Lamentation

Lamentation

Tomorrow seems to loom and say,
"I have no intention of going your way."

"My purpose is not in what you plan,
You can't direct me, only a fool thinks she can."

My heart's discouraged because I cannot see,
What in the world is planned for me.

I seem to fail, no matter how I strive,
To keep my diligence and determination alive.

What must God think when He can see,
All the hurt and anger that reside in me?

Feelings are not friends, can't trust what they say,
For me I often find, they just get in the way.

I don't feel like praying, of calling out to God,
Today my faith feels like nothing more than a facade.

Questioning so many, who call themselves my "friends,"
Actions speak louder than what the word pretends.

Then I have to wonder, is that the voice of dark oppression?
I honestly cannot say, that is a true confession.

When the feelings come, I want not to lift my head,
I'd honestly rather wallow and be swallowed up instead.

This the walk of a Christian? Surely it ought not be.
But this is how it happens, when my focus is only me.

Lord, forgive me for this bent, that draws my eyes away.
How I long for a steadfast focus that would never remotely stray.

My heart is troubled, which You said not to let it be,
"Believe in God," You said, "Believe also in Me."

I believe, I believe, I believe the Truth and not the lie.
My faith must rise, and my heart and feelings it must defy.

I pray the prayer of the prophet, "Lord, help my unbelief,"
For when my eyes are fixed on You, then I'll find relief.

Thank You God that you remember, I am alone but dust;
But You, my faithful Father, are deserving of my trust.

Help me not to falter, but to find my strength in You.
Lifter of my head, lift my eyes toward what is true.

Forgiven, not forsaken, chosen and set apart,
Written on Your hand, kept lovingly in Your heart.

Thank you for Your patience, and a friendship that is real,
Not defined by my circumstance, or by what I feel.

I'm longing for the peace of Your presence, in it's where I want to be,
For there I can exchange this hurt for joy, and in You I'll be free.

By Diana DePriest
© December 7, 2011

"Your heart must not be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you. If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also.
John 14:1-3

Heavy

My heart is so heavy.

I don't even know how to write. And if you know me, you know that makes the burden so much heavier.

So many of the burdens aren't really mine, but it doesn't change the fact that they are weighing on my heart. Every where I turn, it seems I see something of concern.

Sin, injustice, woundedness, brokenness, foolishness... the list is long.

I wish there was a phone booth and a cape with my name on it. I wish I could swoop down in and rescue the hurting, wake up the foolish, and make an impact on the world around me.

But alas, I have no cape. And I don't supposed I could find a phone booth if my life depended on it. And I don't have the super powers to back up any of it.

My heart aches.

I think back to a prophesy that was spoken over me about a year ago. Part of it said, "Burdens have been placed over you, but what is heavy TO you, will not be heavy ON you."

Right now, it all feels heavy ON me.

Other people's secrets.

Other people's sins.

Other people's offenses.

Other people's hurt.

Other people's fear.

Other people's anger.

Other people's problems.

I am NOT an intercessor. But I am doing my best to take the weights I feel and lay them at the foot of the cross.

I'm doing my best not to let righteous indignation rule.

I'm doing my best to remember we are ALL sinners saved by grace.

And I'm doing my best to hold up under the weight of silence.

God sees what I don't see. He knows what I don't know. He has the strength to not only lift, but to carry the weight that feels so very heavy on my heart.

Heavy

I feel so heavy laden,
Father help me let go;
Of things I don't understand,
Things I cannot know.

Remind my of Your Truth,
Help me trust again;
Remembering Your love,
Remembering my Friend.

I'm growing so tired,
Father lift the weight;
Be the Lord of all,
Set my focus straight.

Taking on so much,
No burden is mine to bear;
You're willing to take it all,
Just because You care.

And not just for me,
But for all those that I love;
So take over all the burdens,
Work them out from up above.

And help me find the rest,
That only in You is found;
And I can feel light,
Not anchored to the ground.

You bid me "Come,"
And so now I choose to do,
I give You all these burdens,
In exchange for more of You.

By Diana DePriest
© August 28, 2011

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:28-29

Easter Week - Sunday, Resurrection Day!

From the Book of John Chapter 20:11-18 But Mary was standing outside the tomb weeping; and so, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been lying. And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said* to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, “Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means, Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene came, announcing to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and that He had said these things to her.


