TO GOD BE THE GLORY
What Have I Done for Jesus? [10/25/2026]
INTRO:
Yes, God measures our steps. He knows when we sit and when we rise (see Psalm 139-2). He is omniscient which means He is all-knowing. He is the perfect judge of our motives and actions because He is an all-righteous, good God, pure and holy in every way.
When I think about the attributes of God and focus on Him, I realize the life He offers is so much better than anything I could dream up. I see how much better life could be if I would completely surrender to Him and follow Him, every step of the way.
The Bible says the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak, (see Matthew 26:41). The worldly appetites inside are always wanting to pull me down. But thank God, when I was born again, He made me a new creature in Christ. Now His power is available to me. I just have to use His gifts and take hold of His strengths. Then I will ask not what God can do for me but rather what can I do for Him.
Do we have needs and wants and desires? Sure, we do. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you,” (Matthew 6:33; KJV). If we prioritize the things of God in our life, everything else will be added to our account. Why don’t you test the Lord and know that He is true? He keeps all His promises!
Psalm 139:1-3, (Berean Standard).
“O LORD, You have searched me and known me. 2 You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar. 3 You search out my path and my lying down; You are aware of all my ways.…”
Jeremiah 12:3a, (ESV).
“But you, O Lord, know me; you see me, and test my heart toward you.”
Matthew 6:33 (KJV).
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
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.
But I never cared what I could do
about the work of Christ.
I let the world lead me along
and bragged how I loved God,
yet all the while my footsteps fell
on worldly paths . . . of earthen sod.
But 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 oughta.
I ought to do things differently;
I ought to care for others.
I ought to feed the Master's lambs;
my sisters and my brothers.
So, what in me has magnified
the 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 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 into the sea.
That I might walk upon those waves
of 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 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, God’s precious Lamb,
who walked the surging seas
as well as 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; year unknown
No Holes [10/11/2026]
INTRO:
The Bible says, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God,” (Matthew 5:8; KJV). I don’t know about you but when I get to heaven, I want to sit before my Lord, face to face, and talk with Him. Thank God that Jesus made that possible! Moses, too, longed to see the Lord. But God said, “you may not look directly at my face, for no one may see me and live,” (Exodus 33:20; NLT). Why was that? Because we can not look upon a holy God in our sinful condition. His holiness would literally kill us! Ah, but we have a promise for the future. Thanks be to Jesus: he bridged that gap and made the way possible for us to, one day, see Him in all His glory. The Scripture also says, “We know that when He comes and is revealed, we will [as His children] be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is [in all His glory],” (I John 3:2b; AMP). That’s why we call Him Savior! I am so looking forward to that day. How about you?
TEXT:
Exodus 33:15, 17-23; (NET).
“And Moses said to him, ‘If your presence does not go with us, do not take us up from here’ . . . The Lord said to Moses, ‘I will do this thing also that you have requested, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.’ And Moses said, ‘Show me your glory.’ And the Lord said, ‘I will make all my goodness pass before your face, and I will proclaim the Lord by name before you; I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, I will show mercy to whom I will show mercy.’ But he added, ‘You cannot see my face, for no one can see me and live.’ The Lord said, ‘Here is a place by me; you will station yourself on a rock. When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and will cover you with my hand while I pass by. Then I will take away my hand, and you will see my back, but my face must not be seen.’”
No Holes
There may be holes in my Bible pages.
There may be holes in my best church dress.
But there are no holes in the Rock of ages.
There ain’t no holes in His holiness.
A blind mind cried, "Oh Son of David:
You can surely make me blessed."
So He touched and healed him, and others also.
There ain’t no holes in His holiness.
There may be holes in the way I'm talking.
My words may not be the very best.
But this I know of Christ my Savior:
there ain't no holes in His holiness.
When the woman touched His garment hem
He said, "Thy faith has made you blessed."
And then he fed the great five thousand.
There ain’t no holes in His holiness.
No matter what, I must confess,
this is the one thing I say best.
Christ is God, fully manifest, and
There ain’t no holes in His holiness.
