[11/10/2024]

INTRO:
       There have been countless wars over the centuries. Good men along with the bad have given their lives to participate in many battles. We especially keep those in mind who are at war today. We think of our soldiers in the Middle East, or those helping in Ukraine and other places. They may be a father or a husband or a brother. They may be a mother or a wife or a sister. Their service to our country involves a great personal sacrifice for them and their families . . . especially if they don’t return home.
       Jesus, too, made a great sacrifice. He gave His life to save mankind. He was the sinless, perfect Lamb of God, yet the sins of the world were placed on His shoulders. The Bible says that we’ve all fallen short of God’s glory,” (see Romans 3:23). We should have been condemned but Jesus fought the battle for us and won. By accepting His finished work on the cross we will be eternally saved and we can know that we will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

TEXT:
Romans 5:6-9; NLT.
       “When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God's sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God's condemnation.”

I remember hugs and kisses
so warm and full of life
but now I live on memories
that stretch across the miles.

That gentle hand I used to hold
that meant so much to me
has now been sent so far away
across the angry seas.

And that same hand that once I held
so safely wrapped in mine
was trained to hold a weapon
there upon the battle line.

Oh, how many nights I’ve cried
for my child so far away
to safely come back home to me
and here forever stay.

But now as death flies upon the wings
where wars of men are fought
a bullet or exploded shell
takes lives with each assault.

God, I know You understand
as my heart cries out to You
because You also sent Your Son
to do what He had to do.

And there upon that battle field
He bled and died for me.
You sent Him there upon that cross
so we could all be free.

Oh God, please hear this fearful heart
as I tearfully sit and pray
knowing that You care for those
so many miles away.

Lord, please bless them, everyone
whose loved one went to war
remembering the hand that they
will want to hold once more.

. . . We will not forget.
rdouglasVeer©May 26, 2024

[10/27/2024]

INTRO:
       Have you ever lit a match in a room that was pitch black? It's amazing to see how something as tiny as a match-head could illuminate an entire room. Even a tiny amount of light is powerful and the darkness can never overpower it, (see John 1:5).
       In His "sermon on the mount," Jesus said that as Christians, we are the salt and the light of the earth. And He pointed out that salt isn't any good if it's lost its flavor, nor is light effective if it's hidden.
       Halloween will be upon us tomorrow and many Christians cringe at the thought, for good reason. But what better time could there be to radiate Jesus to those who live in spiritual darkness, corruption, and confusion? One strike of God's match-head will uncover those things people do in secret. There's no where to run from God's piercing eyes and penetrating truths. He knows our hearts better than we know them, ourselves.
       God loves people too much to let anyone perish, so He shines His light of conviction upon us so His truth will set us free. We also need to let the light of Christ shine through us so we can help others find the pathway to the Father and tell them what God's love is all about.
 
TEXT:
Matthew 5:13-16; (ESV).
      “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a 

A Christian Pumpkin Poem

I am a Jack O' Lantern
My light will shine so bright
For I am a Christian pumpkin
My symbols tell what's right

My nose is like the cross
On which our Savior died
To set us free from sin
We need no longer hide

My mouth is like a fish
The whole wide world to show
That Christians live in this house
And love their Savior so!

The story starts at Christmas
My eyes are like the star
That shone on Baby Jesus
And wise men saw from far

My color it is orange
Just like the big bright sun
That rose on Easter Day
Along with God's own Son

And so on Halloween
Let's set our pumpkins out
And tell the trick or treaters
What God's love is all about!
Author Unknown


Source: https://discover.hubpages.com/holidays/afewchristianhalloweenpoems

[10/13/2024]

INTRO:
       Just as a child wants to please his father or mother, so a child of God wants to please his heavenly Father. But how can we actually please the God of the universe? Well maybe we should start with what displeases Him. We know "sin" offends and disappoints God because He is holy and cannot cohabit with sinful people. That's why He sent Jesus. Through the shed blood of Christ, all people are eligible to receive forgiveness if heart-felt repentance is offered. Through that and a personal acceptance of what Christ has done for us, a relationship with the Lord can begin.
       From this point forward we become a new creation with a new nature. He puts new desires in our heart and our relationship with the Lord is by faith as we learn, daily, to trust Him. Our life of faith is what pleases Him most. In fact, the Bible says that without faith it is impossible to please God, (see Hebrews 11:6).
       The self-life slowly fades away. We lose our appetite for chasing after every our whim to satisfy our every want. We trust God to supply our needs and wants, and out of love, we serve Him, doing all we can for the Lord.

TEXT:
I John 4:19; NIV
       “We love Him because He first loved us.”

Romans 8:35, 38, 39; AMP
       "Who shall ever separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

I walked a road of make believe.
I walked in dirt and worldly pleasures.
I walked wherever I felt pleased,
while God, my footsteps measured.

I took for me what e’er I wanted
to make for me a better life.
I never cared what I could do
about the work of Christ.

I let the world lead me along
and bragged about how I loved God,
yet all the while my footsteps fell
on worldly paths . . . of earthen sod.

I want to walk like Peter did;
I want to walk on water.
I want to follow Jesus' call;
I want to walk like I might oughta.

I ought to do things differently;
I ought to care for others.
I ought to feed the Master's lambs;
yes, my sisters and my brothers.

But what in me has magnified
the wondrous glory of the cross?
What have I done to lift up Christ,
no matter what the cost?

Oh, God please give me seeing eyes,
that truly fix themselves on You.
And let them see the work ahead,
to know what I can do.

Please let my eyes see only Christ
as He reaches out to me,
calming all my angry waves,
as I step out into the sea.

That I might walk upon the waters
of my pride and anger too,
putting them beneath my feet,
as I walk holy before You.

I want to leave the boat behind
with all it's weighty, worldly sin,
and feel You as You take my hand
and bid me enter in

Please, help me Lord, to do the work
for You I pray, God’s precious Lamb,
who walked upon the surging seas
and Galilee’s soft sand.

Show me how to follow, Lord,
and in my life's last setting sun,
let me hear You gently say,
"Come in . . . I'm satisfied, My son.”
© rdouglasVeer 1/20/2019

In His Presence, Peace Be Still
[9/29/2024]

In His Presence, Peace Be Still

Out upon the near horizon
brews another stormy day.
And there a swirling dark depression,
once again has come my way.
Clouds with threats of looming sadness,
roll . . . o'er the greyish sky,
while my tired heart is asking,
"Why Lord? Why?"

Pitifully again I go
into my dungeons dark and deep,
dragging up the memories
of old, forgotten fears and grief,
where my aching body cries
for all the pain it bears,
and the Tempter calls out tauntingly,
"You know that no one cares!

“Who are you to have the peace
and love that others know?
Why should you have joy upon
your face like others show?
When have you done anything
to soften all their pain?”
He was constantly accusing me,
time and time again.

On and on with deepening sorrow,
this message ebbs and flows.
It wraps my mind within it’s grasp
while never letting go.
Like the rocking, ripping tide,
from a boisterous, angry sea,
swirling troubled thoughts pile high,
and beat me to my knees.

"Oh, God, why must it be this way?
When can I find some rest?
When will there be peace and comfort,
for this aching breast?"
Then within the thunder clouds
a tiny light appears,
to grow and gleam and glisten,
as I watch it, drawing near.

Faintly there I see a figure,
walking deep within the glow,
silencing my beating heart,
because somehow I know . . .
that there amid the crashing rumble,
beneath a raging sky,
is the peace I’ve always dreamed of,
inside my troubled mind.

The figure draws still nearer,
through my puzzled, blurry sight,
as He turns my yawning darkness,
into a morning light.
My vision then becomes much clearer;
I see that it is He!
The One who calms the winds and storms;
the Man from Galilee.

And all around me peace and love,
are all that I can feel,
as He quietly walks upon my storm,
and whispers, "Peace be still."

Why do I let such sorrow
from this angry world withhold
all the precious treasures,
that He offers for my soul,
robbing me of joy and peace
He wants to bring to me?
Because I simply see what is,
instead of what could be.
©rdouglasveer, date unknown

[09-15-024]

INTRO:
       Sin is an awful thing. And we all live under the weight of it; well, except for those whose consciences are seared and burnt beyond repair. God help those precious folks. Yes, they too, are precious to God. But this world is such a dark place because it’s under satan’s rule. He has blinded the minds of us all.
       This was NOT God’s intent. At the beginning of creation, He gave all authority to Adam and Even to subdue the earth and take dominion over it. But Adam blew it. He gave away his authority and Jesus had to come to our world and buy us back from that tragic failure.
       Now, all of us have access to God. But we have to be willing to humble ourselves and receive His forgiveness, and ask Him to walk with us each day without compromise. We now have an opportunity to receive God’s blessings and work for a new boss. But the choice is ours; a choice that affects our eternity. So, what have you done with Jesus?

TEXT:
Romans 6:23; (AMPC).
       "For the wages which sin pays is death, but the [bountiful] free gift of God is eternal life through (in union with) Jesus Christ our Lord."

Proverbs 2:20; (AMP).
       "So you will walk in the way of good men [that is, those of personal integrity, moral courage and honorable character], And keep to the paths of the righteous."

No Compromise

I walked a road of safety,
fully cleansed and committed to God.
And nothing there could touch me
as I’d see Him smile and nod.
I committed all my ways to Him,
and He was committed to me.
But then I went out on my own,
‘til His face I could not see.

The years grew so much longer
and my commitment vanished away.
I compromised everything to the world;
more and more with each passing day.
Soon my life in the Savior was empty.
I'd used it for the lure of my sin.
But in my heart a voice still said
I'd not be forsaken by Him.

My sins grew so much stronger
that they broke my body in pain
and ruined my pride in Jesus
‘til it filled me with my shame.
To be like Jesus, showing forth His love
was something I could no longer claim.
It hurt me to know that I'd failed Him
and tarnished His wonderful name.

I longed for the days when my Savior
walked with me in fellowship sweet.
I wanted Him back in my life;
to be His and be made complete.
So back to the alter of mercy
to the humble beginnings I knew,
I went with a broken heart
seeking His forgiveness anew.

I cried at the altar of Mercy,
“Change my heart, oh God, once more.
Purge me with some of your hyssop;
and forgive me, oh Lord, in full.
Renew within me Your spirit;
wash me clean and pure by your love.
Take my yielded heart and mend it,
by Your precious power from above.”

My will is to walk the road again,
that goes the way You’ve gone.
It doesn't matter where I've been
or where erring steps have trod.
The only thing that matters now
is being where You are,
and knowing that forever more
I’m safe in the arms of God.
©rdouglasveer, 04/2000

[09/01/2024]

INTRO:
       With Labor Day upon us once again, we turn our thoughts toward the value of work. There’s been a growing trend over the past few decades in which people have lost the desire to work hard, taking pride in a job well done. People have cashed in their work ethics for “me time.” What’s so great about work, anyway?
       Going to work and giving one’s best gives a person a sense of purpose and undergirds one’s dignity. It is also a way to give back with time and/or finances. It benefits others in many different ways.
       Work is also a way to honor God. But we should be careful not fill our days with “busy work.” Rather, God needs people who are intentional about doing His will. Jesus said we must deny ourselves and follow Him, (see Matthew 16:24-26). That’s the beginning of everything.
       So, how are you filling your time? Have you asked the Lord what He has created you to do? If you’ve communed with Him and have received His answer, you’ll be well on your way to discovering who He’s created you to become.

TEXT:
Matthew 16:24-26; (NKJV).
       24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

Lord, Use Me to Minister

Lord, what am I to do today?
I'm just so covered up.
I've got to get my neighbor straight
and lots of other stuff.
The world is in an awful mess.
It's falling all apart.
I just don't understand mankind.
Oh, he has such a wicked heart.

And You, oh God . . . want me to use
my time to find a mirror?
What was it that You said to me?
"In there, I’ll see an error."
But, Lord, don't You remember me?
Don't You know who I am?
I'm born-again and go to church.
I've been saved since I was ten.

But Lord . . . is that one really me?
The image in the glass?
I thought that I was spiritual.
A regular coup de grace.
But the image says I'll need to die
before I'll ever see
the thrill of working in Your fields . . .
Your fields of ministry.

