Choose Christ

GOD GIVES US WAYS TO PAY OUR DUES
HE GIVES US GIFTS FOR US TO USE

HE GIVES US CHOICE SO WE CAN CHOOSE
IF WE CHOOSE CHRIST..WE CANNOT LOSE
AMEN

GOD IS GOOD


I used to live the party life
And I didn’t want to change
I wanted to live a righteous life
But to me that life was strange

You see, I liked my alcohol
And I used to love my drugs
I wasn’t going to give them up
In spite of all your… hugs

My family and friends, they knew for sure
What I was all about
Time and time and time again
They tried to help me out

I just didn’t want to stop
And do the things I should
So they just kept on praying for me…
Knowing God is good

Years and years and years went by
I was caught up in my mess
Causing those who loved me tears
And much unhappiness

Always drinking…sometimes stinking
Still I wouldn’t quit
Up all day and out all night
Trying to find a hit

Planning, scheming, searching, patting
Looking on the floor
Selling stuff and doing things
Just to get … one more

I had to have my drink …or drug
I had to get my “high”
Some of you have been there too!
Can you identify?



Well friends I’m here to tell you,
Let this be understood
No matter what you’re going through
The God we serve is good

He waited for me patiently
For me to change my ways
He knew one day I’d wake up
And live out better days

“LONGSUFFERING”; the bible says
And no one is above Him
He waits and waits and waits and waits
And waits for us to love Him

It took me over forty years
To wake up from the dead
How long will it take for YOU
To get this through your head

That GOD is watching over you
You have to understand
He’s keeping you around my friends
Because He has a plan

He has given you a special skill
At something you’re a whiz
He has a special job for you
Find out what it is!

I know it isn’t easy
To change the way we think
I know it’s hard to pass up
That favorite drug or drink

But God is there to help you
To pull you out of the rut
Just keep your faith in Jesus Christ
Believe… No Matter What!




Believe that you are not alone
Take time to “knock on wood”
In case you didn’t know it…
It means that “GOD IS GOOD!”

I used to struggle every day
Trying to get my groove on
Then the spirit came alive in me
And said it’s time to MOVE on

All my friends I had to leave
I knew that they were wrong
Only God could help me
And I knew it all along

I had to stay away from those
I knew were getting high
I tried to do it by myself
(I knew that was a lie)

So I prayed for God to help me
And I prayed it from my heart
I prayed for Him to change my thoughts
(That’s where it has to start)

Look at Romans 12 and 2
It’s there that you will find
It says “But be ye transformed…
By the renewing of your mind

God had to change my thinking
My flesh had me enthralled
“Help me Lord get through this”
To Jesus Christ I called

Believe me, God will clean you up
And change the things you do
If He can change a wretch like me,
He’ll do the same for you

He has given me a new life
When I thought it was too late
He has given me new friendships
With whom I can relate

My attitude is different now
I don’t worry about “police”
He took away my fears
And replaced them with His PEACE

He took my drinks and took my drugs
And put them on the shelf
He has been far better to me
Than I’ve been to myself

No! we’re not infallible
Indeed we make mistakes
But we pray and ask forgiveness
For we know that what it takes

In spite of imperfections,…
We can still get close to God
He loves us in our sinfulness
Please don’t find that… odd

God has blessed me “fruitfully”
And He wants you all to see
That He is also there for you
As He has been for me

I stand here now before you
As a WITNESS... and I should!
Let’s give Him Praise and Glory
… THE GOD WE SERVE IS GOOD!


GOD IS GOOD! … GOD IS GOOD!

GOD IS GOOD! … GOD IS GOOD!


By
Benjamin L. Graham
4-24-10
benjagram@gmail.com




“I’M YOUR FRIEND” Pg.1

Dear friend,

A line or two to let you know… My Dad and I, we love you so
Were reaching out to draw you in… Because we know you need a friend

Please know you can depend on me… To help you reach prosperity
You know my Dad is a millionaire… Who gives me all, for us to share

If only you will just believe… There are many blessings you’ll receive
If life should catch you in a storm… I’ll keep you safe, and keep you warm

No matter what you come to need… Just let me know and I’ll give indeed
If you have sickness, tell me so… For I’m a doctor too! You know
…And… I’M YOUR FRIEND!

