justice of our God! For he executes all His words, and they have gone forth out of His mouth, and His law must be fulfilled. But behold, the righteous, the saints of the Holy One of Israel, they who have endured the crosses of the world and walked a mile with their brethren, and despised the shame of it, they shall inherit the kingdom of God, which was prepared for them from the foundation of the world. They shall be free and their joy shall be full forever.

Come, my brethren, everyone who thirsts come to the waters; and he who has no money, come and eat; yes, come receive wine and milk without money and without price. Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perishes not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness and abundance, that we may have charity for the House of Israel.

The First Fruits

I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o’er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A patch, of berries quite concealed;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Shifting and dancing in the breeze.

Their luminous skins of silk did shine
And from their petals stretched away,
They spanned in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
A hundred thousand jewels I saw,
Enough to fill this man with awe.

I looked again and eyed some more
Delicious-looking orbs of fruit
Forty thousand, another four
That took their goodness from the root.
I gazed and gazed and then I thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:

'Cause oft, when resting for a while
This question to myself I'd ask,
Where are ones who don't speak guile
And do they recognize their task?
And then my heart pervades complete,
As I recall the berries sweet.

And now the power in their hands

Resides with faith and mercy shown

To bless and help their fellow man

With love to bring them to His throne.

His light will shine profound and swift

If they will wield their curious gift.

The Fast

Why do we fast and you not see?
Our afflictions come at least monthly.
No food or drink (for half a day)!
Is this not the required way?

When did I publish the decree,
To wear a sackcloth painfully?
Or in the bulrush bow your head
While wanting for some wine and bread?

Behold the fast to be endured:
To break the yoke of those immured
And bring the poor from your house cast
While loosing bands. This is my fast.

The light shall break forth in the day
That you employ the higher Way.
And paths repaired will bare the feet
Of prisoners freed and souls complete. 

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Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

The Encounter

a total stranger one black day
knocked the living hell out of me

who found forgiveness hard because
my (as it happened) self he was

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an enemy came in my view

i asked, "what shall i do to you"

"forgive" she said, "ourself and then

believe in Love restored again"  

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once upon a glorious time
an adversary crossed my line---

with probing eyes he canvassed me:
"you gave no fight, so go, you're free"

The Psalms: 10

Psalm 10

O Lord, attend unto my cry, give ear to my prayer, which is spoken not out of feigned lips.

You have helped me prove your words; you have visited me in the night; you have helped me try you, that I may gain knowledge and understanding.

Concerning the works of men, by the word of your lips I have been kept from the paths of the destroyer. By the pouring of your Spirt from your vessels I have approached the beautiful tree, and you have held up my goings in your paths, that my footsteps slip not; and that I will not again stray.

I have heard your doctrine, and am observant not to place a curse on myself by my own words.

Show thy marvelous kindness and tender mercy to those who put their trust in you. O save them by your right hand from those that rise up against them.

Forgive those who know not what they do, and have mercy on my adversary.

The Psalms: 9

Psalm Nine

Lord, who shall abide in your tabernacle? Who shall dwell in your holy mountain?

He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart.

He who does not bite with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbor, nor takes up blame and warning against his neighbor. In whose eyes a vile person is not scorned, condemned and cast out.

But he honors them who have charity and hear the doctrine of Christ.

The Gospel of the Kingdom is being sung in all the world, for a witness unto all nations. I will not call the East Wind to descend. I will not shake that house or beat upon it. I will pray in the closet for these, my brethren, and if the floods come, I will descend with them. But he that remains steadfast in the doctrine of Christ and is not overcome, the same shall be saved.

Whoso reads, let him understand.

The Right Hand - Updated

I heard a Voice who said,

It is well that you desire to follow me and walk and agree with your brethren, even to your own bondage and suffering. But it is not required for you to pledge your fealty with an oath-like gesture to men and their priorities if those things do not align with my doctrine. Therefore, go. The way is prepared for you, and salvation is free. Walk with them or whomever you choose, but do not surrender your agency to those who aspire to priestly seats and worldly power. 

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I have repented of my oath, as can be done.
Now with the Wandering I will be one.

The Right Hand

“I’ll raise my hand and make the sign!”

“By doing so, you cross the line.
Your branch is wild, I am not fooled.
It must be cut, it will be pulled.”

