Parenting

The greatest investment in this short life
is the children we're given to raise.
We must teach them godly wisdom
and heart-felt songs of praise.
We can help them recognize the schemes
of Satan's deadly wiles,
to avoid rebellion in their teens
when they still think like a child.
Correction without commendation will kill.
We must not provoke them to wrath,
which can drive them away from instruction
onto the wide worldly path.
Pass on to your children more than a living;
give them rich eternal life.
Teach God's way by example,
helping others overcome strife.
Obedience and discipline
create a great attitude
toward creator God and his message,
a mind filled with gratitude.
His discipline has reason,
pulling weeds from faith's garden plot.
We all grow from nurturing others,
whether labor is pleasant or not.
Don't become discouraged with failure.
Even God has struck out a few times!
Our goofs can serve as examples
of negative paradigms.
We repent and move forward in his grace,
like Peter after denial
of the Lord and Savior that he served
during the mockery of a trial.
Our best is all he asks of us,
with perfection the final goal
as the Potter molds and polishes
our weak but willing soul.



The Touch of a Friend

Society in modern times tries everything it can
to re-write God's own words of love that could save sinful man.
Attempts to justify the style of life they blindly choose
is the pathway to perdition, a race they're bound to lose.
God's rules are plain and simple, though hard to daily live:
Set aside desires of selfishness, dig deep and humbly give.
The miracles of Jesus' day were not so much to cure
as to prove he was the Son of God, the promised Christ, for sure.
The “tongues” apostles spoke were well-known  languages, real words
with meaning to the many clans of foreigners that heard,
so all could understand the gospel message that was spoken,
that Jesus, whom they crucified, was their salvation token.
He was a friend of murderers, tax gatherers and sinners,
forgave them as he hung in shame to make them into winners.
He touched offensive lepers, wants us to follow suit.
Until we show how much we care, how much we know is moot.
In appreciation of his gifts, our blessings we will share
with wounded souls who need the touch of hands that really care.
David said, "I will not offer God anything  that costs me nothing."
How can we aid a bleeding heart that we're afraid of touching?
God doesn't promise health or wealth to his obedient few,
but trials all along the way, and heaven when we're through.
Direction, planning, discipline according to his plan--
not miracles or happenstance - bring happiness to man.



Family Feud

Isaac was partial to Esau, an outdoors-man from youth.
Rachel, their mom, preferred Jacob, a quiet guy with couth.
God knew before the twins were born that Esau would not do
as a leader of his people, but Jacob would be true.
When Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for some stew,
he proved God's choice was perfect, and his hate began to brew.
He begat an evil nation that fought with Israel,
offspring of brother Jacob where the coming Christ would dwell.
Whenever hardship was their lot, the Edomites rejoiced.
They loved to hate their cousins, and their hatred oft was voiced.
Till yet those clans are enemies, wish one another harm,
gloat over pains and trials and keep resentments warm.
The same can happen if we swell with arrogance and pride,
even tho we think our closest friends will stick right by our side.
Indifference to others who are under persecution
makes us guilty of the same offense, deserving retribution.
Do we enjoy the problems of the wicked when they fall?
Rub salt into their open wounds and hope to see them crawl?
Whoever wants forgiveness must first forgive his foes,
offer prayers and love instead of gladly wishing them more woes.
For hate can make a slave of you, to serve who you despise.
Love frees your soul for better things; you're learning to be wise.
Opposing God, the righteous Judge,will bring your own destruction.
Dare to be different, loving, brave, obeying his instruction.
Only the faithful will survive to enter heaven's gate,
but none of us will shout with joy at evil Esau's fate.



Passover

The Passover lamb was symbolic of Christ, the Lamb of God.
Each lamb was spotless, perfect—as the Lord prescribed.
The blood on the doorposts kept the angel of death
from taking those inside,
and in Israel's camp that night, not a single person died.
Their enemies were marked for destruction, the oldest family members.
Much pitiful mourning and wailing was heard that night.
The Passover supper was instituted, a memorial of redemption
every year at the time of Israel's freedom flight.
For a week their bread was made without yeast,
signifying the working of sin
that can leaven the lump of dough and bring disaster.
Not every person is virtuous within the congregation
and can cause some of the flock to stray from the Master.
After bondage in Egypt for four hundred years, Israel was led by God
out into pastures green to start anew.
Like them, we Christians are transformed into a worthy people,
a metamorphosis, a switcheroo.
Ahead of Pharaoh's soldiers, facing a raging sea,
between a hard place and a rock the Jews were stuck.
The only place to look was up, up to the God of heaven.
They needed more than just a spot of luck.
They were crying out in fear, but God said "Stop your whining!
Go forward.  I am with you all the way."
The water of the Red Sea turned out to be salvation,
just as water saves obedient souls today.
Baptism is our circumcision, signifying death
of our old attitudes and shameful sin,
a burial and resurrection to a righteous life
where loving sacrifice and peace begin.
Jews had to re-learn freedom, like a bird whose flight is gained
by slow degrees until its wings are strong.
God's word within our hearts helps us daily grow and change
in the image of the One who did no wrong.
Like the early church, we gather each Sunday to commune
with one another in the blood of Christ,
a time of great thanksgiving for all that he has done,
giving us his best, the perfect sacrifice.
And because he gave his best, he expects the same of us,
a dedicated life of serving others.
Real happiness is ours only if we share its blessings,
giving freely of ourselves to help our brothers.



Choosing Deacons

God gave checks and balances
for leaders of the church.
To appoint someone unqualified
leaves members in the lurch.
These men are special servants,
proven by their deeds
to do the job with strength and faith,
to meet the church's needs.
With fine-tuned understanding
—mature, sedate, sincere—
both physical and spiritual
are one in action here.
No double-tongued can qualify,
but steadfast in the word,
always edifying,
in good works undeterred.
An attitude of self-control,
responsible and wise,
accountable to elders
—their place to recognize—
are virtues of a deacon
who serves his fellow man
and Christ, the one head of the church,
who wrote salvation's plan.



Joyous Service

A pat on the back may be all you receive
if impression is your goal.
Service with love is the motive
that comes from a gracious soul.
Because of what God has done for us,
our hearts and spirits yearn
to share his goodness with others,
a bit of his gift to return.
The purpose for our existence
is humble servant-hood,
but even here we must be wise
in order to do good.
As joyful stewards of the word,
we may go overboard
and empower helpless leaches,
a luxury we can't afford.
Some will suck us dry emotionally
without the proper care.
Eternal needs are paramount
over temporary fare.
Through Christ, we're more than conquerors
with a purpose from on high.
He will strengthen us in suffering,
in peril edify.
Though used and abused, our blessings
are showers of joy untold.
The Potter's hands are forming us
in his own Godly mold.



Sermon on the Mount

When Jesus says that we will be blest,
he is promising ultimate happiness
as we follow the plan that he has devised
to make us peaceful, contented and wise.
The poor in spirit depend on the Lord
for strength and courage when times are hard.
Those who mourn for their sins are happy indeed,
knowing he forgives, whatever our need.
The meek and gentle submit to God
as the great authority, holy ramrod.
To hunger and thirst for the truth that he gives
will change the way a person lives.
Showing mercy and grace to an imperfect friend
is to help him again and again and again.
The pure in heart think about good things,
being thankful for blessings that each day brings.
Peacemakers, like Christ, look out for another
show patience with every sister and brother.
Those who suffer because of righteousness
will influence folks, even enemies bless.
Simple to say, but hard to do
without the Shepherd leading you.
Sooner or later we will all bend the knee
to almighty God and his majesty.
Why not choose sooner, while there's still time
to dwell in that place with mansions sublime?



Talents and Gifts

God doesn't ask a squirrel to swim or a scaly fish to fly,
and he only wants our very best as humans, you and I.
We each are gifted differently to fit a special task
which he will give us strength to do. Is that too much to ask?
We need his help to function, a humbling thought indeed.
His word will guide us safely if we daily choose to heed.
Some gifts are plain and practical while some may be inspired,
strategic in their placement, by God himself required.
We must recognize our talents and hone them for the Lord,
to be razor sharp when needed, even if the job be hard.
Influence in the cause of Christ and furthering his glory
is possible for every saint as we share his awesome story.
A cup of water offered to praise his holy name
can become a cleansing river, salvation to proclaim.
Some feel an urgency to speak, to share his holy word,
some serve by helping others, their faith to under-gird.
There are teachers and exhorters and leaders of the flock,
or managers of money to keep us out of hock.
Those filled with cheerfulness spread light and mercy all around
to give us hope and keep our flighty feet upon the ground.
Don't hide your inborn talents, use all ability.
Each morning on awakening, say, "Here am I; send me!"



Reminders

Remind, remember, call to mind: this is Peter's focus,
repeated oft to underscore the truth.
Vulnerable to false doctrine if ever we lose sight
of the faith and values ingrained from our youth,
we must keep these teachings constant,
obtaining useful knowledge,
the wisdom that brings 20-20 vision.
Through ignorance, Satan holds his slaves
in lawlessness and strife,
grey-shadowed in a cell of indecision.
We will have no reason to obey the words of holy writ
unless our faith in God remains secure.
Fruits of the spirit will abound only as we toil
to produce a crop that's nourishing and pure,
increasing in his virtues through a healthy spirit,
an "out-of-this-world perspective" that we gain
from doing things his way and seeing through his eyes
the goal of righteousness we can obtain.
A Christian is a learner, a practicing disciple,
a slave to Christ and all our fellow-men.
To use the title loosely brings shame upon the name,
a heresy, an ugly kind of sin.
Opinions used as doctrine are another heresy
that deny the Lord and tell a different story.
The Bible he provides supplies our every need,
puts music to the words and brings him glory.
We all are common people, but can do uncommon things
as we rely on his great strength and wisdom
to guide us and sustain us on the path of righteousness,
the perfect, blood-bought, free salvation system.
 


Coming Out of Bondage

Just as God called Moses long ago to lead his enslaved people,
he asks Christians to lead sinners out of bondage
Much fuel is required to get the rocket off the ground,
but soaring comes with practice, study, knowledge.
Moses had an education in the best Egyptian schools,
but the more important teaching by his mother
built his character, morality, a useful Godly wisdom
that served him as a leader and a brother.
Only weak, imperfect humans are chosen for this work
because there is no other kind around.
When the Israelites were caught between a hard place and a rock,
God turned the Red Sea mud to solid ground.
His strength is all we need today for challenges and trials
as long as we don't compromise with Pharaoh.
His magicians could work miracles; remember and be wary
of false teachers with an other-worldly glow.
As with Noah, then the Israelites, God still uses water
to separate his people from the world.
Recognizing our captivity to sin's seductive power
can prepare us when those painful darts are hurled.
There will be up and downs, from desert to oasis,
to test and strengthen all who would obey.
God does not bluff.  He warns us of our impending doom
if we change our minds and walk another way.
But the great salvation promise to every faithful saint
sustains the meek and humble as they plod
along the strait road he provides that leads to heaven's gate -
eternal, awesome fellowship with God.



Getting Ahead of God

 How many problems have we caused
by getting ahead of God's plan?
It is one of the greatest problems
that has ever been known to man.
Abraham and his lovely wife, Sarah,
grew impatient as time went by
and the promised son had not appeared,
their desires to satisfy.
So Sarah gave him Hagar
to beget for them a son,
and when her servant had conceived,
their troubles had just begun.
Sarah was jealous of Hagar,
who treated her with derision,
and the world is still in turmoil
because of her decision.
Isaac was born in God's own time,
with enemies at the ready,
also carrying Abraham's genes,
a mixture that was heady.
The middle-eastern countries,
consumed by hatred still,
are the consequence of "helping God,"
his great plans to fulfill.
Sentiment and high charged emotions
can be dangerous if used
in making rash decisions,
our good sense sore abused.
God's word should be our plumb line
to keep our pathway strait,
following in his footsteps
toward the pearly gates.



Open My Eyes

Open my eyes that I may see
the wonderful things in your law,
a deep understanding of spiritual truths
the apostle Paul finally saw.
As a self-righteous Jew, he had missed the point
of what the commandments meant.
Persecuting and killing Christians
was the way his whole life was spent.
But when he was blinded, he saw the truth
of the love that Jesus had shown,
the happiness of suffering
that he had never known.
 
When Jesus healed the blind man,
a fact no one could deny,
it made his parents so nervous
that they wouldn't take his side,
afraid of being ostracized,
from the synagogue disbarred.
Their position in the community
came first, before the Lord.
The Pharisees knew what had happened,
but refused to accept the fact
that the man they hated was really Christ,
kept their preconceived notions intact.

It is easy to blind ourselves to the truth
if we really don't want to know.
Sincerely searching the scriptures
is the only way to show
that we are honest with ourselves
and want to follow Christ.
We all need help to see the way,
understand his sacrifice.
None are so blind as the prejudiced
who keep refusing to see
the simple truth that Jesus taught
when he died for you and me.



