Potent Praise & Poetry Collaboration!!!

Hello world of Potent Poetry readers!

Potent Praise & Potent Poetry have shifted to combine both blogs and will for now on be "POTENT PRAISE". If you have any suggestions on what you would like to see added or taken away from the blog please let me know. We would love to hear your thoughts concerning the collaboration. Please continue to send submissions to submissions@potentpraise.com.

Thank you for your contributions/future contributions! We appreciate your support. Please keep us lifted up in prayer as we ALL continue to share the word of God and uplift the Kingdom! on Potent Praise and each of our individual blogs.

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A Matter of Faith

© John McKee

His ministry took Him to many towns
Preaching the gospel and healing.
This Son of God attracted great crowds
Who found His message appealing.

He spoke truth to them with love and concern,
As a father would speak to his child.
Angry Pharisees grew increasingly jealous
Of this man by whom all were beguiled.

While Jesus was speaking to a group of people,
A ruler kneeled before Him and cried,
In anguished voice that was choked with emotion
Saying to Him, "My daughter's just died;"

"But come and lay your hand on her, and she'll live."
To the Lord Jesus Christ the man said.
The ruler had the faith that at His holy touch
His daughter would be raised from the dead.

So Jesus took His Disciples and followed the man,
And while he was leading them,
A woman with hemorrhage came up from behind
To just touch His garment's hem.

For the past twelve years she had been ill,
But had the faith that if His robe she could touch;
It was all that she needed to cure her ailment.
A cure she'd desired so much.

"Take heart daughter," Jesus said to the woman,
"Your faith has made you well."
She was cured at that instant in a miraculous way
How He sensed her touch none there could tell.

As they arrived at the house of the ruler they saw
That many people were gathered there weeping.
"Depart," Jesus said to the tumultuous crowd
"For the girl is not dead but sleeping."

He then entered the house to their mocking laughter
When He touched her, she arose from her bed.
The report of this miracle raced all through that district;
That He'd brought the girl back from the dead.

Mathew 9:18-26

Casting My Cares

© By M.S.Lowndes

Lord I continually set before you

My requests and all my needs

With thanksgiving I come unto you

My concerns unburdened to thee

I wait for your intervention Lord

In quietness of soul and mind

And worship at your footstool

Leaving my cares behind

And Lord I express my thanks for you

For all you are to meI thank you

Lord that I matter to you

Though at times I cannot see

Because of the circumstances in life

The things that I go through

I find my eyes are on the storm

When they should be looking to you

So help me Lord each precious day

No matter what life brings me

To carry on with hope and faith

And to rest in you with peace.

Hope Eternal

Jay Parr

Hope eternal the gift He gives,
despite the errors of my ways.
Praise my Savior, He is my Hope eternal,
even though he has seen my darkest days.

I rest on the Eternal Hope of God's Son,
the One who died for me.
How fortunate we are that our salvation does not depend on us,
but The Lamb who is our Hope Eternally.

If I never wake tomorrow,
eternal hope gives me peace today.
Jesus provides that peace,
an etrnal hope that will never fade away.

One day He will part the clouds,
our eternal hope will be received.
We will join Him in a twinkle of an eye,
because in His Eternal Hope we first believed.

Choose Jesus today as your Eternal Hope.
He is waiting patiently.

The Battle

by Jay Zumbrum

My mind is a raging fire, I'm convicted in my heart
I long to be a Christian Lord, but know not where to start
I hear my Savior knocking, He's standing at the door
And all the earthly worldly things aren't important anymore!

I make the great decision, I fall down on my knees
And ask my Lord to save me, enter my heart I plead
And I know that at that moment, my sin is cast away
I'm now a newborn child, a tender Christian babe!

The news spreads fast, and soon I learn, the enemy has heard
His plan is to attack, before I know the Word
For with the Word I have in me the Holy Spirit's power
He knows he must attack at once, he cannot wait an hour!

He gathers together all his demons and sets his battle plans
He must destroy this new child's faith, it must blow as drifting sands
The planning takes just minutes, they empty all the files
And then his army moves, armed with many trials!

The attack is fast and furious, and for a while I stumble
But in the end, I am quite sure, it is Satan who will bumble
I'm hit with many problems, they're coming by the score
And as my faith begins to slip, I fall down to the floor!

Satan now is laughing, he jumps around in glee
And then the smile fades from his face, as I struggle to one knee
He stares unto the battlefield, his face is filled with terror
With all the files they had on me, could he have made an error?

I'm beaten, battered, on one knee, as my lips begin to move
Satan is screaming at the top of his lungs, "What's he trying to prove?"
He sends out queries to the demons, "What is that he's saying?"
The answer comes like a shot in the night, "Oh Lucifer, he's praying!"

My strength ebbs back, and as I struggle, I gain the other knee
by Jay Zumbrum

And when the demons see this, they turn from me and flee
Satan screams, "Stand and fight, he's only just a man!"
The answer comes loud and clear, "A man in the Savior's hand!"

The battle now is over, my faith as strong as steel
And in my heart, I know full well, the Lord Jesus is for real
For as I lay on the ground that day, something gently lifted me
Without that gentle lifting, I'd never have gained my knees!