Total Perfection

No more sadness or tears, no more reason to cry.
Celebrate Life! Jesus Christ is alive!
Just as He'd promised, He rose the third day,
Proving Himself, the Life, the Truth and the Way!
All of God's promises can be counted as true,
Arise and shine, your joy may be made full!
Go out into the world, tell one and tell all,
Tell the truth of the day death took its fall.
Dance! Shout! Leap for joy! Forever live the King of kings!
Praise be to God! We have reason to sing!
Death has been beaten with the King's resurrection,
God's plan's been fulfilled in its total perfection!

HE IS RISEN!!!



Without Easter, Christmas wouldn't matter, this is truly the day of all days!

Happy Resurrection Sunday when all God's Word was accomplished and all His promises fulfilled. May you all know the fullness of the Savior's love today and always!

Happy Easter!
Diana

Easter Week - Saturday Devotional

From the Book of Luke Chapter 23:50-56
And a man named Joseph, who was a member of the Council, a good and righteous man (he had not consented to their plan and action), a man from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who was waiting for the kingdom of God; this man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. And he took it down and wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid Him in a tomb cut into the rock, where no one had ever lain. It was the preparation day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. Now the women who had come with Him out of Galilee followed, and saw the tomb and how His body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and perfumes. And on the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.



Did Their Dream Die?

When brought down from the cross,
Their Savior was dead,
What could have been the thoughts
That went running through their heads?

No tomb of His own
To bury Him in,
Some "Son of God"
What freedom did they win?

When they placed Him there,
Did their dream die too?
They didn't know He would rise,
And leave an empty tomb.

They didn't know what we now know,
That their King would arise,
That they soon would know true freedom
For the first time in their lives.

Freedom from sin,
From sadness and shame,
Soon their hearts and their lives
Would never be the same.

How dark was the darkness
On the night they all mourned?
Not knowing the joy
That would come in the morn.

A reason to hope or believe
Must've been so hard to find,
They didn't know what I know
In the Truth is where my hope, I find.

They didn't know what I do
But their faith they still held,
But I know His death saved me
From going to hell.

No grieving in my life
As they did that dark night,
For I know the truth
And now live in the Light.

What more do I need
Than what He gave me on the cross that day?
Innocent, but HE paid the price for me
And washed ALL my sins away.

By Diana DePriest
© 1998

Easter Week - Friday Devotional

From the Book of Mark Chapter 15:12-39

Answering again, Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Him whom you call the King of the Jews?” They shouted back, “Crucify Him!” But Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify Him!” 15Wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas for them, and after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified.

The soldiers took Him away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium), and they called together the whole Roman cohort. They dressed Him up in purple, and after twisting a crown of thorns, they put it on Him; and they began to acclaim Him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They kept beating His head with a reed, and spitting on Him, and kneeling and bowing before Him. After they had mocked Him, they took the purple robe off Him and put His own garments on Him. And they led* Him out to crucify Him.

They pressed into service a passer-by coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene (the father of Alexander and Rufus), to bear His cross.

Then they brought Him to the place Golgotha, which is translated, Place of a Skull. They tried to give Him wine mixed with myrrh; but He did not take it. And they crucified Him, and divided up His garments among themselves, casting lots for them to decide what each man should take. 25It was the third hour when they crucified Him. The inscription of the charge against Him read: “THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

They crucified* two robbers with Him, one on His right and one on His left. And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And He was numbered with transgressors.” Those passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads, and saying, “Ha! You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself, and come down from the cross!” In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes, were mocking Him among themselves and saying, “He saved others; He cannot save Himself. 32“Let this Christ, the King of Israel, now come down from the cross, so that we may see and believe!” Those who were crucified with Him were also insulting Him.



When the sixth hour came, darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour. At the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “ELOI, ELOI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?” which is translated, “MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?” 35When some of the bystanders heard it, they began saying, “Behold, He is calling for Elijah.” Someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed, and gave Him a drink, saying, “Let us see whether Elijah will come to take Him down.” And Jesus uttered a loud cry, and breathed His last. And the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. When the centurion, who was standing right in front of Him, saw the way He breathed His last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”

What Were You Thinking?