One Body, One Head

The church that Christ established only has one head.
We are his body, purchased with his blood,
receiving his instructions that make our life worthwhile,
as the vine that slowly feeds each tiny bud.
If we don't accept the bread of life—his word—to guide our steps,
like a helpless invalid we will become.
God's discipline and pruning, cutting back the excess growth,
may be painful as he brings us into plumb,
but is very necessary to be fruitful in the spirit,
adding elements to strengthen faith each day,
to ready us for battle with the evil worldly spirits
that try to turn us from the living way.
His word that permeates our hearts brings out our very best,
gives us righteousness (that's being right with God),
produces staying power in the midst of ridicule,
the scoffers that will call us weak and odd.
It clears up all confusion about what's right and wrong,
is simple and straightforward, fundamental.
As we walk in the manner to which we have been called,
our attitude will be both kind and gentle.
Yes, Christ has just one body, guided by one Holy Spirit,
one hope, one Lord, one faith and one baptism,
one God and Father of us all—why would we need another?
He gives us every cause for optimism.
The Jewish leaders thought they'd won, that day at Calvary
as they taunted bloody Jesus on the tree,
but soon came Sunday morning
when he came forth from the grave
proclaiming our eternal victory.
 


Suffering in Christ

Christ was right up front with everything
about his mission here.
He would suffer, we will suffer,
yet he still said "Have no fear."
There will always be opposition
for the Christian cause,
even some from family and friends
and from misguided laws.
There have never been any "good old days"
since he set foot on earth,
no bed of roses for his saints,
but we know what the pain is worth.
He tells us not to be off guard,
never be surprised
when suffering must come our way
and we are sore despised.
When pressure comes upon the church,
we show our colors true,
which may weed out the yellow streaks
and leave the brave, true blue.
We may sometimes deny the Lord,
like Peter, out of fear,
yet forgiveness is a prayer away.
Just hold this promise dear.
We can't please everybody;
as John and Christ have proved.
They were accused and lied about
by the leaders of the Jews,
then killed because they told the truth.
Will we dare do the same?
The faith is still worth dying for;
it's not just a Sunday game.
We take our own inventory,
which is nothing to brag about,
but the sacrifice that saved us
should make us sing and shout.
Can we take a break from commitment,
retire when the going gets hard?
The soul will atrophy and die
when cut off from the Lord.
Holiness means suffering in the flesh
as long as we draw breath,
denying self and stretching toward
the One who conquered death.



Bribing God

"I will serve you, Lord, if you do as I say."
Is that the way you sometimes pray?
To challenge God and thwart his plan
seems to be the ambition of self-centered man.
Tempted and tried, we often complain,
as though we deserve good crops without rain.
Though steadfast Job was faithful and true,
he finally asked, "Lord, what did I do
to deserve this attack on my kids and my health?
How will I regain my strength and my wealth?"
Well, why not you, Job?  This life is not fair.
You still have the basics, including free air.
Most important of all, your soul is still free
from Satan's attacks, and that is the key.
God allows many trials to strengthen and hone
our faith in his will, but we're never alone.
His way may seem foolish to those who are wise
by the world's haughty standards, who often despise
the humble and lowly, the needy and poor,
whose eternal soul only God can secure.
Men uneducated were the type Jesus chose
to carry the gospel without fancy prose.
Experienced with suffering, they were prepared
to share in the trials the new converts shared.
Things of God can't be seen by the natural eyes
of people who think of themselves as so wise
that they need no one else to help them survive,
who give God no thanks for the way that they thrive.
His living bread sustains us, bread that money cannot buy,
nor bribes of goodness can we give, his love to satisfy.
Criticism, resentment, indifference, superiority
will leave us sadly wanting for a better bargaining plea.
A good and honest heart finds contentment in his word,
but the worldly wise man scorns its teaching, calling it absurd.
Want to find the greatest bargain anyone on earth can get?
This life is just the starting line.  You ain't seen nothing yet!
 


Practical Lessons of Life

God's will for us is love and peace,
so practical and wise,
divine in purpose, giving us
hope we can recognize.
Put first things first, he gently says,
give him your heart and soul,
then he will take care of the rest
to help you reach your goal.
Ingest his word, think righteous thoughts,
creating treasures troves
where moth and rust cannot corrupt
in heaven's safe alcoves.
Stay free of jealous striving,
don't let disorder rule,
nor negative influence
that makes you act the fool.
Keep from the reach of envy
that rots away the bones,
expect that life will not be fair
and you're one step nearer home.
Don't procrastinate or think "what if . . ."
or else "what might have been?"
Decide to train your body,
know hard work is your friend.
Help others every chance you get,
a thankful heart to grow,
and learn to love as Christ does,
that thankfulness to show.
Take time each day to be holy,
read scripture and pray to the Lord,
grow closer in his sweet communion,
hold tighter when trials are hard.
Use mistakes as helpful stepping stones
as up the steeps you climb,
abounding in the work of love
until the end of time.
 


The Balance of Love

Like the love of an earthly father, with discipline included,
Christ balances his love for all his saints.
He is angry when we disobey the plan that he provides,
disgusted with our multiple complaints.
He castaway the natural branch, the disobedient Jews,
and grafted Gentiles on the family tree.
We also can die like a twig, be thrown into the fire
just like the Jews, according to decree.
We should be fearful of his wrath, for he will spit us out
if we become lukewarm and turn away
from the mission he has planned for us, the happiness he offers,
available before the judgment day.
We need not wait until the end for promised peace and joy.
He lavishes the best on those who manage
to rise above the storm clouds as if on wings of eagles
who use the updraft to their own advantage.
With his strength we can prosper in our daily acts of service
despite temptation by the devil's snare.
There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ,
but of the chance to fall we must beware.
He only uses volunteers, those choosing to stay faithful,
not keeping us in tow against our will.
We must be honest with ourselves and face our helplessness.
Only Christ can all our righteousness fulfill.
His purpose when he came to earth was not to please the people,
but to save the souls of those obedient few
who accept his loving discipline as well as all his blessings,
staying faithful unto death, the tried and true.
 


If You Think You Stand

Samson was mighty in the Lord,
a life-long Nazarite.
With animals or people,
he was prepared to fight.
God planned to use this servant
to set his people free
from the bondage of the Philistines,
his faithfulness the key.
But toying with temptation
and not a little pride,
he got to thinking all his strength
came from his own insides.
With beautiful Delilah
he played a dangerous game,
not knowing that the Lord had left,
this sinner to disclaim.

Such stories are for our learning,
to show us where we fail,
when we get so high and mighty
and fight God tooth and nail.
With our talents and our money,
why serve him, anyway?
Our strengths become our weaknesses
as vanity holds sway.
The blessings of power or beauty,
money or talents or brains,
can corrupt the soul of mortal man
with ugly unrighteous stains.
The Philistines blinded Samson,
and our pride can do the same
if we put our own enjoyment first,
look at life as one long game.
Now deep humiliation
has brought Samson to his knees,
and he knows why God has left him,
as his selfishness he sees.
He prays for strength to right his wrongs
and give God all the glory.
The two of them bring down the house
to end great Samson's story.
 


Giving

Will a man rob God, taking of his gifts,
bringing nothing in return?
Are the manifold blessings we receive
really something that we earn?
Can we earn the freshness of the breeze
that fills our lungs each day,
or abundant food and water?
With what money can we pay
for the love of friends and family,
the grace that Christ has shown
in providing us with righteousness
that could come from him alone?
God protected Jacob's offspring,
blessed them in all that they did,
but they questioned and they whined and balked
like a spoiled rotten kid.

When th priests refused to teach the truth
the people were destroyed
for lack of godly knowledge
that would help them know the Lord.
Their practice of religion
was defiled by selfish hearts,
sacrificing sickly animals
as though God they could outsmart.
He would not accept their offerings,
despised their attitude
and withdrew his blessings from them
till they showed some gratitude.
If we don't appreciate the gifts
that God has freely given
we short-change our eternal souls
and can lose our home in heaven.
Nothing but our best is good enough
to honor Christ the King.
Of our talent, time and money,
we owe him everything!
If we offer him left-overs
to serve as sacrifice,
we  will drown in our own rotten swill,
hardly paradise!



Gratitude

A dread disease like leprosy can fill the heart with fear,
“untouchable” it’s victims, where no one dares come near.
When Jesus, with compassion, healed the ten who came,
just one returned to thank him and praise his holy name.
A worse disease than leprosy is rampant in the earth,
the blight of sin that’s only healed by Christ’s gift of re-birth.
How often do we thank him each day for saving grace,
for the chance to speak to him in prayer as friends do, face to face?
Do we live our thanks by serving our needy fellow-man?
Being useful fills an inner need, according to God’s plan.
The apostle Paul was thankful to be allowed to serve,
the force that drove his mission and strengthened up his nerve.
To be a gracious giver, we must graciously receive
the blessings of his bounty saved for those who would believe.
External “things” are not the point of God’s great love and care,
but the soul that is eternal, the goal we all can share.

Certain trials make us humble, dependent on the Lord
instead of our own righteousness to earn this great reward.
When we are tried and tempted, we all tend to complain,
seldom thankful for the lessons by which our souls will gain.
Ungrateful, never satisfied, ignoring others’ needs,
we count their many blessings, plant evil envy’s seeds,
cultivating pain and misery for self and those about.
Then discontentment grows like weeds and causes us to doubt.
Spiritual hypochondriacs we slowly have become,
blaming God for our misfortunes, our selfish outlook glum.
Adversity can be advantageous, challenge us to dare,
to look for new solutions, like the breathing of fresh air.
A thankful heart works miracles to cure all kinds of ills,
more potent than a doctor with bottles full of pills.
Thank God and parents, spouse and kids, your friends and even foes,
for we gain a lot of patience as we wrestle with our woes.
As lifting weights builds muscle, the soul must exercise
to gain the knowledge of the truth that makes us strong and wise.



The Christian Feast

Every mother tries to teach her children healthy eating habits,
to nurture bodies that become immune,
throw off the germs that might invade
and cause all sorts of havoc,
to keep their constitutions in good tune.
Christ has prepared the best of banquets that will feed our souls,
a balanced meal to make us fit and trim.
He invites us to the greatest feast, delicious and yet wholesome,
asks all who hunger to come dine with him.
He first invited Israel, the nation he prepared
to introduce the Christ to all the world,
but they refused his message, said they had other plans,
so to the Gentiles was his plan unfurled.
“All that God says, we will do,” at Sinai they promised,
but then their stubborn hearts did not obey.
With discipline of punishment he looked for their repentance,
yet they spurned his laws and ran the other way.
They always made excuses, preferred the pagan idols,
thought God would always turn the other cheek.
But justice is his watch-word, he shows no favoritism,
a balanced nature, wrathful and yet meek.
The perfect sacrifice by God—the shameful death of Jesus—
made possible our own participation
in the lavish banquet he prepared to feed our famished souls,
the word that leads us to complete salvation.
It’s the only food that satisfies and brings us peace of mind,
the daily meal we can enjoy and share.
Immunity to Satan’s darts is our best guarantee
that the Lord is looking out for our welfare.
He doesn’t promise healthy bodies, lives of endless bliss
upon the earth within the devil’s realm,
but he guards our souls from danger as long as we are faithful
and acknowledge him as captain at the helm.
 


The Valley of Dry Bones

 Ezekiel listened to the Lord, who gave to him a vision
of dry bones in a valley dark and drear.
“Can these bones live again?” God asked this son of man,
but no enlightened answer did he hear.
“Only you know, Lord,” Ezekiel said, and yet he never doubted,
for he believed that God could do all things.
He created Adam out of dust, could do the same again,
new breath to these dry, lifeless bones could bring.
“Prophesy, Ezekiel, that these bones shall live again,”
and the prophet said the words as he was told.
Bone to bone they were united, covered now with flesh,
looked human as they had in days of old.
But till the Father gave them breath, they were only flesh and bone.
Then they became an army for the Lord.
Like the wayward house of Israel, now dead in hopeless sin,
repentance could bring them unearned rewards.
Held captive now in Babylon because they disobeyed,
God sent Ezekiel to prophecy,
to wake them up from stupor brought on by years of sin,
that no longer would they this great God deny.
Nothing is impossible when he is on our side;
he can give new life when we feel dead as dust.
At the end of our rope is a lesson not to depend on self.
Faith in his strength, and mercy is a must.
Fear can accomplish nothing. When you’re feeling down, look up!
Beyond yourself is where the answer lies.
Accomplishment unlimited is what we can expect
when our view comes through the Great Creator’s eyes.
When we minister to others, who receives the greatest blessing?
The giver benefits beyond belief!
The more God helps us cope today, the more we should do tomorrow.
Waste of resources makes us like a thief.
Ask “why not me?” and pray for wisdom through your many trials.
Console your brother, weep with those who weep.
Christ has a tender, caring heart that feels our every pain,
and our sins are like a knife that cuts him deep.
Hard-hearted people could not see the glory of the Lord
in the miracles he wrought from day to day.
Justice, mercy, hope he offers to those who believe,
who share their bounty in a loving way.
His followers of every race are now new Israel,
the remnant that he promised he would save.
New life he breathed into his church, now clothed in raiment white,
which he purchased when he overcame the grave.



