Help in Trouble

From Psalm 46:1-3:  “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.”

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Drowning in sinfulness

Darkness covers this land

Needing help in trouble

God reaches out His hand

 

Facing our transgressions

Mighty hand bringing grace

Saving us, all alone

God tapping life’s backspace

 

Sending love through His Son

Refuge found in one cross

Squashing dark’s empty hope

God triggers evil’s loss

 

Leaning on His wisdom

Strength flows from His power

Living with righteousness

God rebuilds faith’s tower

 

Knowing we walk with Him

Lord’s armor covers thee

Praying in Christ’s spirit

God’s mercy sets us free

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From Ephesians 6:13:  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on the evil day and, having prevailed against everything, to stand firm.”

Charles Stanley Quote

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When God asks us to surrender our will to His, it’s our job to trust He will show us the way.

From Proverbs 3:5-6:  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”

Sky’s Brilliance Singing

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Early morning sun

Humility waits

Below horizon

Eager to orchestrate

 

Sky slowly wakens

Teasing rays of light

Distinct colors spread

Announcing day’s flight

 

Another lift-off

Daytime hours flowing

Sky’s brilliance singing

Harmony glowing

 

Dusk now approaches

Sunlight’s ending song

Final color show

Evening light’s swansong

 

Curtain slowly falls

Sun trading for night

Along horizon

Day’s final brake light

 

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Margaret Chase Smith Quotes

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Standing for right when it is unpopular is a true test of moral character.

Moral cowardice that keeps us from speaking our minds is as dangerous to this country as irresponsible talk.

Margaret Chase Smith (1897-1995) served in the United States House of Representatives (1940-1949) and the United States Senate (1949-1973).  She was the first woman elected to both houses of Congress.  In her 1950 speech, “Declaration of Conscience,” she challenged and condemned the tactics of Senator Joseph McCarthy’s anti-communist witch hunt.

Shepherding Actions (Elfchen Series #109)

Serving Others

Christ’s

Central command

Love, care, feed

Shepherd’s hands at work

Disciples

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Extending Grace

Life’s

Puzzle pieces

Scattered and lost

Shepherd finds each one

Savior

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Coming Home

Hearing

Shepherd’s calling

Following in faith

Spirit leads our way

Believing

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This series of poems (written in the German-inspired style of Elfchen or Elevenie) shares a total of eleven words in each poem, with a sequence by line of one, two, three, four, and one words.

Franklin Graham Quote

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Guilt is a gift that leads us to grace.

From Colossians 3:1-2:  “So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth.”

Hey Neighbor!

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Fred’s backyard shed is filled with his treasures.  When he is busy tinkering and grooming his immaculate yard, he is often seen heading to his shed to find another tool or implement of some kind.  Because he works from sunup to sundown every weekend, he is known around the neighborhood as “Farmer Fred.”

His next door neighbor, Milt, is a sociable and friendly sort of guy.  However, he has one irritating flaw.  He doesn’t own too many tools and such to help with his own yard work.  And of course, he feels a need to keep up with Fred’s pristine garden oasis.

Every day or so, Milt walks over to Fred’s backyard.  With a smile and a familiar voice, he calls out, “Hey neighbor!” 

He asks Fred if he can borrow one of his precious tools from the shed.  Fred always gives Milt the “okay” and watches him take it back to his place.

Over the next several days, Milt borrows a nearly endless list of Fred’s treasures . . . shovel, rake, wheelbarrow, trimmer, and even his brand new lawnmower.

On Saturday morning, Fred walks out to his nearly empty shed.  He thinks to himself, “Yes sir!  Milt has just about taken every piece of my valuable equipment and more to his place.”

With a scowl hidden by his ever-present smile, Fred swiftly marches over to Milt’s yard. 

“Hey neighbor!”

Franklin D. Roosevelt Quotes

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A smooth sea never made a skillful sailor.

To reach a port we must set sail.  Sail, not tie at anchor.  Sail, not drift.

Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945) was the 32nd President of the United States (1933-1945).  Both of these quotes were spoken during one of his “Fireside Chats” on April 14, 1938.  Roosevelt used these radio addresses to rally America during the Great Depression and World War II.

Season of Discouragement

From Nehemiah 1:3:  “They replied, ‘The remnant there in the province who escaped captivity are in great trouble and shame; the wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been destroyed by fire.'”

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Shining locomotive churning along

Life ascending every mountain peak

Suddenly, trusty light turns to darkness

Disappointment abounds, whom shall we seek?

 

Loyal tracks of faith, now wrecked and ruined

Trusting walls of protection, now in shambles

Shepherd’s gate to heaven, forever crushed

Life in darkness, attempts to unscramble

 

Season of discouragement, shrouds small faith

Eyes filling with tears, overwhelming scene

Kneeling below bloody, Golgotha cross

Prayer fills with forgiveness, hope blooms green

 

God’s attentive ear, mercy listens in

Rebuilding life within Christ, faith’s linchpin

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From Nehemiah 1:11:  “O Lord, let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant and to the prayer of Your servants who delight in revering Your name.  Give success to Your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man!”

Charles Swindoll Quote

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Circumstances occur that could easily crush us.  Unexpectedly, they come.  Immediately we have a choice to make . . . an attitude choice.

From Psalm 107:43:  “Let those who are wise pay attention to these things and consider the steadfast love of the Lord.”