11/9/25 Through 11/15/25

 11/9/25 Through 11/15/25

Sunday

God's dwelling place is sacred ground

No evil then, should there be found

For where His roots are planted deep

It's none but love we there should keep.

No greed or search for sordid gain

Just love and freedom, pure and plain

A care for one another's need

And watering of every seed.

For where He dwells, the water flows

To see that all His planting grows

To be mature and fruit supply

And every Christian unify

Monday

No wisdom in the evil mind

Nor in the debt of sin we find

For discipline withdraws from those

Who senseless counsel, freely chose

But God can make the sinner whole

For He can read the inner soul

And He forgives repentant ones

To make them His adopted sons

There's woe for those who teach to sin

Inviting every evil in

To lead the little ones astray

Will earn a dark and dreadful day

Forgive, forgive, forgive again

For such are ordinary men

Who need the love that wisdom shines

To bring them into God's designs.

Tuesday

With all eternity in mind

He crafted souls of varied kind

Each in the image of our Lord

With nary one to be ignored

Each one a masterpiece of art

With life eternal from the start

With each a will to freely choose

And life with Him to win or lose.

The winners gladly do His will

And all the losers have their fill

Of temporal pleasures here below

With never time, their God to know.

Wednesday

A prayer of thanksgiving to Thee should be raised

Our God is but worthy and rightly is praised

We render complaints at the drop of a hat

But rarely are grateful as quickly as that.

I suffer from this just as much as the nine

In minimal pain, I complain and opine.

Oh Father, please give me a heart that will see

The blessings and mercies You've showered on me.

The blessing of food every day at my door

A bed and dry roof, and there's myriads more.

A heart that so easily seeks to complain

Must learn to be grateful for all of its gain.

So, lift off the blinders and Lord, let me see

The manifold blessings You've given to me

And turn in thanksgiving for all that you've done,

You've given the Best, and the Best is your Son.

Thursday

Lord, most of all, I wisdom need

Not clever words to ego feed

But clear, unstained, and certain truth

To comfort old and spur the youth

The kindly wisdom, firm, secure

Beyond the clever, wholly pure

The subtle word that moves the soul

With love, to Jesus Christ extol

The kind that penetrates all things

Pervades, and all to reason brings

The aura bright, or saintly glow

That comes when truly Christ we know

For simple, find Your treasure there

They understand beyond compare

Your countenance gives light to see

And draw us ever nearer Thee

Your kingdom is upon us now

And this we must proclaim somehow

As flashes in a stormy sky

Your wisdom opens up the eye.

Friday

There's no reason man can't know

God, who makes all creatures grow

Grass and trees, and man and beast,

Greater things and so, the least.

Beauty, order, stunning skies

All around to please the eyes

Perfume, sweetness, life anew

All are speaking loud to you.

See the signs when seasons change

Know your life must rearrange

One the Maker, One the God

One by whom the man is awed.

No excuse, you did not know

All creation's there to show

God is God, and you are not

Change, while time, you still have got.

Saturday

There's one we render, Full of Grace

Relied on You in every place

In every situation, she

Would bend her will to match with Thee.

Such grace is offered every man

To persevere within His plan

But far too often we astray

To follow in our selfish way.

His grace accepted, gives the strength

To persevere to any length

To gain the prize of life with Him

And rise above the dark and dim

So, seek His will throughout the day

And let Him light, for you, the way

He always leads to fertile ground

Where fruits abundant may be found

11/2/25 Through 11/8/25

 11/2/25 Through 11/8/25

Sunday

A happy death is that in which

We long for flames of love

To cleanse, and to our souls enrich

With graces from above

The welcome flame that purifies

Is freedom for the soul

A blessing on the one who dies

So Heaven may enroll

The stain of sins unknown below

Forever must be cleared

In perfect love, no sin we know

His every word adhered

Don't fear the flame, but pray it comes

The fire of His love

Where sinner to the saint becomes

One fit for Him above

Monday

How rich are the depths and the wisdom of God

So, why then, my friend, do we find it so odd

That few ever search, and so few ever find

The riches that saints over ages have mined?

The wisdom and knowledge, and judgment so true,

The treasures eternal He's offering you?

Perhaps they're not told by the ones with the wealth

Perhaps this explains all those lacking in health

So, what must be done to improve on this state

Where many are lacking this news, that's so great!

The chosen must witness to all those in need

Where faithful are lacking, they hungry must feed.

No good in a chamber where echoes return

The lost are the ones of the Shepherd must learn

Go out and start searching, you needn't look far

The poor and the hungry, in every place are.

They need but a one who is willing to serve

To bring the Good News that all men deserve

So, you be the one, and today be the day

They learn of the Savior, and learn how to pray

For this is how change to the world is made

And this is how debt to our Father is paid

To tell every person what Jesus has won

And bring them to life through the death of the Son

Tuesday

The invitation comes to all

But who will answer well the call?

