Poems

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

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

by

Hearing God

How do you hear God,
      and how do you know?
What He wants of you,
      and where you should go?
Or have you decided
      it’s impossible.
Your life is all planned
      and it’s already full.
Knowing what God wants
      is just for the few.
I’ll never get there,
      I don’t know about you.

Sometimes I think that
      our search about God.
Seeks an adventure
      or something quite odd.
God’s will must be hidden,
      at least from my sight.
I’ve had no great request
      by day or by night.
I read in the Bible
      and watch on the news.
It seems it’s the great ones
      that God would still choose.

No one is greater
      than he that serves all.
To humble our self
      is the Master’s first call.
Look back in the Bible,
      and here’s what I see.
A lot of great people
      who started like me!
From humble beginnings
      with nothing unique.
But a heart that was open
      to a God they did seek.

To him who is faithful
      with the little things.
God will work with your mouth,
      you may speak before kings!
God’s will shouldn’t scare you,
      or be thought of as hard.
It’s much more deliberate
      than the draw of a card.
He wants us to love Him,
      to serve all mankind.
To walk in His ways,
      with our heart, soul, and mind.

So when you’re discouraged,
      thinking you’ve been left out.
Seek God’s face humbly,
      He’ll remove all the doubt.
Be joyful in hard times
      and pray without end.
Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus,
      He calls you His friend.
Rest in His goodness,
      be filled with His love.
Be faithful in all things,
     ‘til He calls you above.

The big things get noticed
      because they are large.
Don’t worry about them,
      unless you are in charge.
Go to your neighbor
      and those who have need.
Get rid of your pride,
      remove all your greed.
As you empty yourself,
      God has room to fill.
When He lives within you,
      you’ll walk in His will.
©

I was resting in my office in the midst of a busy day.  When I awoke from a short nap, this poem was in my mind.  I suppose part of it God had put there through time I spent preparing prayer guides for the next two weeks that will focus on God’s Will.  I pray that God would fill us with a greater understanding of being faithful in the little things that we know He wants us to do.

In prayer,
Tom