Life Lessons

by

Joy of a Child

There is something special
     about joy in a child.
Even when that joy
     may seem a bit wild!
To have a small part
     in a child having fun.
To hear them laugh
     as they play and run.
At least for the moment,
     they have no care.
Until one of their friends
     forgets they should share. 

They played in a bounce house
     and walked for some cake.
Sword fought with balloons,
     until they did break.
They ate lots of cookies
     and sugary snacks.
Even some popcorn,
     eaten out of the sacks.
No one was worried,
     it was a safe place.
The children lined up
     for a painted face! 

It was a reminder
     from each girl and boy.
When God’s love is in us,
     we should live with joy!
We all need some time
     in our busy life.
To put down the shield
     and avoid all the strife.
To hang out together
     and rest in the Son.
Set worries aside,
     and just have some fun. 

I know it sounds easy,
     but harder to do.
To let down my guard,
     enjoy being with you.
The longer we live,
     the more baggage we bring.
The weight of it all,
     makes it harder to sing.
God’s song becomes muffled
     when we fail to rest.
Then the message we share,
     really isn’t our best. 

So what can you do
     when joy seems to be lost?
Will you boldly seek it
     no matter the cost?
Will you see yourself clearly
     from God’s point of view?
And play like a child,
     as He watches you.
God longs for His children
     to feel safe and sound.
To know when they seek Him,
     He’ll always be found. 

Will I live my life fully,
     with my joy found in God?
And sing His praise loudly,
   even if I’m thought odd?
Will I feast on His goodness
     and incredible grace?
Will I give it my all
     as I finish this race?
I pray that we find it,
     that joy of a child.
And live boldly for God,
     even if we’re thought wild! 

© 2014 by Tom Lemler

I spent the evening making balloon creations for the Michiana Christian School Fun Fair and Open House.  While my fingers may tell a different story from tying so many balloons, it was a great evening of watching pure joy in the lives of children.  It always amazes me to see children line up and patiently wait to have a balloon made into some basic creation (because I’m not all that good at it and am very limited in what I can make).  It didn’t matter that many would ask for something I couldn’t do — their face was filled with joy when I handed them what I could make.  As I continued to make these balloon creations and pray for the children who were coming to me, God put this poem in my mind.  He also began asking me about my level of contentment and joy.  Am I not only satisfied, but filled with joy at the gift that God does give me?  I pray that this poem encourages you to be filled with the joy of a child.

In prayer,
Tom

by

The Healer

As I sit at my desk
     and pray for a friend.
My mind starts to long for
     the day sickness will end.
With all of our wisdom
     and inventions of man.
We still are unable
     to make life what we plan.
Our world is full of
     sickness and strife.
You try to avoid it
     but it gets in your life. 

No one’s immune,
     at least it would seem.
If you think that you are,
     you live in a dream.
Yes, sickness and hurt
     come in myriad forms.
From babies to seniors,
     even in college dorms.
While there are many
     results that strike fear.
One of the worst is
     when “cancer” you hear. 

There’s still much unknown
     of what goes on inside.
When rogue cells take over
     and start to divide.
Some multiply quickly,
    destroying as they go.
Others seem more casual,
    they move steady and slow.
It doesn’t matter,
     they both work the same.
To conquer the body,
     seems to be their whole aim. 

Before it sounds hopeless,
     there is some good news.
When you recognize it,
     and to fight it you choose.
The battle’s not easy
     but it’s worth the fight.
To walk each day fully
     in the power of God’s might.
He surrounds you with people,
     the arms of His love.
And calls for your mind
     to be fixed on above. 

God is much bigger
     than the cancer within.
He also is greater
     than all of our sin.
To cure the body
     so that it is made whole.
Does absolutely no good
     if we ignore the soul!
For life here on this earth
     is fleeting at best.
For those who are in Christ,
     will eventually find rest! 

So as I pray daily
     for a friend who’s in need.
I pray for a cure
     and for wellness I plead.
I pray it for her,
     who has cancer within.
I pray it for others
     who are trapped by their sin.
For a healthy body,
     is what I do pray.
For all those with cancer
     and for the church of today! 

©  2014 by Tom Lemler

As I was spending time this morning praying for a friend who has cancer, God put this poem in my mind.  As I was praying for healing, God reminded me that I ought to hate the destructive nature of sin even more than I hate cancer.  God’s arm is not too short to bring healing and restoration to our physical body, even from the effects of cancer, but any physical healing is still only temporary.  The spiritual healing that God desires for all of us to receive from His hand can restore us completely and eternally!  I pray that this poem brings comfort, encouragement, and challenge to your life when you struggle with sickness and hurt.  I also pray that it is a help to you as God’s power sets you free from the bondage of sin.

In prayer,
Tom

by

All In

Something I remembered
     while playing some ball.
I can’t go part way,
     I give nothing or all.
I know there are people
     who straddle the fence.
It’s not only painful,
     it doesn’t make sense.
Living with one foot
     upon either wall.
Creates a condition
     where you’re likely to fall. 

Sometimes the middle
     is where you will win.
That’s still not a problem
     if I can be all in.
This poem isn’t about
     choosing a side.
To build up your walls
     and find somewhere to hide.
It’s about convictions
     and standing your ground.
God’s placed you somewhere,
     is that where you’re found? 

How long will you waver
     between this or that?
I wasn’t too sure,
   so I stopped and just sat.
That’s not a bad thing
     if it helps you to find.
Just where you do stand,
     have you made up your mind?
When God defines clearly
     just who you should be.
Then live with a focus
     that the whole world can see. 

God tells us clearly
     to be of one mind.
To not be deterred
     by distractions we find.
To listen to God
     and answer His call.
In whatever we do,
     we give it our all.
If I can do that
     while playing a game.
Shouldn’t my life’s walk
     be focused the same? 

So how do you do this,
     when it might feel odd?
To keep your life focused
     completely on God?
To rest in His presence
     and work in His field.
Both do require,
     to Him you must yield.
To empty yourself
     of your own desire.
Then aim for God’s will,
     which is always much higher. 

Commit yourself fully
     to walk in His way.
Be bold and courageous
     as you live each day.
To give it your all
     even when you feel weak.
Knowing it’s His strength
     that helps you to speak.
To be convinced fully
     that God’s way is best.
And give Him your all,
     in work and in rest! 

© 2014 by Tom Lemler

I was thinking this morning about the way I play basketball with no intent of holding back no matter how tired I am.  It reminded me of how I live and how God wants all of us to live with an “all in” attitude.  Sometimes we tend to be cautious and hold back from a complete commitment in many areas of our life because we want options to remain open.  God wants us to everything as working for Him.  “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”  Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)  I pray that you are “all in” when it comes to serving Jesus in all you do.

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

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

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