TO GOD BE THE GLORY
Amazed Am I [1/19/2025]
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
WE TRAVEL THE SAME ROAD [1/5/2025]
INTRO:
The word, "selah" means, "pause and think of that. I wonder how many people stop to think about their eternal destination? Many don't give it a thought, yet they will one day stand before God to give an account for themselves. When that day comes it will be too late to make a choice.
In the mean time, the Bible says, "He [The Father] makes the sun rise on both the evil and the good and sends rain on both the righteous and the unrighteous," (Matthew 5:45; CEB). So, people just carry on believing all is well, as it would seem...Que Sera Sera.
With that said, many will not elect to receive and follow Jesus. Some will accept Him so they can have "fire insurance". And others will realize what Christ did for all of us out of His great love and will accept Him and love Him and serve Him. Yes, that's a choice everyone is given. What road have you decided to travel?
TEXT:
Joshua 24:15; NIV
"But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
WE TRAVEL THE SAME ROAD
One man goes East,
one man goes West.
The same road travel they both.
But the way they travel
and who goes with them
will determine where they go.
The same winds blow,
the same rains fall
upon two traveler’s heads.
One man finds God,
the other rejects Him,
and travels to Hell at his death.
Selah.
©rdouglasveer; Year Unknown
Mary Had a Precious Lamb [12/22/2024]
INTRO:
Mary was an innocent maiden when the Angel came to her and explained she would conceive and give birth to a holy Child. Even as Jesus grew, Mary probably was not prepared for how things would end. But as her precious Son hung on the cross, she wept. She sacrificed much as the mother of the Messiah.
Jesus, too, paid a tremendous price for our eternal salvation. Though He was worshiped and declared Himself the King of the Jews, upon His arrest, He was pulled away by callous soldiers, flogged, beaten, and subjected to unimaginable pain. His flesh was torn by the cat-of-nine tails, they placed a crown of thorns upon his head, they spat on Him, mocked Him, and nailed His bloody body to the cross where he hung until He died. Yes, He was the gentle, sweet Lamb who was humiliated and torn apart for our sakes, yet He was the Son of God who could have saved Himself but held back His power so He could bear our sins. His purchase of us was costly.
In the same way, our discipleship is costly as we take up our cross and follow Jesus. Rejecting Jesus may seem easier to some but the price is eternal death. Thank God: He made a way for us because of His profound love.
Matthew 16:24-26; AMP
"24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me]. 25 For whoever wishes to save his life [in this world] will [eventually] lose it [through death], but whoever loses his life [in this world] for My sake will find it [that is, life with Me for all eternity]. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world [wealth, fame, success], but forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?"
Mary Had a Precious Lamb
Mary had a little lamb;
its fleece was white as snow.
And everywhere that Mary went
the lamb was sure to go.
That version is from Mother Goose,
but here's another one.
It isn't cute or childish
and it isn't just for fun.
Mary had a precious Lamb,
more pure than driven snow.
But Mary knew before His birth,
she’d have to let Him go.
She followed Him to the Cross one day
and there she sat and cried,
‘cause Mary’s Lamb was killed, you see;
‘twas for you and me He died.
I couldn't pay the price required;
my life was full of sin.
It took the perfect purest Lamb.
Christ alone, was Him.
Mary had a little Lamb,
that cried some in His sleep.
He then became a Shepherd,
and He cried o'er His lost sheep.
He is the Shepherd of the flock,
bringing us into the fold.
He is the Sheep-gate keeping us.
He picks us up to gently hold.
Mary had a little Lamb;
His love one day He'd show,
because as Shepherd of His sheep,
to Calvary He’d go.
He'd shed His blood instead of ours,
upon a cruel tree,
because the Lamb of God became
a Shepherd for you and me.
I need to be like Mary's Lamb,
and grow into a sheep.
I need to witness Jesus' love,
to all of those I meet.
I need to be a shepherd too,
and give my life for them.
