Poems – Serminutes – Sermon in a Minute

The Storm Chasers

September 21, 2018September 20, 2018R. Mangold

Chasers Storm Chasers…racers into the wind,
The fearful seek shelter, the Chasers dive right in.

Tornado, typhoon, hurricane, their courage and bravery unfettered.
Torrential rains, blustery winds, they’re undaunted by the weather.

Their quest for danger cannot be swayed, for them it’s a burning desire.
They’re on a mission to chase each storm, the floods, the rain, and fire.

They know as they brave the elements, there’s a sister or brother in need,
To build our faith, and quell our fears is a Storm Chaser’s trusted creed.

The Chasers know each storm differs, and no one suffers the same,
These storm-hungry souls find solace in the power of Jesus Name.

As you board up your windows, and bar your doors, seeking refuge, safety and warmth,
There are a quiet few courageous Chasers who have weathered life’s calamitous storms.

Chasers do not cower in self-pity, or recoil in the dark of the night,
Their gaze is fixed, their minds made up, no thought to tuck tail and take flight!

Pelted by rain, sideways at times, a Chaser is bound to get drenched,
Tenacity says, “Dig in deeper,” as their teeth and their fists remain clinched.

They’ve seen many vessels capsize in the Seas of Despair and Doubt,
Ever faithful, ever mighty, the Lord always brings them out.

Excess cargo is abandoned, so much is lost, their sails tattered from gale force gusts,
They’ve found a place to drop anchor, solid in the bedrock of God’s Word they trust.

For the Chasers the thrill of the storm matters not to them in the end,
But in getting a personal audience with the Maker of the Wind.

Let this be a call to all those who are safe and content in the comfort of their sleepy harbors,
Storm Chasers are rare, but if you dare, you’ll see the Light of God’s Love, even in your darkest hours.

Storm Chasers know trust is a must, without it they’re at the whim of the weather,
We’re reaching out to you, right now my friend, because we know we’re stronger together. ~ RD Mangold

“Serminutes” – Sermon in a Minute. One Minute Inspirational Sermonettes, Devotionals, and Sermon Ideas for Busy Christians, Pastors, Teachers, and Bible Students! Visit our ABOUT PAGE for details on what exactly that is. Thank you for visiting today! May the Lord richly bless you. ~ RD Mangold

The Gift Wrap and The Jewel – Wanda Goines

August 29, 2018August 28, 2018R. Mangold

Special Edition of Serminutes

The Gift Wrap and The Jewel — Audrey Mangold (my Daughter-in-law) with her Nan and Audrey’s Daughter Piper (my granddaughter) with her Great-Nan

This Special Edition of “Serminutes” is dedicated to the memory of a precious lady from our church and family that passed away yesterday, August 29, 2018 at 8:00 a.m. Sis. Beverly Tackett, affectionately called “Nan” by all who loved her.

In the Fall of 2015, Kathryn Wilson, caretaker for 92-year-old Wanda Goines, recorded what would be come an internet sensation for the sentimental at heart. Kathryn was able to capture this precious poem on video as the author, Ms. Wanda, recites it. As if it weren’t sentimental enough, Ms. Wanda chokes up slightly toward the end which gives the viewer a clear picture of the sweetness and sensitivity of this dear soul.

Our dear sweet Sis. Nan was having a personal struggle after starting to attend our church. Her husband, George, Sr., had recently passed, and she felt she had outlived her usefulness in life. Without even realizing this powerful poem was out there, my wife Shannon was impressed by the Lord to tell Sis. Nan that she was a jewel to our church and family. Sis. Nan blushed, but was deeply touched by this description of her.

Not long after we returned home from service, Sis. Nan called us and was so excited to have discovered this very poem as it put to words exactly how the then 80-year-old Nan was feeling at the time.

We will sorely miss you Sis. Nan, but the inspiration and love you leave behind will long out live you for generations to come – we’ll see to that!

Below is the poem written by Wanda Goines who has herself passed as well, but like Nan, she was struggling to process how quickly her life had come to this present state. Please enjoy this poem entitled, “The Gift Wrap and the Jewel.”

I looked in the mirror and what did I see?
But a little old lady peering back at me
With bags and sags and wrinkles and wispy white hair
And I asked my reflection, how did you get there?