“Dear Lord I forthwith understand
The meaning of the word ‘command.’
In Bountiful you sang the tone
Of how Thy house is built on stone.”

“I’m following the men in white!”

“Why do you seek to shun the light?
The curses spoke by prophets blind
Will be restored to all their kind.”

“I hope that others come along
Who play the lyre and sing the song.
My family name was blest, not marred.
When I agreed, we were not barred."

“I cast the vote and set my stance!”

“That was it: your final chance.
Swiftly comes the whirling wind:
‘Upon my house it shall begin.’”

My Spirit will not always strive
To keep men’s hopes and dreams alive.
And when it ceases, wo is heard!
For progress stops without the Word

“The battles are not mine to fight
YOU’ll change the darkness into light.
My heav’n-ward cries, they were not muted
My heritage was not polluted!”

“For I was wary to oppose
The ones who sell their priestly clothes.
You said to bless them, not to curse.
I’ll follow Thee, for best or worst.”

         "A time shall come when Mother Earth
         Shall undergo the pangs of birth.
         Lord, hurt her not, till we can find
         The priestly to thy word aligned!"
         

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I have offended against the generation of thy children.
When I think to know this, it is too painful for me;
Surely thou didst set me in slippery places to try my faith: now thou castest me down into destruction.

How am I brought into desolation, as in a moment!
I am utterly consumed with terrors!
As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou hast despised my image.

Thus my heart is grieved, and I am pricked in my reins.
So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.
My flesh and my heart faileth; for, lo, thou hast seen my whoring, and I am far from thee.


      "I say of the Lord: He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
      Surely he shall deliver me from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
      He shall cover me with his feathers and wings: his truth shall be my shield and buckler." 

      "I shall not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; 
      Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; 
      Nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday."

      "A thousand of my brothers have fallen at my side, and ten thousand fathers at my feet; 
      But it shall not come nigh to me. Only with my eyes shalt I behold and see the coming reward.
      Because I have made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, my habitation."

The Interruption

I dreamt my brother approached me, not asking or doing anything out of the ordinary. But I suspected him. I was paranoid that he wanted something of mine and fearful that he would cause harm. I started voicing my concern abroad and telling everyone that they should be very wary of my brother, accusing him of ill true motives. With everything he said to me, I believed him less and less until I told him that we were no longer kin. “Get out and don’t come back!” was my tone. “I don’t want you to harm me or my family. I need to protect them, so go away.”

I awoke from the dream very confused. I don’t feel like that at all about my brothers, sisters and family, or really anyone. I asked the Lord, "Why would those emotions come to me in that manner?"

Then I heard a voice in my mind, “This is how it feels to be void of the Spirit. You needed to know.”

A couple of days later, I received more enlightenment through the voice of an angel: "Are we not all brothers?"

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I have changed the tune I am singing, even if it is slightly. For if payment ever comes due, without adjustments I may find myself lacking.

The Psalms: 8

Psalm Eight

The Lord will look down from heaven upon the children of Zion, to see if there are any who understand, and seek God.

I will bless my enemy.

I will receive Her gifts.

Thus says the Lord: "I will show unto this people that I had other sheep, and that they were a branch of the house of Jacob; and I will bring to light their marvelous works, which they did in my name.

"And I will also bring to light my gospel which was ministered unto them, and, behold, they shall not deny that which the Gentiles have received, but they shall build it up, and shall bring to light the true points of my doctrine--the only doctrine which is in me."

Oh that the salvation of Israel were come out of the children of Zion! But when the Lord brings back the captivity of his people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad; for they will inherit the Gentiles.

I will agree quickly while I am in the way with them.

The Psalms: 7

Psalm Seven

Why have you stood afar off, o Lord? Why have you hidden yourself in times of trouble?

Take courage, my friends. The Lord has heard the desire of the humble. He will prepare their heart and cause their ears to hear.

He will cause their guilt to be swept away, if they but believe that His grace is sufficient for them. For God cannot lie.

And if you say, "I am weak, I am nothing," remember that God has called you good. And remember that it is by the weak things of the earth that the Lord will thresh the nations by the power of His Spirit. For God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise and the things which are mighty.

Wherefore, He calls upon the weak things of the world, those who are unlearned and despised, to thresh the nations by the power of His Spirit; and their arm shall be His arm, and He will be their shield and their buckler; and He will gird up their loins; and He will preserve them.

