DECEITFUL HEART
I believe we all know evil from good
It's clearly quite simple and well understood
But when there’s a catch, a prize to be won
We abandon our conscience to burn for what’s wrong
I believe it's not hard to see what is right,
To know what is darkness and know what is light,
Yet when the blood boils and the flesh starts to rise,
We flee all our pledges for paths that feel nice.
I believe there’s a judgment for what we have known
For choices and actions we’ve wilfully sown;
For passionate pursuits of private delights,
When there’s an alternative to follow the light.
Why can’t we remember the heartache of evil,
Before we commit to it all of our will?
Few moments are tougher than after we’ve sinned,
The guilt’s like a whirlwind howling within.
I believe in a cross that corrects everything
Erasing all evil existing within,
A sacrifice greater than man’s greatest sin,
That’s branded my heart and sealed it for Heaven.
~ Lamshai Tham ~
Meghalaya, India
THE BOOK
Listen to me, listen to me.
Hear what I say.
Life on earth is hollow,
that's why I showed the way.
Come near, dear child,
hear what I say,
just listen to me
on this new born day.
Life can be full of meaning
if you live the right way.
Refuse the way of the world
and heaven will be your pay.
Greed, lust, and possessiveness
are everywhere you look.
Live the right way,
"Live by the Book!"
Take time out for nature,
be patient, honest and true.
If you do these things,
heaven will be there for you!
~ Dianna Wilder ~
Indiana
Lord I put my trust in thee,
My life I submit unto thy will.
Mould me father, as thou please,
Bend and break me - thy plan to fit.
Chisel away the roughened bit,
And make me even deep within.
Not one step, to take I dare,
Against thy will, dear Father.
Not one moment, can I bear,
From thy grace to fall, father.
I’d rather give my life, O, lord,
Than from thy steps, go astray.
~ Aniyan Smitha ~
YOU KEEP ON LOVING ME
In the quietness of time
Your love for me I find
You Keep On Loving Me
Pure love is unconditional, you say
And you prove it to me everyday
You Keep On Loving Me
I do not give it to you in return
And my back I sometimes turn
You Keep On Loving Me
You continue to teach and I to learn
That no matter what you will return
You Keep On Loving Me
~ Roz Adekunle ~
A MINUTE FILLED LIFE
What is the key to true success?
What's the key to joy also happiness?
A minute filled life is the key
Live minute by minute naturally
Just normally make a start
Do your tasks they're a big part
Or do things that need doing today
Tasks and things are done everyday
Think and daydream about your goals
Then work on accomplishing your goals
Remove all the big or small holes
Work on achieving your dreams
Make or write your own theme
You can make dreams come true
It's important that God be pleased
With our goals plus dreams too
Take time to think and know he's pleased
Only then is our minute filled life complete
Success, happiness, also joy will be sweet
In this world today and forever complete.
Meshelle Brown
ONLY YOU
Oh Lord, My God, search my heart.
Please, search every inch, every part.
Purge my heart Lord, of any wicked thing.
Fill my heart with a new song to sing.
Clean my heart Lord, make it brand new.
Teach me to do all that, “You,” want me to do.
Wash my heart Lord, whiter than snow.
Fill it with the wisdom You want me to know.
With the Spirit, my heart, please fill.
Mold me and use me Lord, to do Your will.
With a clean heart Lord, all that I do,
Will bring honor and glory to You, “only You.”
“Only You” Lord, can change my internal condition.
And to “only You” will I dedicate my submission.
To follow Your lead, is how I’ll spend my remaining days.
Now to everlasting to “only You,”
will I sing, songs of praise.
V. Gail Cozart
Copyright © 2001 Virginia Cozart
THE NEW WORLD POEM
Let's thank our God for the simple things in life
It's sure to get rid of the struggles and strife
Times of listening to the birds sing
Times of hearing wonderful bells ring
Times of keeping a good sound mind
Times of practicing to be oh so kind
When we are stuck in a horrible maze
This is a vision, a terrible haze
This could be gone expediently yes
Just thanking your God, you're sure to be blessed
There's something or someone needing your help
Without guns or knives or even a belt
So stand up and fight the world of distress
By remembering the blessings of God's loving rests
~ Harold Berisford Cockett ~
PO box 3732 Hallandale FL 33008
Copyright 2002
THE JOURNEY
The journey begins because our lives are hard pressed,
We do not know where to turn because of the tremendous stress.
Jesus came so that we might rest in him,
So that when we have problems, we won’t sin.
We are afflicted with worldly pleasures and cannot see the most Highest
Treasure.
Open you heart and let Him in; wouldn’t you like to see where your new life will
begin?
Draw close to God and He will draw close to you, He will bless
You with unconditional love that’s true.
