Inspirational Poems

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

A Taste of Beauty [7/21/2024]

INTRO:
God’s creation is magnificent. Every time I venture outside, I can’t help but be struck by the beauty of nature that surrounds me. My heart becomes filled with delight which leads me to worship our God.

While our aim is to worship the Lord, there are religions out there that actually worship nature. They bow down to the trees and the wildlife in all of its surrounding beauty yet they are too blind to look past the creation to behold the Creator. What a shame.

Such people are just a breath away from realizing that without God, the canvas of life would be blank. And more than that: without God, we ourselves would not exist.

Yes, God created this world for us to enjoy, moreover, He created us for His enjoyment. Pause, and think of that.

TEXT:

Psalm 8:3-9; (NLT).

3 When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—

the moon and the stars you set in place—

4 what are mere mortals that you should think about them,

human beings that you should care for them?

5 Yet you made them only a little lower than God

and crowned them with glory and honor.

6 You gave them charge of everything you made,

putting all things under their authority—

7 the flocks and the herds

and all the wild animals,

8 the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea,

and everything that swims the ocean currents.

9 O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!

A TASTE OF BEAUTY

So flocks the brilliant butterfly

upon the gentle stem

which holds the nectar of the dainty flower.

As silently, invisibly

doth beat the gentle wing

suspending it with tireless, gentle power.

Who but a God of wonders would

create one such as this

to give the world, a taste of beauty such,

that in His love for man would He

share such a majesty

to show the wonder of His love for us.

©rdouglasveer 02/28/2021

A Poem[7/7/2024]

INTRO:

God’s creation is truly magnificent. We encounter our world every day but so often, we become oblivious to the beauty that surrounds us.

Genesis chapter one tells how God created the heavens and the earth in six days. First, He created the light and separated it from the darkness. Next, He separated the waters of the heavens from the waters of the earth. On the third day, He commanded dry land to emerge with its plants, and trees, and seed-bearing fruit. On the fourth day, God set lights in the sky to light the earth and to govern the day and night. Next, He filled the waters with fish and the sky with birds of every kind. On the sixth day, God produced all sorts of animals, each able to produce offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good.

But God saved the best for last. On the sixth day He created Adam and Eve and told them to be fruitful and multiply. And for six millenniums, we have done just that.

Out of all of creation, we are God’s crowning glory. May we find a revelation of how special we are to His heart. We know it’s true because one day, God sent His Son to redeem us. He paid a great price for us. It was costly and expensive. Yes, Jesus was the “poem of God’s heart” that He lovingly wrote to us. Praise His name forever.

TEXT:

Genesis 1:26, 27; (NLT).

“Then God said, ‘Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.’ So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”

A Poem

Oh, how the mighty hand of God

created everything.

The trees, the flowers, the flowing brooks,

the birds, and the songs they sing.

He gave us stars to light the night

and a sun to warm the day.

And then to guide us through the dark,

a moon to light our way.

Oh, how His wonders do surround us

if we’ll take the time to see

how beautiful He made His world

to share with you and me.

Yes, flowers, birds, and dewdrops, too,

with songs only they can sing

created He, to bless us with

a world only He could bring.

But as He watched His final work,

the woman and the man,

created He, our wondrous God,

a gift, as only His love can.

Within the breathing breast He put

a heart, like His alone.

And there within the heart God wrote

to speak to us a poem.

With His tender words of love

could God alone impart,

and created He, this tender gift,

His poem . . . of the heart.

©rdouglasveer; 2021

For Dad's Only [6/16/2024]

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; it’s just that 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. 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.

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.”

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 calendar 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

Beneath the Sod [6/9/2024]

INTRO:

Peace can be illusive. We get wrapped up in the cares of this world and we forget that we don’t have to continually strive. We forget that we can let Jesus carry our burdens. We forget that we can rest in the Lord and trust Him for what we need instead of trying to make everything happen in our own strength.

Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you . . .” Matthew 11:29a; (NIV). What does that mean? The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “yoke” as follows: “a wooden bar or frame by which two draft animals (such as oxen) are joined at the heads or necks for working together.” When we slip into a “yoke” with Jesus, we are joining our life with His and we can then “pull the load together.” Is there anyone more loving and more qualified to team up with besides the God of the universe?

So, go ahead and rest; relax; know that God’s “got this.” Trust in Him. “Pile your troubles on God’s shoulders— he’ll carry your load, he’ll help you out. He’ll never let good people topple into ruin,” (Psalm 55:22; MSG).

TEXT:

Matthew 11:29; (TPT).

“Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you’ll discover that I’m gentle, humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in me.”

Beneath the Sod

Over the horizon a new dawn was breaking,

kissing the world with fresh dew and making

the used up yesterday, flee into the past

and you, my friend, didn’t even have to ask.

Then up came the sun to brighten the day,

chasing the shadows of yesterday.

With it the promise that all would be new

for whoever wanted it, and that includes you.

Oh what a joy is yours to be had,

offered to each little girl and each lad,

driving all worries far into the past.

And no one, not anyone, has to be last.

Its not only offered to those who are swift,

for God is the Giver, and His Son is the gift.

If you accept His offer of Grace,

you’ll find that His Peace will come and replace . . .

. . . the worries that you, once used to have

because God will have sent them all into the past.

Then comfort will follow Him into your life

as God Himself will vanquish your strife.

