Thessalonians
did not receive Paul's preaching
like the Bereans,
who eagerly searched scripture
to confirm the truth of it.
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(From Acts 17, as a tanka, again with Berea like 'area', 3 syllables)
See 'Bereans' for similar content in a shadorma; I sort of like that format better
The apostle Paul here speaks so bold
rejoice evermore but does He really know?
about life's struggles even for believers
for in Christ one can rejoice with heavenly glow
Prayer is indeed the Christians vital breath
exhorted by the apostle to have a prayerful attitude
that should always be crying out on high
for God answers always wise for your gratitude
A thankful heart is a blessed thing
for it's always good to give appreciation
to show how pleasing you truly feel
always bring praise especially your redemption
It's so essential to be in God's will
knowing God's providence being in action
revealing Jesus Christ as your blessed hope
this is perfect to bring about a real transaction
The transformation of your spiritual redemption
is God's will truly just for you
what better gift could you ever receive?
rejoice, pray be thankful to always do
(" Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ")
1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 (esv)
Every day is a challenge of faith
learning to trust in the sovereign Lord
remembering His word is certain and sure
for it leads and guides with the right chord
Throughout my life, the Lord's went before
treading my path before I step His tread
especially since in '82, He called me
to follow Him who His blood did shed
Since that day I've stood aback in awe
learning of His great love shown on His cross
there at Calvary, He was nailed to a tree
gave His life so I could be set free
But having a stammer all of my life
wondering why this struggle gone so far
asked often 'Lord take this block away'
but Lord says my grace is enough today
For every day His grace meets with me
being help and strength mine forever
His promises are always yea and amen!
trusting His supply for God will deliver
(" But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.")
2 Thessalonians 3:3
FIRST THESSALONIANS FOUR, THIRTEEN THROUGH EIGHTEEN
My brethren, be not ignorant, and do not mourn or sorrow
As those who have no hope within of a better day tomorrow.
For if we’ve believed that Jesus died and rose again victorious,
Then we will not prevent the ones who’ve gone to heaven glorious.
For some day there will come a voice of the archangel’s shouting,
The trump of God will clearly sound; my friend, there is no doubting.
The dead in Christ will then come forth and we will join to meet them,
And in the air forever more with Christ we’ll gladly greet them.
Wherefore, brethren, take these words of comfort, consolation,
Believe them, share them, rest on them, as we go our destinations.
Looking back over all of one’s life
one was to stop and ponder so much
so many roads I could have went
but through it you see God’s tender touch
The providence of God is so vast
so many evidences of His divine mark
this fills your heart with real thankfulness
so many times could have been all dark
Count our blessings is a good thing
to remember all God has indeed done
it’s astounding to count them if you can
for they’re so many blessed am I bar none
The bad as well as the good deserve praise
for God’s to be praised forgiving everything
in it all He’s sanctifying you for good
as He knows the glory that it’ll bring
This God is a jealous and holy God
knowing what makes it His perfect will
for He takes all we are in our sins
giving us hearts to see His love overspill
( 1 Thessalonians 5:18 "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." )
Faithfulness is true character
of the Lord God of heaven above
He that reigns over all things
is faithful displaying all His love
Those that trust in this Lord
know His protection and safeguard
for this Lord gives a promise
to be faithful even when times are hard
He will establish and guard
those that on Him ultimately trust
from the evil one himself
for God's power will never go bust
So rest on God's faithfulness
stay where satin can't prise you
in God's loving embrace
holding His eternal word ever true
2 Thessalonians ch. 3 v. 3
' But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.'