With the love and compassion
That will come your way, sharing it with others God says will you obey?
If we still go around hating and hurting the people around us,
We are just as guilty for treating God the Same way and in Him, we have no
trust.
Do not ever doubt that God won’t ever meet your needs,
He still expects us to do our righteous deeds.
So if you find yourself on a never-ending journey,
remember that there is only one-way to go and that is in the arms of the Great
Almighty.
~ Bahar Hart ~
January 28, 2005
Copyright ©
Texas, USA
JESUS IS THE WAY
Jesus is the door from which to enter in
If you ask him to be your Savior, he'll wash away your sin
He'll remove your sin as far as the east is from the west
And remember then no more and make you eternally blest
The burden of sin will be lifted from the sorrow that it does bring
Just confess your sin to Jesus and he'll make your heart to sing
He loves you so much he shed his blood and died upon the tree
To give you eternal life and from sin to set you free
Free from the bondage with which Satan blinds your eyes
He is the great deceiver and is full of lies
The devil says there are many ways to get to heaven
But we must listen to God and he says there is only one way given
Jesus said I am the way and no one can be saved any other way
He loves you so much that he suffered so you could go to heaven someday
Just tell him you've done sins and you know he paid the price for them
Then he'll be your Savior and you'll have a new life to begin
His Word is the Truth and it will guide you all the way
Just lean upon his promises and trust them throughout all the day
Jesus is the wonderful Savior who came to pay the price
For crimes that we committed and his shed blood does suffice
~ Cindy Wyatt ~
THE RETREAT
I came to be with you my Lord
To give my time to you,
and put aside the Earthly things
I put in place of you
The first thing that you showed me Lord
was times not mine to give
Its by your grace that I have time,
Your gift to all who live.
I came to be with you my Lord,
To look upon my life.
Reflect upon things that now are past
and things that might have been.
You met me in the silence Lord
and all I saw was you,
The way your hand has guided me
and led me all life though.
I came to you in sorrow,
For things not yet achieved.
The projects that I started
that vanished in the mist.
You met me in my sadness
and caused my eyes to see
The things that are accomplished.
By your ministry through me.
I came to stand before you lord
weighed down by toil and stress.
Hoping that you would heal me
and set my spirit free.
And in that place you met me.
You held me in your love,
You helped me to come close to you
For your Spirit was revealed.
Lord help me to remember
how you met me in this place,
When I’m busy in your service.
And with no time to waste
Help me then, give back to you,
your time you give to me.
And find some place to be with you
For you to be with me
George Knowles
LIVE IN THE MOMENT
It comes two by two, even four by four
It stays so brief and then
WHOOP, out the door
I see you miss it already
you wish you'd done something different
racking your brain
replaying the situation
you didn't do nothing
so afraid of losing your reputation
here's the cold truth
the one person your rep is good for...only you
So live out your opportunities and don't lose the moment
have courage, have faith!
speak out your occupation
don't hold back
this is a revolution and
it's been going on since the beginning of time
ever since Christ first stepped into his prime
the biggest liberal of his generation
speaking out against tradition, creating confirmation
of his newfound law
we all stepped back in awe
Now wait, hold on
this is the man you're afraid to reveal
this is the guy you're trying to conceal
the same dude you claim saved your life
is the same exact dude causing you all this strife
Make a decision, it's yes or no
there's only one speed
there's no fast and slow
Just so we're straight
just so there's no confusion
run after him full tilt
make this your resolution
Tyler Hernandez
Illinois, USA
FALL DELIGHT
Rolling Hills and Claps of Thunder
Moonlit skies and awesome wonder
Fill this land you made
And every breath I take
Lakes of glass, leaves are turning
Deep inside we feel a yearning
To be close to you
It’s all I want to do
The winds are cold, seasons change
Moon and star rearrange
Winters coming soon
I still want to be close to you
Your voice is still in whispers tender
Revealed in creation so I remember
That You’re coming soon
Still want to be close to you!
Your promises are forever
Forevermore Your Word will stand
Not by might or by Power
But by Your Spirit, Lord
I will take my commands
Joe Voight
Clarksville, TN
WHAT DID YOU FIND, LORD?
What did you find, Lord, on that day
While sowing your seed, you came by my way?
When seeds of grace to me you threw,
What did you find here, amidst the dew?
Was my heart like a path, hardened and cold
No place for your truth to burrow and take hold?
Did it lay there unyielded, left open as prey
For the birds of the air to come take it away?
Did you see me as weak and unable to bear
The suffering I'll have when your name I declare?
Did your truth find a joy that would wither away,
When my faith is tested, and finds a cost to pay?
When you looked my way and truth you cast down
Did the way of my heart cause you to frown?