Then change me Lord, and teach me how
You want my life to be,
that I may serve from this day on
in Christian Ministry.
Give me the thrill of knowing, Lord,
that I have had a hand
in seeing others find their way
into Your promised land.
©rdouglasveer, date unknown

[8/18/2024]

INTRO:
       As Christians, we have an adversary. He is known as the serpent, the devil, old slew-foot, or satan. One of his favorite tools is discouragement. He is always whispering words of defeat into our minds. If we remained steeped in the Bible and prayed up, we can sidestep his influence. But when we drift away from our close relationship with the Lord, that’s usually when the enemy of our souls steps in.
       The Lord encouraged the Israelites through the prophet, Isaiah. The commentary covering Isaiah 43 says, “This chapter looks toward the deliverance of God’s people. But it also looks through that and beyond it to the great work of man’s redemption by the lord, Jesus. God has gone to great lengths to provide salvation for the lost world of men. His love is such that even while they are sinners, He continues to care for them and urge upon them the necessity for repentance.”
       God did this for us because we are valuable to Him. He believes it! You must believe it, too.

TEXT:
Isaiah 43:1, 2, 4b (NLT).
       “But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you . . . because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you.”

On the Road Again

"On the road again . . ."
was a phrase I used to say,
singing at a swanky club
or in a cheap café.

Did it really matter where
I'd sing, or sleep, or go?
No, because I didn’t care
that my worth was very low.

"Who I am," was plastic.
A “make believe”, no doubt,
‘cause, "You are just a nobody,"
was what the devil would shout.

But oh, the road grew weary
and the way was always dark.
And it didn't really matter
‘cause I had a loser’s heart.

So the devil had his say so
and my life was ruled by him.
He'd kick me out and holler,
"Git goin'. Hit the road again!"

He’d say that I was worthless
and I'd buy it every time,
‘til the day that I saw Jesus
standing on that road of mine.

With a glow of love around Him;
And both arms held out to me.
"Come, draw near. Be My child.
You are valuable to Me."

Now He reassures me daily
that I’m worthwhile to Him.
And the road I walk is holy,
because Jesus lives within.
©RdouglasVeer July 30/03

[8/4/2024]

INTRO:
       Did you know that God is not religious. He isn’t even 

interested in religion. Jesus didn’t come to earth to set up shrines and lead people in empty rituals. He wasn’t even about rules and regulations. He, Himself broke His own laws at times, when the lives of people were more important. For example, He elected to heal people on the Sabbath. When questioned He responded, “. . . The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath,” (Mark 2:27; NIV).
       The God of the universe is much more interested in relationship. He wants to know you and me. And he desires that we get to know Him. We do that by reading His word and carrying out what we find there. We can also know God in a deeper way through prayer. It’s so easy, even a novice can do it. Prayer is simply talking to God just like you’d speak to a respected friend.
       Did you look for Him today in your quiet time?

TEXT:
James 4:8a; (GNT).
       “Come near to God, and he will come near to you . . .”

The Making of a Man

I cannot count the Sundays
that I have been to church . . .
The offering plate comes to me
and I give . . . (but not if it hurts).

I'm satisfied with my own life;
I have no sense of loss.
But the way the preacher preaches . . .
I wonder . . . have I counted the cost?

I don't see Jesus as he does.
I just don't know what to say . . .
I wonder what is in me,
that keeps me bound this way?

He speaks of joy in obedience,
and laying of my life down,
to win one day in glory,
to place at His feet . . . a crown.

I feel there's something I'm missing,
but I want it to be mine,
if I'm to know the joys of Heaven,
and languish in His presence sublime.

Oh God, I want to know You
and what You want me to be,
even if the price You require
is to give my all to Thee.

Burn out my self-sufficiency.
Burn out my pride and shame,
and set my life afire
by the fuel of Jesus' name.


Oh God, consume my being.
Make me the work of Your hand.
Destroy the will within me,
to believe in the self-made man.

Cover me with ashes
to remember evermore,
that sufficient I will never be,
without You, Jesus, my source.
©rdouglasVeer 11/03

[7/21/2024]

INTRO:
       God’s creation is magnificent. Every time I venture 

outside, I can’t help but be struck by the beauty of nature that surrounds me. My heart becomes filled with delight which leads me to worship our God.
       While our aim is to worship the Lord, there are religions out there that actually worship nature. They bow down to the trees and the wildlife in all of its surrounding beauty yet they are too blind to look past the creation to behold the Creator. What a shame.
       Such people are just a breath away from realizing that without God, the canvas of life would be blank. And more than that: without God, we ourselves would not exist.
       Yes, God created this world for us to enjoy, moreover, He created us for His enjoyment. Pause, and think of that.

TEXT:
Psalm 8:3-9; (NLT).
3 When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—
    the moon and the stars you set in place—
4 what are mere mortals that you should think about them,
    human beings that you should care for them?
5 Yet you made them only a little lower than God
    and crowned them with glory and honor.
6 You gave them charge of everything you made,
    putting all things under their authority—
7 the flocks and the herds
    and all the wild animals,
8 the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea,
    and everything that swims the ocean currents.
9 O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!

A TASTE OF BEAUTY

So flocks the brilliant butterfly
upon the gentle stem
which holds the nectar of the dainty flower.

As silently, invisibly
doth beat the gentle wing
suspending it with tireless, gentle power.

Who but a God of wonders would
create one such as this
to give the world, a taste of beauty such,

that in His love for man would He
share such a majesty
to show the wonder of His love for us.

[7/7/2024]

INTRO:
       God’s creation is truly magnificent. We encounter our world every day but so often, we become 

oblivious to the beauty that surrounds us.
       Genesis chapter one tells how God created the heavens and the earth in six days. First, He created the light and separated it from the darkness. Next, He 

separated the waters of the heavens from the waters of the earth. On the third day, He commanded dry land to emerge with its plants, and trees, and seed-bearing fruit. On the fourth day, God set lights in the sky to light the earth and to govern the day and night. Next, He filled the waters with fish and the sky with birds of every kind. On the sixth day, God produced all sorts of animals, each able to produce offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good.
       But God saved the best for last. On the sixth day He created Adam and Eve and told them to be fruitful and multiply. And for six millenniums, we have done just that.
       Out of all of creation, we are God’s crowning glory. May we find a revelation of how special we are to His heart. We know it’s true because one day, God sent His Son to redeem us. He paid a great price for us. It was costly and expensive. Yes, Jesus was the “poem of God’s heart” that He lovingly wrote to us. Praise His name forever.

TEXT:
Genesis 1:26, 27; (NLT).
       “Then God said, ‘Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.’ So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”

A Poem

Oh, how the mighty hand of God
created everything.
The trees, the flowers, the flowing brooks,
the birds, and the songs they sing.

He gave us stars to light the night
and a sun to warm the day.
And then to guide us through the dark,
a moon to light our way.

Oh, how His wonders do surround us
if we’ll take the time to see
how beautiful He made His world
to share with you and me.

Yes, flowers, birds, and dewdrops, too,
with songs only they can sing
created He, to bless us with
a world only He could bring.

But as He watched His final work,
the woman and the man,
created He, our wondrous God,
a gift, as only His love can.

Within the breathing breast He put
a heart, like His alone.
And there within the heart God wrote
to speak to us a poem.

With His tender words of love
could God alone impart,
and created He, this tender gift,
His poem . . . of the heart.
©rdouglasveer; 2021

[6/16/2024]

INTRO:
       There’s an old saying: “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” While we do inherit our parents’ genes we also inherit their behaviors and the way they “model” themselves. There are many Bible verses that encourage us to walk uprightly, with integrity, not only for our good outcomes but for our children as well. Proverbs 20:7 says, “The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them,” (NLT).
       Many homes today are missing either a Father or a Father’s good character. If you are a dad, please consider taking an inventory of your life. Maybe you don’t know God but maybe you do; it’s just that you’ve fallen away from Him. It’s up to you to realize you can break the cycle. You can begin serving the Lord, today. And by doing so, you will make a tremendous, positive difference in your family life. Joshua was determined to serve God: “. . . as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” (Joshua 24:15b; KJV). So, what about you?
       Need some advice? God wants you to grow wise so you can live a blessed, abundant life. Look for His counsel daily through His Word. Then bring up your children with the same principles. They will thank you for it. Here is a Father’s instruction from Proverbs 4:1-9, (TPT).

1 Listen to my correction, my sons, for I speak to you as your father. Let discernment enter your heart and you will grow wise with the understanding I impart.
2 My revelation-truth is a gift to you, so remain faithful to my instruction.
3 For I, too, was once the delight of my father and cherished by my mother—their beloved child.
4 Then my father taught me, saying, “Never forget my words. If you do everything that I teach you, you will reign in life.”
5 So make wisdom your quest—search for the revelation of life’s meaning. Don’t let what I say go in one ear and out the other.
6 Stick with wisdom and she will stick to you, protecting you throughout your days. She will rescue all those who passionately listen to her voice.
7 Wisdom is the most valuable commodity—so buy it! Revelation-knowledge is what you need—so invest in it!
8 Wisdom will exalt you when you exalt her truth. She will lead you to honor and favor when you live your life by her insights.
9 You will be adorned with beauty and grace, and wisdom’s glory will wrap itself around you, making you victorious in the race.

TEXT:
Proverbs 4:1; (TPT).
       “Listen to my correction, my sons, for I speak to you as your father. Let discernment enter your heart and you will grow wise with the understanding I impart.”

For Dads Only

Three-hundred and sixty-five days a year
there are birthdays, Christmas, and other days of cheer.
It seems as if there’s always something to do
to remember me, or remember you.

Fourth-of-July or Easter or Lent;
there are always presents or cards to be sent.
And sometimes it’s not a yearly event
such as leap-year, to tell us where four years have went.

Presidential birthdays are found there too,
and the calendar reminds us of what celebrating to do.
New-year and Halloween or the first day of Spring
are some of the seasons we find reason to sing.

There are songs about Mothers, and even some poems
but I don’t want you, Father, to feel all alone
because this day is yours and I am so glad.
I’m proud and I’m happy to call you my Dad.

I hope you enjoy every minute
celebrating this Father’s Day
©rdouglasVeer-Year Unknown

[6/9/2024]

INTRO:
       Peace can be illusive. We get wrapped up in the cares of this world and we forget that we don’t have to continually strive. We forget that we can let Jesus carry our burdens. We forget that we can rest in the Lord and trust Him for what we need instead of trying to make everything happen in our own strength.
       Jesus said, “Take my yoke upon you . . .” Matthew 11:29a; (NIV). What does that mean? The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “yoke” as follows: “a wooden bar or frame by which two draft animals (such as oxen) are joined at the heads or necks for working together.” When we slip into a “yoke” with Jesus, we are joining our life with His and we can then “pull the load together.” Is there anyone more loving and more qualified to team up with besides the God of the universe?
       So, go ahead and rest; relax; know that God’s “got this.” Trust in Him. “Pile your troubles on God’s shoulders— he’ll carry your load, he’ll help you out. He’ll never let good people topple into ruin,” (Psalm 55:22; MSG).

TEXT:
Matthew 11:29; (TPT).
       “Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you’ll discover that I’m gentle, humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in me.”

BENEATH THE SOD
Over the horizon a new dawn was breaking,
kissing the world with fresh dew and making
the used up yesterday, flee into the past
and you, my friend, didn’t even have to ask.

Then up came the sun to brighten the day,
chasing the shadows of yesterday.
With it the promise that all would be new
for whoever wanted it, and that includes you.

Oh what a joy is yours to be had,
offered to each little girl and each lad,
driving all worries far into the past.
And no one, not anyone, has to be last.

Its not only offered to those who are swift,
for God is the Giver, and His Son is the gift.
If you accept His offer of Grace,
you’ll find that His Peace will come and replace . . .

. . . the worries that you, once used to have
because God will have sent them all into the past.
Then comfort will follow Him into your life
as God Himself will vanquish your strife.

So, please give your life to the Son of God
before they lay you beneath the sod.
He’s waiting to answer if you’ll call His name
because everyone who calls is treated the same,
and the peace that you’ve wanted will be yours at last.
My friend . . . all you need do is ask.
©rdouglasVeer 10/11/2023

[5/26/2024]

INTRO:
       Some folks may wonder what the difference is between Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day. The two occasions might seem quite similar 

because they both honor the military, but actually, the two patriotic 

holidays are quite different.
       Veterans Day, a federal holiday that falls on November 11, is 

designated as a day to honor the more than 19 million men and women who have served or do actively serve in the U.S. military.
       Memorial Day, which is commemorated on the last Monday in May, honors service members who have died in military service to the 

nation. The holiday began in the post-Civil War era, when citizens would informally place spring flower memorials on the graves of fallen soldiers, (See https://www.uso.org/stories/2522-understanding-the-difference-of-memorial-day-vs-veterans-day).
       Today, we feature a poem from ReadGoodPoems.com. The lyrics to this poem describe so 

wonderfully the sentiment of our fallen heroes that we wanted to share these words with you. 