© rdouglasVeer 9/6/2005
Scars of my Soul [9/27/2026]
INTRO:
Things can sometimes look bleak in this life; even in the lives of Christians. Yet, if we stop and focus on the greatness of God, there is so much hope to cling to.
David learned to encourage himself in the Lord. The passage that especially comes to mind is Psalm 42. He had been running from his enemies for so long that he was completely worn out and discouraged. But then he says, “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again–my Savior and my God!” (Verse 5; NLT).
Jesus said, “. . . In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage, be confident, certain, undaunted] for I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you],” (John 16:33b; AMP).
God is our refuge and our strength in this life, (see Psalm 46:1) and he is also our eternal hope when we get to “the other side” as citizens of heaven, (see I John 5:13; I Peter 1:3-6; Philippians 3:20, 21).
What ever you may be facing today; what ever scars your soul has had to bear, take heart and trust in the Lord. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to his purpose,” (Romans 8:28; NKJV).
TEXT:
Psalm 42:5; (NLT)
“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again–my Savior and my God!”
Philippians 3:20, 21 (CEB)
“Our citizenship is in heaven. We look forward to a Savior that comes from there—the Lord Jesus Christ. He will transform our humble bodies so that they are like his glorious body by the power that also makes Him able to subject all things to Himself.”
Scars of My Soul
I went to talk to God one day
of things I want to know
about the scars that come from sin
and why they trouble me so.
I said, “There is no place at all
in life that I can go
that people do not stare when seeing
the scars upon my soul.
In deep despair I try to hide
those scars that trouble me so
and yet, no matter what I try,
they seem to plainly show".
In answer, He so simply spoke,
about what I should know
“Dear one, the day that you arrive
in heaven, thy scars shall go.
The law is that you pay a price
for how your garden grows.
You reap the whirlwind, if the wind
is all that you have sown.
“But, do consider now the truth,
that happened long ago.
My shredded body and thorn pierced brow,
was nailed that I could show
the mutilation caused by sin,
that bowed my body low,
to take your place upon the cross
so that you need not go.
“So, weep not, weep not, My beloved.
You must consider though,
My scars are here for eternity;
your scars one day will go.
And weep not, oh my Israel,
for this you need to know,
the scars I bear upon My body
are there to redeem thy soul".
©rdouglasveer; year unknown
Today I Cried [8/13/2026]
INTRO:
Been thinking about 9/11. On that date in 2001, coordinated terrorist attacks killed 2,977 innocent people at the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Virginia, and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. As Americans and others around the world, we honor the victims, the brave first responders, and the lives that were changed forever.
Our Lord is no stranger to grief. Lazarus of Bethany was the brother of Mary and Martha. When Jesus arrived at the tomb, Lazarus had already been dead for four days. Even though Jesus knew he would raise Lazarus back to life, he cried out of deep compassion and shared grief for the pain of the family and friends. Yes, Jesus wept, (see John 11:35).
We live in a broken and fallen world, but it is only temporary. The good news is that Jesus will not leave us comfortless if we are trusting and relying upon Him, (see John 14:18). And, He desires that we spend eternity with Him. The Holy Spirit is our comforter. He is as close as the mention of His name . . . Do you know Him? His plan is to save you out of this old world in the here and now and for eternal ages to come. Will you let Him enter your heart today?
TEXT:
John 14:18; AMPC
“I will not leave you as orphans [comfortless, desolate, bereaved, forlorn, helpless]; I will come [back] to you.”
John 14:16; AMPC
“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever—”
Today I Cried
I shed a tear or two today;
tears that came from my heart.
And as each tear rippled down my cheek
another one would start.
It felt as though my earnest weeping
would never have an end.
But then an angel came and spoke
and offered to be my friend.
“Come rest awhile with me,” it bade,
”Come lean upon my breast,
until the sorrow starts to fade
as you share my offered rest.
“For I am called The Angel of Peace
who can ease your present pain
and lead you to the calming path
where you’ll find peace again.
No, it’s not far to that peaceful place
where rest awaits for you,
where God has angels such as I,
‘cause this is what we do.
We listen to the broken hearted
and touch the tear filled cheek
and guide you to the welcomed path
where you can find that peace.
