The proud warrior stood in the face of his enemy
To battle with all of his might
The crowd gathered round
They were filled with intensity
To see who would win in the fight
Now most folks would cheer for the proud warrior’s legacy
Hoping for bloodshed and death
The time was approaching
The battle was almost here
When from the shadows the lamb now appeared
Offering a rose to the warrior that day
In total humility and love
But the proud warrior offered no more than a sword
As the battle had finally begun
The news spread like wildfire
The warrior was victorious and strong
But history would prove that his victory wasn’t victory at all
And pride goes before a fall
The lamb died that day for us all
The masses continued to follow the warrior
So proud of the wars he had won
But for those who believed in the humble contender
They bowed the knee for what he had done
They sang “Jesus Rose of Sharon bloom here within my heart
Bloom here with radiance, humility and love
Bloom here within my heart
Just as I Am, oh Lamb of God”
(Repeat)
The proud warrior stood in the face of his enemy to fight
Giving it his all with every strength, every weapon and all his might
The crowd gathered around as the intensity did grow
Waiting to see what weapons they would choose; who would deliver the final blow
Most cheered for the proud warrior, much fewer for the contender
They were hoping for bloodshed and violence, and that the other would have to surrender
Chronos…the battle time came near
The time was approaching as the intensity grew stronger
When will the battle start?, they asked…how much longer?
As the lamb of God in starking humility approached the proud warrior from the shadows
He reached out his hand and simply offered the proud warrior a rose
And with one blow after another, the proud warrior offered to the crowd a slaying
The crowd cheered in delight; but there remained a handful who dropped to their knees and started praying
The news spread like wildfire; how the proud warrior was victorious and strong
But history would prove this victory wasn’t a victory at all, as the score of this battle was called wrong
Kairos…the battle was not over
The masses continued to follow the proud warrior because they themselves were proud
But the lamb of God had a remnant of believers, and to him they humbly bowed
Genesis:So God created human beings in his own image.
You may struggle, like me, to know God
Sometimes I feel I have been misled by people claiming to know God
And them trying to convince me that I do not know God in the right way
And that I must follow their version of Truth, whatever that may be
While even I applaud their passion, I feel at times it is misguided in selfish ambition
As if they get points if I sign up to be on their team; join “their” church
But, I want to know God on my terms…or rather, on His terms for me
I cannot deny His existence; I will not
Neither do I choose a mediocre ambivalence
Maybe I want something more meaningful than a passive aggression
Let’s just say I DO want to know God; to seek Him; truly seek Him
Where shall I start?
To be made in the image of God?
What does that mean?
Does it mean I am like Him…
…In His wisdom?
…In His knowledge?
…In His power?
…In His supremacy?
Exactly how am I made in the image of God?
I think HE even said I am made in HIS image
HE said that…the one who claims to have made ME
Clearly though…
…I am not almighty
…I am not omniscient
…I am not omnipotent
…I am not invincible
…I am not the creator of all things
I’m not even like Captain Marvel or any of the Super Heroes; Let alone God
I’m just little ole me
But I am ME
And HE said I am made in HIS image
Truth is…
…I act out imperfection
…I act out weakness
…I act out failure
…I even act out not wanting to be loved or accepted
But…
…I am not failure
…I am not imperfection
…I am not weakness
…I am worthy of love
…I am worthy of acceptance
…I am worthy to attain beyond what my flesh can
Because… HE said so…and HE said I am made in HIS image
I can deny it…
I can ignore it…
I can turn and run away from it…
I can close my eyes…
I can cover my ears…
I can pretend not to see or hear it
Or…
I can recognize it…for what it is
I can acknowledge it….for what it is
I can embrace it…for what it is
Embrace what, you ask?
That I am made for emotion…
That I am made for love…
That I am made for acceptance…
That I am made for being valued…
That I am made for compassion…
That I am made for connection…to be more than just me…
That I am made for Worship of the One who made me in HIS image…just as I am
That’s how I’m wired…
That’s how I’m created…
In the image of God
Therefore because I am made in HIS image, I bow down…and worship YOU, oh God
“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
Devotional: “Let It Rain: Embracing God’s Grace for Healing”
As we pause in quiet reflection, we encounter a profound invitation: to lay our burdens at the feet of God, who knows each heartache, each moment of fear, and each tear shed. 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” speaks to the core of our human experience, reminding us that it is not just permissible but necessary to cast our anxiety on Him. This is an active surrender, a trust fall into arms that are stronger than our frailty.
