Subscribe to RSSFERVENT LOVE
A letter to the saved
You must love one another fervently
It is hard to love the unlovely
This is required of you as an act of obedience
Love is not an emotion
It is a full time activity
In our surrender to God it is genuine
You are born again; a new heart beats in your body
Within you is a seed of the Lord Jesus Christ
Obedience provides the ground for this likeness to grow
It is Christ-like to love; it is an act of our new will
Jesus is Lord of our life; we live for Him
We choke out fleshly actions
We cultivate a new life of love day by day
Cultivate this Godly love
Carefully walk under the guidance of the Holy Spirit
Turn your sin over to Jesus; stay confessed up
Do not tremble but walk proudly in your close relationship with Jesus
Jesus will guide your actions every moment
Spend time with Him in His Word and talking with Him
Give Jesus your heart and your devotion for He loves you
Change is the requirement; become more like Jesus
Seek to know your weaknesses and let the Lord control them
Know yourself; constantly let His Word search through you
The Lord will touch your failures with victory
Each day you will become more like Jesus
Fervently love one another from your heart
Jesus is alive in you and you represent Him
Clay Corvin 2/6/10
OBEDIENCE
I worked I slaved to be renowned
Gave all that I had
Just to achieve
The accolades of man
What more could I have done?
Along the way
My family died
Children I didn’t know
Times I was away
I did it all for God
Today I stand before my Christ
I survived my sacrifice
Although many others didn’t
I know that I have victories
I did it all for God
Jesus looked so hurt and pained
“All I wanted was obedience
For you to be a slave
Meet the needs of those you knew
Care for the hurting, search for the lost”
“Following me brings life
All around are those in need
I don’t love sacrifice
My call was to serve family, others and ME
What you did was for you!”
Jesus forgive me
I got it wrong so many times
When I am weak you are strong
“I forgive you of your wrong
Come into my rest you are home”
HOPE
We have a living hope
Christ our Lord and King
He knows and cares
Our life is precious to Him
His love for us will take us to Him
He provided a cure for our sin
It was Him, His life for our life
Jesus is alive in me
We have a living hope
He knows everything we face
He faced and defeated sin and loneliness and limitations
All of those things that we let get us down
Jesus faced them and overcame them
We have Him as our example
The Father fought His fights
Christ’s faith was in our God, His Father, He was the Son
He is our future hope
An act that is yet to be
My life is pure in Him
He cleanses my heart
He is Lord and He will be Lord forever
By our faith we grab hold of our life
Christ is all we need
Jesus is able to save us forever
He is our future hope
My sin is so very big
I do sin so well
Even when I declare my innocence
Sin has a hold on me, whispering “I’ve got you now!”
I declare in Christ who is my hope
Destroy that sin in me and set me free
Jesus cleanses me and cleanses me
He is my sure hope
No on can take Him away
His peace and grace fade not
His kingdom is for now and forever
He is alive and well in me
Jesus is here to stay
His glory is perfect
He gives me just what I need-courage to be free
Jesus is my sure hope
He protects me He hears my plea
His protection heals my soul
Yea though I walk through the valley of death
Jesus is here for me I am to glorify Him
When I fail miserably
Jesus is still here
His power protects me, Christ is in control
Clay Corvin 1/30/10
IT’S NOT LEFT TO ME (1 PETER 1:6-12)
All would be peace if left to me
A life of ease filled with glee
Joy enough for every day
No one hurting, just sunny day
It’s obvious to me almost every day
It’s not left to me to design my way
Suffering occupies so much of my time
My bones, my muscles, each step I take
Adding to my tale of woe
The heartache and grief of a life on hold
Tomorrow we will do this
If only I didn’t face this I would do great
This vale of tears is but for a short time
We are training for eternity
When all things will be beautiful
This alien land I live in seeks to swallow me whole
But I refuse to be defeated
Jesus Christ is in control
In suffering my faith is tried
I reveal my sinful side
Christ is able to tutor me
Preparing me to be the one He created
Helping me to look up and step out
When I am weak He is strong
I rejoice not because my life is easy
His life lives in me, Jesus alive setting me free
Every step of suffering lets me see Jesus at work
His world refuses to know Him but I know Him
He is working each instance of suffering
Shaping me into His image, I see His face from the cross
So I am suffering with Him
Knowing the pain and emotion that Christ felt for me
I am partnering with Christ so that everyone might know Him
As I suffer the spotlight of heaven shines on me
Angels look with awe at His amazing grace
Once again His grace renews me and keeps me free
CC January 16, 2010
MONDAY-MAAGAN, ISRAEL-PILGRIMAGE DAY THREE
Every Israel Pilgrimage has a character of its own. This is my 27th trip and the first time my wife, Carol, has come with me to Israel. This is also the first time I’ve been sick on an Israel trip, that is sick enough that it knocked me out for a whole day. Tough stomach virus and it affected my wife and me. We missed the first day in the Galilee. I’m looking for the lesson.
