Inspirational Messages, Devotionals, and Poetry:
This section of our website is for contributions from our readers.
We are publishing inspirational messages, devotionals, poetry,
short stories, .... Anything meant to lift the spirit, and bear
witness to the glory of God.
If you would like to publish your thoughts and words about our
Lord, just send E-Mail to Job:
Job@Lordofhosts.com - Send your publication requests to Job
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a good mix for the reader. As this section grows, we will add an
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Continuing Contributions section.
We pray that the following messages will be a blessing to you!
Submitted by: Don Reeves
Author: Don Reeves
E-Mail: donald.c.reeves@vanderbilt.edu
Date: Feb. 2, 1998
The Pain Christ Suffered on the Cross
Dear Brother,
As the LORD's supper was being passed, I thought of the pain Christ
suffered on the cross. I am usually am upset with only one kind of
pain. But as I reflect on the death of our LORD, I become acutely aware
of the many types of pain that our LORD suffered simultaneously and
turned the other cheek. I thought of at least 22. See if you think
these are correct and complete...
1. The pain of being separated from those he loved.
2. The pain of being betrayed for 30 pieces of silver (essentially
worthless metal that he made, at the beginning of timeon
earth).
3. The pain of the good he could have done had there only been
more time.
4. The pain of the abandonment of the apostles fleeing (despite
blessing and being taught by him for three years).
5. The pain of Pilate recognizing his innocence, but more willing
to keep his own position rather than not go along with the crowds
wanting to crucify Jesus (the sons of Abraham)..
6. The pain of being spit in the face by those Jesus came to
share the wondrous message of redemption.
7. The pain of the scourging whips (which usually killed most
men) and hanging on to life so that the scriptures would be fulfilled
that he would die on the cross, rather than scourging.
8. The pain of the spikes punching through his flesh and into
nerves and the resultant shooting pain coming from each arm and leg.
9. The pain of not being able to afford a decent burial.
10. The pain of being ridiculed by those who were being executed
with him.
11. The pain of being refused a request for a decent drink (just
vinegar).
12. The pain of bearing all the sin of humankind since the
beginning of time to the end of time.
13. The pain of bearing all this without the comfort of his
heavenly father (who turned his back on sin).
14. The pain of bearing the life being slowly choked out of him
(being crucified keeps people from being able to breath properly).
15. The pain of sliding up and down the cross on a lacerated back,
(so that he could breath) on rough, perhaps splintered wood, being made smooth by his own flesh and blood.
16. The pain of having to ask someone outside his immediate
brothers and sisters to care for his mother.
17. The pain of being executed by idol worshipping gentiles that
where included in the people he came to save, who delighted in carrying out the "dirty work", mocking him and gambling for his clothes.
18. The pain of the murderer Barabbas being chosen for release
instead of the savior of the world.
19. The pain of knowing that no one would be there for his
resurrection.
20. The pain of knowing that he would have to explain it all over
again (as on the road to Emaeus).
21. The pain of knowing his word would be much maligned down
through time.
22. The pain of the crown of thorns.
23. Probable other pain.
What do you think?
Submitted by: Gregory Brixey
Author: Gregory Brixey
E-Mail: new.earth@mailexcite.com
Date: Dec. 11, 1997
Sin and the Mighty Oak
One day the Lord was walking through the woods when he stopped and
planted an acorn. He tended to the acorn and nurtured it until it
finally was a young oak tree. The Lord told the oak tree that it would
grow and prosper and bear many acorns that would feed his animals. It
would be strong and mighty with deep roots so it could withstand the
strongest Gail. All of the other trees in the forest would look up to
the oak tree and be envious of its beauty and strength.
After many years had passed, the oak had grown to become the tallest
tree in the woods. It over shadowed all of the other trees. The
squirrels and deer gathered to eat the acorns it produced. Wild Birds
would come from miles to partake of its fruit. It had indeed become the
mighty oak that all of the other trees envied.
One day the oak tree was standing in the sun, enjoying its greatness
when it heard a small voice coming from the ground at its base. The
voice said, "Mighty oak, I am a vine. Worship me."