Jesus came to share the message of grace, and prophecies to fulfill,
He came to walk upon the earth and to do the Father's will.

He had the message of how from the bondage of sin we could be free,
He came to make a better way for all, for you, for me.

He walked among the people, speaking of truth, of peace and love,
Sharing, living and showing, the Father's message from above.

No thanks or love for Him they had, they wanted Him to die,
When asked what they wanted done to Him, they screamed out, "Crucify!"

My Jesus, beaten and mocked, ridiculed and abused,
Was there no other way to save? No other way He could have been used?

Still even as He hung on the cross, in His heart He did forgive,
Willing to suffer so much up there so even these might live.

Sinless, He hung up on the cross, all our sins He bore,
Sacrificing Himself to atone for all we need forgiveness for.

Father, how it must have hurt Your heart, could You have even cried?
When You had to turn Your back on Him the day that Jesus died.

Father, what were You thinking when You sent Him here to die?
Did it have to take His sacrifice for me to find eternal life?

He broke down all the walls that stood between God and me,
So I could be reconciled to the Father for all of eternity.

Lord Jesus, I can't say "I'm sorry" and "Thank You" just won't do,
Only way I can repay what You did is to make my life a sacrifice for You.

You committed Your Spirit to the Father's hands, my life I commit to Yours,
Having only one prayer that I will pray, "Jesus, I want to love you and know you more."

By Diana DePriest
© 1998

Easter Week - Thursday Devotional

Past His Tears...

"Come, stand and watch, wait for me as I pray,
Be with Me, I hurt, I don't want to be alone this way."

Not a request too hard for a man to keep,
But instead of keeping watch, they went off to sleep.

Our Lord was forsaken in even the simplest request,
If we can't give Him that, how can we give Him our best?

My Lord, alone, distressed, in pain, was it fear?
Even then my life, my soul, He held dear.

He loved me enough to overcome His fears,
Loved me enough to look past his tears.

He prayed, "Father, let this cup pass if it may...
"But I want YOUR will done, and with My life I will pay."

Three times He did ask as He prayed there ALONE
I wonder, would they have kept watch, if they had known...

By Diana DePriest
© 1998


The Book of Matthew Chapter 26:36-46 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and distressed. Then He said* to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me." And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said* to Peter, “So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour? “Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done.” Again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. And He left them again, and went away and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more. Then He came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. “Get up, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand!” (NASB)



"If we are faithless, He remains faithful, He cannot deny Himself."
II Timothy 2:13

Easter Week - Wednesday Devotional

From the Book of Mark Chapter 14:3-9 While He was in Bethany at the home of Simon the leper, and reclining at the table, there came a woman with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume of pure nard; and she broke the vial and poured it over His head. But some were indignantly remarking to one another, “Why has this perfume been wasted? “For this perfume might have been sold for over three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.” And they were scolding her. But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you bother her? She has done a good deed to Me. “For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them; but you do not always have Me. “She has done what she could; she has anointed My body beforehand for the burial. “Truly I say to you, wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her.”


Will You Pour Out Your All?

Will you pour out your all? Give the best that you have?
Do whatever it takes to honor the Son of Man?

Will you sacrifice your best, give Him all you have to give?
Make him your purpose? Your reason to live?

Others will look down upon you, unable to understand,
Why you have this devotion to the Son of Man.

Are you willing to give back all that's been given to you?
Do whatever it takes to give Him the honor He's due?

by Diana DePriest © 1998

(Original Art by Alice Whisman)

Grief

Grief

The heart weighs heavy inside of the soul,

Caught in the midst of what only God can control.

Never is the power really in the strength of our hands,

Never is it more evident than when we can't understand.

Grief is an ache that words can't describe.

Like wearing our heart on the outside.

The world keeps on moving while we're standing still,

Life keeps on moving but it feels so surreal.

The emotional waves ebb back, then flow to abound,

The storm of unanswered questions continually resound.

Yet in the midst of the questions and all of the pain,

There in the midst of it, Jesus remains.

His shoulder to cry on, and His hand there to hold,

Keeping His promise, just as we were told.

Forsake us not ever, never once will He leave,

Jesus, so faithful, holds on as we grieve.

