Whys

Everyone knows of the suffering happening in Haiti right now – the desperate need and devastating loss.  The answer to all the “whys” is not so easily known.

Lord, even when we don’t understand the “whys” may we yet trust and glorify Your name.

Here’s a simple poem to encourage us even when  we suffer.

For Your Glory

No one wants to suffer
or experience deep pain
but because You did, Lord Jesus,
You lovingly explain,
that some may go through trials
for a season, for a time
but through it they will glorify
their Creator and still shine.

“Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.” 1 Peter 4:16

Responses

A good friend of mine has a son with Asperger’s Syndrome.  Recently she shared one of his meltdown situations.  It got pretty bad, as those around him didn’t understand to not react and respond to his behavior, no matter what he said.

Jesus, thank You for being our strength and our way when we are in difficult situations that egg us on to a negative response.  We can abstain because of You.

Praying this simple poem encourages us to respond differently than most would to negative treatment.

Make Me Like You

As You suffered but didn’t
return evil for evil
nor reviling when
You were reviled,
please help me be
of the same mind,
a compassionate blessing
that makes someone’s heart smile.

“Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another. . .” 1 Peter 3:8

Submitting

Aubrey has to submit to taking seizure medications everyday – 3 times a day.  She doesn’t like it, but we know it’s a must, for her own good and well being.

Jesus, You know there are times when I don’t want to submit to Your will, let alone others.  Thank You for reminding me today that submitting really is good for me . . .and that You have me covered when I do.

Here’s a simple poem to encourage us as we submit to Him and each other today.

But Jesus . . .

We’re to honor all people
by submitting to  them -
masters and rulers
and for wives, our husbands.
Oh Jesus, do You know
just how hard this is?
But of course, for submission
through the cross was His.

“Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake. . .”  1 Peter 2:13

Tug Of War

Aubrey had horse therapy this last Monday.  The horse she rides, nick-named Brat, cracked us up.  He grabbed onto a cone with his teeth, picked it up and swung it back and forth.  When his owner tried to take it from him, Brat wouldn’t let go.  A tug of war ensued before he finally gave it up.

Jesus, is there something I’m playing tug of war over with You today?  Please show me what it is and how to let it go, so I can attach myself more closely to You.

Here’s a simple poem to encourage us when we need to let go.

Passing Through

We are pilgrims here
in this earthly place
sojourners who
must seek Your face,
staying unattached
to what might bind us
so our good works
can glorify You, Jesus.

“Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul.”  1 Peter 2:11

Marvelous Light

The porch lay in darkness when we returned home, though I was sure I’d turned on the porch light when we left.  The bulb must’ve burned out.

Thank You, Jesus, for exchanging my bulb, so I never have to be in darkness again!

Encouraging us into His light with a simple poem. . .

Living Light

How precious You are
to us who believe
falling before You
to accept and receive
Your love and mercy
trading our darkness for light,
becoming Your special people
who praise You day and night.

“That you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of the darkness into His marvelous light.. .” 1 Peter 2:9

Real Food

As I timidly try to lose weight, I’ve had to look at food differently.  Instead of using it to comfort myself or help me cope, I must now see it as it truly is – a means of fueling my body.  I wouldn’t consider putting anything other than gas into my car’s tank, so I have to only put what my body needs to run efficiently into mine.

Thank You, Jesus, for being my comfort food, something   I can fill up on as much as I like and be truly satisfied.

May He comfort us today, even through this simple poem.

Taste and See

When my soul is hungry
there’s only one thing to do -
immerse myself completely
into Your pure word of truth,
letting  it nourish in me
fervent love and life,
filled with the graciousness
Your living word provides.

“”. . .having been born again . . .through the word of God which lives and abides forever. . .”  1 Peter 1:23

Can We Do It?

Aubrey found out she has to have more blood work done. She did really well a week ago, but now she’s not sure she can do it again.   I must keep encouraging her that she will be okay and do great!

Thank You, Jesus, for reminding us of all we have in You and that it’s more than enough to see us through!

Praying this simple poem encourages us to rest in Him with whatever we face today.

Yes We Can

Now we can rest fully
upon the grace of You
and we can be holy
doing what You want us to,
because we’ve been redeemed
by the blood of the Lamb
who was ordained for us
before the world began.

” . . .knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things . . .but with the precious blood of Christ.”  1 Peter 1:18,19

The Gift of Knowing

Raising a child with different abilities and a unique learning style is eye opening.  I often take for granted she knows things she simply doesn’t.  What can’t be held or smelled or tasted holds little interest or meaning to her.

Jesus, thank You for giving us Your gospel that we might experience it to the fullest . . . and know You are real and our salvation is here.

Here’s our simple poem to encourage us in what we know . . .Him.

Gospel Grace

The prophets studied endlessly
about the grace that was to come,
Your Spirit testifying within them
the suffering and glories of the Son,
yet it was to us they ministered
the things which we now know,
by the Spirit filled preaching of the gospel
which even angels long to behold.

“Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently . . .things which angels desire to look into.”
1 Peter 1:10.12

Unstoppable Joy

Aubrey loves to sing.  It might be a song from a movie, or from  the radio, or one of her own making that comes bubbling out of her.  It’s how she expresses her joy and there’s no stopping it.

Jesus, may You bubble up and out of me each day in a joyous expression of love.

Here’s a simple poem to encourage us in our joy of Him.

Inexpressible

Our genuine faith rejoices
no matter what we’re going through
and is found to praise and glory
at the revelation of You
though our eyes have not beheld
our hearts adore You and believe
with an uncontainable joy
for the salvation we’ll receive.

“Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.”  1 Peter 1:8

Inheriting Hope

My mom wants to leave me her car when she dies.  I can’t think about it too much because what I really want she can’t give me.  I’d want her not to pass away!

Thank You, Jesus, for giving everyone of us an inheritance beyond our wildest dreams, beyond earthly limits, and beyond material goods. . .an eternity of living hope in You.

Here’s a simple poem to encourage us to consider our Inheritance today!

Our Heavenly Inheritance

What will we inherit
here upon the earth
that can come with us,
that has enduring worth?

Nothing but the Living Hope
which we have through You
that never fades away
but by Your power is forever new.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope . . .to our inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away. . .”  1 Peter1:3-4