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LIVING WATERS
Author Unknown

My pale I'm often dropping
Deep down into this well
It never touched the bottom
How ever deep it fell
And though I keep on dipping
By study, faith and prayer
I have no power to measure
The Living Water there.

I'D RATHER SEE A SERMON
Author Unknown

I'd rather see a sermon, than to hear one, any day.
I'd rather one should walk with me, than merely show the way.
I can soon learn how to do it, if you'll let me see it done;
I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run!
All the speeches you deliver, may be wise and true,
But I'd rather get my lessons by observing what you do.
Though I may not understand you, and the fine advice you give,
There is no misunderstanding how I see you act and live!

Short but effective! These are each whole sermons in themselves!

I PRAYED A PRAYER FOR YOU TODAY
Author Unknown

I prayed a prayer for you today
And Know God must have heard.
I felt the answer in my heart
Although He spoke no word!
I didn't ask for wealth or fame (I knew you wouldn't mind).
I asked Him to send treasures of a far more lasting kind!
I asked that He'd be near you
At the start of each new day.
To grant you health and blessings
And friends to share your way!
I asked for happiness for you
In all things great and small.
But it was for His loving care
I prayed the most of all!

FAITHFUL FRIENDS
Author Unknown

When troubles come your soul to try,
You love a friend who just stands by;
Perhaps there's nothing he can do,
The thing is strictly up to you;
For there are troubles all your own,
And paths the soul must tread alone,
Bad times when love can't smooth the road,
Nor friendship lift the heavy load.
But just to feel you have a friend,
Who will stand by until the end,
Whose sympathy through all endures,
Whose warm handclasp is always yours,
It helps somehow to pull you through,
Though there's nothing he can do.
And so with fervent heart we cry:
'God bless the friend who just stands by.'

 ;D MORE! MORE! MORE!  ;D

WALKING THROUGH DARKNESS
Author Unknown

My earthly plans were made, I thought my path all clear;
My heart with song o'erflowed, the world seemed full of cheer.
My Lord I wished to serve, to take Him for my guide,
To keep so close that I could feel Him by my side;
And so I traveled on. But suddenly in skies so clear and full of light
The clouds fell thick and fast, The days seemed changed to night;
Instead of paths so clear And full of things so sweet,
Rough things and thorns and stones seemed all about my feet;
I scarce could travel on. I bowed my head and asked why now this change should come,
And murmured, "Lord, is this Because of what I've done?
Has not the past been full enough of pain and care?
Why should my path again be changed to dark from fair?"
But still I traveled on. I listened quietly, And then there came a voice--
"This path is Mine, dear child, not yours, I made the choice;
'Tis sure this way will be the best for you and me." and so we travel on!"

<:)))><

"HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW!"
Author Unknown

When the birds begin to worry And the lilies toil and spin,
And God's creatures all are anxious, Then I also may begin.
For my Father sets their table, Decks them out in garments fine,
And if He supplies their living, Will He not provide for mine?
Just as noisy, common sparrows Can be found most anywhere--
Unto some just worthless creatures, If they perish who would care?
Yet our Heavenly Father numbers Every creature great and small,
Caring even for the sparrows, Marking when to earth they fall.
If His children's hairs are numbered, Why should we be filled with fear?
He has promised all that's needful, And in trouble to be near.

Amen Sincereheart, I will be posting more.

Your friend and brother

The Crusader
<:)))><

 :) OK, here is one of my top ten.
++++++++++++++++++
WHAT WANT I MORE?
Author Unknown

"In the heart of London city, 'Mid the dwellings of the poor,
These bright, golden words were uttered, 'I have Christ! What want I more?'
Spoken by a lonely woman Dying on a garret floor,
Having not one earthly comfort-- 'I have Christ! What want I more?'
He who heard them ran to fetch her Something from the world's great store;
It was needless--died she, saying, 'I have Christ! What want I more?'
But her words will live forever; I repeat them o'er and o'er.
God delights to hear me saying, 'I have Christ! What want I more?'
Look away from earth's attractions; Friend, those joys will soon be o'er;
Rest not till thy heart exclaimeth, 'I have Christ! What want I more?'"

<:)))><

How great our God is!  :D


"I have Christ! What want I more?"

That says it all!

 :)

DAY BY DAY
Author Unknown
Let me be a little kinder, Let me be a little blinder
To the faults of those about me; Let me praise a little more.
Let me be when I am weary Just a little bit more cheery,
Let me serve a little better Those that I am striving for.
Let me be a little braver When temptation bids me waver;
Let me strive a little harder To be all that I should be.
Let me be a little meeker With the brother who is weaker,
Let me think more of my neighbor And a little less of me.
Let me be a little sweeter, Make my life a bit completer;
Keep me faithful to my duty Every minute of the day.
Let me toil without complaining, Not a humble task disdaining;
Let me face the summons calmly When death beckons me away.

<:)))><

A wonderful poem!