Today sure made up for our lost day. We began the day at Kursi, the place of the demoniac, then on to Chorazin, Sepphoris, Nazareth Overlook, En Harod, Bet Alpha (6th century synagogue) and ended our tour day at Bet Shean. It was a torrid pace and I’m worn out.
I think the thing that impacted me the most were our devotionals. Dr. Dukes spoke on the Lord’s Prayer as we began our day. Students spoke at most of the sites. It was a day of teaching, touring and praying. I noted at the end of the day as we turned towards Maagan there was a lot of laughter and joy. Praise the Lord. Thank you for today. Blessings to you from the Galilee.
FAVOR OF GOD
Rejoice in Christ
We have the favor of God
Christ has paved the way
We receive His grace and peace
Do not worry for things you need
His grace is sufficient each day
He is actively giving His peace
This will change the way we live
No longer prisoners of darkness
We live in the light of His love
Our fellowship with Christ
Equips us to love one another
Do not fear or slink away
Face each day with confidence
You can be like Jesus
Look to Him for your strength
Rejoice in your life
Live it with love
Fellowship where you are
Christ in you is your hope
The Lord is near
He has placed His favor on you
Your life is real and worth a lot
Shine like Christ where you are
Clay Corvin 12/26/09
GRATITUDE THIS DAY
Pray for those you know
Pray for their peace and joy
Pray that they will have a good life
Pray they will grow in Christ
Pray for their health and well-being
Pray they will be partners in spreading the Gospel
People count with Jesus
He died to set us free
He lives to serve and help us grow
Gratitude for our life is a start
We stand upon what we are
Thank you Lord for the life you give us
Rejoice for our Lord has come
He lives to give us life
He has a plan that we can work
He has called us to a partnership
We are fellow workmen in the Garden of God
The Lord chooses you to be His agent
Rejoice in victory
Rejoice in defeat
Rejoice when your feet hurt
Rejoice when your life isn’t neat
In all things and every way rejoice
Jesus is Lord and He is Lord of us
Clay Corvin 12/26/09
GODLY LIFE
Know Him more each day
Read the Bible
Think about what you read
Put what you read to work in your life
Apply His wisdom to everything you do
Bend the knee to Jesus and He will guide you
Let the Holy Spirit guide your steps
Be sensitive to Him
Knowing that He will always lift up Jesus
You will too if you follow Him
As you love Jesus more and know Him better
He will put those around you on your heart
People need Jesus
They will see our Godly life
They will get to know us
We will love them and help them at every opportunity
The Holy Spirit will guide our Words
When people trust us they will try Jesus
Be prepared each day
Jesus is coming back soon
Live a life that will lift up Christ
Be ready for His return
Live as if He is coming today
Even though it may be many days from now
When we love the Lord
Grow in knowledge daily
Let His wisdom guide us
We will love Him more
We will love people around us more
Christ will be proclaimed in all we do
Clay Corvin 12/26/09
THE SHEPHERDS
Shepherds are often lonely
No respect for what they do
Caring for the Temple’s sheep
Cold, wild, trying their very soul
They took care of the sheep
Shepherds didn’t fear anyone or anything
They were struggling
In the world and full of it
Many dark nights they were as scared as their sheep
Strange how our mind works, fear respects no one
A young man appeared out of nowhere
Brightly shinning, lighting up their place
Fear was their immediate reaction
The young man, an angel, spoke to their hearts
Do not fear, I bring you good news
A Savior is born in Bethlehem
Wrapped in cloths lying in a manger
He will save you from your sin
You will no longer fear
Your redeemer is alive, He has come for you
The Shepherds heard the young man, an angel
They believed his words A Savior is born in Bethlehem
The responded by going to see the Christ Child
They believed, it changed their life
They rejoiced glorifying and praising God
CC 12/19/09
CHRIST HAS COME (CLAY CORVIN 12/19/09)
Life is hard
fear is deep
no one sheltered
the world never sleeps
Christ came on Christmas
fear not the angel said
God has come to His people
no more dread
Stop all of your cringing
not me you say
any number of conditions
will make you cry today
Christ came to people
especially those unloved
His love changes us
each and every day
A new heart
a new life
peace like a river
fear no longer has a place
Rejoice and sing
to the newborn king
Christ is here
He has come to you
MIRACLE OF CHRISTMAS
Foretold for 3,000 years
Someone is coming, the lamb of God
He is the Son of God
Creator of all – come to mankind
Born of a virgin, in a manger, in Bethlehem
His mission was to save us
We couldn’t save ourselves
Our days are harsh and unfair
Jesus changes all of that-He saves us
Salvation gives us a relationship with God
God’s precious Son came into our world
Lived under our rules and restrictions
