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.