Poems

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Mother’s Day

Today is a day,
     we honor our mother.
But how is that different,
     from any other?
While it is nice
     to set aside a day.
Honoring our parents
     is really God’s way!

You may not be one,
but surely you’ve had.
Your very own mom,
I pray good and not bad.
The lessons we learn
from a mom who is good.
Are things we should hear,
to do what we should.

To Plead for her children,
this mom always will.
She lifts them to God,
praying that He will fill.
She Respects those around her,
even God when she prays.
She wants Him to guide her,
each of her days.

When things take a wrong turn,
she Adapts with the best.
She still has a focus
that her children can rest.
As she talks with God,
her spirit does Yield.
She may not understand
but she trusts in His shield.

These are some lessons,
a godly mom can teach.
They’re also the same ones
that I plan to preach!
I pray that you listen,
to God’s Spirit in me.
And He shows you clearly,
what He wants you to see.

© 2014 by Tom Lemler

I was wanting a poem for the Mother’s Day sermon I would share, but God hadn’t put the words for one in my mind, so I figured I wouldn’t have one.  Sunday morning while I was in my office praying about the message, God gave me these words — the timing made the saying, “God is rarely early, but never late.”, ring true in my mind.  I pray that this poem is an encouragement to you and honors the moms who read it.

In prayer,
Tom

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Kiamichi Trip

I went to the mountains
     of the Kiamichi.
To spend time with God,
     so I’ll share what I see.
It was a great gathering
     of men young and old.
This side of heaven,
     the greatest I’m told.
As I sat among them,
     and looked all around.
A group that is greater,
     nowhere could be found. 

Artie and his family
     direct the whole camp.
They do it so well,
    each one is a champ!
That’s not really the truth,
     is what they would say.
God directs the camp
     as He leads each day!
As I watched and listened,
     I could see this was true.
Their heart is to serve,
     first God, and then you. 

The days started early,
     with breakfast by seven.
Then worship began,
     to remind me of heaven.
The preaching was powerful,
     the men were quite bold.
Some of them young,
    some not, I am told.
The morning was full
     of music and fun.
Three powerful sermons,
     that was just session one! 

After feasting on God’s Word,
     we did break to eat.
Then back to the steel tent
     and return to my seat.
More powerful preaching
     and music galore.
A soul that is thirsty,
     could ask for no more!
But more surely came,
     I do confess.
As God’s men did gather,
    and His Spirit did bless! 

Down to the creek,
     to baptize a young man.
Who listened to God’s Word
    and followed His plan.
This was just the first one
      to take place this week.
As people did listen,
     and God’s face they did seek.
The joy of the angels
     was shared among men.
As men turned to God
     and away from their sin. 

The week was intense
     but relaxing too.
My body was tired,
    but my spirit made new.
Each of the mornings,
    our direction was set.
A reminder of God’s plan,
     so that we don’t forget.
God created the church,
     and created mankind.
We must follow His way,
     not whatever we find. 

There was a day,
    we had a short break.
So out through the woods,
     a walk I did take.
It was not crowded,
     it was just God and I.
Though some of His creatures
     did scurry nearby.
I walked in the stillness,
     took in all I saw.
God’s presence did fill me
     as I walked in awe. 

The break was refreshing,
     I was hungry for more.
So we gathered together
     for what God had in store.
I thought that I went there
     for a purpose I knew.
But God’s plan was different
     as I listened and grew.
To represent His work,
     He is doing through me.
Is not as important
     as I thought it would be. 

The last day did rain,
     creating a mess.
But God was still able
     to teach and to bless.
There were many surprises,
     I really can’t tell.
Just what is the reason
     that I liked it so well.
That is not quite true,
     I freely must say.
It’s because of God’s presence,
     because He led the way. 

The time finally came
     when I had to head home.
But one of the blessings
     was found in a poem.
It was not just in a poem,
     that God spoke to me.
But it seemed every session
     had some poetry!
As one God has given,
     poems that I share.
God said quite loudly,
     “I can use them, so there!” 

There is so much more
     I could write in this rhyme.
But my mind’s nearly empty
     and I’m out of time.
God gives to His children,
     gifts that they should use.
Sometimes we like them,
     some are not what we’d choose.
This is a great lesson
     that God taught to me.
When I went to the mountains
     of the Kiamichi! 

