Every month, I will feature either a new poem or a favorite poem on this page, as well as the highlighted poems from the previous two months. The category page from which each poem is taken is listed in parentheses ( ) under the month. October 2018 (from: Evangelism) “Lord, I want to reach the world for You!”
“Lord, I want to reach the world for You! And, this group has a plan, which I can do. Share my faith; make disciples who follow.” 1. “That’s fine, but I’ll have a new plan for tomorrow.”
“Lord, I want to reach the world for You!” “Yes, I’ll give you children. Will you reach those few?” 2. “It’s taking so long! Can’t I reach foreign lands?” “How about if you focus on the task at hand.”
“Lord, I want to reach the world for You! Marooned on this island, there’s not much I can do.” “You have other gifts to be strengthened now. Your writing, I both enjoy and allow.”
“I do like to write poems, essays, and more.” “Perhaps you can see the plan that’s in store? There are other ways you can glorify me. Reach the world through your creativity!
Yet, all this zeal still needs to be tested. If I allow great trials, will your faith be arrested?” “Oh Lord, this pain is so cruel and dark! The wounds from brethren are deep and stark.” 3.
“Your time in the desert has passed, dear child. I’ll place you in a garden, wonderful and wild.” 4. “Oh! I never imagined a job so sublime... Working in your fields, at harvest time!”
“Four years of harvest have passed. Now move To a place where your husband’s gifts will improve.” 5. “But, I love this job! I don’t want to leave!” “Four years for writing, while you grieve.”
“Our kids are raised. Now what should I do? I still want to reach the world for You!” “Your husband needs your help for a task. One quiet year, please. That’s what I ask.” 6.
“My husband was called away. Now he’s with You. I don’t know if there’s strength left to do something new. 7. I was so energized, many years ago, Lord— Now, my body is weak, like a glass, half poured.”
“You are still useful now, as you were back then. But, now that you’re older, on Me, you must depend. That’s part of my plan. Don’t be so surprised! Strength can hamper my work, don’t you realize?
As you rely more on Me, there’s less focus on you.” “Okay, Lord. Whatever you ask—that I’ll do.” “Your zeal for the lost will shine brightest still
When out of your weakness, you do what I will.”
1. 1977-1990 Para-church ministry involvement in TX, OH, MA, PA, WV 2. 1991-2014 Independent ministry; raising children in TX, WV, SC 3. 2003-2005 Testing in TX 4. 2006-2010 Church staff in WV 5. 2010-2014 David’s new ministry in SC; my time for writing 6. 2014-2015 Cancer in SC
7. 2015 Something new in SC
gratefulsue 8.25.15
© 2015 gratefulsue September 2018 (from: People) Can I have eyes like yours? You have fantastic vision! Can I have eyes like yours? Where others see only obstacles, By faith, you see “open doors!”
You have fantastic vision! You can see what no one else sees. You have twenty-twenty compassion For the arrivals from overseas.
You have fantastic vision! You see people with needs and souls, Though different in language and customs, You see hopes and dreams and goals.
You have fantastic vision! Ignoring barriers, you’ll “find a way.” Undaunted by limitations, Your influence is here to stay!
So many find friends and learning, All are touched by your sacred mission. Many have learned of your Savior, because You have fantastic vision!
gratefulsue 9/9/17 © 2018 gratefulsue
(For Heidi, who had the vision and faith to start an effective English as a Second Language (ESL) ministry in her community, that has grown every year. This is despite never before having started such a ministry, and despite having an incurable eye condition, which is proceeding toward rendering her effectively blind.) August 2018 (from: Courage for the Battle) Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. (Matthew 4:1)
Desert
Who changed the scenery from lush to dry? Who turned up the heat, so that I would fry? What did I do to be led to this place… A desert of suff’ring, with no joy or grace?
A desert of waiting for answers to prayer— For friends to sustain and show that they care. A desert of loneliness—I have to cross So the Master Refiner can melt off the dross.
Will I make it out alive? Or, die… In a sea of exhaustion, wondering, “Why?” Blinded by sandstorms of needless pain, Thirsting for hope in a land without rain.
Dear Jesus went to the desert, too... For testing concerning God’s Word that He knew. He was led by the Spirit to that dreadful place. To prepare Him for ministry, when Satan He faced.
So, remember—tough times can be used for gain. And, Jesus has conquered the land without rain. As He was led in, He was also led out. I too, will emerge, I must believe, not doubt.
gratefulsue 2/4/04(C) 2015 gratefulsue |
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