28 December 2014 - ENCS

At ENCS on this last Sunday of the 2014 year

A double message from pastors we did hear

First from Pastor Larry, who the year did recap

Focusing on positives allowing energy to tap

We cannot put God in a box, Pastor did then say

When we come together, nothing can get in our way

He implored us to 'dream together' for Singapore's jubilee

Believe, intercede, and grow BIG, so success we will see

 

Then Pastor Arnie spoke on Philippians chapter three

In verse fourteen, the words goal and prize we do see

He said our goal for the year comes from verse eight

To draw near and know God, the reward is so great

He referred to Psalm 145:18 and John four twenty four

Of course the Bible is full of similar passages many more

God's Positioning System directs our life's path

Ensuring we get His blessing instead of His wrath

If we try to know, gain, be in, and be like Christ

At the end of life, it will have more than sufficed

 

Arnie then spoke about winning the prize

A life fully committed to God never dies

It is about disciple-making discipleship

To commit and submit helps us to equip

Jesus is our Savior and Lord so we will never lack

But as disciples, we must move forward not back

As Henrichsen said, "destroy avenues of retreat"

For then we can ensure that the enemy we defeat

In conclusion, we can press on and win the prize

For Jesus paid the price and from death did arise

25 December 2014 - KKMC

At a very full Kampung Kapor Methodist Church on Christmas Day

On Luke 2 verses 15-20, Pastor Kenneth Huang had much to say

His sermon was aptly titled "Christmas, Jesus, Me, and You"

The word "reason" in "the reason for the season" he did undo

Breaking it down into "re" "a" "son" makes it extremely clear

Why the shepherds visited Jesus after the angels did appear

 

In the same way, Pastor said we should want to see Jesus too

As what John three sixteen says about God's plan is so true

God so loved the world, which He created in His own likeness

He gave His only son Jesus to pull out us of our sinful mess

And for those who believe in Him, going in the right direction

Eternal life is a certainty, not just an assumption or projection

A short summary of this key verse Max Lucado did give

We repeated, "God loved, God gave, we believe, we live"

 

Several other "REs" with us Pastor Kenneth did then share

RE-align life's priorities, RE-shape life's values he did declare

RE-direct life's goals, RE-deem from our sin were the next two

And finally RE-lease us to live as our Lord God wants us to do

We don't need to prove our worth in front of God even if we could

For none of us is righteous enough, that should be understood

 

We should follow the shepherd's example and accept the good news

Sharing this with others is what Pastor said that we should choose

In doing so, however, to God's script we must always stick

Even - or especially - in the face of challenges thin and thick

According to God's ways and plans, we should never stop living

Because unique plans for each of us God will never stop giving

 

When we do the good that we can, per verses nineteen and twenty

Like Mary and the shepherds, we will end up being blessed a-plenty

We must know Christ and Christmas to respond to the world of today

For whatever we face, peace and favor from God will come our way

God wants each of us to seek Him all the time, in whatever we do

And to praise Him and share the good news with more than a few

25 December 2014 - A Christmas Poem

People often say that Jesus is the reason

For this festive and meaningful season

Of course that is true but perhaps there is more

About three types of gifts I will briefly explore

 

The first gift is covered in John three verse sixteen

God gave us His Son, the greatest gift ever seen

He did that because He loves us so much

And each of our lives Jesus did then touch

Jesus showed us how to live and conquered death

We should give thanks for this with every single breath

 

The second gift is what God has given each person

He gave us a unique set of talents, not just for fun

Each person on earth God does love for He did create

We each have a mission that we should not leave to fate

Because of our unique talents we each have a unique role

To utilize them for God's glory should be our ultimate goal

 

The third gift results directly from the stanzas above

It happens when we use our gifts to share God's love

By sharing God's love, we can be a gift to others

Whether old or young, rich or poor, sisters of brothers

Gifts of love are shared in many a different way

What we do, what we show, and what we say

 

In conclusion, I guess what I am trying to convey

Is that God's gifts to us are visible every day

Our way of showing thanks should therefore be

Showing His gifts and His love for the world to see

30 November 2014 - ENCS

The Redemption Stories series was continued by Pastor Mark Chew

He said we all have stories, some that are old and some that will be new

God is actually redeeming us, per Philippians chapter one

Our picture and story reflect our response to what is done

More often with others, our stories we should share

That is one way we can show God that we do care

Luke chapter twelve warns us against covetousness

The rich man planned for more but ended up with less

 

