Poems

by

Sent

I sit with my Bible
     and study from Acts.
To prepare a sermon
     that’s more than just facts.
To look at the stories
     for what they convey.
And share how God wants us
     to live and obey.
The Christians would gather
     and often would pray.
They waited together
     for what God would say.

The series continues,
     I reach chapter thirteen.
Worship and fasting
     are part of this scene.
During their worship
     the Spirit speaks out.
And tells of some work
     that they must be about.
“Set apart for me
     Barnabas and Saul.”
“And send them away
     to a place of my call.”

As they did travel
     the path that God led.
They told of God’s Word
     in all that they said.
One of the people 
     did not like what they heard.
And tried to convince others
     Paul’s message was absurd.
As Paul looked at this man
     and saw in his mind.
God spoke His judgment,
     this man would be blind.

As Paul traveled onward,
     God helped him to speak.
And told Israel’s history
     to those who would seek.
Of how God had saved,
     and given a land.
To a people who followed
     and obeyed His command.
The people were promised
     a king who would come.
Who would fulfill God’s Word;
     all of it, not just some. 

The one that God sent,
     they did not receive.
They crucified Him
     for they would not believe.
God did not abandon
     this One to the grave.
But raised Him to life,
     from death He would save.
The crowd sought to hear more
     of the One brought to life.
But this stirred up others
     who set out to cause strife.

The message rejected
     by those it was for.
Set Paul free to tell it
     on every shore.
Those who received it
     were filled with much joy.
It did not matter
     if girl or if boy.
The Word of God spread
     as people did hear.
And that is our task,
     as we’re sent far and near.
©

I was spending time with God going through Act 13 for a sermon I will preach in the series I am doing through the book of Acts. As I did so, God put this poem in my mind about the sending of Saul (Paul) and Barnabas. It is also about the sending that God wants us to be a part of as we take His message everywhere we go. I pray that you see yourself as one who is sent by God to carry His message.

In prayer,
Tom

by

Protection

We like to be safe,
      protected from harm.
No strange diseases
      and no broken arm.
If we can avoid
      our car being crashed.
Or close all the doors
      with no fingers smashed.
Keep our life safe
      from all of life’s ill.
Then we often conclude,
      that it all is God’s will.

When we start to look
      at God’s will this way.
It creates quite a problem
      when we have a bad day.
If the protection
      that we value most.
Fails to protect us,
      then of what will we boast?
Bad things do happen
      to the wicked and good.
We must learn to praise Him
      through all as we should.

The greater protection
      that we must always wear.
Has been given to us
      by a God who does care.
To clothe ourselves fully
      with what God does give,
Will give us protection,
      inside where we live.
He gives us some armor
      that protects what’s inside.
We’re cloaked in His Spirit,
      in Him we can  hide.

Wrapped up in truth
      to protect how we feel.
Covered in righteousness,
      allowing us to heal.
Walking in peace
      to protect where we go.
Living by faith
      reminds us what we know.
Wearing salvation,
      to guard our mind.
Taking God’s Word
      for battles of all kind.

To bring it together,
      we always must pray.
Talk to God always,
      in every way.
Pray for each other
      while always on guard.
Pray to speak boldly,
      when speaking is hard.
The true protection
      that we all do need.
Comes when the hearing
      does change every deed.

So, what will you value
      when safety comes first?
Will you give attention
      to a spiritual thirst?
Will it be more important
      to protect your soul.
Or give all your effort
     to a body that’s whole?
The body will perish,
      the soul will live on.
I pray you’re protected,
      when earth’s time is gone.
©

As I was clearing walks and cleaning the building this morning, I was thinking about this winter and how God has protected me from unrealistic expectations and demands.  As He put this poem in my mind, He drew my attention to the difference between the protection we often seek and pray for and the more valuable protection that He has given us and desires for us to make use of.  I pray that you would seek first the protection of your heart, mind, and soul as you daily put on the armor of God.

In prayer,
Tom

by

Fulfillment

Most people in life
      have something they want.
So stay out of their way
      when they start to hunt.
Sometimes we do struggle
      for we do not know.
Just quite what it is
      that we really want so.
Something is missing,
      of that there’s no doubt.
If only we knew how
      to figure it out.

