TO GOD BE THE GLORY
For Dads Only [2/21/2026]
INTRO:
There’s an old saying: “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” While we do inherit our parents’ genes we also inherit their behaviors and the way they “model” themselves. There are many Bible verses that encourage us to walk uprightly, with integrity, not only for our good outcomes but for our children as well. Proverbs 20:7 says, “The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them,” (NLT).
Many homes today are missing either a Father or a Father’s good character. If you are a dad, please consider taking an inventory of your life. Maybe you don’t know God but maybe you do or maybe you’ve fallen away from Him. It’s up to you to realize you can break the cycle. You can begin serving the Lord, today. And by doing so, you will make a tremendous, positive difference in your family life. Joshua was determined to serve God: “. . . as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” (Joshua 24:15b; KJV). So, what about you?
Need some advice? God wants you to grow wise so you can live a blessed, abundant life. Look for His counsel daily through His Word. Then bring up your children with the same principles. They will thank you for it.
TEXT:
Proverbs 4:1; (TPT).
“Listen to my correction, my sons, for I speak to you as your father. Let discernment enter your heart and you will grow wise with the understanding I impart.”
Here is a Father’s instruction from Proverbs 4:1-9, (TPT).
1 Listen to my correction, my sons, for I speak to you as your father. Let discernment enter your heart and you will grow wise with the understanding I impart.
2 My revelation-truth is a gift to you, so remain faithful to my instruction.
3 For I, too, was once the delight of my father and cherished by my mother—their beloved child.
4 Then my father taught me, saying, “Never forget my words. If you do everything that I teach you, you will reign in life.”
5 So make wisdom your quest—search for the revelation of life’s meaning. Don’t let what I say go in one ear and out the other.
6 Stick with wisdom and she will stick to you, protecting you throughout your days. She will rescue all those who passionately listen to her voice.
7 Wisdom is the most valuable commodity—so buy it! Revelation-knowledge is what you need—so invest in it!
8 Wisdom will exalt you when you exalt her truth. She will lead you to honor and favor when you live your life by her insights.
9 You will be adorned with beauty and grace, and wisdom’s glory will wrap itself around you, making you victorious in the race.
For Dads Only
Three-hundred and sixty-five days a year
there are birthdays, Christmas, and other days of cheer.
It seems as if there’s always something to do
to remember me, or remember you.
Fourth-of-July or Easter or Lent;
there are always presents or cards to be sent.
And sometimes it’s not a yearly event
such as leap-year, to tell us where four years have went.
Presidential birthdays are found there too,
and the calender reminds us of what celebrating to do.
New-year and Halloween or the first day of Spring
are some of the seasons we find reason to sing.
There are songs about Mothers, and even some poems
but I don’t want you, Father, to feel all alone
because this day is yours and I am so glad.
I’m proud and I’m happy to call you my Dad.
I hope you enjoy every minute
celebrating this Father’s Day
©rdouglasVeer-Year Unknown
Amazed Am I [6/7/2026]
INTRO:
What will we be doing when we get to heaven? While this poem is a lovely fantasy, we can know for certain that we won't become clouds in the next life. But we will be feasting in heaven at the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7-9), we will be fellowshiping with friends and family who also chose Jesus as their Savior, (Matthew 17), and we will be worshiping God, (Revelation 7:9-10).
The Bible also gives us a picture of paradise. Jesus told the thief on the cross, "...today you shall be with me in paradise," (Luke 23:43; NASB 1995). Strong's Concordance says the word for paradise, "en paradeisos," was chosen to portray the idea of "a park" similar to Eden, or God's park. There are a couple of Greek words to apply here. The alternative would have been "en nephele" meaning “in clouds”. Clearly, that will not be the case.
There isn't a whole lot written in the Bible about what to expect "up there". Perhaps that's because our relationship with the Lord is much more important than what our activities will be. But we can be assured of one thing: everything about heaven will exceed our imagination because God is supreme, all loving, and eternally infinite. Let's all make certain we'll be ready to go when the time comes.
TEXT:
John 14:2; KJV
"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you."
Matthew 25:34; DARBY
"...Come, blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from [the] world's foundation."
Amazed Am I
How utterly amazed am I
when e’er I gaze into the sky,
and see the clouds so billowy
which float about so I can see,
the beauty of them as they are;
companions of the gleaming stars
which fill the night with majesty,
for all who take the time to see
the beauty that was given us,
that we might hopefully look up.
