Life Lessons

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Refueling

The fuel gauge said empty,
      so I stopped for a fill.
It wasn’t too bad
      until I got the bill.
Twenty-eight gallons
      in a twenty-seven tank.
It’s a good thing that I
      had stopped by the bank.
Running on fumes,
      I did seem to be.
But was it my truck,
      or was it just me?

The same thing did happen,
      in my floor machine.
It ran out of power
      before I could clean.
In search of an answer,
      I started to read.
And found that the batteries,
      some water did need.
And into each cell,
      some water did pour.
I used up a gallon
      and still needed more.

So very often,
      as we live this life.
Our power is drained
      by worry and strife.
We barely get by,
      on a life out of gas.
Or we fail to function,
      and just take a pass.
The answer is easier
      said than it’s done.
Refuel your spirit,
      by time with the Son.

So when I am weary
      and feeling run down.
I take off my mask
      and He sees my frown.
We spend time together,
      He restoreth my soul.
He fills up my tank
      and makes my batteries whole.
But I’ve learned a lesson,
      there’s not so much pain.
If I refill sooner,
      while some fuel does remain.

A life lived with Jesus
      throughout every day.
Keeps me from empty,
      as I live His way.
So instead of waiting
      until I have run dry.
I hold fast to Jesus
      and together we fly.
So stop what you’re doing
      and refill your tanks.
Give praise to the Father,
      and to Jesus give thanks!
©

The floor scrubber at work kept running for shorter and shorter amounts of time before needing recharged so I did some research and discovered that the batteries in it are not maintenance-free and they were in desperate need of water.  This reminded me of times that I have put more fuel in my truck than what the official capacity is because I had run it so close to empty.  Then this reminded me of times that I have allowed my spirit to be drained due to not spending the time with God that I ought.  I pray that this poem encourages you to constantly refuel your spirit with the presence of God.

In prayer,
Tom

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Overflow

We say what we want,
      thinking it’s no big deal.
If we do wound others
      a “sorry” will heal.
But how sorry are we
      about what we said?
Or do we shift blame
      to how it’s taken instead?
If they would relax,
      lighten up, and just chill.
I gave it no thought,
      I never meant ill.

Perhaps that’s the problem
      that we fail to see.
We opened our mouth,
      never counting to three.
The three’s not important,
      it’s more about thought.
Do I think before speaking,
      as I know I ought.
When I stop to consider,
      what my words will do.
I need to quit looking
      at me and see you.

Words will stay with us,
      they’re hard to erase.
They get in our mind and
      they dig in some place.
And when least expected,
     They jump right on out.
They may make us happy,
      or may make us pout.
The words you are using,
      just what will they mean?
When months and years later,
      they’re still on the scene.

You may be thinking,
      I’ve got this all wrong.
Words don’t stay with me,
      at least not for long.
I can’t be certain,
     if that’s true for you.
But based on who I know,
     you’d be one of a few.
Even when I’ve thought
     words rolled off my back.
In the right setting,
     they’ve found their way back

There is a good side
      to a mind that will store.
I praise God with songs
      from when I was four.
The thing that’s important,
      is to guard what goes in.
So what comes out later,
      doesn’t cause us to sin.
When I seek Jesus
      to fill my whole heart.
The words that I should say
      have a great place to start.

For out of my mouth comes,
      a great overflow.
Of what Jesus put in me,
      and of just who I know.
The treasure inside me
      can’t be hidden for long.
For God’s love does fill me
      with a prayer and a song.
And since it’s His Spirit
      that I have in me.
My words should reflect that,
      so it’s Him people see.
©

 I was outside this afternoon enjoying the sunshine while getting some things done around the building and found myself singing some Sunday School songs from way back in my childhood.  As I considered the power words have had in my life, God gave me this poem to share.  I pray that it encourages you and I to be careful with our words.

In prayer,
Tom

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Time With God

I listen to God
      as I spend time in prayer.
It’s hard to imagine,
      why this seems so rare.
I have a great privilege
      to talk to the King.
He calls to me softly,
      everything I should bring.
He understands me
      when others do not.
When I need to unload,
      He’ll take what I’ve got.

His kind, gentle whisper
      is spoken so true.
I love you so fully,
      my best is for you.
He’s not like those others
      whose promises fail.
When things are the hardest,
      He never will bail.
He’ll stand right beside me,
      we’ll walk hand in hand.
He says, “I am with you,
      just see what I’ve planned.”

That is the hard part,
      to see what’s not here.
To trust He’ll deliver,
      when I’m filled with fear.
He is so gracious,
      so loving and kind.
He calms all my fears,
      gives me peace of mind.
Every step forward,
      I learn to trust more.
So that I am ready,
      when He opens the door.

I don’t always look for,
      a door open wide.
For most of the time I
      am comfortable inside.
Those are the times that,
      He calls out to me.
“I’ll never leave you,
      step out here and see.”
As He calls me forward,
      I step out the door.
It’s all I imagined
      and oh, so much more.