Was I pulled by worry and distracted by things
That won't stand the fire when eternity rings?
Or did you, Lord, as the seed left your hand
Find a fertile heart on which it would land
Will your truth take hold and grow to yield
A legacy of grace, Your kingdom to build?
based on Jesus' Parable of the Sower
Matthew 13
by Jim Elder, Pastor
United Methodist Churches:
Montgomery, Mt. Zion and Atlanta, Louisiana
EASTER AT MOTHER'S BEDSIDE
What are you trying to teach me, dear Lord,
As I watch Mother twisting in pain?
I want to learn all that I can from this, Lord,
So her suffering will not be in vain.
Don't let this experience be wasted on me;
Teach me all about patience and grace.
I sit here beside her and ponder what caused
All the lines etched so deep in her face.
Have You kept her on earth 'til her sons were brought in?
Are her prayers for her boys being heard?
She has been on her knees and is trusting You, Lord,
That the depths of their souls will be stirred.
Are You keeping here here so she'll pray for her girls
As they're coping with all life's demands?
Are her prayers still important for grandchildren, too,
In their homes and in far, foreign lands?
Sometimes it is hard to discover Your will
But for Mother, I haven't a doubt
That some day You'll tell her, "My child, that's enough."
And quietly lead Mother out.
by Mariane Holbrook
EVERYTHING
As I awoke to the beginning of a brand new day,
It seemed like waves of trials kept coming my way.
Problem after problem was all I could see,
I cried out, "Lord, what is it you want from me?"
The answer that came from the One Most High,
Was nothing but a very simple reply,
It was one unexpected, but yet rang so true,
It's something He desires from me and from you.
He said, "EVERYTHING"
I want you to know Me as your Savior and Guide,
The One who will always be right there at your side.
I want you to serve Me through the good times and bad,
To sing praises to My Name whether you're happy or sad.
I want your faith to grow stronger as each day goes by,
To trust Me when there's no answers to your questions of "Why?"
To learn of My love and to feel My embrace,
When you're called to endure the hardships you face.
I want no one or nothing to take My place in your heart,
In whatever you should do, I want to take part.
Stand on My promises, let nothing cause you doubt,
In the end you will see that all things will work out.
So you see, My dear child, I want to be your all in all,
To depend on My presence when you stand or when you fall,
When you question just what is it that I want from thee?
My answer is EVERYTHING, as you are EVERYTHING to Me.
~ AUTHOR UNKNOWN
NARROW IS THE GATE
Narrow is the gate,
To follow HIM you must,
Want your name in The Book of Life?
You must be righteous and just.
Just a little bit of patience,
Suffering might even be the call,
Still through all the pain be thankful,
The LORD decided to call on you at all.
For sure there are many,
Few are chosen to succeed,
Trying to get there anyway,
By evil, hatred and greed.
There are no second chances,
When this life passes by,
Living today in JESUS CHRIST,
Means you’ll never have to die.
Believe in, adhere too, and rely on HIM you must,
Always and forever in JESUS CHRIST do trust,
Wide is the entrance to hell for those who come late,
Never disbelieve because narrow is the gate.
Faith is the key within heaven to reside,
Being sincere and honest, speaking truth not lies,
Fire and brimstone forever is not worth,
A few delightful years with Satan here on earth.
Always walk by faith, not by sight,
Make all your footsteps follow in GOD’S light,
Although you might stumble you’ll never fall,
On The LORD JESUS CHRIST you can always call,
HE will not always come when you call him,
But know HE’LL be there right on time,
Do not rely on your own understanding,
Because there is no reason or rhyme.
GOD wants what’s best for you and me,
HE’S the only ONE who created eternity,
The kingdom is there for all to receive,
Remember two words JESUS said, “only believe”.
Luke Easter
Luke has written other wonderful poems and you can see them on our
Other Poems page.
The following three poems were written by Hal Weeks of California. Hal also has a website titled "Welcome To The Land of Miracles" at http://www.howtoheal.org/. This site not only contains Hal's poems but is mainly dedicated to healing miracles.
Jesus as a man became,
to take my blame,
to bear my shame,
and heal the lame.
And we're to now proclaim,
In His Holy name,
and by the Holy Spirit's flame,
...the same.
May it be our aim.
Hal Weeks, California
A Big Question
What purpose do we serve,
If we never have the nerve,
To share our faith,
...without reserve?
For fear we'll turn whoever off,
That some will turn away and scoff.
But keep it bottled up inside,
Because of pride.
We're to be forever bold,
Until our story's told,
...and sold.
And then we'll know a joy untold,
And later get a crown of gold.
So we're to go our way,
And say our say,
Without delay,
...today.
And it will pay,
When we go away,
Someday...to stay,
...I pray.