Who can deny the beauty there
suspended in the heavenly air,
where though mere man can never go
yet he can watch the heavenly show,
where fluffy clouds make such a view
suspended in the sky of blue.
Why should we waste the beauty then;
this should be evident by all men,
amazing as is meant to be
and printed on our memory.
So, when we age as all will do
we might believe that me and you
in our last hour then may fly
on up to be clouds in the sky,
and those below will take our place
to gaze up, utterly amazed.
©rdouglasveer; Year unknown
A Soldier's Prayer for Memorial Day [5/24/2026]
INTRO:
Some folks may wonder what the difference is between Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day. The two occasions might seem quite similar because they both honor the military, but actually, the two patriotic holidays are quite different.
Veterans Day, a federal holiday that falls on November 11, is designated as a day to honor the more than 19 million men and women who have served or do actively serve in the U.S. military.
Memorial Day, which is commemorated on the last Monday in May, honors service members who have died in military service to the nation. The holiday began in the post-Civil War era, when citizens would informally place spring flower memorials on the graves of fallen soldiers, (See https://www.uso.org/stories/2522-understanding-the-difference-of-memorial-day-vs-veterans-day).
Today, we feature a poem from https://readgoodpoems.com/. The lyrics to this poem describe so wonderfully the sentiment of our fallen heroes that we wanted to share these words with you. God bless our many soldiers who fought and died for this great country called America.
TEXT:
John 15:13; (NIV).
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
A Soldier's Prayer For Memorial Day
Dear Lord above, hear my prayer,
For those who fought, but are not here.
Bless their souls, in the afterglow,
In your loving arms, let their spirits grow.
For the comrades lost in the heat of the fight,
In the shadows of darkness, in the silent night.
Bless their souls, in the celestial flight,
In the realm of peace, where there is no plight.
In the hallowed ground, where heroes repose,
A soldier's prayer; the wind softly blows.
Grant them rest, and solace profound,
In your loving arms, may peace abound.
Their sacrifice, a prayer eternally heard,
In the presence of angels, in your holy Word.
A soldier's prayer, for the brave and true,
In the tapestry of remembrance, forever anew.
Notes on Memorial Day Christian Poems:
These Memorial Day Christian poems are a powerful reminder of the sacrifice made by those who have fought for our freedom. They also serve as a reflection on the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for us. Let us honor and remember all who have given their lives for our country.
The Modern Church [5/17/2026]
INTRO:
God looks at the motives of our heart. Are we striving to check all the boxes and pass all the tests? Do we think we can ever be good enough to live in God’s presence, standing shoulder to shoulder in His perfect holiness? Or have we drifted so far that our focus has shifted away from God. Instead, we lust after the approval of men? We just want to be popular. We want to have riches and status and to boast about all we have accomplished.
God said in His word: “And I will say to myself, “You have many goods stored up for many years to come; relax, eat, drink, and enjoy yourself!”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is demanded of you; and as for all that you have prepared, who will own it now?’ Such is the one who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich in relation to God,” (Luke 12:19, 20; NASB).
The church is supposed to be teaching kingdom values, guiding people into a deeper relationship with the Lord. But that can’t happen if our focus has shifted toward worldly ideals. Whether in our church life or in our personal life, as Christians we need to be drawing closer to the Lord each day, seeking first the kingdom of God . . . For God said, “Delight yourself in the Lord, And He will give you the desires and [secret] petitions of your heart,” (Psalm 37:4; AMP/AMPC). Yes, let us embrace and fall in love with the God of “the old Gospel”.
TEXT:
Luke 12:19, 20; NASB
“ . . . relax, eat, drink, and enjoy yourself!”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is demanded of you . . .”
Psalm 37:4; AMP/AMPC
“Delight yourself in the Lord, And He will give you the desires and [secret] petitions of your heart,”.
The Modern Church
I borrow these words from years gone by;
from a past that is now nearly gone,
when visions of church would come to me,
as Momma sang them to us in song.
"Oh, come to the church in the valley;
Oh, come to the church in the vale.
No spot is so dear to my childhood,
as the little brown church in the dale."
But where is the feeling of comfort now,
that I used to feel in my breast?
As I pictured it back in my childhood when,
the Church was a place of sweet rest
And there on a bright Sunday morning
as we listened to the bells sharply toll,
the air all around was gently transformed,
into peace that the world would behold.