Hold tightly back and look straight in His face,

For in the midst of the grief is where we'll find grace.

Grace for the loss, the questions and ache that we feel,

And this is where we find the Hope that is real.

- Diana DePriest
© December 5, 2010

Dedicated to the Deight Family

Sometimes It Flows

My greatest heart's desire would be to be able to speak consistently and publicly for Christ. I don't mean in just the one on one lay sense, but professionally even. It is an awesome thing to stand before a group of people fully dependant on the Lord and have opportunity to share about the Lord and the Good News. It helps that I know, that I know that I know, that this is definitely one of the gifts He has given me.

Unfortunately, it is not a place where doors seem currently open for me, but I am honestly ok with that, because I know He is in charge, and in His perfect time and way, He will open the doors.

A lot of people refer to my writing as my greatest gift, but I happen to know, although it is absolutely a gift from Him, it isn't my primary one, although it may be in the top two or three. But the problem with my writing is, I am far more apt to get into the midst of it and mess things up. Unlike when I get the chance to speak, where the dependence is completely on Him, because once it's been said, it's done and out there, with my writing, there is time and opportunity to mull it over and make my own edits and changes that aren't necessarily the way the Lord would have it given.

Now, to be clear, I am by no means saying every time I speak it's a God thing, the fact is, it would be far better if He had total control of the edit feature in that scenario! However, I can honestly say that because of the way the Lord opened the world of speaking for/about Him, I know full well that the process of it is "Prepare, prepare, prepare" (which means plenty of study and even more prayer) but when it all comes down to it, my final prayer before walking on a stage or in front of a room full of people is always' John the Baptist's prayer, "Lord may I decrease that You may increase." And I trust in God's promise to Moses, that if I open my mouth, He will show up and speak. And faithfully, He always has, because I know, bottom line, if just one person is touched and ministered to, then I served my purpose. And I know if He isn't going to show up for me specifically, there is always someone there He will show up for.

However, having said all that, I can honestly say that there are times with my writing, that He is just as in charge as when I get the opportunity to speak. Sometimes, it just flows. When things come pouring out of you, in a good way, it's always been my experience, that it is an overflow of the good work of the Holy Spirit.

This past week has been a powerfully filling week for me. And I have been different, and responded to things differently, and I know it is because I have been abiding. This morning though, after I dropped the kids off at school, I had the first inkling of my "level" having dropped just a little below full on the gauge. Nothing "happened" I just had this sense of need for Him, like I missed what I have been experiencing. And I began to pray about it. I don't want the things the Lord has been doing in me to be a brief afterglow to a good week of prayer and fasting. I long for it to be a work of change to give Him great glory.

As I drove to the bank before heading to work, words began to flow. As I had to sit outside waiting for the bank to open, I grabbed a pen and paper and I wrote down the poem the Lord gave me. I know a lot of people question the wisdom of sharing these creations without proper copyright coverage, but the fact is, I know when it flows out like that, it's not just meant for me. The gift to write them isn't mine, the words themselves do not belong to me. They are for the good of God's people, and for His glory, so I have no choice but to share them and hope they are a blessing to many, but I also know if it ministers to just one, then it will serve its purpose. I hope it ministers to you.

Wanderer

My heart wants to wander,
My eyes grow too weary to heed,
My own flesh tries to prevent me,
From my soul’s sole greatest need.

My soul longs for Your presence,
I need to just sit at Your feet,
That Your Spirit may pour into my want,
And make my satisfaction in You complete.

Circumstances will conspire against it,
The fellowship of my heart with Yours,
The enemy of my soul seeks to destroy it,
But my spirit deep within continually implores,

“Father, help me overcome every obstacle,
That hinders my path to You,
Help me lay aside this life’s cares,
And bask in the knowledge of what’s true.

You called me to a greater purpose,
Than what I see before my eyes,
You have a plan to use me,
To break through all the lies.”

Lies that say we don’t matter,
That there is no God who cares,
Must be shattered by Your lovingkindness,
That Your love may reveal You are there.

You’re reaching out to each one of us,
Calling us ever closer to Your heart,
For it is Your greatest longing,
Of Your family and purpose all would be a part.

