Protecting the Harvest

A Poem By Marjorie Kinnee

An uneasy restlessness grips me.

Finding no simple solution, I begin to probe deeper,

Touching tender places, bruised and sore,

Seeking the core, the roots.

On my knees I crouch low;

The hot sun scorches my back

And I sweat in the heat..

It's hard work,

Work that I'd rather leave for a more convenient season,

When the sun's rays weren't so hot,

And the ground was softened by rain.

But the angle of the sun tells me

I haven't much time,

So, I poke and sift, pinching off insects

And driving away the pesky birds and bunnies

That would harm my harvest.

My heart is cheered when I pause

and realize that the Lord of the Harvest

Is working close by.

My Burden

A Poem by
Charles R. Grisham

Oh, how I wished to drop my load,

Out where love's sweet waters flowed;

I stopped to rest, and there I sighed,

That God would end my foolish pride.

But as I sat, an angel came,

With heavenly love all aflame;

He bade me to myself deny,

And on my Master to rely.

Look ahead, and see the light,

That shines beyond all sense and sight;

Where glories of an all-pervading mind,

A universal heaven, unconfined.

Then ending all my needless weeping,

I arose to walk in the Father's blessing;

To gladly bear my earthly load,

Toward heaven's mighty blessed abode.

December 28, 1951

Mary

A Poem by
Joyce MacBeth Morehouse

She came quickly to the Garden

In the dew of early morn;

Hurrying to where they laid Him,

She knelt down to view His form.

But alas! Her Lord was missing!

And these angels? Who are they?

They stood guard in silent witness,

But the stone was rolled away.

As she stood there, weeping, stricken,

Wondering if this gardener knew.

Surely He could help her find Him;

Tell her what she ought to do;

"Can you tell me where they laid Him?

For they took my Lord, it seems."

All her hopes collapsed around her -

Broken heart and broken dreams.

As He eyed her with compassion,

Gazing in her face of fear,

His "Mary" came so gently

That was all she had to hear;

Reaching out in exultation,

Tears of joy,not sorrow, came,

For the tomb was truly empty -

Life would never be the same.

Editor's Note: Sis. Joyce is q licensed minister with the UPCI, living in Doaktown, New Brunswick, Canada - where she attends the United Pentecostal Church, (Pastor Russell H. Morehouse). Her friend, Norma Brewer, (London, Ontario) recommended Sis. Joyce to us, and spoke highly of her writing ministry. This is the first time we've presented her to our readers and are looking forward to more good things! This poem is copyrighted. Used by permission.

You're Not an Egyptian!

By Marjorie Kinnee

My child, you are not an Egyptian,

You were raised as a child of the Light.

Though you run far and wide,

You can't escape, cannot hide,

You will never be out of God's sight.

My child, you are not an Egyptian,

And your heart of hearts knows this right well.

You can bury yourself,

Put your heart on a shelf,

But the knowledge continues to swell.

My child, you are not an Egyptian,

Sin's stains look ill on your face.

Its' chains drag you down,

Soil your white wedding gown,

And frustrate the dove of God's grace.

My child, you are not an Egyptian,

Too much time's been invested in you.

By those who have cared,

And have willingly shared,

Teaching you to be loyal and true.

My child, you are not an Egyptian,

Though in Egypt's dominion you roam.

His voice you once heard,

In song and in the Word,

And His voice is still calling you home.

My child, you are not an Egyptian,

Though bewitched by Egypt's facade.

So the war rages on,

'Twixt God and Dagon,

But my trust's in the promise of God!.

Listen and Hear!

By Pauline Foreman

There was a Man named Jesus, you see,

He was born to save you and me;

Born of a virgin, begotten of the Spirit,

Everyone who has an ear should want to hear it.

We were made in His image,

But through sin we were blemished;

Nevertheless, He had a plan,

To redeem sinful man.

He went about healing the blind, halt, and lame,

His love and compassion soon gained great fame;

They came from the north, south, east, and west,

He delivered them all from all their tests.

He that has an ear – listen and hear.

Opposing forces came against this Man,

But for the love of people He took a stand;

He defeated the devil on every hand,

And took the punishment of sinful man.

For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross,

So that mankind would not have to be lost;

When life to you seems dark and grim,

Take up your cross and follow Him.

Wherever He leads, be willing to follow,

And your life will never be hollow;

Your void He will fill,

Give new life, He will.

He that has an ear – listen and hear.

Repentance of sin is where you begin,

Baptism in His Name is the next step to claim;

He promised to give you the Holy Ghost,

You will be filled to the uttermost.

In another tongue, you will speak,

When it is Him wholeheartedly you seek.