God bless our many soldiers who fought and died for this great country called America.

TEXT:
John 15:13; (NIV).
       “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

A Soldier's Prayer For Memorial Day

Dear Lord above, hear my prayer,
For those who fought, but are not here.
Bless their souls, in the afterglow,
In your loving arms, let their spirits grow.

For the comrades lost in the heat of the fight,
In the shadows of darkness, in the silent night.
Bless their souls, in the celestial flight,
In the realm of peace, where there is no plight.

In the hallowed ground, where heroes repose,
A soldier's prayer; the wind softly blows.
Grant them rest, and solace profound,
In your loving arms, may peace abound.

Their sacrifice, a prayer eternally heard,
In the presence of angels, in your holy Word.
A soldier's prayer, for the brave and true,
In the tapestry of remembrance, forever anew.

Source: https://readgoodpoems.com/memorial-day-christian-poems/

Notes on Memorial Day Christian Poems:
These Memorial Day Christian poems are a powerful reminder of the sacrifice made by those

who have fought for our freedom. They also serve as a reflection on the ultimate sacrifice 

that Jesus made for us. Let us honor and remember all who have given their lives for our country.

[5/12/2024]

INTRO:
       There is a wonderful passage in Proverbs chapter 31 that describes the character of a wife and mother. While there are certain pockets of pious, religious thinkers out there who believe women are of no value and subject to a man’s authority, the Bible values and praises women. Here is what Solomon wrote in Proverbs:
       “10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, 

noble things, but you surpass them all.” 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. 31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate,” (NIV).
       Today’s poem is written from the perspective of a child. How can we as a society produce good, upright people with fine character? By raising them in a home with strong parents of good character, because like the child in the poem says, “I have so many things to learn that I don’t yet understand.”
       Today we honor mothers everywhere; that they might be encouraged as they go about tending to their households and raising their families.

Source:

[4/28-2024]

INTRO:
       Can people really change? The Bible says it’s not only possible but it’s expected of those who are born-again. In fact, 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new,” (KJV). If all things 

become new, we are talking about a complete metamorphosis that isn’t reserved just for butterflies. The word “butterfly” is not found in the Bible but the word “transformation” Is. Strongs Concordance 

describes it this way: to transform (literally or figuratively, “metamorphose”); change, transfigure, transform. So when the Bible says we are to be transformed, it is really saying God wants to take our flawed and faulty souls and change us into creatures of beauty, wholly fit to be the bride of Christ when His work in us is finished. Looking at those pretty, multi-colored wings, I find great hope. And in my darkest hour, I know God’s promises will come true, worries will end, change will come to pass and better, brighter days lay ahead. Yes, He will complete the good work He has started in me.

TEXT:
Romans 12:2a; (NKJV).
       “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind . . .”

2 Corinthians 3:18; (TLB).
       “But we Christians have no veil over our faces; we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him.”

Philippians 1:6; (ERV).
       “I am sure that the good work God began in you will continue until he completes it on the day when Jesus Christ comes again.”

A Butterfly

I just looked at a butterfly
with wings so fragile and fair.
It’s hard to believe that a heart once beat
for the worm that was once living there!

The dainty wings, so translucent are
by far much more than I
could ever hope to see man make
beneath this glorious sky.

Not only earthbound in our strength
but in our mind as well.
For we can n‘er unlock the secrets
that God alone could tell.

A worm, a worm, that hardly moves.
Unpleasant is he, at best.
Yet there on the daintiest gossamer wings,
it sails from east to west.

A thousand miles and back again.
Ah, such is life for I,
when God’s own holy hand touches me,
taking me to His home on high.

Then with His heavenly angel band,
we’ll come to fight the war;
the “War of the Ages”: God against sin,
and earthbound I’ll be no more.

Then heaven-ward again I’ll go,
just like the butterfly,
changed forever, never again
to be a worm, will I . . .
rdouglasVeer 3/29/1999

The Indwelling Power

God has sent Jesus to save me,
and I have invited Him in.
Then why does my spirit continue
walking and living in sin?

Wandering onward in sorrow,
my failures reveal waves of shame.
I think that life is just hopeless,
Will I ever be free from my pain?

Oh man of the earth can't you see it?
Your flesh is always in charge.
Why do I have such a small space,
and your flesh, a place that's so large?

Your flesh loves the sin of the worldly,
but self cannot be satisfied.
T’will stain you with the shame of your actions;
stains impossible to hide.

You’ll devour and demand even more sin,
and the larger it grows in your breast,
there’ll be no power to stop it,
And you’ll never have time to take rest.

Now, the fighting, the struggling, the losing;
don't you get tired of it all?
While you're trying to walk you are stumbling.
When you try to run you just fall.

The failures that keep you distracted;
they're part of the enemy’s plan.
He wants you to bow to his spirit
in defeat, just as long as he can.

But you know you belong to the Father.
He's the Victor of spiritual war.
It's not only bread that you live by.
God has given you, oh, so much more.

If you lay down the baggage you carry
of selfishness, pride, and of lust,
then the spirit of God can come fill you,
and give you a power you can trust.

You can trust Him to fight all your battles.
You can trust Him to be your best friend.
You can trust Him to keep you from falling.
He will fight for you right to the end.

No it won't be the end of your battles.
You will probably fight evermore.
But with God’s holy spirit within you,
you’ll have already won this old war.

The choice is yours now dear pilgrim
to walk in the draw of the flesh,
or be filled with God’s holy spirit
with a power divine, full and fresh.

The suffering from guilt will be over.
Together with His spirit you’ll be one.
So why don't you turn to the Father,
and say, “Holy spirit, now come?”

“The self-man I’ll no longer treasure.
He'll be my master no more.
Now, I’ll yield to the power of the spirit.
Oh, fill me with Thyself evermore!”
  © rdouglasVeer 9/6/2005

[3/24/2024]

INTRO:
       What is a shepherd? Very simply, it is a person who tends to sheep. But if we look more closely, we see the principles shepherds practice. First of all, they care for the sheep; they protect them, ensure their safety and tend to their wounds and broken bones should they wander into trouble before they can be caught. Second, they guide them to good grazing land and fresh water so they may thrive. Third, the shepherd seeks those who have become lost until He finds them.
       The Bible shows us these and other characteristics attributed to Jesus. As believers, He cares for us, protects us, and keeps us safe as long as we remain under His umbrella of safety. Second, He guides us in life; He opens doors of provision and blessing and He leads us into the presence of the Holy Spirit, that we might drink in His marvelous goodness. Third, if one of us should become lost, He leaves the ninety-nine and comes looking for the one.
       In life, Jesus is our Shepherd if we are willing to walk with Him. Don’t you know God wants to protect you and bless you? Don’t you know He cares for you deeply, so much so that He laid down His life for you and me? As Easter approaches, let us thank God for all He has done for us!

TEXT:
Psalm 23; (TLB).
       “Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need! He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams. He gives me new strength. He helps me do what honors him the most. Even when walking through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way. You provide delicious food for me in the presence of my enemies. You have welcomed me as your guest; blessings overflow! Your goodness and unfailing kindness shall be with me all of my life, and afterwards I will live with you forever in your home.”

Luke 15:3, 4; (TLB).
       “So Jesus used this illustration: “If you had a hundred sheep and one of them strayed away and was lost in the wilderness, wouldn’t you leave the ninety-nine others to go and search for the lost one until you found it?”

He Leads Me Beside Still Waters

He leads me beside still waters.
He restoreth, restoreth my soul.
He leads me beside still waters.
He maketh, He maketh me whole.

Green pastures He prepares, for me,
beside the waters so still,
where I lay down in His sweet peace,
and learn how to do His will.

He leads me beside still waters.
He restoreth, restoreth my soul.
He leads me beside still waters.
He maketh, He maketh me whole.

Through the valley of the shadow of death,
He helps me not be afraid,
and in the presence of mine enemy,
a table before me He lays.

He leads me beside still waters.
He restoreth, restoreth my soul.
He leads me beside still waters.
He maketh, He maketh me whole.

My God, I will love you forever,
because You have first loved me.
You have given me a future and a hope,
And beside You, forever I'll be.

You lead me beside still waters.
You completely restore my soul.
You lead me beside still waters.
You have made me perfectly whole.
rdouglasveer ©date unknown

[3/10/2024]

INTRO:
       Dictionary.com defines the word, Pastor, as a 

minister or priest in charge of a church, or a person having spiritual care of a number of persons; he is one who serves others. It may seem like a cushy job in that pastors seem to only work Sundays and Wednesday nights, but according to Tumi.org, 1,500 pastors leave the ministry permanently each month and 7,000 churches close each year in America. Wow. It would be interesting to study why these numbers are so high. There may be many reasons pastors quit. They could be retiring; some might be ill; others may have passed away. But discouragement must also play a role. The question is, why do people become pastors in the first place?
       Thank goodness, many are called by God and truly want to serve. They do a good job and spend their whole lives doing it. But some take on the position to gain job security, or perhaps to be esteemed by others. Like the character in our poem today, they see themselves as high and lifted up while at the same time, the people's need are neglected. That kind of performance leads to failure and burn out, in any career by the way . . . but in the ministry, many flocks of people suffer the consequences, not just the Shepherd. What ever your calling in life, seek God about it first. If it is meant to be, He will 

certainly equip you and strengthen you for each part of the journey.

TEXT:
Jeremiah 29:11; (NIV).
       “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

I Peter 5:1-4; (AMP).
       “Therefore, I strongly urge the elders among you [pastors, spiritual leaders of the church], as a 

The Preacher’s Mistake

The parish Priest, so full of himself,
climbed up into a high church steeple,
“To be nearer to God,” is what he said,
“to hand down God’s word to the people.”

Whether the sun was high, or the sun was low
‘twas his own purpose he was heeding,
to let the people beneath him know
that he was forever reading.

And now and again, when he heard the creak
of the weather vane a-turning,
he closed his eyes and solemnly said,
“Of truth, now, from God I am learning.”

And in sermon script he daily wrote
what he thought was sent from heaven,
and he sent this down on the people’s heads,
two days out of the seven.

In time God said, “Come down and die!”
And the priest cried from that high steeple,
“Where are you Lord?” and the Lord replied,
“I’m down here, among the people!”
©rdouglasveer - date unknown

[2/25/2024]

INTRO:
       Billy Graham once said, “Salvation isn't ours until we reach out and accept it.” Think of it this way. If someone wrote you a check for a thousand dollars and put that check in your hand, would you possess the money? Well, no. You could easily throw that check away or put it in a drawer “for later”. But if you took that check to the bank and cashed it, only then could you say those funds were yours. Accepting the money is the key to possession.
       Many people hear about “salvation” but they don’t really accept it. They come up with several 

reasons for not accepting Christ. So they put Him “in a drawer” for later. They say, “I’m not ready to change my lifestyle. Maybe when I’m older, or sick, or when the end of my life comes, I will turn to Him, but not now . . .” That’s quite a gamble, don’t you think? None of us knows when the end of our life will come.
       So what is it God is asking us to accept? First, admit you are a sinner. Second, be willing to turn away from sin, with God’s help. Third, believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose again on the third day, for you. He took the punishment for your sins upon Himself. Fourth, ask Jesus Christ into your heart and life. He promises to transform you from the inside, out. He will fill you with His peace and his joy and define your real purpose in life. Trust Him, today!

TEXT:
2 Corinthians 6:2; (NLT).
       “For God says, ‘At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you.’ Indeed, the ‘right time’ is now. Today is the day of salvation.”

Psalm 69:13; (AMP).
       “But as for me, my prayer is to You, O Lord, at an acceptable and opportune time; O God, in the greatness of Your favor and in the abundance of Your lovingkindness, Answer me with truth [that is, the faithfulness of Your salvation].”

Everybody’s Talkin' ‘Bout Heaven

Everybody’s talkin' 'bout heaven,
but evrything's movin' so slow.
Everybody’s talkin' 'bout heaven.
How many will get to go?

Everybody’s talkin' 'bout heaven,
and bein' lifted up in the air.
Everybody’s talkin' 'bout heaven,
but mere words won't get you there.

Talk is cheap with no commitment.
They are just words in the air.
There's no conductor callin' "all aboard"
so talk won't pay the fare.

Many say, "I'm goin' to heaven
on the judgement day."
But there's a price; its my life and soul.
Am I really willing to pay?

Life is short and goes so fast.
We can’t understand where it went.
And when it's over, gone and done,
suddenly it's the end.

Yes, life is short and goes so fast.
I can’t figure out where it went.
Suddenly it's over and then what happens?
You'll figure it out in the end.