Untie the Colt

When apostles untied the donkey colt for Jesus to ride into town,
the owner asked their purpose, but did not turn them down.
When they said, "The Lord has need of it," no question did he ask.
Sometimes we tend to falter at doing a simple task,
preferring important assignments that bolster up our pride,
but God knows that humility will make us glow inside.
The penitent woman washed Jesus' feet with tears of thankfulness
and dried them with her lovely hair, the Savior to caress.
Mary anointed him with perfume, a quite expensive gift,
a loving, thoughtful gesture, a somber mood to lift.
Abraham offered Isaac, his greatest earthly possession,
without the selfish "Why me, Lord?"— which is the usual question.
What do we have tied up to the post, not allowing God to use it?
He gave us everything we own. Do we selfishly abuse it?
The rich young ruler was sad to think of giving up his wealth
in order to serve the Father who offered spiritual health.
The Jewish folks simply went to console two sisters at Bethany,
but were blessed to witness a miracle when Lazarus was set free.
The supreme sacrifice was given by Jesus for our sins,
paid the cost for our transgressions, our victory to win.
Seed can’t bear fruit until it dies, then with help of water and dust,
it becomes a thing of beauty as the sprout pops through the crust.
When we die to self, give our all to God in grateful love and praise,
we have chosen the way of joy and peace that enriches all our days.
Untie that colt for the Savior's use, sharing money, talents and time
to enlarge the kingdom's boundaries into a world sublime.



Satan's Web Service

People sometimes find themselves caught up
in a web of sin and doubt,
of adultery, constant complaining,
or lies that may be found out.
A web of indifference to God's word
can sap strength from the soul,
and seemingly innocent activity
may look like a worthy goal.
But Satan is subtle, his web is well hid
from the wanderer looking for fun.
His charm is beguiling and leads to the trap
where the torture has only begun.
He knows to exploit our weakness,
whether money or passion or fame,
can turn us toward idolatry
and make it look like a game.
To the prodigal son it was foreign intrigue,
to Samson it was his pride.
It might be entertainment
or a hobby that draws us inside.
A cross could become an idol
or an item of merchandise,
it's meaning lost in emotions
that negate Christ's sacrifice.
Webs of human intellect
explain away God's word,
attempting to turn us from the truth
by making it seem absurd.
Nobody can snatch you away from God,
but you can choose to leave,
to walk the broad way lit with neon
with those who disbelieve.
Only Christ's shed blood can break the web
that Satan so busily spins,
the atonement necessary
to make sure that justice wins.
 


Different Kinds of Followers

There are many types of people who are in the church today,
with attitudes that vary as they walk along the way.
Peter followed Jesus from afar when the rocky road was steep,
where denial was too easy, bringing painful guilt so deep.
Like him, we follow close enough to see exciting action
without commitment necessary to give our faith good traction.
Some have ulterior motives, like the crowds who sought the bread,
not understanding that their souls were what they needed fed.
Self-seekers want the limelight, are easy to take offense.
Some are critical, like Judas, whose greed became immense.
There are some who point their fingers, and some who like to fuss.
Some are fearful, unbelieving that God will care for us.
Some prefer the love of man that can puff up his ego
instead of peace and mercy from God's huge overflow.
There are even covenant breakers who ignore his holy word,
yet wear the name of Christian, which seems a bit absurd.
God looks for good and honest hearts that follow at his call,
persevering even unto death, a soul that will not fall.
Whatever keeps you away from him is a load too big to carry.
Make changes that are fitting, of "good old boys" be wary.
Accept rebuke of a wise man as a blessing for your soul,
for wisdom is better than rubies when heaven is your goal.
Get rid of anger and hatred, be peaceful when you can,
learn contentment in each circumstance, love your fellow man.
Ignore the gossips, the jealous, all those who criticize.
Jesus kept doing good in spite of them, and we should do likewise.
The yoke of Christ helps lift the weight of burdens that we bear.
More precious than an ointment is the good name that we wear.
 


Emotions Can Be Wrong

Saul's convictions about the Christians
were based on feelings, not fact.
He thought he had God's blessings
in each deadly religious contact.
When he met Christ on that dusty road,
a new attitude held sway,
but not until he was baptized
were his sins all washed away.
When Jacob was shown the colorful coat
of Joseph, soaked in blood,
the painful emotions of a father's grief
ran through him like a flood.
Even though his feelings were based on a lie,
the pain he felt was real.
We flirt with danger when making decisions
only on how we feel.
Even prophets can lie and sadly deceive
those ignorant of God's word.
We must search the scriptures to avoid
being duped by the absurd.
The are no new revelations.
The Bible is all we need
to guide us through this wicked world
and at righteousness succeed.
Naaman felt it would be ridiculous
to travel for a day
and dip in the muddy Jordan
to wash leprosy  away.
The dip didn't earn his cleansing,
but obedience was the key
to unlock promised blessings
that left him blemish free.
The spiritual life is daily acts,
behavior, quiet devotions,
not what we do in public
to stir up wild emotions.
Study like the Bereans.
To the word of God take heed,
let it soak into your heart and mind
and guide your every deed.



Friends

Friendship is commitment, loyalty, and love
that make two personalities fit like hand in glove.
Brought out by deepest trials, it's sympathies unending,
friendship is strong, protective, loyal and unbending.
Like Jonathan and David, in victory and woe,
we share both good and bad, as down through life we go.
Like brave Onesiphorus who served Paul while in jail,
a friend is at the ready, available without fail.
But if all others disappear, Christ is standing by
to offer sweet encouragement that makes us want to try.
His counsel gladdens any heart that seeks to do his will,
and shares his strength when needed, his justice to fulfill.
He makes all things turn out for good when the suffering is done,
and though we lose some battles, the big war has been won.
With soothing rest for weary souls, forgiveness when we fall,
this friend in need is a friend indeed, the greatest friend of all.
When we are so unlovable, he loves us anyway.
He takes our hand and leads us out into the light of day.
For our sakes he was poor on earth so we’ll be rich forever,
adopted by the Father, inheriting heaven's treasure.
Immanuel means "God with us," no matter where we roam.
Anywhere with him is a wonderful place.
His arms are always home.



Psalm 23

David spent a lot of time with sheep
and understood their ways.
He changed their pastures often
so they wouldn’t over-graze.
With plenty food and water,
safe from predators and pests,
he knew they were contented
when they chewed their cud at rest.
As long as he, the shepherd,
was there and in control,
they were free of butting order,
like the peaceful Christian soul
who follows the Good Shepherd
in the verdant valley green
and on treks to higher pastures
where some pitfalls may be seen.
His constance of surveillance
for deadly poison plants
like bitterness, resentment
that cannot our life enhance,
ensures our peace and safety,
keeps us balanced on the slopes,
as up and up we daily climb
renewing heavenly hopes.
The pests that often bug us,
pet peeves that spoil our view,
or anxiety for hungry wolves–
Christ can calm those worries, too.
He makes us more than conquerors,
gives all things into our hands,
a purpose in life, a mission,
a goal toward heavenly lands.
With his trusty rod of discipline,
his staff of authority,
he gently keeps the flock in check
with his blest morality
that rids us of any ill feelings
to keep us healthy and fit,
assuring us by his presence
that this Shepherd will never quit.
 

Study

Study the Bible with a spirit of love to share in God's holiness.
The practical sermon on the mount will your priorities bless.
The attributes of the kingdom can all be found therein,
beatitudes of strength and peace that help us deal with sin.
Be meek and gentle in spirit–power under control–
that can be useful in God's kingdom, saving many a soul.
Hunger and thirst for righteousness and your desires will be met.
Be pure in heart, sincere within, with Christ your safety net.
Don't insist on having your own selfish way, make peace instead of foes.
Be a light that leads the lost to Christ, the balm to ease their woes.
Surpass the scribes and Pharisees, whose religion was a sham.
Be salt, preserving and flavoring, influence like Abraham.
Get hold of the ill will in your life, for hate can destroy the soul.
Bring God clean hands and a pure, loving heart
if righteousness is your goal.
Instead of retaliation, forgive the wrongs of others,
be kind to everyone you meet as though they are your brothers.
Never be anxious–it shortens your life. God will take care of you.
You are the servant of whom you obey. To Christ always be true.
Be a wise and prudent builder on the solid rock of the Word,
and you can withstand the raging storms, your faith to under-gird.



Prophets

A prophet's life was a lonely life;
some had no loving, supporting wife.
The harlot Hosea was told to marry
was just a burdensome load to carry.
He learned how God feels when we stray
to the self-made gods we worship each day.
Pain to the deepest can help a man
preach with passion the Lord's great plan,
not just words to tickle the ears,
but life-or-death truths to calm our fears.
The greatest prophet of all was Christ,
proven by his sacrifice,
after John had laid the firm foundation,
the stumbling stone of the Jewish nation.
On Pentecost, the apostles were given
the promised keys to the kingdom of heaven
to set our thoughts on things above
where obedience leads to blessings of love.
A prophet is uncompromising with truth,
not favoring looks or money or youth.
The divine call of God is his utmost concern
as he studies and prays, precious secrets to learn.
In life and character dedicated,
he stands alone, often scorned and hated.
Commanding attention in any crowd,
he speaks with authority, never loud.
God's future purposes he reveals,
as the Father's tender hand he feels.
He's an outstanding critic of social order,
offers food for the soul from heaven's great larder.
The prophet, God's mouthpiece, asks for repentance
followed by comfort in the very next sentence.
Demanding our best while giving his all,
his compassion helps guard us, lest we should fall.
Then when we are called on the last great day,
we will walk arm-in-arm along heaven's way.
 


Hosea

Israel, in corruption to immoral gods,
were unthankful for their blessings from above.
Because of their prosperity, they thought the Lord was pleased.
They were rash and silly as a turtle dove.
Instead of asking God for help, they looked to well-armed neighbors,
went whoring after idols made by men.
Repentance was temporary, half-baked and insincere,
like morning dew condensing in the glen.
God's heart was broken often as his people walked away
from the loving guidance offered in his name.
Hosea and other prophets were ignored, rejected, hated
as salvation's righteous message they proclaimed.

What are we using of God's precious blessings
to serve our worldly idols—lust and greed?
Do we recognize our hunger for the awesome things of God,
or on unwholesome garbage daily feed?
As Hosea bought back Gomer for the price of a lowly slave,
Christ paid for us with blood and pain and shame.
The majority still ignore him to walk the selfish path,
thinking life is just one long, exciting game.
But there will be a reckoning, and all will bow the knee.
Too late will come the cry of recognition.
Too late will apathy turn to remorse when on the brink of hell,
too late a feeling of soul-deep contrition.



Raising Children

If you want to raise a monster,
here's what you need to do:
Give him everything he asks for,
and maybe extras, too.
Laugh at the dirty words he says,
don't teach him right from wrong,
no training in the spiritual vein,
no hymn or Godly song.
Teach no responsibility,
self-discipline or work.
Ignore your job as leader,
the role of parenting shirk.
Let him read or watch anything he wants,
and fill his mind with smut.
If you mention God or morals,
he may think you're a nut.
Have quarrels in his presence,
using language of the street.
Let him see your lack of self-respect,
show him how to cheat.
Provoke him oft to anger,
take his side in any trouble,
so that when he meets reality,
adversities will double.
He will spend a lifetime catching up,
nor earn the feeling of pride
that comes with honest labor,
respect from deep inside.
Then prepare yourself for a life of grief,
for it will surely come,
and you can sit and wonder
why your child became a bum.
 


Positive Parenting

Satan says—act recklessly;
the Lord protects his own.
Take no precaution; dare whate'er you will.
Samson lived by this philosophy
with beautiful Delilah,
then saw his life go suddenly downhill.
Plan as though you will live forever,
live as if this day's your last.
Put first things first, be different and holy.
For good communication,
give kids your time, then listen!
Learn from the aged ones, the meek and lowly.
Give decisive leadership,
build mutual support.
Encourage as you eat and play together.
As a child is taught self-discipline
through positive example,
the exercise will make him tough as leather.
Watch the company you keep,
stay pure, earn his respect,
so he knows that truth abides within the home.
Show hospitality,
enjoy your family,
a way of life as sweet as honeycomb.
His confidence will grow
as he sees the love you share,
that you will be together, come what may,
as you seek the Father's wisdom,
study often, meditate,
and  follow righteous leading all your days.



Families

We have only one chance to raise our kids,
a few short years of life
to teach obedience at home,
prepare them for a world of strife.
Failure to discipline, teach respect
is a sin, the worst abuse.
Provoking to anger can make a rebel,
a bucking wild cayuse.
Finding fault and heaping piles of guilt
will exasperate, depress.
Short answers show impatience,
cause that precious one distress.
Cherish little moments with your child,
making sure his soul is fed
through daily teaching of the Word.
Tuck him lovingly in bed.
Be a patient, caring listener,
show him by your good example
that you're walking hand in hand with God,
that your faith is strong and ample,
more important than just showing up
for three "churchings" every week.
Devotions with the family
can be fun and unique.
An important turning point is when
his faith begins to bloom,
becoming personal and deep,
with roots in an empty tomb.
 


