15 June 2014 - ENCS

Pastor Larry continued the "Greater Than" series this Father's Day

Talking about suffering which of course happens in many a way

But first we took some time to hear the testimony of the family Brill

Who went through tough times but are now living per God's will

To Joel chapter two verse twenty five they in conclusion did refer

That God can repay the years of suffering, they clearly do concur

 

From John sixteen and James five, Pastor Larry did then read

Despite our worldly troubles, God offers all the mercy we need

"God is Greater than Bad Days" was the apt title of Pastor's talk

Reminding us that none of our bad days compared to Job's walk

On one day, he lost all his cattle and most of his family as well

On the second, he got sores all over his body the Bible does tell

Into his life and actions and faith, Job's wife and friends did prod

Job corrected them, prayed, remained silent, and repented to God

 

Job suffered loss and emotional pain greater than most could bear

But per Isaiah sixty one, we are told to praise instead of despair

When Job was faced with the losses and pain, God he did worship

"The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away," he did astutely quip

 

Job suffered sickness and much physical pain, Pastor went on to say

Per John nine, sometimes this comes so God's work He can display

When faced with this, Job's wife asked him to curse God and die

He rebuked her strongly and instead focused on how to God glorify

 

Job suffered accusations from his friends and therefore mental pain

Per Matthew five, for the kingdom of heaven the persecuted will attain

Despite that, Job knew that God knew the way that Job would take

God was ultimately in control and happy is what He would Job make

 

In conclusion, Pastor Larry then read from First Peter chapter number four

Which said that no matter what trials we face, we will be blessed even more

So remember that struggles and challenges this world will momentarily bring

And we should worship, glorify, and give thanks in the midst of any suffering

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As I listened to Pastor's sermon, I thought of another poem once done

About suffering and perseverance, using Romans five from verse one

"Therefore", the start of this passage sayeth
"We have been justified through faith"
"We have peace with God through Christ"
For it was his sacrifice that sufficed
"In the hope of the glory of God" we rejoice
But also in our sufferings, for we do have a choice
For "suffering produces perseverance"
Which then leads to character's appearance
From character we then get hope
Can hope disappoint us? Nope!
"For God has poured out his love into our hearts"

That is where the work of the Holy Spirit starts

4 May 2014 - The Prophets to Israel

The Lord spoke to the prophet Joel, per Joel chapter two

Telling the under attack Israelites what they should do

“Even now…return to me with all your heart”

“With fasting and weeping…” on your part

God said he wanted their hearts, not their clothes

For He is gracious and His compassion grows

Due to His love, “he relents from sending calamity”

Besides, “Who knows? He may turn and have pity”

Joel told Israel to gather and to declare a holy fast

Praying to God not to turn the nation into an outcast

In response, “the Lord will be jealous for his land”

“And take pity on his people” wherever they may stand

The Lord spoke to the prophet Amos, per Amos nine

The “sinful kingdom” was in the eyes of the Lord divine

God threatened to destroy it but not Jacob’s house

Because of their evil actions and many a grouse

God said, “All the sinners…will die by the sword”

For they were arrogant and ignored the Lord

But He promised to “restore David’s fallen tent”

And thus rebuild it as He had originally meant

He promised to “plant Israel in their own land”

And said from there, they would never be banned

The Lord spoke to the prophet Hosea, per Hosea eleven

Israel strayed despite being rescued, said God in heaven

But although the Israelite nation continued to refuse to repent

God’s compassion will overcome his anger at their dissent

He promised not to devastate Ephraim or to come in wrath

For God knows that they will eventually follow his path

The Lord spoke to the prophet Isaiah, per Isaiah six

God was on His throne, glorious as everyone depicts

The seraphs’ voices of praise shook the room

For the whole earth God’s glory does consume

Isaiah rued that the people had unclean lips

His guilt and sin, the seraph’s coal eclipsed

The voice of the Lord Isaiah did then hear

In response, “Send me!” Isaiah did volunteer

The Lord spoke to the prophet Micah, per Micah one

God promised judgment for what the people had done

The Lord will come down from His dwelling place

Because Israel’s transgression did Him debase

Then He “will make Samaria a heap of rubble”

Breaking idols into pieces, for they are trouble