Pastor Mark's goal was to have a condo and cars three

Looking back, he realizes just how foolish that would be

The phrase 'full time' was planted in his brain

If he loved God so much, the answer was plain

God's gifts are irrevocable, per Romans eleven

Mark tried to bargain with our God in heaven

But he felt no peace, so he decided to take the leap

In his first church job, the learning curve was steep

 

Similarly, God has already called each and every one

We might have to give up dreams or even some fun

But per Psalm thirty one, in God we should trust

Pursuing God's dream with excitement is a must

For if to God we say yes and serve full time

He will not shortchange us by even a dime

 

Full time takes various forms, Pastor Larry did say

It does not mean being in the church every day

But whether in church or in the marketplace

On God's plans, our actions we must base

16 November 2014 - ENCS

The Redemption Stories series was continued by Rachel Ong

Despite fighting God's call at first, her testimony is very strong

For through her companies she can now reach the marketplace

Bringing to others the messages of God's joy, hope, and grace

 

She then referenced the book of Job, with chapters forty two

Job was apparently blameless and upright in all that he did do

With a large family and ten thousand cattle, he was called great

He lost everything but refused to blame God on that woeful date

His family, wealth, health, and good name did all disappear

But in the end, all was restored and he lived for many a year

 

Rachel asked God about areas of life numbering four

Little did she know what for her was soon to be in store

About health issues, she told God that she did not understand

She might have kept silent if she knew what God had planned

 

A diagnosis of appendicitis due to immense pain in her side

But a twenty three centimeter tumor the doctor then spied

Rachel never questioned God over the next six days

In fact, she continued to trust Him and give Him praise

For God does not owe us anything, including our health

Everything we have comes from His immense wealth

 

The operation was successful although the tumor had grown

Hearing that it weighed seven kilos made many of us moan

There was no cancer and one ovary was able to be saved

The doctor said "divine intervention" on her should be engraved

From a very painful recovery she did not shirk

But after four weeks, Rachel returned to work

 

Three points about her story Rachel then with us share

They serve as a wonderful reminder not to ever despair

The first is that our God is bigger than any pain we may face

"Hope against hope, for hope never fails" due to God's grace

 

The second is that some pain is actually good for our soul

It provides a perspective that helps us to others console

Rachel also said it gives us a small understanding

Of the pain to Jesus that his crucifixion did bring

This relates to Philippines chapter three verse ten

Paul wanted to share in Christ's sufferings again

Bad things happen to good people, that is quite plain

But through all of our suffering, God will always reign

 

The third is in God we should give our wholehearted trust

Increasing our faith instead of fear, Rachel said is a must

Googling about symptoms tends to merely add to our fear

Whilst going to God in earnest prayer helps us to persevere

 

By referring to Job forty two verse ten, Rachel did conclude

For Job's family, wealth, health and name were all renewed

Job lived another one hundred forty years being blessed

We should also believe in miracles and not be stressed

For God reigns, whether circumstances are good or bad

That fact in itself should make us joyful instead of sad

2 November 2014 - ENCS

Pastor Larry continued the series entitled "Redemption Stories"

Redemption saves us from sin, enabling us to receive God's glories

Because Jesus redeemed us so we can have life eternal

Changed should be our lives, both internal and external

Pastor then read from Revelations twelve verse eleven

The exiled John heard these words, directly from heaven

"They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb" we did see

And then, as importantly "by the word of their testimony"

The enemy wants us to feel defeated and facing damnation

But God says we are victors, not victims, in every situation

 

By the blood of Jesus, Pastor Larry said we can overcome

Jesus' sacrifice was required, so we should be far from glum

We have all sinned and fall short, per Romans chapter three

The penalty should be death, in Romans six we clearly see

But per Hebrews nine, we have now secured redemption

Our sins are forgiven, so from death we have exemption

Isaiah fifty three prophesied that by His stripes we are healed

So when we claim victory, the enemy will be scared and yield

 