I’ll fix you up and make you well… If you believe I can, I shall!
My Father taught me all the ways… To turn your storms to brighter days

But there’s something He wants you to do… Read His book and believe it’s true
Learn of Him, and Me…His Son… (We’ve been around since time begun)

We’ve seen it all, you are no surprise… I see the doubt that’s in your eyes
There are some things you would like to change… I‘ve been there too, so it isn’t strange

I know it’s hard to turn around… When satin has you chained and bound
To things that no one knows about… Of course I know without a doubt
…I’M YOUR FRIEND!

Sometimes you hurt because of life… Some of your days are full of strife
The life you live is not so great… You do some things I know you hate…

You still say things you shouldn’t say… and maybe lie to have your way
You still do things you shouldn’t do… But I still have much Love for you

This world is putting you through hell… You need to change, can’t you tell
That is why I wrote this letter… I want to see you feeling better
PG.2


Moving on and walking tall… Confident, defects and all
There is no better time than now… Walk with me and I’ll show you how

I am the friend that you can trust… Believe in me..You Can… You must!
Please stop! And hear! Don’t pass me by… You’ve tried the world, give me a try!

I know the way, so take my hand… Step out on faith, I have a plan
Give me and Dad more of your time… And I promise you that “up” you’ll climb
…I’M YOUR FRIEND!

You will grow learn, and learn and grow… I’ll teach you things you couldn’t know
I’ll have you smiling every day… If you’ll let me show you the way

You know that God makes no mistakes… True friendships are the ones He makes
Believe He has a job for you… Unlike the things you used to do

Just tell somebody how you feel… and let them know our God is real
Help somebody, speak your voice… Tell them Jesus is your choice

He wants for you to tell your story… All who hear will give Him GLORY
Study … Pray… be Ordained… Forsake the life that once was stained

Soon you’ll be in prime position… to exercise the great commission
Then teach somebody what you’ve learned… Help worldly ways be overturned

It doesn’t matter what you face… we’ll keep the devil in his place
He’s under you! … So stick with me… I’ll truly, truly set you free

My Father loves you very much… And so do I … Please keep in touch
All your troubles we can mend… Just don’t forget that… I’M YOUR FRIEND

WITH ALL MY LOVE,

JESUS

Benjamin Graham

The Prison Effect

There I was in my mid 50s and still living life as if I were a teenager. I was caught up in a lifestyle of drugs, sex, beautiful women, and their prerequisite…money. Things hadn’t changed much over the last four decades: Teetering back and forth between the church and the streets seemed to be my permanent lifestyle. Choosing to remain in line with my conscience (which always steered me in the right direction) was a decision that forever escaped me. I needed only to think about some pretty lady, or to see what I thought was a transaction taking place, or to acknowledge someone who even looked like they wanted what I was able to get, and I was well on my way in that direction.
Having been to jail over a dozen times was not a strong enough deterrent to keep me from seeking the pleasures that I should have outgrown 25 years prior. Even with prison time hanging over my head I continued in my folly and refused to seriously change. However, the last time I was arrested (again drug related) I knew that I was going to prison for the first time.
When the Judge sentenced me to 21 months in an Ohio State Correctional Facility, a dark realization came over me. Thinking to myself; “Here I am almost 60 years of age with a good education and lots of employable skills, but on my way to prison, not jail… prison!” This was a consequence of not wanting to “grow up!” Sitting there waiting for the bus to load up, I looked around at the other men waiting to “ride out”. As far as I could tell I was the oldest one in the bunch. They came and handcuffed us together arm-in-arm as if we were walking down the aisle to be married. That’s what they call it too “The Marriage”. We stayed that way (arm-in-arm) until we arrived at the Central Receiving Center (CRC).