Meeting Jesus Face to Face

Vulnerable moments of our lives may be so full of grace
that we're changed for all eternity, meeting Jesus face-to-face.
Jacob wanted to be blessed by God, and lied to get his way.
He was on the run from Esau on that fateful day
when he wrestled with the angel. A new attitude was born,
the thought of serving others while dealing with his thorn.
Jonah was trying to hide from God when swallowed by the fish.
Preaching to save the heathens was not his fondest wish.
Paul was on his way to kill Christians
when he met Jesus on the road.
His life completely turned around after this episode.
Job lost everything earthly,
yet his faith was strengthened in sorrow.
Hagar, cast out by Sarah, met an angel on the morrow.
Joseph's brothers treated him badly, his talents misunderstood,
but God, with his infinite wisdom,
used his sufferings for their good.
Moses, running for his life, discovered the burning bush,
a meeting with God that turned him around
with a decided swoosh.
Samson lost his freedom, strength and sight
when falling to temptation,
but found God's grace sufficient to bring down an unholy nation.
Elijah, fleeing from Jezebel, was discouraged and wished to die,
but was gently touched by an angel, sent from the Lord on high.
God's voice speaks in the gentle breeze,
"I want you just as you are."
His powerful providence fills all need,
serves as our great lodestar.
Alone and frightened and hopeless? This is the perfect time
to experience the love of God and his wondrous grace sublime.



Coming Home

"There's something in a Sunday that makes a body feel alone . . .
nothing short of dying that's lonesome as the sound
of a sleeping city sidewalk and Sunday morning coming down"*
The prodigal son had sunk very low,
feeding the much-hated swine,
a disgusting animal to the Jews.
Now he wished with them to dine.
He realized he would be better off
in his father's barn as a slave.
Humbled by his carefree adventure,
he felt filthy and depraved.
He would beg his father's forgiveness,
but he never got the chance.
Dad ran and met him, hugged his neck
and did a little dance.
We may wallow in a filthy life
until it makes us sick.
Our wounded soul feels worthless,
our heart as hard as brick.
The hopelessness weighs heavy,
our dreams have been down-trod,
and suicide seems easier
than coming home to God.
The soul of a wayward sinner
still is precious to Christ.
He lovingly longs for our return,
has already paid the price
to redeem and wash us pure as snow,
dress us in his righteousness.
Tax gatherers, sinners befriended by Jesus
knew that their lives were a mess.
The finger-pointing Pharisees
needed him more than they knew.
Self-righteousness hampered their vision,
and their hate for him daily grew.
Like the older son who stayed at home
and resented his wastrel brother,
we may need to change our attitude,
forgive and help one another.
There is plenty room in the banquet hall,
love's well is bottomless.
To share our blessings with neighbors
is to know eternal bliss.

*Sunday Morning Coming Down by Kris Kristopherson



Plowing Fallow Ground

Although Mary was blest beyond measure
to become the mother of Christ,
she suffered pain and anguish
when he was sacrificed.
Certain things have to be broken down
to fit into his mold,
a start from lowly, messy clay
to form a righteous soul.
Saul had at first to be blinded
before he could be a light
that would guide men toward salvation,
away from the dark of night.
Peter had to fall by denying Christ
so humility would reign
as he preached the first Gospel message.
His pain would be our gain.
Before the planted truth could grow,
the temple had to be torn down.
Embraced no longer by the Lord,
Jerusalem became just a town.
Truth hurts, but we must be broken
like fallow ground in spring
before a crop can sprout and grow
to please our loving King.
Cast away a hand or even an eye,
whatever it takes, he said,
to remain obedient Christians,
by the Shepherd gently led.
False teaching, pride, relationships
that hinder our walk with God
must be abandoned, torn asunder,
tromped into the sod.
The narrow road is rocky,
with pitfalls on each side,
but he promises to sustain us
when we choose him as our guide.



Forgiveness

Are you wallowing in misery,
hopeless and depressed?
The Great Physician’s medicine
can put your soul at rest.
If your attitude is negative,
you need his help, for sure.
To say, “Friend, I forgive you”
may begin the cure.
Grudges can cause illness,
lead to murder in the heart.
You may become a slave to hate
as you fling those poisoned darts.
Then life becomes a burden;
your peace of mind is lost.
When you vent a bitter spirit,
you pay an awful cost.
You can control your life again
through forgiveness of another.
Seek him out in a gentle way,
love him like a brother.
Your pain will be replaced by joy,
bad memories erased.
Heavy burdens will be lifted
when iniquity is faced.
Each Christian, in forgiveness,
 has a chance to walk in the light,
even though he realizes
he has not earned the right.
 


Blessing or Curse?

We can choose between God’s blessings
and the curses of his wrath
as each day we set our feet upon
the holy, righteous path.
“Go where I tell you”–obedience–
was Abram’s first tough test.
He left his earthly family
and was supremely blest.
Some find every reason to disbelieve,
to selfishly disobey,
and are promised rejection by the Lord
on the coming judgment day.
God lets us know just where he stands
and offers sure protection
for those in whom he is well pleased,
who live in humble subjection.
Blessings are for those in Christ,
curses for those outside.
He longs to gather us under his wings
where no harm can betide.
Our souls are guaranteed secure,
held strong in his embrace,
unless we choose the wider road
and wander from his grace.
The greatest blessing of all time
is the rugged, shameful tree
that was planted on Golgatha
for the likes of you and me.
From tragedy to triumph,
Christ overcame the grave,
and offers us his recipe,
our blighted souls to save.



The Presence of God

Good listeners will let God speak to the heart,
concentrate, meditate on the Word.
Understanding and wisdom are yours for the asking
when you follow his path undeterred.
Make time for the spiritual, what really matters,
exercising your gift of recall.
Eternal purpose in the nature of man
is providence driving us all.
When we submit totally to his will,
God forms us into the best,
a useful piece of pottery
that serves at his request.
Christ is one with us, the best kind of friend,
intimate and caring.
He is glorious in nature,
his treasure gladly sharing.
Reflect on the truth; wisdom shouts in the streets,
trying to teach us and guide us.
Through humility comes salvation
with help from the Spirit inside us.
From observation we can learn
without making all the mistakes.
Watch and listen, learn and do;
be vigilant, stay awake.
In a stable was the Savior born,
not the palace of a king.
Adopting his meek, loving attitude
will ultimate happiness bring.
He was a willing servant,
every thought was for our good.
In following his footsteps,
his love is understood.
When we are humbly drawn to our knees,
our prayers reach to heaven on high.
For a good yield of fruit we must yield to the pruning,
always in the vine abide.
We are never alone, Christ is our High Priest
who knows all our struggles and woes.
He knows how it feels to be hated,
yet loves the worst of his foes.
Give him first place in your life each day,
listen, heed his voice.
Let him gently lead you homeward
while you have the choice.



Life Webs

Life should be more than breathing and counting each birthday.
It is so much like a vapor that vanishes quickly away.
Remember the Creator while young and full of joy,
for innocence is fleeting, excitement propels the boy.
God wants for us the best of health, a wealth of vitality,
like a luxurious garden–beautiful, worry-free.
The wrong web of people destroys our lives; escape is hard to find.
A house swept clean must be filled with good,
our thoughts and actions kind,
or the bad old habits will return to fill the empty space.
Fruits of the Spirit are gifts of God, offered through his grace.
Rivers of living water, pure and free from sin,
are ours to drink forever when the Spirit dwells within.
Songs of joy now have new meaning; the fruit of love is shown
in all the other spiritual fruits. None can survive alone.
With agape love our daily goal, an abundant harvest to reap,
we gain a magnetism, draw to God his wandering sheep.
Love is the queen of all graces; it took Jesus to the cross.
Though we were all unlovable, our hope for heaven lost,
his agape offered cleansing for every sin we owned.
Where we were weak and helpless, agape love atoned.
Now radiant, bubbling joy within brings peace beyond our scope,
contentment in circumstances where once we had no hope.
We can live a quiet, tranquil life, share with enemies our peace.
Steadfastness of a loving soul will make vain striving cease.
With patience, goodness, kindness we become more like the Lord.
Controlling selfish ambitions these days is not so hard.
Like a colt that is harness broken, our power used for God’s glory,
fidelity and endurance seem the natural end of the story.



What on Earth Are You Doing For Heaven’s Sake?

Are you building on solid foundation? Christ Jesus is all that you need
to prepare a heavenly mansion where happiness is guaranteed.
God can use your mistakes, bumps and bruises
to prepare the soil of your soul
for implanting the seed that produces a bounty of God-control.
Self dies and is buried in water, re-born in the likeness of Christ,
freely given his grace and redemption for which his love paid the price.
Made free from sin, guilt and punishment, what are you doing now
to show your humble gratitude? Go search for new fields to plow!
Get busy burning bridges that connect you to old ways,
old haunts where sin abounded in those undisciplined days.
Scrap everything that might cause you to fondly remember the past,
the friends who would drag you back in the mire
and leave you there, down-cast.
The word of grace will build you up, restore your Christian joy,
a reminder of your inheritance, hear the Father’s “attaboy!”
God is consistent; man is not, changing like shifting sands.
Your only safety is God’s love, the hollow of his hands.
Hunger and thirst for his righteousness, be a doer of his word,
communicate  your faith in Christ, that the good news will be heard.
Keep songs of joy and praise in your heart, show simple gratitude,
and confidence in victory will change your attitude.
This freedom cannot be taken from you, but you can give it away.
So what on earth are you doing for heaven’s sake today?
 


Solomon, Son of David

 Solomon left an example of just how God can use
imperfect people to bring his plans to fruition.
His unselfish plea for wisdom to guide his people aright
brought blessings and much recognition.
The proverbs he authored are timeless,
and offer us much food for thought,
but he failed to live up to his counsel,
and his great wisdom came to naught.
Against God’s commandments for Israel,
he married foreign wives,
built shrines for their pagan idols,
his pride now in overdrive.
Great mansions could not sate his ego,
nor hundreds of young concubines.
Experience taught him, “Beware of bad women,”
yet his worldliness never declined.
Relentlessly taxing his people
to feed his craving for more,
enslaving for his own luxury—
the pleasures he sought to explore—
he bankrupted God’s people, Israel,
left misery in his wake.
And the son who inherited his kingdom
was even harder to take.
 
Jesus said of the Jewish leaders,
“Do as they say, not as they do.”
He was even wiser than Solomon,
obeying the Father he knew.
 


Share in God’s Holiness

The abundant life is in doing God’s will.
Today is the day of salvation.
Your eternity can begin here and now
by meeting the Lord of creation.
His word is instructive for righteousness,
corrective to keep us in line.
It lights up the pathway to everything good,
our natural lust to outshine.

The more we respect and fear Yahweh,
the greater our confidence grows
in the wisdom he shares with us freely
as he lightens our troubles and woes.
The faithful will rest from all labors
where no death or tears or decay
can mar the perfection of heaven.
There purity ever holds sway.

All will someday give an accounting to God.
The Great Judge accepts no excuse.
There is no time to run, no place we can hide
a lifetime of sin and abuse.
Jesus often spoke of torment,
of the miseries of hell,
where the rich man begged for a preacher,
his brothers on earth to tell.
In total darkness, separated from God—
 the most painful retribution–
forever is a long, long time
in hopeless destitution.



Experts

It takes more than a couple of seminars
or reading an excellent book
to become an expert in any field—
like a farmer or a cook.
The scholars in Greek and Hebrew
who interpret the words of truth
spent years of learning and research,
not obtained in the rashness of youth.
Study to show yourself approved.
Don’t accept myths and old wives’ tales,
nor advise past your understanding,
leading others off the trail.
Don’t exchange the truth of God for a lie,
such as hypocrites have done
and followed deceiving spirits,
attempting to outshine the Son
They make merchandise of the Gospel.
On the vulnerable they prey,
making gain from their lies and distortion,
mocking the judgment day.
Not all who call themselves experts
have the Spirit to help them discern
the error so blatantly taught these days,
nor are they willing to learn.
Only God is the way, the truth and the life,
there is only one message of hope.
Be careful to teach the truth in love
for encouragement to cope.
Don’t be led astray by emotions
or trust in the laws of man.
Find solid ground in the Word of God,
the only workable plan,
so that he receives the glory
and shares with us the prize
of heaven’s righteous splendor,
where no one ever dies!



Awareness of God

A life can be wasted by hurry and worry,
filled to the brim with worldly cares,
running wildly in the wrong direction,
tripping on the rocks and snares.
We can lose enthusiasm
for the race—the distant goal—
if we fail to thank the Savior
for the saving of our soul.
Happiness is often searched for
in a new job, diet, mate,
bringing only disappointment,
and we oft decry our fate.
Only serving God and others
brings fulfillment, joy and peace.
Life abundant he has promised,
blessings that will never cease
when we follow in the footsteps
left by Christ upon the trail.
Here he chose to be a servant,
humble, loving without fail.
Born a King, yet in a stable,
common as the day is long,
knowing he would be exalted
in due time, to right all wrong.
Although life has peaks and valleys,
he is with us all the way,
changing us into his image,
guiding us from day to day.
In the scriptures lie the secrets
of the happiness we crave.
If we study and obey them
there’s no need to fear the grave.
Some are hard to understand,
make us stop and meditate
so that we don’t rush ahead and
pass right by the pearly gate.
 