And the poor and the meek shall have the gospel preached unto them, and they shall be looking forth for the time of His coming.

And it is nigh at hand.

The Psalms: 6

Psalm Six

What is it to praise the Lord with my whole heart? How do I show forth all His marvelous works? What does it mean to take on His name, and to be immersed in His love? How can I be glad and rejoice in Him? How should I sing praises to the name of the most High?

It would be well to look past the performances of these things--beyond the rituals, the traditions, the forms and the carnal commandments--which is the lesser priesthood.

But the greater priesthood administers the gospel and holds the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God. And in the ordinances thereof is the power of godliness manifest.

How are the ordinances manifested to men?

I would cite your minds forward to the time when the Lord God gave these commandments unto His children; and I would like you to remember that the Lord God ordained priests, after His holy order, which was after the order of his Son, to teach these things unto the people. And those priests were ordained after the order of His Son, in a manner that thereby the people might know how to look forward to His Son for redemption.

Now these ordinances were given after this manner, that thereby the people might look forward on the Son of God, it being a type of his order, or it being His order or His high priesthood, and this that they might look forward to Him for a remission of their sins, that they might enter into the rest of the Lord.

And the mysteries of God are given to many; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that the priests should not impart, only according to the portion of His word which they give heed and diligence; that their experience may bear testimony of Him.

And by so doing, the Lord God prepares the way that the residue of men may have exceeding faith in Christ, that the Holy Ghost may have place in their hearts, according to the power thereof; that they may believe in Christ unto repentance and unto the remission of their sins, that they may be free of guilt and work righteousness rather than to perish. And after this manner the Father brings to pass the covenants which He has made unto the children of men.

And the voice of the Lord, by the mouth of angels, declares it unto all nations; that they may have glad tidings of great joy. And He sounds these glad tidings among all His people through His vessels, even to the Gentiles and all who are scattered abroad upon the face of the earth. And the good tidings have come unto us. I pray:

Have mercy upon us, O Lord; consider our trouble which we suffer of them that hate you. 

But I know that you lift me up from the gates of death: That I may show forth all your praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in your salvation.

The Gentiles of the Great and Abominable Church are sunk down in the pit that they made: in the net which they hid is their own foot taken. The wicked are snared in the work of their own hands.

And they are as a wild flock which flees from the shepherd, and scatters, and are driven, and are devoured by the beasts of the forest; or as a people who run from the molten fire, and are trampled upon by their own feet.

Bless them, O Lord, that they will not shake excessively when they wake from their slumber and they may yet produce fruit meet for your kingdom. 

The Psalms: 5

Psalm Five

I say a word to my friends:

There is a law given to the Ancients, and the apostles and prophets, wherein we may be granted repentance. And this was prepared from the foundation of the world and given to Adam, although it did not recognize it at the time.

According to this law of restoration, we are returned to the master we claim through our works and our desires. If we are merciful, Mercy will claim us. And mercy comes about because of belief in the atonement of Christ. Thus, none but the truly penitent are saved.

And mercy is patient, and is loving, and is not malicious or proud; she does not boast and seeks for the welfare of others over herself; she is not provoked easily and assumes the best in others. She rejoices in the truth, even if it shakes her to the core. With faith she bears her afflictions and believes they are for her understanding. She hopes for a better world and endures until the promises of God are fulfilled.

But justice is exacting. He expects retribution for offense, which can only come through the economy of payment. He does not recognize Mercy and will point a finger at the sinners and the law-breakers. 

And he will exercise all his demands; and those who follow him will dig a great pit for others. It will be their own prison.

A man cannot serve both Mercy and Justice. But based on their fruits, the true master will make them theirs.

And Justice has no claim on Mercy, according to the Law of Restoration and because of Jesus Christ; therefore, it is not possible that Mercy can rob Justice. She cannot be acted upon, for she is free forever, according to her desire to do good.

My friends, be not harrowed up by your sins, but seek the mercy of Christ; and you will behold His marvelous light. Believe Christ, believe that His grace is sufficient if you claim Mercy by your actions. And your limbs will receive strength, and you will desire to sing praises to your God and to bring others to taste of the joy and fruit of the Lord.

And He has taken upon Him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people. And He has taken upon Him your infirmities, that His bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that He may know according to the flesh how to succor His people according to their infirmities.