The mighty oak looked down and saw nothing. It then responded with a
mighty voice, "I will not worship you. I am a mighty oak and you are but
a little vine."
Years passed by until one day the oak felt something moving up its
trunk. It was the vine. The vine had grown to where it could look at the
mighty oak's face. It said in a medium voice, "Mighty oak, I am a vine.
Worship me."
The mighty oak responded to the vine with a nervous voice, "I will not
worship you. I am a mighty oak. I am the strength that supports
you. You are nothing but a vine that cannot stand on its own."
Years went by. The vine grew and grew and grew. It wrap it self around
the oak so tight that you could not tell the difference between them.
The poison that ran through the vine began to penetrate the wood of the
mighty oak even into the heart of the tree.
The vine continued to grow and the mighty oak began to die. The mighty
oak's leaves fell off and its branches broke away. It was no longer able
to produce acorns so the animals of the forest abandoned it.
The vine grew until its leaves towered over all of the forest. The vine
then shouted with a mighty voice, "Mighty oak, I am a vine. Worship me."
The mighty oak was now tired and near death when it looked up at the
vine and said with a small voice, "How great you are mighty vine. I do
worship you."
Soon a great wind began to blow. The vine had choked the strength from
the oak and it could no longer stand up to the strength of the wind. The
mighty oak fell with a great crash and died.
Several feet away from where that oak fell, another great tree stood
basking in the sun. Suddenly from the ground at its base it heard a
small voice that said, "Mighty tree, I am a vine. Worship me."
The story of the mighty oak is a good example of how sin can enter in
and consume our lives. At first the vine was small and not very
significant, but it eventually grew to the point where it towered over
the trees of the forest.
Sin can enter into our lives in the same fashion. Slowly at first and
growing until it takes over and is in control. Sin cannot stand by
itself. It needs our flesh bodies to support it. If left to grow, it
will wrap around us so tight it will choke the life out of us and its
poison will pollute our spirit.
Jesus tells us in the Book of Mark:
Mark 4:19 (KJV)
And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the
lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh
unfruitful.
Unlike the Fruitful Vine that Jesus describes for us in the 15th Chapter
of John, the vine in this story destroyed the mighty oak. The vine was
incapable of standing on its own strength so it used the strength of the
tree. The vine slowly became the master.
Jesus tells us:
John 8:34 (KJV)
Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever
committeth sin is the servant of sin.
Sin can captivate us to the point where we can no longer resist using
our own strength. The vine had robbed the oak of its strength and will
to resist, but through Christ, we can resist. He has supplied us with
his strength that has already over come sin.
Without Christ, when others look upon us all they see is our exterior
flesh. In our youth we are energetic and vibrant. Ready to take on the
world. As time passes by, we become tired and worn out. Life beats on us
until we are at the point of breaking. Our sin has grown up around us
and is starting to choke us. We become more and more dependent on the
sin just to get through the day. Sin always makes us pay a higher price
than we had intended to pay and keeps us longer than we had intended to
stay.
There is a better way. We were not made to serve sin. We were set free
from its bondage by the sacrifice our Lord made for us on the Cross.
Paul tells us in his Letter to the Romans:
Rom 6:16-18 (KJV)
Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his
servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of
obedience unto righteousness?
But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed
from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
Praise God he has foreseen all of our weaknesses. What a wonderful God
we serve. Jesus is the strength that defeated sin. We have the victory
by his Grace through our Faith in him. Always remember what Paul was
told:
2 Cor 12:9 (KJV)
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is
made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in
my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Submitted by: Dana Sharp Ferri
Author: Dana Sharp Ferri
E-Mail: deferri@ucdavis.edu
Date: October 11, 1997
THE STRAND
On a secluded dune of a lonely beach
Flecked with gold
I gaze to a world wet with mystery.
A tide rolls in, another out
In an eternal rhythm of silence and song.
Each breath I take echoed the sea's ebb and flow,
Deep and long.
With every wave beats the ocean's heart.
I feel its pulse lapping at my toes-
Like the tick-tock of a liquid clock.
Each wave is a part of the whole, the ocean's soul.
A new wave.
At my feet swirls a pool of foam.
