INSPIRATIONAL POEMS

INTRO: 

In the grand scheme of things, every situation requires God to do His part and you and I to do our part. God’s word provides many examples of how this plays out. For example, take Moses, (see Exodus 14). When he reached the Red Sea with the multitudes of Israelites, they could not go any further to escape from the Egyptian army. But just then, God told Moses to hold up his “staff” and stretch out his hand over the sea’s edge and believe God for a miracle. That was his part. God’s part was to perform the miracle. And He did. He caused the mighty waters to part, allowing the Israelites to cross over on dry ground. After they had reached safety the waters closed and swallowed their enemies. Now consider young David (see First Samuel 17). While Goliath came to fight him with a sword and a spear, David had only five stones and a slingshot. But David came to fight in the name of the Lord. God proved faithful once again in David’s victory. We, too, can win our battles if we put our faith in Jesus Christ. 

TEXT: 

2 Corinthians 10:4; (ERV).

“The weapons we use are not human ones. Our weapons have power from God and can destroy the enemy's strong places . . .”

Ephesians 6:10-11; (NKJV).

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles [schemings] of the devil.”

Romans 8:37-39; (NKJV).

“37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Stones In My Hand

Some are running, some are hiding,

some are laying wait and listening.

Some are crying, “God have you deserted me?”

Others crouching in the shadows

are giving up in panic.

They are pleading, “Oh, Lord, please remember me.”

‘Cause there are giants in the mountains.

There are giants in the valleys.

There are giants standing tall all o’re the land.

But a little boy comes running.

To the giants he speaks boldly.

He says, “God has put these stones here in my hand.”

Stones in my hand and giants in the land.

I would rather run t'ward giants than to

hide where ere I can.

Stones in my hand and giants in the land.

I would rather stand and fight them because 

God has put these stones here in my hand.

You may think God has deserted you,

whenever you are threatened,

and things don't look just like you want them to.

You may think nobody’s heard you

as you weep amidst your sorrows;

just remember God’s still watching over you.

Maybe sickness has come to you.

Maybe death and sadness chase you. 

But there's always time to pray and take a stand.

So whenever you face giants,

there’s a God Who stands beside you,

and He'll always put a stone within your hand.

Stones in my hand and giants in the land.

I would rather run t'ward giants than to

hide where ere I can.

Stones in my hand and giants in the land.

I would rather stand and fight them because 

God has put these stones here in my hand.

When you're down to your last wish

but you face a fearless giant

who has threatened you and yours of life and limb.

You’re now worried and afraid of

every sound and every shadow,

and you're finally feeling ready to give in.

Going on makes you so weary,

and the world has “got your number”,

and there’s no place that you feel like calling home.

Just remember little David

took one look and told the giant

that this day he would defeat him with God’s stone!

Stones in my hand and giants in the land.

I would rather run t'ward giants than to

hide where ere I can.

Stones in my hand and giants in the land.

I would rather stand and fight them because 

God has put these stones here in my hand.

   © rdouglasVeer 9/13/2005

INTRO: 

In ancient days, the Mother of King Lemuel wrote Proverbs 31 to help her son be a good ruler and to understand how to choose a godly wife. So the woman we read about is a portrait of an “ideal” person; she did not actually exist. Wow. That “bar” is set pretty high, though! How can we reach such perfection in our flesh? Yes, becoming more godly should be our goal. And this Scripture passage should inspire us to want to attain all of these virtues, just like we seek the fruit of the spirit: “. . . love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, (Galatians 5:22-23). But remember the first part of verse 22 here says, “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives . . .” It is only when we are fully surrendered to the Lord and led by Him that we can advance in “kingdom character”. Let us be grateful for godly mothers who lead us in the right direction in life. And let us also turn our hearts completely to Jesus Christ so that we can become more like Him each day.

TEXT: 

Proverbs 1:8-9; (NLT).

8 My child, listen when your father corrects you.

    Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.

9 What you learn from them will crown you with grace

    and be a chain of honor around your neck.

Proverbs 31; (NLT).

10 Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?

    She is more precious than rubies.

