For The Truth

“For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.” 2 Corinthians 13:8

The truth cannot be dented or done away with.

Lord, thank You for the Holy Spirit’s magnetic pull of truth.  And here’s a simple poem . . .

Truth Stays

I can ignore the truth
but it’s still there to see

and I can cover it up
but it calls out to me

I can try to deny it
or simply disagree

but the truth never lessens
it stays to set me free.

 

Next up, 2 Samuel.  . .

Thinking More of God

“But I forbear, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me.”  2 Corinthians 12:6

It’s kind of nice when someone thinks highly of us. . .

Oh Lord, may I not think more of myself or someone else than I do of You.  And here’s a simple poem . . .

More You

Since I am
in You
and You are
in me
let others think
more of You
when they think
of me.

“If I Must Boast”

“If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity.”  2 Corinthians 11:30

I used to put myself down a lot.

Thank You, Lord, for taking a destructive bad habit and changing it into a way to glorify You. And here’s a simple poem . . .

Backwards Boasting

If I boast
let it be
about the weaknesses
in me

so that others
then can see
just how Jesus
rescues me.

Comparing and Measuring

“For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves.  But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.”  2 Corinthians 10:12

When I’m around someone who commends their self, I begin to feel less than them.

Lord, please give me the wisdom and grace to be with those who promote themselves without giving in to the temptation to do likewise.  And here’s a simple poem . . .

Seal of Approval

I’ve found it is best for me
to just turn away

when measuring and comparing start
and not enter that fray

but stick close to You
listening to what You say

and let the blessing of Your presence
be my commendation for this day.

Grace Abounding

“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, have an abundance for every good work.”  2 Corinthians 9:8

I’ve learned a little about grace from having a child with special needs and how that then creates unique needs for each member of the family.

Father, thank You for not leaving us lacking in anyway to do the work You desire us to.  And here’s a simple poem . . .

Grace Sufficiency

I don’t know how
I will do it

for there is always
a work to be done

then I smile
at grace sufficient

for even this
through His Son.

First to God, Then to Us

“. . .but first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.”  2 Corinthians 8:5

I’m so thankful for all the humanitarian efforts being done world-wide.

Lord, please let us not leave You out of what we do for each other. And here’s a simple poem . . .

A Giving Pattern

I gave Myself
first to My Father
before I gave
Myself for you.
As that was
the Father’s will for Me
so it is also
His will for you.

Godly Sorrow

“Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance.  for you were made sorry in a godly manner that you might suffer loss from us in nothing.” 2 Corinthians 7:9

“For godly sorrow produces repentance to salvation, not to be regretted but the sorrow of the world produces death.”  2 Corinthians 7:10

I tend to not want anyone to feel sad or sorrowful, but God sees it differently.

Thank You, Lord, for using even our sorrow to draw us closer to You.  And here’s a simple poem . . .

Even This

If I never know sorrow
or see my own sin
then I won’t repent
and turn away from it to Him.

While I love moments of happiness
and deep abiding joy too
truly sadness has its place
when it brings me back to You.

Wide Open

“O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open.”  2 Corinthians 6:11

In football, if a receiver is wide open, it’s a good thing.

Lord, may I run this race with my heart wide open for You. And here’s a simple poem . . .

Where I Reside

All your steps
I’ve ordered
and My plans for you
are sure

that you might walk
with your heart open
letting them see
My love is pure.

Pleasing God

“Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.”  2 Corinthians 5:9

It can be hard to please some people.

Lord, we thank You that Your Word gives us countless ways to please You, none of which are as difficult as the hoops we jump through for each other.  And here’s a simple poem . . .

No Hoops

It’s not so hard to please Me
as you might think it is
for I delight in you
and what makes me smile is this
to see you loving Me
and each other too
causes Me to sing with joy
knowing all that Love can do.

A Temporary Time

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,
while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.  For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”  2 Corinthians 4:17-18

All that I see is just temporary, but my brain doesn’t always grasp that.

Lord, please help my heart be set on the unseen eternal things.  And here’s a simple poem . . .

The Eternal Divine

All that I touch
see and taste
fills my days
and in my haste
I can forget
this is but for a time
while God works out
what is eternal and divine.