Am I Martha? Am I Peter?

Am I Martha?

Am I Peter

Saying Christ is God's own Son?

Someone asks if l have faith

When trials hit me 'til I'm numb.

Both were servants.

Both had problems,

Yet they still sat at Jesus' feet.

Human frailties, through the ages

But their example, I must repeat.

Yes, I believe that Christ is God.

Yes, I'll confess it. I am proud

To know He suffered, died for me,

Just one of many in a crowd.

I am unworthy, yet God's grace

And my obedience to His call

Gives me a home reserved in Heaven ...

Make earthly trials worth it all.

Bible verses: John 11:27; Matthew 16:16

... written by Netagene, April 2, 2020. I got the idea from something in our Bible class, by participatory conference phone call-in, the night of April 1. Paddy Kendall-Ball is the teacher and makes our lesson sheets. Since Sunday, March 22, the Huffman church of Christ has had such because of the corona virus quarantine. We have almost an hour worship on Sunday, a 30+ minute Bible class on Wednesday night, and a short devotional on Tuesday and Friday mornings. We are able to sing together, etc., and have announcements.

The GREAT I AM

The GREAT I AM

​Heavenly Father, the Great I AM.
I know You are watching little me.
My life is as vapor, drifting away.
(But) You lift me upward, heavenly.

Blessed Redeemer, the Great I AM.
I know You hear my constant prayer.
Example to others, in all that I say.
(But) You are with me, everywhere.

Righteous Counselor, the Great I AM.
I know You are merciful, full of grace.
I'm thankful You guide me by Your Law.
Your hand leads me on in my Heaven-ward race.

Written by Netagene, September 24, 2018

YOU are SO LOVED! COME and SEE!

YOU are SO LOVED
(COME and SEE)

"He said to them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelled, and stayed with him that day ..." -- John 1:39

You are so loved, yet you feel lost.
The answer to heal is kneel at the cross.

You look for help, impatiently.
Hold to my hand.
Come and see.

You are so loved by friends you've not met
Life seems unreal. Be still. Do not fret.

Help for the lost. Watch patiently.
Christ is alive.
Come and see.

Follow the Son. Be clean and set free.
You are so loved.
Come and see.

Written by Netagene, Monday, August 27, 2018

The idea for the poem ... the church of Christ in Fultondale had a booth on Friday and Saturday at the Fultondale Founders' Day Festival. The preacher, Keith Stonehart, posted a couple of pictures. "You are so loved" and "Come and see" were on some things there.

HE was SILENT. STILL HE WALKED.

He was silent. Still He walked,
As crowds screamed, "Crucify!"
His own people, spewing hate,
As He was passing by.

He was silent. Still He walked,
Bleeding, weakened down.
Yet He'd created all of them
From dust of Earth's new ground.

He was silent. Still He walked,
Past vicious rage and tears,
Heart-broken by their violent cries,
They, contorted by their fears.

He was silent. Still He walked,
His friends no longer near.
Faithless now, they hid, and yet
He saw, felt stones and sneers.

He was silent. Still He walked.
His eyes looked to The One.
God mattered and He cared for Him.
Nor Christ, nor we're alone.

He was silent. Still He walked.
Hammers echoed His silent cries.
It broke His Father's heart to hear
Prophecy fulfilled. Christ crucified.

He was silent. Still He walked.
For love, forgiving the past.
Forgives us when we walk with Him,
Through death to Heav'n at last.

Written by Netagene Kirkpatrick, February 20 - June 2, 2019, from “Still He Walked”, prose (non-rhyming) by Carrie McCutcheon ... An extra note: Jesus was blindfolded, Mark 14:65; Luke 22:64 ... See also Luke 23:34.

FREELY GIVE

Jacob's family left Egypt a long time ago.
Brought with them silver and gold.
Thankful for freedom, they gave willingly (Exodus 25:1-2; 36:3)
For God's Tent as they watched it unfold.

Christ willing left Heaven, descended to us.
Deity leaving His Throne.
Suffering Savior who loves lowly me,
Gave of Himself all alone.

God blesses me daily. I'm rich in all things.
Forgiveness of sins through His Son.
No tithing for me. I give willingly
So the rest of the World can be won.