Pg.2
Benjamin Graham

We were un-cuffed at CRC and stripped naked (again) while they took a good look inside of us to make sure we didn’t smuggle anything in. They gave us a change of clothes (blue clothes that didn’t fit unless you were very fortunate), fed us peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, fruit and kool-aid, and then marched us off to a cell block. The correctional officers were very nasty: They treated you as if you were less than human and I truly believe they were trained to be that way. The cells had a very different smell to me—not a stinky smell but a different smell, unlike any I had ever sensed before.
It was there, in that cell at CRC that I made a decision to change my life. I knew that if I did not change while in prison, I would never change on the outside. I did not hear an audible voice from heaven saying; “Change or die Benjamin!”, but inside of me…in my heart I knew that God was speaking to me through my situation. I knew that I had to grow form this experience toward Him. It was then that I wrote the poem “While I’m Here” (included), which expresses a determination to leave prison a different man. That is when I began to immerse myself in the processes of change. Like most of us, I was raised to know right from wrong. My parents had given me a great start in understanding the bible, and that was my guide to becoming a very different man. As I began to pray diligently, on a regular basis, things began to happen inside of me that I found to be exciting: The anxiety of what to expect from those around me diminished, I no longer worried about the negative attitudes of the other inmates or the prison guards, and there was a sense of peace that remained with me through it all (and is still with me today). Many scriptures in the bible began to stand out as I “studied to show myself approved.” “Considering my ways” became an ongoing theme, and seeing “God’s way as being the only profitable way” began to make real sense. Feeling the Spirit of God with me as “a very present help in time of need” was all that I needed to get through each day.
Pg.3
Benjamin Graham
When television was finally made available to me, I found that the programs that were once of interest to me were no longer appealing. The almost “X” rated movies, and sitcoms, and soap operas were not good for me. Why? Because I like them, but they remind me of where I do not want to go back to. I especially avoided the porno magazines, and the deluge of nude photos floating all over the prison. For most guys it was okay: A little visual stimulation can help make time seem not so bad. But for me, it was a no-no. I had to practice denying myself.
Each time I had gone to jail in the past, I couldn’t wait to get out. I impatiently looked forward to getting back to what I missed to most… my old self. It was not about to happen again. The familiar places, the familiar people, and the familiar things had taken their last toll on my life. The problem was in my thinking; therefore, my mind had to be renewed. The daily bible studies convinced me that the stale bread of drinking and drugging and the spoiled meat of hustling and dealing were no longer to be included in my appetite. Graduating to a wholesome diet of spiritual and physical nutrition as a way of life had to have top priority. The determination to become different; stronger, wiser and better than I had ever been before was overwhelming.
That determination prompted me to enroll in Urbana University (the branch located at the prison facility). This was very an important step in the right direction for me (as it is for any prisoner). I found that I really enjoyed learning. I earned 22 transferable credit hours and maintained a 4.0 GPA. Realizing that I was still able to learn and grow and do well in school has everything to do with why I am here attending Columbus State today. I prayed asking God to open my mind and enable me to absorb what was being taught. It was also my prayer (and still is) that outside influences don’t interfere with my attitude of learning. Things that go on behind prison walls can be very influential. Things that go on outside of prison can be even more influential. However, I am convinced that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Pg.4
Benjamin Graham
Without my prayer life, I doubt that I would be able to maintain the necessary focus it takes to put fleshly desires on the shelf and live in the “right spirit”.
I have been celibate since the day before I was arrested nearly three years ago…by choice. I chose to stay away from drugs, alcohol, sexual encounters and the street life even after my release from prison six months ago with God’s help. Practicing abstinence was not a part of my plan, but I believe it is a part of God’s plan for me. I would not be able to devote nearly as much time to my education and spiritual growth if I had someone I “enjoyed” being with that required (or demanded) much of this necessary study time. Do I like being single? No! But for now I believe it to be the best thing for me. I look at life much differently now. The children I fathered (whom I don’t know) are now coming into my life. I communicate with them on a regular basis these days. This is a very big thing. I have also been back behind the prison walls on two occasions as a visitor, encouraging and inspiring the men to change while they are there. (I look forward to going back each time the opportunity is presented).
Living in my own apartment, going to college striving to do well, reading my poetic creations regularly at various meeting places, putting together a newsletter at the request of a new friend (who wants to finance it), sitting at home creating new works on a new computer that someone blessed me with, having an occasional bad moment but never a bad day: All of these “blessings” that I now enjoy are the result of a change in direction that I determined to make one day in a prison cell. They are some of the benefits of my new lifestyle which embraces change.
As we grow in life shouldn’t we all change? If not, we will remain the same; we will become stagnant and unable to adjust to the changing world around us. If we don’t embrace change we are not growing. And if we are not growing we are not living. Today I am alive, living life one day at a time and enjoying every moment of it. Thank God.