The moral of this poem, is really very clear
Just call on the name of Jesus, when you're facing fear
For when you call on Jesus, Satan hasn't got a chance
The power that he thinks he has is fictional romance!

Leaders VS Followers

When leaders make a mistake, they say, "I was wrong."
When followers make mistakes, they say, "It wasn't my fault."

A leader works harder than a follower and has more time;
A follower is always "too busy" to do what is necessary.

A leader goes through a problem;
A follower goes around it and never gets past it.

A leader makes and keeps commitments;
A follower makes and forgets promises.

A leader says, "I'm good, but not as good as I ought to be;"
A follower says, "I'm not as bad as a lot of other people."

Leaders listen;
Followers just wait until it's their turn to talk.

Leaders respect those who are superior to them and tries to learn something from them;
Followers resent those who are superior to them and try to find chinks in their armor.

Leaders feel responsible for more than their job;
Followers say, "I only work here."

A leader says, "There ought to be a better way to do this;"
Followers say, "That's the way it's always been done here."

Get A Passion!

Written by Carl Phillips

Get a passion at this time
Get a passion in these days
Get a passion for knowing him
And walking in his ways
Get a passion for the strongholds
Get a passion to see them fall
Get a passion young and old
Get a psssion for your call
Get a passion for the music
Get a passion for the songs
Get a passion for the words
That uplift and right the wrongs
Get a passion to be creative
So that lives may be enhanced
Get a passion to be expressive
As scriptural truths are danced
Get a passion for the prophetic
God revealing what he's planned
Get a passion for interpretation
That we may know and understand
Get a passion for your country
Get a passion for your nation
Get a passion for the call it goes
To each and every generation
Get a passion for intercession
Get a passion for prayer
Get a passion to see things changed
Hope from life's despair
Get a passion for the battle
Get a passion for the fight
Get a passion for the conflict
Get a passion salt and light
Get a passion for his coming
Get a passion for that day
Get a passion for his returning
Get a passion to pray
Get a passion for unity
Get a passion for such things
Get a passion to fight injustice
And see the liberty it brings
Get a passion for clarity
Get a passion for desire
Get a passion for God's people
As we saw a little higher
Get a passion for things you've seen
Get a passion for what you've heard
Get a passion for the things of God
Get a passion for the word
Get a passion for this city
For every piece of ground
Get a passion to dig that little bit deeper
Until the treasure's found

God Can

When you feel unlovable, unworthy and unclean,
When you think that no one can heal you,
Remember, Friend,
God Can.

When you think that you are unforgivable
For your guilt and your shame
Remember, Friend,
God Can.

When you think that all is hidden
And no one can see within
Remember, Friend,
God Can.

And when you have reached the bottom
And you think that no one can hear
Remember my dear Friend
God Can.

And when you think that no one can love
The real person deep inside of you
Remember my dear Friend,
God Does.

An Undivided Heart

by Crystal C. Godfrey

Lord, put in me a new spirit
Remove my heart of stone
And give to me a heart of flesh
That trusts in You alone
Oh, That I may fear Your name
Each day right from the start
Oh, Lord, please give to me
An undivided heart.

I want a gaze that never waivers
Or loses sight of the goal
To keep it's focus on obeying You
With mind and body and soul
Help me to walk in submission to Christ
In whole and not in part
Oh, Lord, please give to me
An undivided heart.

I want Your joy to be my greatest strength
Your salvation my impassioned praise
Your holiness to be my way of living
For all the rest of my days
Keep me steadfast in doing Your work
And following the course that You chart
Oh, Lord, please give to me
An undivided heart.

Teach me to daily die to self
And to spend much time in prayer
That I may be discerning of those around me
And treat them with genuine care
I want to be totally true to You
To wear your righteousness as my mark
Oh, Lord, please give to me
An undivided heart.

I want to live the time You've given me
Committed fully to Your purpose and call
Lord, consume me with Your awesome presence
Cause me on my knees to fall
And bow to Your desire for my life
Let no circumstance keep us apart
Oh, Lord, please give to me
An undivided heart.

©2001 Crystal C. Godfrey

Knowing Christ

Is there a treasure worth comparing
To the joy of knowing Christ?
A wealth that's capable of bearing
The burden of an empty life?

Has money ever held the hand
And whispered words of love
To even a single dying man,
And if it could, is that enough?

Can riches ever light the way
When you stand on eternity's shore,
And does it know just what to say
Before you face "Forevermore"?

Will gems impress the Lord of all?
Could they redeem your sinful life?
No jewels dim and gold is dull
Beside the joy of knowing Christ!

You need to hear this!!!

