Assorted Poems
BECAUSE SOMEONE PRAYED
We never know how far
The simple prayers we pray
Will go to help someone in need
And ease his troubled way.The souls that come to Jesus
When someone tells about Him,
Are led by the Holy Spirit
Because someone prayed for themThe great preachers and missionaries
Who are successful as they serve,Are backed by the many prayers
God keeps in reserve.
When you become discouraged
And think your prayers are in vain,
Remember God can utilize them
His purpose to attain.
~ Fern Hanlin Coberly ~
"I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ." Psalm 20:3
SING
We can sing when we are happy,
We can sing when all goes well.
We can sing with joy and praise
When we have a story to tell.
But can we sing amid our sadness?
Can we sing in spite of sorrow?
Can we sing through tests and trials?
Will we still be singing tomorrow?
Can we find joy in our heart,
Despite the pain we endure?
Regardless of what comes to hinder,
Can we sing with a love that's pure?
Jesus sang before He went to the Garden,
The saddest night of His earthly life.
He taught us that we can sing in turmoil.
Song can bring joy amid the strife.
~ Fern Hanlin Coberly ~
"And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the Mount of Olives."
Matthew 26:30
JESUS WALKS BEFORE YOU
Jesus always walks before you
Preparing the way.
He knows your need and supplies it
Even before you pray.
He knows exactly what you'll face
Before the beginning of the day.
If you follow Him closely
He will show you the way.
Shadows may fall to discourage you,
Obstacles come your way to impede.
Darkness may hamper progress,
But Jesus is there to intercede.
Time may stretch endlessly before you.
Years may have been spent in vain,
But God can take those wasted years
And use them for your gain.
It is never too late to retrace your steps.
You can learn from mistakes in the past.
Ask for forgiveness and travel on,
There is no reason to be downcast.
~ Fern Hanlin Coberly ~
LORD, MAKE ME
Lord, make me bold and brave enough
To try to ease the pain of others.
May I forget my own discomfort,
As I bring relief to suffering brothers.
There are many who are suffering,
For want of a helping hand.
Many who are lost and dying,
In a life they have not planned.
Is there something that I can do
To quiet their agonizing cries?
To bring joy and happiness,
And help them find a life that satisfies?
Let me not be selfish with my time.
Let me share love that comes from You.
Help me give relief to hurting and pain.
Lord, please show me what You'd have me do.
~ Fern Hanlin Coberly ~
HE HELPED ME GROW
When I look back through the years
And view the reasons for my tears,
Each one that from my eyes did flow
Was sent by God to help me grow.
For every rough hill I was asked to climb,
Strength was given to me in time.
I do thank God for now I know,
These were the things that helped me grow.
For all the heartaches I was asked to bear,
The things that seemed to be unfair,
Each one appeared a fatal blow,
But these were the times He helped me grow.
For gloomy days and fruitless years,
Times when I was overcome by fears,
When progress seemed so very slow,
These were the years I had to grow.
As I look back on lessons learned,
In faith I hope that I have earned
The peace and joy I now know,
I thank Him that He helped me grow.
~ Fern Hanlin Coberly ~
"If we suffer we shall also reign with Him."
II Timothy 2:12
"The Lord preserveth all them that love Him."
Psalm 145:20
MAKE MY LIFE PROFITABLE
Will I leave behind when I am gone
Anything that will be worthwhile?
A memory of a spoken word,
A pat on the back or a smile?
Those things seem so simple to us,
But to those who are lacking love,
They are symbols of a better life,
An extension of the Father above.
If we allow God's wondrous love
To permeate our heart and soul,
We cannot help but let it show
To others to help make them whole.
Jesus' life was filled with love,
Love for unfortunate mankind.
He went about quietly doing His work,
Saving the lost and bringing peace of mind.
Lord, make my life profitable
As I follow after You.
May I go about performing good,
Doing the work You sent me to do.
~ Fern Hanlin Coberly ~
"You show and make obvious that you are a letter
from Christ delivered by us, not written with ink
but with (the Spirit) of (the) living God, not on
tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts."
II Corinthians 3:3 (Amplified Bible)
THE MOUNTAINTOP
Take me to the mountaintop, Lord.
Let me not waste my time in the valley below.
Give me that closer walk with Thee, Lord.
You are waiting for me there, I know.
Let me reach the mountaintop, Lord.
May I not falter on the lower slope.
When I become weak and weary in the climb,
Bolster my courage, Lord, give me hope.
