Bitter or Better

When comes a test
Of righteousness
We have a choice in this.
To be transformed,
As Christ, conformed,
Or else be filled with bitterness.

The “I” must die,
Our flesh deny,
Through troubles hard to face.
If we will choose
Our life to lose
Then God will us grace.

A person bitter
Is just a quitter,
So fight the battle longer.
In God we trust
To work in us
And time will prove us stronger.

Sweet and sour,
Blossomed flower,
Or withered in the face of pain.
A bitter root
Or healthy shoot,
The spiteful heart will not remain.

– Charity, girl, age 16   

When we go through trials and hardships, we can come out of them either bitter or better.  It has been said that the difference between "bitter" and "better" is the "I".  When "I" remains alive and well, we develop a bitter attitude.  But when "I" is denied and the cross applied, then we become better by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Scriptural basis:
"See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." (Heb 12:15)

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (Js 1:2-4)

"Then [Jesus] said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'" (Lk 9:23)

More of our children's poems:

Mirror of Christ

At the Crossroads

The Answer

America, Turn Back to God

The Name of the Lord
The Sheep and the Goats
The Spirit is willing

Attribution notice: Scriptures taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, unless otherwise noted. Photo of boat washed up from the channel is taken from Wikimedia Commons.

Author's note:  The poems in this blog were written by my children, ages seven through sixteen. The "Why This Blog" post explains how the Lord inspired these poems in answer to a prayer during illness. I also recommend visiting my children's blog, A Brush with Life, where you will also find beautiful art they have drawn for the glory of God. You can access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master."

Do You Want to Know Him?

If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

Jesus is Risen

Jesus is risen.
He is alive.
Do not say ‘no’.
Do not deny.

He is your Master
And only Savior.
The very Good Shepherd,
Your Lord and Creator.

Do not deny Him.
Do not delay.
So always press in
And don’t go astray.

--- CRL, boy, age 8

More poems from our children:

Beauty Unfading

Give Your Life to Jesus
Out of His Love
In These Last Days

Perfect for the King

Home

Author's note:  The poems in this blog were written by my children, ages seven through fifteen . The "Why This Blog" post explains how the Lord inspired these poems in answer to a prayer during illness. Please also see America, Turn Back to God. I also recommend visiting my children's blog, A Brush with Life, where you will also find beautiful art they have drawn for the glory of God.You can access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master."  Now I'd like to ask a very important question.

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

Give Your Life to Jesus

The world just might appease us,
But the greater One is Jesus.
People say, “God’s a fool!
Our ways are slick and cool.”

But we say, “God is smart!
He knows how to do His part.”
So give your life to Him.
Repent and turn from sin.

Your life is in God’s hands.
He is in command.
But the choice still remains yours.
Will you open or shut the door?

The God of all creation
Gives you an invitation.
Hear the voice of Christ.
To whom will you give your life?

-- CRL, boy, age 8

More poems from our children:

Beauty Unfading

The Midnight Hour

My Letter to the King

Perfect for the King

Home 

Related blogs:

Do You Want to Know Jesus?
 

Image credit:  The "Your move" painting © 2012 is by Danny Hahlbohm, all rights reserved by the artist.

Author's note:  This poem was written by my eight-year old son, and after he had written it, my oldest daughter helped him smooth it out.  The poems in this blog were written by my children, ages seven through fifteen . The "Why This Blog" post explains how the Lord inspired these poems in answer to a prayer during illness. Please also see America, Turn Back to God. I also recommend visiting my children's blog, A Brush with Life, where you will also find beautiful art they have drawn for the glory of God.You can access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master."  Now I'd like to ask a very important question.

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

I'll Follow You

My future, my life, You hold in Your hands.
You are in control of all of my plans.
When I’m in the center of Your grand design,
A peace that surpasses all knowledge I find.

Through doors that You’ve opened You tell me to go.
But if I’m to stay, Lord, You let me know.
You guide me along and do not mislead.
Wherever I go, You have met every need.

Some days can be hectic, with no time to spare,
Yet throughout it all, You’re always right there.
And whatever it is that You want me to do,
Because You know best, then I’ll follow You.

-- CV, girl, age 15

More of our children's poems:
Judgment of Babylon

America, Turn Back to God

The Sheep and the Goats

You Are Faithful

All Creation Proclaims

When I Cross the Line

The Cost

Image credit:  The "Under His Wings" painting © 2012 is by Danny Hahlbohm, all rights reserved by the artist.

Author's note:  The poems in this blog were written by my children, ages seven through fourteen. The "Why This Blog" post explains how the Lord inspired these poems in answer to a prayer during illness. Please also see America, Turn Back to God. I also recommend visiting my children's blog, A Brush with Life, where you will also find beautiful art they have drawn for the glory of God. You can access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master."  Now I'd like to ask a very important question.

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

The Meaning of Life

 The reason that I live,
The reason I have life,
And my whole heart I give:
It’s all because of Christ.

One’s life holds much more meaning
Than time just passing by.
It’s more than you are seeing,
To just be born, then die.

For Jesus said He’s Life,
And life He gave to you.
He is Love and Light.
In Him we live brand new.