13 She finds wool and flax

    and busily spins it.

14 She is like a merchant's ship,

    bringing her food from afar.

15a She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household

19 Her hands are busy spinning thread,

    her fingers twisting fiber.

20 She extends a helping hand to the poor

    and opens her arms to the needy.

21 She has no fear of winter for her household,

    for everyone has warm clothes.

26 When she speaks, her words are wise,

    and she gives instructions with kindness.

27 She carefully watches everything in her household

    and suffers nothing from laziness.

28a Her children stand and bless her.

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;

    but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.

Momma’s Straight-Back Chair

If I ever had a thought 

that Momma didn't care,

I’d just remember her sittin’ 

in her straight-back kitchen chair.

She would sit with her head drooped down, 

and her chin upon her chest. She’d say,

"No I wasn’t sleepin' . . . 

I was just takin' a rest!

No, I didn’t wait up . . .

I was awake anyway . . ."

It's what I knew most certainly

 that Momma would always say.

The room would feel so warm, 

when softly I’d slip home.

 'Cause no matter how late it was,

I knew I was never alone.

And no . . . it wasn't the stove

 that made it warm in there.

It was Momma waitin' up for me . . .

in her straight-back kitchen chair.

        © rdouglasVeer 8/4/2014

INTRO: 

Have you ever asked the Lord Jesus to come into your heart? If you have seriously reached this point in your life than you should have considered the greatness of the one Whom you are approaching: the perfect, almighty creator of the universe. We are flawed and imperfect by comparison; therefore, we must approach God humbly, with repentance on our lips. This seems to go without saying, yet think of the magnitude of this. Humility and repentance are the foundational cornerstones of Christian faith. Without them, we can not know God. And the chief end of man is to glorify God by enjoying Him forever. When we repent and believe, and trust in Him for salvation and for the forgiveness of our sins, He then puts His holy Spirit inside of us. From then on, we will grow in the grace and the knowledge of the Lord and experience the love of Christ to the fullest, and we will be made complete in Him.

TEXT: 

Ephesians 3:16-19; (NLT).

“16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.”

I'll Live In Your Heart

No matter how lonely your life seems to be,

there's love evermore if you'll just come to Me.

I paid for the joy and the peace that is yours.

We'll walk hand in hand on eternities shores.

Although all the world will let you pass away,

I'll be by your side, forever and a day.

I'll never forsake you; we never will part.

Forever more, you, will live in My heart.

And not only that but I answered God’s call

to come to this earth as a Savior for all

The price that I paid there on Calvary’s hill

was offered in love; it was God’s holy will.

I could have escaped and let not blood be shed,

but I gave up my life so that you’d live instead.

The way has been opened for you to be saved.

Your sins all forgiven and the penalties waved.

Oh, call out to me; I will hear your cry.

My Word and My promises I’ll always stand by.

I’ll enter your heart so you never need fear

that you'll be left alone 'cause I’ll always be near.

No matter how lonely your life seems to be,

there's love evermore if you'll just come to Me.

I’ll always be with you; we never will part,

and forever more know that I’ll live in your heart.

© rdouglasVeer 7/28/2000

INTRO: 

The four Gospels tell of the life and ministry o f Jesus Christ. They are each written by a different author so each book reflects a different perspective yet they do not contradict each other. We read in John’s Gospel that Jesus carried His own cross: “So they took Jesus, and He went out, bearing His own cross,” (John 19:17; AMP). We read in Matthew and Mark that Simon of Cyrene was made to carry Jesus’ cross. Both reports are true. After Jesus was beaten, He was led away, carrying His own cross. But the weight of it was more than He could shoulder and so the soldiers ordered Simon to take over. Jesus was obviously in a lot of pain, and even the soldiers realized that and offered Him myrrh. The real truth is that Jesus could have removed Himself at any time and escaped it all. But He was willing to suffer for your sake and mine. He was willing to pay this “purchase price” for the salvation of our souls. Now its up to us to receive God’s gift. He died for us. Will we choose to live for Him?

TEXT:

Mark 15:20-24; (NLT).