Pg.5

EASTER
(Pg.1)

Easter is a special time, that joyful time of year
When winter is behind us, and warmer days are here
A time that calls for Easter eggs, for almost everyone
We’ve boiled them and colored them… and had a lot of fun

It was “church” on Easter Sunday, as everybody knows
And some of us were blessed… to have on brand new clothes
As kids we didn’t understand what Easter as about
Most of us (as children) didn’t feel like finding out

But now we are adults today… with children of our own
Some of them are little ones… and some completely grown
Let’s take a look at Easter now, and contemplate the facts
Considering a loving God… examining our tracks

What does Easter mean to us? How do we now relate?
Do we understand the truth… or do we still debate?
Think about the timing that our God has put to use
A time for binding to the grave… A time for being loosed

A time for things to come to life… A time for things to die
A worm that dies in his cocoon comes out a butterfly
A seed that we may plant today will one day be a tree
Just like it is in nature…it’s the same with you and me

By studying the scriptures we begin to understand
Why “Death and Resurrection”, are in the “Master’s” plan
It wasn’t just by accident that God would choose this season
For things to come to life again… He done this for a reason

What better time for Easter than to come in early Spring
When foliage begins to grow and birds begin to sing
Trees and plants are growing leaves, and grass is turning green
New life is all around us... Do you know what I mean??

Stop and take a look around, see that things are changing
See the sky…the sun, the earth, that God is rearranging
Rains will come revitalizing things that once were dead
To complete another cycle so that time can move ahead

We too have another cycle; we must die to self…
We have to take this flesh of ours… and put it on the shelf
Easter brings a message, that God wants us to know
If we really want a new life… we must let the old life GO

blg



EASTER
(Pg.2)


Jesus let us know that we don’t have to fear the grave
That’s why we call Him “savior”… that’s why they call us “saved”
We’re saved from all the fears of what will happen when we die
We have the chance to live again… And He’s the reason why

We should be more than happy, with what our Lord has done
He rose up from the grave…giving HOPE to everyone
That’s what Easter is all about, our HOPE in Jesus Christ
To give us hope and faith and trust… he was our “sacrifice”

There is nothing wrong with new outfits, or a brand new Easter bonnet
There is nothing wrong with tables set with Easter baskets on it
Or with colored eggs and jelly beans and chocolate bunnies too
But let us not forget about…what Christ has done for you

He came out from that grave alive, just like the scriptures said
Resurrected!... Back to life!... To wake up what was dead
That faith in Him… That trust in Him… That HOPE we now can keep
He rose up from the dead for us to wake up from our sleep

Easter is a masterpiece of timing, love, and powers
God let us know that “Eternal Life” is absolutely ours
So let us welcome Easter as our faith in Jesus grows
Let us all remember what His resurrection shows

It shows we have the power to conquer life and death
So we can live in victory as long as we have breath
Let this day remind us of what our Lord has done
He has “EVIDENCED” OUR FUTURE… giving HOPE to everyone

All of us should be convinced… there’s nothing left to doubt
Giving thanks to Jesus is what Easter is about
And if you do not know him… your life is incomplete
But you do, please offer Him… to everyone you meet. Amen?

HAVE A HAPPE EASTER!!



By Benjamin Graham
03-15-10
email: benagram@gmail.com

NOT ENOUGH

MOTIVATON FOR “NOT ENOUGH”


Best friends turn their back on you… Former lovers give you the cold shoulder… Away from home but nobody writes or answers your letters… Does someone point out all your “bad” points but forget about the “good” in you??
When you care about these relationships, it can hurt.

Being away from family, friends and loved ones for any reason can be a devastating experience for anyone. When we learn that those we care most about (and need the most) seem to have forgotten about us, it leaves us in a state of abandonment that is hard to describe.

I know people who haven’t heard from their families or friends in years. Not their parents, not their spouses, not their siblings, children, nor their friends. The loneliness and emptiness that results takes a serous toll on attitude and personality of the individual.