Totally submitted to the Father
His faith was perfect-His life perfect
His journey was for you and me
Jesus, Son of God, brought truth and life to us
His light was for our life
Giving us what we need and cannot earn
His grace was more than enough for each of us
Always overflowing from His heart
Jesus is the way, the truth and the life
Giving us a seat at the banquet table of God
Making us children of God
Equipping us to spend time with God
His forgiveness is the gift of life
God is with us- we are no longer alone
His salvation equips us to live life now
Our future is secure, nothing can separate us from God’s love
Our past is no more, Jesus gives us a new heart-a new life
Today becomes the best day-Jesus is Lord in me
Clay Corvin 12/12/09
MARY’S ANGEL
Do you believe in angels?
Created beings
Serving God
Sometimes appearing to mankind
Mary didn’t know a thing about angels
Gabriel appeared
Mary trusted God
The angel didn’t scare her
Mary, you will give birth
He will be Jesus the Son of God
How can this be?
Mary listened and thought
God said Mary was a favorite
He sent Gabriel to clarify
She would birth the Messiah
Mary surrendered her life
Trust and discipline
Her character was critical
Counting herself a servant
With childlike faith she believed God
This was a real event
Experienced by real people
The presence of the Lord God
Witnessed by Mary
Cultivate a humble heart.. claim God’s grace for your life
Think on His Word-meditate day and night
Believe in the Lord, He will deliver you
Submit your way unto the Lord – He will not disappoint
Clay Corvin 12/05/09
UNCLEAN, UNCLEAN
Unclean, unclean my heart declares
My hands and feet agree
All the sin my life has spawned
Has made a leper out of me
No you can’t see the festering wounds
They encircle my heart
Hidden from sight the sores of life
They move me into the night
I’ve worked so hard to find my way
All my steps my own
Even as I declared my faith
The Lord said he is on his own
I worked harder trying to please
Almost there my sin would reveal
The thing that Lorded over me
Self, and self and self again, only Jesus can save me
I kissed the ground at Jesus feet
Oh Lord I’m desperate to be healed
Only you can save my soul
Jesus please forgive me
Jesus Christ the Lord of life
Reached forth His nail scarred hand
Be healed my son and follow me
Jesus gave life to me
Clay Corvin 11/28/09
JEHOAHAZ
Evil done, repented, sung
Jehoahaz thought of God as a servant
Calling for help against Aram
Dying as he lived, doing evil in God’s sight
Where O’ Lord can we hide?
Why should I think my evil will escape your sight?
But I do, for my ways and days are evil
Thanks be unto God, Jesus is my salvation
Oh how sweet to say His name, Jesus
The joy of His voice fills my soul,
No other name can save us
He is the One and only, God’s son, Jesus
Today my soul is sad
I have recounted all my sin
Knowing I have missed some
Praise God that Jesus has saved me
I know how sad my sin makes Him
It is a burden, a mark on my soul
Cleanse me of my wicked ways
Jesus, lover of my soul, make me whole
LIVING A LIFE THAT EXPECTS THE BEST
Organize your life-God is first
Rid yourself of trouble and woe
Know Him, King of kings, Lord of Lords
The Lord is God and there is no other
Do those things only you can do
Stop your evil lies
Set aside your gods of pleasure
Bend your knee to Jesus-He is the way the truth and the life
Put on His righteousness-let His light cover you
Walk in faith-God loves you-He will do what is right
Know Him-make allowance for others
God chose you to represent Him in this world
Spend time with Jesus
Get to know His ways by reading His Word
Talk with Him about the Word-claim His promises to you
The Lord is God and there is no other
When you know Jesus
You will have a different attitude about life
God’s will is what you will be seeking
Christ in you is your hope of Glory
Daily reading of His Word
Many times each day in prayer
Moment by moment service
Jesus is with you
Trust God-let Him change your attitude
Living a life that expects the best
Requires Christ in you
The Lord is God and there is no other
Clay Corvin 11/7/09
BEST LAID PLANS
Fear resides in my soul, creeping up to take control
Christ is king and Lord of all, He wants a relationship with us
God makes His plans, made for you and me and all of us His people
Christ is king and Lord of all, He wants a relationship with us
God’s plans are for us, He is seeking our best good
His plans were set before there was time, these plans give us a peace and hope
Pessimism is our natural state, stop now and listen to me-His plans are for your good
Christ is king and Lord of all, He wants a relationship with us
His plans are gracious, full of grace and peace, giving us what we need and cannot earn
Abundant grace, provided by His shed blood for me, His gracious life was complete
The Lord of all sets us free, trust in me He says, fear not for I am with you
Christ is king and Lord of all, He wants a relationship with us.