It reminded me of this old glen cambell song I have`nt heard in so long I had to go search for the lyrics (tho I like your version better)

Try A Little Kindness

If you see your brother standing by the road
With a heavy load from the seeds he's sowed
And if you see your sister falling by the way
Just stop and stay you're going the wrong way

You got to try a little kindness
Yes show a little kindness
Just shine your light for everyone to see
And if you try a little kindness
Then you'll overlook the blindness
Of narrow-minded people on the narrow-minded streets

Don't walk around the down and out
Lend a helping hand instead of doubt
And the kindness that you show every day
Will help someone along their way

You got to try a little kindness
Yes show a little kindness
Just shine your light for everyone to see
And if you try a little kindness
Then you'll overlook the blindness
Of narrow-minded people on the narrow-minded streets

oh no this is the song I was trying to think of ( a little less thinking this early in the morning and a little more coffee does the trick  :)  Enjoying your poems Crusader!

Less Of Me

Let me be a little kinder let me be a little blinder
To the faults of those about me let me praise a little more
Let me be when I am weary just a little bit more cheery
Think a little more of others and a little less of me mhmm mhmm

Let me be a little braver when temptation bits me waver
Let me strive a little harder to be all that I should be
Let me be a little meeker with the brother that is weaker
Let me think more of my neighbor and a little less of me mhmm mhmm

Let me be when I am weary just a little bit more cheery
Let me serve a little better those that I am striving for
Let me be a little meeker with the brother that is weaker
Think a little more of others and a little less of me mhmm mhmm

Try A Little Kindness
 I Love It!!

Thanks Shylynne

Your friend and brother

The Crusader
<:)))><

Thanks again Shylynne

Your friend and brother

The Crusader
<:)))><

PRAY ON!
by Adam Baum

"Pray on, when rough and dark your pathway,
And you cannot see the light;
When every spark of hope has vanished,
And bright day has turned to night.
Pray on, for God doth surely hear you,
Noting well each sad request;
Pray then in faith, truly believing
That He always gives what's best."

NEARER MY GOD TO THEE
by Sarah Adams of England

"Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! E'en though it be a cross that raiseth me;
Still all my song shall be, Nearer, my God, to Thee. There let the way appear, steps unto heaven;
All that Thou sendest me, in mercy given-- Angels to beckon me Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee!"

DEDICATION IS FOR LIFE!
Author Unknown

Growing old but not retiring, for the battle still is on;
Going on without relenting till the final victory's won.
Ever on, nor think of resting, for the battle rages still;
And my Savior walks beside me as I seek to do His will.
Let me labor in Thy harvest more than ever in the past,
Reaping in what Thou hast planted till I dwell with Thee at last;
That before Thy throne eternal I may have some fruit to bring,
Not my work--the fruit of Calvary, all Thine own, my Lord and King.

<:)))><

THE DEVIL'S BEATITUDES
Author Unknown

Blessed are they who are too tired and too busy to go to church on Sunday, for they are my best workers.
Blessed are they who are bored with the minister's mannerisms and mistakes, for they get nothing out of the sermon.
Blessed is the church member who expects to be invited to his own church for he is part of the problem instead of the solution.
Blessed are they who gossip, for they cause strife and divisions that please me.
Blessed are they who are easily offended, for they soon get angry and quit.
Blessed are they who do not give their offerings to carry on God's work for they are my best helpers.
Blessed is he who professes to love God but hates his brother and sister, for he shall be with me forever.
Blessed are the trouble makers, for they shall be called children of the devil.
Blessed is he who has no time to pray, for he will be easy prey.

<:)))><

THE CAT'S IN THE CRADLE

My child arrived just the other day He came to the world in the usual way But there planes to catch And bills to pay He learned to walk while I was away And he talkin' 'fore I new it And as he grew he'd say, "I'm gonna be like you, Dad; You know, I'm gonna be like you."

And the cat's in the cradle, and the silver spoon Little boy blue and the man in the moon "When you comin' home, Dad?" "I don't know when but we'll get together then, Son; You know, we'll have a good time then."

My son turned ten just the other day. He said, "Thanks for the ball, Dad. Come on, let's play. Can you teach me to throw?" I said, "Not today, I got a lot to do." He said, "That's okay." And he walked away, but his smile never dimmed And said, "I'm gonna be like him - yeah - you know I'm gonna be like him".

And the cat's in the cradle, and the silver spoon Little boy blue and the man in the moon "When you comin' home, Dad?" "I don't know when - but we'll get together then, Son; You know, we'll have a good time then."

Well, he came from college just the other day So much like a man I just had to say, "Son, I'm proud of you. Can you sit for a while?" He shook his head and he said with a smile, "What I'd really like, Dad, is to borrow the car keys See you later - can I have them, please?" "When you comin' home, Son?" "I don't know when - but we'll get together then, Dad; You know, we'll have a good time then."