Life continues on,
Even after death.
Will you join heaven’s throng
At your final breath?

We find reality
In Christ, our gracious Lord;
For He who makes things be
 Can cut the Golden Cord.

Our time while here on earth,
Each moment of each day,
Is of such priceless worth,
Yet we give it all away

To Him who’s worth our lives,
Because He gave His own.
You’re blessed if you should die
For serving God alone.

This life is not in vain,
Some long and puzzling story.
For we were sent and came
To serve for Jesus’ glory!

-- Charity Lacroix, girl, age 14

More of our children's poems:

The Noble Wife
So Much More

God is in Control
Perfect for the King
Feeling Your Love
The Rider

Overflowing Blessings
America, Turn Back to God
Creator We Love
Use Your Talents

Author's note:  The poems in this blog were written by my children, ages seven through fourteen. The "Why This Blog" post explains how the Lord inspired these poems in answer to a prayer during illness.  The painting "All God's Children" © 2012 is by Danny Hahlbohm, all rights reserved by the artist.  I also recommend visiting my children's blog, A Brush with Life, where you will also find beautiful art they have drawn for the glory of God. You can access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master."  Now I'd like to ask a very important question.

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

He Wants To Be Involved

 When I am weak,
Christ makes me strong.
When I am sad,
He gives me a song.

When I am falling,
Jesus upholds.
I can hear Him calling,
“You’re cherished as gold.”

He’d like it very much
To always be involved;
Not just in prayers at lunch,
Or in problems to be solved.

In everything you do,
Christ should always be
Centered in it all --
In each activity.

-- Charity Lacroix, age 14

More of our children's poems:
He Wants To Be Involved
Vessel for the Master
The Spirit is willing
Pearl in the Sand

Don't Run from God

Reward of the Overcomer
Mirror of Christ

Author's note:  The poems in this blog were written by my children, ages seven through fourteen. The "Why This Blog" post explains how the Lord inspired these poems in answer to a prayer during illness.  I also recommend visiting my children's blog, A Brush with Life, where you will also find beautiful art they have drawn for the glory of God. You can access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master."  The "Emmanuel" painting © 2012 is by Danny Hahlbohm, all rights reserved by the artist.  Now I'd like to ask a very important question.

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

Your Life

You have a life to live.
God’s given you a choice
To choose if you will give
Your all and heed His voice.

Your life is very dear
And precious in God’s sight;
Yet He wants to hear
You pray and make things right.

The choice is up to you,
Though you’re still in His Hand,
Of what you want to do;
Pursue God’s Way or man’s.

-- Charity, girl, age 14

More children's poems:
My Anchor

Mirror of Christ
Open Line to God
The River of Life
Reward for the Overcomer
Don't Run from God
Make Your Bride Ready

Author's note:  The poems in this blog were written by my children, ages seven through fourteen. The "Why This Blog" post explains how the Lord inspired these poems in answer to a prayer during illness. I also recommend visiting my children's blog, A Brush with Life, where you will also find beautiful art they have drawn for the glory of God. You can access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master." Now I'd like to ask a very important question.

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

The River of Life

Amazing in Himself

To anyone’s who near Him,
Such a holy being
He’s called the Holy Spirit

Flowing from the throne
Right on down to earth,
The River of Life alone
Brings overflowing mirth.

People crying out to God
For mercy for their sins,
Being washed beneath the blood,
Finding new life in Him.

People speak in tongues,
Dancing then breaks out;
Such a joyful time among
Those who sing and shout.

Dwelling in the flow
Of all God’s sending down,
You’ll only grow and glow,
And spread God’s Life around.

-- Charity, girl, age 14

After she brought me the finished poem, I could see that it was very good, so I helped my daughter make some minor final touches to it.  I also wrote the third stanza myself.  I hope this poem blessed you like it did me.  Here is the Scriptural basis for it:

"He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'" But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. (Joh 7:38-39)

O come, let us sing for joy to the LORD, Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. (Psa 95:1)

And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance. (Act 2:4)

Now I wish that you all spoke in tongues, but even more that you would prophesy; and greater is one who prophesies than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may receive edifying. (1Co 14:5)

And David was dancing before the LORD with all his might, and David was wearing a linen ephod. (2Sa 6:14)

Consecrate a fast, Proclaim a solemn assembly; Gather the elders And all the inhabitants of the land To the house of the LORD your God, And cry out to the LORD. (Joe 1:14)

Let them praise His name with dancing; Let them sing praises to Him with timbrel and lyre. (Psa 149:3)


More children's poems:
Saved Through Sacrifice
Praise Him
Reward for the Overcomer
Don't Run from God
Make Your Bride Ready
Preparation

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.

Author's note:  The poems in this blog were written by my children, ages seven through fourteen. "Living Waters" painting © 2012 is by Danny Hahlbohm, all rights reserved by the artist. Poems on this site may be copied and used for non-commercial purposes, as long as proper credit and backlink to this blog is given.  No commercial use allowed without express permission from author. I also recommend visiting my children's blog, A Brush with Life, where you will also find beautiful art they have drawn for the glory of God. You can access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master." Now I'd like to ask a very important question.

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.