I know You gave Your all,
So we could fellowship as one,
No thing did you withhold,
Not even Your Precious Son,

Yet still my heart longs to wander,
My flesh and my will, they fail,
But I cling to the hope I have,
That Your purpose will prevail.

You are my strength and my hope,
So my heart must persevere,
And as I reach out in my weakness,
I know You’ll meet me here.

My weary head, You’ll lift,
And look into my face,
With gentle words You remind me,
In Your plan, I have a place.

So in my weakness of flesh,
My spirit cries out in hope to You,
Knowing no matter how I may struggle,
Your love and promises hold true.

- Diana DePriest
© September 14, 2010

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:26

A Mother's Thoughts

Who Will I Be?

When it’s quiet and the day is settled
And I find myself sitting here alone,
I wonder when you look back someday
What part of me you’ll have known?

Will the words of anger and frustration,
Be all that ring in your ears?
Or will I have cheered you on
Enough through all the years?

Do you really know
All the good I see in you?
Or do you only hear the criticisms
As we muddle through?

My heart hurts when I realize,
All the poorly chosen words I’ve said.
Wishing I’d chosen patience
And words of grace instead.

I wonder about your heart,
Is it aching too?
I hope and pray tomorrow,
I’ll know better what to do.

This challenge we call motherhood,
It’s a battle all uphill.
I’m determined to train and teach,
To lead you in God’s will.

But sometimes I get my will in the way
Of God’s good plan becoming known
Forgetting it’s not for me to mold you,
But just to help you learn and grow.

I don’t always like the process,
Or even all I see in you.
But it never changes the fact,
That my love for you is true.

Who will I be when you look back
Over all the years we’ll share?
Will you only remember my frustration?
Or be confident of my care?

As I fail you and I falter,
I pray God will meet us there.
Covering us with grace and mercy,
Answering every prayer.

And I will pray that the Father,
Will cover my failure with His grace,
And if only one thing will you learn from me,
May it be to continually seek His face.

And I pray when you look back,
That’s the person that I will be,
Not competent or perfect,
Just forgiven and set free.

I pray I’ll have shown you Jesus,
Forgiver of my sins and yours,
The Healer of every hurt,
And our connection He’ll restore.

The multitude of my sins,
I pray will be covered by true love.
Overshadowed by grace and mercy
Flowing down from our God above.

And I pray when you look back
To answer “Who was my mother?” .
You’ll think fondly of this woman,
Who loves you like no other.

By Diana DePriest
© May 15, 2010

Afternoon Inspiration

This little ditty came to me this afternoon at the end of my lunch hour. It's very simple and sort of like a childhood song, but I think there is a truth behind it that makes it worth sharing. I hope it is found by you to be a blessing.

Count Your Blessings

Count your blessings five by five
And you'll be glad that you're alive.

Count your blessings four by four
And you'll recall what you adore.

Count your blessings three by three
And you'll acknowledge what you see.

Count your blessings two by two
And it will lift your heart for you.

But if you count them one by one
You will see when you are done,

That God is great and life is good,
And what truly matters is understood.

Your joy will rise, your heart will feel
Full of God's blessings, so true and real.

So count them all, it's time you can afford,
Let me start you, "You are loved by the Lord."

It's first on your list, so write it there,
And when you're done, pass it on and share.

© Diana DePriest
February 26, 2010

This Peace

I was just dozing off to sleep tonight and this poem began to come together in my mind. I hurried into the office to write it down. It came together with ease, which always means it's not of me. I know where my talents come from, they're the Lord's, and when words flow so poetically with ease, I know it's a gift from Him, and to be shared with others. So I hope it is an encouragement to someone. If one heart is touched, then I know I have served at least some small part of my purpose.
----------------------------------------

This Peace

Pressures they come, my heart’s overwhelmed
I look at my life, who stands at the helm?

The storm waves they rise- again and again,
Tossed to and fro, when will it end?

“Peace!” I cry out, “Peace find me now!”
I know I can find it, but can’t recall how.

Is it in the waves? Is it in the wind?
No, it’s not there, it’s found in my Friend.

It’s not in the storm that I’ll find my peace,
But it’s found when the storm to Him I release.

Jesus, You died that Your peace I might know,
Hung on the cross, Your peace you bestowed.

Not of this world is the peace that You give,
This peace supersedes the life that I live.