So, please give your life to the Son of God

before they lay you beneath the sod.

He’s waiting to answer if you’ll call His name

because everyone who calls is treated the same,

and the peace that you’ve wanted will be yours at last.

My friend . . . all you need do is ask.

©rdouglasVeer 10/11/2023

A Soldier's Prayer for Memorial Day [5/26/2024]

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 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.

Source: https://readgoodpoems.com/memorial-day-christian-poems/

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.

Walk With Me, Mama [5/12/2024]

INTRO:

There is a wonderful passage in Proverbs chapter 31 that describes the character of a wife and mother. While there are certain pockets of pious, religious thinkers out there who believe women are of no value and subject to a man’s authority, the Bible values and praises women. Here is what Solomon wrote in Proverbs:

“10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. 15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. 16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. 18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. 19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. 31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate,” (NIV).

Today’s poem is written from the perspective of a child. How can we as a society produce good, upright people with fine character? By raising them in a home with strong parents of good character, because like the child in the poem says, “I have so many things to learn that I don’t yet understand.”

Today we honor mothers everywhere; that they might be encouraged as they go about tending to their households and raising their families.

Walk With Me, Mama

Walk along side me, Mama

and hold my little hand

I have so many things to learn that

I don’t understand

Teach me things to keep me safe

from the dangers everyday.

Show me how to do my best

at home, at school, at play.

Every child needs a gentle hand

to guide them as they grow.

So walk along side me, Mama.

We have a long way to go.

Source:

https://www.craftymorning.com/free-mothers-day-poem-printables/

A Butterfly [4/28/2024]

INTRO:
Can people really change? The Bible says it’s not only possible but it’s expected of those who are born-again. In fact, 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new,” (KJV). If all things become new, we are talking about a complete metamorphosis that isn’t reserved just for butterflies. The word “butterfly” is not found in the Bible but the word “transformation” Is. Strongs Concordance describes it this way: to transform (literally or figuratively, “metamorphose”); change, transfigure, transform. So when the Bible says we are to be transformed, it is really saying God wants to take our flawed and faulty souls and change us into creatures of beauty, wholly fit to be the bride of Christ when His work in us is finished. Looking at those pretty, multi-colored wings, I find great hope. And in my darkest hour, I know God’s promises will come true, worries will end, change will come to pass and better, brighter days lay ahead. Yes, He will complete the good work He has started in me.

TEXT:

Romans 12:2a; (NKJV).

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind . . .”

2 Corinthians 3:18; (TLB).

“But we Christians have no veil over our faces; we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him.”

Philippians 1:6; (ERV).

“I am sure that the good work God began in you will continue until he completes it on the day when Jesus Christ comes again.”

A Butterfly

I just looked at a butterfly

with wings so fragile and fair.

It’s hard to believe that a heart once beat

for the worm that was once living there!

The dainty wings, so translucent are

by far much more than I

could ever hope to see man make

beneath this glorious sky.

Not only earthbound in our strength

but in our mind as well.

For we can n‘er unlock the secrets

that God alone could tell.

A worm, a worm, that hardly moves.

Unpleasant is he, at best.

Yet there on the daintiest gossamer wings,

it sails from east to west.

A thousand miles and back again.

Ah, such is life for I,

when God’s own holy hand touches me,

taking me to His home on high.

Then with His heavenly angel band,

we’ll come to fight the war;

the “War of the Ages”: God against sin,

and earthbound I’ll be no more.

Then heaven-ward again I’ll go,

just like the butterfly,

changed forever, never again

to be a worm, will I . . .

rdouglasVeer 3/29/1999

The Indwelling Power [4/14/2024]

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!”

He Leads Me Beside Still Waters [3/24/2024]

INTRO:
What is a shepherd? Very simply, it is a person who tends to sheep. But if we look more closely, we see the principles shepherds practice. First of all, they care for the sheep; they protect them, ensure their safety and tend to their wounds and broken bones should they wander into trouble before they can be caught. Second, they guide them to good grazing land and fresh water so they may thrive. Third, the shepherd seeks those who have become lost until He finds them.

The Bible shows us these and other characteristics attributed to Jesus. As believers, He cares for us, protects us, and keeps us safe as long as we remain under His umbrella of safety. Second, He guides us in life; He opens doors of provision and blessing and He leads us into the presence of the Holy Spirit, that we might drink in His marvelous goodness. Third, if one of us should become lost, He leaves the ninety-nine and comes looking for the one.

In life, Jesus is our Shepherd if we are willing to walk with Him. Don’t you know God wants to protect you and bless you? Don’t you know He cares for you deeply, so much so that He laid down His life for you and me? As Easter approaches, let us thank God for all He has done for us!

TEXT:

Psalm 23; (TLB).

“Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need! He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams. He gives me new strength. He helps me do what honors him the most. Even when walking through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way. You provide delicious food for me in the presence of my enemies. You have welcomed me as your guest; blessings overflow! Your goodness and unfailing kindness shall be with me all of my life, and afterwards I will live with you forever in your home.”

Luke 15:3, 4; (TLB).

“So Jesus used this illustration: “If you had a hundred sheep and one of them strayed away and was lost in the wilderness, wouldn’t you leave the ninety-nine others to go and search for the lost one until you found it?”

He Leads Me Beside Still Waters