Chorus:
Freely give (freely give), willingly (willingly)
From our glad hearts, cheerfully (cheerfully.
God loves us (God loves me) as we love Him.
Freely give ourselves – to – Him.

~ Rough draft written by Netagene, February 7, 2018. Someone on the Facebook wall for church of Christ hymnody wrote that the church needed more songs about the contribution. In the Bible class where I worship, we had recently been studying in Exodus, so that was on my mind. Hopefully someone will write a tune for this. ~

ENEMIES, ACTORS, and THE ALMIGHTY

"Hypocrite" is a Greek word, an actor in a play --
Disguising, hiding who he is, changing character whenever he may.

The masked one isn't on hiatus. The imposter doesn't sleep.
He hides in the shadowy wings to surprise and pounce and keep.

An actor you don't suspect, laughing at his wiles ...
Like a comic movie villian ... suckering you in with his smiles.

You and I have enemies -- some disguised as friends.
You say you don't? Is that a lie? What will be your end?

Be suspicious if you don't know a person, if they come on too close and too sure.
Be pleasant but don't be gullible, til you're positive they're motives are pure.

Anyone can be your enemy. Sometimes the choice is hard.
It might even be a kinsman. Be always on your guard.

Satan's a chameleon. He morphs so he'll fit in.
He hooks you on some story, doing all to make you sin.

He acts as if he's friendly. But Satan's the father of lies.
You think you've got a new buddy, but it's Lucifer in disguise.

A wolf in a sheep's clothing, an enemy watching you on the sly.
Stay close to your Good Shepherd. He's the one who'll answer your cry.

Like a shepherd with a lambkin, He cradles you in His arms,
Away from two-faced enemies, saving you from harm.

God, the Good Shepherd, leads you safely, an escape from the serpent's snares,
So always follow Jesus. He's the only one who cares.

The enemy is probably smiling, an actor with subliminal voice.
Don't follow the sweet subtle sirens. Make Jesus your heavenly choice.

-- by Netagene Kirkpatrick, August 21 - September 2, 2016. I have no idea where I got the idea! --

What Jesus did for Me

What Jesus did for me

(I can’t imagine)

I can't imagine love so true

Mercy abundantly
Giving me a life anew
What Jesus did for me.

I can't imagine love so strong
That gives me liberty
Bound to right instead of wrong
What Jesus did for me.

I can't imagine how He died
He suffered on Calvary.
Raised on the cross and crucified
What Jesus did for me.

I can't imagine how He prayed
On earth, such humility

Then in a tomb, His body laid

What Jesus did for me.

I can’t imagine that He cared

He is God – equality!

Because of Him, my life is spared

What Jesus did for me.

I can’t imagine how He saw

My pride, my vanity

Yet He who was without a flaw

What Jesus did for me.

I can’t imagine how he cried

When He saw into me

Yet took me in, His arms held wide

What Jesus did for me.

By Netagene Kirkpatrick, April 24, 2016.

I was blessed to get to attend the Texas Normal Singing School in Abilene, Texas, July, 2018, thanks to being awarded a scholarship. Other friends paid my airfare. Two of my 5 classes were hymn writing (song lyrics) and Finale (the music notation program used by most composers from one person to a full orchestra, etc.). In part of hymn writing, the teacher Randy Daw told us to choose a poem, psalm, etc., original or from anywhere, and write a melody to it. I had this poem with me. Randy liked it. I was able to write a tune for it, using no keyboard, etc., just simply free-hand. The next day, he told us to write a bass line. I had a fairly simple one in mind but because Randy had guest composers there 2 or 3 times, we didn't have enough time. He, and James Tackett, the teacher of the Finale class, quickly put a bass line into Finale (which I had on my laptop), plus typed in 4 verses (also into Finale). About 30 minutes before the Thursday night chapel, Randy told me that my song (and 3 others from the class) was going to be performed!

A SERVANT's HEART

At the heart of a servant is a will to try,
To get out of my comfort, and likely to fly.
To help someone, great or small,
Knowing NOT to try is sure to fall.

A servant's heart should be my goal,
Rich or poor, to ease a soul.
An unknown person without a name
To him, I'm an angel with heart aflame.