I've long since retired and my son's moved away I called him up just the other day I said, "I'd like to see you if you don't mind." He said, "I'd love to, Dad, if I can find the time, You see, my new job's a hassle and the kids have the flu But it's sure nice talkin' to you, Dad; It's sure nice talkin' to you."

And as I hung up the phone, it occurred to me, He'd grown up just like me - my son was just like me.

<:)))><

A CHURCH GARDEN
Author Unknown

First, plant five rows of peas:

Presence. Promptness. Preparation. Purity. Perseverance.
Next to these plant three rows of squash:
Squash gossip. Squash criticism. Squash indifference.
No garden is complete without turnips:
Turn up for the meetings. Turn up with a smile. Turn up with new ideas.
Turn up with determination to make everything count for something good and worthwhile.

PEACE FROM ABOVE
by Helen Steiner Rice

Whenever I am troubled and lost in deep despair,
I bundle all my troubles up and go to God in prayer,
I tell Him I am heartsick and lost and lonely too,
That I am deeply burdened and don't know what to do.
But I know He stilled the tempest and calmed the angry sea,
And I humbly ask if in His love He'll do the same for me.
Then I just keep quiet and think on thoughts of peace,
And as I abide in stillness my restless murmurings cease.

<:)))><

THE PIT
Author Unknown

 man fell into a pit and couldn't get himself out.
A Christian Scientist came along and said:
"You only think that you are in a pit".
A Pharisee said: "Only bad people fall into a pit".
A Fundamentalist said: "You deserve your pit".
An IRS man asked if he was paying taxes on the pit.
A Charismatic said: "Just confess that you're not in a pit".
An Optimist said: "Things could be worse".
A Pessimist said: "Things will get worse!"
Jesus, seeing the man, took him by the hand and lifted him out of the pit.

<:)))><

RULES FOR CHRISTIAN LIVING
by John Wesley

"Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever.
...You can!"

<:)))><

IF I
Author Unknown

If I could go back and undo some wrongs I've done along the way,
And know that wounds that I have caused were healed of all the scars today.
If steps I've caused someone to take by thoughtless ways in which I've trod
Have led to a confused estate, instead of simple trust in God.
If someone else still wanders on who followed my unsteady track.
And lost his way for lack of light because my lantern globe was black.
If I could gather up and bind the wasted years that I have spent,
And treat them as they'd never been today I'd be much more content.
I'm pardoned from my undone past - but even so the hurt is done,
For out there somewhere in the dark, asoul is lost I might have won.

<:)))><

Wow! This one really got to me! Thank you so much for them all!  :-\



Any more?  ;D

Crusader - good stuff!
You've been saving up!  :)

Thanks, your welcome. The answer is Yup

Your friend and brother

The Crusader
<:)))><

 :)

"I AM ONLY ONE"
by Edward Everett Hale

 am only one, but I am one.
I cannot do everything, but I can do something.
What I can do, I ought to do.
And what I ought to do, By the grace of God I shall do!

<:)))><

LET GO
Author Unknown

As children bring their broken toys
With tears for us to mend,
I brought my broken dreams to God,
Because He was my friend.
But then, instead of leaving Him
In peace, to work alone,
I hung around and tried to help
In ways that were my own.
Finally I took them back and said,
"Dear God, why are you so slow?"
"My child," He said, "what could I do?
You never did let go."

<:)))><

A FATHER'S EXAMPLE
by Edgar A. Guest

There are little eyes upon you,
And they're watching night and day
There are little ears that listen
To every word you say.
There are little hands all eager
To do the things you do;
And a little boy who's dreaming
Of the day he'll be like you.
You're the little fellow's idol,
You're the wisest of the wise;
In his little mind, about you
No suspicions ever rise.
He believes in you devoutly,
Holds that all you say and do
He will say and do in your way
When he's grown up just like you.
There's a wide-eyed little fellow
Who believes you're always right;
And his ears are always open
As he watches day and night.
You are setting an example
Every day in all you do,
For the little boy who's waiting
To grow up to be like you.

GIMMICKS
by Gene Sutton

It seems that churches everywhere are doing things today
To try to bring their attendance up by giving things away.
They're running buses all over town in a way they think is dandy
Giving all the boys and girls that ride some bubble gum or candy.
And maybe they'll have a contest give the winner a free plane ride
Or offer them a ten-speed bike that would make one swell with pride.
God does not use this kind of plan to save one from his sin
But uses visitation to bring the sinner in.
So if you're using this unscriptural plan perhaps you'd better stop
Or your rewards in heaven might be just a lollipop.

<:)))><

GRACE OF GOD
by Carlos C. Beam

ut for Grace, my soul had perished,
Withered as the desert sand;
Gone to shadows, and tormented,
But for Grace's perfect plan!
But for God's unceasing Mercy,
But for Calvary's sacrifice;
I had wandered, blind and thirsting,
Fell to Satan's grim device.
But the blessed blood of Jesus,
Shed upon that cruel tree;
Called me from the ling'ring shadows,
Saved my soul, and rescued me!
But for Grace, O Grace perfected,
But for love's undying flame;
I had never hoped in Jesus,
Ne'er had even known His name!