You once were straight and vigorous
And now you’re stooped and weak
When I tried so hard to keep you from becoming an antique
My reflection’s eyes twinkled and she solemnly replied

You’re looking at the gift wrap and not the jewel inside
A living gem and precious of unimagined worth
Unique and true, the real you, the only you on earth

The years that spoil your gift wrap with other things more cruel
Should purify and strengthen and polish up that jewel

So focus your attention on the inside, not the out
On being kinder, wiser, more content and more devout
Then when your gift wrap’s stripped away
Your jewel will be set free, to radiate God’s glory throughout eternity!

We will miss you Sis. Nan, but your memory will never be far from us, and we’re honored to continue your legacy of love. See you on the other side of Glory!

Your broken-hearted, but eternally grateful pastor, Rodger Mangold

For the actual video as recorded by her dear friend and caretaker, Ms. Kathryn Wilson, go to Youtube.com

My Hymn to HIM

August 1, 2018August 5, 2018R. Mangold

hymntohim (1) A short verse penned in a lucid moment of creativity as I pondered how inadequate my praise is in aptly describing the power, majesty, and sheer glory of God Almighty. ~ RDM

If each pedal from each flower blooms,
Each tree bring fruit to bear,
Each bird its anthem ring at once,
Your praise to fill the air.

If fountains of raindrops, and crashing of waves,
The tide retreating from shore,
In harmony break forth in chorus,
God’s Glory to implore.

Were the wind to whisper then muster a gust,
Or the whirlwind bluster with force;
All pale in meager homage,
To rival their Ultimate Source.

Your Glory spans the universe LORD,
Your Power knows no end,
Your Mercy is everlasting,
Your Love greater than any friend.

It’s Your air I breath, Your Life in my limbs,
Each day is a blessing from You,
May each step I take, each thought I think,
Each moment Your Glory shine through.

Try as I may to sum all Your works,
On pages in books to write,
My time on Earth will not be enough,
Writing from dawn until night.

My finite thoughts are inadequate,
My attempts more feeble than most,
To express my heartfelt gratitude,
For each day YOUR Glory grows.

You Are Who You Are

August 4, 2011R. Mangold

You are who you are for a reason.

You’re part of an intricate plan.

You’re a precious and perfect unique design,

Called God’s special woman or man.

You look like you look for a reason.

Our God made no mistake.

He knit you together within the womb,

You’re just what he wanted to make.

The parents you had were the ones He chose,

And no matter how you may feel,

They were custom-designed with God’s plan in mind,

And they bear the Master’s seal.

No, that trauma you faced was not easy.

And God wept that it hurt you so;

But it was allowed to shape your heart

So that into his likeness you’d grow.

You are who you are for a reason,

You’ve been formed by the Master’s Rod.

You are who you are, beloved,

Because there is a God!

Poem by Russell Kelfer 1933 – 2000. He was a layman and business man who taught for over 25 years. His timeless lessons on living the Christian life major on practical application and continue today to be heard, seen, read, and taught by others around the world.

“Serminutes” – Sermon in a Minute. One Minute Spiritual Sermonettes and Sermon Ideas for Busy Christians, Pastors, Teachers, and Bible Students! Visit our ABOUT PAGE for details on what exactly that is. Thank you for visiting today! May the Lord richly bless you. Rev. RD Mangold

A Piece of Clay – Forming While it Counts

July 19, 2011R. Mangold

I took a piece of plastic clay
And idly fashioned it one day,
And as my fingers pressed it still,
It moved and yielded at my will.

I came again when days were past;
The bit of clay was hard at last,
The form I gave it still it bore,
But I could change that form no more.

I took a piece of living clay,
And gently formed it day by day,
And molded with my power and art
A young child’s soft and yielding heart.

I came again when days were gone;
It was a man I looked upon;
That early impress still he wore,
And I could change it never more.

(Author Unknown)

“Serminutes” – Sermon in a Minute. A one minute spiritual pick-me-up for busy Christians! Visit this POST for details on what exactly that is. Thank you for visiting today! May the Lord richly bless you. Rodger Mangold

"Ain't" – A Boy's Fascination with God's Creation

June 13, 2011R. Mangold

He was just a little boy,
On a week’s first day.
Wandering home from Bible school,
And dawdling on the way.

He scuffed his shoes through the grass;
He found a caterpillar.
He found a fluffy milkweed pod,
And blew out all the ‘filler.’