We fill our life full
      of this and of that.
A piece is still missing
      and our joy does fall flat.
We may not know fully
      what we’re looking for.
It is so elusive,
      we think it’s just lore.
But when we do find it
      and we’re in the right place.
We won’t ever hide it,
      for it’s seen in our face.

God’s given me talents
      and gifts I can use.
How will I use them,
      I do get to choose.
Will I remain faithful
      in lifting His name.
Will I be serious
      or pretend it’s a game?
The more I do use,
      the gifts God does give.
I reach a fulfillment,
      each day that I live.

Sometimes we feel empty,
      for we’ve not figured out.
How God wants to use us,
      what our life is about.
Sometimes we know it,
      but we can’t figure how.
To use what God gave us
      to help people now.
When God calls you forward,
      the path may not be clear.
Take care of today,
      and walk with no fear.

There’s no greater joy
      than a life that does please.
To learn from my Savior
      as I pray on my knees.
To be lifted up
      and valued each day.
Loved by the creator,
      with something to say.
God gives me a venue,
      to share what’s in me.
To do it the right way,
      so it’s Him people see.

So, how can you help me;
      how can I help you?
Let’s encourage each other
      in what we need to do.
Commend acts of faith,
      without keeping count.
Keep taking steps forward,
      whatever the amount.
Trust God to finish
      what He has begun.
Hold on to your hat,
      make this journey fun.
©

It has been a fun 9 months of being back as part of the Deer Run staff and experiencing great fulfillment as I am encouraged to use all of the gifts that God puts into my life to serve others — even the unexpected gifts are valued with great encouragement to use them.  As I was praising God for His goodness, specifically in giving me these poems, He responded with this poem.  I pray that it encourages you to value God’s gifting in your life and in the lives of others.

In prayer,
Tom

by

Rejection

I collected some poems,
      formed into a book.
I sent them away,
      for a publisher’s look.
“No one likes poems,
      at least not to buy.
For us to publish it,
      we’d rather not try.”
They passed on some info
      and welcome advice.
To print it myself,
      I didn’t think twice.

Sometimes we give up
      what we’re called to do.
When our first efforts
      end up falling through.
We don’t like persistence,
      or suffering long.
When God says to do it,
      then a “No” is just wrong.
We give up too easy
      when our way seems to fail.
We should listen to God
      and the rest of the tale.

I have no doubt,
      that these poems I must share.
So when a door closes,
      I must look elsewhere.
I may not know why,
      and may never see.
A different way’s better,
      or God’s teaching me.
God loves His children,
      and He wants us to know.
He sees where we’ve been,
      and where we should go.

Yes, there’s a lesson
      that God wants to give.
In the midst of rejection,
      just how should we live?
To reject what you’re doing,
      may be hurtful, that‘s true.
But it’s just not the same,
      as rejecting you.
So how do you take it,
      when your way doesn’t fly?
And you’re left uncertain,
      and wondering why?

Look past the surface
      at what is unseen.
Examine your heart first,
      make sure it is clean.
Selfish desires
      and motives not pure.
Can ruin a plan,
      of that I am sure.
When you’ve looked deeply
      at what is inside.
Then hold tight to Jesus
      and enjoy the ride.

When you find yourself
      in the other shoes.
Pay close attention
      to how you share the news.
Perhaps you must say no
      to what’s asked of you.
Then make your best effort,
      to share what is true.
Truth hurts for a moment,
      until we do see.
God’s truth always longs for,
      the very best in me.
©

 It is an exciting day as I’ve been working on a sermon for tonight and continuing work on a book.  As I took time to rest in the recliner, God put this poem in my mind as I considered the process of getting a book printed and the helpful advice and contact links I received from a publisher even though they rejected the manuscript I sent them.  While I thought that would have been the easy way to get the book printed, God continues to give me peace that the whole process is in His hands — and His hands are just as capable of getting these poems printed as they have been in giving them to me.  I pray that you fully seek God in all your ways and that He would carry you through when it seems like people reject your ideas and  plans.