<:)))><

GOD'S HANDWRITTING
Author Unknown

He writes in characters too grand
For our short sight to understand;
We catch but broken strokes, and try
To fathom all the mystery Of withered hopes, of death, of life,
The endless war, the useless strife--
But there, with larger, clearer sight,
We shall see this--His way was right.

<:)))><

This has become one of my favorite threads! Some of these are ones I had forgotten and some are new to me. But all are wonderful illustrations of Scripture!


My apologies for being so greedy..... :-[
More?  :-X

Just for you :)

More on friday.
-----------------------------------
END OF THE JOURNEY
Author Unknown

Light after darkness, gain after loss;
Strength after weakness, crown after cross;
Sweet after bitter, hope after fears;
Home after wandering, praise after tears;
Sheaves after sowing, sun after rain;
Sight after mystery, peace after pain;
Joy after sorrow, calm after blast;
Rest after weariness, sweet rest at last;
Near after distant, gleam after gloom;
Love after loneliness, life after tomb;
After long agony, rapture of bliss;
Right was the pathway, leading to this.

these are beautiful "Crusader" thank u so much for sharing them!! poetry is such a beautiful way to express yourself!
keep them comin'  ;D

TL

Amen Sister, and your welcome.

More on friday :)

Your friend and brother

The Crusader
<:)))><

OPPORTUNITIES MISSED
Author Unknown

There was a very cautious man
Who never laughed or played
He never risked, he never tried
He never sang or prayed
And when he one day passed away
His insurance was denied
For since he never really lived
They claimed he never died.

SEIZING OPPORTUNITY
by Helen Steiner Rice

 see the dew glisten as a new day is born
And I hear the birds sing on the wings of the morn
As God wraps up the night and tucks it away
And hangs out the sun to herald a new day --
A day yet unblemished by what's gone before,
A chance to begin and start over once more.

<:)))><

DON'T QUIT
Author Unknown

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high.
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit -
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns
And many a failure turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out,
Don't give up, though the pace seems slow...
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than
It seems to a faint and faltering man.
Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out -
The silver tints of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit -
It's when things seem worst that you musn't quit.

DUTY OF SELF DENIAL
Author Unknown

I had walked life's path with an easy tread,
Had followed where comfort and pleasure led;
And then by chance in a quiet place--
I met my Master face to face.
With station and rank and wealth for goal,
Much thought for body but none for soul,
I had entered to win this life's mad race--
When I met my Master face to face.
I had built my castles, reared then high,
Till their towers had pierced the blue of the sky;
I had sworn to rule with an iron mace--
When I met my Master face to face.
I met Him and knew Him, and blushed to see
That His eyes full of sorrow were fixed on me;
And I faltered, and fell at His feet that day
While my castles vanished and melted away.
Melted and vanished; and in their place
I saw naught else but my Master's face;
And I cried aloud: "Oh, make me meet
To follow the marks of Thy wounded feet."
My thought is now for the souls of men;
I have lost my life to find it again
Ever since alone in that holy place
My Master and I stood face to face.

<:)))><

SPIRITUAL GROWTH
(From "Our Daily Bread")

Two natures struggle in my breast:
The one is foul, the other blest.
The "new" I love - the "old" I hate,
The one I feed will dominate.

<:)))><

SPIRITUAL INVESTMENTS
(Author unknown, "Parables, Etc.")

I counted all my dollars while God counted crosses;
I counted gains while he counted losses;
I counted my worth by the things gained in store,
But he sized me up by the scars that I bore.
I coveted honors and sought for degrees;
He wept as He counted the hours on my knees.
I never knew till one day by a grave
How vain are the things that we spend life to save.
I did not know till a friend went above
That richest is he who is rich in God's love.

<:)))><

REDEEMING THE TIME
(Theodore W. Brennan)

 looked upon a farm one day.
That once I used to own;
The barn had fallen to the ground.
The fields were overgrown.
The house in which my children grew.
Where we had lived for years -
I turned to see it broken down.
And brushed aside the tears.
I looked upon my soul one day.
To find it too had grown
With thorns and nettles everywhere.
The seeds neglect had sown.
The years had passed while I had cared
For things of lesser worth:
The things of Heaven I let go
When minding things of Earth.
To Christ I turned with bitter tears.
And cried, "O Lord, forgive!
I haven't much time left for Thee,
Not many years to live."
The wasted years forever gone,
The days I can't recall;
If I could live those days again.
I'd make Him Lord of all.

<:)))><

JUST A MINUTE
(Selected)

Just a tiny little minute
Only sixty seconds in it
Forced upon me.
Can't refuse it.
Didn't seek it, didn't choose it,
I must suffer if I loose it,
Give account if I abuse it.
Just a tiny little minute,
but eternity is in it.

