Poems

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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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My Part

To read through the Bible,
      there are many claims.
Of people who started,
      then they hit all those names.
From person to person
      and who begat who.
The mind starts to numb
      and then we are through.
We put down the Bible
      and our reading does stop.
Our intended effort
      becomes a great flop.

As I am preaching
      through the book of Luke.
I come to these names
      and I’d rather not puke.
So I look more closely
      at what’s written there.
And see in this listing,
      a God who does care.
He lists all these people
      and calls them by name.
They were important,
      though most had no fame.

We have great value
      as woman and man.
For we have a part in
      God’s wonderful plan.
God uses people
      like you and like me.
To accomplish His purpose
      throughout history.
He doesn’t measure
      like most people do.
You have great potential
      when He lives in you.

If God could use people
      that nobody knew.
And use them so greatly,
      then He can use you.
One of the secrets
      of living this way.
Is pursuing God fully,
      hearing what He would say.
Then take His full message,
      with others do share.
Then show them that Jesus
      and you really care.

It is in this caring,
      that people will see.
God’s love is for them,
      not only for me.
My part may seem little,
      not important at all.
But that doesn’t mean
      the result will be small.
I will never know,
      unless a list I receive.
Just how many names
      did help me to believe.

So, what is your story?
      What will your legacy be?
How many people,
      will you help to see?
Will you be faithful,
      in doing your part?
That helps someone out there,
      to open their heart.
You may get no credit,
      even if you should.
The real joy comes later,
      when He says, “faithful and good”.
©

I am spending time with God going over the end of Luke chapter 3 as He refines the sermon I’ll share tonight.  As I am doing so, He put this poem in my mind for me to share.  I pray that it brings glory to His name and accomplishes His purposes for it.  

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

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Our Mission

I have a mission
      and so do you, too.
It’s a mission for all
      and not just a few.
There are so many
      who still need to know.
Jesus commanded
      to tell as we go.
To live it and teach it
      and help people see.
My life has real purpose
      with Jesus in me.

To always be ready
      to share the Good News.
To share it with all,
      not just those we choose.
But as we do share
      with people each day.
Be gentle and kind
      in the things we do say.
To set apart Christ,
      as Lord of our life.
Treat the Word carefully,
      it’s as sharp as a knife.

We want to help healing
      and not cause a mess.
There’s times I have botched it,
      of that, I confess.
God’s Word can be cutting,
      right down to the bone.
So we must be careful,
      we don’t act on our own.
God’s Spirit lives in us
      to help as we talk.
And sometimes He leads us
      to silently walk.

To speak up or show up,
      should not be our choice.
If we listen to Jesus
      and obey His voice.
Sometimes He leads us
      to sit for a while.
It could be a person
      only needs a big smile.
When words are in order,
      how careful are we?
To point to the Savior,
     instead of at “me”?

We like to have answers
      to show we are smart.
But it’s only God’s power
      that can transform a heart.
So as we consider,
      a commission so great.
We must be about it,
      lost people can’t wait.
We tell a great message
      that they can receive.
God’s goodness and mercy,
      if they would believe.

That is our mission
      that God calls us to.
To share the Good News
      that can make us all new.
We tell of Jesus,
      immersing in His name.
His blood does cleanse us
      and removes all our shame.
We teach His commandments
      as response to His love.
And He remains with us
      as He reigns from above.
©

I was spending time with God this afternoon in preparation for tonight’s Bible study I will lead from 2 Kings 7.  The chapter deals with the story of some men with leprosy discovering some very good news and then having to decide what they would do with that good news.  As I reflected on that story, God put this poem in my mind dealing with the Good News that we have in Jesus and the decision we must make about what we will do with it.  I pray that this poem brings glory to God and accomplishes His purposes for it.

In prayer,
Tom