We also overcome by the work of our testimony, Pastor did say

Per Colossians one, God has rescued us out of harm's way

Since we live in freedom, we all have a testimony to share

They can encourage others who may be feeling despair

Redemption stories were then shared by Alymark and Marisol

About how they escaped troubled pasts, they both did tell

Pastor Larry referenced Psalm one hundred twenty four

And told of man who paid to release a bird out a cage door

Similarly, Jesus loves each of us so much that he gladly died

After living an earthly life that still acts for us as a perfect guide

He effectively opens our individual cages and lets us go

In return we should tell our testimonies instead of lying low

 

By not loving our lives is the third way that we can overcome

Per Mark ten, Jesus' life was ransomed for many, not just some

He expects the same from His followers, both then and now

In Romans one, unashamed of the gospel Paul did avow

For the gospel is the power of God that is salvation for all

So from telling others our testimonies, we should not stall

26 October 2014 - ENCS

At ENCS the sermon was delivered by Steve Murrell

About some key words to Ephesus that Paul did tell

In Acts chapter twenty, to Rome Paul was on his way

He thoughts it was his last chance messages to convey

After Pastor Steve shared about global activity

He quickly focused on key words for ENCS three

 

Life only has real meaning, per verse twenty four

If in all that we do, God's purpose is at our core

The first key word is that we must testify the gospel

For the gospel is good news, Pastor did then tell

It is not opinion or an editorial, but is a historical fact

Jesus came to earth and although He was attacked

He offers eternal life to those who do repent

For that is the real reason that He was sent

But to turn to God we must turn away from sin

For into this life don't let temptations come in

And although we are sinful, God loves us so much

Which is why our hearts the gospel does touch

 

Grace builds us up, per verse number thirty two

To our sin, justification allows us to say adieu

Sanctification is the process of God-driven change

It is an ongoing process of how our life we arrange

Glorification is how we can live like Jesus Christ

All of these are available for free, clearly mispriced

Per Titus two verse eleven, God's grace is there for all

Into our lives self-control and godliness we can install

 

The third word is give, in other words generosity

"It is more blessed to give than to receive" is the key

This includes our time, words, money, and passion

As individuals and a church, we should not ration

If we live to give we will be on the right track

And God will ensure that we will never lack

12 October 2014 - ENCS

On Sunday, the "Go" series Pastor Larry did complete

He showed a video of a mission trip in the Philippine heat

Based on Acts 1:8, the series talked of what our purpose should be

Using God's anointing power, we can reach family and community

Breaking through cross-cultural barriers is a way to share the worth

His sermon was not surprisingly titled "To the ends of the earth"

As Singapore is prophesied to be the Antioch of the region

People come in and go out on mission trips by the legion

The apostles went around the world to many different places

All but John were eventually martyred, with joy on their faces

Similarly, reaching out to the world should become our norm

That is why Pastor Larry focused on the word "transform"

For although the world may be under control of the evil one

God has shown his far greater power in all He has done

Per John 5:19, sixteen forty three, and fourteen twenty seven

We can overcome, with the peace of God who resides in heaven

 

Pastor then mentioned transformations numbering four

Although I am sure he could have come up with more

To be transformed for a purpose must be the case

For we are not here on earth just to take up space

Transformed love, per John thirteen verse thirty five

As disciples of Jesus, our love for others should thrive

Per Luke five, we should also have transformed obedience

We should follow quickly, but not just out of expedience

Lastly, Pastor said we need to have transformed thinking

So that from our Christian purpose there will be no shrinking

5 October 2014 - ENCS

In the penultimate week of the "Go" series, Pastor Josh did preach

Per John four, Jesus went to Samaria to avoid the Pharisees' reach

For when God is moving, rule-loving religious leaders get upset

The irony of course is that Jesus hadn't baptized anybody yet

For the Jewish people, Samaria was not a very hospitable place

Too many times, the two groups of people in conflict did face

 

After a long walk from Jerusalem, Jesus was tired and sat next to a well

He then asked a Samaritan woman for a drink, verse seven does tell

This broke all sorts of rules, for she was a single woman

It made it culturally even worse that she was a Samaritan

She mentioned Jacob, who provided for their physical needs

He talked of living water, which can absolve our sinful deeds

 