Revelation

Christianity was punishable in 95 AD
by fiery death and torture just for sport.
Exiled on Patmos for his faith, John was given visions,
the martyrs of the kingdom to exhort.
Though Rome would win some battles, Christ would win the war.
Encouraging was John's great revelation .
They can only kill the body, these ministers of evil,
but can't deter the soul from God's salvation.
Many anti-Christs were active in apostolic times,
teaching things contrary to the Word,
watering down the Gospel, then as well as now,
with multitudes just following the herd.
Emperor worship at the time was the main religion,
the patriotic binding of all races.
Those who refused to bow the knee to the nation's idol
were slain like vermin, worthless old nutcases.
The theme of Revelation, with it's seeming secrets,
is the difference between the risen Christ
and worshiping a human with a worldly title
who could offer nothing kin to paradise.
The turning point in history was Christ, our soul’s Redeemer,
whose blood has washed our filthy sins away,
the greatest gift provided in all the years of time,
so that his love forever will hold sway.
We are his own possession, the church's living stones,
resulting from miraculous rebirth.
Remember and be thankful, be faithful unto death
and a crown of life awaits beyond the earth.
 


Gardens of Suffering

 Sweat drops of blood wet Jesus’ brow, as in the garden he prayed,
yet he endured the cross with joy, for there our souls were saved.
The weight of our sins was agony, too much for a mortal man,
but he gladly shouldered all the blame, working God’s eternal plan.
Partaking of his body is to share his righteous goal.
To weekly drink his precious blood is cleansing to the soul.
Remembering the sacrifice so gladly offered there,
with humility and thankfulness, we breathe an earnest prayer
that we will gladly suffer the death of our own will
to follow in the path he trod up Golgotha’s hill.
Before producing any fruit, a kernel of grain must die.
Continuing in our selfishness is His love to deny.
In baptism we are buried with Christ and raised to start anew
as saints and priests in the kingdom, fresh as the morning dew.
The gift of the Spirit revives us, nourishing new life within,
no longer burdened with the guilty verdict for our sin.
The cross represents redemption, the empty tomb our hope.
Though we can’t explain all that happens to us, we have a telescope
that helps us see the outcome, the victory in Christ,
eternal bliss in heaven bought by his sacrifice.
We have different ways to share the Bible’s news of resurrection—
Reasoning and common sense are great for introspection.
We can teach by testimony of how our lives were changed
by the Spirit’s sweet in-dwelling, our thinking rearranged.
Like the Samaritan woman at the well, we can invite–Come see!
Or by serving others, like Dorcas, or Jesus on bended knee.
Only by showing that we care will folks care what we know.
In dying to self and living for Christ, we can his righteousness show,
planting the seed of grace and truth in the garden of the heart.
By discipline and example we can His love impart.
 


Where Will You Spend Eternity?

The concept of eternity is beyond our understanding,
but we know that all God’s promises are true.
He has prepared a special place for members of his kingdom,
but those who see its splendors will be few.
Many begin the Christian life, like the Israelites,
who wandered in the wilderness for years,
but died there in the desert because of unbelief,
unrepentant as a band of mutineers.
The Promised Land was close at hand, yet oh so far away
from those refusing guidance from above.
Many are called, few are chosen, the few who will obey,
adopting God’s own attitude of love.
Life on earth is preparation for eternity.
The present is the only time to choose.
Each day we have the option of following the Shepherd
or opting for the way that’s bound to lose.
Procrastination makes one callous, waiting for tomorrow.
The rich man grew hard-hearted biding time.
Lazarus trusted God, not money, for the great reward,
the only hope for righteousness sublime.
Being “religious” is not enough, as Saul learned on that day
when the Light of heaven knocked him to the ground.
The eunuch and Cornelius, Lydia and her household
were worshipers before the Lord they found.
Dying to sin was necessary in baptismal waters,
and still today the pattern is the same.
New creatures, clothed in Christ, start down the narrow path
with confidence that this is not a game.
We are planting seeds of eternity everywhere we go,
daily praying, “Here am I, send me!”.
Sowing to the spirit, we reap eternal life,
knowing that the best is yet to be.
 


Royal Blood Line

 The history of blood lines in animals is important,
producing top notch breeds with strength and zest.
Great heart is necessary to make a talent fruitful,
determination to become the best.
We humans sometimes tend to live for mediocrity,
are timid with the talents God has given.
When leashed by negativity, we fail to grow and thrive,
dismiss creative thoughts by which we’re driven.
Our fate is not determined by physical blood lines
when God redeems us from our shady past.
The old man of sin is crucified and born again in Him,
becoming more than conquerors at last.
Each person must decide which leader he will follow.
Repeating history becomes each Christian’s choice.
With His sweet words to guide us, we can glorify God in our bodies,
teaching others with both deeds and voice.
We can overcome timidity and use our talents wisely,
and grow our souls up to the level above.
The Lords looks for faithful volunteers to handle the passed baton
with forceful discipline, confidence, power and love.
David was not impressive in physical size and looks,
but God knew his inner makeup was unique.
Jesus saw something different in the woman at the well,
a soul who questioned all, the Lord to seek.
Abigail saved her household by one swift act of wisdom,
Esther’s bravery saved Israel from death.
The Jews looked for an earthly king exuding pomp and splendor.
“Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”
Our friends may hold us back from growing up in Christ,
some sinful habits may be hard to see.
Let God determine expectations of your daily life.
You are in His blood line for eternity.
 


Searching Self

 What are you going to do with Christ
and let him do with you?
Is your heart in service to the Lord;
do you let his light shine through?
Ask yourself, “What do I lack?”
“Are there seeds of betrayal within?”
To do nothing for him is denial;
lack of commitment is sin.
The scribes and Pharisees put up a front
of piety for all to view,
but their hearts were far from the love of God
even as they warmed the pew.
What will you give in exchange for your soul?
Is pride taking hold of your life?
Jealousy makes us to look like a fool,
causing much sadness and strife.
Will you sell out your birthright like Esau?
Those carnal temptations are strong!
Let the evil majority rule your decisions
like Pilate, who knew they were wrong?
Are you like the one thankful leper
or the eight who never came back?
We have been cleansed of a much worse disease.
Of blessings there is no lack.
We must carry our part of the heavy load
or answer to God’s holy wrath.
We deny him with every step we take
when we choose the easier path.
If we neglect so great salvation,
how can we escape?
We must exercise our talents,
keep their muscles in good shape.
So get your house in order,
fill it with good works of love.
There will be no more convenient time
to focus on things above.



New Beginnings

Everybody loves a newborn, a sign of love and hope,
the fruit of God’s own plan of procreation.
Christ was sent in the form of a baby to show us how to live,
a new beginning for all of his creation.
 
Despite his wicked ancestors, Josiah followed the Lord
and turned his people back to Godly ways
with the book of laws that had been lost in the house of God.
Like David, they would learn to sing His praise.
 
The church was born in meek beginnings and must stay the same.
Poor in spirit, humble are the saints.
We pull together, support the truth, brighten our little corner,
and gladly serve the lord without complaint.
 
Too often now the Book is lost within our busy homes
as jobs and hobbies take our precious time.
To revive ourselves we must soak up this source of soul nutrition
and lead the ones we love to heights sublime.
 
If we sacrifice the truth we can lose our very souls.
“Why call me ‘Lord’ and do not the things I say?”
Disobedience makes us slaves of Satan, just like Israel
served evil nations. What a price to pay!

After all the good that Josiah had done in his humble way,
over-zealousness was his great undoing.
We must inquire constantly of the Lord’s Good Book,
digesting well the words we that are viewing.

The church can be split by zealous endeavors
that are based on slanted agendas.
Forgetting our personal grievances,
we must to the King’s way surrender.

Jesus is the cornerstone of the only way.
Wait on the Lord and to him humbly bow.
There is danger in ignoring any word he spoke;
 substitution he does not allow.



The Way of Escape

No Christian is above temptation
to compromise and fit in.
We procrastinate and become out of sync
when we blindly tolerate sin.
God’s word is never re-crafted,
always stays the same.
We must use it to discern the truth,
or our lives may come to shame.
There are always tares among the wheat
who manipulate and deceive,
intent on bringing down the church,
the Lord’s own heart to grieve.
To tolerate blatant sin in our midst
endangers our very soul,
a trap that we may never escape,
losing sight of eternity’s goal.
Watch out for social entrapment,
the pull of sensual pleasures
which can be a form of idolatry
that replaces heavenly treasures.
God knows our vulnerabilities,
allows no temptations so great
that we cannot cope and overcome,
be strengthened, rejuvenate.
Procrastination can numb the soul
and eventually harden the heart.
To those whose spirits are hungry,
hidden manna God will impart,
a wisdom that comes from his holy Word,
enriched by his Spirit of grace.
Only with this special guidance
can we hope to see his face.
 


Family

Parenting is the basis
of Godly learning today,
influence that can help decide
whether good or evil holds sway.
Family is a small society
with fellowship, laughter and sharing,
each helping the other in many ways,
always supportive and caring.
Strong families handle crisis well
when God is number one,
communicating acceptance,
affection and warmth like the sun.
Children never forget the people
whose love is richly shown,
the stories and traditions
that mark important milestones.
It’s hard to appreciate parents
until we walk in their shoes,
with kids of our own to handle,
occasional bouts of the blues.
Then we can better understand
how God must feel at times
when we mess up and disappoint
like the taste of sour limes.
Our goof-ups don’t affect his love;
we get a second chance,
appreciate forgiveness,
our patience to advance.
We can teach our children at all times,
both by word and deed,
in experiences of our daily walk
as we try God’s word to heed.
Gifts of encouragement in Christ,
a grateful, humble heart
can influence them eternally,
a spirit of joy impart.



Children

Children are a heritage from the Lord above,
responsibility so great, it must be met with love–
not just a cozy feeling that warms a parent’s heart,
 but discipline and teaching, God’s will to thus impart.
Eli was a godly man, but failed to teach his sons
respect and honor for the Lord. So much was left undone,
and the priestly line was broken; his heritage was lost.
To help secure our children’s souls, we must pay the cost.
A church that has no children will wither up and die.
We must nourish them with proper food for which their spirits cry.
To those from problem families we can give a ray of hope,
direction for their wounded souls, a proven way to cope.
Showing by example that we love them more than life,
not provoking or embittering, lessening their strife
can break the chain of bitterness and pave the road ahead
with wisdom toward salvation by which they can be fed.
Expecting too much of a child will kill his self esteem.
Humiliation breaks the spirit, hard to then redeem.
The basics of character building–honesty, kindness, thrift—
are taught by daily example, an awesome, priceless gift.
Ambition teaches ambition; responsibility shared
when we know, practice and teach the word,
good proof that someone cared.
The root and depth of conviction grows in rich soil of love.
Academic, social, spiritual growth should balance, hand-in-glove.
Ask their forgiveness when needed, pray for your children by name,
show interest in whatever they do, fan eternity’s flame.
In an atmosphere of wisdom, their stature will increase,
finding favor with God and man where blessings never cease.



Undistracted Devotion to the Lord

A confusing philosophical time
was the early Christian era
among both Jews and Gentiles of the day.
A change of attitude was necessary
for their faithful walk
along this strange but brightly lighted way.
Freedom in the church of Christ
had barriers so few,
relationships seemed awkward for awhile.
There was to be no social status;
everyone was equal–
between the Jews and Greeks no racial guile.
A united front was necessary
for the persecutions
that all would suffer for the name they wore.
Paul knew it would be harder
for those with mates and children,
an added burden to the cross they bore.
Remaining celibate like him
was much less complicated,
with less distraction from the chosen path.
To figure out the odds against them
in this deep distress
didn’t take a great expert in math.
Even though our present woes
don’t make us into martyrs,
the wrong relationships can cause us grief.
Friends, companions, hobbies, jobs
that take your eyes off Christ
can steal your soul just like a common thief.
Insistent people can drain your strength,
weaken a faith once strong,
help twist the scriptures to your comfort zone.
Think and study for yourself,
protect your solitude,
make time, like Jesus did, to be alone.
Be the right person,
choose the right mate,
don’t suppose that you can change another’s ways.
The past track record of malfunction
is a danger sign,
a harbinger of future hellish days.

 

Three Kinds of Discipline

 God’s word can be sweet as honey,
like a mother’s loving caress,
but at times it’s bitter as wormwood,
a fire we cannot suppress.
Instructive, to teach us and guide us,
and open our eyes to his will,
it broadens our human perspective,
all righteousness to fulfill.
Corrective, it changes our thinking
as the Spirit’s influence takes hold,
urging self examination,
painful growth to fit the mold.
God’s discipline is also punitive,
as the Israelites knew well.
Captivity’s humiliation
was a hard-learned lesson to tell.
They were purged in their wilderness wanderings,
but still they went astray,
worshiping pagan idols,
just as we do today.
We are fickle and wishy-washy,
covet the praise of men,
need to be purged of old habits,
the tendency to sin.
Anything more precious to us than God
must be discarded in shame.
Obeying his will can be painful,
especially owning the blame.
As in the valley of dry bones,
he can resurrect the soul,
revive us unto salvation,
and heaven’s bells will toll.
 