I need to be just like my Lord,
Yes, a lamb like Him.
rdouglasveer ©1992
Angels of Clay [12/8/2024]
INTRO:
People are fascinated by angels and even worship them. But is that worship misplaced? The Bible describes angels as spiritual beings that can take on different forms. Sometimes they present themselves as humans. Hebrews 13:2 says, "Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it," (NIV). Angels are also described as winged beings. Ezekiel, chapter one includes a detailed, lengthy description of four angels with four faces and four wings. Their faces are varied, showing the face of a human, a lion, an ox, and an eagle. They have human hands and their legs are like burnished bronze. And each angel has four wheels full of eyes. How fantastic that must have been to see. Then there's the account of the angel God used in Numbers to turn Balaam around. Chapter 22 states the angel was invisible to Balaam, but the donkey he was riding saw the angel and in fear would not take another step farther.
God uses angels as "ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation," (Hebrews 1:14; NIV). But the Bible also clearly teaches that we aren’t to worship angels or pray to them. Even John wanted to bow down before the angel that brought him God's Revelation, but the angel rebuked John because it is God, alone, who should be the object of our worship; He alone is worthy.
TEXT:
Revelation 22:8, 9; NLT.
"I, John, am the one who heard and saw all these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me. But he said, ‘No, don’t worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers the prophets, as well as all who obey what is written in this book. Worship only God!’”
ANGELS OF CLAY
Winging their way in wonderful circles,
angels descend to our world to be useful.
Out of the Heavens where they were created,
into our world as God designated,
spiritual beings come with mystical powers,
who eternally have been God’s faithful followers.
And yet while forgetting who they really are,
these created beings have come from afar.
And we in amazement have all become blind
until they have captured our subconscious mind.
Into forms and images, we have made them
created of clay, again and again,
displayed on mantels and shelves to be seen,
as if we have bowed down upon bended knee,
to Satan, the angel saying, "Like God I'll be!"
We allowed him to woo us; to herd us like sheep,
and to blow out our candles and put us to sleep.
A sleep of the ages, where we forget God,
who allowed His son Jesus to walk on this sod,
and be crucified while without love or respect,
we praise the things made of porcelain instead.
We are caught up in clouds of this angelic worship
when only Christ Jesus, the Savior deserves it.
But one day in glory when anthems are raised,
we'll see real angels singing, "Jesus be praised".
Then we'll be ashamed, for the thousands of days
when we worshiped the angels, made only of clay.
rdouglasveer ©Year Unknown
Is It You?[11/24/2024]
INTRO:
The heavens resound with the glory of God because of His faithfulness. His promises are true and His goodness never fails. And so we can trust Him with our deepest concerns and confessions as we come to Him in prayer. But prayer is so much more than finding solutions to our problems. It is an entrance into warfare for ourselves and others.
As Christians, we each are called to prayer. The Bible says, "Pray without ceasing," (I Thess. 5:17). The Pulpit Commentary says, "It is impossible to be always on our bended knees, but we may be in the spirit of prayer when engaged in the duties of our earthly calling. Prayer may be without ceasing in the heart which is full of the presence of God, and evermore communing with him."
Yes, when we are in the presence of God, we can commune with Him as friend to friend and in Him, all things are possible. Are you willing to stand in the gap? Are you willing to answer God's call no matter where He would send you?
TEXT:
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; KJV
" Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
Colossians 4:2; AMP
"Be persistent and devoted to prayer, being alert and focused in your prayer life with an attitude of thanksgiving."
Is It You?
God is looking for a man . . .
A man to stand in the Gap.
Is it you?
There's someone that the Lord God needs
to fill a spreading crack.
Is it you?
God is looking for the one
to spread the message of His Son
Someone to tell it clear and true.
Is it you?
God is in need of that someone . . .
to take the Gospel Word.
Is it you?
God is searching for the one
who'll let his voice be heard.
Is it you?
Unless the Word is given out
and others have the chance to hear
the world will live and die in fear.
Is it you?
Isaiah said, "LORD here am I."
But there must be ONE more . . .
Is it you?
God needs a few good men to go
and give the world a chance to know.
Is it you?
His eyes are traveling to and fro;
He's looking for those few . . .
. . . Who will go? . . .
YOU KNOW! . . .
Is it you?
rdouglasveer©year unknown
I Remember [11/10/2024]
INTRO:
There have been countless wars over the centuries. Good men along with the bad have given their lives to participate in many battles. We especially keep those in mind who are at war today. We think of our soldiers in the Middle East, or those helping in Ukraine and other places. They may be a father or a husband or a brother. They may be a mother or a wife or a sister. Their service to our country involves a great personal sacrifice for them and their families . . . especially if they don’t return home.
