Reading the Bible
Discover truth and wisdom—
God’s shadow lengthens
Walking with the Lord
Spirit enters heart and soul—
Tasting Bread of Life
Sinful nature breathes
Separates us from our God—
Jesus builds a bridge
The more difficulties one has to encounter, within and without, the more significant and the higher in inspiration his life will be.
From Hebrews 12:1: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.”
A church must deal quickly with finding a preacher
They prefer much more than just a Bible teacher
Another applicant’s letter is presented, read to all
Perhaps this candidate will impress and not fall
His submitted application offers many qualifications
If there is any anguish, his will meet disqualification
I have been a successful pastor in several places
My writing has proven beneficial in several cases
My ability to organize new churches has been strong
As for my leadership traits, few if any are ever wrong
My age is adding a few years to this hard life
But my experiences bring me no fear or strife
I have never pastored anywhere for longer than three years
At times, my preaching has disrupted and created much fear
I am not ashamed to say that I’ve been in jail a few times
None of this has been caused by any wrongdoing of mine
While my health is declining, I shall continue to push on
Feeling it essential, enduring to teach as Christ’s liaison
In some communities, other religious leaders haven’t liked me
Several have even threatened and attacked for what they see
My recordkeeping skills are poor at best
I am forgetful about baptisms and the rest
Hopefully, you will put your concerns aside
I, Apostle Paul, faithful in God, shall abide
This poem was originally written in December, 2018, and it has been updated in style. Years ago, I found a letter with details about this situation. Anyone can search the Internet for this letter as well as sermons that are based upon Apostle Paul being a pastoral candidate at a church.
I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream.
Hate begets hate; violence begets violence; toughness begets a greater toughness. We must meet the forces of hate with the power of love.
The words of Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968) continue to reverberate around the world. In America, we honor his vision of peace, understanding, and justice on the third Monday of every January. May we all continue to strive for a world filled with the power of love.
From John 16:33: “I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!”
Where can mankind find lasting hope?
Living each day without much joy
Peace and hope absent from life’s scope
Searching under every rock
Calmness found in elusive hope
Falling into Enemy’s traps
Darkness clouds life’s kaleidoscope
Overcome with discouragement
God’s love endures with living hope
Life’s tribulations never win
Our Father promises lasting hope
Christ fulfills Bible’s prophecies
Faith fuels hope, ascending life’s slope
Tireless Holy Spirit at work
Opens doors by way of God’s Word
Building and strengthening our faith
Life’s fresh discovery, hope stirred
Turning sorrow into joy . . . Rejoice!
Ask the Father in Jesus’ name
Guiding with righteousness and truth
Faith nourishes hope, now aflame
From the words of American evangelist and Christian author, Bill Bright: “Without the certainty of His resurrection, we would come to the end of this life without hope, with nothing to anticipate except despair and doubt.”
We honor God by asking for great things when they are part of His promise. We dishonor Him and cheat ourselves when we ask for molehills where He has promised mountains.
From Isaiah 2:2: “In days to come the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it.”
From Song of Solomon 2:8: “The voice of my beloved! Look, he comes, leaping upon the mountains, bounding over the hills.”
Sitting here, another morning’s darkness
Thinking of today’s most beautiful view
Your kindness and love arrives with a smile
Transforming this heart to radiant new
Traveling life’s lonely, meaningless road
Dreaming of unlocking a better life
Your cherished spirit bestows precious light
Joining together as husband and wife
Making beloved home for two love birds
Nurturing passion with each priceless day
Your tender, caring thoughts lead us forward
Navigating with God’s love, shows His way
Affirming love through joyful affection
Walking in Jesus’ perfect reflection
From Song of Solomon 4:1: “How beautiful you are, my love, how very beautiful! Your eyes are doves behind your veil. Your hair is like a flock of goats, moving down the slopes of Gilead.”
All of us every single year, we’re a different person. I don’t think we’re the same person all our lives.
When you listen, you learn, you absorb like a sponge–and your life becomes so much better than when you are just trying to be listened to all the time
Darkness
Jesus beckons
Come, follow Me
His path leading to
Light
Selfish
Sinful heart
Trusting our Lord
Creating new, clean heart
Restoration
God’s
Divine passion
Caring and transforming
His Son’s atoning sacrifice
Salvation
Repentance is prompted by the Holy Spirit: He brings conviction concerning sin so that we’re encouraged to depend on Jesus’ righteousness.
From Luke 24:46-47: “And He said to them, ‘Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in His name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.'”