“Then they led him away to be crucified. A passerby named Simon, who was from Cyrene, was coming in from the countryside just then, and the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus' cross. (Simon was the father of Alexander and Rufus.) And they brought Jesus to a place called Golgotha (which means "Place of the Skull"). They offered him wine drugged with myrrh, but he refused it. Then the soldiers nailed him to the cross.”

Isaiah 53:5; (NIV).

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

HILL SONG

There is a hill that's called Golgotha;

the hill where Jesus died, wherein

He fought the battle of the ages

and fought and won o'er death and sin.

Only He could buy my pardon.

Only He could set me free.

He could have walked and left me helpless,

but with great love, He paid for me.

The cross He carried was rough and heavy.

The weight He shouldered bore my crimes.

And from that cross His beaten body

poured out His life blood, for all time.

Upon that cold Golgotha hill

His blood still flows for you and me.

It blots out sin and all transgressions;

His blood flows down from Calvary.

He fought the battle of the ages

and overcame all death and sin.

There on the hill that's called Golgotha;

Where mankind’s vic’try He did win.

© rdouglasVeer 9/6/2005

INTRO: 

As of this writing, the United states is experiencing a national shut-down encompassing every aspect of our daily lives. The Corona Virus has affected one hundred fifty-one nations so far and has run roughshod over entire populations, changing our very way of life. Many of us are now separated from friends and family. As Christians, we have been cut off from our church families as services and other activities have been cancelled. But we need God right now more than ever! We are living in serious times and such times call for serious prayer. We need to shut ourselves in to be alone with God, repent of our wrong-doings, and humbly seek His face. And if we linger long enough, we will find ourselves in His wonderful presence where His peace and assurance will flood our souls. For he truly cares for us and will meet our every need according to His riches in glory, (see Philippians 4:19).

TEXT: 

2 Chronicles 7:14; (KJV).

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

Matthew 6; (NLT).

“6 But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private.”

Philippians 4:6-7; (NIV).

“6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

SHADOW ON THE WALL

When I go . . . into my secret prayer room . . . it’s a peaceful place to be.

The holiness of God, shines there . . . so brilliantly on me.

And in His presence, I forget all my worldly cares.

I get to be . . . His shadow on the wall.

Oh, if I could share the feeling, of how it is when I bow there.

How His eyes are like cool fire, and the sun melts in His hair.

Golden moments spent with Jesus; there is nothing can compare.

He’s my Savior; I’m His shadow on the wall.

Bathing in His presence there, ‘til the moon is out of sight.

The day star blinks its warning, of the early morning light.

So I rise in full surrender, where His presence has made me

humbly His; His shadow on the wall.

Now I go . . . into my secret prayer room . . . it’s a peaceful place to be.

The holiness of God, shines there . . . so brilliantly on me.

And in His presence, I forget all my worldly cares.

I get to be . . . His shadow on the wall.

© rdouglasVeer 1//2000

INTRO: 

Have you ever wondered why Jesus prayed? After all, He is the Son of God. While He walked this earth He was fully God, but He was fully human too, (yet without sin). Prayer was His communication line to God the Father. You see, before Jesus arrived into this world, He was in total communication with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. Prayer kept those lines open. Furthermore, Jesus exhibited His prayer life as an example for others to follow. His model prayer was the Lord’s prayer. Also, there are many instances when Jesus prayed for others and with others for specific needs. So what is prayer? It is simply talking to God in an intimate way. And the more time we spend in prayer and meditation, the more we will come to know the Lord. In His presence we can be sheltered under His wings; through prayer we can take refuge in Him.

TEXT: 

Mark 1:35; (NLT).

“Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.”

Psalm 91:1-4; 14-16; (HCSB).

“1 The one who lives under the protection of the Most High dwells in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. 3 He Himself will deliver you from the hunter’s net, from the destructive plague. 4 He will cover you with His feathers; you will take refuge under His wings. His faithfulness will be a protective shield . . . 14 Because he is lovingly devoted to Me, I will deliver him; I will protect him because he knows My name. 15 When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will rescue him and give him honor. 16  I will satisfy him with a long life and show him My salvation.”