Hal Weeks, California
CHRIST'S EMPATHY
Jesus came to set us free,
from Satan and his tyranny.
To take away creation's curse,
By being made a substitute,
and found to be of no repute.
He also gave His very all,
to redeem us from the fall,
-- if we will only hear His call.
He died and then arose,
to show to all of those,
who in their sins were rebels still,
and who'll continue 'till,
they finally pay their total bill.
Then when He to Heaven went,
the Holy Ghost was duly sent,
To make it clearly evident,
that we can be a holy place,
Wherein for Him to shed his grace.
So now we have the Holy Ghost,
That we might do our uttermost,
To spread His word from coast to coast.
And when our earthly work is done,
and our new life has just begun,
we'll be someone to whom He says,
"Well done, my good and faithful son."
Hal Weeks, California
Here are two well written inspirational poems by Harriet Jenereaux. You can find three other poems by Harriet on our Other Poems page.
MY LETTER TO GOD
Dear Heavenly Father,
Open my life and let it shine
So all may know, that I am Thine.
Give me the courage to say a Word
To all I meet, for You, dear Lord.
Help me to show, by my very life,
What it means to be a Christian wife.
May I be an example, as no other,
Of what it means to be a Christian mother.
May I be a neighbour, who's considered good,
And a friend who's there to do the things I should.
May I be faithful to pray through
Every burden whether old or new.
May I always remember to not pull away
From the only Hand that can lead the way.
And may I always, to the very end
Be able to be counted as Your friend.
All my love,
Harriet Jenereaux, Merigomish, NS
TODAY
We do not know the future and we cannot change the past.
Today is all we know about and it surely doesn't last.
But while I have today, well, at least I have this minute,
I want to take the time, Lord, to make sure that You are in it.
I really want to thank you
For the little things You do.
The things I take for granted,
For the forests that You've planted.
The sky so blue, or grey or pink,
These are things of which I seldom think.
The grass in summer, such a pretty green
So close it usually goes unseen.
The flowers blowing in the fields
The wind, to which each flower yields.
The snow in winter, that covers our land
Thy Word tells us each season's planned.
Springtime is fresh with all things new
And Autumn gives us a land of every hue.
There is so much that You keep on giving,
Family and friends and a life that's worth living.
You've given me so much wealth
And you top it off with my good health.
But I must not forget to thank Thee today,
For giving me a land where I'm free to pray,
And a Bible to read and a church to attend.
For these, I am thankful and will to the end
And as always from deep within
I want to thank You for atoning my sin.
That sin would have doomed me to a Christless hell,
But You bore it for me and You want me to tell
So today I thank You, for a voice to speak,
A computer to write on and people to seek.
I thank Thee I was born in such an age
That Your truth is freely on the printed page.
There seems to be so many things
That the more I think, my heart just sings.
So I'll close my prayer today
With "May these thoughts never go away".
Harriet Jenereaux, Merigomish, NS
WHY? AND I WILL ...
Why do people shy away, afraid to say your name?
What is it that scares them, for all things you are blamed?
Why is it that people talk, so low it's hard to hear..
Do you know precisely ... what do your people fear?
Does not every life created, breathing in your air..
want to get to know you and how you truly care?
Don't they want to know of you and how you're in their lives,
even though they can't see, the love that's in their eyes?
Don't they know you love them all, separate as they are,
and you're right beside them, never gone afar?
I will do my best, to tell them of your name.
I will always love you, and never be ashamed.
I will hold my head up high and try to make you proud.
I will talk about you, even in a crowd.
I will spread the gospel of your every single word.
I will let the others know, and pray it will be heard.
Never will I lose the hope, that all your people know,
You are a Loving Father, who will never let us go....
Ellen C. Doucette
The following three poems were written by Elly (Eleanor) Bell from Sydney, Australia. These are beautifully penned poems that speak of her love for the Lord.
