Hope for Tomorrow, Peace for Today
A collection of poems and devotionals, reflections and meditations
by
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The Voice of Our Lord God Like the sound of many waters, is the voice of our Lord God. Not the playful sound of the babbling brook, nor the sound of rain as it hits the roof, not the sound of the bathwater circling the drain, nor the sound of the steam as it powers the train. His is the voice that penetrates my soul, His is the voice that makes me whole. His is the voice that cures every ill, His is the voice, that I hear still. Like the sound of many waters, is the voice of our Lord God. Like the Sound of Many Waters Today we hear the sound of many voices, so many that it is difficult to distinguish between them all. Yet, Jesus said we would always know the sound of His voice, and we have found this to be true. I have always loved the symbolism in John 10. The sheepfold was built for one express purpose, to keep the sheep safe. The shepherd would gather the sheep into the enclosure, and then he would lie down in the entrance so that nothing could enter or exit without his knowledge. Sometimes, more than one flock would be kept in the same enclosure. But there would be no difficulty in bringing the sheep out because the sheep recognized the sound of the shepherd's voice and would follow only him. And unlike cattle who are driven to their destination from behind, the shepherd leads his flock. Jesus warned of religious leaders who achieved status by deception or manipulation. The Pharisees were prime examples of those who knew the law, but they did not understand grace. They were like overlords who drove people to obedience, instead of shepherds who led them in love. As I reflect on this scripture, I realize it is not just the sound, or the tenor, of someone's voice that makes it so familiar, it is the content of what is said. Jesus will always speak truth, but truth will be spoken in love. If we are hearing condemnation, we are not hearing the voice of Jesus. If we are hearing words that cause doubt or fear, we are not hearing the voice of Jesus. Listen for the voice that is like the sound of many waters. It will be a refreshing sound; it will be a sound that will drown out the negativity so that joy can come bubbling to the surface of your very being. That still, small, voice of which Elijah spoke will become like a thundering waterfall of grace and mercy when we focus on God instead of the world and its problems.
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About the Book
"Hope for Tomorrow, Peace for Today" is a compilation of poetry, scripture, and devotionals. As you settle down in your favorite chair, you will find yourself comforted by some stories, perhaps challenged by others. But always you will recognize Carol's love of words, and indeed, her love of the Word. Allow "Hope for Tomorrow, Peace for Today" to bring a different perspective to some of the familiar scriptures you have known, and perhaps remind you of the way God works in each of our lives.
About the Author
In her introduction, Carol Grace mentions that she wrote some of this poetry thirty years ago. Well, I was there in her life, and she in mine. We had both been touched by the Spirit of God and were on a quest for as much of Him as we could handle. Decades later, Carol’s pursuit has never flagged, and we all stand to learn so much through her sharing. What I know is that she is devoted to Jesus, and her way with words benefits us as she consistently spreads the joy of the Gospel, whether in writing or from the pulpit but mostly by her walk with Christ. Sometimes we can use literary devices to embed within our understanding and our hearts the deep principles of a walk with God. Carol’s poetry, followed by her thoughts about each subject, has a fluidity and economy that serves this goal well, as it brings profound thoughts to one’s spirit. Like the Sound of Many Waters echoes my own association of God’s voice with water, yet she elevates that comparison, raising God’s water-voice above the temporal rhythms of rain and brook. God’s voice penetrates one’s being and brings life and refreshment in a way earthly water flows can only hint. He Knelt Down for Me left me humbled, and Original Sin reminds us of the foundational truth that all are badly in need of a Savior. These topics, enriched by Carol’s words, warrant repeated reflection or they are lost in the tumult of today’s world. I will use Hope for Today, Peace for Tomorrow daily to remind me of the source of our hope and peace in these troubled times. You who read this book will be blessed. Cynthia S. Moody, JD Author, ““DoodleGirl Poetry and Thoughts””