But today in the new light of morning,
from a bright, shiny, white limousine,
we stride into brass, glass, and marble,
in the Church where we want to be seen.
Where the tapestries are all made of velvet,
and displayed over walls decked in gold,
while crystal chandeliers make a statement,
while the simple love story’s untold.
Is it only by man's hand of fortune,
that the Church-house can preach it today?
Or would it be better to hear it
in a chapel constructed of clay?
Then . . . it used to be that the Church-house
drew crowds from the rich and the poor,
but today, if we don't put a show on,
they won't even darken the door.
When spiritual pollution's the solution,
and the fire is no longer desired,
God will write "Ichabod" on the church door,
and no longer will He come inside.
Oh, why has the church of my childhood,
snuggled there in the valley below,
now been changed into one on a hilltop,
dressed up like an actor in a show?
Church, remember, that God said from Heaven,
He would rather you were red hot or cold
like the little brown church in the valley,
I remember from those days of old.
Today we have heard the world speaking,
demanding we do it their way,
and lukewarmness has entered the Church-house,
leaving God on the outside to say:
"Come ye all, come all that are hungry;
come ye all, who are weary and tired.
There is still the brown church in the valley,
and you're welcome to come on inside.
But leave all your works on the outside,
and be satisfied when you come in,
with the sweet holiness of God’s Word,
'til the heart is convicted of sin."
But you'll have to leave all of the trimmings,
made of velvet, and silver, and gold,
to be satisfied with the old Gospel,
where the story of Christ is still told.
rdouglasveer ©year unknown
Great is Thy Faithfulness [4/19/2026]
INTRO:
There’s a remarkable woman mentioned in the Old Testament: the widow of Zarephath. She encountered the prophet Elijah who asked her to bring him a little water and a morsel of bread. She said, “I swear by the Lord your God that I haven’t a single piece of bread in the house. And I have only a handful of flour left and a little cooking oil in the bottom of the jar. I was just gathering a few sticks to cook this last meal, and then my son and I must die of starvation,” (I Kings 17:12; TLB). Despite her lack, this courageous woman obeyed Elijah’s request. She brought him some water and made him a small cake. Her faithfulness led to divine provision. From that time forward, God miraculously produced for her a continuous supply of flour and olive oil. Her jars never ran dry.
In 1923, Author Thomas O. Chisholm wrote a wonderful hymn that reflects God’s daily working power in our lives. He works in ways from the simple to the miraculous. He is God; He cannot fail. We have no reason to doubt Him. Christians the world over have discovered the same lesson this Mother knew as she depended on God for her very survival. As we appreciate our Moms this Mother’s day, let us also focus on how we can follow a Mother’s godly example and trust in the Lord. Below is the hymn, Great is Thy Faithfulness...
TEXT:
Psalm 36:5; (NIV).
“Your lovingkindness, O Lord, extends to the heavens, Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.”
Hebrews 13:8; (KJV).
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever.”
Great is Thy Faithfulness
1. Great is thy faithfulness, O God, my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with thee.
Thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not;
As thou hast been, thou forever wilt be.
Refrain:
Great is thy faithfulness,
Great is thy faithfulness,
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed thy hand hast provided;
Great is thy faithfulness,
Lord unto me.
2. Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love. [Refrain]
3. Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine and ten thousand beside. [Refrain]
Author: Thomas O. Chisholm (1923); Public Domain
God's Promise [4/5/2026]
INTRO:
According to general statistics, there are over eight billion people in the world but only one third of us are counted as Christians (including Catholics and Protestants). That’s a low number! And it’s probably because “salvation” is foolishness to those who don’t know the Lord. Spiritual truth can only be understood with the help of the Holy Spirit; it’s not an “intellectual matter”, (see I Corinthians 1:18).
The Bible also says the job of the Holy Spirit is to convict people of their sins, of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment, (see John 16:8) As we read God’s word we find so many of His promises. They’re for us because He loves us and wants no one to perish.
Furthermore, we all have folks in our lives (like moms and dads) who have gone before us, accepting Christ as Savior. Do you know Jesus? If not, you can call on His name, anytime. Or, is there someone in your life who does know Him? Why not reach out to them? A Christian life is a transformed life, now and for eternity. Open your heart to the Lord, Jesus, today.
