Author: Tom

by

The Game

I went to the church
     to hang out with the guys.
It was March Mayhem night
     and I wasn’t that wise.
I joined in a game
     of some quick three-on-three.
Where most of the guys
     were half the age of me!
I held my own,
     at least I do think.
It was the young guys
     who stopped for a drink. 

There is something about
     this desire to win.
When I play a game,
     I must be all in.
No half-hearted effort
     when it comes to ball.
I push through the pain
     and give it my all.
Nothing can stop me,
     at least ‘til I drop.
Out cold on the floor,
     I suppose I would stop. 

The game was intense
     and I had to run.
But the guys weren’t content
     to stop at just one.
So we kept on going
     and played two more games.
My sore, tired body
     was calling me names.
To get into shape,
     I know I should do.
But it isn’t easy
     for me or for you. 

There is a lesson
     that I want to tell.
I kept on playing,
     even after I fell.
I laid on the floor
     and laughed right out loud.
Then got up and played,
     I wasn’t too proud.
Through success and failure,
     I stayed the course.
And kept right on at it
     with all of my force. 

Am I that faithful
     in living for God?
Do I keep on going
     even when I do plod?
Do I give up too easy
     when God calls to me?
Keep your head in the game,
     and your eyes fixed on Me.
Sometimes I get tired
     of doing what’s right.
I want to lay down
     and give up the fight. 

But God helps me see,
     when I’m flat on the floor.
I look up to Him
     and He opens a door.
He picks me back up,
     puts me back on my feet.
Surrounds me with His love
     through the people I meet.
He gently restores me,
     puts me back in the game.
I live one more day,
     to honor His name! 

© 2014 by Tom Lemler

I came to the church for a men’s meeting with a March Mayhem focus.  The idea was that those that wanted to would play some three-on-three basketball while the rest of us played euchre.  I had no intention of letting this old out of shape body play basketball, but somehow I got talked into it.  They were some good games and I had fun, but when it was all over this poem filled my mind.  I pray that it encourages you to give your all in serving Jesus.

In prayer,
Tom

by

The Ride

The first book is finished,
     it’s hard to believe.
This gift is amazing
     that I did receive.
It happened so quickly,
     it doesn’t seem real.
That God would choose me,
     His truth to reveal.
Yet I am certain,
     His work is not done.
There’s more He keeps giving,
     this was only book one! 

It is surprising
     the work God will do.
When you are encouraged
     to let Him work through you.
The gift of His Spirit
     He gives to us all.
Who surrender to Him,
     and on His name call.
But most of the time,
     it’s so hard to see.
How God’s Spirit works
     in someone like me. 

For almost a year,
     I have had great peace.
From the hurt of my past,
     God gives me release.
He gives me freedom,
     as I seek His face.
And reminds me daily,
     I am in the right place.
He’s freed me from bondage
     of negative talk.
His presence goes with me,
     wherever I walk. 

So whether I’m walking
     on the trails in the woods.
Or walking the hallways
     picking up what I should.
God’s Spirit is with me
     and He fills my mind.
With all kinds of good things
     He wants me to find.
As I discover,
     just what He will give.
He calls me to use it
     in the way that I live. 

There’s more to this poem
     than just God and me.
He gives me these poems
     to help you to see.
God’s gifts to us all,
     He wants us to share.
With the people around us,
     to show that we care.
The gifting within us
     may start as a seed.
It takes encouragement
     to grow into deed. 

The people around me
     have helped me to write.
They help me to trust
     and walk without sight.
That is the great task,
     God gives to us all.
To nurture His calling,
     before people fall.
So when you see others,
     look closely inside.
And help them be ready
     as God leads the ride! 

© 2014 by Tom Lemler

As I was spending time with God this morning praising Him for the amazing work He has done in getting this poetic devotional book into print, this poem filled my mind.  This incredible journey of zero to sixty poems in two months time and the final edit of the book sent to the printer taking place three months to the day from the first poem being given, has me marveling at the work God can do when His Spirit is allowed to work and is fueled by the encouragement of people.  I pray that this poem helps you to see the incredible ride God has in store for you when you listen to Him and the encouragers that He will place around you.  I also pray that it helps you to see the need to be an encourager of the people around you.

