May 4, 2024

“9 ¶ The children of Ephraim, being armed and carrying bows, Turned back in the day of battle. 10 They did not keep the covenant of God; They refused to walk in His law, 11 And forgot His works And His wonders that He had shown them. 12 Marvelous things He did in the sight of their fathers, In the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan. 13 He divided the sea and caused them to pass through; And He made the waters stand up like a heap. 14 In the daytime also He led them with the cloud, And all the night with a light of fire. 15 He split the rocks in the wilderness, And gave them drink in abundance like the depths. 16 He also brought streams out of the rock, And caused waters to run down like rivers. 17 But they sinned even more against Him By rebelling against the Most High in the wilderness. 18 And they tested God in their heart By asking for the food of their fancy. 19 Yes, they spoke against God: They said, “Can God prepare a table in the wilderness? 20 Behold, He struck the rock, So that the waters gushed out, And the streams overflowed. Can He give bread also? Can He provide meat for His people?”” (Psalm 78:9-20 NKJV)

“I’m in the Lord’s army, I’m in the Lord’s army

I may never march with the infantry, ride with the cavalry,

shoot the artillery, I may never fly over the enemy

but I’m in the Lord’s army”

(I used to sing this song at the Junior Soldiers Class at the Salvation Army)

Prayerful question: Does my prayer recognize those who follow God are in an active war with those who hate God and His people?

(The evil one has no power to harm God so seeks to hurt God by harming those God loves.)

BURIED ALIVE

On my desk there is a book

I see “Buried Alive” as I look

And this title which I see

Seems to best describe me

Buried under my own sin

And an avalanche of others whim

Drowning in a sea of guilt

And hurting words my heart wilt

Some have said I am depressed

Others hope for better dressed

In the swamp of expectations

My life held in deprecation

But Jesus said I shall arise

From those who criticize

For if they feel I am straying

For my soul they should be praying

So I will rise above it all

And not let it make me fall

I will not answer pain for pain

For in that game there is no gain By Ronald Ramsey October 10, 2002

May 3, 2024

“1 ¶ «A Contemplation of Asaph.» Give ear, O my people, to my law; Incline your ears to the words of my mouth. 2 I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, 3 Which we have heard and known, And our fathers have told us. 4 We will not hide them from their children, Telling to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, And His strength and His wonderful works that He has done. 5 For He established a testimony in Jacob, And appointed a law in Israel, Which He commanded our fathers, That they should make them known to their children; 6 That the generation to come might know them, The children who would be born, That they may arise and declare them to their children, 7 That they may set their hope in God, And not forget the works of God, But keep His commandments; 8 And may not be like their fathers, A stubborn and rebellious generation, A generation that did not set its heart aright, And whose spirit was not faithful to God.” (Psalm 78:1-8 NKJV)

Incline yourself to hear my words

hear parables and dark words of old

I will not hide the darkness from them

passing on what those before have told

I also pass on the praise of the Lord

of His strength and wonderful works

I cry out to the children yet to be born

so they can have hope in God’s works

Prayerful question: Does my prayer life remember the generational work of God?

I am weary

weary I am

not just weary

weary I am

May 2, 2024

“11 ¶ I will remember the works of the LORD; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. 12 I will also meditate on all Your work, And talk of Your deeds. 13 Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary; Who is so great a God as our God? 14 You are the God who does wonders; You have declared Your strength among the peoples. 15 You have with Your arm redeemed Your people, The sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah 16 The waters saw You, O God; The waters saw You, they were afraid; The depths also trembled. 17 The clouds poured out water; The skies sent out a sound; Your arrows also flashed about. 18 The voice of Your thunder was in the whirlwind; The lightnings lit up the world; The earth trembled and shook. 19 Your way was in the sea, Your path in the great waters, And Your footsteps were not known. 20 You led Your people like a flock By the hand of Moses and Aaron.” (Psalm 77:11-20 NKJV)

I forget God

I do not mean to

Help me remember

Your works

Your deeds

Your wonders

Your strength

Your salvation

Your voice

Your Way

Help me remember

Prayerful question: Do I take time to remember all the glorious God is and does?