Jesus, too, made a great sacrifice. He gave His life to save mankind. He was the sinless, perfect Lamb of God, yet the sins of the world were placed on His shoulders. The Bible says that we’ve all fallen short of God’s glory,” (see Romans 3:23). We should have been condemned but Jesus fought the battle for us and won. By accepting His finished work on the cross we will be eternally saved and we can know that we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
TEXT:
Romans 5:6-9; NLT.
“When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God's condemnation.”
I Remember
I remember hugs and kisses
so warm and full of life
but now I live on memories
that stretch across the miles.
That gentle hand I used to hold
that meant so much to me
has now been sent so far away
across the angry seas.
And that same hand that once I held
so safely wrapped in mine
was trained to hold a weapon
there upon the battle line.
Oh, how many nights I’ve cried
for my child so far away
to safely come back home to me
and here forever stay.
But now as death flies upon the wings
where wars of men are fought
a bullet or exploded shell
takes lives with each assault.
God, I know You understand
as my heart cries out to You
because You also sent Your Son
to do what He had to do.
And there upon that battle field
He bled and died for me.
You sent Him there upon that cross
so we could all be free.
Oh God, please hear this fearful heart
as I tearfully sit and pray
knowing that You care for those
so many miles away.
Lord, please bless them, everyone
whose loved one went to war
remembering the hand that they
will want to hold once more.
. . . We will not forget.
rdouglasVeer©May 26, 2024
A Christian Pumpkin Poem [10/27/2024]
INTRO:
Have you ever lit a match in a room that was pitch black? It's amazing to see how something as tiny as a match-head could illuminate an entire room. Even a tiny amount of light is powerful and the darkness can never overpower it, (see John 1:5).
In His "sermon on the mount," Jesus said that as Christians, we are the salt and the light of the earth. And He pointed out that salt isn't any good if it's lost its flavor, nor is light effective if it's hidden.
Halloween will be upon us tomorrow and many Christians cringe at the thought, for good reason. But what better time could there be to radiate Jesus to those who live in spiritual darkness, corruption, and confusion? One strike of God's match-head will uncover those things people do in secret. There's no where to run from God's piercing eyes and penetrating truths. He knows our hearts better than we know them, ourselves.
God loves people too much to let anyone perish, so He shines His light of conviction upon us so His truth will set us free. We also need to let the light of Christ shine through us so we can help others find the pathway to the Father and tell them what God's love is all about.
TEXT:
Matthew 5:13-16; (ESV).
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
John 1:5; (NLT).
"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it."
A Christian Pumpkin Poem
I am a Jack O' Lantern
My light will shine so bright
For I am a Christian pumpkin
My symbols tell what's right
My nose is like the cross
On which our Savior died
To set us free from sin
We need no longer hide
My mouth is like a fish
The whole wide world to show
That Christians live in this house
And love their Savior so!
The story starts at Christmas
My eyes are like the star
That shone on Baby Jesus
And wise men saw from far
My color it is orange
Just like the big bright sun
That rose on Easter Day
Along with God's own Son
And so on Halloween
Let's set our pumpkins out
And tell the trick or treaters
What God's love is all about!
Author Unknown
Source: https://discover.hubpages.com/holidays/afewchristianhalloweenpoems
What Have I Done for Jesus? [10/13/2024]
INTRO:
Just as a child wants to please his father or mother, so a child of God wants to please his heavenly Father. But how can we actually please the God of the universe? Well maybe we should start with what displeases Him. We know "sin" offends and disappoints God because He is holy and cannot cohabit with sinful people. That's why He sent Jesus. Through the shed blood of Christ, all people are eligible to receive forgiveness if heart-felt repentance is offered. Through that and a personal acceptance of what Christ has done for us, a relationship with the Lord can begin.
From this point forward we become a new creation with a new nature. He puts new desires in our heart and our relationship with the Lord is by faith as we learn, daily, to trust Him. Our life of faith is what pleases Him most. In fact, the Bible says that without faith it is impossible to please God, (see Hebrews 11:6).
The self-life slowly fades away. We lose our appetite for chasing after every our whim to satisfy our every want. We trust God to supply our needs and wants, and out of love, we serve Him, doing all we can for the Lord.
TEXT:
I John 4:19; NIV
“We love Him because He first loved us.”
