Monday Memories: Hiring a Pastor

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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.  

Faith Nourishes Hope

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!”

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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

 

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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.”

Affirming Love

From Song of Solomon 2:8:  “The voice of my beloved!  Look, he comes, leaping upon the mountains, bounding over the hills.”

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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

 

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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.”

From the Bible (Elfchen Series #41)

Discipleship

Darkness

Jesus beckons

Come, follow Me

His path leading to

Light

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Cleansing

Selfish

Sinful heart

Trusting our Lord

Creating new, clean heart

Restoration

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Love

God’s

Divine passion

Caring and transforming

His Son’s atoning sacrifice

Salvation

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Enduring Words

In the United States, the “Pledge of Allegiance” has been recited countless times in school classrooms, at the beginning of meetings, sporting events, and other instances.  The original 29 words were inspired by the writings of Francis Bellamy (from 1892) and became official in 1923.  In 1954, the words, “under God” were added.  These 31 words mean much more than just a mere collection of words.  

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I pledge allegiance

 

We the People, commit to stand

With loyalty across this land

 

To the flag

 

Stars and Stripes shall forever fly

Old Glory standing proud and high

 

Of the United States of America

 

Solidarity, stand as One

United, never be undone

 

And to the Republic

 

A more perfect Union shall spring

Shining democracy will ring

 

For which it stands

 

Tested, resilient, and upright

Faithful courage, nation’s birthright

 

One nation under God

 

Built upon God’s eternal love

Divine guidance comes from above

 

Indivisible

 

Inseparable and lasting

Forged by trial and fire’s casting

 

With liberty

 

Covering this land of the free

Freedom from sea to shining sea

 

And justice for all

 

Conquers inequities with care

Truth and righteousness come to bear 

 

Courtesy of Pinterest.

I have posted this video before, but it is worth a second look.  Here is American comedian, Red Skelton, sharing his interpretation of the words’ meaning in the “Pledge of Allegiance.”  

Daily Blessings

From Ephesians 1:3:  “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.”

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Accepting life’s ongoing gifts

Filling wonder, never adrift

 

Marveling at heavens above

Inspiring vastness of God’s love

 

Walking in righteousness with God

Comforted by His love, unflawed

 

Looking ahead, with peace and hope

Holding tightly to God’s firm rope

 

Treating others with words which say

Sharing compassion’s rich bouquet

 

Gathering strength for life’s travels

Trusting God, nothing unravels

 

Listening to deepest feelings

Surveying each moment’s healing

 

Receiving mid-course corrections

Hearing God’s faithful directions

 

Sailing in darkness, never cursed

Navigating by God, headfirst

 

Achieving goals, each passing day

Tasting our Lord’s hope-filled buffet

 

Tackling challenges without fear

Taking risks, with God set to steer

 

Stepping forward beyond life’s dreams

Following each path as God deems

 

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From 1 Corinthians 10:16:  “The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ?  The bread that we break, is it not a sharing in the body of Christ?”

Lighter Moments (Haiku Series #117)

Perfection

Mirror’s morning view

Witnessing facial laugh lines—

Wrinkles . . . never mind!

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Rule #1

Five seconds to go

Dropping a slice of pizza—

How clean is the floor?

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Finished

Some parts left over

Backyard gym now assembled—

Who needs instructions?

Courtesy of Pinterest.

Monday Memories: Riding the Train

This poem reflects upon the journey of a young boy who has the opportunity to travel on a train back in the late 1960s.  I will always remember this trip with my father.  Originally written in December, 2018, the poem has been updated for both content and style.

Northern Pacific Railroad’s North Coast Limited (courtesy of Pinterest).

Lying awake in bed on hot, sultry summer nights

Young boy listens to moving trains, far out of sight

 

Dreaming of riding passenger trains, brings thrills

Reliable North Coast Limited quickly travels at will

 

Riding the Northern Pacific Railway’s pride and joy

Father takes son on his first-ever train trip—oh boy!

 

Sitting together in the comfy coach car, so much fun

Experiencing all that connects a father with his son

 

Shuffling down the aisle, steward offers snack foods

Restaurant in Glendive soon satisfies hungry moods

 

Making its journey to Montana’s “Gateway City” today

Hustling train passes many small towns along the way

 

Flashing quickly by—Custer, Hathaway, and Terry

Steady North Coast Limited acts as trusted ferry

 

Feeling safe with train’s constant rocking motion

Son’s eyes soon close, sleeping to its locomotion

 

Waking up, train slowing for a scheduled stop

Town of Forsyth, pausing for quick eavesdrop

 

Picking up steam, locomotive continues on its way to the East

Yellowstone River runs alongside, train powers up like a beast

 

Finishing this exciting journey and reaching their destination

Glendive will serve as today’s ending Montana train station

 

Accompanying his father as he takes care of his affairs

Enjoying dinner and staying overnight without any cares

 

Returning back home to Billings the very next morn

Son believing train travel should be his new norm

 

Sitting in cozy dining car, both treated quite well

Elegantly set table makes pancakes taste swell

 

Moving up to the observation car, enjoying beautiful views

Autumn’s harvested farm fields, lining up straight and true

 

Hurtling by more towns—Rosebud and Fallon go past

It’s much too bad this captivating journey cannot last

 

Remembering again those images and sounds of the train

Memories of the North Coast Limited shall always remain

 

Observation car on the North Coast Limited (courtesy of Pinterest).

Our Father’s Goodness

From 2 Peter 1:5-7: “For this very reason, you must make every effort to support your faith with goodness, and goodness with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with endurance, and endurance with godliness, and godliness with mutual affection, and mutual affection with love.”

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Our Father’s goodness

Glory, God and King

Bless and praise His name

Mighty greatness sings

 

Through generations

Honor His great deeds

Infinite goodness

God’s faithful Word leads

 

Glorious splendor

Kingdom never ends

Eternal, Holy

Wondrous works, God sends

From Psalm 145:8-9The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.  The Lord is good to all, and His compassion is over all that He has made.”

His greatness declares

Lord everlasting

Praising righteousness

Mercies broadcasting

 

Cries, our Father hears

From darkness, redeemed

He stands, always near

God’s goodness, esteemed

 

Truth, call upon God

Grace, freely given

Love, witness a Cross

Sins, now forgiven

 

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From the words of American pastor and Christian author, Charles Swindoll:  “There are four words I wish we would never forget, and they are ‘God keeps His word.'”

Lonely Heart

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Alone and isolated

Empty calendar pages

Absent family and friends

Life walking in Dark Ages

 

Hour’s darkest shadows lengthen

Day’s hope missteps and stumbles

Sudden tears, any moment

Faith now tumbles, then crumbles

 

Day awakens, same old drill

Memories fade, bit by bit

Miles from nowhere, so alone

Silence fills heart, not close-knit

 

Few good days dwarfed by bad ones

Sunny smiles becoming few

Lonely heart needs titan’s lift

Shining light makes its breakthrough

 

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Make it a point today to reach out to someone who could use a warm hug, a trusting smile, or a kind word.  Lonely hearts fill many people with emptiness; share your light.