To be a peacemaker is to reflect the image of our heavenly Father–using our breath, energy, and creativity to sow peace wherever the Spirit takes us.
From Matthew 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
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 things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
Living on sin’s island
Forsaking faith in Christ
Breathing in darkest fears
Grace seeming too high priced
Searching far horizon
Scanning each tidal wave
Feeling Spirit’s nudges
Christ Jesus comes to save
Witnessing Calvary
Flooding tears crying out
Asking big question . . . why?
Salvation, still in doubt
Observing blood-stained cross
Watching Christ breath His last
Wrestling with sinful flesh
Evil’s hold, standing fast
Awaking days later
Running to empty tomb
Accepting Christ this day
Leaving sin’s island room
From 1 John 3:2-3: “ Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when He is revealed, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is. And all who have this hope in Him purify themselves, just as He is pure.”
Yielding to Jesus will break every form of slavery in any human life.
From Romans 6:6: “We know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin.”
Written in February, 2020, this poem reflects forward in time when one is living those final precious years. In taking this Christian view, we ask God for those treasured “five more minutes.”
The elderly man’s final strength turns to run
His long, full life now enters its final sunset
Recalling the good times, craving a bit more
“Five more minutes” before the setting sun
Swapping one more story, with my dear Dad
His role in life, serving as my own launch pad
Listening to Neil Diamond, singing one more song
He conveys my love for “America”—forever strong
Taking extra time to say, “I sincerely apologize”
For actions which turned out bad, not very wise
Please God, just five more minutes . . .
Fishing the Madison River, time for one more cast
Herb standing ready, with a memory from the past
Experiencing one more awe-inspiring sunrise
One only God can create, His lasting surprise
Sharing a moment, with a special great-grandchild
Before falling back to sleep, she winks and smiles
Please God, just five more minutes . . .
Witnessing fresh, fallen snow—pristine white
Pine trees show off under moon’s bright light
Stepping into a high school classroom once more
Taking notes from the elite of the teaching corps
Witnessing a Big Montana Sky, fetches a smile
Please allow me to see, at least one more mile
Please God, just five more minutes . . .
Traveling to a place, never seen before
Anxious to view, what’s really in store?
Sharing with my bride, “I love you” one more time
Enduring heartbeats and affection, forever rhyme
Asking my Heavenly Father, for forgiveness
My risen Lord and Savior, being my witness
Thank you God for these five more minutes!
Courage is doing something you need to do that might get you hurt.
If somebody mistreats you, treat ’em good. That kills ’em.
American football coach Bobby Bowden (1929-2021) coached the Florida State Seminoles from 1976 to 2009. He is considered to be one of college football’s greatest coaches. Being a Christian, Bowden credited his success in coaching to his faith.
From Isaiah 9:6-7: “For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon His shoulders; and He is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and His kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”
Faithful God’s Holy love
Shining from Bethlehem
Blessed virgin gives birth
In world filled with mayhem
Hope springs forth from God’s love
Filling manger with grace
Messiah born this night
Stable now Holy place
Divine love preaches faith
Sharing Lord’s precious gift
Behold man’s salvation
Satan’s plans now adrift
Peace covers earth’s landscape
Sowing eternal love
Savior’s mission begins
Father views from above
Lasting joy now goes forth
Hearing angels singing
Christ’s love, Calvary’s cross
Forgiveness now bringing
You are invited to join in prayer: Lord God, your love and mercy promise hope, joy, and peace. During this season of Advent, open our hearts in preparation to receive our Savior. Amen.
Written in 1865 by English hymn writer, William Chatterton Dix, the hymn of “What Child Is This?” is sung by Charlotte Church. The lyrics are based upon the verses from Isaiah 9:6-7, and the tune is “Greensleeves.”
God has entrusted to us a great deal. He knows that we can do all things by His grace, so He’s trusting in us to trust Him.
From Psalm 31:7-8: “I will exult and rejoice in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction; you have taken heed of my adversities, and have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; you have set my feet in a broad place.”
From Psalm 100: “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into His presence with singing. Know that the Lord is God. It is He that made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him, bless His name. For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations.”
Child learning of God’s kindness
Unaware of its vastness
Praise His eternal goodwill
Laboring with steadfastness
Goodness, perfect and Holy
From righteousness, living water
Worship always with gladness
Crafting hands, grace-filled potter
God’s blessings, never-ending
His mercy flows from above
Lives rescued with divine hand
Transforming with endless love
Lost sheep, needing daily grace
Good Shepherd’s assisting hand
Heaven’s gate, darkness scattered
Lifting eyes to God’s homeland
From the words of American pastor and Christian teacher, Charles Stanley: “At times when we’re struggling to trust God, we should remember all the ways He is good to us.”
If I were starting my family over again, I would give first priority to my wife and children, not my work.
From Psalm 90:12: “So teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart.”
Walking through life’s fire
Never to blindly stumble—
God always walks close
Darkness testing faith
Patiently trusting Father—
Accepting His plan
Holy Spirit seeks
Guiding tongues in bringing forth—
Pure and blessed speech