After speaking with many of such unfortunates, I decided to write this poem. Not to be sent to anyone, but to be read and to hopefully give some sense of release to those who can identify. Some people did, however, send these words to those “back home” and found that it did make some difference, suggesting that the right words can sometimes be … ENOUGH.





NOT ENOUGH!!


It seems that some forget about … the things we ought to do
To show we have compassion and love… for friends and family too
Many of us have troubled lives, and folks will surely judge
They formulate “opinions” … from which they are “slow to budge”

Assuming they are above us (from we who have made mistakes)
They say that we’ve already … had far too many breaks
And yes, it’s true …we must confess ... we’ve messed things up before
But is doesn’t help a bit …when in our face they slam the door

The good outweighs the bad sometimes… as often folks have seen
But that is not enough for some … do you know what I mean?
It’s not enough that we were there when no one else would show
That we bent over backwards … to help them out, you know?

It’s not enough that we came through to help them pay the bills
Or to know that they could count on us to help clean up their spills
It’s not enough to know it’s we … who always had their back
Defending them, protecting them, and taking up their slack

Friends … lovers … partners … and family members too
Not all but far too many … forget about the YOU
The part of you that’s good and right … the you who really cares
You who were ready and willing to help … in all of their affairs

The you that that shared some tears with them … the you that shared their joys
The you that helped to baby-sit … their little girls and boys
No! ... we are not saints, by far … but we shouldn’t be ignored
And to keep these thoughts and feelings in … we just cannot afford

So let this be our outlet …here is our feelings put in words
Our “spoken thoughts” for you to hear… (Although you’ve probably heard)
It’s wrong that you won’t speak or write … and you don’t want us to call
Just because (perhaps again) … we’re going through a fall

Ask yourself this question … What’s happened to the love?
The forgiveness and compassion that we get from God above
Where is that “good person” that you like to call yourself?
I guess the love you have for us is put up on the shelf

Please don’t be upset with us … please try to see our pain
We feel the love we have for you … we “cuddle” it in vain…
We’ve made mistakes, we’ve fallen short … we’ve made out own way tough
But it hurts to know that our love for you …is simply "NOT ENOUGH".

We’re sorry you feel that way

By Benjamin Graham

“GET IN SHAPE”
Pg.1

We all have had our problems has we travel through this life
Difficulties, Obstacles, and “Seasons” filled with strife
Challenges will confront us and from that we can’t escape
So if we expect to win for God … we have to “Get in Shape”

Fitness is an attribute we cannot do without
Physically, and mentally and spiritually (no doubt)
We must “exercise” our mind, and body, and or spirit too
To be prepared to fight (as we will surly have to do)

And it might take some work to get that body “looking good”
And all of us won’t do it … but we all know we should
Get out of the house, surprise yourself and jog around the block
And instead of riding all the time, tell yourself to… walk

Do some push-ups, stretch your legs … bend over and touch the floor
Start today with five, or ten … tomorrow do some more
Take some time out everyday to exercise a bit
Get a routine going… and try hard not to quit

Even if you’re old and weak, still it’s not too late
God is more than able … to get your body straight
You may not be slim and trim, from that you might escape
But you must be ready for battle, so you have to Get in Shape

Our thinking muscles weaken too, from lack of exercise
Causing mental deterioration (which we may not realize)
Indiscretions, falling behind, finding it hard to focus
Living the past as if detained by “Hocus-Pocus”

Wondering why we are having problems, things are never right
Having trouble sleeping as we toss and turn all night
Double-minded half the time, straddling the fence
Trying to explain our falling back, making little sense

Thinking things will be alright … (far from being true)
Caught up in the world and doing things we shouldn’t do
The bible says there is no excuse for us to fall behind
When we should be growing daily … by the renewing of the mind

When the devil comes against us, we should STAND and not be moved
And we can if we will study … to show ourselves approved
The bible stimulates the mind, even if you’re slow
It educates our thoughts and helps our “thinking muscles” grow

And when our spirit is weak it’s always hard to make a choice
Because we’re not prepared to hear the “still small voice”
This means we have to exercise and practice how we listen
So we can tell when something’s wrong, or when there’s something miss’in