May 1, 2024

“1 ¶ «To the Chief Musician. To Jeduthun. A Psalm of Asaph.» I cried out to God with my voice—To God with my voice; And He gave ear to me. 2 In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord; My hand was stretched out in the night without ceasing; My soul refused to be comforted. 3 I remembered God, and was troubled; I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah 4 You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak. 5 I have considered the days of old, The years of ancient times. 6 I call to remembrance my song in the night; I meditate within my heart, And my spirit makes diligent search. 7 Will the Lord cast off forever? And will He be favorable no more? 8 Has His mercy ceased forever? Has His promise failed forevermore? 9 Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has He in anger shut up His tender mercies? Selah 10 And I said, “This is my anguish; But I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High.”” (Psalm 77:1-10 NKJV)

God help me

I seek You

God help me

I need You

God help me

I am troubled

God help me

Are You there

God help me

Did You forget

God help me

I am in anguish

God help me

But I remember

God remembers

Prayerful question: Does my prayer acknowledge my doubt and fear but also remember God’s faithfulness?

I am just someone else’s dream

though it is a nightmare to me

when they wake from the dream

then from this life will I be free

 Christ Crucified article from Medical Journal

April 30, 2024

“7 ¶ You, Yourself, are to be feared; And who may stand in Your presence When once You are angry? 8 You caused judgment to be heard from heaven; The earth feared and was still, 9 When God arose to judgment, To deliver all the oppressed of the earth. Selah 10 Surely the wrath of man shall praise You; With the remainder of wrath You shall gird Yourself. 11 Make vows to the LORD your God, and pay them; Let all who are around Him bring presents to Him who ought to be feared. 12 He shall cut off the spirit of princes; He is awesome to the kings of the earth.” (Psalm 76:7-12 NKJV)

I fear You God

more than armies

more than myself

You are awesome

Prayerful question: Does my prayer recognize the power of the glorious God?

April 29, 2024

“1 ¶ «To the Chief Musician. On stringed instruments. A Psalm of Asaph. A Song.» In Judah God is known; His name is great in Israel. 2 In Salem also is His tabernacle, And His dwelling place in Zion. 3 There He broke the arrows of the bow, The shield and sword of battle. Selah 4 You are more glorious and excellent Than the mountains of prey. 5 The stouthearted were plundered; They have sunk into their sleep; And none of the mighty men have found the use of their hands. 6 At Your rebuke, O God of Jacob, Both the chariot and horse were cast into a dead sleep.” (Psalm 76:1-6 NKJV)

The powers of the world fall before God

the God of Judah, Israel, Salem and Zion

Who breaks the weapons of His enemy

and the strong are weak when facing Him

Prayerful question: Do I depend on the power of God or on the weapons of the world?

April 28, 2024

“1 ¶ «To the Chief Musician. Set to “Do Not Destroy.” A Psalm of Asaph. A Song.» We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks! For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near. 2 “When I choose the proper time, I will judge uprightly. 3 The earth and all its inhabitants are dissolved; I set up its pillars firmly. Selah 4 ‘I said to the boastful, ‘Do not deal boastfully,’ And to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up the horn. 5 Do not lift up your horn on high; Do not speak with a stiff neck.’””

“6 ¶ For exaltation comes neither from the east Nor from the west nor from the south. 7 But God is the Judge: He puts down one, And exalts another. 8 For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup, And the wine is red; It is fully mixed, and He pours it out; Surely its dregs shall all the wicked of the earth Drain and drink down. 9 But I will declare forever, I will sing praises to the God of Jacob. 10 “All the horns of the wicked I will also cut off, But the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.”” (Psalm 75:1-10 NKJV)

We give thanks God, we give thanks

His works reveal the glorious God

The power of the wicked is cut off

The power of God’s people is exalted

Prayerful question: Do I take time to “count my blessings” and name them “one by one”?

April 27, 2024

“18 ¶ Remember this, that the enemy has reproached, O LORD, And that a foolish people has blasphemed Your name. 19 Oh, do not deliver the life of Your turtledove to the wild beast! Do not forget the life of Your poor forever. 20 Have respect to the covenant; For the dark places of the earth are full of the haunts of cruelty. 21 Oh, do not let the oppressed return ashamed! Let the poor and needy praise Your name. 22 Arise, O God, plead Your own cause; Remember how the foolish man reproaches You daily. 23 Do not forget the voice of Your enemies; The tumult of those who rise up against You increases continually.” (Psalm 74:18-23 NKJV)

How stupid do you have to be to call God evil

Stupid enough to persecute God’s people

Stupid enough to steal and harm the poor

God remember the words of the foolish

Prayerful question: Does my prayer take into account there is a spiritual war happening around me?