Circumstances can’t steal it, nor this life destroy,
This peace overcomes all the enemy’s ploys.

This peace is resident deep in my soul,
This peace is a peace that makes my heart whole.

This peace is what’s real, this peace is what’s true,
This peace is the peace that’s found only in You.

This peace is what makes stable my life,
This peace is what overcomes struggle and strife.

It’s in this peace that I will find rest,
It’s with Your peace all my fears are addressed.

“Come to Me weary, with your heavy loads”
So You said, that Your peace could be known.

I give You my burdens, I give You my storms,
And with this peace my life is transformed.

The waves may still rise, but I am lifted above,
As I rest in this peace, I rest in Your love.

This peace that You give, no one can steal
This peace, Your peace is eternal and real.


By Diana DePriest © February 3, 2010

My Anchor

The waters of circumstance rise and I lose my footing.
They toss me to and fro and I struggle to find my feet.
I’ve lost strength in me and myself,
And it’s in that moment again we meet.

“I am the God of this ocean, “ You remind me,
“I am the God of the waves.
I am the Hope of your future,
I am sovereign over all of your days.”

I remember again, You are the “I AM,”
Nothing is too hard for You.
You are for me and with me,
And nothing can hinder Your love, so true.

Circumstances will not hold me,
Trials will not control me with fear,
For my anchor is You, Your truth,
And Your truth sustains me here.

I will speak words of hope,
Because the words are true.
I will speak words of faith,
Because my faith is in You.

My Truth: I am chosen, set apart,
My hurts and fears are understood.
Your Promise: You’ll never fail me,
Your plans for me are good.

To the cross I come again,
And remember all You’ve done.
What would you ever withhold,
When You’ve given me Your Son?

Remembering my spirit renews,
The wave of faith begins to rise again.
I remember You are not afar off,
You are with me, my faithful Friend.

The wave lifts me above the challenges,
Victory over circumstance is found.
I will not tumble down and be broken,
I will be brought to solid ground.

You are my firm foundation
You satisfy my soul.
You are the Anchor in the storms,
My future You safely hold.

So I will praise you,
Whatever circumstance I see.
And I will hold to You in faith,
Because Your promises I believe.

Your Word is my light,
All of Your promises are true.
You are my faithful Friend,
And I will rest in You.

Diana DePriest
©July 30, 2009

I Can Choose

This is a poem I wrote nearly 10 years ago that hangs on my wall at work. Just felt like sharing it today, maybe it will encourage someone...

I Can Choose

I cannot control what I face in my life,
I cannot prevent all my struggles and strife.

But I do have the choice in what I do and I say,
And I can control the choices I make along the way.

I can look at my my circumstances and let them guide what I do,
Or Lord, I can choose Truth and stay focused on You.

I can choose to worry of what the future might bring about,
Or I can trust You today Lord, without wavering in doubt.

I can choose to react in emotion to the feelings I feel,
Or I can choose to stand firm on Your Word that is real.

I can choose fear, uncertainty, "what ifs" and "maybes,"
Or I can choose You and Your Word and what forever will be.

I can choose Truth and all the peace that it holds,
And then stand secure no matter what circumstance unfolds.

For, Lord, Your unchanging Word, it will anchor my soul,
And then no matter what I might face, I can stand whole.

Strengthened, assured, confident, standing firm in Your care,
I can choose You and Your Truth and find my hope there.

So Jesus, My Lord, it is You and Your Truth that I choose,
And in my choice I attain victory I can never ever lose.

- Diana DePriest
© October 12, 1999

A Flow of Prayer

Today my heart is anxious, Lord,

I am consumed with what I see,

And much of what has yet to be.

Today my heart is anxious, Lord,

I’m struggling with what to do,

And uncertainty about hearing You.

Today my heart is anxious, Lord,

My fears overwhelm my mind,

And my faith seems hard to find.

Today my heart is anxious, Lord,

I’m not looking where I should,

And so my anxiety is understood.

I’ll turn my eyes toward You, Lord,

Choose to trust You and obey,

And remember You can always make a way.

I’ll turn my eyes toward You, Lord,

For now quietly I’ll wait,

And remember Your love is great.

I’ll turn my eyes toward You, Lord,

Recall Your goodness toward me is sure,

And in You I know my life’s secure.