Equal Yet Different

Baptism starts a holy work in the life of every Christian,
and new areas of service come our way.
Not only do the saints believe that Jesus is the Christ,
but suffer for his cause as we obey.
We must show no trace of rivalry around the church’s feeder
like hummingbirds that vie for sugar water.
The more we share God’s blessings, the more bountiful they grow,
as our lives are slowly shaped by the Master Potter.
Like a family the church is formed, a unit based in Christ,
with many members having many roles.
We are one, yet varied as our needs, to fill all the positions
and responsibilities to nurture souls.
Social status has no bearing in the Christian walk.
All are equal, all have work to do.
We must strive to learn humility, be penitent, submissive,
love everybody–yes, our enemies, too.
Seek the highest good for others, fight selfishness and greed,
be gracious when a brother tries your patience.
Each trial tests your mettle, makes you stronger still.
Forgiveness saturates your soul with fragrance.
Let your speech be seasoned with salt, weigh each situation,
don’t judge or criticize, but try to heal.
We cannot read another’s heart or feel his inner pain,
know all the strife with which he has to deal.
People of integrity have no axe to grind,
show by their actions they sincerely care .
Despite bad circumstances, grace permeates their being
with abundant blessings and rich joy to share.
Even in a Roman prison, Paul knew the peace of God,
his heart unshackled by the chains he wore.
An attitude of gratitude gave him strength and courage
to patiently withstand the cross he bore.
Anxiety and worry foster bad decision making,
and discontent can lead to shattered dreams,
broken friendships, broken homes, even bankrupt churches.
Perspective may not be all that it seems.
Know whose you are, why you are here and where it is you’re going,
and you cannot be driven from the Way.
What you have gladly given up is not real sacrifice--
old rotten attitudes that once held sway.
Search for the missing cogs in your spiritual gears
and tune your soul so it won’t be misled.
You now have gained the mind of Christ, his peace past understanding.
Reach toward eternal joys that lie ahead.
 


The Open Door

Whenever a door is opened by God
it cannot be shut by man.
Through the door of Christ we can enter the fold,
be part of his eternal plan.
God opened wide the door of the ark,
a way to escape the flood,
and we are given a way of escape
through his atoning blood.
He can take the smallest dab of faith
and turn the world upside down,
just as David and his slingshot
led to a glorious crown.
Through doors he opens in our lives,
we can achieve and grow,
move mountains of problems with mustard seed faith,
his strength and glory to show.
As stewards of manifold blessings–
the keys to his kingdom and more–
we must be responsible leaders,
bring erring sinners to the Door.
The open tomb leads opened eyes
to the open road of salvation.
Open hearts lead to obedience
and rehabilitation.
As with Stephen at his death,
heaven’s door is opened wide
to those who persevere in Christ
and walk close by his side.



Taking God Seriously

We should all be wise as serpents, yet innocent as doves,
do something positive with every day.
We learn but do not understand the teachings of the Master,
continuing to go our foolish way.
The human attitude is selfish: “If it feels good, do it!”
Shoving God away becomes the norm.
His patience can be exhausted, leaving us with a reprobate mind,
and then we blame him for the raging storm.
As Samson toyed with temptation, he pushed the Lord to the limit,
and then was surprised when left in his mess all alone.
Expecting excitement to bring happiness,
we flirt with the danger of fire,
till suddenly we’re burned down to the bone.
As the Philistines gouged out Samson’s eyes,
we, too, can be blinded by sin,
and like him, burdened with its heavy chains.
Arrogance leads us away from the truth into insanity’s grasp,
replacing the spirit of God with darkness and shame.
Conscience must be monitored closely by the Word to guide our path,
not using creative ways to get around it.
As Pilate tried to avoid involvement in the death of Christ,
washing his hands of guilt would only compound it.
Like David tried to conceal his sin and only upped the ante,
we try to shift the blame and pass the buck,
or bribe the Lord with beautiful songs and earnest wordy prayers,
then wonder at our constant rotten luck.
Humility, contrition, a simple “I have sinned”
can bring us back into God’s open arms,
where light and peace and happiness are plentiful and free,
 outside the reach of Satan’s panic alarms.



Wake Up!

Integrity is what you are when no one else is looking.
God always knows the workings of your heart.
Are you easily offended by occasional inconvenience?
Then production of good fruit may come up short.
We must take advantage of the lack of religious persecution,
do good works for the Lord while there is time.
Self-righteousness and boredom can cause a lot of problems,
and the flattery we love ain’t worth a dime.
However faithful we may look with a bright whitewashed exterior,
dry rot within will crumble ailing souls.
Wake up and strengthen what is dead, that superficial mask,
don’t compromise and miss the final goal.
Are you with him or against him? Is there substance to your worship?
Are you long on talk but short on Godly action?
Doing right things for wrong  reasons just make you spin your wheels.
Does your contrite heart give Christian works good traction?
Don’t be caught off guard, spiritually asleep, easy prey for wolves,
 like the church of Sardis, in a coma, dying.
Wake up! Hear and obey. Shake off that old indifference.
Let Satan know for sure you know he’s lying.
Undivided loyalty to God is expressed in daily living.
The rich man’s cry for help came much too late.
Christ patiently knocks at your heart’s door, offering his blessings.
Will he tire and walk away? What will be your fate?
 


Relationships

Be careful how you walk to maintain relationships.
Don’t be unthankful, take too much for granted.
Humility walks hand in hand with loving gratitude,
a smile of service in the heart implanted.
Sacrificial love is chosen, not just happenstance,
not an emotion with a giddy feel.
Submission to each other as unto Christ the Lord
is a gentle, soothing balm that’s sure to heal.
A man who treats his wife as the finest work of art,
cherishing and nourishing with care,
will be reciprocated with respect that he is due,
 and great will be the blessings that they share.

Everyone’s needs are different, our languages are varied.
Learn to listen with the ears and heart.
Makes allowances for “bad hair days.” Openness is crucial,
affection and acceptance to impart.
Disrespectful judgments, angry outbursts are love busters.
Belittling a spouse has no excuse.
Withdrawals and no deposits equal marital bankruptcy.
Dishonesty can soon lead to abuse.
The beatitudes in action bring happiness unmeasured–
humility, submission to each other,
with penitence when needed, truth and loyalty unquestioned,
 and selfless love that never tries to smother.
 


The Revelation

We are betrothed to Jesus Christ,
all dressed in robes of white,
preparing for the wedding feast,
indescribable delight.
The bride of Christ—the church he bought,
will be brought to perfection
in his new heaven and new earth
after the resurrection.
Blessed are those who read and heed
the Word that he has sent,
study with discernment
exactly what he meant.
Perseverance, patience, prayer
refresh our faith and trust
so we don’t grow lukewarm and dull.
A zealous heart is a must.
Be quiet; wait upon the Lord
for strength to overcome
vanity, selfishness, and lust
under Satan’s thumb.
Suffering can strengthen or weaken,
so keep your focus on God,
in his abundant loving care
where many saints have trod.
He knows all about our struggles,
has promised a day of rest
when the victory has been won
and we have passed the test.

Our Sabbath lasts forever
after Satan’s final destruction.
Babylon, Rome–the harlots of old,
idolatry’s great seduction,
and all who walked the broadest road
will meet a fiery fate.
Then they will beg for the mercy of God,
but, alas, it will be too late.
 


Finding Home

Salvation is returning home to our Creator God,
where peace is waiting in his open arms.
Even in a foreign land, he finds the pure of heart,
assuring calm where the worldly hear alarms.
Naomi’s hopes for happiness looked dismal in far Moab,
her husband and both sons now dead and gone.
But Ruth loved her like no other, even her own kin.
Her commitment has become a lovely song.
After following Naomi home, she took her good advice,
worked hard and eventually risked her all.
Boaz had seen her loyalty, was helpful in her gleaning,
and when the time came, never dropped the ball.
Both women had integrity and commitment to their purpose,
with marriage and a baby soon to be.
A grandchild for Naomi was more than she had dreamed,
in the lineage of Christ, we now can see.
They affected future generations by their unique lives,
rewarded here and in eternity.
We don’t always get the things we want,
and life sometimes looks bleak,
but God is always there for you and me.
Even in the midst of hardship, we can still trust in his guidance,
and his testing gets us ready for the task
when we make ourselves available and useful in his service.
“Why not me?” is the question we should ask.
As we strive to know God’s will—seeking, learning hidden treasures,
find intrigue, excitement in new revelations,
we gradually become like Christ, one day at a time,
more recognizable as his new creations.
People watch your every move, as Boaz did with Ruth.
How loyal and compassionate are you?
Do you treat your spouse with kindness, maybe more than he deserves?
Is your attitude with friends a pure true blue?
God is always faithful, whether we are or not.
He will purify our souls for better things.
As we daily feed upon and digest his bread of life,
we feel our spirit growing homeward wings.
 


Who is Your #1?

The number one importance in every human life
is the love that made the difference, the cross of Jesus Christ.
He chose the role of scapegoat to carry sins away,
bringing hope of great redemption that awaits on judgment day.
It was more than nails that held him there
on the rough wood where he died.
It was love for all humanity that saw him crucified.
At his death and resurrection, he entered Satan’s domain
and took away the fear of death, our future to reclaim.
He reconciled us with his blood and brought us to his side,
safe from the threat of predators, in his light to abide.
On the cross he prayed for unity of the spirits he had bought,
bound in peace and love like family, fellowship to be sought.
Within his church flows the cleansing blood, the constant purifying
that reaches every body part and keeps the soul from dying.
But love is not always pleasant; sometimes it must correct.
Testing and trials and growth pains are things we must expect.
God wants to fashion each of us in the image of his Son,
a long and painful process before the crown is won.
Forgiveness of our fellow man, perhaps the hardest test,
is absolutely necessary, striving for the best.
“Unto thy hands I commit my spirit,” said Jesus as he died,
a prayer we should repeat each day as we walk by his side.
What is my ruling passion? Will it help me in the end?
What kind of discipline do I have, commitment to Christ, my Friend?
Which hand will mold my spirit to become a heavenly being?
Whose hand will I hold on the last day of life?
Is my future really worth seeing?
Nothing but Christ is sufficient. He offers abundant life.
Anything less is spinning your wheels in misery and strife.
 


God–The Cheerful Giver

The nature of God is eternal,
the same every day of the year.
He is worthy of trust and confidence,
the giver of all we hold dear;
our origin and our future,
our ultimate purpose in life.
We love because he loved us first,
through all our sin and strife.
God is communication,
showed his love by what he gave—
his perfect Son, the only one,
who died and rose from the grave
for our washing of regeneration,
the greatest gift of all.
Without him life is hopeless,
filled with the bitterest gall.
We are offspring of the Father,
living stones in the body of Christ,
where all members are joined in his service,
a living sacrifice.
He gives us life and breath and hope,
all things on earth and beyond,
above all we can imagine or think,
if to his love we will respond.
His mercy and justice are balanced,
and discipline is his way
to tell us he’s disappointed,
to prepare us for judgment day.
When we learn more perfectly his will,
distinguishing good from bad,
abhorring evil, clinging to good,
our countenance will be glad.
His light will reflect in our daily lives,
encouraging those in gloom.
Growth in confidence and patience
show forgiveness in full bloom.
Salvation of man brings glory to God,
the cheerful giver supreme,
who offers obedient servants
more than we could ever dream.
 


Decisions, Decisions . . .

 What will you do with Jesus, my friend?
Remember his sacrifice!
Are you in the vale of decision?
Is popular opinion your vice?
Folks want to believe there is no real truth,
just relative to the day,
to justify their lifestyle.
“I’d rather do it my way.”
Jesus came to teach the truth,
to lead us to righteousness.
“This is my beloved Son,” says God.
“Hear him and be richly blessed.”
 Prejudicial, preoccupied humans
prefer their own convictions.
Like Pilate, they avoid the truth
and its painful contradictions.
Do we expect too much of God
with ideas preconceived?
Or perhaps our dreams are too little,
God’s promises hardly believed.
We may prefer an easy out,
but the Father has other plans.
He prefers to make substantive changes
to prepare us for future demands,
and the victory that awaits us
at that decisive hour
when we choose to give ourselves to him
and use his awesome power.
He may not meet our expectations,
just like pride-blinded Jews,
whose scruples of self-righteous rules
left their spirits sorely abused.
They sold out their souls to kill Jesus,
with the help of the Romans they hated.
Even though they knew that he was the Christ,
their self-interest never abated.
We may look for a better religion
to sate our own desires,
or follow at a distance
until our chance expires.
Uncomfortable in his presence?
Dread taking that final breath?
What will you do with Jesus, my friend?
Your decision means life or death.



Absolute Determination

We each are a part of God's purpose
since the very dawn of creation.
Inexpressible is his wisdom,
awe-inspiring his great revelation.
Praise and magnify his glory, then
get down to the business at hand.
The gospel's mystery has been revealed
to all who would understand.
The secrets that angels and prophets
desired so long to know
are now available in his Word,
his love and redemption to show.
He lavishes us with priceless gifts—
salvation through his blood.
His blessings flow like water,
a never-ending flood.
We share in his precious promises
as descendants of Abraham.
Our purpose and focus transcend the earth,
turning it upside down.
Like the early disciples, we boldly proclaim
the gospel to bring others hope.
With fervor and zeal, a cause greater than self,
life now has a much broader scope.
What the world really needs is what we possess
in Christ, our redeemer and friend.
To eat, sleep and dream adoration to him
is the way of the world to upend.
 