In prayer,
Tom

by

2 Kings: Lesson 12 — Rebuilding . . . Eventually

The following are discussion questions from a weekly study I am leading through the book of 2 Kings.  We meet each Wednesday evening at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

The Unraveling of a Nation

A Study of the Book of 2 Kings

Lesson 12 (Rebuilding . . . Eventually)
 2 Kings 12
   March 19, 2014

The Text:

  1. While Jehu was king of Israel, who became king of Judah?  How did he live?  Who was the major influence in his life?  What was allowed to continue?     
    –
  2. What instruction was given to the priests?  What did Joash consider to be sacred offerings?  What work was to be done?  How was it to be delegated? 
    –
  3. What had not happened by the twenty-third year of the reign of Joash?  What did Joash say to the priests?  What was their response?    
    –
  4. What did Jehoiada do?  What was done with it?  What happened when it was filled?  What was the money used for?  What was it not used for?  What financial reporting was required?  Why? 
    –
  5. Who set out to attack Jerusalem?  What did Joash collect?  What did he do with it?  What was the result?  How did the reign of Joash end? 

  The Application:

  1. How do you know what is right in the eyes of the Lord?  How well do you do it?  Who is, has been, a positive influence in your life?  Who are you influencing in a positive way?  What things do you allow to continue in your life that you ought to get rid of? 
    –
  2. How dedicated are you to the giving and collecting of offerings to the Lord?  What would you consider to be sacred offerings?  What makes them such?  What are you doing with what God has given you for the purpose of building His kingdom? 
    –
  3. Is there a task that you have volunteered for, been assigned to you, or you’ve been called to do that remains undone?  If the king were to ask why it is undone, what would you say?  Are there things you should hand off to someone who is better equipped?       
    –
  4. Are there steps you should take to bring accountability to your offerings to the Lord?  How do you decide what you should do and what you should have others do?  Have you proven faithful in the use of the resources God has given you for His work?           
    –
  5. Do you expect attacks to come when you are doing the right thing?  How much value do you put on peace?  . . . On peace with God?  Does doing the right thing always turn out like we think it ought to?   

Next Week:   God’s Favor
2 Kings 13

 

by

By The Book

Some time ago
     I was given a task.
Raise thirty-six thousand.
     was all they did ask.
With only a few months
     to come up to speed.
I fell on my knees
     and with God I did plead. 

Send me a few friends
     who will hear what I say.
Not “send me money”,
     but “kneel down and pray”.
To accomplish a task
     that was very large.
Could only be done
     if God was in charge. 

My ways were unusual
     and people thought odd.
Instead of on people,
     I focused on God!
For when it came to wealth,
     there’s one thing I knew.
It all comes from God,
    not from me nor from you. 

There were a few
     who did understand.
We prayed and we prayed,
     while we worked and we planned.
We asked God to meet us
     at the point of our need.
And sought Him to cleanse us
     from all of our greed. 

We didn’t go after
     the people we “should”.
The list of the wealthy,
     whose giving was good.
We proclaimed the same news
     to all far and near.
Ask God what you should give
     and do what you hear. 

The people responded
     and gave what they could.
They listened to God
     as we prayed that they would.
They gave what they had,
     some gave even more.
With donated service,
     we only needed thirty-four! 

When all was collected
     that God did provide.
I sat back in wonder,
     it was quite a ride!
Thirty-four thousand
     in commitments and cash!
Plus two thousand saved
     on the cost of the bash! 

The fact that God worked
     is hard to deny.
But I lost that position,
     I say with a sigh.
I did it all wrong
     according to man.
I should have followed
     a more proven plan. 

There’s something quite wrong
     when man’s way is better.
Than following God’s Word,
     right down to the letter.
But “Father knows best”
     is always true.
When God is the Father
     that we always look to. 

I did learn a lesson,
     I hope never to forget.
That I’m always safe
     in God’s safety net.
The memories are painful,
     the hurt I still feel.
But God’s giving me poems
     that are helping me heal. 

As you do read this,
     I pray you do know.
That doing things God’s way
     is the right way to go.
It won’t always work out
     as you think it should.
But God gives His promise,
     it will be for your good.