He that has an ear – listen and hear.

To give your life to Him is very smart,

Righteousness to you He will impart;

A broken and contrite heart He will in no wise cast aside,

But is faithful to complete the work He began inside.

No longer a slave to sin,

You will have peace within;

Every time you kneel,

He will begin to heal.

All the hurts of the past,

Will be gone at last.

Read your Bible and you will find,

How to be like Him – so good, so kind;

He is high and holy, yet so meek and lowly,

To be like Him is a process – slowly.

Continue to run this race,

He will guide you at His pace;

For the race is not given to the swift or strong,

But to the ones that endure the whole course long.

He that has an ear – listen and hear!

The Lonely Heart...

A Poem by Marjorie Kinnee

Searching...

Not sure what for,

But knowing there's a lack,

A very deep need,

That cuts no slack.

Seeking...

Parched and thirsty,

Barren and dry,

Looking everywhere

For a love to satisfy.

Wondering...

Hoping and wishing;

Maybe if I pray,

The fear and the doubt

Might go away.

Hungering...

Feeling like a starving child,

I'm longing to be fed,

Nutrition's what I really need,

More than daily bread.

Fearing...

The life I've lived,

The scars I bear,

Make me cautious,

Afraid to dare.

Longing...

Do you see me here?

I'm right at your door,

Will you love me to Jesus

And joy for evermore?

Coming...

My time is now,

Intercessors I need,

Please, lead me to Jesus,

I earnestly plead. 

Waiting...

By Marjorie Kinnee

 

To renew my strength

To mount up with wings as eagles

To run and not be weary

To walk and not faint



 

To keep on keeping on

To stick and stay

To endure to the end

To smile and say, "Hallelujah anyhow!"

 

To go the second mile

To give my cloak also

To turn the other cheek

To love the unlovable

 

To decrease

To rejoice in others' increase

To by love serve

To keep hope alive

 

To abide in Christ

To let Christ abide in me

To be conformed

And transformed into His image.

 

To let patience bring experience

To let patience have her perfect work

To receive the desires of my heart

To walk worthy...

 

Till my change comes

Till Christ be formed in me

Till He comes

And I see Him face to face

 

O Lord, Teach me to wait!

 

 

Milestones / Graduation

By Marjorie Kinnee

 

A milestone's not a mill stone,

It's not a cumbersome thing;

It simply means we stop awhile

And see life's on a wing.

 

Milestones show how far we've come,

How far we've yet to go;

Provide a sense of where we've been

And set our hearts aglow.

 

The road ahead is yet unknown

Its joys and sorrows hidden;

Going back is not a choice,

To higher ground we're bidden.

 

For some it's graduation

From lesser, tamer shoals,

And launching out into the deep;

Uncharted, higher goals.

 

In life, there's many milestones,

from the cradle to the grave;

We're ever hoping, learning,

absorbing what others gave.

 

And when this life is over,

And our race on earth is run;

May we hear our Father saying,

"Welcome home, My child, Well done!"

 

 

Editor's Note: Three high school graduations, and graduations from kindergarten, elementary, and middle school, as well as promotions and home-goings to glory mark this year's month of June. While millstones only tie us down and hinder us from moving on into  future victories - milestones help us reminisce and make new pledges for continued growth and progress. The future is full of promise for the child of God!

 

 

 



Our Faith Walk

By Donna Franklin

We walk not by feeling, circumstances, nor sight,
We walk in true faith, trusting, sure of His might.
What happens to me must first pass through His hands,
It works for my good, fulfilling God's plans.

So truat ye in Jesus, He'll not let you fall;
Trust ye in Jesus, He'll hear when you call.
Trust ye in Jesus, to tear down every wall;
Walk close by His side, let Him be All in All.

Faith says, "Don't question, He knows what you need,"
Faith says, "Believe, go where'ere He may lead."
Ask in sure confidence, He'll answer your prayer,
Stand on His promise, He'll always be there.

So trust ye in Jesus, have no doubts and no fear,
Trust ye in Jesus, He'll always be near.
Trust ye in Jesus, to make your pathway grow clear,
Call on His Name, your least whisper He'll hear.


Editor's Note: Donna Franklin lives in Ada, Oklahom. She and her husband attent the Paoli United Pentecostal Church, (Pastor Terry Erwin) in Paoli, Oklahoma. She is a frequent contributor of articles and poems that bless the heart, soul and mind.

Life

By Charles R. Grisham

Life to many is a cruel thing,
In their hearts no joy bells ring,
No smile, no love for fellow men,
All alone, as though in a den.

The birds, the flowers are unnoticed by they,
All of creation is right in their way,
To offer assistance to these saddened souls
Often is worthless and makes them your foe.