TRUST IN GOD
by A.B. Simpson

Once my hands were always trying;
Trying hard to do my best;
Now my heart is sweetly trusting,
And my soul is all at rest.
Once my brain was always planning,
And my heart, with cares oppressed;
Now I trust the Lord to lead me,
And my life is all at rest.
Once my life was full of effort,
Now 'tis full of joy and zest;
Since I took His yoke upon me,
Jesus gives to me His rest.

<:)))><

A VOICE FROM ETERNITY
Author Unknown

You lived next door to me for years
We shared our dreams, our joys, our tears,
A friend to me you were indeed--
A friend who helped me when in need.
My faith in you was strong and sure
We had such trust as should endure,
No spats between us ever rose
Our friends were alike, also our foes.
What sadness, then, my friend, to find
That after all, you weren't so kind.
The day my life on earth did end
I found you weren't a faithful friend...
For all those years we spent on earth,
You never talked of Second Birth,
You never spoke of my lost soul
And of the Christ Who'd make me whole.
I plead today from hell's cruel fire
And tell you now my last desire,
You cannot do a thing for me,
No words today my bonds will free.
But do not err, my friend, again,
Do all you can for souls of men,
Plead with them now quite earnestly
Lest they be cast in hell with me.

<:)))><

Again my friend, You've done well.. Thank you so much for sharing these..
God Bless and Keep you always..
Tigerlily...

So many that are so timely. Many thanks!

PRAYER OF A HALF-HEARTED CHRISTIAN
Author Unknown

I love thy church, O God;
Her walls before me stand;
But please excuse my absence, Lord;
This bed is simply grand!
A charge to keep I have;
A God to glorify;
But Lord, don't ask for cash from me;
The glory comes to high.
Am I a soldier of the cross,
A follower of the Lamb?
Yes! Though I seldom pray or pay,
I still insist I am.
Praise God from who all blessings flow;
Praise him, all creatures here below!
Oh, loud my hymns of praise I bring,
Because It doesn't cost to sing!


<:)))><

IS HEAVEN IN THE YELLOW PAGES?  :'(
by Donna Groleau

Mommy went to Heaven, but I need her here today,
My tummy hurts and I fell down, I need her right away.

Operator, can you tell me how to find her in this book?
Is heaven in the yellow part, I don’t know where to look.

I think my daddy needs her too, at night I hear him cry.
I hear him call her name sometimes, but I really don’t know why.

Maybe if I call her, she will hurry home to me.
Is Heaven very far away, is it across the sea?

She’s been gone a long, long time she needs to come home now!
I really need to reach her, but I simply don’t know how.

Help me find the number please, is it listed under “Heaven”?
I can’t read these big, big words; I am only seven.

I’m sorry operator, I didn’t mean to make you cry,
Is your tummy hurting too, or is there something in your eye?

If I call my church tomorrow maybe they will know.
Mommy said when we need help that’s where we should go.

I found the number to my church tacked up on the wall.
Thank you operator, I’ll give them a call.

<:)))><

NONE OTHER!
Pastor Robert Hanna

To some, “The Church” means papal rule;
To others merely “Sunday School.”
Many see a stately steeple,
Rows of benches filled with people.

A “church” can go by any name,
With seldom any two the same:
“My Church,” “ Your Church,” right or wrong;
This church is weak, and that one’s strong.

“Just attend the ‘Church of Your Choice,’
Or where you like the preacher’s voice;
Drop your dollar into the plate –
Sit primly posed and be sedate.”

“We all shall get there bye-and-bye,
On different courses though we fly.
You think your way, and I’ll think mine,
And everything will turn out fine!”

“Perform a kindness every day;
Don’t get anybody’s way.
Be sure that you no one offend,
And on your own good deeds depend.”

If you have followed this advice,
You’d better think about it twice:
There’s only One True Church today –
The Cross of Calvary points the way!

<:)))><

And I must repeat:

There’s only One True Church today –
The Cross of Calvary points the way!
 
Amen & Amen

Your friend and brother

The Crusader
<:)))><
 

May I contribute one? (or even two?)

Awake, My Heart

Awake, my heart, in joyful lays
To Him who blesses all thy days.
His loving kindness crowneth thee
With daily mercies rich and free.

Awake, to worship with the morn,
And consecrate the day new-born.
Again at eve in prayer be found,
As shadows curtain earth around.

Awake, thy watchful vigils keep!
For some neglect and idly sleep.
Lift up to God, in sacred tryst,
Thy priestly ministry in Christ.

Awake, His all-wise will to see
In all that He assigns for thee.
Whate'er His providence permits
Designs for thee fresh benefits.

Awake to trust and love and serve,
For can His mercies less deserve?
Till yonder, perfected in love,
Thy heart awakes in heaven above.