He sends an invitation to you and unto all men, and the arms of mercy are extended towards you. I pray, therefore, that you will receive Him, and witness it by your change of heart and following of His doctrine; that you may enter into His rest.

Love your enemies. Bless them that curse you. Do good to them that hate you. Pray for them who spitefully use you and persecute you. That ye may be the children of your Father who is in heaven; for He exacts over nothing and makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good alike. 

The Psalms: 4

Psalm Four

Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my pondering thoughts.
Hearken unto the voice of my cry, and reason with me as with men in days of old, even with your strong reasoning.

I direct my prayer unto you, and look up and say:

I know that you are a God that has no pleasure in wickedness: and that evil will not dwell with you.
The foolish will not stand in your sight.
It has been said that you hate all workers of iniquity.
And that you will destroy the liars, that you detest the violent and deceitful man.

But where is the standard of mercy in the proclamation of destruction?
Where is the white fruit in the fear of the Lord?

You gave a law to your servant Nephi,
And to my fathers Joseph, and Jacob, and Isaac, and Abraham
And to all your ancient prophets and apostles.
You said that if they reward to their enemies according to their works, they are justified.
But if they spare their enemies, they will be rewarded for their righteousness
Unto the third and fourth generation.

Nephi knew this,
Yet he slew Laban.
And the stolen sword became the standard to settle all disputes between the people of Nephi and his brethren.

Did Ammon know this law?
For his people spared their brethren and their enemies.
And the Lord did grant their children His presence
And peace unto the third and fourth generation.

As for me, I will come into your house in the multitude of your mercy.
I will seek the standard of the law given to the Ancients.
And while there is no faithfulness in the mouth of the wicked,
I will not seek their destruction, but will only ask for mercy and blessings on their heads.

They may fall by their own counsel and be cast out in the multitude of their transgressions for their rebellion,
For that is the standard of justice.
But I plead that you will be merciful and show them the Light, as you have been merciful to me.

Your mercy has saved me from a bitter hell, because you have shown me my weakness.
I will be joyful in your name and in your law.

The Cave 

The Forgotten Ones

If I point them out
With all of my heart
Will you Mark the words
And then play your part?

_______________________________________________

The Prayer of the Captive

The People
Help, Lord! Wilt Thou quite destroy us!
The harvest now is over, the summer days are gone, and yet no power cometh to help us! Will then the Lord be no more God in Zion?
The deeps afford no water! And the rivers are exhausted! The suckling's tongue now cleaveth for thirst to his mouth! The infant children ask for bread! And there is no one breaketh it to feed them.
Lord, bow Thine ear to our prayer.

The Lord
Verily I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted
Yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks.
Waiting patiently on the Lord, for your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, and are recorded with this seal and testament—
The Lord hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted.

The People
Yet doth the Lord see us not, thou mocketh at us; thy curse hath fallen down upon us, thy wrath will pursue us till thou destroy us.
For thou, o Lord our God, thou art a jealous God, and thou visiteth all our follies and abominations on the children to the third and the fourth generation of them that hate thee.
But thy mercies on thousands fall, on all them that love thee and keep thy commandments.

The Lord
If the children shall repent, or the children’s children, and turn to the Lord their God, with all their hearts and with all their might, mind, and strength, and restore four-fold for all their trespasses wherewith they have trespassed, or wherewith their fathers have trespassed, or their fathers’ fathers, then my indignation shall be turned away.
And vengeance shall no more come upon thee, saith the Lord thy God, and thy trespasses shall never be brought any more as a testimony before the Lord against thee.

The People
Thou hast given us a commission to find thy people. We are broken-hearted!
Open the prison to us who are bound.
Yea, open the heavens and send us relief.
Help, help thy servants now, o God!
Be not silent to us! And thy great mercies remember, Lord.

The Lord
Peace be unto you. All my words shall be fulfilled.
Ye need not say that the Lord delays his coming unto the children of Israel.
And ye need not imagine in your hearts that the words which have been spoken are vain, for behold, I the Lord will remember my covenant which I hath made unto my people of the house of Israel.
Ye need not any longer spurn at the doings of the Lord, for the sword of my justice is in my right hand;
And behold, if thy children shall spurn at my doings I will cause that it shall soon overtake them.
Wo unto him that spurneth at the doings of the Lord; yea, wo unto him that shall deny me and my works!
Wo unto him who denieth my doctrine; yeah, who denieth my children access to the gate.
For the keeper of the gate is your Lord; and I employeth no servant there; and there is none other way save it be by the gate; for I cannot be deceived, for the Lord God is my name.