Nestled deep in earthy grains beneath my feet
Lie countless treasures of the deep,
But I notice only one.
I can hear it calling to me, whispering:
Listen!
I crouch low,
Gingerly sift it from its sandy bed
And hold it to my ear.
A symphony of harmonic voices-
Some not human, some all too real,
Voices of the age-old sea,
Swirling in this tiny tunnel throughout history,
Have been waiting to minister to my heart.
I am told of things too beautiful to imagine,
Too awesome to fathom,
Making me wonder this is just a fairy tale.
Am I to be tricked once more?
But I cannot ignore what I have heard,
And, risking being called a fool,
I choose to accept the unbelievable
Without reservation.
As I do my mind is opened to a truth so clear-
The creator's story.
Reverberations of the ancient waves
Crashing to the shore,
Then drifting back to crash once more,
Reveal to me the past, present and future.
This encounter with the ancient aquatic scroll
Gives me a peace and hope like never before.
For the seashell tells me, breathlessly:
A new wave is fast approaching,
Coming to claim its own and take them home.
One heartbeat will change it all
In the twinkling of an eye.
Wait for that tide; be ready.
It will come when you least expect it,
Like a thief in the night.
Never turn your back on the ocean.
Matthew 24-42-44
Submitted by: Susan Sippy
Author: Original Unknown - Adapted by Susan Sippy
E-Mail: sippysue@inwave.com
Web Page:http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Hills/1282
Date: September 6, 1997
Another Message from Heaven
I am looking down on earth from here
And see what you have done.
You've helped another person;
I'm proud to be your son.
It took a lot of moxie
To give away a part of me.
I know that it was hard to do
But now my soul is free.
You gave the Gift of Life
To one struggling on the way.
My heart now beats for someone else;
He'll see another day.
I'd like to spend a lot of time
Just watching what he'll do.
And if he does some special thing,
I'll think I did it too.
I still don't know if this was planned;
I kind of think it was.
I surely hope that that's the case
And my life was for a cause.
I'd love to be with you again
To ease your sorrow and pain.
But if it meant: take back my heart
I wouldn't change: to gain.
Adapted -- author unknown
Submitted by: Susan Sippy
Author: Unknown
E-Mail: sippysue@inwave.com
Web Page:http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Hills/1282
Date: August 28, 1997
Dearest loving Mom and Dad: somethings I'd like to say, but first of all to
let you know that I arrived o.k. I'm writing this from heaven where I dwell
with God above, where there are no more tears or sadness, there is just
eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight, remember that I'm
with you every morning, noon and night. That day I had to leave you when
God took me with a smile, God picked me up and hugged me, and He said,
"You're needed, Kyle! It's good to have you back again, you were missed
while you were gone, as for your dearest family, they'll be here later on. I
need you here so badly as part of MY Big Plan. There's so much we have to
do to help our mortal man."
Then God gave me a list of things He wished for me to do, and foremost
on that list of mine was to watch and care for you. And I will be beside you
every day and week and year. And when you're sad, I'm standing there to
wipe away a tear. And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to
flight, God and I are closest to you in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on Earth and all those loving years, because
you're only human they are bound to bring you tears. But do not be afraid to
cry it does relieve the pain. Remember there would be no flowers unless
there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you of all that God has planned, but if I were to tell
you, you would not understand. But one thing is for certain though my life on
earth is o'er, I am closer to you now than I ever was before. And Dad and
Mom, I know it's hard for you to lose a son, but you would not be unhappy if
you knew the prize I've won.
To all my friends, I loved so dear, trust that God knows what is best. I'm
still not far away from you; I'm just beyond the crest. There are rocky roads
ahead of you and many hills to climb, but together we can do it, taking one
day at a time. It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too, that as
you give unto the world, the world will give to you. If you can help somebody
who's in sorrow or in pain, then you can say to God at night, "My day was
not in vain." And now I am contented that my life it was worthwhile, knowing
as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile. So if you meet
somebody who is down and feeling low, just lend a hand to pick him up as on
your way you go.
And when you're walking down the street and you've got me on your mind,
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind. And when you feel that
gentle breeze or the wind upon your face, that's me giving you a great big
hug or just a soft embrace. And when it's time for you to go from your body
to be free, remember you're not going away, you're coming here to me.