© 2014 by Tom Lemler

I went to the Kiamichi Men’s Clinic for the first time and was truly blessed by the entire experience.  As we stopped for the night on the way home, a good friend said I ought to write a poem about the trip.  As I was falling asleep that night, and then on the rest of the drive back home, this poem began to appear in my mind.  I pray that it is a blessing to you as it brings glory to God and accomplishes His purposes for it.

In prayer,
Tom

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Faith

Sometimes I stay up
     for I need to pray.
For family and friends
     who have a rough day.
They struggle with faith
     and questions of why.
Is God with me now,
     is He up in the sky?
Is He even real,
     how would I know?
I’m looking for proof,
     just what will you show? 

Faith does surround us,
     it is in us all.
We have faith in something,
     whether big or quite small.
Each day that we live,
     we trust something unseen.
(That’s just how it is,
     I’m not being mean.)
Show me a picture
     of what keeps you in place.
You trust in gravity
     for you’re not out in space! 

You cannot see it,
     but you certainly feel.
When you fall from the roof,
     gravity must be for real.
There’s some unseen force
     that pulls you to earth.
You learn to accept it,
     almost from your birth.
I know some will say,
     it isn’t the same.
It’s not about faith
     as I want to claim. 

That is quite different,
     perhaps some will say.
It’s not only proven,
     we feel it each day.
It is a real thing,
     perhaps none will dismiss.
Gravity existed
     before any knew this.
It can be explained,
     the how and the why.
Even show the effects
     to all who deny. 

For me to say,
     that there can be no God.
After all that He’s done
     would really seem odd.
Some say it is fake,
     that it cannot be real.
There’s some other reason
     for all that I feel.
Explain it away
     if you think that you must.
Your doubt and resistance
     won’t diminish my trust. 

I believe in the unseen
     that pulls me to earth.
I believe even more
     in the One who gives birth.
I feel the force
     that keeps my feet on the ground.
And the presence of God
     I can feel all around.
You ask me to prove it,
     that God could be real.
But you want something more
     than just how I feel. 

That can be quite hard
     if you won’t receive.
That I am who I am
     through what I believe.
If anything’s seen
     that is good in me.
It’s because of my faith,
     it’s His work you see.
Life’s not always easy,
     hard things I endure.
I have the strength
     for my hope is secure. 

Take God from my life
     and it falls apart.
Just how He works in me,
     oh, where do I start?
Science is good,
     it teaches us much.
But it can’t explain all things
     that God’s hand does touch.
Where did life start,
     and where will it go?
Men have their theories,
     but they really don’t know. 

To say it just happened
     is a huge stretch to me.
When I look at the wonder
     of a single tree.
It takes in the sunshine
     and what we exhale.
It refreshes the air
     so that it isn’t stale.
We study and research
     and figure the how.
But why it can do this,
     we’re not quite sure now. 

We jump to conclusions
     to fit our belief.
To evolve to this now,
     is quite a relief.
For if it hadn’t happened,
     when we take a breath.
Instead of fresh air,
     we’re breathing in death.
It’s almost ironic
     that most people see.
The complex ecosystems
     that sustain you and me. 

You believe it just happened,
     I believe it was God.
Examine the detail
     and which seems most odd?
The statistical chances
     of all things falling in place.
Or a God who created
     all earth and all space.
This poem’s about finished,
     I hope that you see.
Without a Creator,
     there’s really no me! 

© 2014 by Tom Lemler

 I’ve spent much of the night praying for a friend who is asking if God is real.  As I’ve prayed, God put this poem in my mind.  Faith is a difficult thing because it forces us to let go of all that we are comfortable with and trust that which we put our faith in.  I choose God because I’ve seen Him pull me through circumstances that seemed impossible.  I’ve experienced incredible changes and growth in my life because my faith in God believed He could use me and do things in and through me that I would have never dreamed or imagined — these poems are just one example of that.  I pray that this poem is an encouragement to you whether you are secure in your faith in God or trying to find it.

In prayer,
Tom

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Breaking Bread

It was quite a weekend,
     it’s hard to believe.
The things that did happen
     in the town I now leave.
The long walk is good,
     helps me clear my head.
It’s hard to imagine,
     my teacher is dead. 