Notwithstanding the pains of my soul, I have seen it; wherefore, I know that it shall come to pass; and thy children sell themselves for naught; for, for the reward of their pride and their foolishness they shall reap destruction; for because they yield unto the devil and choose works of darkness rather than light, therefore they must go down to hell.
For the Spirit of the Lord will not always strive with man. And when the Spirit ceaseth to strive with man then cometh speedy destruction, and this grieveth my soul.
And the cry has gone forth: Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch not that which is unclean; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord.
And upon my house shall it begin, and from my house shall it go forth, saith the Lord;
First among those among thy children, saith the Lord, who have professed to know my name and have not known me, and have blasphemed against me in the midst of my house, saith the Lord.

For is written, thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths; But verily, verily, I said unto you, swear not at all; neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; Nor by the earth, for it is his footstool;
And cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm. Cursed shall be he who makes the sign and receives a mark in their right hand, for they shall be bound together as one. For if they do willfully reject my doctrine, then is the hour of their judgment nigh, and their house shall be left unto them desolate.

Thou knowest that the love which I have for the children of men is charity; wherefore, except men shall have charity they cannot inherit that place which I have prepared in the mansions of thy Father.
And I know that thou hast hated me, and not had charity for the House of Israel; therefore, I have proven thee, and taken away thy talent, yea, even that which thou hast received, and given unto them who have more abundantly. And I have shown thy children thy weakness, that they may be humble. And my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

And blessed are thy children who repent, because of their belief in me, in and of the Holy Ghost, which witnesses unto them of me and of the Father. For my people shall never be ashamed. And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon the believing of thy children, and all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.

And thou shalt be re-deemed, and become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for thyself and not be acted upon.

The People
Thanks be to God! He quencheth the thirsty land. The waters gather, they rush along, they are lifting their voices, and we shall lift ours. The stormy billows are high, their fury is mighty. But the Lord is above them and almighty.

We shall come up, upon the many waters out of captivity. And we shall be anxiously engaged in the cause of restoring Israel and doing the the will of the Lord! We shall do many things of our own free will and bring to pass much righteousness!

Lord, our Creator, how excellent thy Name is in all the nations! Thou fillest heaven with thy glory, and thou granteth thy decree to thy friends. Thou comfortest our hearts! Let us fear not! Let us give thanks in everything and rejoice evermore!

The Psalms: 3

Psalm Three

You heard me when we called, O God of my righteousness. You have enlarged our souls and enlightened our understanding. You made the fruit delicious to us and turned all sin into an abhorrence.

You turned our distress into a testimony, and our pain into a type, that they might look forward on the Son of God; that they might have a brightness of hope, and enter into the rest of the Lord.

O you sons of men, why will you not believe when I say, “O God, you have turned away your judgments because of your Son”? How can you read the scriptures and disbelieve on the Son of God? How can you not understand Her mercies which She has bestowed upon you because of Her Son? Why will you not accept her bounteous gifts?

The Lord will hear when we call unto Him for the sake of our people. His promises are immutable and will be fulfilled. Yet, O you Gentiles, we will walk with you, and we will bless you.

Let us offer up an open heart and a receiving spirit, and put our trust in the Lord.

He has poured gladness in our hearts with His Spirit. We know and bear record that He has visited with the manifestations of His Spirit, for it persuades men to do good. We have confidence when we hear Her say, "I love you."

The Psalms: 2

Psalm Two

I have set my King upon Zion's everlasting hills; and I will declare the decree, "The Lord has said to me, 'You are my son; this day I have begotten you.

'Ask of me, and I shall give you the Gentiles for your inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession. Your people shall make the desolate cities to be inhabited.

'Do not fear, for you should not be ashamed; neither should you be confounded, for you will not be put to shame. For you, O Israel, will forget the shame and reproach of your youth; you will not remember the shame of your widowhood any more.

'You will break forth with a rod of iron, on the right hand and on the left; you will dash to pieces like a potter’s vessel crumbles; you will be as a lion among beasts of the forest who will tread down and tear into pieces, and none can deliver.'"