Romans 8:35, 38, 39; AMP
"Who shall ever separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
What Have I Done for Jesus?
I walked a road of make believe.
I walked in dirt and worldly pleasures.
I walked wherever I felt pleased,
while God, my footsteps measured.
I took for me what e’er I wanted
to make for me a better life.
I never cared what I could do
about the work of Christ.
I let the world lead me along
and bragged about how I loved God,
yet all the while my footsteps fell
on worldly paths . . . of earthen sod.
I want to walk like Peter did;
I want to walk on water.
I want to follow Jesus' call;
I want to walk like I might oughta.
I ought to do things differently;
I ought to care for others.
I ought to feed the Master's lambs;
yes, my sisters and my brothers.
But what in me has magnified
the wondrous glory of the cross?
What have I done to lift up Christ,
no matter what the cost?
Oh, God please give me seeing eyes,
that truly fix themselves on You.
And let them see the work ahead,
to know what I can do.
Please let my eyes see only Christ
as He reaches out to me,
calming all my angry waves,
as I step out into the sea.
That I might walk upon the waters
of my pride and anger too,
putting them beneath my feet,
as I walk holy before You.
I want to leave the boat behind
with all it's weighty, worldly sin,
and feel You as You take my hand
and bid me enter in.
Please, help me Lord, to do the work
for You I pray, God’s precious Lamb,
who walked upon the surging seas
and Galilee’s soft sand.
Show me how to follow, Lord,
and in my life's last setting sun,
let me hear You gently say,
"Come in . . . I'm satisfied, My son.”
© rdouglasVeer 1/20/2019
In His Presence, Peace Be Still [9/29/2024]
INTRO:
For the most part, we all just want to live peaceful lives. Peace is one of the main foundations of the Christian walk. So, how is it that a Christian can lose their sense of peace?
Sin. Failure. Loss. These three things probably cause most of our troubles. Sin can catch us off guard, or it can creep in, hardly noticed, like “a frog in water,” as the saying goes. Sometimes, we even justify our sin. But God wants a better way for us. We need to welcome His conviction over the matter.
Sometimes we experience failure that’s beyond our control. Perhaps one our children disappoints us, or we’re offended by a friend or family member. We may lose our job or our budget may fail to keep up with rising costs. Speaking of loss, maybe our spouse passes away, or a parent or a sibling.
Life is filled with difficulties, yet James tells us to, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing,” (James 2:1-4; ESV).
When we learn to live life from God’s perspective through the lenses of heaven, we can walk with joy along with its close cousin, peace. How can we find this narrow path? We can find it only in His presence.
TEXT:
Matthew 6:33; (MSG).
“Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.”
In His Presence, Peace Be Still
Out upon the near horizon
brews another stormy day.
And there a swirling dark depression,
once again has come my way.
Clouds with threats of looming sadness,
roll . . . o'er the greyish sky,
while my tired heart is asking,
"Why Lord? Why?"
Pitifully again I go
into my dungeons dark and deep,
dragging up the memories
of old, forgotten fears and grief,
where my aching body cries
for all the pain it bears,
and the Tempter calls out tauntingly,
"You know that no one cares!
“Who are you to have the peace
and love that others know?
Why should you have joy upon
your face like others show?
When have you done anything
to soften all their pain?”
He was constantly accusing me,
time and time again.
On and on with deepening sorrow,
this message ebbs and flows.
It wraps my mind within it’s grasp
while never letting go.
Like the rocking, ripping tide,
from a boisterous, angry sea,
swirling troubled thoughts pile high,
and beat me to my knees.
"Oh, God, why must it be this way?
When can I find some rest?
When will there be peace and comfort,
for this aching breast?"
Then within the thunder clouds
a tiny light appears,
to grow and gleam and glisten,
as I watch it, drawing near.
Faintly there I see a figure,
walking deep within the glow,
silencing my beating heart,
because somehow I know . . .
that there amid the crashing rumble,
beneath a raging sky,
is the peace I’ve always dreamed of,
inside my troubled mind.
The figure draws still nearer,
through my puzzled, blurry sight,
as He turns my yawning darkness,
into a morning light.
My vision then becomes much clearer;
I see that it is He!
The One who calms the winds and storms;
the Man from Galilee.
And all around me peace and love,
are all that I can feel,
as He quietly walks upon my storm,
and whispers, "Peace be still."