WHERE IS LOVE
Where is love, I hear them say
The values and kindness of yesterday
When one word or two, or a shake of the hand
Was all that was needed for a promise to stand
Where is love, the desire to be
Filled with a passion for your own family
Where a child can gaze into his parents eyes
And see love and truth, not hate and lies
Where is love, the joy and pride
With no dark secrets in which to hide
Where standards expected are within reach
And those enforcing them, willing to teach
Where is love, understanding and fair
Where a wrong has been done, you still show that you care
Where a hug and a kiss mean so much
From the comforting assurance of your touch
Where is love, unconditional and free
A guiding light for all to see
Look to the heavens, to your Father above
This gift He will give you - for He's the author of love
Elly (Eleanor) Bell
Sydney, Australia
MY LORD AND REDEEMER
You are my Lord, my Redeemer
Loving kindness thru and thru
Here beside me, You never leave me
I am so blessed to be loved by You
In the times of what seems darkness
In my hour of deep despair
I close my eyes and reach to touch You
To let You have my every care
When my heart if filled with gladness
And I thank You for the sky so blue
I hear Your Spirit whisper "Thank you -
This awesome day was made for you"
Elly (Eleanor) Bell
Sydney, Australia
FAITH, HOPE & LOVE
Faith is the confidence that we have within
The knowing and believing in Almighty Him
With our trust comes peace as a guiding light
Brings with it joy and a sense of right
Hope is our desire to grow and to learn
the more we seek, the more we yearn
We realise our purpose, that God has a plan
To bring glory to the great "I AM"
Love is to delight in - it comes abundantly free
An adoration of others, unconditionally
A precious gift it is given from Heaven above
From Jesus our Saviour ... our God of Love
Elly (Eleanor) Bell
Sydney, Australia
ANSWERED PRAYER
I was sitting quietly the other night, reading in God's word
He let me look back over my life before I knew the Lord
He let me see some things I'd said, and some things I had done
That had hurt the ones I dearly love, and how I'd done them wrong.
I saw the tears in my children's eyes when I didn't have time for them
I saw the hurt in my loving wife's eyes, for she knew the things I had done
And some places I had been
He let me see my mother silently praying for me
that I would come to know the Lord, that He would save my soul and set me free
He let me see, that before mom died, she had one last request
To see her children go to church, she knew God would do the rest
Momma's there with Jesus now but I know some how she sees
Her prayers have been answered now, for He saved my soul and set me free
I live my life for Jesus now and O the joy it brings,
To see my wife and children smile and the praises that they sing
I give God all the glory and the praises go to Him
For if His Son had not had died I'd not be freed from sin
So if your in a valley and you cannot find the way
Just call upon the name of the Lord, for He hears you when you pray
Reverend Butch Nichols
Alto, Georgia
TRAVELING ON YOUR KNEES
Last night I took a journey
To a land across the seas.
I didn't go by ship or plane
I traveled on my knees.
I saw so many people there
In bondage to their sin,
And Jesus told me I should go,
That there were souls to win.
But I said "Jesus, I can't go
To lands across the seas."
He answered quickly, "Yes, you can
By traveling on your knees."
He said, "You pray, I'll meet the need.
You call, and I will hear.
It's up to you to be concerned
For lost souls far and near."
And so I did; knelt in prayer,
Gave up some hours of ease,
And with the Savior by my side,
I traveled on my knees.
As I prayed on, I saw souls saved
And twisted persons healed,
I saw God's workers strength renewed
While laboring in the field.
I said, "Yes Lord, I'll take the job.
Your heart I want to please.
I'll heed Your call and swiftly go
By traveling on my knees."
SERVICE IS NOT SPELLED SERVE-US
Prepare my heart for serving,
Let my spirit heed Your call;
In obedience to the Father,
Our Lord and King of all.
Fill my thoughts with You, Lord,
Renew my mind today...
I give you full control,
In the things I do and say.
Take these hands You gave me,
And use them for Your good...
To glorify Your Kingdom,
In the ways I know I should.
Remove all doubt within me,
Lord, I trust You'll find a way,
To mold me in Your image...
As I walk with You today.
~Author unknown~
MY PRAYER
God, give me eyes that I might see
The work that can be done by me;
God, give me ears that I might hear
The cry of those who need me near.
God, give me lips that I might speak
Comfort and peace to all that seek.
God, give me a mind that I might know
How to help those who need me so.
God, give me hands that I might do
Some large or simple task for You;
God, give me a prayer that I might pray
Thy help and guidance every day.
And this one thing, all else above;
God, give me a heart that I might love.
Vincent Magro-Attard
I WANT TO KNOW
I want to know, when day is done,
That life has been worth living-
That I have brought somebody joy
Through kind unselfish living.
I want to feel, when evening falls
And shadows quickly lengthen,
That I have made somebody glad,
Some weakness I have strengthened.
I want to know, that come what may
I've left some cheer and gladness;
I want to feel, at close of day
I've banished someone's sadness.
I want to feel at close of day,
That someone's cares were lighter;
Because of kindness I have done,
May someone's life be brighter.
Author Unknown
Here are two beautiful poems written by Jill Lemming from Ohio.
IT BEGINS WITH YOU AND ME
Becoming Christ-like in our hearts
begins with you and me...
serving humbly, as He served
in peace and harmony.
Shedding all our selfish ways
and putting on His skin...
understanding who we are
in relationship to Him.
Giving up our own control,
forgetting our own needs...
being Christ-like in our hearts
begins with you and me.
