Praise God Doxology

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow.

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of Lights, with Whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."

Praise Him all creatures here below.

"Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD."

"And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever."

Praise Him above, ye heavenly host.

"Praise ye Him, all His angels: Praise ye Him, all His hosts."

"Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory."

"And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia."

Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all."

Amen.

"Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.,

VM

Burning Bridges Burn Out

As I turned to watch some bridges burn behind me,
A voice, soft but strong, spoke up to remind me:
"Remember, child, you did not start that fire.
Therefore all your many tears won't put it out.
Yes, you tried to cross the bridge in time,
But their high required toll had ruled you out."

I recognized the voice as One I used to know.
We spoke so often back when... well, awhile ago.
"Listen, Lord," I said to Him,
"I worked hard on these spans.
With years of toil and labor;
Do You see my calloused hands?"

His answer was so clear,
Like the answer He gave Job.
"Who really owns these bridges?
(And others around the globe?)
Don't you think I had a plan?
Don't you think I knew?"
His questions jarred my hurting heart,
And feeble faith fast grew.

"These weak bridges just couldn't last the years;
I knew that all along.
I pulled you safe to this side,
Before you, too, went wrong.
I could not let this bridge collapse
With you still crossing over.
I've better plans for you, my child,
That you'll soon discover."

In all my thinking on this fire,
This I'd never thought:
From danger, I was rescued,
And to this safe side was brought.
And just in time before disaster worse:
Before a bridge would fall while I traverse.

These burning bridges weren't His idea,
But still accounted fully in His plan.
Amazing how His Providence and care,
Around our weakness, holds us in His hand.

I could be shipwrecked like some over there.
I could've stumbled on the other side.
I could've tumbled down in that deep chasm.
But here I STAND! On this side, to abide.

And all because Lord Jesus saw my danger,
And chose the time to let weak bridges burn.
I see now how our bridges would've crumbled
Since on the other side, their road would turn.

Yes, their road would turn and go the wrong direction.
Might I turn as well, through my affection?
By grace, that crossroads I shall never face.
Because our bridge is fully burnt down now. By grace.

Victor Mowery, August 4, 2013