~ Anonymous

You are in love with Tommy,
Because his last name is Hilfiger,
But behind closed doors, Tommy,
Is calling you a n*gger,

But you could care less,
Because you have been taught to dress to impress,
If I ask you about your true history,
You would have to look on the back of your jeans and Guess,

You come up in the club wearing Versace,
Clothes made by a homosexual male,
So even when you say you are straight,
It is very hard to tell,
And for footwear, you wear Timberlands,

Even under the sun,
That same tree that's the symbol for them,
Could have been the same one your ancestors were hung from,

I cannot forget Nautica,
What was the last memory you have of ships,
Coming to North America in shackles,
Being beaten over the back with whips,

And to my beautiful black queens,
Whose creative womb has become barren,
I am confused because your face says Nefertiti,
But your sweater reads Donna Karen,

When was the last time you saw Liz Claiborne,
Conversing with black women,
But as soon as her name is printed on a purse,
To Macy's you quickly go, running,

Ralph Lauren doesn't even look at black men,
Unless they are driving him around town,
But as soon as that slave master appears on the back of a horse,
You put whatever you have picked up down,

My people reclaim your status in this world and in your life,
F.U.B.U. in case you didn't know, stands for ( For Us By Us),
Buying black will someday suffice,
Do you know who owns Timberland fashion?

Well, Timberland is owned by the president of the KKK,
Surprised? Don't be.
Read more books black people,
Always hope for the best and prepare for the worst,
You may not get what you pay for,
But you'll surely pay for what you get.

Parents Prayer

by Dr. Garry C. Myers

Oh, God, make me a better parent.
Help me to understand my children,
To listen patiently to what they have to say
And to answer all their questions kindly.

Keep me from interrupting them,
Talking back to them and contradicting them.
Make me as courteous to them
As I would have them be to me.

Give me the courage to confess my sins
Against my children and to ask of them forgiveness,
When I know that I have done them wrong.

May I not vainly hurt the feelings of my children.
Forbid that I should laugh at their mistakes or
Resort to shame and ridicule as punishment.

Let me not tempt a child to lie and steal.
So guide me hour by hour that I may demonstrate
By all I say and do that honestly produces happiness.
Reduce, I pray, the meanness in me.

May I cease to nag:
And when I am out of sorts,
Help me, O Lord, to hold my tongue.

Blind me to the little errors of my children
And help me to see the good things that they do.
Give me a ready word for honest praise.

Help to treat my children as those of their own age,
But let me not exact of them the judgments and conventions of adults.
Allow me not to rob them of the opportunity to wait upon themselves,
To think, to choose, and to make decisions.

Forbid that I should ever punish them for my self-satisfaction.
May I grant them all of their wishes that are reasonable
And have the courage always to withhold a privilege that I know will do them harm.

Make me so fair and just, so considerate and companionable to my children that they will have a genuine esteem for me.
Fit me to be loved and imitated by my children.
With all thy gifts, Oh God, do give me calm and poise and self control.

Inner Beauty

by Ruth Johnson

Although outward beauty may be seen
all painted on with a brush so fair
its shallowness can be revealed
in our actions unaware,

But inner beauty is much more rare
and it comes from God above
It is shown in how we act
and how we show His love.

Like an oyster in the ocean
its outer shell so plain and dull
but when you look inside of it
there's a pearl so beautiful.

I hope to be like the oyster
when you look inside you'll see
a heart so warm and beautiful
and see God's love inside of me.

copyright 2002 Ruth Johnson

The Battle

Jay L. Zumbrum

My mind is a raging fire, I'm convicted in my heart
I long to be a Christian Lord, but know not where to start
I hear my Savior knocking, He's standing at the door
And all the earthly worldly things aren't important anymore!

I make the great decision, I fall down on my knees
And ask my Lord to save me, enter my heart I plead
And I know that at that moment, my sin is cast away
I'm now a newborn child, a tender Christian babe!

The news spreads fast, and soon I learn, the enemy has heard
His plan is to attack, before I know the Word
For with the Word I have in me the Holy Spirit's power
He knows he must attack at once, he cannot wait an hour!

He gathers together all his demons and sets his battle plans
He must destroy this new child's faith, it must blow as drifting sands
The planning takes just minutes, they empty all the files
And then his army moves, armed with many trials!

The attack is fast and furious, and for a while I stumble
But in the end, I am quite sure, it is Satan who will bumble
I'm hit with many problems, they're coming by the score
And as my faith begins to slip, I fall down to the floor!

Satan now is laughing, he jumps around in glee
And then the smile fades from his face, as I struggle to one knee
He stares unto the battlefield, his face is filled with terror
With all the files they had on me, could he have made an error?

I'm beaten, battered, on one knee, as my lips begin to move
Satan is screaming at the top of his lungs, "What's he trying to prove?"
He sends out queries to the demons, "What is that he's saying?"
The answer comes like a shot in the night, "Oh Lucifer, he's praying!"

My strength ebbs back, and as I struggle, I gain the other knee
And when the demons see this, they turn from me and flee
Satan screams, "Stand and fight, he's only just a man!"
The answer comes loud and clear, "A man in the Savior's hand!"

The battle now is over, my faith as strong as steel
And in my heart, I know full well, the Lord Jesus is for real
For as I lay on the ground that day, something gently lifted me
Without that gentle lifting, I'd never have gained my knees!

The moral of this poem, is really very clear
Just call on the name of Jesus, when you're facing fear
For when you call on Jesus, Satan hasn't got a chance
The power that he thinks he has is fictional romance!