My heart's not there for praise on earth.
The greatest servant was low by birth.
His example is mine. To God be praised!
In Heaven forever, with Him I'm raised!

The least I can do is follow God's path --
Thanking God instead of feeling His wrath.
My servant's heart -- thank God I'm free!
The Greatest Servant rescued me!

Not too bad for having been written in about 10 minutes, Monday, August 24, 2015, 9:50am, Netagene Kirkpatrick

NEW BIRTH DAY!

Happy Birthday, yes, to you!

And yes, you’re not a babe –

But yes, in one sense, oh! you are –

Yes, now you’re truly saved!

So you were born some time ago,

To parents here on earth,

But this time’s so much better!

It’s now your spiritual birth!

This birthday, you died to sin.

You shed your dirty clothes.

God washed you white – you know it’s true!

You’re new when you arose!

Christ is now your brother.

You’ll never be alone!

As long as you stay faithful,

You’ll see your Heavenly home!

So Happy Birthday at this time!

You know for sure you’re right!

And now, my friend, God blesses you

As you walk in His light!

- by Netagene Kirkpatrick, in about 10 minutes, October 1, 2014, for a new Christian, though in this case, for a lady in her 70s who has been a Christians for years, but began to think that she had been baptized for the wrong reason or some such, when she was young. She was baptized again on September 24, 2014. Better to be SURE! -

ALL the SAME

The blind, the lame were shunned by God,
Forbidden to enter the Temple.

Imperfect ones, to God they were,
Blemished and sometimes simple.

The deaf, the palsied, and even the sick – 
The woman who'd just had a baby – 
Some could enter once they had been cleansed
With sacrifices or washing daily.

Chorus:
I have washed (yes, we washed)!
I am clean (pure and clean)!
I'm imperfect but now I am holy!
I'm a living sacrifice, given to God
Through the blood of Christ my King!

Whether handicaps or birth defects – 
All to God are the same.
Praise the Lord! Obey His Word.
In Jesus' precious Name.
(Amen)

I wrote this June 9 - 10, 2014. As a person who needs both "seeing aids" and hearing aids, during Old Testament times, I would not be accepted by God. Thank God for His Son's sacrifice and that God is now no respecter of persons!

ONE CANDLE

Light one candle. Let it shine.

You never know what you may find.

To help some lost one, mired in sin.

Just one candle will let Christ in!

-------------------------------

In the darkness, I trip and fall.

I see no one but hear a call.

A voice rings out, soft but clear:

"Right this way! There's nothing to fear!"

Feeling along a rough-hewn way,

Not sure of the end, whether night or day.

If only one candle to see what's there –

I don't want to fall into some animal's lair.

Is anyone there with one little light?

I feel so lost in this hellish blight!

That soft clear call is now a roar.
Please! Someone save me from Satan's door!

Ah! One candle shining in!

The Hand of God has sent a friend.

Just one candle's enough to see.

Thank you, God, for saving me! 

I’m saved when I obey Your Word. 
Thank you, God, that I’ve now heard. 
I’m blessed one person cared for me – 
And with one candle, set me free.

I’ll pass to others what God’s word tells 
To save one soul from Satan’s Hell. 
I’m only one candle, but now I see – 
Because only one candle led you to me.

I’ll “pay it forward” and be one light 
To lead another out of night. 
I pray my candle will show someone 
The way to Jesus ’ere their life is done. 

- by Netagene. I wrote most of this in less that 30 minutes on January 22, 2014. In Steve Murrell's sermon on Sunday, January 19, he said something about "one candle". I thought he was referring to a song, and of course I wanted a copy. He told me later that it wasn't a song, but something in a TV commercial. Well, it's a song now! -

GOD's PLAN

I’m a person. What are you?

I’m not an animal from the zoo,

Not “evolved” from ape or slime –

God gave me breath, made me sublime.

Eons ago, when God made man,

He also came up with a plan.

First made a garden, put Adam there,

And Eve, then too, their lives to share.

God also gave a mind to choose:

Obey His Laws, or not – and lose.

Then Satan came, and through deceit,

The Adams lost, much to our grief.

But God the Father sent His Son,

A sacrifice for everyone.

We all know of the virgin birth,

How Christ the Son came to the earth.