Everybody’s talkin' 'bout heaven,
but evrything's movin' so slow.
Everybody’s talkin' 'bout heaven.
How many will get to go?

Everybody’s talkin' 'bout heaven,
and bein' lifted up in the air.
Everybody’s talkin' 'bout heaven,
but mere words won't get you there . . .
. . . Knowing Jesus will get you there!
©rdouglasveer - date unknown

[2/11/2024]

INTRO:
       Did you know that God invented love? When human life began on this planet, the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him,” (Genesis 2:18; NLT). So God made Eve to be Adam’s wife. We find several other love stories in the Bible. Jacob loved Rachel and worked for her father a total of 14 years to pay for her hand in marriage. Ruth lost her husband but because of her loyalty to her mother-in-law, Boaz fell in love with her and married her. Mary and Joseph were courting when the Holy Spirit told her she was with child. Joseph could have left her because of any perceived shame, but he trusted God and married Mary after Jesus was born. The greatest love story of all is the one between Jesus (the Lamb) and His bride (the living church of believers). His ultimate plan is for us as believers to be united with our Lord for eternity. And when that wedding day comes there will be much rejoicing: “Let us rejoice and be happy and give God glory! Give God glory, because the wedding of the Lamb has come. And the Lamb’s bride has made herself ready,” (Revelation 19:7; ERV). Here on earth, love within the bonds of marriage most closely relates to our union with Christ. And while the Song of Solomon is a book about the love between a husband and a wife, it also reflects Christ’s love for His bride. Oh, what a day that will be.

TEXT:
Song of Solomon 1:15, 16; (ICB).
       The Man Speaks, “15 My darling, you are beautiful! Oh, you are beautiful! Your eyes are like doves!”
The Woman Answers the Man, “16 You are so handsome, my lover. You are so pleasant!”

My Valentine

We are so different, you and I.
You're a girl and I’m a guy.

I'm from the Southern U.S.A.
You're from the far-up northern way.

You sing just like a meadow lark.
I'm like a bear rubbing a piece of bark.

I love hot, fast cars and love to drive.
Sometimes you worry how you’ll stay alive.

But what's so wonderful is this:
our love did bloom when first we kissed.

I am your husband; you are my wife.
Loving you fills up my life.

This is our first year valentine.
And I thank God; forever, you are mine.
rdouuglasveer 2/13/98

[1/28/2024]

INTRO:
       If you and I were honest we would have to admit that we worry over things at times. Some people try not to worry too much, but others find worrying to be an all-consuming past-time. God knows all about it, and He sees every aspect of our lives; He knows what we need and He faithfully provides . . . 

A fresh revelation of His word will assure us of His love and care. “. . . your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!” (Matthew 6:8; NLT). And then there’s God’s message in Luke’s Gospel: “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you . . .” (Luke 12:27, 28; NLT). But you may say, “I have prayed and asked the Lord to help me but I can’t see Him working. It feels like He’s not even there.” Well, just because we can’t see God’s hand in our situation does not mean He isn’t at work. We have to realize things take time. Yes, we can cast all our anxieties on Him 

because He cares for us, (see 1 Peter 5:7). Let us therefore decide to trust in God just as David did when he said, “I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul,” (Psalm 31:7; NLT).

TEXT:
Luke 12:28; (NLT).
       “. . . if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you . . .”

Isaiah 41:10; (NIV).
       “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

When my world is full of nothing
but a lot of push and shove,
and I’m tired and I’m weary
and I want to just be loved.

When storms rage all around me
driving me . . . onward, blind,
I have a reassurance
that I can always find.

The hidden, unseen forces
that provide for all my needs
ride the winds of His compassion
sent by God at His own speed.

When I seem to lose my way
on a foggy, stormy night,
and the pathways are so full
of an unquenched state of fright, I find

He’s not a God of failure;
He’s not a God of fear.
I simply reach my hand out
and always find Him near.

There is a safer road
that I can always trod,
and I’m led there oh, so safely
by the unseen hand of God.
rdouglasVeer ©04/01/04

[1/14/2024]

INTRO:
       The magnificence and wonder of creation 

reminds us of the mightiness of God. While we see God’s hand in all that He made, the heavens do 

especially declare His glory, (see Psalm 19). The heavens shine with brightness, the stars are too many to count, the planets are huge next to our small frames, and the expanse of the universe covers distances whose ends we can not reach. To think that God simply “spoke” everything into existence 

reflects His unlimited power and intelligence . . . and in the midst of all of this . . . He created you and me. We can not deny the beauty of all that He made, but we also must know that He deemed man as being so valuable, that He planned–-ahead of time--the day when He would give His life for ours. The Supreme Creator became the Lamb of sacrifice so that we could live eternally with Him should we choose to receive His gift of life. Praise be the Name of the Lord, forever!

TEXT:
Genesis 1:1-3; (NLT).
       "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.”

Psalm 19:1; (NIV).
       “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”

Psalm 145:3; (MSG).
       “God is magnificent; he can never be praised enough. There are no boundaries to his greatness.”

Let There Be Light

Oh ~ it was so black and the air was so cold.
Darkness had settled like a deep empty void.
No sun had yet warmed the freshly laid ground.
There was no life found roaming around.

Not even a tree rose from its foundation
to spread out its leaves and shelter creation.
Then from the silence, came that first sound:
a mysterious wind whispered, “Let life abound!”

Let there be light in the heavens above.
Let there be light and heavenly love.
Let it unfold from the East to the West.
Let it magnify man kind’s best.

Let there be light; the light from the Son.
Let it enter my heart with His soft, tender love.
Pushing the coldness and darkness away
will make the beginning of a wonderful day.

Let there be light from the East to the West.
Let it bring out our utter most best.
Let it create love inside you and me.
Yes, let this love-light set all men free.

Let there be light!
©rdouglasveer - date unknown

[12/31/2023]

INTRO:
      We are so blessed here in America. While there are many people all over the world that would love to own a Bible, and while some countries have even outlawed them, Christian homes on this continent have access to several Bibles in all sorts of versions. At the same time, there are many folks--though they may own a Bible or two--who never open one to read the wonderful messages written inside its pages. How sad. What good is a shiny new Bible if it’s never explored? Let’s recommit ourselves for 2024, to read God’s word each day!

TEXT:
John 8:31, 32; (AMP).
      Jesus said, “If you abide in My word [continually obeying My teachings and living in accordance with them, then] you are truly My disciples. And you will know the truth [regarding salvation], and the truth will set you free [from the penalty of sin] . . .”

The Most Beautiful Bible

I was sitting there holding my head in my hands.
I don't think anybody in the world understands.
The radio was blaring out a whole bunch of words.
It really was stupid stuff; let me tell you what I heard.

A guy--like from a carnival--was hawkin’ his wares.
The way he went about it wouldn't make me care.
Inside it just left me feeling kind of numb.
Yes, he was religious but he sounded so dumb.

I’ve heard this kind of “junk" before: Come one, come all,
come everybody--big and small.
The deal of a lifetime is finally here.
Hurry now; this offer may soon disappear.

With edges all gold and letters big and bold,
come read all about the greatest story ever told.
You can get it in blue and burgundy too.
It's only nine-ninety-five. This is the Bible for you!

But in my hand were pages that were tattered and torn.
I said, "To me, the most beautiful Bible is well worn.”
Oh, how many times I have traveled this way
and opened these pages and heard my God say,
“Walk in My word; believe wholly in Me.
When you know My truth, the truth will set you free.”
© rdouglasVeer 12/26/2009

[12/17/2023]

INTRO:
       Have you ever wondered what “swaddling clothes” means? According to Wikipedia, “Swaddling is an age-old practice of wrapping infants in blankets or similar cloths so that movement of the limbs is tightly restricted.”
It was thought this practice would calm a baby and help him to sleep. Did you know they used to wrap new born sheep (from royal flocks) in swaddling clothes? It was done for an entirely different reason. By drawing linens tightly around a lamb, any wounds or skin blemishes would seep outward and become evident by the stains left on the cloth. In this way, “perfect” lambs would be identified and used as sacrificial offerings. Imperfect lambs would not do. Did you know the Bible calls Jesus the “Lamb of God”. That’s because Jesus was the final, perfect sacrifice for the sins of all of mankind. The fact that He was wrapped in swaddling clothes was symbolic of the fact that He was and is perfect. From before the cradle to beyond the grave, the Lord, Jesus Christ is God who came to us in the flesh, the perfect Lamb, Who laid down His life for the salvation of every living being. No wonder we worship Him and sing, “Glory to God in the highest!”

TEXT:
Luke 2:12-14; NKJV
       "And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

Revelation 12:10b-11a; NKJV
       “. . . for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony . . .”

A Christmas Poem

We remember the manger
from whence He came,
because since that day
the world has been changed.

But do we tie it to
the nails and the cross,
without which the world
would know nothing but loss?

The birth and the blood
are so mingled in pain,
but without them our lives
could not be the same.

So Christ bore the cross
from the cradle to the grave,
providing the only way
for us to be saved.
rdouglasVeer ©12-20-08

More Like Him
[12/3/2023]

More Like Him

Oh, to be . . . more like Him.
Oh, to serve Him more and more.
Oh, to sing aloud His praises . . .
. . . o'er and o'er and o'er.

Through the power of His presence
and the beauty of His face,
God directed me to journey
to many an unknown place.

Down through time and through the throngs,
into many a distance land,
He's empowered me to travel
by His lovely, nail-scarred hands.

Oh, to be . . . more like Him.
Oh, to serve Him more and more.
Oh, to sing aloud His praises . . .
. . . o'er and o'er and o'er.

Not just to the saintly ones;
not just to the truly saved,
but also to the nearest ones
advancing to their graves.

Christ, the Son of God has sent me
to carry His word for you,
over rugged hills and valleys;
it's what I’m sent to do.

‘Til one day the hill I'll travel
to the distant, open gate
will reveal those outstretched, nail-scarred hands
where my Savior waits.

Oh, to be . . . more like Him.
Oh, to serve Him more and more.
Oh, to sing aloud His praises . . .
. . . o'er and o'er and o'er.
rdouglasveer 7/28/2001

[11/19/2023]

INTRO:
       There are many reasons we thank and praise God. For one thing, God is for us. Romans 8:31b says, “If God is for us, who can be [successful] against us?” (AMP). As human beings, we sometimes lose site of the fact that God is on our side, especially these days. There is so much turmoil in the world. Many of us have been touched by suffering or loss. But if we will choose to praise God in the valleys of life, we will find His peace in each situation. The Bible contains many passages that lead us to see the glass as half full; to find the silver lining in every cloud; and to “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4; NKJV). God is our resting place. We will not lack any good thing if we will trust Him as our Shepherd. He told us there would be trouble in this world, but he said to take heart because he has overcome it, (see John 16:33). If we remain in Jesus, we can be joyous overcomers. Let’s remember to share this good news with family and friends this thanksgiving. For we truly have good reasons to “share the joy!”

TEXT:
1 Thessalonians 5:18; (NLT).
         “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

Psalm 28:7; (AMP).
       “The Lord is my strength and my [impenetrable] shield; My heart trusts [with unwavering confidence] in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I shall thank Him and praise Him.”

Share The Joy

Thanksgiving is here. Yay! Let’s shout and sing
for the sliced ham and gravy and everything;
for the sweet potatoes and the dressing too,
and all the other things that we always do.

But let’s not forget to be thankful indeed
for all those who fought and planted the seed,
that we might have a country like ours.
Let’s thank God in heaven for His bountiful showers.

And many have given that we could survive
to have cranberry sauce and sweet pumpkin pies.
Oh, and let’s don’t forget the turkey, poor thing,
who gave us his all that we’d have reason to sing.

But seriously folks, how thankful are you?
When we sit down to eat, there’s more we must do.
Let’s remember to share, the joy that we have
as far and as wide as we possibly can.
©rdouglasveer 10/25/2020

[11/12/2023]

INTRO:
       Hopefully, there comes a day when we each realize how faulty we are. At first, this statement might seem offensive to some; 

especially to those “religious” types who feel they’ve lived good and godly lives. But the Bible says no good thing dwells in our flesh; that is, 

in our sinful nature, (see Romans 7:18). In fact, since the beginning of time the Bible reflects a historical record of how people from kings and judges to lowly servants have failed God in one way or another. “. . . for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Romans 3:23; NIV). In this world, wickedness has risen to such deplorable levels, that God has wiped people out, (like during the great flood). Even today, He will remove His umbrella of 

protection from us when we decide our way is better than His. Yet, isn’t it wonderful to know that “. . . God clearly shows and proves His own love for us, by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us,” (Romans 5:8; AMP). Jesus not only gave His life, but He took upon Himself all the punishment and the physical scars upon His body. So, let us first cry tears of true sorrow and repentance for the many wrongs we have done, requiring His sacrifice. And then, let us cry tears of joy for the forgiveness God offers us through His shed blood on the cross. If you or I were the only beings on the earth, He would have still kept His redemption plan. That’s because His love is limitless. 

