On the Journey

Why Integrity?

debraradaker — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 18:53:06 +0000

Walk with integrity

Hold your head up for the world to see:

Didn’t He die so that you might

Live out your beliefs?

Walk with integrity

Don’t doubt what’s inside

But stay close in heart to Him,

Confident He will provide.

Walk with integrity

No matter the job you do

It isn’t a matter of who does what -

But what He does through you.

Walk with integrity

See beyond skin and bones -

Aren’t we in the business

Of leading hearts Home?

Walk with integrity

It is not prideful, that -

Just walk in the gifts He’s given,

Follow this solitary map.

Walk with integrity

Not quaking in fear of man

But holding out every gift

God has given in your hand.

Walk with integrity

Because there are souls in dire need

People desperate for the Savior,

The One Who Has Freed.

To Know You

debraradaker — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 02:05:23 +0000

Do I really know You

Or just some fantasy of mine,

Some creation mixed and muddled

In the bowels of my mind?

Do I really know You

What You’re all about?

Or am I still not dealing

With my little doubts?

Do I really know You

O Creator King?

Do I know the fullness of joy,

The salvation that You bring?

Do I really know You

Or just think that I do?

Am I going about with

An accurate view?

Do I really know You

How You work and move?

Or am I still waiting as if

You’ve more to prove?

Do I really know You
The way You want me to?

Am I getting nearer and nearer

To the Truth?

Do I really know You,

The Author of My Soul?

Write Your story on my heart

Display it as a scroll.

NCCS 2011-2012 Verse

debraradaker — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 01:29:31 +0000

I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. 1 Chronicles 29:17

Lord, look into my heart

See what is there

Beyond the pretense,

The exterior’s glare.

Lord, look into my heart

Try me today;

It takes testing

To mold this clay.

Lord, look into my heart

As I face up to this:

Your continual scrutiny

Will keep me fit.

Lord, look into my heart

Check what is within;

Is it a clean slate

Or unconfessed sin?

Lord, look into my heart

Is it integrity You see?

Or am I still out

To simply please me?

Lord, look into my heart

I’ll wait patiently while You do

Make me Your authentic

Product of Truth.

Towards Integrity

debraradaker — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 01:20:02 +0000

integrity: 1)firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : incorruptibility 2): an unimpaired condition : soundness 3): the quality or state of being complete or undivided :completeness (merriam-webster.com)

Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die.” Job 2:9

Sometimes things don’t go my way in life. I look over to see others moving on to what at least seems like bigger and better things, while I seem to remain stagnant. Feeling sorry for myself, I get angry with God that “I can’t seem to win” at anything in life.

This type of thinking sends me into a vicious cycle of defeat, a cycle in which I indeed lose integrity. Rendered useless as a Christian, I’m unavailable to serve others as gifted. At the thought of my ineptitude I plunge further into defeat, losing even self-integrity, in effect degraded (to my own mind) by unseen forces. My focus is set on misery.

Praise God that He doesn’t leave me this way, that He teaches me through experience. That He gives retests, other opportunities to show that I am learning, growing, and paying attention. That sanctification is not an end but a process.

Maybe the next time a certain scenario doesn’t go my way, I will set my focus on God as the One who works and wills for the good of those who love Him, those who’re called according to His purposes – and won’ t be so quick to turn away from Him in resentment. I pray that I will, like Job, refuse such a response! Maybe I’ll tear my clothes, so to speak, in mourning over what I believe is lost – but not close myself off from God. Yes, I will face God with an openness that He can handle, expressing the feelings of loss while admitting my inadequacy to understand what has happened. I’ll hold firm to my faith that God has His reasons.

I will act with integrity.