Remember

Until Jesus comes again
do not let your hearts be troubled,
focus on a cause beyond your selfish will.
Remember victories in Christ,
don't be afraid of trials.
His promises will all your dreams fulfill.
He is counselor and comforter,
protector, friend and guide,
will never leave us lonely or forsaken.
Stay close within his vine, the church,
whose branches bear much fruit.
His words of life have never been mistaken.
Be kind, considerate and wise,
the brotherhood to cherish,
committed to become what God has planned.
He wants the best for each of us,
has shared his precious secrets,
and our happiness is in his blest commands.
Don't be surprised if folks dislike you
when you follow Jesus.
The only perfect man was mocked and slain.
But he turned the whole world upside down,
used their bad for our good.
Our love for him will never be in vain.
 


Heroic Women

Great fear had fallen on Israel. Man's leadership had failed.
When no one else would take a stand, God raised a lone female.
Deborah was made a judge,  a trusted counselor,
inspiring her needy nation, loving Israel as a mother.
She made herself available when others turned and fled.
She was more than willing to die for the children, the nation she led.
The army commander respected her and wanted her by his side
as he entered the battle with Canaan where all but one enemy died
Sisera, Canaan's captain, was the lone survivor,
a coward running  from the battle ground.
Brave Jael lured him to her tent and made him feel secure.
He thought sure that salvation had been found.
Then as he slept, she softly crept with hammer and a nail,
and through his temple drove the peg with unfeminine detail.
God sold his beloved Israel to Canaan for their testing,
to turn them from their foolish, fickle ways.
By enemies and even friends, we are also tested
to prove our mettle for his work today.
Anything more important to us than Christ becomes an idol.
Marriage to unbelievers brings compromise.
Companions can make or break your faith. Be careful when you choose.
No sexy mate is worth your soul's demise.
Acknowledge God in your way of life, imbed him in your conscience.
Like Deborah, decide what you will die for.
Could you use a nail and hammer like the crafty gal Jael?
Do your talents always glorify the Lord?
 


Couples Serving Together

Two working together at any task can accomplish more
than two who labor in two separate missions.
Aquila and Priscilla, a married Christian couple,
both worked with Paul and garnered much fruition.
They all were dedicated to the cause of Christ,
the bond that held them fast in fellowship.
Their impact on the church was great in those early days
when so many souls were held in Satan's grip.
Their synergism in the Lord influenced many contacts
and opened doors for those who sought the Way.
The couple toiled at making tents, just like apostle Paul,
providing their own missionary pay.
They opened up their home to him and to the church at large,
and often put their lives at risk to serve.
Encouraging to brother Paul and gladly teaching others,
their harmony was awesome to observe.
Their tactful, calm correction of Apollos in the word
gave his own preaching work an added boost--
unlike those selfish braggarts, Ananias and Saphira,
upon whose lying God's great wrath was loosed.
With an aim of serving others in preference to self,
whether close to home or working far away,
remember we are authorized ambassadors of Christ,
to represent his loving light each day.
A partner is his service brings blessings manifold,
to love and cherish , sharing in the load,
becoming, stronger, purer, more Godly with each task,
for peace and happiness along the road.
 


The Savor of Salt

 Christians are the salt of the earth,
affecting our neighbors and friends.
There are many and varied needs for salt;
its usefulness has no end.
We can have the same healing value as salt,
curing sad and sin-sick souls,
binding the wounds of neglect and regret,
with peace and joy as our goals.
As salt in a cut may cause burning and pain,
the truth often stings a raw heart,
but with gentle application
love’s soothing balm we impart.
Salt can sweeten bitter waters,
create a thirst for learning,
prevent fatigue in our service to God,
offer zest for which others are yearning.
Yet we know too much salt kills the flavor.
Practice sharing in wise moderation.
Blend it well with other ingredients
for encouragement and inspiration.
Salt brings out the best in people,
penetrates the hungry heart
to nourish and sustain the body,
a canvas for heavenly art.
Carefully season your speech with salt
and it can cure the craving
of one who seeks food for the soul,
his eternal spirit saving.



The Light of the World

Christians are prisms, refracting God’s light
in many directions on earth,
numerous rays of his marvelous love,
of miraculous, glowing rebirth.
Fruits of the Spirit radiate
to all who are seeking the way,
revealed in the glory of Christ the Son,
the bright Star that welcomes each day.
Light heals the sins that are exposed
by its illumination,
revealing who we really are,
a purifying sensation.
The darkest of nights needs only one light
to chase away the gloom,
and the sun as it moves across the sky
gives pizzazz to each flower’s bloom.
Quiet are the works of God’s wondrous light
as it comforts and cleanses and warms.
With his lamp to guide us along the way,
we’ll survive the raging storms,
leading others as we reflect his light,
not hiding it under the bed.
The sunrise is God’s “Good Morning!”
Cherish each new day, sleepyhead!
 


Thanksgiving

God’s people, the ones he saved by grace,
should be the most thankful on earth,
but we often forget how good he is.
In his blessings we never see dearth.
Every good and perfect gift we have
comes from the Father’s hand.
Take time each day to offer your thanks
for living in this great land
and for citizenship in heaven
due to loving sacrifice
by God and his own perfect Son,
the Savior, Jesus Christ.
Today is the day the Lord hath made;
tomorrow we may not know.
Remember God in all your plans,
not just in times of woe.
Do you pray for your kids, then fail to teach
and set a good example?
Are your priorities righteous,
your Bible study ample?
“Praise the Lord, oh my soul;
forget not his benefits.”
True gratitude shows in your life,
his glowing light emits.
When we forget to be thankful,
adversity takes control
of our once optimistic attitude,
our very heart and soul.
Then misery and depression
lay waste our mind and health
like the rich man who refused to share
his great God-given wealth.
Our earthly life is winding down,
our future days are few.
Be thankful today! And may the good Lord
take a liking to you!



Truth and Grace

For our spiritual recovery,
God balances truth and grace,
Truth may convict us of our sins
like a hard slap in the face,
then grace is his atonement
to wash those sins away.
Forgiveness from the heart of God
has no cost or delay.
All have a personal struggle
obtaining the mind of Christ.
Each test and trial strengthens us
for loving sacrifice.
Unresolved guilt or low self-esteem
may require a counselor's aid
to normalize emotions,
bad thinking to dissuade.
If we sometimes feel rejected by God,
there's a way to come back home.
Repent and pray, walk close to him,
choose never more to roam.
To live on the fringe of spiritual growth,
watching Jesus from afar,
avoiding confrontation with truth
is like wishing on a star.
Life is short, the time is wasting..
Keep focused always on him.
Have you lighted the way for others
before your candle grows dim?
 


A Lasting Legacy

Will your legacy be like the lady
whose treasure was her car?
Her dying wish was to be buried inside it,
completing a strange memoir.
Ananias and Sapphira
might have been famous for their giving
except that they chose to lie to God,
soon no longer among the living.
Unlike these co-conspirators
was Tabitha, the saint,
who sewed for countless widows
and served without complaint.
Her death was cause for mourning,
a legacy of love,
 with action fitted to her words—
the proverbial hand-in-glove.
Like Tabitha, we should be happy
to share our lives and possessions.
If the Lord is our greatest treasure,
love shows in our daily expressions.
God lays out opportunities
and uses Satan’s snares
to muscle up our spirits
as we rid the field of tares.
Job suffered much, but was repaid
for all his misery.
Paul used his painful, humbling thorn
for strength toward victory.
Investing in earthly treasures
makes us Satan’s easy prey.
Sin-flirting can make God jealous,
and divorce is the price we pay.
Our fantasy turns into nightmare
as judgment follows death.
Will the significance of your life
 end with that final breath?
Seek God with all your heart and soul
and he will fill your needs.
Let his word mold and guide you,
be the focus of all your deeds.
With wings like eagles you can fly
above the pain and strife.
His extra-spirit perception
brings joy, peace and new life.
 


Judgments

Examine yourself, be critical
of motives you may use
of pointing fingers at others,
their purpose to abuse.
Our personal guilt may urge us
to lash out in pain at others,
using hurtful words as arrows
to shoot down sisters and brothers.
Fear based on ignorance can cause
much insecurity,
and judging from appearances
may foment jealousy.
Harsh judgments of the brethren
may leave one all alone
upon a pious pedestal
or a cold, hard, friendless throne.
We must discern but not condemn.
The butting order will stop
when the loving Shepherd is in our midst,
an attitude flip-flop.
Strong families handle crisis well.
Let’s muscle up and grow.
Testing comes on the battlefield,
not in the pews, you know!
Forgive much, love much, learn to serve,
expect some imperfections.
Leave condemnation up to God
and follow his directions.
 


Christian Growth

After Israel received the law
to civilize their clan
and make their worship holy to the Lord,
it was time for moving forward,
not just to sit and listen,
though conquering new lands was very hard.
Do we fail to leave the mountain
and put action in our prayers?
Examine self and find the weaker links.
Do the same things keep on conquering
my will year after year?
Perhaps I fail because my thinking stinks!
Trust God for the necessities,
but go out and gather manna
that he provides so lavishly each day.
Exercise discernment,
move forward in his service.
Make haste; put faith to work without delay.
Use the Father’s word to tighten
the few screws you may have loose,
revering and respecting his great name.
Stay focused on his holiness,
avoiding earth’s ambitions.
The race of righteousness is not a game!
Don’t flirt with sin like Samson,
know your vulnerabilities.
Ask and receive a pure and honest heart.
Come to the Lord for cleansing,
stay close beneath his wings
and his tender, loving care will ne’er depart.
 


The Holiness of God

May the whole world be filled with God’s glory
which Jesus brought down to the earth.
His infinite wisdom and power
give all men a chance for new birth.
His holiness can be obtained
only through his Word,
his teaching by the Spirit,
the best news ever heard.
Obedience of his Holy Writ
and cleansing by his blood
restore a blest relationship
like the perfect spring rosebud.
Set apart as God’s possession,
 redemption makes us rejoice.
He instructs and warns and offers hope
as we listen for his voice.
He rebukes the ungodly, corrects drifting saints,
allows rebels only so long
to try their own path to destruction,
disobedient, willful, headstrong.
God afflicts and disciplines his own
with the chart toward holiness.
Accept the chastening of the Lord
and his loving tenderness.
Praise him in happy moments,
worship in quiet times,
looking forward to that heavenly home
and eternal life sublime.
 


Sharing the Bread of Life

When Jesus came to Nazareth and read in the synagogue,
he said Isaiah’s prophecy had come true.
He was the Messiah, the long-awaited Christ,
fulfilling scripture that seemed overdue.
But how could this plain, local man be anything unique?
His mission there they could not comprehend.
His apostles were not upper-class, just ordinary guys,
and yet they turned the world upon its end.
Jesus conquered Satan when tempted in the desert,
and gives his saints that power through his Spirit.
We can overcome our fleshly lusts, the haughty pride of life,
and thank the Lord we have no cause to fear it.
He will cast out personal demons just as in those days of old
when we put him first in everything we do.
If we feed his kingdom gladly, as the widow fed Elijah,
he will provide all that we ask him to.
With famine he disciplined Israel because he loved them so,
hoping to hold all beneath his wings.
Only his children are tested, to make us pure and strong,
and through obedient faith, salvation brings.
His word, the bread of life, sustains us when we share,
regardless of the famine in the land.
We must not hoard our bounty, but help all those in need,
as every blessing comes from his own hand.
He healed obedient Naaman of dreaded leprosy,
a disease that can’t compare to filthy sin.
“Someday,” you say, “I’ll serve him.” But really, why not now?
Only in his kingdom can you win.
Baptism into Christ is a simple act of faith,
the burden of old sins is washed away.
This is a new beginning, a new birth of the soul.
The start of something big is yours today.
Give him all your best, keep nothing for yourself.
Take on the mind of Christ and dare to grow.
Give freely of your bounty, your talents, money, time,
and his reflecting light will brightly glow.



Overturning Discontent

No matter how we count our age,
God works within our lives
to grow the attitude of Christ
so righteousness survives.
The pinnacle of success may start
a fall to bottomless realms
where hope fades into darkness
and depression takes the helm.
When feeling all alone and blue,
be quiet; listen to God.
Other people want to help you
as life’s hard road you trod.
Feel the strength of numbers.
We’re never really alone
when we trust the Father’s saving grace,
our failings to atone.
With talents, opportunities,
abilities he lends,
we have all the treasures that we need,
more than we can ever spend.
Expect the daily ups and downs,
avoiding fears and panic.
Your wild imagination
could even make you manic.
Regroup your spirituality,
seek God in all you do,
make the most of every day
and contentment will find you.
 


Dealing With Setbacks

Setbacks were many for Paul the apostle,
yet he ran the race out to the end,
contented and happy within his own heart,
knowing he was considered Christ’s friend.
We have the same treasure in these earthen vessels,
the power from God’s gracious hand.
The in-born weakness of our earthly flesh
is perfected at his command.
Our toil is not in vain in the Lord,
though against insurmountable odds.
We can use a tragic circumstance
for good, with help from our God.
The “why” is not always apparent,
as with Job as he suffered alone,
when he lost the support of his wife and friends,
his children all dead and gone.
Yet he served the Lord continually,
his one hope to overcome,
the only source of abounding power
that can make a meal from a crumb.
When we acknowledge our weakness
and seek God’s precious grace,
he offers the strength to rebuild our lives,
each new setback to face.
Humility makes us more useful,
as Peter when he denied Christ,
and became the first Gospel preacher,
his life one long love-sacrifice.
Setbacks for Jesus became stepping stones
to victory over the cross.
Patience and trust in the promised unseen,
perseverance despite earthly loss
give strength for the trials that come every day,
that might make us stumble and fall.
Like Joseph and Daniel and John in exile,
faith in God will overcome all.