J. Sidlow Baxter
------------------------------------

Meeting Angels Unaware

On life's busy thoroughfare
We meet with angels unaware,
But we are too busy to see or hear,
Too busy to sense that God is near,
Too busy to stop and recognize
The grief that lies in another's eyes,
Too busy to offer to help or share,
Too busy to sympathize or care,
Too busy to do the good things we should,
Telling ourselves we would if we could.
But life is too swift and the pace is too great
And we dare not pause for we might be late
For our next appointment which means so much,
We are willing to brush off the Saviour's touch,
And we tell ourselves there will come a day,
We will have more time to pause on our way,
But before we know it life's sun has set,
And we've passed the Saviour, but never met,
For hurrying along life's throughfare,
We passed Him by and remained unaware
That within the very sight of our eye,
Unnoticed, the Son of God passed by.

Helen Steiner Rice
-------------------------------------------

Gracey

I Ask God
Donna Sue Fraley

 
I asked God to take away my pain.
God said, No.
It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.
 
I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.
God said, No.
Her spirit was whole, her body was only temporary.
 

I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, No.
Patience is a by-product of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is earned.
 

I asked God to give me happiness.
God said, No.
I give you blessings.  Happiness is up to you.
 

I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, No.
Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.
 

I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, No.
You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.
 

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.
God said, No.
I will give you life so that you may enjoy all things.
 

I ask God to help me LOVE others, as much as he loves me.
God said...
Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.
 
<:)))><

Changing

When God showed favor to Isreal as a Nation,
do you know how it was in that Dispensation.
He sent signs and worked Miracles from above,
gave Mercy and Kindness with Fatherly love.
Now from the writings of the Prophets we are told,
being Gentiles, Heathens left out in the cold.
To be one of them that seemed to be right,
Convert, Observe, become a Proselyte.
But in this Dispensation it all turns around,
because in Paul's Epistles, The Body of Christ is found.
He shows us of love and God's saving Grace,
there's no difference in make up of any Nation or Race.
He tells of but one God and goes on to explain,
You're complete in Him, in the Heavens you'll reign.
For God sent His Son and His life was the cost,
to Him be the Glory, saved by the Cross.

- Edward B. Yarber, Jr.

<:)))><

Earthen vessels

God uses earthen vessels,
All battered and scarred
As clear ringing bells,
Tho' the bell is marred.

It's the music so clear
With God's message to tell,
That first catches the ear,
Not the sight of the bell.

God pulls the heart-strings
With His Message true,
That even the bell sings,
As tho' it was new.

God in a marred vessel,
Now that is a pair;
With God ringing the bell
Music fills the air.

The vessel gets older,
But polished inside.
Its sound is louder
With God there to abide.

Alive, tho' once crucified!
The sound seems to swell.
Arose to glorify!
Behold a shining bell.

2 Corinthians 4:7

--Mrs. Anna Lee Walker

Broken Window ~

Sometimes in life we hurt someone
With a careless word that's spoken
So we reflect on all the hearts
Whose spirits we have broken
 
Hope and pray that we can mend
Every shattered heart
That they find the peace of love
Receive a brand new start
 
With flowers flowing off the sill
We gather deepest sorrow
All the hurt we may have caused
Brings lesson for tomorrow
 
Repair the glass that's broken
Deep within your soul
Carry on with life and love
These promises console.

~ Francine Pucillo ~

<:)))><

Ooh! I've missed quite a few! Keep 'em coming! It's like a bunch of presents to open!  :D









'Cept for that 'Yellow Pages' one! I've never liked that one! *sniff*  :-X

In the near future :)

<:)))><

I look forward to it!  :D While I wait, I'll re-read...

 
 

 :'(

I wanted the gold and I got it
'Came out with a fortune last fall.
But somehow life isn't what I thought it
And somehow the gold isn't all.


(the Canadian poet Robert Service, from his 'Cremation of Sam McGee')


   :-[  

No Chance To Be Born!

While I was alive in my mother’s womb, And my life was taken from me too soon. God did, You ever have a plan for me? If You did, I guess it was never meant to be. Lord You must have known I’d never be born, even before, I was ever formed. If only I’d had the chance to say, Mom couldn’t you just give me away. I wish I had known what it would have been like, If I’d ever been able to ride a bike. Or to run and play with other little boys, And had a lot of friends and a lot of toys. And grown up to have Children all of my own, But that is too late “I’m already home” By –Connie Spivey

 :'(  :'(

It's April now..... ;)

Earthen vessels

God uses earthen vessels,
All battered and scarred
As clear ringing bells,
Tho' the bell is marred.

It's the music so clear
With God's message to tell,
That first catches the ear,
Not the sight of the bell.

God pulls the heart-strings
With His Message true,
That even the bell sings,
As tho' it was new.

God in a marred vessel,
Now that is a pair;
With God ringing the bell
Music fills the air.

The vessel gets older,
But polished inside.
Its sound is louder
With God there to abide.