The Ten Commandments

by Peggy McIlveene

Moses went up to Mount Sinai;
he had to go up alone,
to get commandments from the Lord
divinely etched in stone.

He brought them down the mountain,
and showed them to the Jews.
He said, “Follow these laws of God,
or die in your sins—you choose.

You shall have no other gods before me,
It simply can’t be done!
“This,” says the Almighty God,
“is commandment number 1.”

No graven images shall you worship,
this you should NEVER do!
“This,” says the Almighty God,
“is commandment number 2.”

You shall not use my name in vain;
it's a great insult to Me!
“This,” says the Almighty God,
“is commandment number 3.”

You shall keep holy the Sabbath day;
on that day, work no more.
“This,” says the Almighty God,
“is commandment number 4.”

Honor your Father and your Mother,
as long as you’re alive.
“This,” says the Almighty God,
“is commandment number 5.”

You shall not kill a living soul;
adhere to my edicts!
“This,” says the Almighty God,
“is commandment number 6.”

You shall not commit adultery,
I say to you from Heaven.
“This,” says the Almighty God,
“is commandment number 7.”

You shall not steal from anyone,
thievery I really hate!
“This,” says the Almighty God,
“is commandment number 8.”

You shall not lie about anyone,
or in any way seek to malign.
“This,” says the Almighty God,
“is commandment number 9.”

You shall not covet anything
that’s owned by other men.
“This,” says the Almighty God,
“is commandment number 10.”

But Jesus fulfilled these commandments,
so we’re under the law no more; for,
instead we’re saved through Jesus Christ,
and we’ll live on forever more!

©Peggy McIlveene
March14, 2002

I Refuse To Be Discouraged!

I refuse to be discouraged,
To be sad, or to cry;
I refuse to be downhearted,
And here's the reason why . . .
I have a God who's mighty,
Who's sovereign and supreme;
I have a God who love me,
And I am on His team.
He is all wise and powerful,
Jesus is His name;
Though everything is changeable,
My God remains the same.
My God knows all that's happening,
Beginning to end.
His presence is my comfort,
He is my dearest friend.

When sickness comes to weaken me,
To bring my head down low,
I call upon my mighty God;
Into His arms I go.
When circumstances threaten
To rob me from my peace,
He draws me close unto His breast,
Where all my strivings cease.
And when my heart melts within me,
And weakness takes control,
He gathers me into His arms,
He soothes my heart and soul.
The great "I AM" is with me,
My life is in His hands,
The "Son of the Lord" is my hope,
It's in His strength I stand.

I refuse to be defeated,
My eyes are on my God;
He has promised to be with me,
As through this life I trod.
I'm looking past all my circumstances,
To Heaven's throne above;
My prayers have reached the heart of God,
I'm resting in His love.
I give God thanks in everything,
My eyes are on his face;
The battle's His, the victory is mine;
He'll help me win the race.

To Busy For Jesus

Donna Laster

The dream became clearer as I tossed around in my sleep.
The Lord was calling my name over and over, so loud and deep.
The voice surrounded my bedroom, I stared within.
He said, "This is Jesus, my friend, where have you been?"

He said, "My dear brethren, what have you done today,
to walk in my footsteps and try not to stray?
Not once have you been humble on your knees in prayer.
Son, you must shine my light and show others you care."

I saw you yesterday, only glancing at the man on the road.
He was having car trouble and needed to be towed.
You said, "I can't stop or I will surely be late,
someone will help him soon, he'll just have to wait."

"One of your workers has been sick and almost died.
This lady is a widow and food for five she must buy.
You have plenty and you're never hungry when you go to bed.
Why are you so greedy and trying to get ahead?

"What if I had been too busy to die on the cross?
You would never walk the streets of gold, your soul would be lost.
What if I had been too busy to hear you that day,
when you asked forgiveness and earnestly prayed?"

I awoke from my deep slumber and my heart felt content.
I thanked the Lord on my knees, for the message He had sent.
So many times, I take for granted the small things He has given to me.
Without the Lord in my life each day, I am blind and cannot see.

Copyright © 1999 by Donna Laster

The Gift of God

Michael Lindell

Long before the day when Mary gave birth,
Before God formed man from the dust of the earth,
Before the stars into the heavens were hurled,
There was the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

Before the deadly fall of the race,
God's plan of redemption was already in place.
His own Son would die on an old rugged cross,
To save His creation from eternal loss.

God foretold His coming from the opening book,
The Seed of the woman for whom we should look.
Abraham, Isaac, and the sacrificial ram,
Foretold the sacrifice of the great I AM.

The prophets proclaimed the place of His birth:
Bethlehem of Judea, where God came to earth.
His name did the prophets clearly foretell:
Mighty God, Prince of Peace, Immanuel.

In the fullness of time God's word came to pass,
The birth of the Savior to a young virgin lass.
His mission on earth was finally unfurled,
The Lamb of God, to take away the sin of the world.

The way to the Father was shown us by Christ,
He said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life."
He came to release the deathgrip of sin,
He went to the cross our redemption to win.