Jill Lemming, Ohio
THE CHRISTIAN WOMAN
As Christian women, we are called
To be mentors every day...
To pave the way for our sisters,
To walk with them and pray.
We're called to use our talents
In ministry and love...
Witnessing and teaching,
In boldness, straight from God.
We are women of the future,
"Pioneers" for those to come...
Our faith can move a mountain;
Our God, compares to none!
Christian women, rise up
And find your strength in Him...
There's work that needs attention,
Till Jesus comes again.
Let's lift our hands together,
Giving praise, where praise is due...
His power is upon us,
Sisters, God will move in you!
Jill Lemming, Ohio
I CAN'T
When called upon to do some thing
For God or fellow man
I always find a good excuse
To back out if I can.
I can't get up in front of folks
And pray or testify,
And I know someone else can help
My neighbor more than I.
I can't talk in front of people
And Lord knows I can't sing,
And when you come right down to it
I can't do anything.
So I get up and go to church
When Sunday morning comes
And I feel like by doing this
My Christian duty's done.
And now I stand with all mankind
Before the great white throne
To be rewarded for good works.
But what if I have none?
I see some souls placed on God's left
And some placed on His right,
I start to feel uncomfortable,
And then I'm filled with fright.
I find that I can speak up now
Before this multitude.
I can pray and testify,
Then plead and beg some too.
"Lord, I know I've not done much,
You know I've been no saint.
But Lord, please place me on your right."
And He replies, "I can't."
M. Melton, USA
THE U IN JESUS
Before U were thought of or time had begun,
God even stuck U in the name of His Son.
And each time U pray, you'll see it's true
You can't spell out JesUs and not include U.
You're a pretty big part of His wonderful name,
For U, He was born; that's why He came.
And His great love for U is the reason He died.
It even takes U to spell crUcified.
Isn't it thrilling and splendidly grand
He rose from the dead, with U in His plan.
The stones split away, the gold trUmpet blew,
And this word resUrrection is spelled with a U.
When JesUs left earth at His upward ascension,
He felt there was one thing He just had to mention.
"Go into the world and tell them it's true
That I love them all - Just like I love U."
So many great people are spelled with a U,
Don't they have a right to know JesUs too?
It all depends now on what U will do,
He'd like them to know, but it all starts with U.
~Author unknown~
THE CHOSEN VESSEL
The Master was searching for a vessel to use;
On the shelf there were many - which one would He choose?
Take me, cried the gold one, I'm shiny and bright,
I'm of great value and I do things just right.
My beauty and luster will outshine the rest
And for someone like You, Master, gold would be the best!
The Master passed on with no word at all;
He looked at a silver urn, narrow and tall;
I'll serve You, dear Master, I'll pour out Your wine
And I'll be at Your table whenever You dine,
My lines are so graceful, my carvings so true,
And my silver will always compliment You.
Unheeding the Master passed on to the brass,
It was wide mouthed and shallow, and polished like glass.
Here! Here! cried the vessel, I know I will do,
Place me on Your table for all men to view.
Look at me, called the goblet of crystal so clear,
My transparency shows my contents so dear,
Though fragile am I, I will serve You with pride,
And I'm sure I'll be happy in Your house to abide.
The Master came next to a vessel of wood,
Polished and carved, it solidly stood.
You may use me, dear Master, the wooden bowl said,
But I'd rather You used me for fruit, not for bread!
Then the Master looked down and saw a vessel of clay.
Empty and broken it helplessly lay.
No hope had the vessel that the Master might choose,
To cleanse and make whole, to fill and to use.
Ah! This is the vessel I've been hoping to find,
I will mend and use it and make it all Mine.
I need not the vessel with pride of its self;
Nor the one who is narrow to sit on the shelf;
Nor the one who is big mouthed and shallow and loud;
Nor one who displays his contents so proud;
Not the one who thinks he can do all things just right;
But this plain earthy vessel filled with My power and might.
Then gently He lifted the vessel of clay.
Mended and cleansed it and filled it that day.
Spoke to it kindly. There's work you must do,
Just pour out to others as I pour into you.
B. V. Cornwall
MY TASK
Help me Lord this is what I ask
that you will help me with my task
Help me Lord to show the world exactly where I stand,
and that I am going follow your every command.
Help me Lord to show the world in everything I do,
I'm living my life for only you.
Help me Lord to show the world love.
The very love I received from above.
Help me Lord to show the world that you have come to save,
and that your blood you freely gave.
Help me Lord to show the world that the broken heart you can mend,
and that you're the meaning of a true friend.
Help me Lord to show the world that you love us,
no matter how much we complain or fuss.
Help me Lord to show the world that you're here in this very place,
and that they can see you when they look in my face.
Help me Lord to show the world that you're my only desire,
and you alone I'll forever admire.