The Quiet Before The Storm

Early in the morning when the sun is sleeping still,

The moon yet has a shadow cast upon your window sill.

If you listen with your spirit, sitting in God’s perfect will,

you can hear a heavenly anthem rising o'er the distant hill.

Why sleepeth thou so lengthily? Why so long at rest?

When the God of our creation yearns to draw you at His breast.

He would see with you the dawning when the day is at its best.

While the world in sin’s still sleeping ere man’s troubles hit its crest.

See the clouds, how God has balanced them upon a starry sky,

and the dew upon your feet from flowers in the night have cried.

Hear the stars a-singing of God’s glory, sounding far and wide,

as he opens up the morning, causing night to run and hide.

Oh, He's coming soon beloved, for the years are now but days,

when the time of His returning standeth in the shadowy maze.

Soon we'll see Him in His glory; no more shrouded in a haze.

In His hand He'll carry judgement; in His eyes a crimson blaze.

From His mouth a sword proceedeth for destroying every sin,

both upon the earth appearing and for that which hides within.

Oh, the terror and the weeping we will see when He begins

to destroy His own creation and reclaim this world from sin.

He is coming soon my children, so while time is waiting still,

just before His heavenly army marches up and o'er the hill,

won’t you meet Him in the shadows of the morning on your sill?

Will you give your quiet time to Him--rest in His perfect will?

                             © rdouglasVeer 1/17/1998

INTRO: 

The Garden of Eden must have been a beautiful place. There, began the crown of God’s creation: it was there man took his first breath. But it didn’t take long for things to become spoiled. It happened because we wanted to do things our own way instead of listening to the wisdom of God. And so a terrible darkness entered our world. It is still with us today. It is called “sin” and it ruins everything it touches. So how will we ever get free from this mess? Thank God, Jesus made a way of escape for us. He paid the price for eternal freedom by giving up His own life to cover our debt. He became our shining Light in the darkness. He is the true hope for humanity. Recognizing the Light of the world is good, but to be saved, we have to go all the way. We must confess our faultiness, and ask Jesus to enter our heart--to forgive us and cleanse us and be our Savior and Lord. If we do this, our relationship with God will be restored with the assurance that when this life is over, we will spend eternity in Heaven with Him. Oh, how wonderful. Praise God forever!

TEXT: 

John 1:4, 5; (NLT).

“The Word [Jesus Christ] gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.”

Titus 3:3-7; (NLT).

“Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. But-When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.”

A Light In The Darkness

In the beginning, He was the Word.

In the beginning, no sound was heard.

It was God who spoke with an awesome sound.

He created the earth with no one around.

He made all the animals and birds of the air,

and fishes and crawling things tucked everywhere.

Soon there were people who filled all the earth,

but in darkness they lived. Themselves they did serve.

One day a soldier cried, “God forgive what I've done.

I pierced the dear side . . . of Your only Son.

The ground started shaking by His holy power.

He departed in darkness that very hour.

Finally, the end came; His Spirit went down,

and all who stood there heard only this sound:

“Father forgive them. They know not what they do.

I yield now My Spirit and come back to You.”

Then all the earth turned as black as could be.

God summoned His lighthouse that hung on the tree.

Yes, the Lord took Him home for the battle was won,

and seated Him there on His heavenly throne.

The Good News did travel the earth far and wide,

defeating the darkness like a shimmering tide.

My prayer was that Jesus would shine upon me,

and illumine my heart . . . that I might see.

The light in the darkness shone ever so bright.

‘Twas the light of His holiness that lit up the night.

He answered my prayer; filled me with His love.

And forever I’ll praise my dear Savior above.

                  © rdouglasVeer 12/26/2009

My Deepest Fear

My deepest fear is not that I’m inadequate,

but that in me, the power of God’s treasure abides.

My deepest fear is not the existence of darkness,

but that there’s brilliant light beyond measure inside.

                                          ~ ~ ~

My deepest fear isn’t frowning on others

because they are harmful as evil can be.

My deepest fear is that I can not handle

the beauty of Jesus shining from me.

