My groanings rise and fill the skies,
And all the atmosphere-
No man can soothe my aching soul
Or calm my doubt and fear.
I wonder why I must be tried
In such a grueling way,
And why these sore afflictions came
Upon my life today.
No answers come from fellow man-
No comfort can they give.
Appointed unto me are trials,
And in them I must live.
Almighty God has handed down
This time of testing sore;
I must endure the fire and flood,
Then peace God will restore.
My loving God will never send
An overwhelming test:
Unless He first has given grace
To help me do my best.
My ways are not the ways of God,
For His are higher still
Than all the intellect of man-
He calls His ways His will.
His will I seek as though for gold
Or treasure rare indeed,
And if through trials my road may pass-
Then trials I must need.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Our Test
Life is a path made up in time by choices that we make,
A road well worn by our two feet and all the steps we take.
Though wounded, weary, tired, and tossed- never ever quit!
Running, walking, crawling, scratching- never choose to sit!
Each time I fall it's not because I like to lie around,
And not because I have grown tired and love to feel the ground.
I fall because I have not been on this path e'er before-
I have not been this far in life, or seen what is in store.
Each day brings new and risky tests that I must take alone.
You see, no one may go with me, I must stand on my own.
The danger is not in falling down, but staying down my friend;
For others come behind us soon, and they too may fall in.
So we must boldly, bravely go to blaze a clearer trail,
To help the sick, the weak, the lame, the lonely, and the frail.
Others gone before us worked to make a clearer road
So to must we forge on to help the feeble bear their load.
Onward, forward all must march for pilgrim folk are we-
Dear one this place is not our home but testing ground you see.
For as we go to run our race and drink up our life's cup,
Our test is this- not if we fell, but if we did get up!
A road well worn by our two feet and all the steps we take.
Though wounded, weary, tired, and tossed- never ever quit!
Running, walking, crawling, scratching- never choose to sit!
Each time I fall it's not because I like to lie around,
And not because I have grown tired and love to feel the ground.
I fall because I have not been on this path e'er before-
I have not been this far in life, or seen what is in store.
Each day brings new and risky tests that I must take alone.
You see, no one may go with me, I must stand on my own.
The danger is not in falling down, but staying down my friend;
For others come behind us soon, and they too may fall in.
So we must boldly, bravely go to blaze a clearer trail,
To help the sick, the weak, the lame, the lonely, and the frail.
Others gone before us worked to make a clearer road
So to must we forge on to help the feeble bear their load.
Onward, forward all must march for pilgrim folk are we-
Dear one this place is not our home but testing ground you see.
For as we go to run our race and drink up our life's cup,
Our test is this- not if we fell, but if we did get up!
The Fellowship of Suffering
This poem was written for a friend who was facing a time of trial.
No fellowship is quite as sweet
Than that in time of trial;
No tie can bind like one of grief
While walking sorrow's mile.
Souls are betrothed when thrust into
The furnace of affliction,
And hearts are knit that suffer through
A time of grief's constriction.
No blows may weld a stronger bond
Than buffets from the storm,
And those that seem to overwhelm
Our fragile human form.
In weariness of soul and mind-
And with a flesh made weak-
Your character has voiced the thoughts
That tongue could never speak.
Through common burdens we have borne,
Our unsaid thoughts are spoken;
And though our hearts now ache and grieve,
We see that yours is broken.
For when, with you, we face the fire
Or come beneath the sword-
We find out what it truly means
To know our gracious Lord.
Your faith, unshaken, is a source
Of strength to all you lead.
Our battles are but skirmishes,
While yours are wars indeed.
A deeper form of love has grown
While suffering through the years;
From seeds of sorrow, grief, and pain
Oft fertilized with tears.
Though many victories were won
While traveling in the way,
The fellowship of suffering
Must be our strength this day.
These earthly trials that we must face
Are fellowships with God.
A time when we transcend the painful,
Mortal paths we trod.