That place where broken hearts can heal
though never will forget,
the ones whom God has taken to
His place of wondrous rest.
So cry today and wash the pain
from deep within your breast,
for on the ‘morrow God will give you
His promised peace and rest.
©rDouglasveer; 8/9/24
Photo Courtesy https://www.911memorial.org/
The Rose [8/30/2026]
INTRO:
Did you know the oldest living rose bush is 1000 years old? It lives on the wall of the Cathedral of Hildesheim in Germany. These delicate yet hardy flowers have been cherished for centuries.
The rose is mentioned only twice in the Bible, (Song of Solomon 2:1 and Isaiah 35:1), although the word “rose” is also rendered as the “crocus” flower. The mention of other flowers is also limited and are used for illustrative purposes, for example:
Isaiah 40:6-8 describes a contrast between the fading beauty of a flower and the everlasting word of God.
Matthew 6:28-29 encourages us to “consider the lilies”. They are not anxious about what they have to wear. They don’t need to toil or spin for the Lord clothes them in splendor.
Today’s poem reflects the rose as a symbol of the resurrection of Christ. Some theologians have made similar comparisons and while there is no proven foundation for such a connection, the picture it paints is inspiring.
Isaiah 40:8; NKJV
“The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.”
Song of Solomon 2:1, 2; AMPC
“[She said] I am only a little rose or autumn crocus of the plain of Sharon, or a [humble] lily of the valleys [that grows in deep and difficult places].But Solomon replied, Like the lily among thorns so are you my love . . .”
Isaiah 35:1-2; AMPC
The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the rose and the autumn crocus.”
The Rose
In the shadows, dreary shadows,
‘neath a dried and broken tree;
littered ground so long forgotten.
Life begins for all to see.
Devastation all around it
long forgotten by the world;
fallen branches without purpose
cover leaves now dry and curled.
Yet it reaches ever upward
just to seek, to breathe fresh air.
Green and supple ever upward;
alone, yes, but without despair.
Long and thin yet strong of will
doth the slender green stem strain
‘til it ventures far above
to reach the sun and gentle rain.
Then one day a tiny blossom
breaks forth during gentle showers
and above the devastation
smiles the beautiful red flower.
In the midst of old destruction
standing graceful in its pose,
comes the beauty resurrected;
‘tis a single Wildwood rose.
Oh, but ‘tis no other flower
which my soul can find compare
to the beauty up from ashes;
yes, a beauty rich and rare.
‘Tis the Christ I see portrayed
which rises from the depths of pain
and ‘mid brokenness His beauty
doth come forth to bloom again.
Blossoming ‘mid sacrificing
by His blood and broken flesh
of my Savior’s heart so caring
doth the Rose of Sharon bless.
©rdouglasveer; year unknown
The Unchanging God [7/19/2026]
INTRO:
There’s a story in the book of Mark, chapter ten, about a conversation between Jesus, James, and John. The disciples fancied themselves as giants in God’s kingdom. They one day wanted to sit on thrones next to Jesus Himself. So they asked the Lord if He could make that happen.
“But Jesus answered, “You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of sorrow I must drink from? Or to be baptized with the baptism of suffering I must be baptized with?” (Verse 38; TLB).
The disciples’ answer was an enthusiastic, yet naive, “yes”. So, Jesus explained that even He, Himself had come to humbly serve, not to be served. He also stated those positions in the kingdom had already been filled and settled.
God has a plan and a purpose for each of us. To walk in God’s will we should not think of ourselves more highly than we ought to. Rather, we should humbly serve the Lord and fulfill His calling.
The poem today reflects the humility of a mighty oak tree. While it could boast about its greatness, receiving accolades for all of its functions and roles, it humbly gives itself to simply providing plain beams of wood for the cross of Jesus; a good lesson for us all.
TEXT:
Romans 12:3; (NKJV).
“For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1; (KJ21)
“To every thing there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heaven.”
Ephesians 2:10; (NIV)
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
The Savior's Tree
On the hill they gathered
each wondering who they would be.
“I’ll make the olives for a king one day,”
said the seed of the olive tree.