We make excuses every day

For why we have no time to pray

A feast is offered every morn

But few enough from sleep are torn

To rise and offer thanks and praise

Before the Author of our days

And even on the Sabbath day

So many still will stay away

The cares of daily life they find

Are all that occupy the mind

The servants must, the tables fill

To satisfy the Master's will

Each one is gifted in some way

To fill the house with those who pray

If we would faithful servants be

The house would fill so all could see

The wonders of His love for man

Within His gracious, festive plan.

Wednesday

I know not how to pay the debt

Of all He's done for me

In times of stress, I soon forget

His generosity

My thoughts turn in to what I want

Ignoring what I need

My selfishness becomes a haunt

And search to sate the greed

I need a view of gratitude

For all the many ways

Great blessings in my life accrued

Throughout so many days

If One so perfect, pure, and good

Was nailed upon a tree

Then why should I escape the wood

That's waiting there for me?

Each one must shoulder well the load

That's waiting there for thee

Our cross to carry down the road

Then up to Calvary

For Easter only comes at last

When Calvary is done

In suffering, is where is cast

The vict'ry to be won

Be grateful then for all He gives

In fire, He forges man

Repent and know that He forgives

In His salvation plan.

Thursday

There's joy in finding what is lost

For Him who paid the highest cost

For sinners who, in love, repent

And those upon His mission sent

Repentance is the key to joy

His Sacrament we must employ

For grace can change the heart of stone

And make it one for love alone

The Master waits with open arms

He always heals and never harms

Each soul that humbly turns around

Is like the sheep, once lost, but found

Friday

Lord, all my good has come from You

In things I say and things I do

Sometimes I hear and then obey

Too often, though, I fall away

Your saving power comes to me

If I but open eyes to see

The vict'ry Your right hand has won

Your One and Holy righteous Son

Forgiveness on the Cross He won

With love unbounded for each one

There's naught that I alone could win

Without forgiveness of my sin.

Saturday

One Lord alone a man can serve

And on this Earth as I observe

A lesser god, no God at all

Is that before which many fall

Prestige and power, wealth and fame

Are just a few that I can name

But limitless, the choice can be

To lesser gods we bend the knee

Just look and see what rules your time

And that would be a suspect prime

For who or what your god may be

And what is needed to be free

The time we spend at work or play,

What we allow to rule our day

Should be what lasts eternally

And satisfies what's deep in thee

One God alone can fill the hole

That's deep within the heart and soul

So, spend more time with Him and see

How foolish lesser gods can be

10/26/25 Through 11/1/25

 10/26/25 Through 11/1/25

Sunday

Poured out in confession, we lay at His feet

The truth of our sinfulness, truth of defeat

He comes to our rescue with mercy and grace

Forgiveness He offers, securing our place

Though some are too proud to admit what they've done

They miss out on meeting the warmth of the Son

The offers of pride will wear off in a while

No comfort is found in the self-seeking style

By then, it's too late to start turning around

The fruit of our action for each has been found

The humble exalted, the haughty brought low

'Tis then that the actions of all we will know

There's tons of us sinners, but some have been freed

The ones who confessed all their pride and their greed

Be one of the humble, and turn from your sin

Confess all your failings and welcome Him in.

Monday

Eighteen years in bonds of sin

Bent and crippled from within

Bound with chains that bent her soul

Kept her from becoming whole

Touch of mercy from His hand

Freedom as the father planned

Sin rejected, love becomes

Freedom for His chosen ones

Be no cripple, come and see

All that love has done for thee

Turn from sin and be set free

Mercy is what waits for thee

Otherwise, be bent and low

Holding to your chains below

Keep your pleasures weak and thin

Bent and low because of sin

Touch of mercy waits to see

Slightest movement home from thee

When you turn, your chains will fall

Then, at last, you're standing tall

Tuesday

Be holy and be set apart

Be not conformed, from sin depart

This is what God desires of those

For saintly service that He chose

To love the Lord with all your heart

From every sin be set apart

Removed from all that draws away

And firmly on the narrow way

This universal call to man

Is that which is the Father's plan

Somehow, sufficient grace He gives

To every man on Earth who lives

Yet, some say, Yes, Lord, come to me

And others flat refuse to be

A one who serves another's need

Or listens to the word decreed

All those who know not of the Cross

Are at such a tremendous loss

For all they see is here below

They know not how to bloom and grow

Lord, help me spread your word to them

But not in ways that just condemn

In ways that pull and draw them near

So kindly words of love they hear.

Wednesday

Oh Lord, Your gospel words today

Are frightening, so I must say

This narrow way that You define

I worry may not match with mine

I know how much my soul has strayed

And willfully have not obeyed

You're kind enough to speak to me

Yet I don't always bow to Thee

I know that all is meant for good

But not so seen from where I stood

In pain, my focus draws within

And there my worries all begin

This life of comfort that I've known

Is where I've seen my worries grown

Am I the rich of whom You warn

Who on that day are met with scorn?

If so, I pray You act with haste

And turn my worthless wealth to waste

So, narrowly I may come in

And learn the way of love within.