Alive, tho' once crucified!
The sound seems to swell.
Arose to glorify!
Behold a shining bell.

2 Corinthians 4:7

--Mrs. Anna Lee Walker

 :)

This one is my Gem for today.

Thanks for posting it.

My mother gave me this poem on a bookmark when I was going thru one of the worst of times, no telling how many times I read the words over and over and found strength to go on thru them...although I never told her...let me remind everyone  today that the words you speak or write  in a souls darkest hour may become part of their lifeline...God oft uses the smallest and seemingly most insignificant of things we have to offer ...to light someone else`s path...thank you for sharing crusader!

How Many Seeds

How many seeds have you sown, my friend? Have you put them in a heart

or thrown them to the wind?

O, be faithful to plant,

and water as you sow

Then your seeds will sprout, come forth, and grow!

A FAITHFUL SAYING (I TIM. 1:15)

By Cornelius R. Stam

A faithful saying this,
The heart of heavens scheme:
Christ Jesus came into the world
Vile sinners to redeem.

For love of sinful men
He left His throne on high
And stooped to bear the accursed cross,
For sinful men to die.

Nor did He only save
From hell and wrath to come,
But raised us from our sinful state
To dwell on high with Him.

How great, how infinite,
The debt of love we owe!
How can we now do less than live
For Him who loved us so?

- C.R.S.

<:)))><

The Church

If I started a Church for this generation,
it would be by the Gospel of Pauls Revelation.
Listen my friend to what I have to say,
there be no tradition of men to get in the way.
No water for Baptism but by the Spirit is right,
we'll walk by Faith not by sight.
Now when it comes to Tithing you'll be please to give a share, it would come from your Heart not out of despire.
The Word would mean what it says and say what it means,
there be no disapointments or any in betweens.
For Paul gives us guide lines without a Law,
from Romans to Philemon it's well worth it all.
For we are one Body and we'll make a strong stand,
with the Helmet of Salvation and the Sword of Truth in our hand.

For every time we are together and meet behind these doors, we'll know we're complete in Him the Risen Glorified Lord.


Edward B. Yarber, Jr.

<:)))><

God Must Be A Cowboy At Heart

He made the canyons, the rocks and the rills

And He owns the cattle on ten thousand hills…

He was born in a stable…on a prairie so dark…

God must be a cowboy, a cowboy at heart.

 


He rode into a city on a donkey one day.

The colt was unbroken, but he rode anyway…

And one day, says the Bible, He’s coming again…

On a white horse with armies and posses of men.

 


God must be a cowboy; He’s at home on the range…

He made the wild horses that still roam the plains…

He’s at home in the saddle. He’s at home on the ground.

He’s a down to earth cowboy, and He’s always around.

 


He can tame the wild horses. He rides on the wind.

And as time gallops by us, He’s coming again…

And from the last roundup, we need never part…

From God the Great Cowboy, the Cowboy at heart.

 


He’s God of the mountains, and God of the plains…

He rides in my saddle…holds on to my reins…

When I came to know Him-life had a new start.

He’s everything to me-He's a Cowboy at heart.

 


Oh won’t you come to Him and give Him your reins-

Let Him ride in your saddle through life’s hills and plains-

Then no ornery rustler can tear you apart…

From God the Great Cowboy…the Cowboy at heart.

 
For God is a Cowboy, a Cowboy at heart.



by: Patricia Boyd Jenson, November 1986

REMEMBER

Whenever you know a desolate hour
And are steeped in misery,
Remember that Christ was lonely too,
In bleak Gethsemane.

Whenever you feel that all of the world
Has turned its back on you,
Remember that Christ knew what it was
To feel abandoned too.

Whenever you feel that your burden
Is greater than you can bear,
Remember that He too heartbreakingly knew
A moment of dark despair.

And remembering these things
Just bear in mind,
His victory was finally won
When He bowed His head and humbly said,
“Not My will, but Thine, be done!”


—Author Unknown

<:)))><

"GOD’S TWO POEMS"





In Romans 1:18-20 the Apostle Paul declares that ungodly men are "without excuse" because they are surrounded by the evidences of the Creator’s "eternal power and God-head."

Our Authorized Version calls the creation, in this passage, "the things that are made," but in the Greek it is called literally "the poyeema," from which we get our word poem. The Apostle refers, of course, to the harmony of God’s creation, and is it not indeed amazing how billions of heavenly bodies can continually revolve in the vastness of space and never collide! And are not the flowers, the seasons, the sunsets all part of a harmonious creation, which God alone could have conceived and set to music?

But very interestingly, this word poyeema is used just once more in Scripture. We find it in Eph. 2:10, where it is translated "workmanship." Let us consider this passage in
its context:

"For by grace are ye saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.For we are His workmanship [Gr., poyeema], created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them" (Eph. 2:8-10).