Guide me to the mountaintop, Lord.
Let me follow Your footsteps on the way.
You have trod this path before me.
Lord, let me not go astray.
Watch over me as I climb to the mountaintop.
Catch me when I slip and fall.
Listen for my feeble cry when I stumble,
Hold my hand. Hear me when I call.
May I stay on the mountaintop, Lord,
Where I can live close to Thee?
Let me rise to new and glorious heights,
From the ties of this world - set me free!
~ Fern Hanlin Coberly ~
"Go forth and stand upon the mount before the Lord."
I Kings 19:11
"By their fruits ye shall know them." Matthew 7:20
THE THINGS I HAVE DONE
When this life is ended and I have gone
Into Heaven and a brighter day,
I will be remembered for the things I have done,
Not for the many words I had to say.
How many did I witness to and ask to come
To accept Jesus, God's precious Son?
How many times did I share God's Holy Word?
How often did I pray for someone?
Will I be ashamed of the things I left undone?
Opportunites on which I failed to follow through?
Chances I missed to lighten someone's heavy load?
I'm fearful that my good deeds were too few.
Jesus, our Savior, was the perfect example
Of how His children should live.
His love was limitless and divine.
Lord, teach me how to unselfishly give.
Lord, let me always be 'in tune' with You.
Recognizing those who are in need.
Willing to go the ex t ra mile
And to Your Holy Word take heed.
~ Fern Hanlin Coberly ~"I beheld, and lo, a great multitude which no man could number, of all the
nations, and kindreds, and peoples and tongues stood before the throne, and
before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands."
Revelation 7:9OUR GLORIOUS DAY!
Oh, what a glorious procession that will be
When all the saints in glory gather by the crystal sea.
Singing Alleluia! Alleluia! as we approach the throne
Where God in all His glory receives us as His own.
Clothed in white apparel - singing glory to the King,
Our joyful song and praises will make the Heavens ring.
Performing our greatest concert - singing our victory song.
Multitudes, which none can number, stand
Waving palms of victory in each hand.
The patriarchs and prophets who showed us the way
Lead the heavenly procession on this glorious day.
Godly men and women, witnesses to His fame,
Stand in line in Heaven to praise His Holy Name.
They carried their crosses with honor as they died
Spreading the Word of the One who was crucified.
This is our glorious moment, our time to rejoice,
Our time to sing His praises with one triumphant voice.
Hallellujah to our Savior! Hallelujah to the King!
All of our crowns of glory to our Master we will bring.
~ Fern Hanlin Coberly ~
"BEHOLD YOUR GOD." Isaiah 40:9
He became the son of man
That we might be the sons of God.
His mother was a peasant girl.
In an obscure village He trod.He was rich in His home in Heaven,
Yet He became poor for you and me.
Without sin and filled with love
He came to set us free.He had no influence and was not rich,
Yet, as a Babe, He startled a king.
He was not formally educated
Yet wisdom to the doctors He did bring.He walked upon the water
And calmed the turbulent sea.
He healed multitudes without medicine,
Yet He never charged a fee.He never authored a book
But libraries could never hold
All of the books written about Him.
All of His wonders cannot be told.He never composed great music,
Yet myriad of songs are written of Him.
He never founded a college,
Yet He has more students than any of them.All of His friends deserted Him.
One His acquaintance denied.
He had a mockery of a trial
Then on the cross He died.Great men have come and gone,
Forgotten by mankind.
His presence can live forever
In every man's heart and mind.
~ Fern Hanlin Coberly ~
"Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor." II Corinthians 8:9
THOSE WHO STAND AND WAIT
Is it difficult for you
To watch as others blessings receive?
Is it hard for you to withstand trials
And, in spite of it all, believe?Can you watch as those about you
Are blessed with God's loving care
And wonder why when you need Him
It seems He's not always there?Do you stand by as others gain wealth and glory,
And try not to be envious of their fame?
Do you try so hard to be kind and generous
And not criticize or blame?Can you continue to pray for others
As they work diligently for His cause?
Can you give them the praise without envy
And stand back and join the applause?Don't give up hope - keep on praying.
God has rewards for those who stand and wait.
Your prayers have meant more than you can imagine.
You, too, will have cause to celebrate!
~ Fern Hanlin Coberly ~NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS
Every year I make a long, long list
Of New Year's resolutions.
Yet, each year my problems remain
Without suitable solutions.I promise myself that I will do
Only those things that I should.