Thursday

Continued faith, continued trust,

These are the things the Christian must

Employ to find the narrow way

Enduring all that comes their way

His love so far exceeds the mind

For none on Earth is of this kind

No creatures here or down below

Can take us from the Love we know

Be patient, calm, and undisturbed

His love for man will not be curbed

This One who died will intercede

Through His most loving, saving deed

Our Sacrifice for sin was made

Unblemished Lamb our price has paid

The gift of righteousness is His

He this, repentant sinners, gives

Friday

Blindness always love concealing

Jesus always love revealing

The rules the Father made for man

With love, the focus of His plan

Don't miss a chance your love to show

For when you do, His grace will flow

A simple rule, the Sabbath rest

But trumped by love to give the best

Meet the needs of one before you

Pass not by as others do

Here a chance of untold value

Yes, for them, but also you

Saturday

When life on Earth has ceased to be

And eyes all Truth shall clearly see

The Light of Life will shine for all 

Who answered well the Father's call.

The angels in their vast array

Around the Throne of Glory, pray

With saints of every varied kind

Around the Throne of Glory, lined

Each one with open eyes to see

That grace and mercy set them free

That God alone is worth our all

And answered His persistent call

Lord, let me be among that band

To worship there at Your right hand

To sing forever glory's song

Among that happy, holy throng

10/19/25 Through 10/25/25

 10/19/25 Through 10/25/25

Sunday

It's by His grace we win the war

Obtaining all we're fighting for

For grace is needed every time

I sit to write a little rhyme

When hands are raised in prayer, I see

That every word must come from Thee

For only then, the heart is changed

And lesser works are rearranged

The prayer reveals what lies within

Where often what we find is sin

Infection there must be removed

For life within to be improved

The constant pleading for His grace,

Our only way to keep the pace

Our lifeline to the Promised Land

And pathway through the desert sand.

Monday

Wealth is such a fleeting treasure

Giving hope where none belongs

Falsehood in its every measure

Singing only earthly songs

All is gift from God eternal

All is meant to use for good

Not by only that external

When in judgment each is stood

Be my strength and consolation

When that fearful day arrives

Lead me in my life's vocation

Help me be a one who thrives

Not on wealth, but grace and mercy

Humble in my search for You

Free of selfish controversy

Always trusting, always true.

Tuesday

A single deed, the world condemned

From there has every evil stemmed

A sin that closed the Garden door

And shut us off to so much more

God sent His promised Savior though

To show the righteous way to go

To offer sacrifice for sin

And let repentant sinners in

One act of saving grace for man

According to the Father's plan

His perfect Son would pay the price

For all our sordid, sinful vice

Now, man can choose to follow Him,

Or to remain in wicked sin

Our choice has every pow'r to save

Or also cast into the grave.

Repent before your time runs out

His love for sinners, never doubt

How blest His servants then will be

To dwell with Him eternally

Wednesday

Each is entrusted with much by the Lord

His graces and blessings on all are outpoured

We must be good stewards upon His return

Or else in the flames with the devil we burn

The gifts we are given, we must put to use

He never will settle for fraud and abuse

For each has a job to be earnestly done

So that our salvation be honestly won

His work was sufficient, but clearly, we see

He expects us to work for the Kingdom to be

Made present to men on the Earth here below

So all, of His dying and rising, would know.

Thursday

Division comes as Christ draws near

And deeper in the soul we peer

We see with clarity our sin

Which makes no room for Christ within

No way the two can co-exist

So change, the flesh, will sure resist

But look and see what sin has done

For death alone is all it's won

Division is the only way

To ever see the light of day

A severing of ties with sin

To let the light of love within.

What profit has your sin attained?

A fleeting pleasure quickly waned?

No lasting wealth when flesh is king

A nectar sweet, but awful sting

The choice is offered every day

Don't pick the deadly, sinful way

Divide yourself from every sin

And always welcome Jesus in.

Unite instead with love sublime

Then, with the Holy Spirit, climb

From dark of sin to light of love

Eternally with Christ above.

Friday

The time is now to turn around

Before the way cannot be found

We get ourselves so steeped in sin

We know not how to change begin

The way of truth cannot be seen

When lies are what upon we lean

Our reason, out the window thrown

And god is self and self alone

His works abound in all we see

The mountains high, and mighty sea

All creatures of their varied kinds

And men with quite inventive minds

Yet men with reason somehow still

Refuse to do the Father's will.

They choose to be the sovereign king

And only just disaster bring

Repentance is the only way

To rise above the wicked fray

There's only One Creator King

And only He, true joy, can bring

His love alone has satisfied

The longing men have often tried

To fill with pridful, selfish sin,

But always left a void within

Return and know that mercy waits

For sinners in their varied states

But every soul can be restored

When Jesus Christ is Sovereign Lord.

Saturday

The Lord expects a good return

If only as a fuel to burn

None simply taking up the space

Without responding to His grace

Each tree must bear its fruit in time

Or face the punishment of crime

If we don't herald of His love

We cannot live with Him above

We see not all our words can do

If we're but faithful, warm, and true

The slightest thing may strike a chord

Returning sinners to the Lord

So, speak His word at work or play

At every time throughout the day

The fruit will grow if all you do

Is use the grace He gives to you