Many of us walk through life with ice coursing through our veins during desperate times—fear, longing, and uncertainty can freeze the warmth of hope. In the darkest moments, that icy grip tightens, leaving us feeling isolated, as though we are the only ones carrying such heavy burdens. The vivid imagery of “daggers cutting through the heart” resonates; we can relate to the sharp pain that those we love—loss, disappointment, even the weight of ingratitude—can inflict upon our spirits to the point we may not even know how to pray; where to start, if we were to pray.
As we contemplate these experiences, we reach deep into our hearts to find these questions: Can I ever feel whole again? Will the pieces of my brokenness ever fit together? Often, the flame of indifference threatens to smother our spirit’s light, leaving us questioning whether healing is, in fact, possible. Yet, in those very moments of doubt, we are reminded that God’s grace is a healing rain, falling softly upon us, renewing our spirits and washing away our tears and our fears.
The prayerful plea, “Lord, let it rain,” is an act of faith. It is a yearning for the divine intervention that can only come from above. When we invite God into our pain, we make room for His transformative grace. The rain symbolizes not just healing, but a restoration that refreshes the parched ground of our souls. As it pours over us, allowing it to saturate our spirits means letting go of our fears and embracing His promises.
In moments when we feel overwhelmed, we must remember that God is not distant; He is closer than we may realize. He understands our struggles and invites us to seek Him. It’s in acknowledging our vulnerabilities that we find the strength to rise from our despair. In our moments of shame or grief, God’s mercy floods us with the assurance that we are not defined by our past but by His unchanging love.
When we think of the heavens testifying as grace falls, it serves as a reminder of the larger picture. The world outside may seem heavy with trials, but the rain—a metaphor for divine grace—brings new life and hope, promising us that even through our toughest seasons, God is still at work. There is a promise in the storm; it nurtures the ground, allowing beauty to emerge from dust.
Built on this truth, we can approach each day with renewed anticipation. When wrestling with doubt, let us turn our thoughts to moments of connection with God—a prayer whispered in despair, the warmth of a friend’s embrace, or the gentle reminder of nature’s beauty. Each of these serves as a testament that connection is possible even in our darkest hours.
Finally, as we submit our hearts before Him, let each day serve as an opportunity to “let it rain.” Seek out the grace that renews and replenishes, allowing your heart to become fertile ground for love and peace. When we embrace this grace, we come into a closer relationship with our Creator—ready to live not just for ourselves but to embody His love and mercy to others.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You, burdened with grief and discomfort. I offer up my heart, casting my anxieties upon You, knowing that You care deeply. Let Your grace rain down over me, refreshing me in my darkest hours, and healing my wounds. Bring relief from the shame and sorrow that sometimes weighs me down. Help me to find solace in your love and the promise of new beginnings. May Your mercy flood my spirit and transform my pain into purpose. Thank You for holding my heart in Your gentle hands. Amen.
Closing Thought
As we conclude this time of devotion, remember this: the grace of God is like refreshing rain—abundant, sustaining, and deeply healing. Each time you feel the weight of distress, call upon Him to let it rain. He promises to transform your sorrows into joy and to bind up every broken heart. The journey of healing begins with surrendering to God’s grace, trusting that He is leading you toward wholeness. Carry this truth with you: “Lord, let it rain in my life, and renew my heart with Your love.”
A Writing
Ice flows through my veins
Fire burns through my soul
As the thought of losing you longs to take control
The pain of a million daggers
Are cutting through my heart
I’ve tried to pray but not sure how to start
Lord Let it rain
Let your grace pour over me
And now my heart can see
You’re healing every pain
Let it rain
You’re bringing me relief
Please free me from this grief and every shame
Lord let it rain
I wonder deep inside if I’ll be whole again
Can you take these broken pieces so I can finally mend
There’s a flame of indifference deep inside of me
Can your flood of mercy somehow set me free
Let it rain
Let your grace pour over me
And now my heart can see
You’re healing every pain
Let it rain
You’re bringing me relief
Please free me from this grief and every shame
Lord let it rain
Fallin’
Fallin’ from the sky
Let the heaven’s testify
I’m bowing down to my king
I beg for this one thing
Let it rain
Let your grace pour over me
Now my heart can see
You’re healing every pain
Let it rain
You’re bringing me relief
Please free from this grief and every shame
Lord let it rain
…Lord let it rain