Why do I let such sorrow
from this angry world withhold
all the precious treasures,
that He offers for my soul,
robbing me of joy and peace
He wants to bring to me?
Because I simply see what is,
instead of what could be.
©rdouglasveer, date unknown
No Compromise [9/15/2024]
INTRO:
Sin is an awful thing. And we all live under the weight of it; well, except for those whose consciences are seared and burnt beyond repair. God help those precious folks. Yes, they too, are precious to God. But this world is such a dark place because it’s under satan’s rule. He has blinded the minds of us all.
This was NOT God’s intent. At the beginning of creation, He gave all authority to Adam and Even to subdue the earth and take dominion over it. But Adam blew it. He gave away his authority and Jesus had to come to our world and buy us back from that tragic failure.
Now, all of us have access to God. But we have to be willing to humble ourselves and receive His forgiveness, and ask Him to walk with us each day without compromise. We now have an opportunity to receive God’s blessings and work for a new boss. But the choice is ours; a choice that affects our eternity. So, what have you done with Jesus?
TEXT:
Romans 6:23; (AMPC).
"For the wages which sin pays is death, but the [bountiful] free gift of God is eternal life through (in union with) Jesus Christ our Lord."
Proverbs 2:20; (AMP).
"So you will walk in the way of good men [that is, those of personal integrity, moral courage and honorable character], And keep to the paths of the righteous."
No Compromise
I walked a road of safety,
fully cleansed and committed to God.
And nothing there could touch me
as I’d see Him smile and nod.
I committed all my ways to Him,
and He was committed to me.
But then I went out on my own,
‘til His face I could not see.
The years grew so much longer
and my commitment vanished away.
I compromised everything to the world;
more and more with each passing day.
Soon my life in the Savior was empty.
I'd used it for the lure of my sin.
But in my heart a voice still said
I'd not be forsaken by Him.
My sins grew so much stronger
that they broke my body in pain
and ruined my pride in Jesus
‘til it filled me with my shame.
To be like Jesus, showing forth His love
was something I could no longer claim.
It hurt me to know that I'd failed Him
and tarnished His wonderful name.
I longed for the days when my Savior
walked with me in fellowship sweet.
I wanted Him back in my life;
to be His and be made complete.
So back to the alter of mercy
to the humble beginnings I knew,
I went with a broken heart
seeking His forgiveness anew.
I cried at the altar of Mercy,
“Change my heart, oh God, once more.
Purge me with some of your hyssop;
and forgive me, oh Lord, in full.
Renew within me Your spirit;
wash me clean and pure by your love.
Take my yielded heart and mend it,
by Your precious power from above.”
My will is to walk the road again,
that goes the way You’ve gone.
It doesn't matter where I've been
or where erring steps have trod.
The only thing that matters now
is being where You are,
and knowing that forever more
I’m safe in the arms of God.
©rdouglasveer, 04/2000
Lord, Use Me to Minister [9/1/2024]
INTRO:
With Labor Day upon us once again, we turn our thoughts toward the value of work. There’s been a growing trend over the past few decades in which people have lost the desire to work hard, taking pride in a job well done. People have cashed in their work ethics for “me time.” What’s so great about work, anyway?
Going to work and giving one’s best gives a person a sense of purpose and undergirds one’s dignity. It is also a way to give back with time and/or finances. It benefits others in many different ways.
Work is also a way to honor God. But we should be careful not fill our days with “busy work.” Rather, God needs people who are intentional about doing His will. Jesus said we must deny ourselves and follow Him, (see Matthew 16:24-26). That’s the beginning of everything.
So, how are you filling your time? Have you asked the Lord what He has created you to do? If you’ve communed with Him and have received His answer, you’ll be well on your way to discovering who He’s created you to become.
TEXT:
Matthew 16:24-26; (NKJV).
24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
Lord, Use Me to Minister
Lord, what am I to do today?
I'm just so covered up.
I've got to get my neighbor straight
and lots of other stuff.
The world is in an awful mess.
It's falling all apart.
I just don't understand mankind.
Oh, he has such a wicked heart.
And You, oh God . . . want me to use
my time to find a mirror?
What was it that You said to me?
"In there, I’ll see an error."
But, Lord, don't You remember me?
Don't You know who I am?
I'm born-again and go to church.
I've been saved since I was ten.