“One day I’ll grace the table
where banquets for Him are held
where Prince and Princess will be amazed
at my taste, unparalleled”.
“So what?” said the lofty palm tree seed,
“You’ll always be so small.
Some day I’ll overshadow you
when I’m standing sixty feet tall.
My limbs one day will provide the fans
to cool a King and Queen,
while lying there on the banquet table,
you barely will be seen.”
While there unnoticed, upon the ground
lay the seed of the mighty oak
who listened as they argued on
yet not a word he spoke.
No, he would never grace the halls
of parties for Kings and Queens
‘cause he knew God was preparing him
to do a greater thing.
Time passed as the palm and olive seeds
became what they said they’d be.
And the acorn too continued to grow
saying, “God has need of me”.
Then came the day when the axe of a man
felled the oak tree to the ground,
and he knew that very soon his purpose
for being a seed, would be found.
He would not be used to build a ship
to sail the majestic seas
but he, at that time, would be hewn into
rather unimpressive beams.
Beams not to build a Pantheon
where people would worship gods
but to build a rough old wooden cross
that would be planted in the sod
upon a hill called Calvary,
for all the world to see.
Yes, this little oak seed became
the cross where Jesus bought life
for you and me.
© rdouglasVeer; date unknown
Good Enough [8/2/2026]
INTRO:
As children of all ages go back to school, our thoughts turn to their well-being and personal development. Today, we find so much written about “self-esteem”. Those who lack self-esteem continuously suffer through life. Many of these have grown up in chaotic home environments or have had parents who did not provide proper love and care.
Those with too much self-esteem often come off as being arrogant. They focus on what they can do; their talents, skills, accomplishments, and status in life. You might say they “worship themselves”.
Both of these identities rest on the foundation of pride. The one who lacks, draws attention to himself, seeking pity or comfort. The arrogant ones also say, “Look at me and all that I can do.”
Instead, one must discover--at the heart level--his or her true value as a human being. The best place to find such self-worth is in the person of Jesus Christ.
We cannot earn worth in the eyes of God. Rather, it is bestowed upon us. God gives us worth by inviting us into a personal, daily relationship with Him. Through His shed blood on the cross, He forgives us and removes all of our sins. He makes us whole and complete. He, alone, becomes our sure foundation. “It is through him that we are able to live, to do what we do, and to be who we are,” (Acts 17:28a; ERV).
A healthy self-worth says, “I am good enough because God created me and I am accepted in the beloved,” (see Ephesians 1:6b). Thank you, Lord, for accepting me! Have you invited Him into your heart and life?
TEXT:
John 15:5 (ERV).
“I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you stay joined to me, and I to you, you will produce plenty of fruit. But separated from me you won’t be able to do anything.”
Ephesians 1:3-6; (TLB).
“4 Long ago, even before he made the world, God chose us to be his very own through what Christ would do for us; he decided then to make us holy in his eyes, without a single fault—we who stand before him covered with his love. 5 His unchanging plan has always been to adopt us into his own family by sending Jesus Christ to die for us. And he did this because he wanted to!” 6 Now all praise to God for his wonderful kindness to us and his favor that he has poured out upon us because we belong to his dearly loved Son.
[NKJV Verse 6b: “. . . by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.”]
Good Enough
God wants me to be myself
For He created me this way,
And since God made me who I am,
Myself I’m quite content to stay.
In His eyes I’m good enough –
It matters not what others say;
I need not act as if I’m tough
Or copy other children’s ways.
God doesn’t care if I’m not cool –
If I’m not stronger; thinner;
In His hands I am a tool
To reach out to another sinner.
Though I am still young and small
In Jesus Christ I’m strong and tall;
So when people look at me
May it be God’s own Son they see.
Written by Belinda van Rensburgs
The Unchanging God [7/19/2026]
INTRO:
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness nor shadow of turning,” (James 1:17; ESV). Picture a sundial. As the sun shines its light across the dial, the movement of the globe causes the shadow to move. But when we consider God, we understand that He is light; there is no darkness in Him. He cannot cause a shadow therefore, His nature is unchangeable. God is holy and incapable of evil. And since every good and perfect gift comes from Him, evil cannot come from Him, nor can He tempt anyone to do wrong.