Do you know Him today?

TEXT:
Romans 7:18a; (NKJV).
       “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells . . .”

Proverbs 3:5; (NKJV).
       “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.”

Scars For Thy Soul

I thought to talk with God one day
of things I sought to know,
about the scars of sin’s results
and why they pained me so.

I said, "There is no place at all
in life that I can go
that people do not stare and see
the scars upon my soul.

“In deep despair I try to hide
those scars that vex me so,
and yet, no matter what I try,
they seem to plainly show."

The answer He so simply spoke
about what I should know, was
"Dear one, when you shall arrive
in heaven, thy scars will go.

“The law is that you pay a price
for how your garden grows. And you’ll
reap a whirlwind, if the wind
is all that you have sown.

“But, do consider now the truth,
that happened long ago.
My thorn pierced brow and shredded body
was nailed, that I could show

the mutilation caused by sin
that bowed my body low,
to take your place upon the cross
so that you’d need not go.

“Weep not, weep not, my dearly beloved;
you must consider though,
My scars are here for eternity;
your scars one day will go.

“So cry not precious Israel,
for this you need to know,
that what I bear upon my body, truly are
scars for thy soul."
rdouglasveer 1/06/02

Halloween: Treat or Trick?
[[10-29-2023]

Halloween: Treat or Trick?

Hurray! Hurray! It’s Halloween.
We’ll have the most fun you've ever seen!
Hobgoblins and witches and big black cats;
anything that’s scary--that’s where it’s at.
. . . because it’s Halloween.

We’ll have monster faces to get the candy
and a Devil face would be very handy
to scare the kids we meet on the way
when we holler at them, “Hey, hey, hey!”
. . . We’ll be the scariest they’ve even seen.

Yea, goblins, ghosts, and devils too
might be what Halloween means to you
but don’t you know when you put on that face,
it’s as if you lift Satan to a glorified place?
. . . And that’s where he’s always wanted to be.

The demons, the devils, the warlocks, and bats
all want you to think they’re as gentle as cats.
Yes, as gentle as your pet or Mom’s pumpkin pie;
but I tell you, Halloween is just a big lie.
. . . that doesn’t want you to see . . .

that it started years ago with people who thought
they could raise up the dead and that souls could be bought
for a piece of candy or any such thing
as a gift to the demons, who would gladly bring
. . . the dead back to you and to me.

Do we really want our children to celebrate
devils who can tinker and toy with their fate?
They believe in powers brought up here from Hell.
Is that the story our children should tell?
. . . Is that who we want them to be?

It may seem on the surface like a holiday thing
as house to house, a trick-or-treat bag they bring
but is it all candy that goes in the bag
or does it glorify death, through an ugly old Hag?
. . . Don’t you know yet: nothing is free?

Soon our innocent children will be bought for a price,
believing Halloween is all fun and all nice
while the ugliness of it has accomplished its goal
with a piece of candy, to mislead a young soul
. . . Will you tell them the truth . . . for me?
rdouglasveer ©October 1, 2023

[10-15-2023]

INTRO:
       Can people really change? The Bible says it’s not only possible but it’s expected of those who are born-again. In fact, 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new,” (KJV). If all things become new, we are talking about a complete metamorphosis that isn’t reserved just for butterflies. The word “butterfly” is not found in the Bible but the word “transformation” Is. Strong's Concordance describes it this way: to transform (literally or figuratively, “metamorphose”); change, transfigure, transform. So when the Bible says we are to be transformed, it is really saying God wants to take our flawed and faulty souls and change us into creatures of beauty, wholly fit to be the bride of Christ when His work in us is finished. Looking at those pretty, multi-colored wings, I find great hope. And in my darkest hour, I know God’s promises will come true, worries will end, change will come to pass and better, brighter days lay ahead. Yes, He will complete the good work He has started in me.

TEXT:
Romans 12:2a; (NKJV).
       “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind . . .”

2 Corinthians 3:18; (TLB).
       “But we Christians have no veil over our faces; we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him.”

Philippians 1:6; (ERV).
       “I am sure that the good work God began in you will continue until he completes it on the day when Jesus Christ comes again.”

A Butterfly

I just looked at a butterfly
with wings so fragile and fair.
It’s hard to believe that a heart once beat
for the worm that was once living there!

The dainty wings, so translucent are
by far much more than I
could ever hope to see man make
beneath this glorious sky.

Not only earthbound in our strength
but in our mind as well.
For we can n‘er unlock the secrets
that God alone could tell.

A worm, a worm, that hardly moves.
Unpleasant is he, at best.
Yet there on the daintiest gossamer wings,
it sails from east to west.

A thousand miles and back again.
Ah, such is life for I,
when God’s own holy hand touches me,
taking me to His home on high.

Then with His heavenly angel band,
we’ll come to fight the war;
the “War of the Ages”: God against sin,
and earthbound I’ll be no more.

Then heaven-ward again I’ll go,
just like the butterfly,
changed forever, never again
to be a worm, will I . . .
rdouglasVeer 3/29/1999

Do You Love Me?
[9/24/2023]

INTRO:
       How does God measure our love for Him? Ultimately, He knows our heart, even better than we know it ourselves. The Apostle Peter is a good example. “Peter declared, ‘Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you,’” (Matthew 26:35; NIV). But later when asked if he knew Jesus, Peter swore for the third time, “I do not know the man [Jesus],” (Matthew 26:72; ESV). So did Peter really love Jesus? After Jesus’ resurrection, the Lord sat with some of His disciples at breakfast after they had been fishing. Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him. Jesus used three different forms for “love”: 1) “eros” or superficial love, 2) “philos” or brotherly love 3) “agape” or deep, unconditional love. By this time, Peter’s love for Jesus should have greatly increased considering all that had happened. But his answers did not reflect this. With each answer Peter used the word “philos”. Again, we ask if Peter really loved Jesus. According to the Bible, Peter’s love for God did mature. He went from being a disciple or follower to being an Apostle or teacher sent forth to share the Gospel. And it is believed that he died a martyr’s death and was crucified, upside-down on a cross as he didn’t feel worthy to die right-side-up. Finally we ask, how does Jesus measure your love for Him. Will you need to prove it through great works of sacrifice? Simply said, you and I grow our love for God through our walk of faith and through our obedience. We must believe God at His word and then share His message; He wants us to feed and care for His sheep.

Do You Love Me?

David saw the sheep in danger that were given to his care,
so he slew the lion one day and the next day killed a bear.
Then one day, with a stone he killed a giant nine feet tall,
but the greatest of his victories was to love God most of all.

Joseph came out from the pit where his brothers threw him in,
and he ran from one man’s wife . . . when she tried to make him sin.
He fed the multitudes when there was famine in the land,
but it was his love for God that brought these blessings to his hand.

Daniel was to be their supper thrown in by the hands of men,
but he lay down with the lions and he slept right in their den.
God said, "I am Jehovah; I am Shammah, present here!”
And Shammah protected Daniel ‘cause he loved God without fear.

Peter wacked a soldiers ear off . . . he was so swift and brave,
but our Savior, Christ, replaced it because Peter misbehaved.
He said, "Peter put thy sword up. This is not the way to be."
Then much later asked this question, "Peter . . . lovest thou Me?”

Are you tough? Can you kill lions?
From temptation can you flee?
Jesus asks you just one question,
"Dear one . . . lovest thou Me?”
Would you go and feed the hungry?
Or stand fearless before men?
Can you answer, "Yes," when Jesus
comes to ask this once again?
It’s not if you’re tough or brave.
It’s not where you’ll lay to sleep.
It is, "Dear one, do you love Me?
Will you go and feed My sheep?”
© rdouglasVeer 6/6/2005

Yesterday's Tomorrow
[9/10/2023]

Yesterday’s Tomorrow

Don’t do tomorrow’s work right now,”
I’ve often heard folks say.
“Those aren’t the real important things.
Let’s go ahead and play.
There’s always time to do it later;
let’s wait until tomorrow.”
Then one day they’ll wake and see,
there’s only time for sorrow.

When will they realize they're wasting
yesterday’s tomorrow?
If yesterday was used to play,
then tomorrow’s just a shadow.
Right now you're letting slip away
your yesterday’s tomorrow.
Each minute living without Christ
is only time you’ve borrowed.

If Christ returned to earth today,
demanding all debts paid,
you'd see your wasted yesterdays
have left you much dismayed.
For that’s the day you'd wake and see
it’s already tomorrow.
    You’d have so many yesterdays
but no promises to follow.

My friend where are you standing now?
From past days have you borrowed?
When will you realize, today
is yesterday’s tomorrow?
© rdouglasVeer 3/20/1997

INTRO:
       Did you know that the story of the prodigal son is a love story? Perhaps you have a child that has wandered away to become reckless and squanderous in all of his ways? Maybe he left home on bad terms and is now drifting in the world of lavish indulgences and sin. Or maybe this is a portrait of who you once were? And you one day discovered that your family and friends had been praying for you every waking moment. We find such a story in Luke, chapter 15. It is the story of two sons who are given their father’s inheritance early, but the younger son takes his

fortune and wastes it on riotous living. When he comes to the end of himself, he realizes the gravity of his mistake, and he hesitantly turns toward home, not knowing if he will be received. But to his relief, he finds his father waiting for him along the road near home, where he has been watching and praying for him each day.
        Our heavenly Father is full of grace and mercy toward us as well, and he longs for us to turn from our wicked ways and seek after Him. It is never too late. We can enter into His presence, even now, regardless of where life has taken us. “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness,” (Psalm 103:8; (NASB). “Dear Lord, please forgive me this day, and help me surrender my life and walk close to you each day. Help me to know the depth of your love toward me. In Jesus name, amen.”

TEXT:
Luke 15:17-24; (TLB).
      “17 When he finally came to his senses, he said . . . 18 I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, 19 and am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired man.”’ 20 “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long distance away, his father saw him coming, and was filled with loving pity and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 “His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and you, and am not worthy of being called your son—’ 22 “But his father said to the slaves, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. And a jeweled ring for his finger; and shoes! 23 And kill the calf we have in the fattening pen. We must celebrate with a feast, 24 for this son of mine was dead and has returned to life. He was lost and is found’. . .”

Please Come Home

Alone and forsaken on an empty street, where
I sit with my head in my hands in despair.
But unknown to me is how things are at home
as my dear Father reaps, in tears that I’ve sown.

“Where are you son?
Have you eaten today?
Where are you sleeping?
On streets or soft hay?
Are you resting in peace?
Or in fear and alone?
Why have you wandered?
Where have you gone?
My heart cries to hold you;
won't you please come home?”

I've eaten the best that the world has to offer.
Now covered in shame, I sleep in its gutters.
I've drank in the ways some would have me to go,
and why I left home, I really don't know.

My Father's good servants live better than I,
and they live in His presence every day of their lives.
I wonder what’d happen if I went back to stay?
Would He love and forgive me or would He turn me away?

So often I see Father's face before me.
He was right. The world ain’t all I thought that it would be.
I wish I had never decided to roam.
I wonder if Dad would ever let me come home?

I'm so tired...so cold...had just a moment of sleep.
Now I see Father's face...he's calling to me.
A dream overtakes me as I drift away,
but then I hear, “Precious son, won’t you come home today.”

“Where are you son?
Have you eaten today?
Where are you sleeping?
On streets or soft hay?
Are you resting in peace?
Or in fear and alone?
Why have you wandered?
Where have you gone?
My heart cries to hold you;
won't you please come home?
Where have you wandered?
Where have you gone?
My heart cries to hold you;
won't you please come home?”
© rdouglasVeer 2/23/2014

Mary Had A Precious Lamb
[8/13/2023]

Mary Had A Precious Lamb

Mary had a little lamb.
Its fleece was white as snow.
And everywhere that Mary went . . .
and so the story goes.

That version is from Mother Goose,
and here's another one.
It isn't cute or childish; no,
it isn't just for fun.

Mary had a precious Lamb.
more pure than driven snow.
But Mary knew before His birth
she’d have to let Him go.

‘Twas there atop Golgotha’s Hill
that she did sit and cry,
because her precious Lamb was killed;
for you and me He died.

What happened was the hearts of men
were filled with pride and sin.
The price required to rescue us
would take a perfect Lamb.