My friend and I walk
     with hearts that are down.
We talk about all
     that took place back in town.
As we talked together
     about all that took place.
A stranger did join us
     and walked at our pace. 

We did not know him,
     but he stepped right in.
He wanted to know
     where our talk did begin.
Our sadness was heavy,
     this guy out of touch.
Could he have been present
     and not know so much. 

It was hard to imagine
     he could have been there.
He seemed to know nothing,
     did he even care?
We told him about one
     who stood far above.
He always seemed filled with
     the power of God’s love. 

The things that he taught
     were more than we’d known.
And the works that he did
     had never been shown.
We had been quite hopeful,
     this was more than a man.
That he had been sent
     as part of God’s plan. 

But all of that ended
     as he went to trial.
He stood before rulers
     without a denial.
They called him guilty
     and sentenced to death.
He was hung on a cross
    until his last breath. 

Now, three days have passed
     that he’s been in the grave.
But some of the women
     showed they were quite brave.
The went to the tomb
     for a special task.
Why do you look here,
     some angels did ask. 

Some of our number
    also went there to see.
What the women had found,
    their findings agree.
When the stranger did speak,
     he said we were slow.
Did we not know the scriptures,
     which said how this would go? 

So from the beginning,
     He explained from the Word.
He made it alive,
     like we had never heard.
When we reached the village,
     He planned to go on.
But we begged Him to stay,
     we did not want Him gone. 

We went to the table
     to share a meal.
As He broke the bread,
     we could now see for real.
The one who was with us
     and taught all the way.
Was the risen Lord,
     before us that day. 

All of a sudden,
     as we looked around.
He was gone from our midst,
     nowhere to be found.
So that very hour,
     in which we did arrive.
We returned to the city
     saying, Jesus is alive! 

It’s not just for them
     that this story is told.
There’s a message for you,
     if I may be so bold.
There will be times
     when it seems hope is lost.
Remember this story
     and who paid the cost. 

We break bread together,
     just the Lord and I.
It helps me remember
     why He had to die.
It also reminds me,
     the gift that He gave.
He rose from the dead
     with the power to save! 

So as oft as I can,
     I gather around.
A table that’s spread
     where communion is found.
I drink from the cup,
     and eat of the bread.
And remember forever,
     God’s alive, He’s not dead! 

© 2014 by Tom Lemler

As I’ve been reflecting on this resurrection day and praying about my response to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, God put this poem in my mind.  I think it is the longest one yet that He has given me!  I pray that it is an encouragement and help to you and that it brings glory to God’s name.

In prayer,
Tom

     

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I Was There

I sit here tonight
     and pray as I should.
As I do reflect
     on this day we call “Good”.
I try to imagine,
     if I had been there.
Would I have noticed,
     would I even care? 

People are dying
     out there on the hill.
That’s just what happens
     to that kind of swill.
The crowd’s cheering loudly,
     is that my voice too?
I want no part of this,
     this king that’s a Jew. 

Why do the shouts seem
     so loud in my ear?
What did I do that
     has brought me so near?
It seems I am stuck here,
     suspended in air.
I wish that the truth was,
     this punishment’s not fair. 

But as I consider
     the things I’ve done wrong.
It starts to sink in,
     this is where I belong.
I lived like I wanted,
     life was all about me.
It was my sinful choices
     that put me here on this tree. 

There are two men with me,
     quite different are they.
As I listen closely,
     I hear one of them pray.
“Father, forgive them”
     were the words that I heard.
From where I am hanging,
     that sure sounds absurd. 

The other man’s yelling,
     and mocking the first.
As the man they call Jesus
     cries out, “I do thirst!”
The insults continue,
     but I’ve had my fill.
I say, “We deserve this
     for what we thought was a thrill.” 

We got what was coming
     from the choices we made.
But that’s not the case
     with Him, I’m afraid.
There’s no fault within Him,
     He’s innocent for sure.
Yet He still hangs there
     and I watch Him endure. 

I realize this moment
     requires my all.
So I turn to the Christ
     and on His name I call.
Jesus, remember me
     when you reach your kingdom.
He says I’ll be with Him,
     then He says “It is done!” 