Imminent Domain

debraradaker — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 22:10:31 +0000

The trumpet is sounding	As Heaven looks down
Get on board	And pleads with those
He only waits so long;	Who trade life
	For the mire of sin.
The Master is calling
Be forewarned:	Why the day is dawning,
Our lives are but a song.	The time is near
	The Comforter readies
The night has fallen	To dry tears.
Death is coming
Look: darkness surrounds.	Yes, the time is coming
	And now has come -
The end is beginning	Oh, don’t live your lives
He says, “That’s a wrap.”	In fear!
Oh, where will you be found?
	The end is imminent
Yes, graves are opening	It doesn’t delay
While souls stir	Please hear the Savior’s call:
The battle is on
For the hearts of men	Rise from the dead
	You foolish perishing:
	Be saved once and for all.

The Hope of America

debraradaker — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 02:25:58 +0000

The hope of America	The hope of America
Is not in bureaucracies	Is not in freedom of choices,
Or in the public sway -	But in disciplining ourselves
It is not in turning opinion	Against evil forces.
A certain way.
	The hope of America
The hope of America	Springs from within
Is not elected by men	The hearts of souls
But was sent by God	That seek after Him.
To redeem from sin.
	The hope of America
The hope of America	Is the same as of old -
Is not financial prosperity -	It is Jesus inhabiting, breathing
The love of money	Through souls.
Brings ruin, indeed!
	The Hope of America
	Is ours today –
	So what are we doing?
	Please, we must pray!

What are you?

debraradaker — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 15:04:12 +0000

Are you jaded in the ministry?	Are you looking for more than
Does it mean much to you	The restoration of souls of men?
When people are kingdom-affected	Are you wanting something for yourself,
By the things you do?	A “well-done” golden pin?

Are you over it already	Are you tired of the race,
This salvation I bring,	Want to get off the path?
My holiness, My secret imparting?	Believe me, there is help
	If you’ll but ask!
Are you wondering if there’s more,
If this is all there is?	Are you counting on desperation
Have you lost touch	To keep you at my feet?
With the hope I give?	You must practice to remain
	In the presence of Me.
Are you in denial of certain aspects of Me?
That I can calm and heal –	Are you just plain worn out
Even in ministry?	View yourself as ‘done’ –
	Take heart, He’s coming
	The Victory’s won!

	What are you?

Teach Me

debraradaker — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 13:56:21 +0000

Teach me to walk unpretentiously	Teach me to walk in grace
To live my life as if only You see;	To seek You anew each day;
Teach me to walk with no assumptions	Teach me to stay in step with You, Jesus
To travel the road with open hands….	To move at Your whim…

Teach me to walk authentically	Teach me to walk in Truth
That You alone I’d live to please;	To do what it is “I should do”;
Teach me to walk with more regard	Teach me Your ways, Jesus
To what You think….	That I wouldn’t be slave to my fears…

Teach me to walk as if there’s only today	Teach me to walk as led by You
To live for what’s before me, not for what may;	Not as the world tells me to do;
Teach me to live untethered to the world	Teach me to be Your servant alone, Jesus
To live freely at Your beckon…	I want to live for you…

	Teach me.

Just Because

debraradaker — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 01:00:26 +0000

Just because you think it

Doesn’t mean it’s true;

Check it with the Word of God

Before you follow through.

Just because you think it

Doesn’t make it so;

Check it with the Word of God

Then you will know.

Just because you think it

Doesn’t make it right;

Get a new perspective,

Tinker with your sight.

Just because you think it

Doesn’t mean it’s real;

We can be quick to judge

How others feel.

Just because you think it

Doesn’t mean anything;

Who knows what synapses have crossed -

Maybe it’s your wiring?

Just because you think it

Doesn’t mean it’s proven;

Do your homework

Before making conclusions.

Just because you think it

Doesn’t mean you’re bad;

Oh, just give your thoughts to Jesus -

Your heart will be glad.

The What’s of Where I Am

debraradaker — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 20:44:22 +0000

What I’m reading: Crazy Love by Francis Chan (a gift from a friend back during the spring)

What I’m praying for: God’s dominion in our lives, the new work/school year coming up

What themes haunt me: thoughts, freedom, being who you are in Christ without pretense, coming home, restoration, attributes of God

What I’m thankful for: forgiveness, grace, husband, children, church family; a new day