Mary had a precious Lamb
who cried some in His sleep.
He then became a Shepherd, and
He cried o'er His lost sheep.

He shepherded His flock
and longed for each of us, to hold.
He was the Sheepgate also,
calling us into the fold.

Mary had a precious Lamb;
His love one day He'd show.
Because as Shepherd of His sheep,
to Calvary He’d go.

His blood was shed instead of ours
upon a cruel tree.
And there the Lamb of God became
the Christ for you and me.

*******

I need to be like Mary’s Lamb,
and follow in His ways, and
I need to impart Jesus' love
to those I meet each day.

I need to have a shepherd’s heart
and give my life in kind.
An example of the Lord, I’ll be
in heart and soul and mind.
© rdouglasVeer 1/20/2019

[7/30/2023]

INTRO:
     As Christians, we demonstrate good behavior not to earn benefits, but rather because we’ve already received benefits. The love we give comes from the great love God has 

bestowed upon us. His love not only draws out our love toward others but it transforms our very being and causes us to be changed from the inside out. The growth of our good character is 

proof that we have been born-again from above. If no change is occurring, it proves we haven’t really received Jesus. It is by our works that we demonstrate our faith. So what are you busy with each day. What “works” consume your attention. If you’re busy about discovering the Father’s heart, through the reading of His word and through times of prayer (for starters) then you’re on the right track. If you’re 

relationship with God is not at the top of your list of priorities, then you may just be practicing an empty religion filled with “dead” works. Open your heart to the Holy Spirit. Let him convict you of this truth. Turn away from empty, selfish practices and be filled with God’s love. Then obedience and good works will flow from you, for this is the walk of a true Christian disciple.

TEXT:
James 2:14-18; (NLT).
       “What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”

Show Me

I know you say you're a Christian
as you point toward the stars.
You say you have the love of God
but sir, I don't see PROOF that you are.

Your mouth often speaks without cleanness,
but vulgarity isn't from Him.
And the way you treat others is not love;
quite seriously, it's actually sin.

It's so confusing to hear you talk
about how you love the Lord.
Showing the love of Jesus should not
be ignoring the sick and the poor.

How can you have a heart for God
and not be changed by His grace?
If you really did love Jesus, our Lord,
it would show by a glow on your face.

What if God made the trees without leaves?
Where would the shade be then?
And how would the holes and the nests be built
for the squirrels, the sparrows, and wrens?

And you might not know, it's the beautiful leaves
that remove the poison from the air.
It’s exchanged for pure, sweet oxygen
so all creatures can breathe everywhere.

Yes, a tree without leaves has nothing to show
or lay claims to being a tree,
and you, by your lack of acting like Christ
is showing the same thing to me.

Paul says that if we have not LOVE
then all of our words are like brass,
tinkling and banging and clanging along,
proving our words to be trash.

“SHOW ME,” says James, “what you're really made of.”
Don’t be just playing a game.
“SHOW ME” that Jesus is really your Lord
when you talk the walk that you claim.

Clouds without water, being blown about
are like trees without leaves on the limb.
Words without action to prove what you say
do not SHOW Jesus living within.

SHOW ME your faith by your works, I say,
and not by hollow words in the air.
Be a DOER of the faith that you claim
by SHOWING folks that you care.

Love them as Jesus would love them, I say.
GIVE FORTH to those in their need.
And the world will see Jesus within you:
alive in FAITH, and in DEED!
© rdouglasVeer 9/13/2005

Marked By the Master's Hand
[7/16/2023]

Marked By The Master’s Hand

We live, we cry, we laugh, we die;
it happens all so soon.
No sooner does the sun arise,
it's time to greet the moon.

The winter snow, the summer heat,
the Indian summer rains;
no sooner is it time to plant,
then harvest comes again.

We're born, we live, but does our life
perform what's to be done?
Or are we just a wooden bell
that never does get rung?

Oh, to be a butterfly
that has fulfilled its task.
It goes from worm to wing-ed grace
because the Lord has asked

that it relinquish all its rights
into His guiding hand,
and then perform what e'er He ask
because it understands

that God has marked it from it's birth
when it was but a worm
to be a gorgeous butterfly,
to beautify the earth.

From life, to death, to life again,
from worm to butterfly,
to be so marked and used of God
and there in dreams go I.

Oh, to be obedient
unto the hand of God
and make a mark for Him alone
as o'er this earth I trod.

Oh, from birth to death, to live
and fully understand,
that there has been a mark on me
placed by the Master’s hand.

Hardly is a life worthwhile--
beginning to the end--
unless it finishes the race
by knowing God as friend.

So touch me God and make it true
that I’m not just a man,
but touched, and marked, and set aside;
to fulfill Your perfect plan.

Marked for Your use, what e'er it be,
though eons may pass by;
adorned in beauty like the worm
that is Your butterfly.

A birth, a child, a man, a dream;
I pray you'll understand
that life is meaningless until  
it's marked by the Master’s hand.
© rdouglasVeer 6/1/2000

[7-2-2023]

INTRO:
       As Christians, we sometimes feel alone in this world even though the Bible says God will never leave us nor forsake us, (see Deuteronomy 31:6). Jesus Himself was lonely at times when He walked the earth. People didn’t understand Him and

eventually they came against Him and crucified Him. He had a difficult battle to fight, and at one point even felt God the Father had abandoned Him, (see Matthew 27:46). You see, He took on all the sins of mankind, and at that point, the Father couldn’t look at him for God is pure and holy. In the end, we know that Jesus won complete victory over death, hell, and the grave, (see 1 Corinthians 15:54-55). Now, He is seated at the right hand of the Father,

praying for us day and night, (see Romans 8:34). He’s praying for us because we, too, have a battle to fight. He is not willing that any should perish! So He prays each of us will accept Him as Savior and Lord. And for born-again Christians, He prays we will go on to fight the good fight, grow in the fruit of the spirit, love Him and love others, and share the Good news of the Gospel with everyone. Are you winning your battles today? You can if you have committed each day to Jesus. Are you fully trusting in Him? Think about it.

TEXT:
Isaiah 53:3-6; (NIV).
       “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity [sin] of us all.”

Soldier

He was just a lonely Soldier sent out to the battlefront
in a distant war that someone else had born.
While He'd fight the battle bravely, He knew He was short of help
and the soldiers that He had were weak and worn.

It was never, ever promised they alone could save themselves,
yet were told to "fight, and never to look back".
But believing their Commander was prepared to rise and win,
they put all their battle gear into their pack.

Now the lonely Soldier told them, just how the war would end
though they couldn't understand what He explained.
He called each one of them with a hearty, "follow Me!”
But He knew He alone must suffer all the pain.

For the enemy believed that if he took this Soldier’s life
he would win the war and we’d be overthrown.
But this Soldier was the "Champion" and had never known defeat
though tonight His heart felt heavy and alone.

As He sat and meditated on tomorrow’s battle plan,
He kept thinking back to His old childhood days.
He thought about His Daddy and all that He could help him do,
so He dropped his head and just began to pray.

"Daddy, can you see Me now? My heart is filled with woe,
and the lives of all these soldiers are in my hands.
Dad, if you would take this battle and go fight the enemy,
I know that they’d be crushed under Your command!”

Now the Father was not present; He wasn’t even on the earth,
and the Soldier faced that moment He’d be alone.
But He vowed to get it done no matter what the cost would be;
He aimed to finish the task and get back home.

In what seemed like just a heartbeat, He was bathed in his own blood;
He was naked, wounded, dying, and forlorn.
Could He have miscalculated how strong the enemy was?
He couldn't understand just what went wrong.