It was for our sin that He suffered and bled,
Yet triumphant, victorious, He rose from the dead.
Now seated in heaven He eternally lives,
Mercy and forgiveness freely He gives.

Salvation is promised to all who'll receive.
Trust the Lord Jesus and in Him alone believe.
Repent of your sin and for His mercy do plead,
And from sin, death, and hell you will surely be freed.

O this Christmas may your life truly start.
May the glory of God shine into your heart.
May the gift of God -- His Son Jesus Christ
Bring true peace and joy into your life.

And what can separate us from such wonderful love
So rich and so full from our great God above?
Nothing, no nothing, in all creation can part
The Lord Jesus Christ from a redeemed, trusting heart.

Blessings

Unknown Author

I knelt to pray when day was done
And prayed, "O Lord, bless everyone,
Lift from each saddened heart the pain
And let the sick be well again."

And then I woke another day
And carelessly went on my way,
The whole day long I did not try
To wipe a tear from any eye.
I did not try to share the load
Of any brother on the road.

I did not even go to see
The sick man just next door to me.
Yet once again when day was done
I prayed, "O Lord, bless everyone."

But as I prayed, into my ear
There came a voice that whispered clear,
"Pause now, my son, before you pray.
Whom have you tried to bless today?

Gods sweetest blessing always go
By hands that serve him here below."
And then I hid my face and cried,
"Forgive me, God, I have not tried,
But let me live another day
And I will live the way I pray."

Always Say A Prayer (A.S.A.P.)

There's work to do, deadlines to meet,
you've got no time to spare,
But as you hurry and scurry,
always say a prayer.

In the midst of family chaos,
"quality time" is rare.
Do your best; let God do the rest:
Always say a prayer.

It may seem like your worries are
more than you can bear.
Slow down and take a breather-
always say a prayer.

God knows how stressful life is;
He wants to ease our cares,
and He'll respond ASAP-
Always say a prayer!

Anonymous

Consider Him

When the storm is raging high,
When the tempest rends the sky,
When my eyes with tears are dim,
Then, my soul, consider Him.

When my plans are in the dust,
When my dearest hopes are crushed,
When is passed each foolish whim,
Then, my soul, consider Him.

When with dearest friends I part,
When deep sorrow fills my heart,
When pain racks each weary limb,
Then, my soul, consider Him.

When I track my weary way,
When fresh trials come each day,
When my faith and hope are dim,
Then, my soul, consider Him.

Clouds or sunshine, dark or bright,
Evening shades or morning light,
When my cup flows o'er the brim,
Then, my soul, consider Him.

Author Unknown

The Encounter

Joy Noble

I ran into Satan the other day.....
didn't know til I got there, I had gone the wrong way,
for his voice was so sweet, how could I have known?
and his face was so beautiful it practically shone!
But his words were like vipers whose poisonous fangs
pierced the very heart of my faith,
The father of lies behind human eyes;
the true person beneath just a wrath.
Blind as I was, I accepted as truth
the kindly advice that he gave,
even smiled and thanked him as I waved good-bye!
(trying my best to be brave)
It wasn't til later the venom took old,
clouding my judgment with doubt.....
Caught in the tide of deliverers died
with depression as my mount.
Bombarded with pain, my hope all but slain,
my battle wore on through the night.....
when I desperately struggled to take just one step
and the Lord led me into His light.
His gentle kindness comforted
and set my heart at ease
through a kindly old spirit He set in my path;
my worry and pain to appease.
Safe from the evil placed in my path,
allowed by the Lord for he knew
His Word would succeed to fill all my need,
and bless me with power anew.
And so, Satan's scheme to steal me away
was foiled yet once again.....
Crushed by the King with the mercy He brings-
delivered from Satan's den.
Restored by His love - renewed in His might,
and wiser than before.....
with my shield of faith now firmly in place,
Lord, I am ready and willing to soar!

Let it Go

by Natarsha N. Wright

The past hurt and pain, Let it Go
Self doubt, Let it Go
Past failure, Let it Go
Past relationships, Let it Go
Unhealthy friendships, Let it Go
Family, Let it Go
Jealousy, Let it Go
Envy, Let it Go
Negative thinking, Let it Go

Anybody who doesn't want to share in your success, your joy, your hopes, your dreams and help you get to where you need to be, LET IT GO...You can not be envious of what the next person has because what's for you is for you...You are the only thing that is hindering yourself from your blessing...If you can't be happy for others then how can you be happy for yourself when your time comes?

Undeserved Grace

Jay Parr

He keeps me in the darkest times of my life.
Despite the fact I do not deserve a wisp of His Grace.
How may times will I ask Him to protect me from the situation I freely got myself into;
When I could have avoided my troubles by seeking God's face?

Just because I accepted Him as my Savior, Jesus never leaves me.
Yet I leave Him there grieving over how I forget his teachings every day.
I know he'll take me in His arms when I am lonely.
Despite how far my sin has kept me away.

If the basis of my salvation depended on my ways,
There is no way I could ever achieve it's safety.
I cannot go a day without falling.
Yet, Christ catches me and wipes sin's stain way.