And I will always love you from that land way up above.
We'll be in touch again so soon.
P. S. God sends His Love!
Author unknown
Author:Pope John XXIII, Ad Petri Cathedram, 1959.
Date: August 16, 1997
Unity in Christ
But the common saying, expressed in various ways and attributed to
various authors, must be recalled with approval: in essentials, unity;
in doubtful matters, liberty; in all things, charity.
Submitted by: Dr. Winfield H. Rose
Author: Unknown
E-Mail: winfield.rose@murraystate.edu
Web Page:msumusik.mursuky.edu/~rosew02/http/main.htm
Date: August 13, 1997
Did You Give Him A Lift?
Did you give him a lift? He's a brother of man,
And bearing about all the burden he can.
Did you give him a smile? He was downcast and blue,
And the smile would have helped him to battle it through.
Did you give him your hand? He was slipping down hill,
And the world, so I fancied, was using him ill.
Did you give him a word? Did you show him the road?
Or did you just let him go on with his load?
Do you know what it means to be losing the fight,
When a lift just in time might set everything right?
Do you know what it means - just a clasp of a hand,
When a man's borne about all a man ought to stand?
Did you ask what it was - why the quivering lip?
Why the half-suppressed sob, and the scalding tear's drip?
Were you brother of his when the time came of need?
Did you offer to help him or didn't you heed?
Unknown
Submitted by: Gerald S. Sumeracki
Author: Gerald S. Sumeracki (Poem #5)
E-Mail: sumospad@flash.net
Date: August 3, 1997
Lazarus
A flow of tears rolled down His cheeks
As looked He on the cave
His dearest friend, the one He loved
Lay deep within the grave.
Had been four days since he had died
An illness took his life
"He'll rise again" Christ told his kin
"I'll save him from this strife."
"We know that's true" they answered Him
"He'll rise on earth's last day
"But we had hoped you'd save his life
"Now's much too long he's lay."
"Roll back the stone" the Master said
"So I can see my friend"
"Oh no, please Lord, be not so cruel
"The odor's long been penned."
The stone was rolled and Christ did pray
He asked His Father please
"Do manifest Your might this day
"So all here can believe."
A stillness fell upon the crowd
As Jesus called His friend
"Come forth" He called "back to this life
"A life I now do mend."
And came he forth out of the grave
Still wrapped in dead man's clothes
The crowd was struck with awe and fright
A dead man had arose!
Yes Jesus Christ, this man of deeds
Did raise His own dear friend
To prove to all that through His name
Men's lives our God would mend.
Submitted by: Gerald S. Sumeracki
Author: Gerald S. Sumeracki (Poem #22)
E-Mail: sumospad@flash.net
Date: July 30, 1997
Freedom
Why do you think God loves us so
It's nothing that we've done
To merit such a wondrous gift
Salvation through His Son.
We're humbled low before the throne
Of His great majesty
Yet saving grace of Christs'own blood
Has truly set us free.
Free to be true sons of God
In union with the Three
We thank you Christ for Truth and Light
Your Way's brought those who'd see.
Submitted by: Don Reeves
Author: Don Reeves
E-Mail: donald.c.reeves@vanderbilt.edu
Date: July 27, 1997
Sword of the Spirit
Dear Believers,
While rummaging through an attic, I happened upon a sword. A real sword. The
scabbard was rusty, but near the hilt...there was a shiny silver-chrome place that was
the only hint of it's past. I unsheathed the sword and much to my surprise, the blade
had a shiny mirrored finish, much like the sword in the TV commerical used to encourage
young people to join the marine corp.
I thought to myself, "there must be a Bible lesson in this somewhere." I thought
of the scripture in Ephesians 6:17 "... the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of
God." It made me wonder how is the word of God like this sword I am holding in my
hand?
It may sound silly, but as I held the sword in my hand, I felt confident,
fearless, mighty, invincible, well... maybe not invincible but certainly dangerous. I
asked myself, "is this how I feel about God's word?" Truthfully, I had to admit that
often I feel defeated even though I wear the name of Christ and am in his word on a
daily basis.