But with a heart courageous--until victory--He stayed the course.
Then He uttered, "Father, forgive what they have done.”
Yes, the lonely soldier, Jesus, went out to the battlefront,
and He triumphed over death for everyone.

~~~

Now the fight is not yet over, though He gave His very life.
You and I must choose how we will yet proceed.
So let's pick up, pack up, pray up with the Soldier of the cross.
He’s our ever present help in time of need.

If you're just one lonely soldier standing on the battlefield,
you must know that all God’s promises are true.
He will strengthen and encourage you; His Word will never fail.
Look to Jesus: He will faithfully bring you through.
© rdouglasVeer 9/13/2005

[6/18/2023]

INTRO:
       The world today is in desperate trouble. Many people have died of COVID-19; there’s violence in the streets; there's war around the globe; many are without hope. Yet there is a voice of hope that still cries in the wilderness. It is  calling all people to turn to the Lord. But can they hear? Are they willing to listen? How can faith grow? Jesus said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear”? What did He mean? Everybody has ears, but we all “hear” differently. The parable of “the sower” in Matthew, chapter 13, describes four types of listeners:
1. Those who hear but do not understand; the enemy steals their truth.
2. Those who hear but loose faith when troubles arise.
3. Those who hear but soon turn away from truth to follow their own desires.
4. Those who hear, understand, and obey God’s Word, thereby growing in faith.
  In this day and time we need God more than ever. How can our faith grow? By humbly seeking the presence of God and turning from our evil ways. For we know that God rewards those who diligently seek Him, (see Hebrews 11:6). And as we become full with the Holy Spirit, we will want to share the wonderful good news about Jesus with others so they can hear and grow in faith too. Can the Gospel still be heard? I believe so, if you and I will continue to share it . . . So, what kind of ears do you have?

TEXT:
II Chronicles 7:14; (MSG).
       “[If] God-defined people, respond by humbling themselves, praying, seeking my presence, and turning their backs on their wicked lives, I’ll be there ready for you: I’ll listen from heaven, forgive their sins, and restore their land to health.”

Mark 16:15; (KJV)
       “And he [Jesus] said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

Can The Gospel Still Be Heard?

Can the Gospel still be heard
in these days of tribulation?
Can I share as friend to friend?
Will they still have ears to listen?

Everybody's going camping,
or on some weekend fishing trip.
Some are going to a conference
where they'll fold their hands and sit.
Round and round their world is spinning;
buy and sell and charge and spend.
Yet for all the modern happenings,
do they know where things will end?

There is time for corporate business
down on Wall Street Avenue,
while our children kill each other
with the guns they bring to school.
Yet they won't take time to listen
'cause the Bible just offends,
and they will not pay attention;
they don't care how things will end.

How can I affect the world?
They can't hear my heart cry out.
Everyone’s so self-absorbed.
Do I need to scream and shout?
Is the world all going crazy;
going madder than right now?
Can hearts be changed through Jesus?
Will they let me tell them how?

Can the gospel still be heard
in these days of tribulation?
Can I share as friend to friend?
Will they still have ears to listen?

[6/4/2023]

INTRO:
       In the grand scheme of things, every situation requires God to do His part and you and I to do our part. God’s word provides many examples of how this plays out. For example, take Moses, (see Exodus 14). When he reached the Red Sea with the multitudes of Israelites, they could not go any

further to escape from the Egyptian army. But just then, God told Moses to hold up his “staff” and stretch out his hand over the sea’s edge and believe God for a miracle. That was his part. God’s part was to perform the miracle. And He did. He caused the mighty waters to part, allowing the Israelites to cross over on dry ground. After they had reached safety the waters closed and swallowed their enemies. Now consider young David (see First Samuel 17). While Goliath came to fight him with a sword and a spear, David had only five stones and a slingshot. But David came to fight in the name of the Lord. God proved faithful once again in David’s victory. We, too, can win our battles if we put our faith in Jesus Christ.

TEXT:
2 Corinthians 10:4; (ERV).
       “The weapons we use are not human ones. Our weapons have power from God and can destroy the enemy's strong places . . .”

Ephesians 6:10-11; (NKJV).
       “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles [schemings] of the devil.”

Romans 8:37-39; (NKJV).
       “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Stones In My Hand

Some are running, some are hiding,
some are laying wait and listening.
Some are crying, “God have you deserted me?”
Others crouching in the shadows
are giving up in panic.
They are pleading, “Oh, Lord, please remember me.”

‘Cause there are giants in the mountains.
There are giants in the valleys.
There are giants standing tall all o’re the land.
But a little boy comes running.
To the giants he speaks boldly.
He says, “God has put these stones here in my hand.”

Stones in my hand and giants in the land.
I would rather run t'ward giants than to
hide where ere I can.
Stones in my hand and giants in the land.
I would rather stand and fight them because
God has put these stones here in my hand.

You may think God has deserted you,
whenever you are threatened,
and things don't look just like you want them to.
You may think nobody’s heard you
as you weep amidst your sorrows;
just remember God’s still watching over you.

Maybe sickness has come to you.
Maybe death and sadness chase you.
But there's always time to pray and take a stand.
So whenever you face giants,
there’s a God Who stands beside you,
and He'll always put a stone within your hand.

Stones in my hand and giants in the land.
I would rather run t'ward giants than to
hide where ere I can.
Stones in my hand and giants in the land.
I would rather stand and fight them because
God has put these stones here in my hand.

When you're down to your last wish
but you face a fearless giant
who has threatened you and yours of life and limb.
You’re now worried and afraid of
every sound and every shadow,
and you're finally feeling ready to give in.

Going on makes you so weary,
and the world has “got your number”,
and there’s no place that you feel like calling home.
Just remember little David
took one look and told the giant
that this day he would defeat him with God’s stone!

Stones in my hand and giants in the land.
I would rather run t'ward giants than to
hide where ere I can.
Stones in my hand and giants in the land.
I would rather stand and fight them because
God has put these stones here in my hand.
© rdouglasVeer 9/13/2005

[5/21/2023]

INTRO:
       In ancient days, the Mother of King Lemuel wrote Proverbs 31 to help her son be a good ruler and to understand how to choose a godly wife. So the woman we read about is a portrait of an “ideal” person; she did not actually exist. Wow. That “bar” is set pretty high! How can we reach such perfection in our flesh? Yes, becoming more godly should be our goal. And this Scripture passage should inspire us to want to attain all of these virtues, just like we seek the fruit of the spirit: “. . . love, joy, peace,

self-control," (Galatians 5:22-23). But remember the first part of verse 22 here says, “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives . . .” It is only when we are fully surrendered to the Lord and led by Him that we can advance in “kingdom character”. Let us be grateful for godly mothers who lead us in the right direction in life. And let us also turn our hearts completely to Jesus Christ so that we can

become more like Him each day.

TEXT:
Proverbs 1:8-9; (NLT).
     "My child, listen when your father corrects you. Don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. What you learn from them will crown you with grace and be a chain of honor around your neck."

Proverbs 31; (NLT).
     "Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. She is like a merchant's ship,   bringing her food from afar. She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber. She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. She has no fear of

Momma’s Straight-Back Chair

If I ever had a thought
that Momma didn't care,
I’d just remember her sittin’
in her straight-back kitchen chair.

She would sit with her head drooped down,
and her chin upon her chest. She’d say,

"No I wasn’t sleepin' . . .
I was just takin' a rest!
No, I didn’t wait up . . .
I was awake anyway . . ."

It's what I knew most certainly
that Momma would always say.

The room would feel so warm,
when softly I’d slip home.
'Cause no matter how late it was,
I knew I was never alone.

And no . . . it wasn't the stove
that made it warm in there.
It was Momma waitin' up for me . . .
in her straight-back kitchen chair.
© rdouglasVeer 8/4/2014

[5/7/2023]

INTRO:
       Have you ever asked the Lord Jesus to come into your heart? If you have seriously reached this point in your life than you should have considered the greatness of the one Whom you are

approaching: the perfect, almighty creator of the universe. We are flawed and imperfect by

comparison; therefore, we must approach God humbly, with repentance on our lips. This seems to go without saying, yet think of the magnitude of this. Humility and repentance are the foundational cornerstones of Christian faith. Without them, we can not know God. And the chief end of man is to glorify God by enjoying Him forever. When we repent and believe, and trust in Him for salvation and for the forgiveness of our sins, He then puts His holy Spirit inside of us. From then on, we will grow in the grace and the knowledge of the Lord and experience the love of Christ to the fullest, and we will be made complete in Him.

TEXT:
Ephesians 3:16-19; (NLT).
       “I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.”

I'll Live In Your Heart

No matter how lonely your life seems to be,
there's love evermore if you'll just come to Me.
I paid for the joy and the peace that is yours.
We'll walk hand in hand on eternities shores.

Although all the world will let you pass away,
I'll be by your side, forever and a day.
I'll never forsake you; we never will part.
Forever more, you, will live in My heart.

And not only that but I answered God’s call
to come to this earth as a Savior for all
The price that I paid there on Calvary’s hill
was offered in love; it was God’s holy will.

I could have escaped and let not blood be shed,
but I gave up my life so that you’d live instead.
The way has been opened for you to be saved.
Your sins all forgiven and the penalties waved.

Oh, call out to me; I will hear your cry.
My Word and My promises I’ll always stand by.
I’ll enter your heart so you never need fear
that you'll be left alone 'cause I’ll always be near.

No matter how lonely your life seems to be,
there's love evermore if you'll just come to Me.
I’ll always be with you; we never will part,
and forever more know that I’ll live in your heart.
© rdouglasVeer 7/28/2000

[4/23/2023]

INTRO:

       The United states has experienced major

disruptions over the last couple of years,

encompassing every aspect of our daily lives. But we are not alone. The Corona Virus has

affected almost every nation in the world with almost 700 million cases, (see www.statista.com). The pandemic has run roughshod over entire populations, changing our very way of life. Many of us were separated from friends and family. As Christians, we were cut off from our church families because

services and other activities were cancelled.

       As of this writing, the world is spinning in an equally frightening direction. We face crises in governments, economies, health, wars and rumors of wars. We need God more than ever! (But then we’ve

always needed Him.) We are living in serious times and such times call for serious prayer. We need to shut ourselves in with God, repent of our wrong-doings, and humbly seek His face. And if we linger long enough, we will find ourselves in His wonderful presence where His peace and assurance will flood our souls. For he truly cares for us and will meet our every need according to His riches in glory, (see Philippians 4:19).

SHADOW ON THE WALL

When I go ... into my secret prayer room ... it’s a peaceful place to be.
The holiness of God, shines there ... so brilliantly on me.
And in His presence, I forget all my worldly cares.
I get to be ... His shadow on the wall.

Oh, if I could share the feeling, of how it is when I bow there.
How His eyes are like cool fire, and the sun melts in His hair.
Golden moments spent with Jesus; there is nothing can compare.
He’s my Savior; I’m His shadow on the wall.

Bathing in His presence there, ‘til the moon is out of sight.
The day star blinks its warning, of the early morning light.
So I rise in full surrender, where His presence has made me
humbly His; His shadow on the wall.

Now I go ... into my secret prayer room ... it’s a peaceful place to be.
The holiness of God, shines there ... so brilliantly on me.
And in His presence, I forget all my worldly cares.
I get to be ... His shadow on the wall.

[4/9/2023]

INTRO:
       The four Gospels tell of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. They are each written by a different author so each book reflects a different perspective yet they do not contradict each other. We read in John’s Gospel that Jesus carried His own cross: “So they took Jesus, and He went out, bearing His own cross,” (John 19:17; AMP). We read in Matthew and Mark that Simon of Cyrene was made to carry Jesus’ cross. Both reports are true. After Jesus was beaten, He was led away, carrying His own cross. But the weight of it was more than He could shoulder and so the soldiers ordered Simon to take over. Jesus was obviously in a lot of pain, and even the soldiers realized that and offered Him myrrh. The real truth is that Jesus could have removed Himself at any time and escaped it all. But He was willing to suffer for your sake and mine. He was willing to pay this “purchase price” for the salvation of our souls. Now its up to us to receive God’s gift. He died for us. Will we choose to live for Him?

TEXT:
Mark 15:20-24; (NLT).
       “Then they led him away to be crucified. A passerby named Simon, who was from Cyrene, was coming in from the countryside just then, and the soldiers forced him to carry Jesus' cross. (Simon was the father of Alexander and Rufus.) And they brought Jesus to a place called Golgotha (which means "Place of the Skull"). They offered him wine drugged with myrrh, but he refused it. Then the soldiers nailed him to the cross.”

Isaiah 53:5; (NIV).
       “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

Hill Song

There is a hill that's called Golgotha;
the hill where Jesus died, wherein
He fought the battle of the ages
and fought and won o'er death and sin.

Only He could buy my pardon.
Only He could set me free.
He could have walked and left me helpless,
but with great love, He paid for me.

The cross He carried was rough and heavy.
The weight He shouldered bore my crimes.
And from that cross His beaten body
poured out His life blood, for all time.

Upon that cold Golgotha hill
His blood still flows for you and me.
It blots out sin and all transgressions;
His blood flows down from Calvary.

He fought the battle of the ages
and overcame all death and sin.
There on the hill that's called Golgotha;
Where mankind’s vic’try He did win.
© rdouglasVeer 9/6/2005

[3/26/2023]

INTRO:
       Have you ever wondered why Jesus prayed? After all, He is the Son of God. While He walked this earth He was fully God, but He was fully human too, (yet without sin). Prayer was His communication line to God the Father. You see, before Jesus arrived into this world, He was in total communication with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. Prayer kept those lines open. Furthermore, Jesus exhibited His prayer life as an example for others to follow. His model prayer was the Lord’s prayer. Also, there are many instances when Jesus prayed for others and with others for specific needs. So what is prayer? It is simply talking to God in an intimate way. And the more time we spend in prayer and meditation, the more we will come to know the Lord. In His presence we can be sheltered under His wings; through prayer we can take refuge in Him.

TEXT:
Mark 1:35; (NLT).
       “Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.”

Psalm 91:1-4; 14-16; (HCSB).
       “1 The one who lives under the protection of the Most High dwells in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ 3 He Himself will deliver you from the hunter’s net, from the destructive plague. 4 He will cover you with His feathers; you will take refuge under His wings. His faithfulness will be a protective shield . . . 14 Because he is lovingly devoted to Me, I will deliver him; I will protect him because he knows My name. 15 When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will rescue him and give him honor. 16 I will satisfy him with a long life and show him My salvation.”

The Quiet Before The Storm

Early in the morning when the sun is sleeping still,
The moon yet has a shadow cast upon your window sill.
If you listen with your spirit, sitting in God’s perfect will,
you can hear a heavenly anthem rising o'er the distant hill.

Why sleepeth thou so lengthily? Why so long at rest?
When the God of our creation yearns to draw you at His breast.
He would see with you the dawning when the day is at its best.