A bird’s nest in a tree o’er head,
So wisely placed up high.
Was just another wonder,
That caught his eager eye.

A neighbor watched his zig zag course,
And hailed him from the lawn;
Asking where he’d been that day
And what was going on.

‘I’ve been to Bible School ,’ He said,
And turned a piece of sod.
Picking up a wiggly worm replied,
‘I’ve learned a lot about God.’

‘M’m very fine way,’ the neighbor said,
‘for a boy to spend his time.’
‘If you’ll tell me where God is,
I’ll give you a brand new dime.’

Quick as a flash the answer came!
Nor were his accents faint.
‘I’ll give you a dollar, Mister,
If you can tell me where God ain’t.’

~ Author Unknown

“Serminute” Series – Big Lessons in Small Packages

A Personal Hymn to HIM – Meager Homage

June 9, 2011R. Mangold

A short verse penned in a lucid moment of creativity as I pondered how inadequate my praise is in aptly describing the power, majesty, and sheer glory of God Almighty. ~ RDM

If each pedal from each flower blooms,
Each tree bring fruit to bear,
Each bird its anthem ring at once,
Your praise to fill the air.

If fountains of raindrops, and crashing of waves,
The tide retreating from shore,
In harmony break forth in chorus,
God’s Glory to implore.

Were the wind to whisper then muster a gust,
Or the whirlwind bluster with force;
All pale in meager homage,
To rival their Ultimate Source.

Your Glory spans the universe LORD,
Your Power knows no end,
Your Mercy is everlasting,
Your Love greater than any friend.

It’s Your air I breath, Your Life in my limbs,
Each day is a blessing from You,
May each step I take, each thought I think,
Each moment Your Glory shine through.

Try as I may to sum all Your works,
On pages in books to write,
My time on Earth will not be enough,
Writing from dawn until night.

My finite thoughts are inadequate,
My attempts more feeble than most,
To express my heartfelt gratitude,
For each day YOUR Glory grows.

I Met God

May 25, 2011R. Mangold

I Met God
by Ralph Cushman

I met God in the morning,
when my day was at its best.
And His Presence came like glory,
a sunrise in my breast.

All day long His Presence lingered,
all day long He stayed with me…
And we sailed in perfect calmness,
O’er a very troubled sea.

Other ships were blown and battered;
Other ships were sore distressed.
But the winds that seemed to drive them,
Brought to us such peace and rest.

Then I thought of other mornings,
With a keen remorse of mind.
When I too had loosed the moorings,
with the Savior left behind.

So I think I know the secret,
learned from many a troubled way…
You must seek God in the morning,
if you want Him in the day

Submitted by Rev. J.S. Willoughby – To read other posts by Rev. J.S. Willoughby visit his blog at http://jswilloughby.wordpress.com

“Serminutes” – Sermon in a Minute. A one minute spiritual pick-me-up for busy Christians! Visit this POST for details on what exactly that is. Thank you for visiting today! May the Lord richly bless you. Rodger Mangold

Great Givers

May 23, 2011R. Mangold

Great givers hold nothing back.

They go the extra mile –

Cheerfully.

Their motives are pure,

Their commitment is sure.

Sacrifice is not a stranger,

Nor is it a burden.

They gladly spend and are spent.

They see the end of the matter

And count that joy worth

Every investment.

The reward they seek

is an

Eternal “Well Done!”

Great Givers:

Jesus

Stephen

Paul

Mary (& her alabaster box)

Jonathan

By: Sis. Marjorie Kinnee – For more visit her blog at http://phebeblog.blogspot.com/

Sis. Marjorie Kinnee attends New Life Apostolic Church in Detrot, MI and is a published Apostolic Author and Managing Editor of the Apostolic Writer’s Online

My History Became HIS Story

April 20, 2011R. Mangold

Featuring Guest Author Sis. Marjorie Kinnee

Wonder of wonders, Amazing Grace,

That Jesus in love would die in my place;

Marvelous mystery that ALL my past history

Should become HIS story! To God be all glory!

(See Ephesians 2:4-7.)

For more by Marjorie Kinnee visit her blog at http://phebeblog.blogspot.com/

Special thanks and congratulations to Sis. Kinnee on her first of what we hope to be many more “Serminutes.” – Rodger

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