TEXT:
I Corinthians 1:18; (NKJV).
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
John 16:8; (CEV)
“The Spirit will come and show the people of this world the truth about sin and God’s justice and the judgment."
GOD’S PROMISE
We’re born, we breathe, we live, we cry.
There it begins for you and I.
But as life weaves its tangled web
the world gets caught up in our heads.
We’re born...we breathe...we live...we cry...
and in seventy years we’re ready to die.
But God is merciful, gentle, and kind;
He had another plan in mind.
His Son who lives forever more
will gently tap at your heart’s door.
He says, “If you’ll invite me in,
I’ll help you live without wanting sin.
“I’ll walk with you and we’ll commune
and those seventy years will pass by soon.
Then you’ll be blessed with quietness
which I’ve prepared for your perfect rest...
“...with relief from wicked, weary ways
that have plagued you on earth all of your days.
Even if you’ve known me just a little while
I’ll give you joy that will brighten your smile.”
Now, just as “Paw-paw” has come to me
and I accepted the sinner’s plea,
God will arrange to include you
if you simply come as you’ve seen Dad do.
So, call out to Jesus to forgive and cleanse
and He’ll forever be your faithful friend.
Yes, a friend of sinners to you and me,
His love will fill you for all eternity.
rdouglasveer ©10-24-24
I Give You Love [2/22/2026]
INTRO:
Taking care of our relationship with the Lord is the most important thing we can do. So when it comes to the Sabbath day, it’s about honoring God. You see, He wants to spend time with us. Think about that. Is it because he is needy? No. God has everything He needs. But the fact is, He loves each of us. He’s truly interested in us and He desires for us to be interested in Him.
Some people act toward God like He’s a “gimme-God”. We go to Him when we’re in trouble. We go to Him with our needs, for healing or finances, or emotional support. But do we remember to say thank you? Do we spend time praising Him and acknowledging His goodness? Do we confess our love for Him?
Let’s try to spend our Sundays focused on the wonder of God and thanking Him for all He’s done. In fact, let’s worship Him every day for He is worthy!
TEXT:
Exodus 31:16, 17 (KJV).
“Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.”
Exodus 20:8 (KJV).
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.”
The Sabbath
I remember going to the church house
when I was a little tyke.
I know we did it every Sunday,
but I didn't really know why.
And the most important part to me
was going back home to dinner.
I knew a lot about eating chicken,
but nothing about being a sinner.
I didn't know that God had created
the Sabbath to honor Himself,
so, Sunday to me was a time to eat,
so, I put God on the shelf,
until one day while reading His word,
I saw written in Exodus,
"The Lord hath given you the Sabbath,"
and He wants to spend it with us.
It's not for planting or harvesting.
It's not for fishing and fun.
It's for keeping my mind upon Jesus,
and to remember, He’s The Holy One.
And His word says I should "keep the Sabbath,"
and that it should be "Holy to me."
It would help me become the person
that God really wants me to be.
It's part of the Ten Commandments
so, it should be part of my life.
It's right for mechanics and doctors;
for grocers, and grandpas, and wives.
It's good for the tired old beggar,
who shuffles along down the street.
The Sabbath is for friend or stranger;
whoever you happen to meet.
So, what will you do with the Sabbath?
What will you do with God's law?
Remember the Sabbath and keep it Holy,
and God you will surely exalt.
He says, "It's a sign to my children."
And His Holy day we should trust.
He tells us to "celebrate" Sunday.
It was given as a gift to us.
Seven days He has given to use.
He wants us to give back just one.
The Sabbath . . . one day to keep Holy,
to rest . . . and to honor His Son.
©rdouglasveer; Year Unknown
The Crossroads [3/8/2026]
INTRO:
Someone once said that “youth is wasted on the young.” How true. As teens and young adults, we think we know everything and can do anything without consequence. But later we learn it doesn’t work that way.
Those around us who are wiser will pray that we might learn our lessons in life without suffering too much damage. And some do grow up into maturity and some do not.
Thank God we serve a God of second chances. He is there waiting for us with open arms when we are finally ready to come to our senses, like the prodigal son in this Bible story (Luke chapter 15).
Where are you on life’s journey? Are you out of hope? Do you need that second chance? Call on the name of Jesus today. He is there for you.
TEXT:
Luke 15:20, 24; (KJV).
“And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him . . . For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.”