I felt that I must change my mind about God's word! If His word says the word of
God is the sword of the Spirit, then I must not only recognize this power, but look for
ways to utilize this power in my daily living.
Then I thought of Otis Gatewood, long time missionary of the church in eastern
Europe (even before the iron curtain fell). He spoke of an experience in which he was
talking to a young communist man who stated rather bluntly that he was an athesist and
did not beleive in God. Brother Gatewood was not deterred, but replied "Yes, but
listen to what the Bible has to say about God. . ." and he proceeded to read the word
of God to the man. As our dear brother read the Bible about Jesus and his love for all
mankind, the young Communist said, "I believe, I believe in God."
This young man was not touched by the skillful words of man, but by the word of
God. He was 'pierced' by the mighty sword of the spirit. I should not be surprised by
this because the book of Romans tells me that faith comes by hearing the word of God!
I am determined from now on to live confidently, fearlessly, mightily, and
invincibly armed with the word of God. The "sword of the Spirit"
What do you think?
Submitted by: Brett Henry
Author: Brett Henry
E-Mail: TAZY3@aol.com
Date: July 27, 1997
Lord help me to live for you.
Let me walk your way, talk your way and never be ashamed.
Let me love those who need love, carry those who need carrying, and help the
ones who are hurting.
Let me praise thy wonderful name for everlasting, take you in my heart and
never forget you.
Lord, let me be a witness for you and try for you.
Lord let me be able to say
That I Will Always Love You and Never Leave You
AS YOU DID FOR ME ON THAT TREE!
Submitted by: Gerald S. Sumeracki
Author: Gerald S. Sumeracki (Poem #3)
E-Mail: sumospad@flash.net
Date: July 19, 1997
Between two Thieves
The deed was done, God's only Son
Was hung upon the cross
Between two thieves who'd earned their fate
Hung Christ with life a loss.
The Roman guards who'd hung Him high
Did taunt the Master still
"If you be God then come thou down
"Believe you then we will."
These failed belief when sightless saw
When cripples walked once more
They failed again when one who bled
Was healed of her old sore.
When withered hand was made full well
They failed once more to know
With thousands fed with fish and bread
Their hearts refused to grow.
The many chances Christ did give
To prove He was God's Son
Accepted none these hearts of stone
Now taunting Him for fun.
"Just come thou down from thy high tree
"So all the world can see--"
He bowed His head in death at last
And then they did agree.
"He was of God, look to the sky
And hear the thunder made
And feel the earth that does now quake--"
Yes fear in them was laid!
They pierced His side than took Him down
And placed Him in the ground
They thought would be the end of Him
Their thinking wasn't sound.
For He did give them one more sign
To gain in faith and live
He rose again in glorious light
He gave all He could give.
Submitted by: STUBUTZ@ACS.EKU.EDU
I had to write to tell you how much I love you and care for you.
Yesterday, I saw you walking and laughing with your friends; I hoped
that soon you'd want me to walk along with you, too. So, I painted you
a sunset to close your day and whispered a cool breeze to refresh you.
I waited--you never called--I just kept on loving you.
As I watched you fall asleep last night, I wanted to touch you. I
spilled moonlight onto your face--trickling down your cheeks as so
many tears have. You didn't even think of Me; I wanted so much to
comfort you.
The next day I exploded a brilliant sunrise into glorious morning for
you. But you woke up late and rushed off to class--you didn't even
notice. My sky became cloudy and My tears were the rain.
I love you, oh, if you'd only listen. I really love you. I try to say
it in the quiet of the green meadow and in the blue sky. The wind
whispers My love throughout the treetops and spills it into the vibrant
colors of all the flowers. I shout it to you in the thunder of the
great
waterfalls and compose love songs for birds to sing to you. I warm you
with the clothing of My sunshine and perfume the air with nature's
sweet scent. My love for you is deeper than any ocean and greater
than any need in your heart. If you'd only realize how I care.
My Dad sends His love. I want you to meet Him--He cares too.
Fathers are just that way. So, please; call on Me soon. No matter how
long it takes, I'll wait--because I love you.
Your friend,
Jesus