 © 2014 by Tom Lemler

It is hard to watch struggles take place in areas that God has already proven His willingness and desire to meet needs if we would forsake man’s wisdom and fully seek Him.  I woke up with this poem in my head and realized even more fully than before that God is using these poems to bring healing into my life as He continues to mold me further into His image.  I pray that these words help you to seek God and to fully devote  yourself to prayer and the Word as you trust Him to accomplish only what He can.

In prayer,
Tom 

by

Train Up A Child

There’s nothing quite like
     the birth of a child.
To turn a rough face
     into something more mild.
While not true for all,
     most would agree.
There is something special
     when a baby they see.
That sweet little face
     we simply adore.
The joy that they bring,
     we must not ignore.

The uncomfortable months,
     more than one sleepless night.
All melts away
     when it’s love at first sight.
In a single moment,
     most of us know.
For this precious child,
     anywhere we would go.
You sacrifice much
     but it doesn’t seem bad.
For you get the title
     of this child’s mom or dad.

But what do we do
     when the cuteness wears thin?
When this cute little baby
     is well beyond ten?
When the teen years approach,
     will the joy still remain?
Will we all get along,
     will they drive us insane?
There is no guarantee,
     but there is some good news.
God will be with you,
     when His way you choose.

So where you begin,
     is important to know.
As you consider
     where you want this to go.
The step of a lifetime
     that is hardest to make.
So many times is
     the first one you take.
As you step forward,
     examine the path.
Are you headed toward God,
     or destined for wrath?

The longer you put off
     the things you should do.
The harder it is
     to be more than just you.
You are the example
     that your child will see.
Is your life being lived like,
     you want her to be?
Your life won’t be perfect,
     but that is okay.
Your child can see grace
     in a very real way.

So as you look forward,
     commit here today.
With the help of God’s Spirit,
     you’ll walk in God’s way.
You’ll teach from the Bible
     by the things that you do.
You will lead to Jesus,
     the one trusted to you.
You’ll celebrate joys
     and learn from defeats.
So in the next generation,
     this story repeats!
©

As I was spending time this morning praying for our weekend worship gatherings at the Deer Run Church of Christ, God put this poem in my mind. Part of our Sunday morning service will be a time of parents dedicating their child to God and dedicating themselves to raising up their child according to God’s ways. In considering and praying about that , this poem showed up for me to share. I pray that in encourages you and brings hope to all parents.

In prayer,
Tom

by

2 Kings: Lesson 11 — A Boy King

The following are discussion questions from a weekly study I am leading through the book of 2 Kings.  We meet each Wednesday evening at the Deer Run Church of Christ.

The Unraveling of a Nation

A Study of the Book of 2 Kings

Lesson 11 (A Boy King)
 2 Kings 11
   March 12, 2014

The Text:

  1. What did Ahaziah’s mother attempt to do?  Who was rescued?  Where did he live?  For how long?  Who was ruling Judah at this time?     
    –
  2. Who was Jehoiada?  Who did he send for?  What did he show them?  What instructions did Jehoiada give? 
    –
  3. What did the commanders do?  Where did they get weapons?  Where were the guards stationed?  What did Jehoiada do?  How did the people respond?    
    –
  4. What got Athaliah’s attention?  What did she find when she went to see what the people were up to?  How did she respond? 
    –
  5. What command did Jehoiada give?  Why?  What happened to Athaliah?  What was the result of the covenant’s made by Jehoiada?  Who was brought into the palace?  How did the people respond?  How old was the king? 

  The Application:

  1. Do you ever feel like you are loosing control of a situation?  How do you respond?  Do you tend to take what others would see as extreme measures in an attempt to maintain a sense of control?  What risks would you take to protect someone? 
    –
  2. How long are you willing to wait for things to be made right?  Who would you turn to when you need someone to stand with you against evil?  Who would you be willing to stand up for? 
    –
  3. How obedient are you to the instructions of the Lord?  What has He given to be used for protecting yourself and others?  Are you using it?  How should you respond to the Lordship of Jesus?         
    –
  4. What things tend to get your attention?  How closely do you check on the things that draw the attention of people?  How do you react when you feel a sense of betrayal?  What it comes because of wrong you have done?         
    –  
  5. Are there things that you believe are inappropriate to be done in the temple of the Lord?  Where is the temple of the Lord?  Are there things in your life that a covenant with God should cause you to remove?  How do you feel about God’s ability to use you because of, or in spite of, things that you believe to be inadequacies?   