Back home? 11/5/16

I am back home

But am not

No place is home

No one is home

My Lord You

Are my home

But do You

Even want me

I am restless

Interesting word

Because I rest

But have no place

My heart longs

For the Chapel

Why is it homey

But it calls me

I long to pray

To rest there

You are my home

But that is not true

Even in Your lap

I am restless

Even in You I

I do not know

What is to come

What is to be

Joyce called me

Ronnie

Am I he

Or is he me

That is it

I am – not

I am not Ronnie

I am not Ron

I am not Pastor

I am not

Am I a not

Am I me

Too much has changed

Too much has died

Have I died

I don’t know

Even in Your lap

I don’t know

I am not scared

Too tired

The mess is complete

April 26, 2024

“12 ¶ For God is my King from of old, Working salvation in the midst of the earth. 13 You divided the sea by Your strength; You broke the heads of the sea serpents in the waters. 14 You broke the heads of Leviathan in pieces, And gave him as food to the people inhabiting the wilderness. 15 You broke open the fountain and the flood; You dried up mighty rivers. 16 The day is Yours, the night also is Yours; You have prepared the light and the sun. 17 You have set all the borders of the earth; You have made summer and winter.” (Ps 74:12-17 NKJV)

My God is the eternal King

Who is salvation for Creation

Who cleansed sin by flood

Who destroys the destroyers

Prayerful question: Does my prayer cry out for God to strengthen the weak, weaken those who destroy and to reclaim Creation?

April 25, 2024

“1 ¶ «A Contemplation of Asaph.» O God, why have You cast us off forever? Why does Your anger smoke against the sheep of Your pasture? 2 Remember Your congregation, which You have purchased of old, The tribe of Your inheritance, which You have redeemed—This Mount Zion where You have dwelt. 3 Lift up Your feet to the perpetual desolations. The enemy has damaged everything in the sanctuary. 4 Your enemies roar in the midst of Your meeting place; They set up their banners for signs. 5 They seem like men who lift up Axes among the thick trees. 6 And now they break down its carved work, all at once, With axes and hammers. 7 They have set fire to Your sanctuary; They have defiled the dwelling place of Your name to the ground. 8 They said in their hearts, “Let us destroy them altogether.” They have burned up all the meeting places of God in the land. 9 We do not see our signs; There is no longer any prophet; Nor is there any among us who knows how long. 10 O God, how long will the adversary reproach? Will the enemy blaspheme Your name forever? 11 Why do You withdraw Your hand, even Your right hand? Take it out of Your bosom and destroy them.” (Psalm 74:1-11 NKJV)

The world has gone crazy

evil is now called good

good is now called evil

may I hear like Habakkuk

Prayerful question: Do I pray realizing I am joining with people over thousands of years who have faced the same burdens?

Dare I say what I think

To express with blackest ink

Thoughts as sad as the grave

Or hide them in minds cave

A dark betrayal once again

As dark as the darkest sin

Our Lord Jesus we deny

His truth we now call a lie

From Genesis to John a lie

His very Word we deny

His teachings stir the heart

Even from them we part

Risen! We cannot believe

We know He meant not to deceive

A followers tale to be lifted up

To deceive those who follow up

A Kingdom built upon a lie?

For which they would die?

A lie no strength can give

The Gospel they should live

How can they claim His Name

When His teachings they defame?

They more than followers deceive

To take a name they don’t believe

A dark betrayal once again

Much more than Judas’s sin

To deny the Lord and to defame

Why should they take His name?

April 24, 2024

“15 ¶ If I had said, “I will speak thus,” Behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children. 16 When I thought how to understand this, It was too painful for me— 17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end. 18 Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction. 19 Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors. 20 As a dream when one awakes, So, Lord, when You awake, You shall despise their image.”

“21 ¶ Thus my heart was grieved, And I was vexed in my mind. 22 I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. 23 Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. 24 You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. 26 My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 27 For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry. 28 But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, That I may declare all Your works.” (Psalm 73:15-28 NKJV)

God places the evil on places they slip and fall

And brings them to destruction and desolation

I have drawn near to God and so am blessed

and since I trust in God I declare His works

Prayerful question: Does my prayer challenge me to be a witness to God’s glory and faithfulness?