The sacrifice – a perfect lamb,

Was God the Son, the Great I am.

Was buried, but o’ercame His foes –

The risen Savior – Christ arose!

I wrote that August 17, 2010, but only recently found it! It didn’t even have a title, so the best I could come up with was what you see. And even now, I may add to it!

ALL my poems, etc.!

If you are coming to this late, and seeing a lot of things that I call Facebook Poems, there is a reason/excuse. About mid-June, I hadn't posted anything anywhere, nor texted anyone, and I don't like to talk on the phone ... so I decided that, when I can, which is almost every day unless the internet is down or I am out of town and do not have access, that one of the first times I'll do each day is write something - usually a poem - on Facebook. I label it simply "Facebook poems", though they cover a lot of subjects. I am labeling THIS note with all the labels I have used. That way, if you click on some label/subject that you think you might find interesting, everything I've labeled as such will show up on this blog. Thanks for reading what I write. I hope that you get a smile, or a laugh, or some encouragement, or that they make you think, etc. Feel free to comment on things I write, too. Thanks. (I am having to post this twice so as to show all the labels that I've made!)

SUPER HEROES

No one is an island, so says an old song.

Each of us needs another, to learn how to get along.

Some might say a mentor, or today: maybe “Superman”

Someone to look to for guidance, someone to lend a hand.

Some set bad examples – movie stars and athletes –

In the news, living immorally – thinking life's all fun and treats.

They're more interested in worldly riches – for others to know them well.

Those aren't the ones to follow. Their paths go down to Hell. 

Look up to someone who's wiser – hopefully your parents are such!

Maybe your best friend's uncle, or a big sister, a preacher, a coach. 

But the best to always look to as mentor – is Jesus, our Lord, the Christ.

His Word is our forever example -- to get to Heaven at last.

~ by Netagene, the 2^nd week of October, 2012. I posted the verses on Facebook, with the 1^st verse on October 14, the 2^nd verse the 17^th, the last verse the 19^th. I got the idea from the first full sermon that Wesley Peden preached at the Coral Hill church of Christ in Glasgow, Kentucky, Sunday, October 7. He called his sermon "Super Heroes". Wesley is the oldest grandchild of Robert Franklin and Catherine Bagby, who I rode Greyhound Bus to visit October 4-8. When Wesley got in the pulpit and put a picture of Superman on the screen, Catherine and I looked at each other, as "Huh??? Where's he going?" It was a good sermon. I took a few notes. Wesley is also the only one of their grandchildren who’s married. He and his wife are expecting their first child in a few months. I’m sure that was on Wesley’s mind, in talking about how children look up to others, and that it often is a super hero, an athlete, a movie star, etc., but that children need positive mentors.

WHOSE SIDE I'M ON

I read my Bible when I'm alone -
Concordance, dictionary in quiet at home -
Trying to show whose side I'm on.

I attend worship on the Lord's Day,
Where I study and sing and pray.

Sometimes it's hard just to get there.
My hope is that God will hear my prayer.

I talk about Jesus to family and friends -
What will await us when this life ends.

I discuss salvation. There's pow'r in Christ's blood.
We all have sinned. Only One is good.

Sometimes I merely "warm the pew" -
Taking up space - that's what I do.

My mind sometimes wanders, can't concentrate
On the sermon or lesson, or I can't stay awake.

I don't see well. I hear even less,
But still I attend. I'm contented. I'm blessed.

A house divided simply will not stand.
God's side or Satan's ... I'll hold to God's hand.

I keep on attending, stumbling along ...
Because I want God to know, it's HIS side I'm on.

- by Netagene, most of this written in a few minutes during Bible class this morning (because about all I could hear was the teacher, because he uses a mic) -

A WINDOW to OUR OWN HEARTS

Last Wednesday morning, visiting preacher David Maxson showed pictures from his one trip to South Africa and Zimbabwe. He said that unemployment is 94% in Zimbabwe, and the money is worthless, that stores will take only US dollars. One man walked over 12 miles, on crutches, and wearing a suit, to hear David and others preach. In one group of about 60, only 2 had a Bible. But it was more than pictures; he also preached. He said this is the only sermon that he wrote while he was in Africa.

A Rich Young Ruler - Mark 10:17-23 - He lacked only one thing.