 

Next Week:   Rebuilding . . . Eventually
2 Kings 12

 

 

by

Faithful

When I consider
      how little I know.
It’s pretty amazing
      how far I can go.
If you are thinking,
      I sell myself short.
You’ve probably not heard
      what some would report.
If it can be said
      in a negative way.
I’m quite sure I’ve heard it
      directed my way.

It’s a lesson we’ve learned
      since junior high school.
If I put you down,
      perhaps I’ll look cool.
Somehow we think,
      if we want to be tall.
Then we have one choice,
      make others look small.
Sometimes we forget,
      or simply don’t know.
We can be taller,
      if we were to grow.

To have much more wisdom
      than those who would teach.
God says if I seek Him,
      it is within reach.
To meditate daily
      on God’s written word.
Gives me more wisdom
      than those that are heard.
To grow up in faith
      and walk in the light.
God directs my path
      so I’m living right.

Some put their trust
      in what’s taught by man.
They can’t wait on God,
      they have their own plan.
Their plan is better
      because they know it all.
Except they forget,
      pride comes before a fall.
They never consider
      who God might use.
Could be somebody else,
      not a person they’d choose.

So, back to the story
      of little old me.
The less I am certain,
      the more I can see.
To only know one thing,
      but to know it quite well.
God wants to work through me,
      in me He does dwell.
I trust in God’s word,
      instead of some man.
When they say I can’t,
      He says, “You can.”

So I fix my eyes
      toward heaven above.
Walk onward in faith,
      filled with God’s love.
Nothing’s too little
      or ever too small.
If God says to do it,
      I give it my all.
And when I am faithful,
      each step that I take.
He lifts me up further,
      all for His great name’s sake.
©

As I worked on a sermon, “A New JOB”, based on the calling of the disciples by Jesus, and reflected on the fact that my book would soon be in print, this poem came into my mind.  There have been times that I’ve let the words of people keep me from believing that God can use me for His purposes.  Out of a time of despair, God brought me back to Deer Run where He has surrounded me with people who remind me of the value of being faithful.  I pray that this poem is an encouragement to you and brings glory to God.

In prayer,
Tom

by

God’s Presence

Sometimes I’m certain
      I’m holding God’s hand.
That’s easy to feel
      when things go as planned.
Even more certain
      when things aren’t “just fine”.
I have full assurance
      that He’s holding mine.
So whether I’m walking
      in dark or in light.
I trust in my Savior,
      He has me in sight.

I’ve seen some good times,
      some bad days as well.
Some times felt like heaven,
      some days seemed like hell.
One thing was constant,
      in joy and despair.
I was not alone,
      My God, He was there.
On days that it felt like
      I was left all alone.
Above all the dark clouds,
      His light still had shone.

So when you’re in darkness
      that’s worse than the night.
Start seeking out Jesus,
      for He is the light.
He won’t always remove
      the darkness you fear.
But His promise is true,
      He will always be near.
In the deep darkest valley
      of the shadow of death.
He’s walking so closely,
      You should feel His breath.

The breath of His Spirit
      that He gives to you.
When you are immersed,
      forgiven, and new.
To be filled with His Spirit,
      will help you each day.
To know that He’s with you
      as He leads the way.
(That is a key point,
      you won’t want to miss.
He must be leading
      to avoid the abyss.)

So when you are standing
      on the top of the mount.
Rejoicing in blessings,
      you simply can’t count.
Or crawling in darkness,
      so thick you could cut.
And wondering why,
      all the doors seem to shut.
Perhaps you are walking,
      with hardly a clue.
In all of these times,
      God will be with you.

His presence goes with you,
      it’s simply a must.
To walk through each day,
      when in Him you trust.
He will lift you up,
      on days you feel weak.
And fill you with courage,
      when you need to speak.
He’ll draw you to Himself,
      on all of your days.
So no matter what happens,
      His name you should praise!
©

The poems seem to have slowed down as God has directed my attention to a series of books He has been putting in my mind.  However, as I observed another gorgeous sunrise that God provided this morning, He put this poem in my mind about His presence that is always with those who seek Him.  I pray that you would recognize the presence of God in your life regardless of the circumstances you are in.

In prayer,
Tom