THE CROSSROADS
Like the prodigal son, I thought I knew the way;
the way to have all that could ever be had.
But while eating the slop in a trough with the swine,
I knew I should have listened to Dad.
So, I turned to the East and I headed back home,
not knowing how I'd be received.
But nearing the house my heart filled with joy;
‘cause he was standing in the crossroads for me.
I'd had an experience with the true living God.
He had shown me the color of sin.
Then He opened my heart so I'd have a good look,
and I saw it living within.
And He told me that it could be defeated with love,
(and I didn't know much about that.)
So, He stepped deep inside; fought the battle for me,
while in wonder and amazement I sat.
For there in the midst of a crossroads of war,
was a tree filled with all of my sin.
The rules of the war were that someone must hang,
on that tree, if the war I should win.
But I knew that the battle was too big for my strength,
as the powerful enemy I could see.
So, I backed away from the crossroads of war,
and I called, "Father, please . . . come help me!"
That old rugged crossroad, was more than I could bear,
so, He stepped to the tree and He cried.
He said to the devil, "Come take your best shot,
with your hate and your murderous lies." He won at the crossroads where the
tree used to stand,
and He cut it, and He gave it to me.
So, I made a small cross so that I might recall,
how He saved me and set my soul free.
Yes, He stood there in the crossroad for me,
and He cried, but it wasn't for Him.
He cried to the Father in heaven above,
to forgive me from all of my sin.
He hung on the tree at the crossroads and cried,
Father forgive them. Forgive them for Me.
Forgive them for all the things they have done.
Then their sins I will no longer see.
Friend, I'll never forget the tree at the crossroads,
nor the hog trough where I went for food.
Now He's cleansed me, and saved me
and I want you to see,
He’s still waiting,
at the crossroads for you.
©rdouglasveer; Year Unknown
I Give You Love [2/22/2026]
INTRO:
Falling in love can be one of the most exhilarating, all-consuming experiences in a person’s life. The relationship takes over every waking thought that drives you from bliss to euphoria.
The Song of Solomon, sometimes called the Song of Songs, is an Old Testament book that describes the wonderful love between a man and a women, in detail. But scholars have also thought of the writings as a picture of God’s love for His people.
We know from Exodus 34:14 that our God is a jealous God. He tells us that worshiping other gods is like committing adultery against Him. We also read in the New Testament that the people of God are called “the bride of Christ”. And when Christ returns for His church in the Second Coming, He will consummate the marriage with His bride beginning with a wedding ceremony that will unite the two forever.
Yes, God is love, and His love runs deep. Earthly love is only a spark compared to the eternal love we will have one day in God’s presence. For now, let’s celebrate our love for one another, especially toward those very special people God has placed in our lives, like our spouse . . . Let’s continue to celebrate Valentine’s Day!
TEXT:
Song of Solomon 4:9-11; (NLT).
“You have captured my heart, my treasure, my bride. You hold it hostage with one glance of your eyes, with a single jewel of your necklace. Your love delights me, my treasure, my bride. Your love is better than wine,
your perfume more fragrant than spices. Your lips are as sweet as nectar, my bride. Honey and milk are under your tongue. Your clothes are scented
like the cedars of Lebanon.”
I Give You Love
If you desired water for love
I’d give you the mighty seas.
and if you required air as proof
I’d give you what I breathe.
If it was a feather that you desired
I’d give you a flock of birds.
But being just a simple man
I can only give you words.
Words that form not in my tongue
so eloquent and fair,
but come they from my truthful heart
where love is nestled there.
Love is all I have to give,
more precious than a tear;
love that hopeful will be enough
to last us through the years.
© rdouglasVeer 9/5/2018
Sinless Anger [1/25/2026]
INTRO:
Do you think you might have a temper problem? It seems, these days, more and more folks seemingly blow up over nothing. Road rage used to be defined as the honking of a horn, but today, a person could get killed for their faux pas.
Galatians, chapter five talks about the fruit of the spirit. It lists love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Think about each one of these characteristics. Meditate on each word.
There is no question about how we should conduct ourselves. The model for our behavior has been provided for us in God’s word.
Still having trouble controlling your temper? With faith believing, ask God to help you . . . and He will!
TEXT:
Ephesians 4:26, 27; (KJV).
“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.”
Galatians 5:22-23; (NLT).
“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!”