The Apostles were excited when a rich man came to Jesus, but upset when people brought their children to Him (Mark 10:13-16).

1. Entrance into The Kingdom involves more than outward obedience.
There was a lot to commend about this young man.
- He was eager. He ran to Jesus, was humble, knelt before Him.
- He was respectful, calling Jesus "Good Teacher".
- He asked a good question: "What must I do?"
- He lived morally: "All these things I have kept ..."
- He was from a good family: " ... from my youth".
JESUS loved him, but a door in his heart was closed (verse 22, and Revelation 3:20).

2. In the Kingdom of God, we receive more than we give up. The 12 apostles all gave up a lot (Mark 10:28-30).
WE GIVE UP ...
- house
- family
- land
WE RECEIVE ...
- 100 times more of these,
- and persecution,
- and Eternal Life!
See Matthew 6:33

Are we willing to give up our "dime store pearls" for the real thing?

PITFALLS to HAPPINESS

1. GREED - Luke 12:15-21; 18:24-25; Colossians 3:5; Ephesians 5:3-4; I Timothy 6:9-10.

2. ENVY - Proverbs 14:30; 23:17; I Corinthians 13:4; Galatians 5:19, 21, 26.

3. PRIDE - Proverbs 6:16-17; 16:18; James 4:6-7; I Peter 5:5-6.

Happiness is easily attained if we put Christ first - Philippians 4:4.

This is the notes that preacher Steve Murrell had on the overhead for his sermon this evening. It's a lot to print out the verses, but I may do that later. (In the meantime, you can look them up - www.biblegateway.com is a good site, and easy to navigate.) So many people look to "things" to make themselves happy, just like some people who are shopaholics.

DETERMINATION

Last evening at worship was Les and Linda Maydell. She is from St. Louis, and he is a native South African. He preaches, and they live in, South Africa. They also work with Christians in Zimbabwe and I guess other countries on that continent. Les had a Power Point presentation about the spiritual work there, as well as some about the physical conditions. He said that one person in Zimbabwe can eat for $5 a month. He also had a picture of an old lady being baptized (Acts 2:38; 8:35-39). He said that the lady was 94 years old, had heard and learned about the Christ, and had to be carried in a wheel-barrow to the place for her to be baptized, then of course taken home in the wheelbarrow. I don't remember hearing Les say how far they traveled. What a beautiful story!

Christ died for ...

Sometimes I pass a little Methodist church with a cemetery on the grounds.
It's been there about a hundred years. The folks all stay around.
It's a little off the beaten path, and such a pretty sight.
The members there all love that church and think they're doing right.
Today I passed that little church. Two signs outside I spied.
"Vacation Bible School this week" was there in letters wide.
I wonder what of God is taught since "Bible" is in the name.
Other things were on those signs ... "Recreation" ... "Games" ...
There'll also be a petting zoo and a "SonHarvest" county fair.
So why then call it "Bible" school when God's not mentioned anywhere?
"Flowers, painting, slip 'n' slide, music, hiking, pony rides, fun inside and sun outside!"
Is this the reason Jesus died?

- by Netagene, June 14, 2003, regarding a church on Sweeney Hollow Road, about 4 miles from my house - I've also seen the same sign elsewhere, on other church property.

ROOT out of DRY GROUND

Here is one poem from "Root Out of Dry Ground" by Gilbert Morris (copyright 1981). It reminds me of an old Jimmie Davis' song, "The Three Nails" or "Three Rusty Nails", to which you can find the words on line. (Davis was twice Louisiana governor, as well as the musician who wrote "You Are My Sunshine".) Morris, a baptist preacher and college professor who has also written several novels, writes some powerful, thought-provoking poems in this small book.

NAILS

You see this forge? For twenty years I've beat raw material into form;
How many two-edged swords and curving shears
and shields were on this anvil born!
This dagger - look you how the steel is married to the brazen haft
so smoothly that you cannot feel a line where blade slides into shaft!
To do good work has been my pride. I've been a father spawning life,
and this hot forge - my iron bride! -
has given birth to scythe, to lance, to knife!
But - since the day that Jesus died, my heart's been bound in iron bands.
I think of Him - the crucified - I made the nails that pierced His hands!