It was quite a journey,
     I’ve not left my chair.
But I look at my life
     and I’m sure I was there.
My sin hung there with Him,
     it was nailed to that tree.
I must make a choice,
     which thief there was me? 

The one I have chosen,
     I pray you do too.
Is to cry out to Jesus,
     let me be with you!
So my life did not end
     as it looked like it would.
It is only beginning
     on this Friday called “Good”!

 © 2014 by Tom Lemler

We had a great Good Friday service and I was spending time in my office praying afterward as I waited for the building to clear so I could get it ready for Sunday.  As I did so, God put this poem in my mind so I typed it out to share with you.  I pray that it helps you to examine the events of Good Friday from a fresh perspective.  I pray that you choose to cry out to Jesus to remember you!  I pray that this poem brings glory to God and accomplishes His purposes for it.

In prayer,
Tom

 

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Rescued

It’s been quite a year,
     as I look back now.
It’s hard to describe,
     except to say, “Wow!”
You live for so long
     at the point of despair.
And it surely seems
     like no one does care.
You work really hard
     at all that you do.
Yet the credit is taken
     by those around you. 

You watch and you wonder
     what you might have done.
That others don’t see you
     and your gift they do shun.
When people speak poorly
     about that which you do.
There’s none with the courage
     to stand up for you.
And so you do come
     to the end of your rope.
You cry out to Jesus
     for a glimmer of hope. 

So, God gives you strength
     as the years linger on.
You pray for the patience
     to see hope’s new dawn.
You hold tight to Jesus
     in the midst of it all.
You listen more closely
     for the sound of His call.
The years of oppression
     are not wasted, you see.
God uses each moment
     as training for me. 

I hear Him more clearly
     because of the pain.
It drives me to seek Him
     and submit to His reign.
His voice is much softer
     and loving to me.
Than I ever dreamt of,
     or thought it could be.
At just the right moment,
     my God says to me.
“My child it is time,
     for you to be free.” 

All this reminds me
     of Joseph in jail.
He sat there for years
     for someone did fail.
To speak up for him,
     his story to tell.
The man only cared
     that his own life went well.
So Joseph was faithful,
     even though treated wrong.
He still sought His God,
     through the night that was long. 

But God was not absent
     or without a plan.
At just the right time,
     He prompted a man.
That man was the king,
     who had quite a dream.
It disturbed him greatly,
     or so it would seem.
He sought out the wisest
     from throughout the land.
But it fell to Joseph
     to tell what God planned. 

God lifted him higher,
     than all but the king.
His purpose through famine,
     was rescue to bring.
God rescued Joseph
     from out of his cell.
For He had a message,
     someone needed to tell.
He rescued Egypt,
     but not them alone.
For to Joseph’s family,
     great mercy was shown. 

So when you are struggling
     in a jail of your own.
I pray that these words
     are good seeds that are sown.
That you hold even tighter
     to God’s gentle hand.
And wait for the purpose
     that God’s already planned.
That you remain faithful
     in all that you do.
Let God fill your life
     with all that’s for you. 

But always remember,
     as part of God’s plan.
You’re called to share
     with your fellow-man.
God uses hard times
     as well as the good.
To teach us His ways,
     so we do what we should.
So when you are lifted
     from the pit of despair.
You can’t help but shout it,
     you know God’s great care! 

So back to the story
     that this poem began.
As much as we’d like to,
     trouble we cannot ban.
But it is our choice,
     what we do with it.
Does it bring us down,
     or do we grow from it?
Part of that growth
     is to let people know.
That the troubles they face,
     also help them to grow. 

© 2014 by Tom Lemler

As I was spending time with God in prayer, praising Him for the incredible opportunities He has been giving me recently, He put this poem in my mind.  This poem is a reminder of where I’ve been and of God’s great work of rescuing me.  His reminder from the life of Joseph is that my rescue is not only for my benefit, but that He means for it to be a help and encouragement to others.  The greatest rescue from bondage that we will ever experience is the rescue of us from sin that Jesus accomplished on the cross.  It is important that we share our stories so that those who are near despair will hear of a  God who rescues at just the right time.  I pray that this poem is an encouragement to you to remain faithful in all things.

In prayer,
Tom

 

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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

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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