Faith

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Christmas Purpose

‘Twas the night before Christmas,
     you’ve heard the rhyme.
But it will be different
     when you hear it this time.
No “All through the house”
     nor on the rooftop.
But in a long-ago time
     we’ll make our first stop.

Perhaps even further
     than what you might think.
When mankind did sin
     and God did not wink.
The result was not good,
     the outlook was grim.
For Adam and Eve,
     who disobeyed Him.

They tried to hide
     but it got much worse.
When sin brought to man
     a life-ending curse.
But God had a plan,
     so long ago.
To come down to earth,
     His love He would show.

The months went on by,
     the years flew right past.
Then centuries later
     it was the right time at last.
God sent us His Son
     to show us His love.
The King came to earth,
     leaving heaven above.

It’s so very easy
     to celebrate a birth.
To be filled with joy
     that God came to earth.
“Away in a Manger”
     and “Oh Holy Night.”
We sing for a season,
     then they’re out of sight.

The week after Christmas,
     our mind shifts a gear.
Then this talk about Jesus,
     no longer we hear.
Our life gets so busy
     and soon we forget.
That a Savior was born
     in this baby we met.

So, the eve before Christmas
     we gather to sing.
Songs filled with worship
     for the One who is King.
But it’s not just tonight
     that we sing Him this song.
We should give Him our worship
     all the year long!

© 2014 by Tom Lemler

I’m not sure if this poem is finished, but it is all God has given me so far. I pray that Christmas has purpose in your life all year as you remember the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus who came to earth as an expression of God’s love.In prayer,

Tom

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The Eyes of a Child (Oh, To Be Six!)

Oh, to be six
     and filled with such joy!
To experience wonder
     through the eyes of a boy!
Perhaps if you go back –
     way back in your mind.
Some traces of wonder
     perhaps you’ll still find.

To remember some days,
     perhaps long ago.
When you were excited
     by things such as snow!
Some days that were carefree,
     no worries around.
Just great adventures
     everywhere did abound!

When boxes themselves
     would bring so much joy.
So very often,
     even more than the toy!
When worries were unknown
     and you had no fear.
Your imagination
     gave victories to cheer!

You applaud the effort
     of things simply done.
A room full of balloons
     looks like so much fun!
Your joy wasn’t based
     on how much was paid.
It’s really about
     the way that you played!

So, whatever happened
     to childhood joy?
The kind that I had
     when I was a boy.
How do I get it
     back into my life?
In the midst of living
     that seems filled with strife.

The secret may be
     some wonder to find.
To let imagination
     still fill my mind.
To see life as different
     than the world does.
To remember with wonder,
     what is and what was.

To let little things
     grow big in my mind.
To imagine a treasure
     that I seek and I find.
To look at a box
     and see a race car.
To imagine balloons
     that will carry me far.

To see the unseen
     and believe it is real.
Brings joy overwhelming,
     that you actually feel!
That is what faith is
     for those who believe.
The world is a mess,
     but peace you receive.

Your box may look bare,
     your possessions quite small.
But in child-like faith
     you know you have it all!
You take the world’s treasures
     and value them not.
For you have everything,
     when Christ you have got!

So, this Christmas season,
     and all of your days.
Stop for a moment,
     consider your ways.
What comes between you
     and joy that is wild?
Then take a good look
     through the eyes of a child!

© 2014 by Tom Lemler

This poem came to my mind from a simple comment, “Oh, to be six!” based on a six-year old’s excited reaction to some decorations at the building for a Parents Night Out event. That phrase stuck in my mind and this poem quickly came together from that. I pray that it encourages you to look at things differently.

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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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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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

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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

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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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Origins

I hear that last night
      there was a debate.
Did things simply happen
      or did God create.
I did not watch it
      nor listen at all.
So who was the winner,
      you make the call.
Someone more studied
      and smarter than I.
Watched the whole thing
      and said it was a tie.

Faith can be difficult
      and hard to explain.
I believe the Bible
      so some think I’m insane.
To prove my existence
      is easy you see.
But how I am formed
      is a great mystery.
We study and learn,
      we map DNA.
But where did it come from,
      many people won’t say.

To bring order from chaos
      is quite a big change.
To say it just happened,
      to me seems quite strange.
We want more answers
      than what we have got.
To figure it all out,
      we simply will not.
For me it is easy
      to trust what God does.
I don’t spend time thinking
      of exactly what was.

Say I am ignorant,
      if that’s what you must.
There is nothing you say
      that will destroy my trust.
God lives within me,
      His Spirit I feel.
I see Him work through me,
      I know He is real.
I don’t have the answers
      you may want to hear.
But I trust my creator
      and I know He is near.

So how do I live
      in the midst of debate?
To convince you I’m right
      doesn’t decide my fate.
And while I am thankful
      for those who explain.
To argue and fight,
      we must fully refrain.
To be an example,
      that Christ I would show.
To help those around me,
      His mystery to know.
©

I have read throughout the day various comments about the creation/evolution debate that took place last night.  As I  was spending time with God this afternoon, He put this poem in my mind for me to collect and share.  This is not a commentary on the debate itself as I did not watch or listen to any of it.  Rather, I think it has more to do with our desire to have all the answers and to always be right — sometimes we don’t like to leave room for “the great mystery”.  I pray that this poem brings glory to God and accomplishes His purpose for it.

In prayer,
Tom