April 23, 2024

“1 ¶ «A Psalm of Asaph.» Truly God is good to Israel, To such as are pure in heart. 2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped. 3 For I was envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4 For there are no pangs in their death, But their strength is firm. 5 They are not in trouble as other men, Nor are they plagued like other men. 6 Therefore pride serves as their necklace; Violence covers them like a garment. 7 Their eyes bulge with abundance; They have more than heart could wish. 8 They scoff and speak wickedly concerning oppression; They speak loftily. 9 They set their mouth against the heavens, And their tongue walks through the earth. 10 Therefore his people return here, And waters of a full cup are drained by them. 11 And they say, “How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?” 12 Behold, these are the ungodly, Who are always at ease; They increase in riches. 13 Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, And washed my hands in innocence. 14 For all day long I have been plagued, And chastened every morning.” (Psalm 73:1-14 NKJV)

Pride turns my necklace into a noose

The blood of violence is my garment

Before others I proclaim my glory

All I do is unworthy and is in vain

Prayerful question: Am I honest with myself when I pray so I can be honest with God?

April 22, 2024

“18 ¶ Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, Who only does wondrous things! 19 And blessed be His glorious name forever! And let the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and Amen. 20 The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended.” (Psalm 72:18-20 NKJV)

I pray for God to bless me

but am I a blessing to God

One day to say my last amen

when I am before God’s face

Prayerful question: Does my time of prayer seek to bless God?

April 21, 2024

“1 ¶ «A Psalm of Solomon.» Give the king Your judgments, O God, And Your righteousness to the king’s Son.”

“2 ¶ He will judge Your people with righteousness, And Your poor with justice. 3 The mountains will bring peace to the people, And the little hills, by righteousness. 4 He will bring justice to the poor of the people; He will save the children of the needy, And will break in pieces the oppressor. 5 They shall fear You As long as the sun and moon endure, Throughout all generations. 6 He shall come down like rain upon the grass before mowing, Like showers that water the earth. 7 In His days the righteous shall flourish, And abundance of peace, Until the moon is no more. 8 He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, And from the River to the ends of the earth. 9 Those who dwell in the wilderness will bow before Him, And His enemies will lick the dust. 10 The kings of Tarshish and of the isles Will bring presents; The kings of Sheba and Seba Will offer gifts. 11 Yes, all kings shall fall down before Him; All nations shall serve Him. 12 For He will deliver the needy when he cries, The poor also, and him who has no helper. 13 He will spare the poor and needy, And will save the souls of the needy. 14 He will redeem their life from oppression and violence; And precious shall be their blood in His sight. 15 And He shall live; And the gold of Sheba will be given to Him; Prayer also will be made for Him continually, And daily He shall be praised. 16 There will be an abundance of grain in the earth, On the top of the mountains; Its fruit shall wave like Lebanon; And those of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth. 17 His name shall endure forever; His name shall continue as long as the sun. And men shall be blessed in Him; All nations shall call Him blessed.” (Psalm 72:1-17 NKJV)

God greatly deserves to be praised

All nations will serve and bow to God

Prayer will be made for God always

Every day God deserved to be praised

Prayerful question: Does my prayer join in the continuing prayer lifted to God?

April 20, 2024

“14 ¶ But I will hope continually, And will praise You yet more and more. 15 My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness And Your salvation all the day, For I do not know their limits. 16 I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD; I will make mention of Your righteousness, of Yours only. 17 O God, You have taught me from my youth; And to this day I declare Your wondrous works. 18 Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me, Until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come. 19 Also Your righteousness, O God, is very high, You who have done great things; O God, who is like You? 20 You, who have shown me great and severe troubles, Shall revive me again, And bring me up again from the depths of the earth. 21 You shall increase my greatness, And comfort me on every side. 22 Also with the lute I will praise you— And Your faithfulness, O my God! To You I will sing with the harp, O Holy One of Israel. 23 My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing to You, And my soul, which You have redeemed. 24 My tongue also shall talk of Your righteousness all the day long; For they are confounded, For they are brought to shame Who seek my hurt.” (Psalm 71:14-24 NKJV)

James calls us to have hope beyond hope

Hope in God makes the good soil we need

Faith is a seed in hope growing into a plant

Love is life giving fruit growing from faith

Prayerful question: Do I prepare to pray in hope, growing in faith and wanting to produce the fruit of love?

