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.
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.”
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.'”
Only God can move mountains, but faith and prayer can move God.
From Matthew 17:20: “He said to them, ‘Because of your little faith. For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.'”
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.”
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
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?”
You can build up a set of good habits so that you habitually take the Christian way without thought.
From 1 Corinthians 15:33-34: “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’ Come to a sober and right mind, and sin no more; for some people have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.”