It is interesting to note why she was there at midday

Because she didn't want to hear what others had to say

But Jesus knew her whole history, per verse sixteen

He also loves us no matter how bad we may have been

 

Pastor said that we need to worship with knowledge true

Worshipping God in spirit and truth is what we should do

Per Second Corinthians, God is the only judge that matters

Even if many others may try to turn our reputation to tatters

We should try to honor our fathers, heavenly and on earth

They give us their approval and confirm our true worth

God is the truth and thus overcomes any lies that are told

Remembering the truth can set us free should make us bold

 

The woman mentioned the Messiah; Jesus said He was the One

She went to town and witnessed about what He had said and done

Based solely on her testimony, many in the town did then believe

The entire town pleaded with Jesus and His disciples not to leave

And because He did end up by two days postponing His trip

They learned for themselves and responded with worship

For anyone who believes in Jesus shall be saved, per Romans ten

We can then all worship in spirit and truth over and over again

28 September 2014 - ENCS

The "Go" series was today continued by Calvin Hong

About witnessing to the "Community" to which we belong

The core text Calvin used was Acts chapter one verse eight

His disciples were to witness in Judea, Jesus did state

To witness is to share with others something we have seen

From our passion, our belief in the message others can glean

 

In Romans one verse sixteen, Paul says he is not ashamed

Sharing the gospel with both Jew and Gentile, he proclaimed

Remember that Jesus died a public death, Calvin did point out

So about our own faith we should not be afraid to loudly shout

We have nothing to fear, which comes from unbelief and sin

Besides, fear is the opposite of faith, which we have within

 

Faith comes from hearing the message, per Romans ten seventeen

And faith results from surrendering to the Lord God, who is unseen

Often our greatest battle is between our brain and our heart

God speaks to our heart, so from His path we do not depart

He promises that He will always meet us on the other side

For even without understanding we must surrender and abide

 

Per Matthew five verses thirteen to sixteen, we are salt and light

For others in the world, we can act as a beacon in the dark night

Calvin said that he uses sports to reach out to the community

His 'preaching' is done via his actions that the others can see

We can each make a difference by changing the atmosphere

Hour by hour, day by day, month by month, and year by year

 

To preach the Word, Timothy four verse two gives the reason

Paul says we should "be prepared in season and out of season"

Remember we are in places of influence in our communities

We can use our own experiences to each opportunity seize

Sometimes there is a reason God puts us through a tough trial

If nothing else, it makes our knowledge much more versatile

 

Ephesians two verses eight to ten say we are God's workmanship

We are created to do good works, for which God did us equip

Unless we submit completely to Him, we can not complete His plan

That is a true statement whether we are young or old, woman or man

And in whatever we do, we should not boast about our own works

By grace, through faith, we are saved so gifts from God are perks

 

In conclusion, Calvin said that each of us can make a difference

And then challenged us not to wait but to immediately commence

With friends and colleagues we are given opportunities each day

To influence others by what we do and the words that we say

That is how we can be good witnesses to our community

It will be challenging but rewarding, Calvin did guarantee

21 September 2014 - ENCS

At EN Hub, Pastor Josh continued the series entitled "Go"

"Nothing is impossible for God" is a truism we should know

For in reality we are not limited by our own capacity

But by how much we believe God's power can be

In other words, God lives up to the measure of our faith

What we feel in our hearts and also what we may saith

 

If we achieve our goals in life too early, we get bored

Like David and Solomon who fell out with the Lord

For without a purpose and vision for our whole life

We get complacent in our values and fall into strife

If our purpose is too limited, it may lead us to fall

For we need a God-sized vision on which to call

 

Per Acts 1:8, we are to witness to the ends of the earth

We are to change the world from the time of our rebirth

The Holy Spirit gives us power from God to share

Even better is that it never runs out, a trait very rare

Jerusalem is where Lord Jesus told the disciples to start

For us, focus on our families before on missions we depart

 

With families, what we say does not carry much weight

It is our actions that really matter, Pastor Josh did state

It is easier to go overseas for a one week mission trip

Than to stay at home and have your family see you slip

In short, words can be awesome but actions are better

For others will look to see if you live up to the letter

 