But Lord . . . is that one really me?
The image in the glass?
I thought that I was spiritual.
A regular coup de grace.
But the image says I'll need to die
before I'll ever see
the thrill of working in Your fields . . .
Your fields of ministry.
Then change me Lord, and teach me how
You want my life to be,
that I may serve from this day on
in Christian Ministry.
Give me the thrill of knowing, Lord,
that I have had a hand
in seeing others find their way
into Your promised land.
©rdouglasveer, date unknown
On the Road Again [8/18/2024]
INTRO:
As Christians, we have an adversary. He is known as the serpent, the devil, old slew-foot, or satan. One of his favorite tools is discouragement. He is always whispering words of defeat into our minds. If we remained steeped in the Bible and prayed up, we can sidestep his influence. But when we drift away from our close relationship with the Lord, that’s usually when the enemy of our souls steps in.
The Lord encouraged the Israelites through the prophet, Isaiah. The commentary covering Isaiah 43 says, “This chapter looks toward the deliverance of God’s people. But it also looks through that and beyond it to the great work of man’s redemption by the lord, Jesus. God has gone to great lengths to provide salvation for the lost world of men. His love is such that even while they are sinners, He continues to care for them and urge upon them the necessity for repentance.”
God did this for us because we are valuable to Him. He believes it! You must believe it, too.
TEXT:
Isaiah 43:1, 2, 4b (NLT).
“1 But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. 2 When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. 4 . . . because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you.”
On the Road Again
"On the road again . . ."
was a phrase I used to say,
singing at a swanky club
or in a cheap café.
Did it really matter where
I'd sing, or sleep, or go?
No, because I didn’t care
that my worth was very low.
"Who I am," was plastic.
A “make believe”, no doubt,
‘cause, "You are just a nobody,"
was what the devil would shout.
But oh, the road grew weary
and the way was always dark.
And it didn't really matter
‘cause I had a loser’s heart.
So the devil had his say so
and my life was ruled by him.
He'd kick me out and holler,
"Git goin'. Hit the road again!"
He’d say that I was worthless
and I'd buy it every time,
‘til the day that I saw Jesus
standing on that road of mine.
With a glow of love around Him;
And both arms held out to me.
"Come, draw near. Be My child.
You are valuable to Me."
Now He reassures me daily
that I’m worthwhile to Him.
And the road I walk is holy,
because Jesus lives within.
©RdouglasVeer July 30/03
The Making of a Man [8/4/2024]
INTRO:
Did you know that God is not religious. He isn’t even interested in religion. Jesus didn’t come to earth to set up shrines and lead people in empty rituals. He wasn’t even about rules and regulations. He, Himself broke His own laws at times, when the lives of people were more important. For example, He elected to heal people on the Sabbath. When questioned He responded, “. . . The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath,” (Mark 2:27; NIV).
The God of the universe is much more interested in relationship. He wants to know you and me. And he desires that we get to know Him. We do that by reading His word and carrying out what we find there. We can also know God in a deeper way through prayer. It’s so easy, even a novice can do it. Prayer is simply talking to God just like you’d speak to a respected friend.
Did you look for Him today in your quiet time?
TEXT:
James 4:8a; (GNT).
“Come near to God, and he will come near to you . . .”
The Making of a Man
I cannot count the Sundays
that I have been to church . . .
The offering plate comes to me
and I give . . . (but not if it hurts).
I'm satisfied with my own life;
I have no sense of loss.
But the way the preacher preaches . . .
I wonder . . . have I counted the cost?
I don't see Jesus as he does.
I just don't know what to say . . .
I wonder what is in me,
that keeps me bound this way?
He speaks of joy in obedience,
and laying of my life down,
to win one day in glory,
to place at His feet . . . a crown.
I feel there's something I'm missing,
but I want it to be mine,
if I'm to know the joys of Heaven,
and languish in His presence sublime.
Oh God, I want to know You
and what You want me to be,
even if the price You require
is to give my all to Thee.
Burn out my self-sufficiency.
Burn out my pride and shame,
and set my life afire
by the fuel of Jesus' name.
Oh God, consume my being.
Make me the work of Your hand.
Destroy the will within me,
to believe in the self-made man.
Cover me with ashes
to remember evermore,
that sufficient I will never be,
without You, Jesus, my source.
©rdouglasVeer 11/03