His purpose in His plans, beyond our wonderful eternal life
The privilege of having a relationship with the Father, Jesus is the way the truth and the life
He brings us into the presence of God, right now He is calling me and you
Christ is king and Lord of all, He wants a relationship with us.
Clay Corvin 10/31/09
WALK LIKE JESUS
Walk like Jesus
He calls us where we are
I plead with you
Walk like Jesus
Walk like Jesus
The world is wrong
Bend your knee to God
Walk like Jesus
Walk like Jesus
Worthy of our praise
In humility and kindness
Walk like Jesus
Walk like Jesus
Diligent in His Word
Seeking unity and peace
Walk like Jesus
Walk like Jesus
He is our hope
He has called us
Walk like Jesus
Walk like Jesus
One God, One Father of all
Jesus is the only way
Walk like Jesus
LOOK AT YOU
Look at you, standing tall, think you are the best of all
Powerful ways, strategic mind, lifts you above the fray
Who can lead, who can win? Never share your strength with men
Example for all, wars and strife, boot strap living is hard and nice
Jesus came, a servant to all, fully man alike us all
Different in His purpose, He knew the secret of power, serve one and all
God works different than us, the world is not a lure, He is all and in all
Bigger than we can think, He is God, a waiter to the least and the small
His hands can hold the universe, and an atom, and you and me
He seeks to give us direction, for a joyous life, a life of accomplishment
He says again, I would you do this, wait on others especially the weak
In waiting you will find strength, I will renew your faith, I will use you
In our failure seeds of victory are sown, watered by God, Christ in us
Our purpose is true, a slave and servant to man, Jesus is Lord of all
Clay Corvin 10/10/09
ALMOND TREE
A tree is a thing of beauty, alive, productive, valuable
Providing many almonds for a hungry world
Requiring a caretaker, one who collects its fruit
The tree is faithful to always be an almond tree
Bearing its fruit in its season, always, regularly
Watch for the Spring, the blossom of the tree announces its arrival
It does it every year, consistently, faithfully
There is an example for us
An example for living, an example for serving
We are called to be faithful
Always reliable, we can be counted on
Awake and alert, we are to always produce fruit
Our master, Our Lord is our caretaker
He is tending to our needs, asking only for our faithfulness
There is a lesson for us about our Lord
Even when it seems as though He doesn’t hear
He is on time, The Lord is watchful over all we do
His promises are true, everyone is true
The Lord will fulfill His purpose in you
His plan for your life will be fulfilled
God is watching you
Clay Corvin 10/03/09
JEREMIAH-A PROPHET FOR TODAY
Called in his mother’s womb
God knew Jeremiah
Had a plan for his life
Before he began human life
God thought of us first
God is good to me
God is God and there is no other
He is sovereign and Lord
Calls each one of us to be like Him
We surrender, He molds us like Jesus
Giving what we need
Our life is before His watchful eye
Mission and ministry
We are all called
A work for us to do
A life for us to live
However hard it is
Jeremiah’s was harder
Jeremiah knew God’s call
He wasn’t a good speaker
Language wasn’t his strong suit
But God put His Word in Jeremiah’s mouth
He said to Jeremiah-Trust me
I am not limited like you
We want to know
Not to do but to command
Even the Lord did not think
God and His relationship was easy
We cannot know what THEY see
The Lord is good, He is good to me
All the problems we read in Jeremiah
No different than the problems we see
Christ is seeking to help us grow
Uprooting and tearing down my sin
Destroying and Overthrowing again and again
He is at work, molding Jesus in me
Clay Corvin 9/26/09