All that I have I owe to Jesus,
Still I am not at peace.
Why can't I accept the provisions He has given,
Instead of doing as I please.

Will I ever understand how much He loves me?
I know I will never deserve that love.
And even in the darkest times,
His light never stops shining from above.

Harsh Words

Unknown Author

I ran into a stranger as he passed by,
"Oh excuse me please" was my reply.
He said, "Please excuse me too;
I wasn't watching for you."
We were very polite, this stranger and I.
We went on our way saying good-bye.
But at home a difference is told,
how we treat our loved ones, young and old.
Later that day, cooking the evening meal,
My son stood beside me very still.
As I turned, I nearly knocked him down.
"Move out of the way," I said with a frown.
He walked away, his little heart broken.
I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken.
While I lay awake in bed,
God's still small voice came to me and said,
"While dealing with a stranger, common courtesy you use,
But the children you love, you seem to abuse.
Go and look on the kitchen floor,
You'll find some flowers there by the door.
Those are the flowers he brought for you.
He picked them himself: pink, yellow and blue.
He stood very quietly not to spoil the surprise,
and you never saw the tears that filled his little eyes."
By this time, I felt very small,
and now my tears began to fall.
I quietly went and knelt by his bed;
"Wake up, little one, wake up," I said. "
Are these the flowers you picked for me?"
He smiled, "I found 'em, out by the tree.
I picked 'em because they're pretty like you.
I knew you'd like 'em, especially the blue."
I said, "Son, I'm very sorry for the way I acted today;
I shouldn't have yelled at you that way."
He said, "Oh, Mom, that's okay. I love you anyway."
I said, "Son, I love you too,
and I do like the flowers, especially the blue."

If Jesus Came to Your House

Author Unknown

If Jesus came to your house to spend a day or two
If He came unexpectedly,I wonder what you'd do

Oh, I know you'd give your nicest Room to such an honored Guest
And all the food you'd serve to Him would be the very best,

And you'd keep assuring Him you're glad to have Him there-
That serving Him in your home is joy beyond compare

But when you saw Him coming would you meet Him at the door
With arms outstretched in welcome to your Heavnly Visitor?

Or would you have to change your clothes before you let Him in
Or hide some magazines and put the Bibles where they'd been?

Would you turn off the radio and hope He hadn't heard
And wish you hadn't uttered that last, loud, hasty word?

Would you hide your wordly music And put some hymn books out?
Could you let Jesus walk right in,or would you rush about?

And I wonder - if the Saviour spent a day or two with you,
Would you go right on doing the things you always do?

Would you keep right on saying the things you always say?
Would life for you continue as it does from day to day?

Would your family conversation keep up it's usual pace,
And would you find it hard each meal to say a table grace?

Would you sing the words you sing and read the books you read
And let Him know the things on which your mind and spirit feed?

Would you take Jesus with you everywhere you'd planned to go?
Or would you maybe change your plans for just a day or so?

Would you be glad to have Him meet your very closest friends,
Or would you hope they'd stay away until His visit ends?

Would you be glad to have Him stay forever on and on,
Or would you sigh with great relief when He at last was gone?

It might be interesting to know the things that you would do
If Jesus Christ in person came to spend some time with you.

We Are The Ones

Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen.
Hebrews 11:1

Don't Add On

Blair Wingo
blair_wingo@yahoo.com

This poem is not about "ceasing from" Baptism, the Sabbath, fasting, etc. It is saying "DON'T ADD ON TO THE CROSS!!!" Listen and hear the explanation at the end. All of those things are for the outward manifestation of God's revelation, but the cross allowed for us to be cleansed spiritually...not those other things. Its why Christ came!

The Armor of God

by Peggy McIlveene

Put on the armor of Almighty God,
so you can withstand Satan’s schemes.
Our battle is not against flesh and blood;
no, things are not as they seem.

Our fight is against the powers of darkness,
with the forces of evil on high.
But He gave us His armor so we can stand firm,
on the Earth and in the sky.

Gird your loins with truth, which will always bear out,
the breastplate of righteousness wear.
Shod your feet with preparation of the gospel of peace;
take the shield of faith everywhere.

Take the helmet of salvation to wear on your head,
and the Spirit’s sword in your hand.
And pray in the Spirit all of the time so
against Satan’s plots you can stand.

©Peggy McIlveene
April 24, 2002

God Never Changes

by Teresa of Avila

Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things pass away;
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things.
He who has God lacks nothing;
God alone suffices.

The Hand of Grace

by Jay Parr

I often wonder where we would be,
If not for His Blessed hand.
For despite our preconceived ideas of how bright we are,
God's love is something we will never quite understand.

You see, He loves us when we hurt Him,
He loves us when we walk away.
Because if God cares for the fallen sparrow,
Just think how much he cares for the one in His image He made!

Hands of Despite our rejection and denial,
despite the coldness of our hearts,
God never forsakes our call of mercy,
Despite Satan's poisonous darts.

My mind cannot conceive the love he has for me,
In the world something not near as special is not some thing free.
Yet, Jesus' love is without cost or obligation.
He paid for my salvation with His blood.

