One man beseeched the Lord if he
Could bring one thing with him through death –
He packed a suitcase full of gold,
And clutched it with his dying breath.
He got to heaven’s gate and saw
The angels gather round him there,
“Please show us what you chose to bring
Since God has granted you your prayer.”
He opened up his precious bag
Filled full of gold refined and pure.
The Angels laughed, and asked him why
He’d begged for pavement to endure.
Of course we know this story false,
But when you see gold gleaming bright
Recall that streets of gold await
The ones in whom the Lord delights.
Christina Joy Hommes
My God…
I rest contented in Your plan,
And trust Your way is best,
I hope in You and not in man
When I am most perplexed.
I know Your strength knows no restraint,
Your will will be obeyed,
I lodge no big or small complaint
Against what You have made.
I find Your grace enough each day,
You love’s beyond compare,
I follow in Your perfect way
Rejoicing in Your care.
Christina Joy Hommes
All But One
What if Christ died for all but one –
One whom the Father had ordained,
One who rejected what He’d done,
Who all His love and grace disdained?
What if that one left out was me?
What if His grace I could not see?
What if He would not set me free?
What if I had no hope, no plea?
How then could I hold back from one
Love and forgiveness I’ve received –
From one to whom God gave His Son
Because my soul is deeply grieved?
Lord, I repent, and ask for grace,
Help me to love with your great love,
Show your forgiveness through my face,
Help me to think like you above.
Thank you for dying, Lord, for me –
Chiefest of sinners, only one –
Setting from sins dark bondage free,
Giving your life, your love, your Son.
Christina Joy Hommes
The rose sat on the counter
A perfect specimen.
Its form was soft and comely,
A ruby diadem.
I passed it very quickly
To do some other task,
A second time I passed there
Before it seemed to ask,
“I’m here to share my beauty,
My fragrance is for you.
Will you not stop and linger
A moment passing through?”
I stooped and contemplated
Its petals lush and pink,
Inhaled its sweet aroma.
It seemed to softly wink –
“These little joys aren’t waiting
For some far distant time.
You must enjoy them daily
While they are in their prime.”
Now as I pass the roses
Along my path I take,
I pause to catch the beauty
God put there for my sake.
Christina Joy Hommes
O Holy Spirit, fill with might
My feeble, fainting soul;
Reveal to me eternal light
Which makes my spirit whole.
O Teacher, come and point my mind
To Jesus Christ my Lord,
Through Your instruction help me find
The treasures in His Word.
O living Comforter divine,
Bear witness in my heart
That God and Christ are ever mine;
Your hope and peace impart.
O Strength that raised to life from death
My Savior, work in me –
Be now the heavenly life and breath
That I like Christ may be.
O faithful Interceding One,
For me pray earnestly
Until the work of Christ is done
As He desires in me.
O Fire of God, fill me with zeal
To do God’s will alone;
And teach my sinful heart to feel
Christ’s love which is my own.
O Opener of blinded eyes,
Convict me of my sin;
And make God’s smile the only prize
That rules my thoughts within.
O Mighty God, each day make me
A temple fit for You,
That I may only ever be
A servant good and true.
Christina Joy Hommes
Rahab saw destruction coming,
Didn’t save herself alone,
Knew the promise of salvation,
Was for all who’d hear and come.
When the walls fell down around them,
When God conquered Jericho,
She and those who listened to her
Found themselves each spared from woe.
She called parents, brothers, sisters,
Likely she called friends as well,
But we know whoever listened
Did not know that taste of hell.
We have friends and family living
In the midst of sin and woe
Unaware of all their danger
As through life they glibly go.
We’ve a promise in the Savior
All who trust in Him are safe;
Let us call them, let’s compel them –
Save them from sin’s death and grief
Some by hope, and some by reason,
Some by fear, and some by love,
Draw them, woo them, yes, compel them,
To the shelter safe above.
Christina Joy Hommes