It is comforting to know that as imperfect and flawed as we are, there is yet hope. In life, we sometimes end up on wrong roads, we hurt ourselves and others, and we often make poor decisions. But there’s one decision that will save us: accepting Christ as our Savior. We can always depend on Him and know that His love and His promises never change.
TEXT:
Hebrews 6:17-18; (ERV).
“God wanted to prove that his promise was true. He wanted to prove this to those who would get what he promised. He wanted them to understand clearly that his purposes never change. So God said something would happen, and he proved what he said by adding an oath. These two things cannot change: God cannot lie when he says something, and he cannot lie when he makes an oath. So these two things are a great help to us who have come to God for safety. They encourage us to hold on to the hope that is ours.”
The Unchanging God
I was born so helpless
and so needy and so weak
that for years t’was on so many,
many people that I’d lean.
Yes, we grew and we did flourish
as days turned into years
and at times we were so loving
but, could bring some folks to tears.
Our bones and all our muscles
matured just as they should
while our character and mind
became both bad and good.
Then, we started to NOT do
those things we really ought.
Our style and our mood
brought to life a great big blot.
Changes in time . . .
Changes in seasons . . .
Changes in me
were without rhyme or reason.
But now I am so glad
that when times seem quite unstable,
there’s One Whom I can count on:
the One who's ALWAYS is able.
The world that was young once,
just like me . . . has grown old.
Sheep now grow in cages
instead of in the fold.
Jets sail ore' the skies
like ships that sail the sea
and what's yet in the future
is much too scary for you and me.
Now up there in the Heavens
beyond man and machine
is a glorious wonder
that no human eye has seen.
There we'll find the unchanging
and treasured, immutable One.
He sits high upon His throne;
with the Spirit and Son.
Words do not exist
to describe His Majesty,
or to tell of how my heart knows that
He truly does love me.
It matters not how often
I change or sometimes wander.
He's more solid than anyone
could ever, ever ponder.
For buildings may well crumble
and my world may well explode
and the things that once used to be,
we will no longer hold,
because nothing here is stable,
and nothing here will last
except the great, unchanging God
who holds the future and past.
But I must say I am thankful, for when
I'm laid beneath the sod,
He will look unto His angels
and give a loving nod.
Then to an unchanging world,
there He'll call my name to come
by the ever unchanging God . . .
Holy Spirit . . .
and Son . . .
©rdouglasveer; 2002
America the Beautiful [7/5/2026]
INTRO:
I remember the first time I saw an extremely large American flag. It must have measured hundreds of square feet, and when I watched it waving in the breeze, it brought tears to my eyes.
This nation called The United States of America is magnificent and unique. The English writer G. K. Chesterton once said, "America is the only nation in the world that is founded on a creed." That creed, written by godly men, was outlined in the Declaration of Independence. They advocated for inherent rights, government rule with purpose, and limited political authority. Harry Truman once said, “Being an American is [the] belief that all men are created free and equal.”
The almighty God also wants men to be free. First, He gave us free will so we could choose (or choose not) to follow Him. Second, He wants us free from sin through His offering of salvation. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life,” (John 3:16; NKJV). Third, He wants us free of bondage to other men, especially to false ideas and doctrines. We should be subject to Christ, alone.
Many other countries in the world practice the persecution of Christians. America has been an exception. Let us hold fast to these freedoms as we celebrate the birthday of our nation. God bless America!
TEXT:
Psalm 33:12; (ESV).
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!”
1 Timothy 2:1-2; (ESV).
“. . . I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”
America the Beautiful
1. O beautiful for spacious skies,
for amber waves of grain;
for purple mountain majesties
above the fruited plain!
America! America! God shed his grace on thee,
and crown thy good with brotherhood
from sea to shining sea.
2. O beautiful for heroes proved
in liberating strife,
who more than self their country loved,
and mercy more than life!
America! America! May God thy gold refine,
till all success be nobleness,
and every gain divine.
3. O beautiful for patriot dream
that sees beyond the years
thine alabaster cities gleam,
undimmed by human tears!