My deepest fear isn't NOT having Jesus,

but that I won't show others where He abides.

My deepest fear isn't knocking on doors,

but that Jesus in me, will take me inside.

And if my God took me into their parlor,

and if He were seen as bright as can be,

my deepest fear is that I couldn't be humble,

and let Jesus talk . . . instead of just me.

My deepest fear is not that I’m powerless,

but that Jesus living in me is so strong,

that I'd try to rule over Him and His witness,

and I know for sure, that I would be wrong.

My deepest fear is I don't love like You, Lord.

My deepest fear is I can't make them see,

that Your love is made up of mercy and kindness,

even though you have chosen to live it through me.

Now, here’s my prayer, dear Lord in heaven

as You sit next to the Father above:

please show me the way I can share You, Jesus,

without bragging when I say, "It's me that You love".

So please fill my heart, Lord; remove me from power.

Come set up your throne and reside here in me.

Set me aside; sanctify, Holy spirit,

until only You, Lord, are all that I need.

                          ©rdouglasVeer 7/1/2000

INTRO:
There is no shortage of things I could be afraid of, but my deepest fear is that I will fail God in some way. If I think about it long enough, I realize that grieving God would be the worse thing I could do. Oh, yes, I admit that I fall down a lot. I know my flesh is weak, and sin lies in the hidden recesses of my heart. But God forbid that I should not admit that, or that I should practice sin. Instead, I should practice confession, each and every day, laying myself open and bare before the Lord. Let my motives be pure and my fearful respect of God, healthy. My prayer is that I will wholly lean on God every moment that I might live a life that is pleasing to Him. And also, that I would understand more and more about God’s profound love for me.


TEXT:
Jeremiah 17:9; (NIV)
“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?”


Psalm 139:23-24; (NLT)
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”

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

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 remember to celebrate our love for one another, especially toward those very special people God has placed in our lives, like our spouse . . . Happy 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.”

INTRO: 

The innocence of a child is so simple, yet what we sometimes learn from children can be quite profound. They teach us how to be ourselves without any pretenses or masks. They pour out their hearts before us, letting their little lights shine for all to see. That’s how we need to approach the God of heaven: with open faces and willing hearts. He looks for us each day. He wants us to pour out our “everything” to Him so He can iron out the rough spots and polish us until we gleam. Then, He wants to fill us with His abundant joy. He wants to set our feet on a straight path. And finally, He wants us to share the wonders of God with others we pass along our way. That’s how we can let our light shine for Jesus and glorify Him. This is God’s will for us.

TEXT: 

Matthew 5:14-16; (KJV).

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Romans 10:14; (TLB).

“But how shall they ask him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?”

Mark 15:16; (AMP)

“And [Jesus] said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”

Pray And Tell 

My little girl came home from school;

she's only in first grade.

She handed me a little paper thing

that she herself had made.

She said, "Hey Daddy, look at this.

I made it very well!"

I turned it over...looked at it;

said,"What is it...pray tell?”

"Well, my teacher said to make something, 

and make it by myself,

and tomorrow, show it to the class

when we have ‘pray and tell’.”

Yes, “pray and tell” is what she said

but it was cute to me,

because I knew that "show and tell"

is what the name should be.

I thought, “Dear Lord, could I do that;

get excited in that way?

If I had something I could tell

that flowed from what I’d prayed?”

“Now when you answer me, dear Lord,

please give me strength as well,

to go right out into the world

and share my ‘pray and tell’.” 

I want to make a life of prayer 

and do it very well.

Tomorrow, I'll share it with the world

during "pray and tell".

        © rdouglasVeer 11/6/2005

INTRO: 

We need to get to a place where we hunger and thirst after righteousness. If we don’t have an appetite for the things of God, let that be a red flag that something is wrong. At that point we must choose to apply our will to seek after the Lord in prayer. We must ask Him to forgive us for neglecting Him, cleanse us from our sins of apathy, and fill us with His Spirit so that we can once again rightly serve God. Nothing less will do. Paul reminds us that “. . . when I am weak, then I am strong,” (2 Corinthians 12:10; NIV). Therefore, we need to stay strong in the power of the Holy spirit and not let ourselves slip back into our old ways. John said it so simply: “He must increase, but I must decrease,” (3:30; KJV). While salvation is a free gift, we can’t expect God to do everything for us. We must choose to walk in His indwelling power each day. Yes, it’s a choice.