Romans speaks of the poem of creation, Ephesians of the poem of redemption, and the latter is the more wonderful. An old hymn says: "’Twas great to speak a world from
naught; ’tis greater to redeem."

In this poem of redemption which God has composed, we believers too often want to change some word or phrase. We would like this or that in our circumstances to be different. Ah, but this would destroy the meter and meaning of God’s new creation.

Thank God, when we believers go to be with Christ, we will see the beauty and glory of the poem of redemption. Then we will rejoice that He did indeed "work all things together for good" for us.

By C. R. Stam


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God First

AND AS THOSE DAYS TURN INTO YEARS,
YOU MAY FIND YOURSELF WRAPPED UP IN THE WORLD,OR WELLED UP WITH TEARS.
LEAN NOT TO THINE OWN UNDERSTANDING,
BUT UNTO THE WORD OF GOD.
FROM THOSE WORDS YOU WILL GATHER STRENGTH WHEN THE TIMES GET HARD.
LOVE EVERYONE
AS YOU SURELY LOVE YOURSELF.
AFTER THESE WORLDLY THINGS PASS AWAY,
YOU'LL OBTAIN A DIFFERENT WEALTH.
PRAY WITHOUT CEASING
KEEP IN CONTACT WITH THE LORD
FOR THE DEVIL IS ALWAYS BUSY,
HE'S WAITING FOR YOU TO DROP YOUR GUARD.
PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD
DON'T GIVE ANY LESS THAN YOUR BEST.
BECAUSE GOD DON'T LIKE HALF STEPPING
AND YOU'LL MISS OUT ON BEING BLESSED.
IN HIS NAME THERE IS ASSURANCE
IF YOU JUST BELIEVE
BUT YOU MUST PUT GOD BEFORE YOU
THEN YOU WILL SUCCEED.

written by Demon W. Odem,9/16/98


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MY NEED

By Grace E. Troy

I thought I needed many things
Along life’s toilsome way,
When days were long and heavy cares
Left scarcely time to pray.

I thought I needed many things
For those I held most dear,
When they were sad and longed for rest
Or change of portion here.

When it was Thee, I needed Lord,
To satisfy my heart,
To fill my days with rest and peace,
And every grace impart.

And those I loved but needed Thee,
Not change of scene or place,
But faith just now, through sun or shade
Thy loving hand to trace.

Just Thee alone, My blessed Lord,
For every time and place;
Just Thee alone — until we all
Shall see Thee face to face.





"But my God shall supply all your need
according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
(Philippians 4:19)

HE GAVE HIS SON

By Ethel Clarkson


He might have given the starry realms
As purchase price for me,
But starry worlds could never take
My guilt and set me free.

He might have given all the world
Because He made it, too,
But worlds cannot for sin atone—
God knew that would not do.

The universe entire was His,
And that He might have given;
But blood alone can sin atone
And make me meet for heaven.

And so He gave His blessed Son
To die on Calvary;
No other gift could cleanse my soul—
Christ was His gift to me!



Herein is love, not that we loved God,
but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be
the propitiation for our sins. (1 John 4:10)

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REMEMBER


Whenever you know a desolate hour
And are steeped in misery,
Remember that Christ was lonely too,
In bleak Gethsemane.

Whenever you feel that all of the world
Has turned its back on you,
Remember that Christ knew what it was
To feel abandoned too.

Whenever you feel that your burden
Is greater than you can bear,
Remember that He too heartbreakingly knew
A moment of dark despair.

And remembering these things
Just bear in mind,
His victory was finally won
When He bowed His head and humbly said,
“Not My will, but Thine, be done!”


—Author Unknown

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THIS I KNOW


I do not know what next may come,
Across my pilgrim way.
I do not know tomorrow’s road,
Nor see beyond today;
But this I know—My Saviour knows
The path I cannot see.
And I can trust His wonderful hand
To guide and care for me.

I do not know what may befall
Of sunshine or of rain,
I do not know what may be mine
Of pleasure or of pain;
But this I know—My Saviour knows
And whatsoever it be,
Still I can trust His love to give
What will be best for me.

I do not know what may await
Or what the morrow brings.
But with glad salute of faith
I hail its opening wings.
For this I know—that in my Lord
Shall all my needs be met.
And I can trust the heart of Him
Who has not failed me yet.


           —Author Unknown

THE BATTLE

by Janet Rose Martin

In my darkest hour
When everything's at its worst
That's when I must remember
To always put God first.


So I call upon my Father
So that I am not alone
For I cannot fight the enemy
In any way on my own.


The battle is not mine to fight
So I call upon my Defender
Knowing He is on my side
I can let myself surrender.


Satan is no match for Christ
He will surely be defeated
And Christ will be the victor
When the battle is,completed.


For now, the battle's over
And the Lord has won the fight
Allowing me to carry on
Through His courage and His might.

LIVING WATERS

Just the way I like them. Short but meaty.  wow, thanx. can i keep it?