America! America! God mend thine every flaw,
confirm thy soul in self-control,
thy liberty in law.
Author: Katharine Lee Bates (1893); Public Domain
For Dads Only [6/21/2026]
INTRO:
There’s an old saying: “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” While we do inherit our parents’ genes we also inherit their behaviors and the way they “model” themselves. There are many Bible verses that encourage us to walk uprightly, with integrity, not only for our good outcomes but for our children as well. Proverbs 20:7 says, “The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them,” (NLT).
Many homes today are missing either a Father or a Father’s good character. If you are a dad, please consider taking an inventory of your life. Maybe you don’t know God but maybe you do or maybe you’ve fallen away from Him. It’s up to you to realize you can break the cycle. You can begin serving the Lord, today. And by doing so, you will make a tremendous, positive difference in your family life. Joshua was determined to serve God: “. . . as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” (Joshua 24:15b; KJV). So, what about you?
Need some advice? God wants you to grow wise so you can live a blessed, abundant life. Look for His counsel daily through His Word. Then bring up your children with the same principles. They will thank you for it.
TEXT:
Proverbs 4:1; (TPT).
“Listen to my correction, my sons, for I speak to you as your father. Let discernment enter your heart and you will grow wise with the understanding I impart.”
Here is a Father’s instruction from Proverbs 4:1-9, (TPT).
1 Listen to my correction, my sons, for I speak to you as your father. Let discernment enter your heart and you will grow wise with the understanding I impart.
2 My revelation-truth is a gift to you, so remain faithful to my instruction.
3 For I, too, was once the delight of my father and cherished by my mother—their beloved child.
4 Then my father taught me, saying, “Never forget my words. If you do everything that I teach you, you will reign in life.”
5 So make wisdom your quest—search for the revelation of life’s meaning. Don’t let what I say go in one ear and out the other.
6 Stick with wisdom and she will stick to you, protecting you throughout your days. She will rescue all those who passionately listen to her voice.
7 Wisdom is the most valuable commodity—so buy it! Revelation-knowledge is what you need—so invest in it!
8 Wisdom will exalt you when you exalt her truth. She will lead you to honor and favor when you live your life by her insights.
9 You will be adorned with beauty and grace, and wisdom’s glory will wrap itself around you, making you victorious in the race.
For Dads Only
Three-hundred and sixty-five days a year
there are birthdays, Christmas, and other days of cheer.
It seems as if there’s always something to do
to remember me, or remember you.
Fourth-of-July or Easter or Lent;
there are always presents or cards to be sent.
And sometimes it’s not a yearly event
such as leap-year, to tell us where four years have went.
Presidential birthdays are found there too,
and the calender reminds us of what celebrating to do.
New-year and Halloween or the first day of Spring
are some of the seasons we find reason to sing.
There are songs about Mothers, and even some poems
but I don’t want you, Father, to feel all alone
because this day is yours and I am so glad.
I’m proud and I’m happy to call you my Dad.
I hope you enjoy every minute
celebrating this Father’s Day
©rdouglasVeer-Year Unknown
Amazed Am I [6/7/2026]
INTRO:
What will we be doing when we get to heaven? While this poem is a lovely fantasy, we can know for certain that we won't become clouds in the next life. But we will be feasting in heaven at the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7-9), we will be fellowshiping with friends and family who also chose Jesus as their Savior, (Matthew 17), and we will be worshiping God, (Revelation 7:9-10).
The Bible also gives us a picture of paradise. Jesus told the thief on the cross, "...today you shall be with me in paradise," (Luke 23:43; NASB 1995). Strong's Concordance says the word for paradise, "en paradeisos," was chosen to portray the idea of "a park" similar to Eden, or God's park. There are a couple of Greek words to apply here. The alternative would have been "en nephele" meaning “in clouds”. Clearly, that will not be the case.
There isn't a whole lot written in the Bible about what to expect "up there". Perhaps that's because our relationship with the Lord is much more important than what our activities will be. But we can be assured of one thing: everything about heaven will exceed our imagination because God is supreme, all loving, and eternally infinite. Let's all make certain we'll be ready to go when the time comes.
