As people of God
Graced to be Christ’s hands of change—
World’s transformation
Followers of God
Called as voices for justice—
Filled with Grace of Christ
Our Creator calls
Walking in Jesus’ footsteps—
Lives for renewal
From Ecclesiastes 3:1: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”
Winter’s first flurry arrives
Transforming autumn’s landscape
Covering like comfy quilts
Dreams look for snowy escape
Storm’s artwork witnesses joy
Taking hearts to a past place
Gazing back to youthful times
Snowflakes remove autumn’s trace
Quiet, tranquil peace whispers
Hearing the timeless calling
Feeling light breezes breathing
Nature moves, never stalling
Time bends with changing seasons
Opening fresh, new page
Witnessing transformation
Life’s Director stands offstage
Central Ohio received its first snowfall of the winter on the night of November 30. The transforming seasons always remind me of how our Lord transforms our lives, faith, and hope. May His grace and peace lead you on your journey.
From Romans 12:11: “Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord.”
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Offering our bodies to our Father
As a living sacrifice to the Lord
Forever transformed, through His renewal
Bringing new life, by God’s sacred accord
Accepting God’s will with sober recourse
Remaining faithful, God living with us
His Word, always cleanses our sinful ways
With God’s plan, a Holy and perfect plus
God’s love is genuine, filled with His Grace
Stepping forward, stoked with spirited zeal
Remaining steadfast, to all which is good
Serving God, escaping heavy ordeals
Steering ourselves, with total discipline
According to God’s proud expectations
Living and serving His Holy Kingdom
Avoiding the Enemy’s temptations
Remaining patient, despite life’s trials
Providing His strength, God leading us all
Walking in faith, taking the Lord’s high road
Living peacefully, following His call
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From American pastor, Harry Emerson Fosdick: “No horse gets anywhere until he is harnessed. No life ever grows great until it is focused, dedicated, disciplined.”
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There was once a leader in a far-off land in the “Make Believe” world of a toy box. This leader was made of wood, and featured the well-crafted workmanship of his Creator.
Despite appearances, there were flaws in the leader’s character. He was dishonest and bullied everyone around him. His actions as leader led to friction and decisiveness in the toy box. The leader continued to govern with a misguided mind and agenda. His heart seemed hardened to the point that other toys really wondered if he even possessed a heart.
One day, the boy who played with the toy box every day asked the leader, “Why is your character so bad?”
The leader ignored the question, and the boy played with his other toys. Perhaps being made out of wood had made him inflexible with a hardness of attitude. Everything the other toys did or said seemed to go against his grain.
Meanwhile, more and more heat came from some of the fiery citizens in the toy box. Their patience was wearing thinner with each passing day. A few toys even threatened the leader with more than just words. The leader was paranoid about being literally “put on fire” from some of the other toys’ actions. After all, he was made out of solid wood.
After observing the crippling turmoil in his toy box, the boy told the other toys, “I will ask the Creator to help us with this mess.”
The boy prayed a special prayer to the Creator:
Dear Creator, the toys and I ask for your help. Our leader needs to change his bad ways so that all of the toys will enjoy a better life here in this toy box. We look to you for aid and support. Amen.
The Creator heard the boy’s prayer-filled words. Overnight, he came into the toy box and removed the leader, who was sleeping soundly. He remolded the leader into a better person with a benevolent and caring heart, which had been missing all along.
The leader was returned to the toy box with a heart no longer as hard as wood. He was transformed into a Gospel-led leader.
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The Scriptures were not given for our information, but for our transformation.
From Psalm 119:105: “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Lost in the darkness
God, please be with me always—
He lights a new way
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Long before I was born
God already knew about me—
He made me His own
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A life shattered, lost
Feeling refreshing waters—
Transformed by God’s love
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Sometimes . . .
A heart and soul experience nothing but emptiness
Searching for a life overflowing with more happiness
Family and friends stop over, sharing bushels of love
Extending God’s righteousness, working from above
Sometimes . . .
A body no longer feels as young as it once was
Declining, outdated, and ancient, just because
Changes in a lifestyle produce renewal of life
Experiencing energy again, without the strife
Sometimes . . .
The day fills with shadows of darkness, without light
Questioning why this life no longer continues to fight
Next day’s sunrise brings a sustaining change
Illuminating the way, because God is His name
Sometimes . . .
This job generates nothing, only constant distress
Feeling passed over by others who perform less
Then one day, opportunity knocks at the door
Receiving that promotion, evens up the score
Sometimes . . .
Life feels like walking the treadmill all day
Ending out of breath, with nothing to say
Faithfulness enters a heart with a new intention
Accepting God’s grace, a total transformation
When life brings us challenges, our faith is sometimes challenged. We just need to remember that our God is a righteous and faithful one filled with immense love and thanksgiving.
Here are some previously published poems that explore a variety of life’s challenges. May we always remain faithful towards our Lord.
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God sends amazing grace freely to all
Offering to save sinners aren’t we all?
Jesus died on an old rugged cross for our salvation
Giving all of us a true path for avoiding temptation
There are no gifts greater than God’s grace
Flowing from His love, making no mistake
The Bible teaches all of us to follow the “Grace Path”
Justifying through faith in Christ keeps us on track
The righteous live each single moment by faith
Feeling God’s rich grace, so delicious to taste
Apostle Paul, a sinner like us, received mercy and life
Writing about God’s plan, he is freed from all strife
God fine tunes our hearts to receive his treasured gift
Redeeming love and grace keep us from running adrift
All we need is faith to live without harm
Running to God’s waiting and loving arms
Grace is a precious gift for all people to receive
Running from an enemy who continues to deceive
Abraham’s faith brings God’s great promise to light
Believing, he followed his Lord without any fright
Be content with what daily life throws at us
Raising up Christ to believers without any fuss
Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection burn bright
Allowing our faith to grow and never lose sight
Grace is given freely through Christ, from our Father
Replacing our works with daily faith without any bother
God opposes the proud, bringing His grace to the humble
Restoring, supporting, and strengthening when we stumble
Lord, relieve our uncertainties and lead us homeward
Abounding and steadfast love will carry us forward
God transforms sinners through His gift of grace
Following Christ will bring our lives to a proper place
All look to the Lord, His awesome wonder astounds
Sending grace by faith through Christ will abound
God sends amazing grace freely to all
Offering to save sinners aren’t we all?
It is amazing and insightful to find so many references of God’s grace in scripture as well as hymns. These resources helped with the writing of this poem. May all of you accept God’s free gift of grace.