We must exercise our body and mind, and exercise our spirit
God speaks to us quite often … we must be prepared to hear it
Let’s practice being sensitive as the spirit gives us guide
Let’s not be confused about who lives with us inside

Lets us try to be a little more aware of who we are
We are ambassadors for Christ … (who is never very far)
God gave us the GOOD NEWS, that we must give to others
We are sent out to encourage, our sisters and our brothers

We are messengers with messages for those who may not know
How to be victorious … how faith will help you grow
You need a healthy body, for it takes you place to place
You need a healthy mind… to respond without disgrace

You need a healthy spirit to “discern” what’s best to do
And to filter all the information coming in to you
We are going to have to fight my friends, from that we can’t escape
So if we intend to do our best … we have to GET IN SHAPE

Take care of that “temple” which you’ll need to move around
Prepare for persecution and be ready to abound
Body, mind, and spirit… we must exercise them all
So we can then be ready … whenever GOD should call… AMEN?



By
Benjamin Graham
3-03-10

"STAY IN TOUCH"

STAY IN TOUCH


Many people claim that they do not know how to pray
They have a problem finding words…knowing what to say
But praying can be simple…there is no need t be complex
No need to be concerned about… what you should say next

One thing that we do know that can help us very much
We have to stay connected… so it pays to “Stay in Touch”
Praying is for everybody…leaving no one out
And yes, it is important…of that there is no doubt

See…God just wants to hear from you…and know that you’re sincere
Indeed He is always listening…and He’s always very near
He knows what we are going through…He knows the things we need
He also knows that some of us are overcome with greed

Of course he knows that some of us covered with addictions
He knows that some are full lies, and fantasies, and fictions
He knows that some are trying to be like “someone else” they know
He knows that some of us are STUCK… and just can’t seem to grow

He knows that we are “caught-up” in a world that is full of curves
He just wants us to give HIM… the attention He deserves
He’s "GOD," so it’s important that we honor Him as such
He has control of everything… so we have to “Stay in touch”

That’s why we all should pray, and let Him know we know He’s there
Acknowledge Him, believe in Him, and let Him know we care
Thank Him in the name of Jesus …Praise His Holy name
For because of what He’s done for us …We should never be the same

The bible tells us we should practice praying without ceasing
Every day our prayer life should be constantly increasing
And thankfulness should start us off, it should be Number One
Thanking God for who He is…and everything He’s done

Thank Him in the morning when you first get out of bed
Thank Him that you’re still alive, although you could be dead
Thank Him for the things you have, and all those that you love
Thank Him from your heart for every blessing from above

Then you ask forgiveness for whatever you’ve done wrong
Say, “I’m sorry Lord, Forgive me, I knew better all along”
And you can let His spirit change… the sinful things you do
He’ll cleanse you from unrighteousness, and let you start anew

And then you’re free to ask Him for the things that you may need
And to pray for those in need of prayer, for Him to intercede
God will answer prayers, (but it’s not always with a YES!)
However, we should always pray to first clean up our mess!

Prayer comes very easy when we are constantly in touch
We truly serve a mighty God who loves us very much
But we must all be mindful, and should never find it odd
If we really want our prayers answered…STAY IN TOUCH WITH GOD!... AMEN?

By Benjamin Graham
02-08-10

"THE WAGES OF WAR"

The wages of war a prisoner must face…Living with thralldom in such a disgrace
Too many men (and women now too)…Must dwell in captivity, dreadful but true

Away from the persons they love the most…Feeling no reason to brag or to boast
Each passing day becoming routine…And little will change, (you know what I mean?)

Breakfast at seven…dinner at five… Prepared for one reason…(to keep you alive)
Lights out …to bed, each night at eleven…Start over again in the morning at seven

The wages of war a prisoner must face…What is the cause to be in such a space?
The reasons are many, too many for sure… For some to embrace that revolving door

Over and over and over again…Returning to shackles (both women and men)
Again being stripped of their right to be free…Reducing their hope to a lesser degree

Back around those with whom they relate…In the comfortable care of some wonderful state
With rules and tickets (and sometimes the hole)…For choosing to be a recalcitrant soul

The wages of war a prisoner must face…Fighting the battles and losing the race
Years going by… time passing on…Good health remaining, but youthfulness…gone