TEXT:
John 14:2; KJV
"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you."
Matthew 25:34; DARBY
"...Come, blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from [the] world's foundation."
Amazed Am I
How utterly amazed am I
when e’er I gaze into the sky,
and see the clouds so billowy
which float about so I can see,
the beauty of them as they are;
companions of the gleaming stars
which fill the night with majesty,
for all who take the time to see
the beauty that was given us,
that we might hopefully look up.
Who can deny the beauty there
suspended in the heavenly air,
where though mere man can never go
yet he can watch the heavenly show,
where fluffy clouds make such a view
suspended in the sky of blue.
Why should we waste the beauty then;
this should be evident by all men,
amazing as is meant to be
and printed on our memory.
So, when we age as all will do
we might believe that me and you
in our last hour then may fly
on up to be clouds in the sky,
and those below will take our place
to gaze up, utterly amazed.
©rdouglasveer; Year unknown
A Soldier's Prayer for Memorial Day [5/24/2026]
INTRO:
Some folks may wonder what the difference is between Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day. The two occasions might seem quite similar because they both honor the military, but actually, the two patriotic holidays are quite different.
Veterans Day, a federal holiday that falls on November 11, is designated as a day to honor the more than 19 million men and women who have served or do actively serve in the U.S. military.
Memorial Day, which is commemorated on the last Monday in May, honors service members who have died in military service to the nation. The holiday began in the post-Civil War era, when citizens would informally place spring flower memorials on the graves of fallen soldiers, (See https://www.uso.org/stories/2522-understanding-the-difference-of-memorial-day-vs-veterans-day).
Today, we feature a poem from https://readgoodpoems.com/. The lyrics to this poem describe so wonderfully the sentiment of our fallen heroes that we wanted to share these words with you. God bless our many soldiers who fought and died for this great country called America.
TEXT:
John 15:13; (NIV).
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
A Soldier's Prayer For Memorial Day
Dear Lord above, hear my prayer,
For those who fought, but are not here.
Bless their souls, in the afterglow,
In your loving arms, let their spirits grow.
For the comrades lost in the heat of the fight,
In the shadows of darkness, in the silent night.
Bless their souls, in the celestial flight,
In the realm of peace, where there is no plight.
In the hallowed ground, where heroes repose,
A soldier's prayer; the wind softly blows.
Grant them rest, and solace profound,
In your loving arms, may peace abound.
Their sacrifice, a prayer eternally heard,
In the presence of angels, in your holy Word.
A soldier's prayer, for the brave and true,
In the tapestry of remembrance, forever anew.
Notes on Memorial Day Christian Poems:
These Memorial Day Christian poems are a powerful reminder of the sacrifice made by those who have fought for our freedom. They also serve as a reflection on the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made for us. Let us honor and remember all who have given their lives for our country.
The Modern Church [5/17/2026]
INTRO:
God looks at the motives of our heart. Are we striving to check all the boxes and pass all the tests? Do we think we can ever be good enough to live in God’s presence, standing shoulder to shoulder in His perfect holiness? Or have we drifted so far that our focus has shifted away from God. Instead, we lust after the approval of men? We just want to be popular. We want to have riches and status and to boast about all we have accomplished.
God said in His word: “And I will say to myself, “You have many goods stored up for many years to come; relax, eat, drink, and enjoy yourself!”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is demanded of you; and as for all that you have prepared, who will own it now?’ Such is the one who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich in relation to God,” (Luke 12:19, 20; NASB).
The church is supposed to be teaching kingdom values, guiding people into a deeper relationship with the Lord. But that can’t happen if our focus has shifted toward worldly ideals. Whether in our church life or in our personal life, as Christians we need to be drawing closer to the Lord each day, seeking first the kingdom of God . . . For God said, “Delight yourself in the Lord, And He will give you the desires and [secret] petitions of your heart,” (Psalm 37:4; AMP/AMPC). Yes, let us embrace and fall in love with the God of “the old Gospel”.
TEXT:
Luke 12:19, 20; NASB
“ . . . relax, eat, drink, and enjoy yourself!”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is demanded of you . . .”