In prayer,
Tom

by

Work In Progress

The poems keep on coming,
      that God gives to me.
Their purpose is shrouded
      in some mystery.
As I consider,
      the things God has done.
It seems they have reason,
      that’s more than just fun.
This gift that He gave me,
      He calls me to share.
So you can glimpse Jesus
      and know of His care.

It happened so quickly,
      it caught me off guard.
If I tried to write these,
      it would be quite hard.
It may not be writing,
      but collecting I do.
The poems that God gives me,
      I do share with you.
The stories within them,
      I hope you do see.
Are stories of Jesus,
      how He’s worked in me.

There are still times that
      I sit on the fence.
So God’s working in me
      is still present tense.
I was asked a question,
      I had no answer for.
So I sought God fully
      and He gave me more.
It is in times of quiet
      and seeking God’s face.
He makes Himself known
      and gives me this grace.

He does remind me,
      it says in His Word.
That people won’t know Him,
      unless they have heard.
And people won’t hear Him,
      unless I will go.
And tell of His goodness,
      I already know.
To put His great message,
      in words such as these.
So someone might read them,
      and God seek to please.

And while it’s amazing,
      the response that has come.
I pray that He’ll use,
      these words to reach some.
To encourage someone,
      or brighten a day.
Perhaps show a person
      that God knows the way.
To challenge a reader,
      to look deep within.
And get rid of all things
      that could lead to sin.

To help people realize
      there’s a God that does care.
No matter where you’re at,
      up close or out there.
I’ve been to those places,
      at times in my life.
He’s been in my good times,
      and walked me through strife.
Whatever you have done,
      He calls out to you.
Come walk beside me,
      I’ll make all things new.
©

I was spending time with God this afternoon resting my mind, spirit, and body when a bunch of rhyming thoughts filled my mind.  As I tried to sort it all out, this was the result.  I pray that it gives you a glimpse of God’s work in me and that it encourages you to allow God to work in you, even in unexpected ways.

In prayer,
Tom

by

Battleground

I have a foe
      that lives close to me.
So very close,
      sometimes I don’t see.
If I would just look,
      it’s not hard to find.
 For this kind of foe
      does live in my mind.
It hides in the corners
      and lurks in the dark.
If I don’t pay attention,
      it sure leaves its mark.

Some of the enemies
      I make on my own.
Others arrive from
      some seeds that were sown.
My mind holds to memories,
      both good and the bad.
And some that do linger,
      will still make me sad.
The good’s often hidden,
      and kept out of sight.
The bad steps right up
      and takes a big bite.

I see people talking
      and think of the past.
My mind starts to wonder,
      can these good times last?
I think there are people
      who, much like me.
They have a hard time
      living as free.
They’ve not felt much value,
      they may be cast out.
They look o’er their shoulder,
      and live with much doubt.

I know, for I’ve been there;
      and still do reside.
With a mind that remembers
      and keeps things inside.
God gives me these poems,
      and He helps me to see.
That the things of the past,
      today may not be.
The way people see me,
      is not my concern.
My faith has more value
      than what I do earn.

In times that are hard,
      and jobs that did end.
I’ve always had present,
      an eternal friend.
This friend that is with me,
      is greater indeed.
Than all of my struggles,
      and all of my need.
He’s so much greater,
      than I’ll ever know.
He is the true One,
     that has defeated my foe.
So when I have doubt
      and fear moves on in.
I trust in my Savior,
      for I know He will win.

The power within in me
      is really my choice.
Do I listen to truth,
      or the enemy’s voice?
I have a promise,
      that God Himself made.
Because He is with me,
      I need not be afraid.
For His presence in me,
      leaves no room for doubt.
He fills up my being,
      so the foe must move out.
©

God has blessed me greatly and He continues to help my faith to grow through reminders of some of what He has carried me through.  I was thinking this morning about how far God has brought me and some of the struggles I still have and in the midst of this time with God, He gave me this poem.  I pray that it encourages you to seek God when the foe in your mind wants to take charge.

In prayer,
Tom

by

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

by

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