Day 6 of the #AtoZChallenge is about foolishness, specifically the foolishness of God. What? God foolish? Read on, dear friend, and discover for yourself! The Foolishness of God 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 The message of the cross Seems foolish to some men, But for those who know the Lord, It’s power over sin. It is foolish to the Jews Who ask for Holy signs, It is foolish to the Greeks Who seek answers from the “wise.” But to all those called by God, Both Gentiles and the Jews, This “foolish” plan of God Is what we call “Good News.”
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Day 5 of the #AtoZChallenge brings us to the unusual story of Eutychus in the book of Acts. If you've ever felt like nodding off at church, then you can relate to this New Testament Bible character who must have been grateful to have Paul for a preacher! Eutychus Acts 20:7-12 The Apostle Paul often spoke For hours upon end And sometimes went past midnight When he caught a second wind. One such night this happened While Eutychus sat perched High upon a windowsill When meeting with the church. A yawn, a crash, and chaos! Eutychus fell fast, The fall was down three stories And he knew it was his last! The people crowded round While Paul ran to his side. He wrapped his arms around him, Poor Eutychus had died. "Alas! He isn't hurt!" Was Paul's excited shout. He had raised him from the dead-- There wasn't any doubt! Paul preached on 'til dawn While the people sat in awe After seeing this great miracle Of Eutychus and his fall. From . . . And a Poem by Kathy Mansfield Day 4 of the #AtoZChallenge is the Letter D. What role does the Devil play in our daily lives? Read below, and remember the words of the last stanza! Devil’s Door The devil’s door is wide And it’s open all the time He beckons all to come No matter what the crime. Did I hear some gossip? Or some lies upon your lips? One stumble can become The first of many slips. Once that door is open The devil holds it fast, He wants that open door To be your very last. But God controls the wind -- Shuts the door in Satan’s face, And wraps us in His arms So we can feel His grace. From . . . And a Poem, Too by Kathy Mansfield Day 3 of the #AtoZChallenge is the Letter C and a spotlight on God's creation. Below is an original poem about the 7 days of creation. You can see the illustrated children's book version as a paperback or e-book by clicking on the book cover below the poem or on the highlighted words in this sentence. Creation Genesis 1 “Let there be light,” the Lord God said, And He called them “night” and “day.” That was the beginning of the earth: God’s majesty displayed. Next God made the big vast sky (That was day number two), Then He created land and seas And plants that give us food. Day number four brought lights above To guide both day and night. Fish appeared in every sea, All kinds of birds took flight. On the sixth day God created Animals of every rendition To roam the earth and multiply (That was God’s commission). Then God made humankind, And told them, “Multiply!” He provided all they’d need So they could live and thrive. After all was said and done, God rested on day seven. He had made the world, And he smiled on it from heaven. From . . . And a Poem by Kathy Mansfield Day 2 of the #AtoZChallenge focuses on an attempt by people to build a tower to heaven, recorded in Genesis 11. The tower came to be known as the "Tower of Babel." Babel sounds like a Hebrew term than can mean confusion. Read the account of the story in Genesis 11:1-9, then enjoy the poem that recounts the story below. The Tower of Babel Genesis 11:1-9 A long time ago, All the people spoke the same-- One language used by men From wherever each one came. The eastern plain of Shinar Was a common settling place, And here is where plans were made To bring fame upon the race. “Let us build a city With a tower to the sky! We will not be scattered!” Was their mighty cry. The Lord looked down upon them And pondered what they planned, He knew they would not stop Once they made this selfish stand. “From now until forever, The people will all speak In different languages-- This will make them meek.” The tower was not built, People scattered everywhere, The city of confusion: Aptly named, no longer there. From . . . And a Poem by Kathy Mansfield April 1 begins the annual #AtoZChallenge for bloggers. Each year folks are challenged to write blog posts each day of April (except Sundays) on topics beginning with each letter of the alphabet, A to Z. Beginning today, look for poems from my current books (. . . And a Poem and . . . And a Poem, Too), as well as the forthcoming third volume (as yet untitled). Day 1: Achan. Read the account of his life in Joshua 7, then enjoy the poem that summarizes a valuable lesson we can learn from his choices. Achan Joshua 7 Dumb old Achan – He disobeyed the Lord By confiscating items He never could afford. A beautiful robe, Silver coins, a pound of gold – If only he had followed What Israel had been told. Instead he broke a covenant By hiding in his sin, And because of this one man, Israel’s army could not win. Joshua called upon each tribe And narrowed by each clan, Then he narrowed further By family; then one man. “Achan, you and yours Will receive a terrible fate. For we can’t defeat Ai In a disobedient state.” So, Israel learned a lesson From Achan’s selfish choice, And chose to obey God And listen to His voice. |
AuthorKathy Mansfield Archives
December 2022
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