Psalm 37:4; AMP/AMPC
“Delight yourself in the Lord, And He will give you the desires and [secret] petitions of your heart,”.
The Modern Church
I borrow these words from years gone by;
from a past that is now nearly gone,
when visions of church would come to me,
as Momma sang them to us in song.
"Oh, come to the church in the valley;
Oh, come to the church in the vale.
No spot is so dear to my childhood,
as the little brown church in the dale."
But where is the feeling of comfort now,
that I used to feel in my breast?
As I pictured it back in my childhood when,
the Church was a place of sweet rest
And there on a bright Sunday morning
as we listened to the bells sharply toll,
the air all around was gently transformed,
into peace that the world would behold.
But today in the new light of morning,
from a bright, shiny, white limousine,
we stride into brass, glass, and marble,
in the Church where we want to be seen.
Where the tapestries are all made of velvet,
and displayed over walls decked in gold,
while crystal chandeliers make a statement,
while the simple love story’s untold.
Is it only by man's hand of fortune,
that the Church-house can preach it today?
Or would it be better to hear it
in a chapel constructed of clay?
Then . . . it used to be that the Church-house
drew crowds from the rich and the poor,
but today, if we don't put a show on,
they won't even darken the door.
When spiritual pollution's the solution,
and the fire is no longer desired,
God will write "Ichabod" on the church door,
and no longer will He come inside.
Oh, why has the church of my childhood,
snuggled there in the valley below,
now been changed into one on a hilltop,
dressed up like an actor in a show?
Church, remember, that God said from Heaven,
He would rather you were red hot or cold
like the little brown church in the valley,
I remember from those days of old.
Today we have heard the world speaking,
demanding we do it their way,
and lukewarmness has entered the Church-house,
leaving God on the outside to say:
"Come ye all, come all that are hungry;
come ye all, who are weary and tired.
There is still the brown church in the valley,
and you're welcome to come on inside.
But leave all your works on the outside,
and be satisfied when you come in,
with the sweet holiness of God’s Word,
'til the heart is convicted of sin."
But you'll have to leave all of the trimmings,
made of velvet, and silver, and gold,
to be satisfied with the old Gospel,
where the story of Christ is still told.
rdouglasveer ©year unknown
Great is Thy Faithfulness [4/19/2026]
INTRO:
There’s a remarkable woman mentioned in the Old Testament: the widow of Zarephath. She encountered the prophet Elijah who asked her to bring him a little water and a morsel of bread. She said, “I swear by the Lord your God that I haven’t a single piece of bread in the house. And I have only a handful of flour left and a little cooking oil in the bottom of the jar. I was just gathering a few sticks to cook this last meal, and then my son and I must die of starvation,” (I Kings 17:12; TLB). Despite her lack, this courageous woman obeyed Elijah’s request. She brought him some water and made him a small cake. Her faithfulness led to divine provision. From that time forward, God miraculously produced for her a continuous supply of flour and olive oil. Her jars never ran dry.
In 1923, Author Thomas O. Chisholm wrote a wonderful hymn that reflects God’s daily working power in our lives. He works in ways from the simple to the miraculous. He is God; He cannot fail. We have no reason to doubt Him. Christians the world over have discovered the same lesson this Mother knew as she depended on God for her very survival. As we appreciate our Moms this Mother’s day, let us also focus on how we can follow a Mother’s godly example and trust in the Lord. Below is the hymn, Great is Thy Faithfulness...
TEXT:
Psalm 36:5; (NIV).
“Your lovingkindness, O Lord, extends to the heavens, Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.”
Hebrews 13:8; (KJV).
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever.”
Great is Thy Faithfulness
1. Great is thy faithfulness, O God, my Father;
There is no shadow of turning with thee.
Thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not;
As thou hast been, thou forever wilt be.
Refrain:
Great is thy faithfulness,
Great is thy faithfulness,
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed thy hand hast provided;
Great is thy faithfulness,
Lord unto me.
2. Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love. [Refrain]
3. Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine and ten thousand beside. [Refrain]
Author: Thomas O. Chisholm (1923); Public Domain