Help me Lord to tell the world that no matter what they do,
your love and mercy is always there to pull us through.
Help me Lord to tell the world that you hung on a tree,
just so we all could someday be set free.
Help me Lord to tell the world that you went through so much pain,
just so our love you may someday gain.
Help me Lord to tell the world that you care,
and that no matter what you'll always be there.
Help me Lord to tell the world about the promise land,
and that you're always willing to lend a helping hand.
Help me Lord to tell the world to daily pick up their cross,
and to be a light shinning for the lost.
Help me Lord to tell the world that you're our only hope,
and just maybe that'll help some kid turn away from dope.
Help me Lord to tell the world that when we're in trouble,
you and your angels are there on the double.
Help me Lord this is what I ask,
that you will help with my task.
Leanne Simpson
It is for the encouragement of all Christians to reach the lost before it is too late!
WE NEED TO FISH SOME MORE
We complain of life being hard and getting us down,
We need to fish some more, and get rid of that frown.
We are bombarded daily with all the bad news life can afford,
We need to fish some more and keep our eyes focused on the Lord.
I'm not talking about fish in a pond, or a lake or a stream,
But fish of human kind, ones whose souls, God wants to redeem.
The waters are brimming over with these kind and some are easy to catch,
Others are like that, "Big ole catfish that got away", and becomes impossible to fetch!
But don't let that one stop you from fishing for another,
Because there are plenty of fish out there and with patience you'll discover,
That if you put your faith in God and let Him lead you to the right spot,
You can cast out your net and when you pull it in, it will be filled to the top!
It's not a matter of loving to fish or having a special calling,
It's looking deep in that watery abyss, and claiming drowning souls from falling.
We all need to fish some more, if we want to please God,
He gave us this work to do , even if fishing for souls seems odd.
With fishing comes happiness, not because we caught that, "big one that almost got away",
But because we cared enough to catch those little ones, who would have gone astray.
By Tresa Crain
Searcy, Arkansas, United States
Father, Where shall I work today?
And my love flowed warm and free.
Then He pointed me out a tiny spot and said,
"Tend that for me."
I answered quickly, "Oh, no, not that.
Why, no one would ever see
No matter how well my work was done.
Not that little place for me."
And the word He spoke, it was not stern.
He answered me tenderly,
"Ah, little one, search that heart of thine.
Art thou working for them or me?
Nazareth was a little place,
and so was Galilee."
STATISTICS
I opened up the paper, numbers there galore
Abortions, rapes and murders, many, many more
A list of tiny numbers, printed on the page
None of then could show, the pain, the loss, the rage!
We look upon the numbers, see them every day
Closing up the paper, again we go our way
But for every number, for every stroke of pen
A life now greatly shattered, never the same again!
Statistics equal people, one by one by one
Though we won't admit, though this fact we shun
Where you see a number, there were faces there before
Until we add them up, and neatly close the door!
Dear Father up in Heaven, let me not forget
My work here on this earth, is not quite finished yet
If I can touch a stat, with love and maybe more
Maybe you and I my King, can even up the score!
(c) Jay L. Zumbrum
In Jesus precious Name
And for His Glory
BEING A BLESSING
I knelt to pray when day was done
And prayed, "O Lord, bless everyone,
Lift from each saddened heart the pain
And let the sick be well again."
And then I woke another day
And carelessly went on my way,
The whole day long I did not try
To wipe a tear from any eye.
I did not try to share the load
Of any brother on the road.
I did not even go to see
The sick man just next door to me.
Yet once again when day was done
I prayed, "O Lord, bless everyone."
But as I prayed, into my ear
There came a voice that whispered clear,
"Pause now, my son, before you pray.
Whom have you tried to bless today?
God's sweetest blessing always go
By hands that serve him here below."
And then I hid my face and cried,
"Forgive me, God, I have not tried,
But let me live another day
And I will live the way I pray."
Author unknown
SILVER BOXES
My words were harsh & hasty
And they came without a thought.
Then I saw the pain & anguish
That my bitter words had brought.
Bitter words that I had spoken
Made me think back through the past;
Of how many times I'd uttered
Biting words whose pain would last.
Then I wondered of the people
I had hurt by things I'd said;
All the ones I had discouraged
When I didn't use my head.
Then I thought about my own life
Of painful words I've heard;
And of the times I'd been discouraged
By a sharp and cruel word.
And now clearly I remember
All the things I might have done;
But, by a word I was discouraged
And they never were begun.
So, help my words be silver boxes,
Neatly wrapped up with a bow;
That I give to all so freely,
As through each day I gladly go.