Sinless Anger
Think of the cross and remember the day
when Jesus died, without blemish or spot.
Remember that anger can be righteous, too,
and we can have anger and yet sin not.
Picture Jesus on the bloody cross,
and God looking down here below.
He could have killed in anger, yet
His choice was to not do so.
Even a Holy righteous God
chose to show us His perfect way,
as Jesus cried out,
“Abba, Father of mine,
forgive them for these things, today.”
He chose to forgive the screaming crowd
that was selfish and bitter within.
So, God in His anger, yet so full of mercy
gave forgiveness, although they had sinned.
The roar from the hatred the crowd unleashed
was an anger that makes the bones rot,
but the love of Jesus comes in and heals
saying, “Have righteous anger; sin not.”
Be angry at sin that so easily besets
but don’t let Satan win.
Fight the battle; fight it with love.
Have righteous anger but don't commit sin.
Let not the sun go down on your wrath,
don't put Jesus back on the cross.
Forgive as even He forgave you.
Let your love become Satan's loss.
Give no place to the devil’s ways.
Let the peace of God enter in.
Let His love control when you get upset,
be ye angry, yet be without sin.
©rdouglasveer
The Joy of Heaven's Glory [1/11/2026]
INTRO:
We don’t know what heaven will be like. We can’t even imagine it, really. And though it is indescribable, many have attempted to write about it. Back in the year 1900, Charles Gabriel wrote the hymn, That Will Be Glory. The chorus says, “O that will be glory for me . . . When by His grace I shall look at His face, That will be glory, be glory for me.”
The words Charles wrote evidenced not only his faith in a future heaven, but a solid assurance. You see he believed that the promises in the Bible are true. He accepted by faith that “God so loved the world” (John 3:16). And he understood that when he would pass through to the other side, he would be clothed with immortality and that death would be swallowed up in victory, (1 Corinthians 15:54-56).
People who have not accepted Christ as their personal Savior only hope they’ll go to heaven, but in fact they will never arrive there because Jesus is the only way. People who have received Christ have absolute assurance of heaven. It won’t be based on anything they’ve done for God but upon what he has done for us.
Where do you stand?
TEXT:
1 Corinthians 15:54-56; (KJV).
“So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.”
The Joy of Heaven's Glory
There's an old church song
I love to hear sung
but I know it doesn't
bring joy to everyone.
It's simple, but wonderful,
and it thrills me so,
as I watch the saints' faces
when they sing it ‘n glow.
And why do they glow?
Well, it's the words you see.
The song is, "Oh, That Will Be
Glory For Me."
The Bible says death
has no vict'ry or sting,
and I can say I feel that,
whenever I sing
the words of that song,
they comfort me so;
the words that still set
old saints' faces aglow.
But friend, do you understand
what it is that I mean
when I talk about Jesus
and how I can lean
on Him, as I enter
the last years of life,
and I think about leaving
my children and wife?
When I say to each man,
woman, girl, or young boy,
"I'm going to Heaven;
a place full of joy,
where death will not harm
and grave cannot sting.
Then I’ll find the joy
in heaven’s sweet glory
where I can sing,
“That will be glory for me!"
rdouglasveer ©Unknown
How It All Happened [12/21/2025]
INTRO:
So much of the true meaning of Christmas gets covered up by the hustle and bustle of shopping and cooking and decorating. But the season calls for us to be intentional about lifting up our praise to God for the miraculous way He sent His Son . . . not only to be born, but to die for all mankind. Today’s poem reflects the story of “how it all happened”. Do you know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior? If not, He is calling you today. His desire is to know you and draw you into a daily walk with Him. Yes, Jesus is the reason for the season.
TEXT:
John 3:16; (NLT).
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
How It All Happened
The Christmas Story
Isaiah listened to the Lord
and in obedience
He said, "A child will be born
to a woman of innocence."
She will be pure and He’ll be called
"Wonderful counselor".
And on His shoulders He will carry
the weight of the whole world.
Isaiah just repeated
what the Lord had spoken to him,
but many years would pass before
that marvelous life would begin.
Then as time passed, the one God chose
was Mary, a very young virgin,
who would give birth to the One who’d carry
the world and all its burdens.
A virgin child? How could that be?
How could she birth a child?
Nothing like this had ever happened.
This was way too wild!
She was espoused to marry a man
of excellent reputation;
one who had not been with her
in an intimate situation.