April 19, 2024

“1 ¶ In You, O LORD, I put my trust; Let me never be put to shame. 2 Deliver me in Your righteousness, and cause me to escape; Incline Your ear to me, and save me. 3 Be my strong refuge, To which I may resort continually; You have given the commandment to save me, For You are my rock and my fortress. 4 Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, Out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man. 5 For You are my hope, O Lord GOD; You are my trust from my youth. 6 By You I have been upheld from birth; You are He who took me out of my mother’s womb. My praise shall be continually of You. 7 I have become as a wonder to many, But You are my strong refuge. 8 Let my mouth be filled with Your praise And with Your glory all the day. 9 Do not cast me off in the time of old age; Do not forsake me when my strength fails. 10 For my enemies speak against me; And those who lie in wait for my life take counsel together, 11 Saying, “God has forsaken him; Pursue and take him, for there is none to deliver him.” 12 O God, do not be far from me; O my God, make haste to help me! 13 Let them be confounded and consumed Who are adversaries of my life; Let them be covered with reproach and dishonor Who seek my hurt.” (Psalm 71:1-13 NKJV)

I will trust You my God

I trust Your righteousness

I trust You are my refuge

I trust You are faithful

Prayerful question: As I pray do I recognize the difference between trust and faith?

(In faith I began this year long devotion on the Psalms, so I trust I can complete it.)

April 18, 2024

“1 ¶ «To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. To bring to remembrance.» Make haste, O God, to deliver me! Make haste to help me, O LORD! 2 Let them be ashamed and confounded Who seek my life; Let them be turned back and confused Who desire my hurt. 3 Let them be turned back because of their shame, Who say, “Aha, aha!” 4 Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; And let those who love Your salvation say continually, “Let God be magnified!” 5 But I am poor and needy; Make haste to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay.” (Psalm 70:1-5 NKJV)

God help me NOW

I can’t wait

Protect me

I want to rejoice

Rejoice in God

I need God NOW

Hurry God hurry

Prayerful question: How do I balance urgency and patience in prayer? 

April 17, 2024

“22 ¶ Let their table become a snare before them, And their well-being a trap. 23 Let their eyes be darkened, so that they do not see; And make their loins shake continually. 24 Pour out Your indignation upon them, And let Your wrathful anger take hold of them. 25 Let their dwelling place be desolate; Let no one live in their tents. 26 For they persecute the ones You have struck, And talk of the grief of those You have wounded. 27 Add iniquity to their iniquity, And let them not come into Your righteousness. 28 Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, And not be written with the righteous. 29 But I am poor and sorrowful; Let Your salvation, O God, set me up on high.”

“30 ¶ I will praise the name of God with a song, And will magnify Him with thanksgiving. 31 This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bull, Which has horns and hooves. 32 The humble shall see this and be glad; And you who seek God, your hearts shall live. 33 For the LORD hears the poor, And does not despise His prisoners. 34 Let heaven and earth praise Him, The seas and everything that moves in them. 35 For God will save Zion And build the cities of Judah, That they may dwell there and possess it. 36 Also, the descendants of His servants shall inherit it, And those who love His name shall dwell in it.” (Psalm 69:22-36 NKJV)

God please punish my enemies

turn their plenty to nothing

do not make them righteousness

give them no hope of eternal life

God lift me with Your salvation

I will praise God’s name in song

I will joyously give thanks to God

to seek God is to receive life

God hears the cries of the poor

nor despise those imprisoned

Let heaven and earth praise God

all of Creation shall worship God

for in God’s name we can dwell

Prayerful question: Does my prayer cry out for all of Creation to have Life in God?

Coming home to hell 11/2/16

I came back my Dad is sick

Came to see if I could help

Agony was my road to take

Pain my path I trode

Miles of screams

Bumps of pain

I came for little gain

My Dad is about to

Lose his toe

And maybe his life.

I once again

Smelled the blood

The sickly sweet

Smell of death

I see the pieces

Of puzzle man

I see the flesh

And the bone

My mind explodes

My soul implodes

Once again I die

Robin breaks

Cuts off again

Pain upon pain

Hell is burning

Stomach churning

Worm is turning

I am so sorry

I deserve it all

I wish I could take

My Dad’s pain

My Dad’s loss

I did a little

Empath my gift

Also my torture

I feel and take

What isn’t mine

And make it mine

And give it to God

He understands

PAIN

All pain

Let me slip

Let me slide

In You hide

Or do I need

From You hide

Swallow my scream

With my puke

Gut is on fire

Burning in bile

Can’t swallow more

Can’t stand more

Can’t stand

Can’t