I’ll turn my eyes toward You, Lord,

And give you my anxious heart,

Which is what I should have done to start.


My mind, my eyes, my heart I give,

From You comes hope for life to live.

Not just exist and muddle through,

But abundant life to live in You.

I look forward to the time and day,

When all my fears are gone to stay.

When in Your love I’m truly free,

Never forgetting You care for me.

So I lay it all at the altar again,

Thankful I can call You friend.

That's why by this world I am not bound,

And at Your feet my peace is found.

By Diana DePriest
© May 13, 2009

Easter Devotional - Resurrection Sunday

From the Book of John Chapter 20:11-18 But Mary was standing outside the tomb weeping; and so, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been lying. And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said* to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, “Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means, Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene came, announcing to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and that He had said these things to her.


Total Perfection

No more sadness or tears, no more reason to cry.
Celebrate Life! Jesus Christ is alive!
Just as He'd promised, He rose the third day,
Proving Himself, the Life, the Truth and the Way!
All of God's promises can be counted as true,
Arise and shine, your joy may be made full!
Go out into the world, tell one and tell all,
Tell the truth of the day death took its fall.
Dance! Shout! Leap for joy! Forever live the King of kings!
Praise be to God! We have reason to sing!
Death has been beaten with the King's resurrection,
God's plan's been fulfilled in its total perfection!

HE IS RISEN!!!



Without Easter, Christmas wouldn't matter, this is truly the day of all days!

Happy Resurrection Sunday when all God's Word was accomplished and all His promises fulfilled. May you all know the fullness of the Savior's love today and always!

Happy Easter!
Diana

Easter Devotional - Saturday

From the Book of Luke Chapter 23:50-56
And a man named Joseph, who was a member of the Council, a good and righteous man (he had not consented to their plan and action), a man from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who was waiting for the kingdom of God; this man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. And he took it down and wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid Him in a tomb cut into the rock, where no one had ever lain. It was the preparation day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. Now the women who had come with Him out of Galilee followed, and saw the tomb and how His body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and perfumes. And on the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.



Did Their Dream Die?

When brought down from the cross,
Their Savior was dead,
What could have been the thoughts
That went running through their heads?

No tomb of His own
To bury Him in,
Some "Son of God"
What freedom did they win?

When they placed Him there,
Did their dream die too?
They didn't know He would rise,
And leave an empty tomb.

They didn't know what we now know,
That their King would arise,
That they soon would know true freedom
For the first time in their lives.

Freedom from sin,
From sadness and shame,
Soon their hearts and their lives
Would never be the same.

How dark was the darkness
On the night they all mourned?
Not knowing the joy
That would come in the morn.

A reason to hope or believe
Must've been so hard to find,
They didn't know what I know
In the Truth is where my hope, I find.

They didn't know what I do
But their faith they still held,
But I know His death saved me
From going to hell.

No grieving in my life
As they did that dark night,
For I know the truth
And now live in the Light.

What more do I need
Than what He gave me on the cross that day?
Innocent, but HE paid the price for me
And washed ALL my sins away.

By Diana DePriest
© 1998

Easter Devotional - Friday

From the Book of Mark Chapter 15:12-39

Answering again, Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Him whom you call the King of the Jews?” They shouted back, “Crucify Him!” But Pilate said to them, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify Him!” 15Wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas for them, and after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified.

The soldiers took Him away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium), and they called together the whole Roman cohort. They dressed Him up in purple, and after twisting a crown of thorns, they put it on Him; and they began to acclaim Him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They kept beating His head with a reed, and spitting on Him, and kneeling and bowing before Him. After they had mocked Him, they took the purple robe off Him and put His own garments on Him. And they led* Him out to crucify Him.

They pressed into service a passer-by coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene (the father of Alexander and Rufus), to bear His cross.

Then they brought Him to the place Golgotha, which is translated, Place of a Skull. They tried to give Him wine mixed with myrrh; but He did not take it. And they crucified Him, and divided up His garments among themselves, casting lots for them to decide what each man should take. 25It was the third hour when they crucified Him. The inscription of the charge against Him read: “THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

They crucified* two robbers with Him, one on His right and one on His left. And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And He was numbered with transgressors.” Those passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads, and saying, “Ha! You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself, and come down from the cross!” In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes, were mocking Him among themselves and saying, “He saved others; He cannot save Himself. 32“Let this Christ, the King of Israel, now come down from the cross, so that we may see and believe!” Those who were crucified with Him were also insulting Him.