As this keeps on happening,
      again and again.
My trust builds up layers,
      it’s no longer thin.
While it is not perfect,
      my listening has built.
A life with more freedom,
      and a whole lot less guilt.
I know that God loves me
      and works for my best.
Of this I am so sure,
      that in Him I can rest.

So what will you do,
      with the truth you have heard?
Will you take it to heart,
      seeking God in His word?
When you walk in faith,
      one step at a time.
He demands your all,
      but it’s worth every dime.
And as you surrender
      and learn to just wait.
You’ll find you are ready,
      when you reach His gate.
©

I was spending time with God this afternoon and as I was waiting for an evening meeting, God reminded me of some of the wonderful destinations that He has taken me to as a result of my listening and following Him.  In the midst of my worship of Him for His great love and faithfulness, He gave me this poem.  I pray that it encourages you to spend more time with God.

In Prayer,
Tom

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Honesty

There’s something I’ve noticed
     that really seems strange.
When it comes to truth,
     we think there’s a range.
There are bold lies and white lies,
     and “honest to God”.
And all kinds of gray space
     that really seems odd.
Whatever happened
     to yes and to no?
And keeping our word
     wherever we go?

To keep to my word,
     and make sure it’s true.
Should be how I live,
     when I talk with you.
I must be careful
     to weigh every word.
So only the truth,
     is that which is heard.
To make up a story,
     so I don’t look bad.
Will only bring problems,
     the worst that I’ve had.

Image is everything,
     at least we’ve been told.
So we make up a story
     and hope that it’s sold.
Our yes isn’t yes,
     and our no isn’t no.
We consider our image
     and we answer so-so.
We hide the true facts,
     that we don’t want seen.
And tell a new version,
     where the truth is quite lean.

This doesn’t mean
     you should tell all you know.
Some things are private,
     from your mouth should not go.
But that is a story
     for another day.
About speaking the truth,
     this poem will stay.
When we cover up
     the truth with a lie.
Our reputation
     has begun to die.

We must be careful
     that we don’t deceive.
By the impression
     that we try to leave.
We should not have to
     swear this is true.
Our word should be good
     when given to you.
The things that we value
     will carry more weight.
When we are honest
     in all that we state.

So when you are thinking
    that truth can’t be found.
Open the Bible,
     take a good look around.
The truth that is Jesus,
     does show us the way.
And calls us to choose;
     in our speech, there’s no gray.
To be fully honest,
     in word and in deed.
Is a teaching of Jesus
     that we ought to heed.
©

It seems like we live in a time where so many people have lost sight of the value that God places on honesty. In the past I’ve had ministry leaders tell me I’m too honest; that I needed to be more creative with the facts to give people an impression that was different from what was true. It also appears common to play loose with Bible texts to try to prove what we want. As I watched some of that unfold on social media, I spent time with God listening to His voice and He gave me this poem. I pray that it is an encouragement to each of us to live an honest life in our pursuit of God.

In prayer,
Tom

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Chaos

There have been times,
     I must confess.
I’ve made poor decisions,
     creating a mess.
There are things that I’ve done
     without giving much thought.
Then I’ve been surprised
     by the chaos it wrought.
I stand in the rubble
     and look all around.
And hope the path out
     will someday be found.

Most people I know,
     do like a routine.
If they know what is coming,
     they won’t cause a scene.
If they’re pointed out
     and put on the spot.
Look out and run fast,
     they’re bound to be hot.
But there are a few
     who like a surprise.
Last minute changes,
     just help them to rise.

If you’re one or the other,
     or somewhere between.
If you want to be hidden,
     or like to be seen.
If you walk in the middle,
     with a foot in each camp.
When we understand others,
     we turn on a lamp.
The lamp is revealing
     and helps us to see.
People may not be wrong
     that are different from me.

The connection is coming,
     if there’s one to this poem.
The message is clear,
     it’s about to hit home.
When we judge others
     by the rules that we make.
We create chaos,
     because God’s rules we break.
There is just one standard,
     that applies to us all.
When held up to Jesus,
     every person will fall.

When I make decisions,
     what will be my guide?
Will I open my motives,
     and have nothing to hide?
Will I base them all solely,
     on God and His Word.
So it is His message
     that always is heard.
When I trust in Jesus
     and follow His path.
Even when I caused it,
     I escape from His wrath.

I guard my words closely,
     and capture each thought.
So His Spirit helps me,
     only say what I ought.
To give a quick answer,
     can be trouble for me.
So I spend time in prayer,
     even down on my knee.
To make this a habit,
     does not make me weak.
I am much stronger,
     when God’s face I seek.
©

I was tempted to comment on several posts and statements that I’ve read this morning that I simply don’t agree with and think are bad conclusions to the known information. As I was considering what to write, God gave me this poem instead as a reminder that being quick to speak/respond often leads me into chaos. I pray that this poem is an encouragement to you and that it brings glory to God and accomplishes His purposes for it.

In prayer,
Tom

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The End

I took time today
      to visit a friend.
He has been told
      his life will soon end.
The thing that I thought
      as we took time to chat.
We don’t like to think,
     “Am I ready for that?”
We’d much rather keep
      pretending each day.
That nothing could happen
      to take life away.