I resolve to discard all the bad
And magnify the good.But as each year comes to a close,
I'm ready once again
To start a new extensive list,
And forget what might have been.Now, I have a clean, white sheet,
I can start my life anew.
A brand New Year to try again.
I wonder how I'll do.I'm certain this year will be better.
A revelation has come, you see.
God must do the changing,
It's simply not up to me!
~ Fern Hanlin Coberly ~IT'S TIME TO LEAN ON HIM
When the storm clouds are forming
And trouble about us is swarming,
And all of the world looks dim.
When the high wind is blowing
And our spirit is slowing,
Then it's time to lean on Him.When our loved one is taken
And we feel totally forsaken
And life all about us looks grim.
When we're crushed and grieving
And nothing is relieving,
Then it's time to lean on Him.When we are weak and falling
And our loved ones are calling,
And we don't want to answer them,
When our Savior is beside us
To comfort and to guide us,
Then it's time to lean on Him.When life is good and filled with blessing,
And God's love we're professing,
And our cup is filled up to the brim.
When we know we're forgiven
And on our way to Heaven,
Then it's time to lean on Him.
~ Fern Hanlin Coberly ~AFTERWARD
We do not wish for chastening
Nor difficulties to come our way.
But if and when they beset us,
Let us grow because of them and pray.We can always count on God
To make the 'afterward' more sweet.
If we face our trials His way,
Our healing will be complete.When the storm is raging about us
It is difficult for us to see
The flowers that spring up 'afterward'.
They cover the ugly debris.God can take a defeated life
And repair the hurt and pain.
The 'afterward' is sweeter
When we are whole again.
~ Fern Hanlin Coberly ~"No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous;
nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness
unto them which be exercised thereby." Hebrews 12:11LORD, LET ME BE FAIR
Lord, let me be slow to point out
The many faults of others.
Let me be forgiving and kind
And love them as my brothers.May Your gracious love permeate
Every action that I take.
Keep my thoughts pure and kind
And all pettiness forsake.Let me not be quick to judge
The motives of those about .
Let me show them that I love them.
Let me leave no room for doubt.Let me be gentle and calm
When dealing with others' imperfection,
But let me treat them with love
And true Christian affection.You have chosen to love me, Lord,
In spite of my sin.
Let me return that great love
By being fair to all men.
~ Fern Hanlin Coberly ~"Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye,
but considereth not the beam that is in thine own eye?"
Matthew 7:3LORD, LET ME BE KIND
Lord, let me be kind to those about me.
Let me show my love through my deeds.
May others know my love is genuine,
As I help fulfill their needs.God, may Your love flow through me.
May all I do be done in Your Name.
May others understand the message
As Your great love I proclaim.God, speak to others through my actions,
Not only through the words I say.
May I always live showing kindness
To all I meet along my way.Let me forget self and my own desires
As I minister unto those I meet.
May Your love shine through me,
Making my feeble love complete.
~ Fern Hanlin Coberly ~ALONE WITH GOD
We need a time alone with God
When we can pray and seek His face.
When we can shut out the noisy world
And quietly thank Him for His grace.His grace that allows us to worship Him
In quietness as we read His Word,
Which teaches us lessons in how
To do His will when our hearts are stirred.A quiet time when we can pause
And present others to His throne.
Those who need to know His love,
He will accept for His own.We need the quiet time to receive
The strength for our lifetime here.
To know that when we ask Him,
He will come and draw us near.
~ Fern Hanlin Coberly ~IS MY HEART FILLED WITH PRAISE?
Can I bless the Lord at all times?
Is my heart filled with praise?
Is my life one of discontent,
Or does joy in Him fill my days?Oh, I want to be a happy Christian,
To fill the world with my delight.
To praise His Name all the day
And trust Him through the night.I want the windows of Heaven to open
To let showers of blessings descend.
Blessings I can share with others.
His love I can recommend.May my prayers offer thanksgiving
For all He has given to me
To be used to bring joy to others.
Dear Lord, hear my heartfelt plea.Let me realize that trials and crosses
Are sometimes blessings in disguise.
God often allows them to make us stronger
And to embellish and enrich our lives.Let me accept them as gifts from Heaven.
Let me use them to encourage those about.
May I realize they are for my good.
Lord, let me harbor no doubt.
~ Fern Hanlin Coberly ~OUR EXAMPLE
Our Savior kept His silence
On the cross – in the face of death.
Rather than speak in anger,
He held His peace until His last breath.