When the sixth hour came, darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour. At the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “ELOI, ELOI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?” which is translated, “MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?” 35When some of the bystanders heard it, they began saying, “Behold, He is calling for Elijah.” Someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed, and gave Him a drink, saying, “Let us see whether Elijah will come to take Him down.” And Jesus uttered a loud cry, and breathed His last. And the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. When the centurion, who was standing right in front of Him, saw the way He breathed His last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”

What Were You Thinking?

Jesus came to share the message of grace, and prophecies to fulfill,
He came to walk upon the earth and to do the Father's will.

He had the message of how from the bondage of sin we could be free,
He came to make a better way for all, for you, for me.

He walked among the people, speaking of truth, of peace and love,
Sharing, living and showing, the Father's message from above.

No thanks or love for Him they had, they wanted Him to die,
When asked what they wanted done to Him, they screamed out, "Crucify!"

My Jesus, beaten and mocked, ridiculed and abused,
Was there no other way to save? No other way He could have been used?

Still even as He hung on the cross, in His heart He did forgive,
Willing to suffer so much up there so even these might live.

Sinless, He hung up on the cross, all our sins He bore,
Sacrificing Himself to atone for all we need forgiveness for.

Father, how it must have hurt Your heart, could You have even cried?
When You had to turn Your back on Him the day that Jesus died.

Father, what were You thinking when You sent Him here to die?
Did it have to take His sacrifice for me to find eternal life?

He broke down all the walls that stood between God and me,
So I could be reconciled to the Father for all of eternity.

Lord Jesus, I can't say "I'm sorry" and "Thank You" just won't do,
Only way I can repay what You did is to make my life a sacrifice for You.

You committed Your Spirit to the Father's hands, my life I commit to Yours,
Having only one prayer that I will pray, "Jesus, I want to love you and know you more."

By Diana DePriest
© 1998

Easter Devotional - Thursday

Past His Tears...

"Come, stand and watch, wait for me as I pray,
Be with Me, I hurt, I don't want to be alone this way."

Not a request too hard for a man to keep,
But instead of keeping watch, they went off to sleep.

Our Lord was forsaken in even the simplest request,
If we can't give Him that, how can we give Him our best?

My Lord, alone, distressed, in pain, was it fear?
Even then my life, my soul, He held dear.

He loved me enough to overcome His fears,
Loved me enough to look past his tears.

He prayed, "Father, let this cup pass if it may...
"But I want YOUR will done, and with My life I will pay."

Three times He did ask as He prayed there ALONE
I wonder, would they have kept watch, if they had known...

By Diana DePriest
© 1998


The Book of Matthew Chapter 26:36-46 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and distressed. Then He said* to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me." And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said* to Peter, “So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour? “Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done.” Again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. And He left them again, and went away and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more. Then He came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. “Get up, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand!” (NASB)



"If we are faithless, He remains faithful, He cannot deny Himself." II Timothy 2:13

Easter Devotional - Wednesday

From the Book of Mark Chapter 14:3-9 While He was in Bethany at the home of Simon the leper, and reclining at the table, there came a woman with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume of pure nard; and she broke the vial and poured it over His head. But some were indignantly remarking to one another, “Why has this perfume been wasted? “For this perfume might have been sold for over three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.” And they were scolding her. But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you bother her? She has done a good deed to Me. “For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them; but you do not always have Me. “She has done what she could; she has anointed My body beforehand for the burial. “Truly I say to you, wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her.”


Will You Pour Out Your All?

Will you pour out your all? Give the best that you have?
Do whatever it takes to honor the Son of Man?

Will you sacrifice your best, give Him all you have to give?
Make him your purpose? Your reason to live?

Others will look down upon you, unable to understand,
Why you have this devotion to the Son of Man.

Are you willing to give back all that's been given to you?
Do whatever it takes to give Him the honor He's due?

by Diana DePriest © 1998

(Original Art by Alice Whisman)

Click for more Easter Devotionals