Silver boxes full of treasure,
Precious gifts from above;
That all the people I encounter
Might have a box of love
Florence Littauer
GOOD SHEPHERDS
God sent us His shepherds in safety to keep
His baby lambs and each flock of sheep.
We must search daily His sheep to find
That none be lost and left behind.
He loves His sheep, each sheep the same
The ones that become lost He calls by name.
If one of His sheep wanders to go astray
We must lead Him back to His flock in safety to stay.
As good Shepherds the lost is the first we must seek
As we guide God's baby lambs and each flock of sheep.
Each one we must lead in safety back home
That none be lost to wander alone
God doesn't choose just a few that we should keep
His obedient lambs and most faithful sheep.
He sent us His Shepherds that all we should find
That none stay lost and left behind
Iney from Texas, 1999.
Iney is a grandmother who loves to write Christian poetry.
ONE (also known as IT'S UP TO YOU)
One song can spark a moment,
One flower can wake the dream.
One tree can start a forest,
One bird can herald spring.
One smile begins a friendship,
One handclasp lifts a soul.
One star can guide a ship at sea,
One word can frame the goal.
One vote can change a nation,
One sunbeam lights a room.
One candle wipes out darkness,
One laugh will conquer gloom.
One step must start each journey,
One word must start each prayer.
One hope will raise our spirits,
One touch can show you care.
One voice can speak with wisdom,
One heart can know what's true.
One life can make the difference,
You see it's up to YOU!!!
~Author unknown~
AT DAYS END
Is anyone happier because you passed his way?
Does anyone remember that you spoke to him today?
The day is almost over, and its toiling time is through;
Is there anyone to utter now a kindly word of you?
Can you say tonight, in parting with the day that's slipping fast,
That you helped a single brother of the many that you passed?
Is a single heart rejoicing over what you did or said;
Does the man who's hopes were fading, now with courage look ahead?
Did you waste the day or lose it, was it well or sorely spent?
Did you leave a trail of kindness, or a scar of discontent?
As you close your eyes in slumber, do you think that God will say:
"You have earned one more tomorrow by the work you did today."
John Hall
JESUS' LOVE FOR US
We rejected you and you still love us
We cursed you and spit at you yet you still love us
We whipped you and stoned you yet you still love us
We killed you and you still love us
I may never see tomorrow,
There's no guarantee,
And things that happened yesterday
Belong to history.
I can't predict the future,
I cannot change the past,
I have just the present memories
To cherish as my last.
I must use this moment wisely,
For it will pass away,
And then be lost forever
As a part of yesterday.
I must exercise compassion;
Help the fallen to their feet,
Be a friend unto the friendless,
Help to make their life complete.
The unkind things I do today,
May never be undone,
And friendships that I fail to win,
May never more be won.
I may not have another chance
On bended knees to pray,
I thank God with a humble heart
For giving me this day!
Author Unknown
I TOLD A FRIEND
I told a friend a little joke
It was cute as it could be
Then she in turn said she would tell
A boy in her family.
Now this little lad I do declare
I know very good and well
To anyone who will lend an ear
This joke he will surely tell.
And then to others it will go
Passed on by his best friend
Imagination's broadest scope
Could never dream its end.
To think it might bring laughter
To someone in poverty
But then again it could be shared
In realms of royalty.
I thought how it could journey
To lands across the sea
And some would hear it just because
It was told to a friend by me.
Of all these possibilities
My heart began to ponder
Just when and where and who would hear
I could not help but wonder.
Then I thought if on this same journey
The name of Jesus I could send
How many lives could then be touched
Because I told a friend.
Kathryn Souza-Wine
LIFE
I may never gain this earth's wealth,
Nor have men know my name.
I may never do great deeds,
That would win for me, world wide acclaim.
And I may never ever gain men's ears,
To listen to what I have to say,
But I can live a life that tells those around,
The Master passed this way.
You see He created this whole universe,
The earth, the sky, the sea.
With a plan He created each living thing,
And He knows what's best for me.
So if I never get to be,
A voice to the earthly hosts,
I can still take great joy in being,
One of His sign posts.
Robert A. J. Cook
DRINKING FROM THE SAUCER
Drinking from the Saucer
I've never made a fortune,
And I'll never make one now;
But it really doesn't matter,
Cause I'm happy anyhow.
As I go along my journey,
I'm reaping better than I've sown.
I'm drinking from the saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.
I don't have a lot of riches,
And sometimes the goings rough.
But while I've friends to love,
I think I'm rich enough.
I'll just thank God for blessings
That His mercy has bestowed.
I'm drinking from the saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.
If God gives me strength and courage,
When the way grows steep and rough.
I'll not ask for other blessings,
I'm already blessed enough.
May I never be too busy
To help bear another's load.
Then I'll be drinking from the saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed.
~Author Unknown~