We are to be imitators of God, per Ephesians 5 one and two

By acting sacrificially and loving others in all that we may do

This brings us back to our relationship with God above

For as it says in so many places in the Bible, God is love

 

Instead of our appearance, into our hearts God does delve

This is clearly stated in Second Corinthians five verse twelve

On our part, we need him to change us from the inside out

So that the love of God compels us, without any doubt

Even another rejects us, we can help him in a different way

Complete change results from Jesus' love, Josh did say

 

So we must fall in love with Jesus so that others may see

That what we quote from the Bible is illustrated in reality

For when we live with joy and peace, others will of us ask

How we can be so continually loving no matter the task

 

No matter where we may be or whether we erred or not

God can use us to reach others, whether it is cold or hot

For nothing can ever disqualify us from God's grace

Even is we may not feel ready, as is so often the case

In our darkest situations, God's light often shines brightest

So we can draw other people to God, who is the mightiest

By continually trying to get more and more love from God

We can also help keep ourselves from running roughshod

 

Jesus died for us all, per Second Corinthians five verse fifteen

Similarly, we must put our will to death so His may be seen

When dealing with our families, do not dwell on the past

Instead be filled with love and purpose, for these will last

 

To be in the 'ministry of reconciliation', we need to be a new creation

We can connect with Jesus and also with others in many a location

When our actions follow our words, testimonies our lives become

That has a bigger impact than simply banging the biblical drum

3 August 2014 - ENCS

Pastor Larry continued the series titled "Centered"

Into the third chapter of Colossians we entered

About roller coasters, he said he was often scared

They are often like our life of faith, he then shared

The downward rush of fear, the upward relief of joy

The enemy attacks us, trying our lives to destroy

Every time that he tells us to disobey and not to step out

What he is really doing is sowing more and more doubt

God has called us into a life of faith, we must remember

This is true all the time, from January through December

The tendency may be to get off the roller coaster ride

Because as it continues, we get more scared inside

But we should never give in to the "whatever" attitude

That lowers our standards and allows too much latitude

 

The title of his sermon was "The Virus Called Whatever"

In the text, the word appears many more times than never

Verse seventeen says in whatever we do, do in God's name

Verse twenty three talks of the heart and then says the same

The enemy will continually try to distract us by whatever means

Overwhelming us with challenges or boring us with routines

In return, we must do whatever it takes to do things for God

Whether or not they may appear normal or even quite odd

For as per verse one, we "have been raised with Christ"

We should set our hearts on Him, who has always sufficed

 

Pastor's first point referred to John ten and "You Have Power"

Paul encouraged us to be aware of God's strength every hour

In Colossians chapter one, he refers to "holy and faithful brothers"

If we do not see ourselves in that way, then neither will others

To do God's calling is a privilege and is why we are here on earth

We should get in the game and give excuses a very wide berth

We should be rooted and strengthened in Christ, per chapter two

Our family and friends should always challenge us better to do

But we should not get hung up on mistakes, even if they are often

For obedience comes one step at a time; the path God will soften

Pastor then pointed out that self-focus usually leads to resistance

But through it all, God provides the power for us to go the distance

 

Pastor Larry's second point was that we should "Live Higher"

Per verses five and eight, our earthly nature we should retire

And not to revert to old ways, then we must always take care

Reading the Bible every day is just as important as prayer

Like training for a marathon, we must prepare to finish strong

Per Amos, God is angered when for other things we long

By reading the Bible daily, we prepare for times of temptation

Per Colossians three verse ten, this forms a strong foundation

 

In summary, Pastor said that we should do whatever it may take

To step out in faith and overcome our fears, doing all for His sake

27 July 2014 - ENCS

Pastor Neli Atiga gave his farewell sermon at ENCS earlier today

To Every Nation Church in Brisbane he will soon be on his way

 

After we took communion and the congregation had all entered

His sermon continued the series on Colossians titled "Centered"

Our days are numbered so what we focus on really does matter

Pastor Neli laid out three ways to identify our focus on a platter

First is our passion, what we are willing to make sacrifices for

Second is our priority, in other words what we have at our core

And third is people, the ones and the values that surround us

If we are centered on Christ, everything else becomes a plus

Pastor then said that we have one job so need to get it right

The rest of his sermon thus focused on what we need to fight

 