TEXT: 

Ephesians 5:17-19; (NLT).

“Don’t act thoughtlessly, but try to find out and do whatever the Lord wants you to. Don’t drink too much wine, for many evils lie along that path; be filled instead with the Holy Spirit and controlled by him. Talk with each other much about the Lord, quoting psalms and hymns and singing sacred songs, making music in your hearts to the Lord.”

The Indwelling Power

God has sent Jesus to save me,

and I have invited Him in.

Then why does my spirit continue

walking and living in sin?

Wandering onward in sorrow,

my failures reveal waves of shame.

I think that life is just hopeless,

Will I ever be free from my pain?

Oh man of the earth can't you see it?

Your flesh is always in charge.

Why do I have such a small space,

and your flesh, a place that's so large?

Your flesh loves the sin of the worldly,

but self cannot be satisfied.

T’will stain you with the shame of your actions;

stains impossible to hide.

You’ll devour and demand even more sin,

and the larger it grows in your breast,

there’ll be no power to stop it,

And you’ll never have time to take rest.

Now, the fighting, the struggling, the losing;

don't you get tired of it all?

While you're trying to walk you are stumbling.

When you try to run you just fall.

The failures that keep you distracted;

they're part of the enemy’s plan.

He wants you to bow to his spirit

in defeat, just as long as he can.

But you know you belong to the Father.

He's the Victor of spiritual war.

It's not only bread that you live by.

God has given you, oh, so much more.

If you lay down the baggage you carry

of selfishness, pride, and of lust,

then the spirit of God can come fill you,

and give you a power you can trust.

You can trust Him to fight all your battles.

You can trust Him to be your best friend.

You can trust Him to keep you from falling.

He will fight for you right to the end.

No it won't be the end of your battles.

You will probably fight evermore.

But with God’s holy spirit within you,

you’ll have already won this old war.

The choice is yours now dear pilgrim

to walk in the draw of the flesh,

or be filled with God’s holy spirit

with a power divine, full and fresh.

The suffering from guilt will be over.

Together with His spirit you’ll be one.

So why don't you turn to the Father,

and say, “Holy spirit, now come?”

“The self-man I’ll no longer treasure.

He'll be my master no more.

Now, I’ll yield to the power of the spirit.

Oh, fill me with Thyself evermore!”

         © rdouglasVeer 9/6/2005

 INTRO: 

New beginnings are so inspiring. In them we hear opportunity call, we see hindrances vanish, ideas emerge, and new life arise. The possibilities are endless. It’s also encouraging to know that our God is a God of new things. After all, He created the universe in six short days by speaking them into existence. And after He created mankind, He came to our rescue many times, making new pathways for us. Like when Isaiah prophesied that Israel would be delivered from her enemies; He was creating a new life for His chosen people. And when we personally accepted Him as our Savior and became born-again He created a new work inside of us. As we look to this new year, let us also find new ways to dedicate our lives to the Lord and worship Him.

TEXT: 

Isaiah 43:19 (ESV)

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

A Brand New Page

There is a saying old and worn

as ancient as the shining sun.

And it’s been proven through the years

that “time and tide waits for no one”.

One minute, hour, day, and week

are followed by a year that’s passed.

Time will not stand still, you know.

No life on earth forever lasts.

The best of days should fill your time

with building blocks that shape your life.

And listen for the Lord’s advice

before the midnight clock does strike.

For soon the new year will arrive.

Can He count on you to do your part?

As you delight in all His ways

He’ll grant those desires of your heart.

No matter how reserved you are

or how unnerving it may sound,

each page of life must well be turned

with care as this year comes around.

My friend, the time has finally come.

Another year has crossed the stage.

So look ahead with hope and courage

as you turn a brand new page.

         © rdouglasVeer 12/30/2019