But there are others who wear a big smile,
A beaming face and a happy profile,
Enjoying life and all that surrounds,
The secret to joy they surely have found.

In order to get the best from your life,
Give it your all and live for the right,
Keep on smiling from ear to ear,
And joy and love will ever be near.

[Written 1/20/1952 - crg]

Christmas 2012

By Marjorie Kinnee

Before time began, God had a plan,
To redeem mankind from his sin;
Knowing man's dross would lead to a cross,
The price for cleansing within.
(Revelation 5:9-12)

God's perfect plan would require a Man,
Who'd embrace man's frail, weak form;
Yet live a life free from sin and strife,
While shielding man's soul from sin's storm.
(Philippians 2:5-11)

Meanwhile Adam, along with his madam,
Was choosing to walk his own way;
Disobedience' cost - Paradise lost,
Now death was the price they'd pay.
(Romans 6:23)

Genesis, chapters 1 thru 3, show God's plan for all to see,
Though sinful, man was not without hope;
The promise sublime, in the fulness of time,
Brought man what he needed to cope.

"Love drew salvation's plan, grace brought it down to man,"
"For God so loved... that He gave!"
Paid sin's price, made the sacrifice,
Man's sin-sick soul to save.
(John 3:16-17; Romans 5:8; I John 3:16)

"Born in a manger, to His own a stranger,"
Jesus came to save that which was lost;
"Obedient, lowly, serenely holy,"
He willingly paid the cost.
(John 10:10-11, 18; 14:6; Hebrews 12:2)

What must we do to bring into view,
And Salvation's requirements to meet?
The way was made, God's plan displayed,
As "death" was crushed 'neath His feet.
(Genesis 3:15; Romans 6:23; I Corinthians 15:55-57; I John 5:8)

We share in His death through repentance,
We're buried with Him in His Name,
Then rise to walk in newness of Life,
His power and glory proclaim!
(Acts 1:5, 8; 2:1-4, 37-40; 4:12; Romans 5:11; 6:3-5; Ephesians 2:4-7)

Christmas and the Cross

A Poem by Donna Franklin

 

 

The cries of a newborn baby signaled the start of hope.
At last the Mighty God is revealed,

The long-awaited Promise was about to be fulfilled,
And the darkness of sin to be healed.

 

Shepherds in the fields saw a glorious sight,
When angels heralded the news;
Awed to be given this great revelation,
They ran to see the King of the Jews.

Mary's Baby Boy was taken to the Temple
When He was eight days old;

Simeon said now he'd seen God's Salvation,
An event that had long been foretold.

He was born in Bethlehem, then became a Nazarene,
Fulfilling prophecies in God's Holy Word;
His life totally planned, cruelest death - a given,
And His resurrection assured.

He arose and appeared to His many disciples,
Said He's soon endue them with power;
They'd all be filled with the Holy Ghost,
If they'd tarry till His chosen hour.

It happened on Pentecost just as He'd said,
Soon they preached the Apostles' Doctrine;
They began to baptize in Jesus' great Name,
For complete remission of sin.

Let us celebrate the Cross while we celebrate Christmas,
Thank God for unmerited love!
Be thankful He was born, be thankful He died,
Be thankful He now guides from above.

Merry Christmas to all, may God bless you this season;
May you seek to draw closer to Him.
May you never forget that YOU are the reason...
Why He came, and why He's coming again!

 

Editor's Note: Donna Franklin attends Paoli United Pentecostal Church (Pastor Terry Erwin) in Paoli, Oklahoma.

Just One Month 'Til Christmas

A poem by Deborah (Kierstead) Haroun

 

 

Just one month 'til Christmas
As shepherds watched their flocks each day;
All of life seemed normal,
Watching sheep in the ordinary way.

 

Something new was coming...
They just worked on as shepherds will;
The job for which they'd been gifted,
Keeping sheep on a grassy hill.

* * * * * * *

Just one month 'til Christmas
As bustling with the chores of today;
What will I do for the Master?
Let me be busy on His tasks I do pray.

Editor's Note: Deborah attends Apostolic Gospel Lighthouse (Pastor Gordon Kierstead) in London, Ontario. She is busy in the work of God, involved in both local church and distict (Ontario) activities. 

For Who He Is!

A poem by Donna Franklin

 

We PRAISE the Lord for what He's done,

But we worship Him for He's THE ONE!

The One true God, the Mighty King,

The Great I AM, Lord of everything.

 

Our testimonies are our praise,

Thanking Jesus in so many ways,

We tell the world of blessings given;

Praising God for this new life we're living.