Colossians one verses fifteen to twenty talk of Christ's pre-eminence

We were created by him and for him, his power and glory are immense

But God also dwells in him and reconciled with the world through him

If these four 'hims' were not all true, our future would look quite dim

So Jesus should be our passion and priority, who we try to emulate

By doing so, Pastor said, our walk on God's path will be kept straight

 

Colossians two refers to Laodicea, which sat on the river Meander

Jesus called them lukewarm in Revelation three with much candor

We must avoid meandering and having our faith be lukewarm

So about five potential causes of this Pastor Neli did us inform

First is our image, or how we might appear in others' eyes

If this drives us, our passion dissipates Pastor did advise

Second is trying to improve, for we should want to obey his law

This is what was written in John fourteen verse fifteen, we saw

Third is impulse, giving into the desires of former addictions

We should try to avoid temptation to adhere to our convictions

Fourth is immaturity, wanting others to feed us all the time

Instead, we should be doing things for the church in our prime

Fifth is idolatry, which Pastor Neli said is at the center of all sin

Letting other things take center stage is where problems begin

 

I note that Brisbane's big gain is of course Singapore's big loss

But either way, Neli will still be sharing the message of the cross

We will miss his musical talents, his jokes, his smile, and his size

Along with his ability to always find a way to spring a surprise

Thank Pastor Neli for all you have done for so many people

Go forth, young man, and change lives under a new steeple

20 July 2014 - King Jesus is Born

“Why do…the peoples plot in vain?” says Psalm two

The Lord and His Anointed One the leaders try to outdo

From heaven, the Lord scoffs and rebukes them all

For His King on Zion – the holy hill - God did install

“You are my Son…and I [am] your Father,” God said

God will make “the nations [His] inheritance” instead

“Therefore, you kings, be wise [and] be warned”

For they should serve the Lord they once scorned

The Lord said to Jesus, according to Psalm one hundred ten

To “sit at [His] right hand” and rule over all earthly men

For on “the day of battle”, “[His] troops will be willing”

Jesus is a “priest forever”, thus old prophecies fulfilling

God “will crush kings on the day of His wrath”

For Jesus will always be found on God’s path

There have been many priests, per Hebrews seven

But only one lives forever, He was sent from heaven

“Therefore he is able to save completely” any person

“He lives to intercede for them” before their lives worsen

The birth of Jesus is briefly written about in Luke two

Joseph went to Bethlehem, for a census all had to do

He went with Mary, his betrothed who was expecting

She gave birth to her son in a stable without objecting

There were shepherds in the nearby fields with their flock

The glory of the Lord shone, and their knees did all knock

But an angel came and told them about the good news

That in Bethlehem had been born the King of the Jews

They were told to rejoice, for they were not in any danger

They would find Jesus wrapped in clothes lying in a manger

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem,” per Matthew two

Magi from the east came, a star in the sky was the clue

The king of the Jews is who they wanted to worship

So they brought gifts with them on the very long trip

King Herod was disturbed; the Magi in secret he did call

They were to report back to him; his evil plans not to stall

The child they did find as to the star they did refer

They worshipped him with gold, incense, and myrrh

About Herod’s evil plot from a dream they did learn

So by another route to their country they did return

6 July 2014 : The Promise of Jesus' Coming

In Isaiah forty nine, his praises were very wise

For he knew that he was honored in God’s eyes

The tribes of Jacob, God promised to restore

Bringing them back to where they were before

For the Gentiles, He will also make a light

His salvation would outshine any blight

God also promised His people, in Micah five

That from Bethlehem, a ruler would come alive

Israel would be abandoned until that time

But the ruler’s powers would be sublime

The people will then be able to live securely

For all the earth will His greatness then see

The prophet had a vision one night, per Daniel seven

He saw the son of man coming down from heaven

The son of man approached The Ancient of Days

And was given all authority and therefore praise

With sovereign power, God did Him equip

All people and nations did Him then worship

His dominion is everlasting and will not pass away

His Kingdom cannot be destroyed, forever it will stay

God used to speak through prophets, per Hebrews one

But later He sent His heir, His only begotten Son

“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory…and being”