That we may know him and his power,
He often chooses pain
To draw us closer to His side
That His might we should gain.
No fellowship is quite as sweet
Than that in time of trial;
No tie can bind like one of grief
While walking sorrow's mile.
Souls are betrothed when thrust into
The furnace of affliction,
And hearts are knit that suffer through
A time of grief's constriction.
No blows may weld a stronger bond
Than buffets from the storm,
And those that seem to overwhelm
Our fragile human form.
In weariness of soul and mind-
And with a flesh made weak-
Your character has voiced the thoughts
That tongue could never speak.
Through common burdens we have borne,
Our unsaid thoughts are spoken;
And though our hearts now ache and grieve,
We see that yours is broken.
For when, with you, we face the fire
Or come beneath the sword-
We find out what it truly means
To know our gracious Lord.
Your faith, unshaken, is a source
Of strength to all you lead.
Our battles are but skirmishes,
While yours are wars indeed.
A deeper form of love has grown
While suffering through the years;
From seeds of sorrow, grief, and pain
Oft fertilized with tears.
Though many victories were won
While traveling in the way,
The fellowship of suffering
Must be our strength this day.
These earthly trials that we must face
Are fellowships with God.
A time when we transcend the painful,
Mortal paths we trod.
That we may know him and his power,
He often chooses pain
To draw us closer to His side
That His might we should gain.
Within Concealed
To love and lose is better still
Than safety's idle pause.
A venture brings its own reward-
To risk all for a cause.
Though loss may seem a bitter end,
Tis only if you dare
To cower down to failure's doom,
And in surrender share.
But those brave souls who must rise up
When challenges arrive,
Will find in starting o'er again
The strength with which to strive.
For in each human beating heart,
A choice has oft revealed
The power that no foe could match
Had been within concealed.
Than safety's idle pause.
A venture brings its own reward-
To risk all for a cause.
Though loss may seem a bitter end,
Tis only if you dare
To cower down to failure's doom,
And in surrender share.
But those brave souls who must rise up
When challenges arrive,
Will find in starting o'er again
The strength with which to strive.
For in each human beating heart,
A choice has oft revealed
The power that no foe could match
Had been within concealed.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Thinking of How Blessed I am Today!
I took some time to reflect early this morning about how much of God's unmerited favor I enjoy everyday. I was overwhelmed that God has allowed me to serve Him for another year! I could not help but to shed some tears of joy for the incredible blessings I receive that I do not deserve. On the occasion of my birthday, I have always- as long as I can remember- taken a look back at the past year to take stock of its blessings and also look ahead to the coming year to imagine what it has in store. This morning, I prayed for a year filled with opportunities to serve. I asked the Lord to increase my vision and to grant me the wisdom, discernment, faith, and strength to live out an enlarged ministry. I only desire to be a help here, in the ministry God has placed me in, and to find new ways to serve the people here.
I couldn't care less about making any kind of name for myself, or rubbing shoulders with people who have big "names". I love the fact that our ministry is kind of tucked away, and isn't at the center of anyone's attention...other than God's! Now, we have a great ministry here, and what could be considered a pretty good sized church running about 600, but I love the fact that our Pastor and church have no desire to garner attention with any "camp" or any particular college or preacher- we just serve the people of our community, state, and the world by fulfilling the great commission. I am truly blessed to serve in the capacity that I do in this wonderful ministry!
I have been blessed beyond measure to have enjoyed the kind of wonderful friends I have been able to make through the years. I have heard from many of you already today. I have also been wonderfully blessed by the Godly influences that have impacted my life. My Preacher, Dr. B.G. Buchanan, was a truly wise spiritual leader to me for 18 years as I grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. When I left to attend college, I was blessed to sit under the ministry of Dr. Jack Hyles and the First Baptist Church and Hyles-Anderson College. I have also enjoyed learning from Dr. Eric Capaci, Dr. Keith Gomez, and my current pastor, Dr. Dean Miller, Jr. Bro. Miller has been a wonderful preacher, spiritual leader, and boss- I cannot think of another man I would want to serve more!