 

This brings us to worship of the Lord Most High,

Glorious in power, Perfection we magnify;

Acknowledging His greatness, exalting His Name;

Jesus Christ, our Creator, for ever the same.

 

 

 

Editor's Note: Donna Franklin attends the Paoli United Pentecostal Church (Pastor Terry Erwin) in Paoli, Oklahoma.



Thanksgiving Prayer

A Poem by Charles R. Grisham

Thank Thee God, for everything,

Praise to You we ever sing,

For food, shelter and happy life,

In our great nation, free from strife.

 

Bless each one as here we gather,

That we might dwell with You for ever,

Abide with us, we humbly pray,

Till we behold Your face some day.

 

Mold our lives in peace and love,

Direct our eyes to things above,

Forgive the sins that we've committed,

That each mistake might be remitted.

 

Protect us, Lord, throughout the year,

Daily draw us ever nearer,

Hold our lives within Your hand,

Until we meet in Heaven's land.

 

 



Onward Christians

By Charles R. Grisham

 

Let we Christians take our stand,

As we journey to that land.

Let us labor, watch, and pray,

For there will be a brighter day.

 

Let our lives be as a light,

To show the way that leads to right,

Telling sinners the old, old story,

How they too, may live in glory.

 

Our life on earth is but a span,

To His great, almighty hand,

Let our deeds be acceptable to Christ,

That we might have eternal life.

 

When all is ended here below,

Will our lives be white as snow?

If we haven't earned a frown,

We may wear a shining crown.

 

 



Pride

By Donna Franklin

Hidden in secret places,
where only God can see,
The killer sin lies silent,
destroying humility.

Lurking in the shadows,
rebellion and self-will
Crouch and plot destruction
as haughty spirits thrill.

Hearts filled with pride,
Eyes full of lust,

and imaginations vain.

 

Pride grows when fed on boasting,

Giving only self all praise.
The "I" gets ever bigger;
God's no longer in their ways.
The answer? If His people,
Those called by Jesus' Name,
Will humble themselves, pray, repent,
faces covered with shame;
God's promised He will hear,
forgive,
and restore our land again.

 

 

Editor's Note: Donna Franklin writes as the Spirit moves on her. Author of a number of poems and articles, she is a faithful saint in the Paoli United Pentecostal Church (Paoli, Oklahoma - Pastor Terry Erwin).

Tribute to Abe Lincoln

 By Charles R. Grisham

Old Abe Lincoln was an honest man,

He proudly took his freedom stand;
A true American he tried to be,
In keeping our Democracy.

His standards were so very high,

And for the cause he'd gladly die;
The slaves were freed at his command,
That they might join our freedom band.

All for one, and one for all,
For God has answered freedom's call;
With His help he will unite,
Everyone who lives for right.

Now old Abe is dead and gone,

To a peaceful, restful home;
Let us fight to keep our land,
And over there we'll shake his hand.

A Friend is a Lovely Gift

By Marjorie Kinnee

 

True friends are like the spice of life,
We’ve often heard folks say;
And spice enlivens everything,
Including a cloudy day.

Faithful friends who’re kind and steady,

Are few and far between;

They choose to go the second mile,

And work behind the scene.

They give in generous measure,

Gifts of talent and time impart;

A willing hand, a listening ear,

And a loving, gentle heart.

Such friends like rarest treasure,

Are gifts from heaven above;

They illustrate in human form,

Our Blessed Savior’s love!

My Mother

By Charles R. Grisham

Thank Thee God, for my sweet mother,

She stands by me as would no other,
In each prayer, I ask of You,

To protect her, Lord, I beg of You.

Her worth to me I cannot tell,
For hearts like her's, they do not sell,
A heart of gold and eyes that shine,
She's worth a lot, that mother of mine.

When day is done and it's thime for bed,
I kneel in reverance and bow my head,
To thank the Maker far above,
For one like her for me to love.

If I could be at home tonight,
I'd kiss her cheeks and hug her tight;
Tell her all she means to me,
And talk of days that used to be.

I know that Jesus loves her too,
For she is one of His chosen few,
He's led her daily by the hand,
She has a home in His Promised Land.

I'm sure in prayer she thought of me,
That we might both in Heaven be,
To dwell with God upon His Throne,
And live forever in our new home.

Editorial Note: Bishop Grisham wrote this poem in 1951. His mother, Sis. Fern Grisham, was a blessing to her family and to the housefold of faith. After raising her children in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Sis. Fern later traveled throughout the contnental U.S. as a children's evangelist, winning many souls to the Lord. Bishop and Sister Grisham retired in 2007, and are now living in Ashland City, Tennessee. They attend First United Pentecostal Church (Pastor Ron Becton) in Nashville.