When we stop to think
      that this day could be it.
Does it change what we do
      with the times we just sit?
To reflect on our life
      that God Himself gave,
We should recognize
      that we need Him to save.
There’s only two choices
      at the end of this life.
Forever with Jesus,
      or eternal strife.

Do I live each day
      like it could be my last?
Long for the future
      with a forgiven past.
Will people surround me
      with stories of good?
Will they say I loved Jesus,
      like I said that I would?
And if I do wonder,
      just what they might say.
A pretty good answer,
      is what’s said today.

So how will I live,
      this day to the full?
Will I draw near to Jesus
      as my heart he does pull?
Will I think more clearly
      than ever before?
And realize without Him,
      I’m way beyond poor.
He’s the great treasure
      that I have received.
His Spirit has filled me
      because I believed.

Because of His presence,
      it’s really okay.
If quite unexpected,
      this is my last day.
But if He should give me
      a little more time.
I pray that He’s seen,
      in my life and my rhyme.
I want to be faithful
      in all I do spend.
So He says, “Welcome home,
      it’s not really the end.”
©

I spent some time yesterday with a friend who has outlived some of his doctor’s expectations and knows he is nearing the end of his life on this earth.  He is ready for those words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”,  because they fit him.  As I’ve been praying for him and his wife, God put this poem in my mind.  I pray that it helps each of us to spend time with God considering if we are ready for this journey on earth to end.

In prayer,
Tom

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Opinions

We all have opinions
      that we hold to as fact.
They are often seen
      in the way that we act.
We stand up and shout
      in a voice that is loud.
I simply know more,
      it’s not that I’m proud.
We see this in others
      throughout the whole day.
But to see it in my life,
      there’s simply no way.

It seems far too often,
      and without any proof.
We repeat what we hear
      from the top of the roof.
We hear what we like
      and we make up our mind.
We’re so very certain,
      that the truth we don’t find.
We think we’re important
      if we know it all.
So we fail to notice
      that we’re bound for a fall.

We live in a time
      when it’s easy to do.
To let people know
      just what is our view.
I see it on-line,
      in response to all news.
They’re only right
      if they do what I choose.
It is quite amazing
      what people believe.
There’s no rhyme or reason,
      to the comments they leave.

If things are done one way,
      it’s completely wrong.
But do them the other,
      they sing the same song.
You can’t win for losing,
      is what some will say.
But I choose to believe
      there’s a much better way.
I need to be careful
      before I reply.
Before I do answer,
      I ought to ask, “Why?”

Not only ask why,
      but ask what is true.
That my answer is godly,
      not just my own view.
To consider the matter
      beyond what is shown.
And try to see clearly,
      as if their shoes were my own.
What I think doesn’t matter,
      if it’s really off-base.
And I only know that,
      when I seek my God’s face.

So when I read something
      of which I don’t agree.
I look to God’s Word
      to see if it’s me.
When there is a difference
      of opinion, not fact.
I guard my words closely
      and watch how I act.
I choose to know one thing
      and it’s always true.
It’s more than opinion,
      that God does love you.
©

Social media seems to make it easy for people to express their opinions with little regard for truth, fact, or even the whole story.  As I was reflecting this morning on comments I have read about various postings and news items, God put this poem in my mind.  I pray that it helps you to consider the words you use and examine the difference between opinion and truth before you feel obligated to comment.

In prayer,
Tom

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New Man

I went to bed early
      to get some good rest.
It seems I need more sleep
      so that I do my best.
So I sleep for eight hours,
      even more if I can.
And while it does help,
      I don’t wake a new man.
Perhaps it is needed
      as I fight this cold.
Though some actually say,
      it’s because I am old.

We go to extremes
      to change who we are.
We exercise more,
      even buy a new car.
We spend so much time
      on the way that we look.
That we fail to reflect
      what is in the Good Book.
Somehow we think
      if we change the outside.
No one will care much
      about what is inside.

If I really want,
      a new man to be.
I will change what I want,
      and how I do see.
I will look on the inside,
      more than what’s out.
For the battle within
      can be quite a bout.
Take every thought captive,
      don’t give it a place.
To take root and grow,
      then spew out of my face.

To be the new man,
      that God wants of me.
I rest in the Lord,
      His face I do see.
When I become weary
      and feeling quite weak.
I wait on the Lord
      and His presence I seek.
The times of refreshing
      in sickness and health.
Is a joy for the ages,
      even more than great wealth.

When I’m under the weather,
      or feeling my age.
God’s Spirit is with me
      and helps me engage.
A body that’s rested
      and a mind that is fresh.
Helps me listen to God
      as His Word and I mesh.
It is not the sleep
      that’s important to me.
But the new man in Christ
      that I want to be.
©

I’ve been feeling tired and going to bed early to get more rest so I’m ready to start an early day of building prep and cleaning.  This poem began to form in my mind last night before I fell asleep and God finished it up as I did my morning work.  I pray that it encourages you in your efforts to be the person that God has called you to be.

In prayer,
Tom