So, on my birthday, I am reflecting on how supremely I have been blessed of the Lord. Take some time today to think about how wonderful your life really is. Even if you are facing hard times, think of the provision of the Lord that has brought you through before. If you are in the midst of the trial, consider the Hand of the Lord that has been safeguarding you and that will ultimately deliver you. If you are enjoying the peaceful mountaintop, bow down and praise the Lord for His goodness. Just be thankful! Life is a blessing!
I couldn't care less about making any kind of name for myself, or rubbing shoulders with people who have big "names". I love the fact that our ministry is kind of tucked away, and isn't at the center of anyone's attention...other than God's! Now, we have a great ministry here, and what could be considered a pretty good sized church running about 600, but I love the fact that our Pastor and church have no desire to garner attention with any "camp" or any particular college or preacher- we just serve the people of our community, state, and the world by fulfilling the great commission. I am truly blessed to serve in the capacity that I do in this wonderful ministry!
I have been blessed beyond measure to have enjoyed the kind of wonderful friends I have been able to make through the years. I have heard from many of you already today. I have also been wonderfully blessed by the Godly influences that have impacted my life. My Preacher, Dr. B.G. Buchanan, was a truly wise spiritual leader to me for 18 years as I grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. When I left to attend college, I was blessed to sit under the ministry of Dr. Jack Hyles and the First Baptist Church and Hyles-Anderson College. I have also enjoyed learning from Dr. Eric Capaci, Dr. Keith Gomez, and my current pastor, Dr. Dean Miller, Jr. Bro. Miller has been a wonderful preacher, spiritual leader, and boss- I cannot think of another man I would want to serve more!
So, on my birthday, I am reflecting on how supremely I have been blessed of the Lord. Take some time today to think about how wonderful your life really is. Even if you are facing hard times, think of the provision of the Lord that has brought you through before. If you are in the midst of the trial, consider the Hand of the Lord that has been safeguarding you and that will ultimately deliver you. If you are enjoying the peaceful mountaintop, bow down and praise the Lord for His goodness. Just be thankful! Life is a blessing!
Thursday, April 5, 2012
God Uses Failures!
The thought for this poem was inspired by Psalm 12.
Throughout our land the righteous fail,
The Godly men have ceased.
Both near and far the faithful fail-
Help, Lord, please hear our pleas!
The mightiest among us
Still face failure in the way.
Oh, but let not fear deter us,
God uses failures everyday.
When we stumble and lose focus
And we gaze into the storm,
God is near and He is waiting
To give shelter from all harm.
We must reach out and cry, "Saviour!"
He'll be quickly by our side-
Through our failures, if repentant,
In God's will we can abide.
So when e'er you fail and falter,
Find yourself in miry clay;
Don't relent, reach up towards Glory-
God uses failures still today!
Throughout our land the righteous fail,
The Godly men have ceased.
Both near and far the faithful fail-
Help, Lord, please hear our pleas!
The mightiest among us
Still face failure in the way.
Oh, but let not fear deter us,
God uses failures everyday.
When we stumble and lose focus
And we gaze into the storm,
God is near and He is waiting
To give shelter from all harm.
We must reach out and cry, "Saviour!"
He'll be quickly by our side-
Through our failures, if repentant,
In God's will we can abide.
So when e'er you fail and falter,
Find yourself in miry clay;
Don't relent, reach up towards Glory-
God uses failures still today!
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
What You Don't Know Can Hurt You!
"My people are destroyed
for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also
reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast
forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children."- Hosea 4:6. In this one thought-provoking verse, God makes it hyper-evident that we are to possess some knowledge to be able to lead a successful Christian life. The knowledge you obtain along your life's journey will determine the quality of the journey. Will your way be hard due to a lack of knowledge? Will you be a vessel God can use, or will your lack of knowledge hinder your service to Him?