While the world in sin’s still sleeping ere man’s troubles hit its crest.

See the clouds, how God has balanced them upon a starry sky,
and the dew upon your feet from flowers in the night have cried.
Hear the stars a-singing of God’s glory, sounding far and wide,
as he opens up the morning, causing night to run and hide.

Oh, He's coming soon beloved, for the years are now but days,
when the time of His returning standeth in the shadowy maze.
Soon we'll see Him in His glory; no more shrouded in a haze.
In His hand He'll carry judgement; in His eyes a crimson blaze.

From His mouth a sword proceedeth for destroying every sin,
both upon the earth appearing and for that which hides within.
Oh, the terror and the weeping we will see when He begins
to destroy His own creation and reclaim this world from sin.

He is coming soon my children, so while time is waiting still,
just before His heavenly army marches up and o'er the hill,
won’t you meet Him in the shadows of the morning on your sill?
Will you give your quiet time to Him--rest in His perfect will?
© rdouglasVeer 1/17/1998

[3/12/2023]

INTRO:
       The Garden of Eden must have been a beautiful place. There, began the crown of God’s creation: it was there man took his first breath. But it didn’t take long for things to become spoiled. It happened

because we wanted to do things our own way instead of listening to the wisdom of God. And so a terrible darkness entered our world. It is still with us today. It is called “sin” and it ruins everything it touches. So how will we ever get free from this mess?

        Thank God, Jesus made a way of escape for us. He paid the price for eternal freedom by giving up His own life to cover our debt. He became our shining Light in the darkness. He is the true hope for

humanity. Recognizing the Light of the world is good, but to be saved, we have to go all the way. We must confess our faultiness, and ask Jesus to enter our heart--to forgive us and cleanse us and be our Savior and Lord. If we do this, our relationship with God will be restored with the assurance that when this life is over, we will spend eternity in Heaven with Him. Oh, how wonderful. Praise God forever!

TEXT:
John 1:4, 5; (NLT).
       “The Word [Jesus Christ] gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.”

Titus 3:3-7; (NLT).
       “Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. But-When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.”

A Light In The Darkness

In the beginning, He was the Word.
In the beginning, no sound was heard.
It was God who spoke with an awesome sound.
He created the earth with no one around.

He made all the animals and birds of the air,
and fishes and crawling things tucked everywhere.
Soon there were people who filled all the earth,
but in darkness they lived. Themselves they did serve.

One day a soldier cried, “God forgive what I've done.
I pierced the dear side . . . of Your only Son.
The ground started shaking by His holy power.
He departed in darkness that very hour.

Finally, the end came; His Spirit went down,
and all who stood there heard only this sound:
“Father forgive them. They know not what they do.
I yield now My Spirit and come back to You.”

Then all the earth turned as black as could be.
God summoned His lighthouse that hung on the tree.
Yes, the Lord took Him home for the battle was won,
and seated Him there on His heavenly throne.

The Good News did travel the earth far and wide,
defeating the darkness like a shimmering tide.
My prayer was that Jesus would shine upon me,
and illumine my heart . . . that I might see.

The light in the darkness shone ever so bright.
‘Twas the light of His holiness that lit up the night.
He answered my prayer; filled me with His love.
And forever I’ll praise my dear Savior above.

[2/26/2023]

INTRO:
       In our busy world, the idea of rest is usually the last thing on our “to do” list, yet this was not God’s intent for us. The word, Sabbath, actually means “rest” in Hebrew. The Lord set the example right from day one. We read in Genesis, that God created all life in six days, and on the seventh day, he rested. [See Genesis 2:1-3.] Resting is not just a suggestion; it is one of the ten commandments. But it was not given by God to restrict us, but rather to bless us. Jesus said, “. . . the Sabbath was made to benefit man, and not man to benefit the Sabbath,” (Mark 2:27; (TLB). In fact all of God’s rules were meant for our safety and blessing and were issued through His loving heart. Sin leads us to ruin, but in times of tempting we see only the benefits of the act. Doing things God’s way will prevent heartache and destruction.
       Observing the Sabbath is really about trusting God’s wisdom and structuring our lives around His design. It’s about putting him first and making Him the center of our lives. That is what brings the “peace that passes all understanding”. Are you keeping the Sabbath? Do you love God with all your soul? How is your walk of obedience? How wonderful for those who walk in the wisdom of God. Theirs shall be a long and blessed life.

TEXT:
Exodus 20:8-11; (GNT).
       8 “Observe the Sabbath and keep it holy. 9 You have six days in which to do your work, 10 but the seventh day is a day of rest dedicated to me. On that day no one is to work—neither you, your children, your slaves, your animals, nor the foreigners who live in your country. 11 In six days I, the Lord, made the earth, the sky, the seas, and everything in them, but on the seventh day I rested. That is why I, the Lord, blessed the Sabbath and made it holy.”

Mark 2:27; (TLB).
       27 Jesus said, “. . . the Sabbath was made to benefit man, and not man to benefit the Sabbath.”

I remember those days in the church-house
when I was just a young tyke.
I know we went every Sunday,
but I didn't really understand why.

The part most important to me
was going back home to have dinner.
I knew lots about eating chicken,
but nothing ‘bout being a sinner.

I didn't know God had created
the Sabbath to honor Himself.
Sundays to me were a time to eat,
and I just left God to Himself . . .

. . . until one day studying His Word,
I read in the book of Exodus,
"See, the Lord hath given us the Sabbath,
and He wants to spend each one with us.”

It's not for planting or harvesting.
It's not for fishing and fun.
It's for keeping our mind upon Jesus,
in remembrance of the Holy One.

God said I should keep the Sabbath
and it should be “Holy unto Me.”
It would help me grow into the person
whom God has desired I should be.

It's part of the ten commandments,
so it should be part of my life.
It's right for mechanics and doctors,
for grocers, and grandpas, and wives.

It's good for the tired old beggar
who shuffles along down the street.
The Sabbath is for friends and strangers
and whoever we happen to meet.

God says, "It's a sign to My children."
It’s His holy day deemed for rest.
He told us to celebrate Sunday;
it was gifted to us as His best.

So, what will you do with the Lord’s day?
What will you do with God’s law?
“Remember the Sabbath; keep it holy,”
from God’s heart comes this clarion call.

Seven days He gives to mankind.
He wants us to give back just one.
Yes, one day, a sweet holy Sabbath
to remember and honor His Son.
© rdouglasVeer 10/1/2001

[2/12/2023]

INTRO:
       King Solomon penned one thousand and five love songs in this biblical book called The Song of Solomon or The Song of Songs. The theme of the book can be found in verse 2:16: “My lover is mine, and I am his. . .” The book presents a beautiful love story in poetic form and has been a source of delight to readers through the ages. It celebrates the love between a bridegroom and a bride. But it is also a perfect picture of the beautiful bond between Christ, the Heavenly Bridegroom, and His Church, the Bride of Christ. It is wonderful to know that the bridegroom takes the initiative to pursue the bride. In the same way, God chooses us, and opens the way for us to be united with Him. Furthermore, the bride is unworthy of the bridegroom’s love. As sinners, we too are unworthy, but God is gracious and His love for us is eternal. While human marriage is time-honored and magnificent, as believers our union with Christ is everlasting and divine.

TEXT:
Song of Songs 2:12-14; (The Message).
       “Get up, my dear friend, fair and beautiful lover-come to me! Look around you: Winter is over; the winter rains are over, gone! Spring flowers are in blossom all over. The whole world's a choir-and singing! Spring warblers are filling the forest with sweet arpeggios. Lilacs are exuberantly purple and perfumed, and cherry trees fragrant with blossoms. Oh, get up, dear friend, my fair and beautiful lover-come to me! Come, my shy and modest dove--leave your seclusion, come out in the open. Let me see your face, let me hear your voice. For your voice is soothing and your face is ravishing.”

Heartsong Melody
For My Bride To Be

I hear the whispers in the wind
When even tide is near.
With its soft melodious voice
It calls the moon, "Come near".
I hear the gurgling of the brook
As it trickles down.
Across the rocky meadow face
With wrinkles in its brow.

I hear the branches of the pines
Play syncopated tunes
That harmonize with ev'ning doves
And owls and lutes and loons.
Then the brook and wing and wind
in orchestrated mewl
Bring night alive with moon and stars
To now be born anew.

Love’s crescendo booms and cries
In catalytic swoon.
Our hearts unite "en musicale"
beneath a lover's moon.
And then in soft melodic notes
Your love song touches me
And matches melody and rhyme
To my “heartsong melody”.
© rdouglasVeer 3/8/1997

[10/16/2022]

INTRO:
       My sister and I were saddened to see our father decline. He said on the phone one day, "I never thought I would see the day when I would pass away." I'm sure we all think about that. For many, it is quite a mystery. We wonder where we will go.
       Some people believe there's just a big "blank" when we die. Some people believe God exists, but they don't ask for His help until they're at death's door. And some people don't have a chance to accept God . . . because they die suddenly.
       My dad was never religious but he did believe in God and he did understand God sent His Son, the Messiah to save us from our sins. I shared this with him many times and when I saw him in the hospital I encouraged him to "call on the name of Jesus" when his "time" would come.
       Later, I learned Dad shared with others, how he had asked God to take him to heaven, and he described a vision of Jesus coming down from the cross to walk with him.
       My dad knew the truth. And I am confident he accepted God, personally into his heart.
       The gift of salvation is for us all. Each of us will face death one day but if we want to be saved, we need to accept Jesus and humbly ask Him to forgive our sins. This is the Christian faith.
       Jesus is the only way to heaven; however, the choice is yours and mine. God will never force anyone.

TEXT:
Romans 10:13; (NLT).
     “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

John 14:6; (NLT).
     "Jesus told him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.'"

Remembering My Daddy

Such a little tyke was I
to get my Daddy’s hug;
he'd call me his mosquito;
in Hungarian . . . his petite "Szúnyog."

(Then) came my sister, Sylvia;
her name had come to be
but her nickname in Hungarian was
my little deer, my sweet "Csimbi."

Dad was rough and he was tough;
he seemed hard as a nail
but food upon the table
was always there, without fail.

"Hard work" was what he taught us
as our lives continued on,
but there were times of goodness, too,
when he'd even sing us songs.

My mother's folks would sometimes . . .
have us come and stay.
Grandpa'd sit at the piano
and all evening he would play.

The house would fill with merriment;
with laughter and with joy,
and what I'd say deep in my heart was
“Boy, oh boy, oh boy!"

"Nyud-mama" would twirl me,
around and all around
and no where could a person find, a better
Grandmama in town.

I was just so little then
and they all seemed so tall!
But that was truly fine with me;
'cause there was fun for all.

Yes, my Daddy was a worker,
as strong as he could be.
He must have spent a million hours
each day in that factory.

He put bread on our table
and clothes upon our back
and not for either one of these
did we find any lack.

The work he did with his strong hands
was an expression of his love.
Then one day God began calling him
to His Heavenly home above.

Yes, memories of my daddy
are a jumble of different thoughts
but he was just a "working man,"
not some astronaut!

So, was he perfect? Of course not, but then,
who can ever be?
Not a brother or a sister,
or a neighbor, and not me.

Still, my greatest memory
(will) forever be, when he
told me that he saw Jesus
nailed upon the "Tree."

And that’s when he asked God, above
to come and take him home;
he knew his sin-debt was paid by Christ,
and he'd never be alone.

For the God of all creation,
sent His perfect, only Son
to die in your place and in mine;
He died for everyone . . .

. . . so we could come as Daddy did
without silver or gold,
whether we would be quite young,
or as Daddy, rather old.

You see, God has created,
an entrance that holds true.
That open door will lead to Heaven;
a place for me and you.

One day, I will take that road;
the one my dad walked on
and I will bet that I will hear him
singing still, a song.

But this time he’ll sing out the words
“Never more will I to roam,”
as he welcomes every traveler
to his Heavenly home.

My daddy, now is waiting.
He's been waiting for you and me,
ever since he accepted Jesus
there upon Calvary’s Tree.

Yes, Daddy’s with the Savior,
the Messiah who calls him friend
and now he has a new life;
one that will never end.

Soon, I will be with him
when this old life is done,
and I now invite you to come,
yes, each and every one.

Well, that’s what I remember.
and yes, all of it is true.
I just wanted to share my heart
and my dear daddy . . . with you.
rdouglasVeer © 9/22/2022

[8/27/2023]

INTRO:
       Did you know that the story of the prodigal son is a love story? Perhaps you have a child that has wandered away to become reckless and squanderous in all of his ways? Maybe he left home on bad terms and is now drifting in the world of lavish indulgences and sin. Or maybe this is a portrait of who you once were? And you one day discovered that your family and friends had been praying for you every waking moment. We find such a story in Luke, chapter 15. It is the story of two sons who are given their father’s inheritance early, but the younger son takes his fortune and wastes it on riotous living. When he comes to the end of himself, he realizes the gravity of his mistake, and he hesitantly turns toward home, not knowing if he will be received. But to his relief, he finds his father waiting for him along the road near home, where he has been watching and praying for him each day.
     Our heavenly Father is full of grace and mercy toward us as well, and he longs for us to turn from our wicked ways and seek after Him. It is never too late. We can enter into His presence, even now, regardless of where life has taken us. “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness,” (Psalm 103:8; (NASB).

     “Dear Lord, please forgive me and help me surrender my life and walk close to you each day. Help me to know the depth of your love toward me. In Jesus name, amen.”

TEXT:
Luke 15:17-24; (TLB).
       “17 When he finally came to his senses, he said . . . 18 I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, 19 and am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired man.”’ 20 “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long distance away, his father saw him coming, and was filled with loving pity and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 “His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and you, and am not worthy of being called your son—’ 22 “But his father said to the slaves, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. And a jeweled ring for his finger; and shoes! 23 And kill the calf we have in the fattening pen. We must celebrate with a feast, 24 for this son of mine was dead and has returned to life. He was lost and is found’. . .”

Please Come Home

Alone and forsaken on an empty street, where
I sit with my head in my hands in despair.
But unknown to me is how things are at home
as my dear Father reaps, in tears that I’ve sown.

“Where are you son?
Have you eaten today?
Where are you sleeping?
On streets or soft hay?
Are you resting in peace?
Or in fear and alone?
Why have you wandered?
Where have you gone?
My heart cries to hold you;
won't you please come home?”

I've eaten the best that the world has to offer.
Now covered in shame, I sleep in its gutters.
I've drank in the ways some would have me to go,
and why I left home, I really don't know.

My Father's good servants live better than I,
and they live in His presence every day of their lives.
I wonder what’d happen if I went back to stay?
Would He love and forgive me or would He turn me away?

So often I see Father's face before me.
He was right. The world ain’t all I thought it would be.
I wish I had never decided to roam.
I wonder if Dad would ever let me come home?

I'm so tired...so cold...had just a moment of sleep.
Now I see Father's face...he's calling to me.
A dream overtakes me as I drift away,
but then I hear, “Precious son, won’t you come home today.”

“Where are you son?
Have you eaten today?
Where are you sleeping?
On streets or soft hay?
Are you resting in peace?
Or in fear and alone?
Why have you wandered?
Where have you gone?
My heart cries to hold you;
won't you please come home?
Where have you wandered?
Where have you gone?
My heart cries to hold you;
won't you please come home?”
© rdouglasVeer 2/23/2014