And yet an angel spoke to him
and told him, "Do not fear.
Take this maiden and treasure her
and the child you’ll hold so dear."
So the man obeyed the angel
and took Mary as his wife,
taking this step after she gave birth
to a precious little life.
The girl became a woman,
a wife and mother too,
because she trusted the angel
who told her what to do.
She married the man . . . he married her . . .
and just as the angel told,
He became the Savior of the world;
a world that was so cold.
The earth was filled with cruel hate;
the people rejected Him,
and would not follow in His steps
and walked away in Sin.
Could they have been so wrong, so wrong?
Oh, they just couldn't see,
not understanding His love for them;
enough to set them free?
Well years have passed since Isaiah spoke
God's prophetic Word,
and the child was born to the virgin
and now mankind was stirred
so that if we will listen closely
to what God has spoken here,
we'll see how trust and obedience
has triumphed over fear.
God sent His Son to keep us free
and offer life to us
and in return He asks of all
the right to win our trust.
If man back then could listen
to God’s promise and obey,
then you and I can do the same
and trust in Him today.
© rdouglasVeer 12/16/2018
Falling Leaves [12/14/2025]
INTRO:
Many view Christmas as a happy and joyful time of year. But some people see the holidays as a time of sadness. Reasons vary from the “winter blues” to memories of lost loved ones that sadden hearts and bring unbearable, overwhelming loneliness.
Jesus promised He would never “leave us or forsake us,” (Hebrews 13:5). He IS that friend that sticks closer than a brother, (Proverbs 18:24).
So as the holidays draw near, let’s be aware of those around us who may feel sad as they mourn the “falling leaves” in their lives. Let’s lift them up and support them with our love and encouragement. Let’s be the hands and feet of Jesus to a hurting world.
TEXT:
Matthew 11:28; (AMPC).
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]”
Philippians 4:6-7; (NLT).
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
FALLING LEAVES
My eyes grow sad to see the heft
of wind upon the branch,
stripping lovely leaves away
before they’ve had their chance
to bring much joy and comfort
to these eyes now dim with years
but leave them lonely, sad within
and warm with brimming tears.
How can it be that beauty such as
leaves upon the limb
should have to go so quickly
when its life did just begin
to brighten days with colors like
the rainbow in the sky
and share that beauty every day
with such as you and I?
Yet year by year and day by day
they faithfully appear;
then fade away in such a time
as if they were never there.
Why did they grace us with the sight
of beauty so profound;
then quickly turn themselves away
and fall upon the ground?
It saddens us, these limbs so empty
now weeping in the air
without the beauty of the leaf
that once was nestled there.
© rdouglasVeer 11/22/2025
Ham-hocks 'n beans [11/23/2025]
INTRO:
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to count our blessings. God is so good to us, beyond what we deserve. From the grand to the simplistic, we have so much to be thankful for. We sometimes take for granted what many folks don’t have, like perhaps a warm dish of ham hock’s and beans and a loving Mother who prepared it. This year my prayer is this: “Thank You Jesus for the roof over my head, a bed to sleep in, food on my table, and shoes on my feet. Forgive me if I ever complain and forget my great blessings.”
TEXT:
Psalm 13:6; (NKJV)
“I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.”
Psalm 68:19; (NKJV)
“Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, The God of our salvation! Selah.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18; (NKJV)
“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Ham-Hocks 'N Beans
Ham-hocks 'n beans, 'n turnip greens,
'n okry on the side.
Thank You, Lord, it's a feast I KNOW I'll eat;
‘sbetter 'n anythin' fried!
Some hot cone-bread 'n buttermilk,
'n sorgum in a jar.
The eatin'est best in east or west
from near or e'en from far.
If it’s a meal you wanta feel
a stickin' t'yer insides.
Then belly up t'Momma’s stuff
'n lordy, don’t be shy!
With cone-bread broke in th'buttermilk,
‘n sorgum on some too,
y'kin look 'n look 'n not find a cook
t'do what Momma kin do.
Photo Credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/437060338811438886/
Y'chew on hocks 'n okry 'n beans
'til yer nearly gonna pop!
Then finish off peach cobbler 'n crust
w'cream all up on top.
Ham-hocks 'n beans 'n turnip greens,
'n okry on the side.
Thank You, Lord, it's a feast I KNOW I'll eat,
at least until I die.
©rdouglasveer 3/17/98