Sometimes what we do not know impedes our progress in life. Many times, we are not even aware that we are missing out on something because that is what ignorance produces- lack of awareness. The very definition of ignorance is a lack of awareness or information. What we are ignorant of will be our weakness. The areas in your life in which you lack knowledge will be the areas that Satan will attack. If you are ignorant in financial matters, Satan will be sure to attack your finances. If you are ignorant of Scriptural principles regarding morality and purity, Satan will undoubtedly attack your flesh through lust and desires. The more knowledgeable you are in an area, it is less likely Satan will establish a foothold of attack against you in that certain area. Your level of knowledge or lack thereof in any particular facet of your life determines how that part of your life will either prosper or struggle.
Obtaining knowledge is paramount to achieving an abundant Christian life. Studying the Word of God will surely add much knowledge and wisdom to your life. Reading good books by good Christian authors will also be of help to those who seek to add knowledge. Oftentimes knowledge can be gained by simply being observant and attentive in your everyday life. We are to walk circumspectly, the Bible commands. This means to always be inspecting everything around us as we journey through life; to literally take a close look 360 degrees about ourselves as we walk. Lessons are there to be learned if we but take the time to recognize them. This will involve discernment and judgment, and these skills can only be honed through knowing Scripture and studying it. Having the mind of Christ is absolutely necessary to obtaining Godly discernment. Once we are able to discern, we must be cognizant to put this skill to use in our everyday lives. In your daily discourse, you will be able to glean much knowledge if you are on the lookout for it. Be observant.
While a lack of knowledge will be a detriment to your life, an abundance of knowledge is also not a guarantor of success. We must be careful to apply the knowledge we gain in a useful way. A store of information that is never utilized is only wasted. Knowledge for the sake of knowledge puffs up; it is a dangerous thing. However, knowledge that is thoughtfully applied in life situations and is governed by Scriptural principles will be a valuable tool to help you lead a successful Christian life.
Sometimes what we do not know impedes our progress in life. Many times, we are not even aware that we are missing out on something because that is what ignorance produces- lack of awareness. The very definition of ignorance is a lack of awareness or information. What we are ignorant of will be our weakness. The areas in your life in which you lack knowledge will be the areas that Satan will attack. If you are ignorant in financial matters, Satan will be sure to attack your finances. If you are ignorant of Scriptural principles regarding morality and purity, Satan will undoubtedly attack your flesh through lust and desires. The more knowledgeable you are in an area, it is less likely Satan will establish a foothold of attack against you in that certain area. Your level of knowledge or lack thereof in any particular facet of your life determines how that part of your life will either prosper or struggle.
Obtaining knowledge is paramount to achieving an abundant Christian life. Studying the Word of God will surely add much knowledge and wisdom to your life. Reading good books by good Christian authors will also be of help to those who seek to add knowledge. Oftentimes knowledge can be gained by simply being observant and attentive in your everyday life. We are to walk circumspectly, the Bible commands. This means to always be inspecting everything around us as we journey through life; to literally take a close look 360 degrees about ourselves as we walk. Lessons are there to be learned if we but take the time to recognize them. This will involve discernment and judgment, and these skills can only be honed through knowing Scripture and studying it. Having the mind of Christ is absolutely necessary to obtaining Godly discernment. Once we are able to discern, we must be cognizant to put this skill to use in our everyday lives. In your daily discourse, you will be able to glean much knowledge if you are on the lookout for it. Be observant.
While a lack of knowledge will be a detriment to your life, an abundance of knowledge is also not a guarantor of success. We must be careful to apply the knowledge we gain in a useful way. A store of information that is never utilized is only wasted. Knowledge for the sake of knowledge puffs up; it is a dangerous thing. However, knowledge that is thoughtfully applied in life situations and is governed by Scriptural principles will be a valuable tool to help you lead a successful Christian life.
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