Declaring again that this is the last…Reasserting to never go back to the past
Getting out, going home, and finding it strange…Old habits and lifestyle?...Nothing has changed

Confinement again just a matter of time…(For a prisoner is bound for engagement in crime)
Enthralled by his thinking, keeping him blind…Not knowing the prison is there in his mind

The ongoing battle is for the control…Of the mind, body, spirit, and soul
He doesn’t know that the battle is won…He’s fighting himself, though it’s over and done

The spirit of Christ is all that he needed… The task of winning the war is completed
There is no need to worry; there is no need to fear…If we walk in the spirit, the path will be clear

The wages of war a prisoner must face…no longer applies to those who will place
Their trust in the Lord with all of their heart…And relinquish the old and let it depart

Discard the intentions to win all alone…Abandon the thoughts to do well on your own
Surrender to GOD and walk in the light…Throw in the towel and GIVE UP THE FIGHT!


(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God
To the pulling down of strongholds ;)
2 Corinthians 10:4


By Benjamin Graham
1-19-2010

"WHAT A MIGHTY GOD WE SERVE"

O’ What a mighty God we serve, whose ways we cannot know
Who made the style and fashion form of all the things that grow

Who made the waters dark and deep and wet from which we drink
Who knows all things there are to know, and doesn’t have to think

His wisdom and His power such, we cannot comprehend
(As we cannot imagine life eternal …without end)

O’ What a mighty God we serve, Creator of all things
The trees that sway, the plants that bloom, the little bird that sings

The moon, the stars that light up… in the darkness of the night
The sun that greets us every morning, shining with it’s light

Creator of the universe, beyond what we can see
And in His awesome image He created you and me

O’ What a mighty God we serve, so loving and so kind
Who gives to us His spirit… for us to follow His design

In Jesus Christis designHH His only Son, He gave to us His glory
To show His love… to die for us, (the whole world knows the storyis love )

A righteous God, who gives us GRACE, which no one can deserve
So we ALL may get to Heaven … WHAT A MIGHTY GOD WE SERVE!



By Benjamin Graham
12-30-09

"SEND ME SOMEONE TO LOVE"

I have a God who loves me…Unconditionally at that
He’s always there beside me…no matter where I’m at
But I ask you Heavenly Father God, who reigns from high above
Please hear your humble servant…Send Me Someone to Love

With prayer and with thanksgiving,… Let this request be known (Phil. 4:6)
To you my Heavenly Father… for I’m tired of being alone
Please do not be angry if I’m coming incorrect
Forgive me for my boldness Lord, I mean no disrespect

But you said in the beginning “It’s not good to be alone”
Send me, Lord, a “Help Meet” I can’t find one on my own
I do love you with all my strength, and heart and soul and mind
But someone I can hold at night, I pray you‘ll let me find

Someone I can touch and kiss…caress and sometimes squeeze
Someone to kneel beside me as we pray on bended knees
Someone I can look upon each morning I awaken
Someone to take this path with me that no one yet has taken

Search me Lord… You know my heart, I do not ask amiss
I pray your will does not keep me in such a state as this
I can’t be with just anyone… (as I have been before)
I need and want that special soul… whom you have made me for

You said if I delight myself in you… you’ll do your part
You said that you would give me…“the desires of my heart” (Ps.37:4)
I commit my ways to you Lord…I trust in you at last
I stand in faith now thanking you for bringing this to pass (Ps.37:5)

In whatsoever state I am … I try to be content (Phil. 4:10)
But yes, I long to share my life with….someone Godly sent
Father God, please hear me as a pray to you above
If it’s within your will for me… “SEND ME SOMEONE TO LOVE”


By Benjamin Graham
1-28-10

JUDGE NOT!!

Help me to not be critical Lord,
When others faults I see
For those same faults (or worse)
Are often present within me

It is easy placing blame on others
I have … so have you
Pointing fingers, finding faults
In what they say and do

Disregarding human error
Noticing mistakes
Quick to slam the gavel down
Instead of giving… brakes

There is no such thing as faultlessness
It seems we all forget
While many claim perfection
…No one has made it yet

As I am judging others
My own image becomes smudged
So help me to remember Lord
That I too will be judged


By
Benjamin Graham©
1-14-2010