Therefore, you Gentile kings be wise; you priests be instructed. Remember your afflictions and be comforted. Fear only the punishment that comes of your own tongue and the bondage that comes at your own hands. Come unto Christ and lay hold upon every good gift, and touch not the evil gift, nor the unclean thing.

Go forth with all your might and cease not in your diligence, for blessed are all they that put their trust in Him; for the Lord works with his power in all cases among the children of men, extending the arm of mercy towards those who believe on his name.

The Psalms: 1

Psalm One

Happy and free is the person that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of fellowship with “sinners,” and sits not in the seat of the scornful and the Accuser;

Yet, when compelled, they will walk a mile with those who ask; they will pray for their enemies; and they will agree while they are in the way with their adversaries.

Their delight is in the new law of the Lord; and in His way do they pray always, and immerse themselves in meditation day and night.

And they shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, whose fruit is desirable to make one happy. They shall bring forth their white and delicious fruit in season; their leaves also shall not wither; and all things they do shall prosper.

They are free forever, for they act and are not acted upon. The works of the Father are shown forth in their exceeding faith and good works. And they are called with a holy calling, and prepared with a preparatory redemption.

For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, and His sheep hear His voice, which has been poured out to all that they may be proven and show forth their works.

Let us not scorn or dismiss our brethren, be they righteous or ungodly. If we do so, our faith and hope is vain, for none is acceptable before God, save the meek and lowly in heart; and if a man be meek and lowly in heart, and confesses by the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ, he must have charity; for if he has not charity he is nothing.

And charity suffers long, and is kind, and envies not, and is not puffed up, seeks not her own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil, and rejoices not in iniquity but rejoices in the truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.

The Garden

There is another sky,
Ever serene and fair,
And there is another sunshine,
Though it be darkness here;
Never mind dots for counting,
Never mind fresh men scared -
Here is a little forest,
Whose leaf is ever green;
Here is a brighter garden,
Where not a frost has been;
In its unfading flowers
I hear the bright bee hum:
Prithee, my people,
Into my garden come!

The Will of God

“How is it I shall do thy will?
It’s all a guessing game!”
“I now behold my will and thine
Are merging as the same.”

“I will submit to anything
Of me you shall desire!”
“An open heart and patience, child,
Are all that I require.”

“I’ll bend my knee obediently,
Please tell me what to do!”
“I’ll give you signs and open doors.
The rest is up to you.”

“Who AM I, Lord? What is my role?
That’s all I want to see!”
“The hope you have in ignorance
Is what shall make them free.”

The Millennials

FROM A MUSE
I watch the ripples change their size
But never leave the stream
Of warm impermanence and
So the days float through my eyes
But still the days seem the same.

FROM A SERVANT
I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of you.
If the casting away of Israel be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?

For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.
And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;
Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.
Be not highminded and lofty, but fear: For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.

Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again.

For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?

For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in,
Which even now is at the doorstep.

Be not lofty branches, lest you are blinded at the coming desolation.

FROM A MUSE
These children that we spit on
As they try to change their worlds
Are immune to our consultations
They're quite aware of what they're going through

FROM A SERVANT
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counselor?

Yet, the Children of God sing
And the children who have more abundantly hear and have charity for their fathers
And weep for Zion.
Their fruit is glowing white!

Lord, spare the vineyard a little longer.
I know you are desirous to trim the branches of the tree
And pluck the wild fruit which is ripened to cast into the fire
Lest the good branches perish.
If I perish with the wild fruit, Lord have mercy.

Until then, let us labor with all our might
To nourish the good fruit
And graft in the natural branches.
That the root and top of the tree may be equal
According to the strength thereof.

That we may preserve the good fruit
And have joy in the in its sweetness.
For this is according to the oath and covenant which belongs to our priesthood,
Which cannot be moved or broken.

We shall bring forth fruit meet for the Father’s Kingdom
And do many wonderful works,
And cast out the devils in His name,
And open the eyes of the blind and the ears of the deaf,
And allow the dumb to speak.

And when the rain descends
And the floods come
And the winds blow
And beat upon our house
It shall fall not, for it was founded upon the Rock.

The Second Time

The sign is here: ◘ ◘ ◘   Let us hope and believe in His name.



The Port and the Wood Raft