So by the Grace of God we survive.
Because of His love and protection we are assured.
Our lives are always in the Grace.

WAIT

by James Riddick

There is so much in life to look forward to, so many places to see, so many things to do
You see, Innocence is more blissful than ignorance, as some state
As the temptation becomes great, Dear child, I say WAIT
WAIT young men, I say WAIT, you’re a child of the King
Why risk you future and possibly your soul? For one intimate fling
Having a child before marriage, struggle will certainly be your fate
To fight hormonal rage, which is great
Seek God’s face, I say WAIT
Wait young women, I say WAIT, Yes, I am talking to you, too
Worry about the “F” you got in English
Instead of worrying about who’s talking to your boo!
I would hate to see you seal your fate, crying over being late
When peer pressure is great, Dear child, please WAIT
Parents, society’s example should not dictate
The standard by which OUR kids are raised
Raise our children HIS way
Teach our future to WAIT

Being confident of this very thing, that HE who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. -Philippians 1:6

TO MY WIFE TO BE

by Kirby Garland, Jr., 2003

Love sent you.
Though you're with me,
I await your arrival.

Paging manifestation!

Destiny has no shortcuts.
And fulfillment can't be rushed.
Though I believe, help my unbelief.

Dr. Time has me in surgery.
I'm sedated by your future memory.
I will soon awaken.

Don't look for me.
You`ll never find me.
Look for Love.
There, you shall be found.

You Just Lost One!

Listen carefully!



Blair Wingo
blair_wingo@yahoo.com

Struggles!

Justin Izlar

Everybody goes through struggles
But there are different ways that people handle them.
Different ways that people approach them.
Different ways that people dismantle them.

Everybody has ups a downs
And we all try to avoid the down.
Some see it and try to go around.
Some get lost in it and are never found.

Don't be that type of person
That gets stuck and doesn't know what to do.
Because if you do, before you know it
That situation is going to destroy you.

When these situations do hit home.
There are 3 types of people that will go through.
Those that hide, watch, and make it their own.
The question is, which one are you?

Akward

Marcus Corpening

http://www.myspace.com/themightytestimony

http://amightyservice.blogspot.com/

Sought Potential Part I (read the origianl)..../HE thinks I shine/ Curiosity of my potential leads me to continue to climb and climb/But sometimes the hand of time refuses to shake my hand in agreement/ So I carve my name in the cement of patience/

Right now, I want you to do the same and carve your name in that same cement of patience and anticipate the continuation of this poem. Patience is indeed a virtue.

POTENT POTENTIAL!!!
by Christoph Jenkins

Now that I have engraved my name in that cement/ The clock on the wall of this world no longer seems relevant/ Because of the time that He spent on the cross/ He hung high and lost His life/ So that I might realize my full potential/ However, it is essential that you know/With all clarity and complete sincerity/ That I will never acquire enough credentials/ To reach the potential He has set for me/ He adores me!/ And I do Him/ Before I knew Him, my future was bleak as can be/ Desolate!/ My potential was weak as can be/ There was no hope!/ I'll testify right now/ It's best to try him/ And I know how/ Be honest with yourself and with Him/ Shelf your old ways and do away with them/ Verbally ask God to reside in you/ Because believe you me, He takes pride in YOU/ Especially, when you take pride in Him/ I use to take short timid steps/ Now, I can stride in Him/ Psalms 18 and 2 is my proclamation/ Let it be your proof if you need documentation/ HE told me I have Potent Potential/ All because I allowed my heart to become residential/ You should do the same?/

Give your life to Christ! Do it this day because tomorrow might be too late.

God Bless!!!

No Rhyme Or Reason!

by Christoph J.

Lord, I heard you knock.
Please, come in!
Dwell within me!
And I vow to let my light, that is You, shine forever!

Amen!

How Could You?

by Natarsha N. Wright

How could you love someone like me?

How could you accept me for who I am?

For the person I was

For that time I put my ways before yours

For that time I followed the crowd

For that time I lied

For that time I stole

For that time I cheated

For that time I slipped into depression

For that time I tried to commit suicide

For that time I let him have his way with me

For that time I had an abortion

For that time I believed that I would be nothing without him

For that time I cursed you and mocked your name

For that time I put my job before you

For that time I put my money before you

For that time I couldn’t have my way

For that time I said, I’d never and I did

For that time I didn’t trust you

For that time I didn’t believe

For that time I didn’t have hope

For that time I didn’t have faith

For that time I told you, if you do this one thing for me, I will…

For that time I didn’t believe you would make a way out of no way

For that time I didn’t forgive myself when you had already forgiven me

For that time, and this time, and…

HOW COULD YOU? GOD, GOD do you hear me, do you even see me, according to James 4:7, I submit myself to you O, God, I resist the devil and HE MUST FLEE! He only came to dominate and have his way with me, manipulate and torment me, say it with me, "THE DEVIL MUST FLEE", "I am strong and of good courage, I do not fear nor am I afraid, for the Lord my God, He is the one who goes with me. He will not leave me nor forsake me."~Deuteronomy 31:6

Self Realization

by Ms. Twitty

Oh happy day

When someone can show me that they don't love me enough
But through the pain my spirit strengthens my mind so that I love me more that enough
So it doesn't matter what others show
Or don't
Praying to God
Asking for guidance and relief from this pain
He whispers into my ear
It's only temporary
You deserve better
You deserve the best
Put NO man before me
You will be bountifully blessed
Don't worry about the future
Just do My will
Give up control

This is not your will, but Mine
Give up your pride
Or your circle of struggles and confusion will continue
Follow Me and I will not lead you astray
Do not worry about the small things in life
I will handle it all
I will take care of you

As I always have
Take my hand my child
For I have always been reaching for you...