The Power of Salvation

Jesus told the twelve apostles he would live within their hearts
and lead them in the things that they should say.
And despite the looming chance of death,
they spread the great Good News,
the same Word we can freely share today.
We have no need to re-invent the Gospel
to better fit the lifestyle that we choose.
Supposing that God’s way is too old-fashioned
is one sure way the homeward path to lose.
Authority of Jesus was rejected
by the Jews who waited for an earthly King,
so Paul took the precious offer to the Gentiles–
to us, who now his praises gladly sing.
True followers, called Christians, are his new Israel,
who opt to obey God instead of men.
We plant his seed in fertile soil and hope to reap a bounty
among our seeking neighbors, friends and kin.
Like Cornelius and the eunuch, who were searching for the truth,
good folks still need the Gospel for salvation.
It is the only power that can change a wayward heart
and lead it to a lofty destination.
Wait on the Spirit’s  timing; don’t push your own agenda.
Stimulate each other to good deeds.
With strong ties to his family, teach by acts of love.
The simple Word of God is all you need.
His words are never idle, his promises secure,
He assures us we will never be alone.
A life of living sacrifice is a prelude to glory
where we will live forever near his throne.
 


Search for Understanding

God’s word is a well-balanced banquet.
False prophets just offer junk food.
If we really want truth we can find it.
Study well with the right attitude.
Our beliefs must be authenticated
by delving into God’s own word,
not accepting the thoughts of another
or following blindly the herd.
If scriptures seem to disagree,
there is some misunderstanding.
The Bereans searched daily for the truth,
a noble mind demanding.
Do we try to prove our prejudices
or search with an open mind?
Jesus laid the foundation for the church
and in his teachings we find
the secrets long searched for by prophets
and even the angels above–
so simple that children can understand—
the world-changing power of love.
Baptism is just the beginning.
Learning more is a lifetime career.
Grey areas cause us to think–REALLY THINK,
hard lessons to hold near and dear.
Deep Bible study brings wisdom,
as physical exercise
is what makes muscles strong and mature.
We can be both strong and wise!
Don’t look for a nice safe harbor
where you can stay comfy and warm.
Join Christ upon the crashing waves
for calm within the storm.



Preconceived Ideas of God

When used out of context, the Bible is skewed
to prove our own notions of God.
Jesus tried correcting concepts of self-righteous Jewish leaders
while the painful, dusty roads of earth he trod.
They would not accept his teaching, still wanting to believe
that only they had earned the Father’s love.
No one else could be in touch with God or merit any favor
for entrance into that sweet home above.
For teaching truth, the Lord was slain by angry, jealous men,
their understanding warped by greed and pride.
To guard against this human fault, he offers us his Spirit
to humble and correct us deep inside.
He calls his church “New Israel,” the seed of Abraham.
His Bible gives us soul food for our trek
into the land he promised, prepared for all his children,
with a map to keep our wand’ring feet in check.
His missionary tracts–the Gospels–tell about the Christ,
the necessary center of his story.
The Acts of the apostles start the church’s history,
with miracles that give God all the glory.
Epistles to the churches speak encouragement and hope,
helping Christians gain maturity and growth,
reminders that through faith in Christ, and not the law of Moses,
is salvation offered by his holy oath.
Paul, defending his apostleship as one born out of season,
gives Corinthians much fodder for their diet.
He commends the church at Philippi, assures them of his love.
For the cause of Christ, no disciple can be quiet.
Timothy and Titus learn about true leadership,
the letter to Philemon begs for mercy,
love and forgiveness for his slave who served Paul while in prison,
that within the church there be no controversy.
James speaks of insecurity in worldly acquisitions,
the brevity of life down here below,
that service to the Master is our true source of peace,
beyond what human riches might bestow.
John talks about the love of God, remaining in his doctrine,
avoiding those who would teach otherwise,
encourages hospitality and all good works of faith
while looking for those wolves in sheep disguise.
Jude also warns of teachers false who work within the church
to lead astray the weak and burdened souls.
John’s Revelation while in exile is a great reminder
that God still offers us those lofty goals,
remaining faithful unto death, for he is still in charge.
His victory is sure forevermore.
His family is now secure within his loving arms,
and together we will reach that heavenly shore.
 


Proper Focus

Sin is no longer our lifestyle
if we walk within the light.
We may slip and slide into the ditch
if our Guide is out of sight.
Forgiveness and direction
are offered in God’s word.
Always walking in the way of truth
avoids temptation of the herd.
The Jews who repented of killing Christ
were forgiven, as he requested.
But the time for repentance is running out.
God’s patience must not be tested.
We cannot live on memories,
need refreshing every day
through the Bible, love’s reminder
that we must not go astray.
With an attitude of reverence,
proper motives as we pray,
we will not ask the Lord amiss,
careful of the words we say.
Loving righteousness as Jesus does
should be our life-long aim,
and loving brethren as ourselves
is more than just a game.
To walk in truth takes study
and daily exercise,
aligning our weak will with his
to be both strong and wise.
If we love him, we keep his commandments,
becoming more like his example,
enjoying the light of his presence
and his blessings, always so ample.
We must not think ourselves better
than anyone else we may know,
like the jealous older brother
who could not keep his anger in tow;
or the Pharisee praising himself before God,
compared to the publican sinner.
But the publican’s humility
had the makings of a winner.



Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant

Every follower of Christ must ask, “Who is the son of man?
What is his purpose in our lives, according to God’s plan?”
Even John the Baptist wondered, “Are you the expected one,
or should we still look elsewhere for the coming of the Son?”

The signs and miracles he wrought proved that he was from God,
tempted, yet without a sin while here on earth he trod.
Tax gatherers and prostitutes were the friends he chose,
and for such he suffered pain and death, then in victory arose.

Like John, we have our times of doubt that make our faith grow deep.
It’s hard to grasp the enormity of his gift that is ours to keep.
The one who is forgiven much appreciates it more,
is thankful for all blessings that the Christian has in store.

The Great Physician heals our ills,  uplifts our hope each day,
seeks and saves the sinner, lights the narrow way
When oppressed and overburdened, he totes our heavy load,
lifts the meek and humble who plod the toilsome road.

His loyal servants are the ones with deepest gratitude
for grace so freely offered that revamps our attitude.
Our spiritual relationship begins beneath the cross,
where love begins to change us, gives life a special gloss.
 
The more we let the risen Christ influence reborn souls,
the less influence Satan has to reach his grisly goals.
Lay open every evil thought that lies within the heart,
allow the Lord to clean it up, force Satan to depart.

Accept God’s invitation to the banquet he’s prepared,
huge servings of his hope and peace which he has gladly shared.
Use all talents wisely, for we must give account.
Await with patience his return as joys in glory mount.



Requirements of Salvation

Christ is the way, the truth and the life,
our only real hope of salvation.
None comes to the Father except through him,
the same way in each generation.
Investing our stock in earthly things–
in people or costly possessions–
eventually disappointment will burst
our balloon of worldly obsessions.
We distract ourselves and rationalize
to avoid the obvious sign
that time is passing swiftly by
toward that unavoidable deadline.
We cannot bribe or flatter God
or escape the ultimate truth
that all must answer the judgment call
despite our pursuit of youth.
Alienation from God is a scary thing.
No refuge can be found.
Completely fruitless outside the Vine,
there seems no turnaround.
          “Lord, your servant is listening, what must I do?”
can begin a new life today.
The only true source of happiness
is to know his will and obey.
Hunger and thirst for righteousness,
make your surrender complete.
The cure for every sin-sick soul
is at the Savior’s feet.
Only when Naaman gave up his pride
and did as he was told
was he cured of miserable leprosy,
a gift worth more than gold.
Diligent seeking has greater rewards
than arrogance can dream.
The wisdom of obedience
puts us on the winning team.
 


Is It Up to Me?

Lazarus, lying at the rich man’s gate,
represents the will of God.
Crumbs of our life are offered
as his way we cautiously trod.
The first fruits of our labor
go to our physical needs,
the sparse left-overs offered to him
as our spirit grudgingly bleeds.
We starve the will of God from our lives
with priorities askew,
yet in his hands, five loaves and two fish
into a banquet grew.
He can enlarge our possessions–
our money and talents and time
into riches overcoming the world
and reaching to heaven sublime.
Sacrifice is necessary for growth,
a personal ministry vital.
Living on Christianity’s fringe
means wearing only the title,
taking his holy name in vain,
ineffective, lusterless, pale.
Ignoring needy Lazarus,
our hopes and dreams will fail.
We’re always just the right age to serve,
the right place to follow his lead.
We can make opportunity happen,
find a talent to fit any need.
Good stewards of health and wealth and time
always are blest with more.
Heaps of blessings such as the bread of life
are waiting in his store.
Can you face the Lord, then walk away
as from a total stranger?
Only in him is eternal life;
the broad way is fraught with danger.
The cause of Christ lies at the gate
covered with sores of neglect.
Unless we know him intimately,
we cannot his image reflect.
 


Sacrifice

A giant was aroused from sleep
by the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
Many noble warriors sacrificed
all that they had–for honor,
for family and country,
and gave the best they had–their very lives.
Christians are attacked today
by the unbelieving world,
by political correctness gone awry.
We must take an active role
in protecting freedom’s boundaries,
the truth of history that some deny.
Awaken from your slumber,
live for principles, not pleasure,
prepare to fight for right, whate’er the cost.
We cannot nonchalantly
ignore the sacrifice
that Christ has given to reclaim the lost.
His principles were basic
in forming this great nation,
yet now our leadership his name detest.
Grandparents, parents, friends and neighbors
gave themselves in service
to protect us and provide for us the best.
If we forget the past,
we begin to slowly drift,
and ride the lazy current to our doom.
We need a sense of purpose,
a greater cause than self,
help others conquer fear and doubt and gloom.
A hero acts in spite of fear,
perhaps a bit reluctant.
Against the odds, he has the will to win.
We all are warriors for the Lord–
we can’t sit idly by
while the world destroys itself in deadly sin.
What will it take to bring us back
near to the heart of God
where confidence and courage are replete?
Soldiers of Christ, wake up, arise!
Prepare for sacrifice.
There is an enemy we must defeat.
 


Prayer—Offering of the Soul

Looking beyond what can be seen,
we approach the throne of God
with utterings not heard by human ears.
We first must have the will to change,
for painful tests and trials
that foster courage and allay our fears.
Then we pray for God to intervene
for us and those we love,
and even for our enemies who doubt.
Through groanings of the soul we send
petitions to the Savior,
with faith that he can work our problems out.
We also offer prayers of praise,
thanksgiving for our blessings,
and ask for wisdom when we must discern,
to better understand his purpose
in our realm of service,
re-frame our life’s perspective, heed and learn.
“Unto thy hands I commit my spirit”
is the ready attitude
of an obedient heart that he can use.
Whatever it takes to bring out the best
is what it takes to win,
white heat that melts and makes the metals fuse.
His disciples felt inadequate
and asked him how to pray,
to draw near to the Father up above.
Sometimes his supplications
lasted through the night,
drawing deeply from the well of grace and love.
A private place for fervent prayer
can help us seize the moment
to open up a heart so filled with pain.
Then concentration changes
from this life to the next,
and we can see our trials turn to gain.
Our change of outlook is the key
to  making preparations
for the long awaited pilgrim’s journey home,
the mansion whose Builder and Maker is God,
replacing this earth-worn tent,
a palace from which none will choose to roam.
 


Disaster and Decision

In the book of Joel we can read of utter desolation,
a plague of locusts send by God on high,
destroying crops of the Israelites because of unbelief,
disobedience that made the Father sigh.
 
Spiritual locusts can now play havoc in a Christian’s life,
destroy our sustenance, deplete our joy.
Souls die from selfishness and greed as we forget our purpose,
all faith, hope and agape love destroy.

If your life is slowly eroding away, stop everything and listen!
Be quiet and give careful heed to God.
Creation groans in misery, longing to be clothed,
yet ignores the proffered gifts, his staff and rod.

Even beasts of the field cry out in pain and sorrow for the evil
man’s wickedness has brought upon the earth.
Its natural disasters should bring us to our knees,
asking for deliverance and new birth.
 
In the valley of decision, learn to appreciate
the little things in life that make it grand.
Pray according to God’s will, not with selfish motives,
walking humbly by the guidance of his hand.

Maturity for Christians does not come overnight.
Recovery may take some time in growing.
When delivered from Egypt, the Israelites’ success was slow in coming,
though Canaan land had milk and honey flowing.
 
If life seems desolate and bare, devoid of any meaning,
confusing circles getting you nowhere,
put God first in your future plans and let him change your heart,
enrich your soul with tender, loving care.

Your decision now determines God’s final judgment call.
Will he say “Well done, my good and faithful servant!”
The great separation is coming when the chaff goes up in smoke–
for unbelievers, terror; for saints, rejoicing fervent.