He provided purification from sin, for all so freeing

And now He sits in heaven by God’s right hand

“Superior to the angels”, we all now understand

Based on "The One Minute Bible Day by Day"

So far, the Old Testament I have tried to convey

More than two hundred stanzas are now complete

The underlying stories are of course not obsolete

But now onto the New Testament I endeavor to go

In the hope that my knowledge continues to grow

Please pray that I manage to find rhyme after rhyme

I hope that you will enjoy them, if you have the time

5 July 2014 - Malachi

The Lord God spoke through his prophet, in Malachi three

“I will send my messenger [to] prepare the way before me”

“The messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come”

But will the people standing there be happy or feel numb?

For “he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold”

And the offerings of the people will be like days of old

But “all the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble”

They will be set on fire and reduced to ashes and rubble

“But for you who revere my name”, righteousness for all

“And you will go out and leap [as if] released from the stall”

3 July 2014 - Esther:Jewish Queen of Persia

King Xerxes ruled over a large area, per Esther one

After three years, a massive state banquet was begun

The king called for Queen Vashti in crown to appear

When she refused, the king’s anger was quite clear

The nobles ruled that the queen had done wrong

Her punishment – banishment - would be lifelong

They said that the king should give her position

To someone better, so they held an audition

Mordecai raised Esther, “lovely in form and feature”

She was put under Hegai’s care so he could teach her

She pleased him, won favor, and was given special food

In the best part of the harem Hegai did Esther include

About her Jewish nationality or family, she did not tell

If that was known, she would have had to say farewell

The king was attracted to her more than others he had seen

As a result, he gave her a crown and made her the queen

King Xerxes gave Haman the seat of honor highest

All other officials had to kneel down at his behest

To “kneel down or pay him honor” Mordecai did refuse

Haman then decided to kill him along with all the Jews

Into Xerxes’ ears, Haman did say many a thing

Resulting in a decree being issued from the king

For the destruction of the Jews, the decree did provide

Many tons of silver, for those who helped, were set aside

Twice did Esther invite the king and Haman to dine

On the second day, they were enjoying a nice wine

The king said he would grant anything Esther did request

She said to save her people from slaughter would be best

For the name of the man responsible, King Xerxes did ask

She pointed at Haman, whose treachery she did then unmask

The king said “hang him”; it was not a slip of the tongue

From the very tall gallows he built, Haman was then hung

29 June 2014 - Nehemiah and Ezra: Walls and Worship

Nehemiah detailed what he said and did, in chapter one

He seemed to keep his eyes focused on the long run

He asked about the remnant that survived the exile

And was told they had been in trouble for a while

They said “the wall of Jerusalem is broken down”

And “burned with fire” are the gates of the town

Nehemiah “sat down and wept” for many a day

Then to the God of heaven he did earnestly pray

God’s instructions to Moses he did then recount

That unfaithful people would be taken to account

But if the commands of God were later obeyed

He would gather up all those who had strayed

The people worked to rebuild the wall, per Nehemiah four

It reached half height, thus angering enemies even more

The enemies plotted together to stir up trouble

The people prayed and the guard did double

The approach to building, Nehemiah did then amend

Half did work while the others were armed to defend

So after fifty two days the wall was complete

Per Nehemiah six, this result was quite a feat

The surrounding nations lost their confidence

They recognized that God’s help was immense

David rejoiced, per Psalm one hundred twenty two

For Jerusalem was the house of the Lord, he knew

It is where the tribes of the Lord go to give praise

For the house of David will remain for all the days

He prayed for peace so God’s people would be secure

So “security within the citadels” would forever endure

For all believers’ sake, he also prayed for internal peace

So that Godly prosperity would continue to increase

Ezra read the Book of the Law, per Nehemiah eight

He read it aloud in the square facing the Water Gate

When Ezra opened the book, all the people stood

And everyone praised God as much as they could

They bowed down with their faces to the ground

“Do not mourn”, the Levites told everyone around

“This day is sacred to our Lord”, Nehemiah did say

“The joy of the Lord is your strength”, he did convey