Prayer for Inner Peace

by Don Smith

Dear Lord,

you know of my heartaches
my pains
you know of my concerns
my aims
you know of my faults
my strength
you know of my bad judgement
my common sense
you know of my future
my past
and I know troubled times won't last forever
so I ask that you grant me peace
during these unpeaceful times
I ask, that you free my mind
of any worry
stress
I feel I can serve you best
with a peaceful mind
Lord,
I ask that you grant me an inner peace
this is what I ask
it is what I seek
In Jesus Christ name, I pray
Amen

You

I failed to understand the privilege and prosperity I had in you. There were blessings that were available to me (and those like me) and only available from you.

But you see, past memories often overshadow present circumstances. Like a dog that returns to his vomit, a clean pig to her mud, the comfortable, delicious, delightful, warm and fuzzy past often seeks agency to gain entrance to the present and future...over stepping its bounds.

And I open the door to that past by welcoming it into the...now, by stepping outside of your safety and security to walk on the wild side. Your comforter warned me, encouraged me to stay, but did not stop me because you gave ME the choice. Even my body rebelled against my mind: pit in my stomach, heart in my throat. But I packed up my blessings in the knapsack you gave me and walked out...and I didn't look back.

How easily I slipped back into the groove, into the rhythm. All my friends were waiting there, celebrating there, partying there, happy for my triumphant return there. They opened up my knapsack of blessings and helped themselves, bringing new friends that began to love me and adore me and it seemed that I was on top of the world. I celebrated my decision. I know you knew, but I knew better, because nothing felt like thiiiiissssssss.

But after awhile it seemed that my new friends didn't love me at all. Their presence and adoration was directly proportional to the contents of the knapsack and as the supply began to dwindle, they began to dwindle. When the knapsack was empty, so was I. I tried to get the party started but all of them were nowhere to be found. The comfort became asphalt hard, deliciousness soured, delight became sickening, warm and fuzzy became cold and brittle. For the first time ever, I heard the echo of my heartbeat.

It was then that I realized that it was you that knew better. The desolation of humiliation, the utterness of loneliness, the fat swollen tears of fears were my only companions, constant in their vigil, like vultures circling the cruelly sunlit sky waiting for me to die. And die I did, slow death to myself, velvet blackness, not allowing me to see the hand you gave me in front of the face you gave me, so I couldn't see you...save me.

The legs you gave me dropped to the knees in slavery and crawled back to you...waiting you, seeking you, weeping you, realoving you, everlasting you, wonderful, amazing, awesome you, arms outstretched.

And you said not a word,
and suffered none from me.
"Shhhhhhhhhhhhhh"
As you slipped a golden ring on my finger and a robe around my shoulders...

'for this is my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and found.' And they began to be merry. Luke 15:24

©SojournerG 2008 All rights reserved

I’ve Diluted Myself!

by Diana Ramsey (Northern Virginia)

Turn up the music so I can fade out the loud banging of my conscience hitting my heart. Roll down the window so the tears that fall out my eyes can be brushed away quickly before anyone recognizes my pain. Let me close my eyes so I won’t see the person I have become. Pour me one more shot of whatever this is that is making my body feel tingly with sin and temptation. I want to dilute myself of the purity I was born into, cause if I do I won’t have to hear my conscience, feel my tears, deal with this pain, see myself going to hell, or even be conscience enough to care. I’ve diluted so much of my soul that not even the holiest of prayers can drag me out. If I could take out all the bad I’ve diluted myself with, would I be clean again? Probably not, cause I would still walk around bearing the scars of a sinner. I was born into sin and with my help I will die just the same. I sit in church wanting to feel the Holy Ghost but I’m left in shame. The woman beside me was more worthy of this righteous takeover. Holy Ghost probably could get past all of my many distractions to whisper God’s love for me in my ear. See we all have diluted ourselves in one way or another. You read this poem from the outside in, now read it from the inside out, replacing the I’s with Me’s because you see yourself in between these words somehow. Dilution is the pollution of the soul, and like I said before…I’ve diluted myself………….

A Special Mother's Day Message: "A Virtuous Woman"

Proverbs 31:10-31 (The Message)

A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises.
She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day.

She looks over a field and buys it, then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking.
She's quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn't worry about her family when it snows; their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear. She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks.

Her husband is greatly respected when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive.

Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise:
"Many women have done wonderful things, but you've outclassed them all!"
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised
is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves! Festoon her life with praises!
© Streaming Faith all rights reserved.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!