When they taunted and ridiculed Him,
He answered not a word.
When asked to defend Himself,
Not a sound from Him was heard.
Our environment today causes tension.
Each moment is wrought with stress.
Men, throughout the ages, have
Stood strong amid the press.
We have an example to follow
When problems and perils oppress
Jesus taught us how to cope.
Through our trials – He’s there to bless.
Those who remain calm – without panic,
When adversity and trials reign,
Are emulating the Master,
Through suffering and through pain.
~ Fern Hanlin Coberly ~"He knoweth what is in the darkness." Daniel 2:22
"I will even make a way in the darkness." Isaiah 43:19JESUS IS MY GUIDE
Jesus is my Guide in the darkness.
He is there to show me the way.
When I falter along the wayside,
He keeps me from going astray.
Often my pathway is dim and dreary,
I don’t know which way to turn.
He’s always close beside me
To help me His will to discern.
When the dark clouds gather ‘round me,
He sends His sunshine to cheer me on.
When I trust in Him completely,
I find my fears and doubts are gone.
I look forward to my future
With joy and faith because of Him.
I know He will quietly guide me,
Even when my pathway is dim.
I will not fear what is before me
Because He’s always by my side.
I know my journey will be pleasant.
He’s my Companion, My Comfort, My Guide.
~ Fern Hanlin Coberly ~"Yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Galatians 2:20
CHRIST LIVETH IN ME
Can I honestly say, "Christ liveth in me?"
Does my life show His presence each day?
Do others see Him in the things that I do?
Can they recognize His voice in what I say?
Am I so preoccupied with myself,
That I forget to give Him first place?
Do others see when they look at me,
His wonderful love and grace?
Am I intent on amassing treasures here,
That I ignore my Heavenly goal?
Do I seek my physical desires,
At the expense of my soul?
How can I pray "they will be done?"
If I am disobedient to His will for me?
How can I say He’s the only One,
When His will and mine don’t agree?
How can I say I truly trust in Him,
If fear and worry keep me bound?
How can I witness to others about,
If His love in me can’t be found?
~ Fern Hanlin Coberly ~THE DEED THAT YOU CAN DO
How often does pride and indifference
Keep you from saying a word that's kind?
How often do you let that opportunity pass
When God brings it to mind?
Do you often feel that the deed you can do
Is too small to make a difference to anyone?
If God prompts you to do it,
You had better see that it's done.
That thing that appears insignificant
Might be the very deed you can do
To help someone who has stumbled.
To the one who received it - it meant more than you knew.
~ Fern Hanlin Coberly ~
ORDINARY THINGS
The ordinary things we do each day
Can be as important as the great.
God can use us on our doorstep
As well as far from our garden gate.
We can praise Him as we work,
In the little things we do each day.
We don't need a large audience -
We need not be on display.
If we fill the nearest spot with joy,
If goodness pervades our home,
God will reward our faithfulness
And in wider spaces allow us to roam.
All we do should be for His glory.
We do not seek praise for self.
We desire to keep active for the Master,
And not to be put 'on the shelf'.
We ask Him to keep us close to Him,
To use us as He sees fit.
Although we become weary in body,
We never want to quit.
~ Fern Hanlin Coberly ~
ULTIMATELY, WE STAND ALONE
We may be surrounded by multitudes,
We may be very well known.
We may have friends and loved ones,
But ultimately, we stand alone.
Each individual has the responsibility
To face life on his own.
Others may help make decisions,
But ultimately, we stand alone.
There may be those who will love us,
Who are yet to us unknown.
They may bring needed companionship,
But ultimately, we stand alone.
We will meet many on life's journey
Whose actions we cannot condone.
We can't join in their lifestyle,
So, ultimately, we stand alone.
God may be very close to us
But when we face Him at His throne
To give an account of the life we've lived,
Ultimately, we stand alone.
~ Fern Hanlin Coberly ~
COUNT IT ALL JOY
God's saints rejoice amid the trial
With danger and difficulty on every side.
Their simple faith can keep them smiling,
They know their God is there to guide.
When we add up all of God's promises,
When we recognize His presence in our life,
We can see His joy all about us
As He gently leads us through the strife.
This 'light affliction' He has allowed
Will make us stronger as we prevail.
When this toilsome life here is over,
In a better land our joy He will unveil.
~ Fern Hanlin Coberly ~
"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment,
worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal
weight of glory." II Corinthians 4:17
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