Fox Hunting

Fox Hunting By George Thurlow Take us the foxes, Spoiling all the vines, Cunning crafty critters On tender grapes do dine... Destroying and devouring With brazen confidence, Slyly slinking, stealing Slipping through the fence. The foxes are the little sins That slowly eat away And cause the vines to wither, Corrupt and soon decay. They are the secret little sins We think will do no harm, So we ignore our conscience And the Spirit's alarm. Little foxes are more deadly To our spiritual lives, Ever so subtly sneaking With teeth like switchblade knives... And before we even know it, We're plundered, barren and bare, Suddenly shriveled and fruitless, To be uprooted with the tares. So take us the foxes, A hunting we will go, To rid ourselves of ravaging sins So we might fruitful grow. "Take us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes. " Song of Solomon 2:15



Praying Mothers

Praying Mothers By George Thurlow Copyright May, 2, 2007 She's not on the fashion covers And her name is not in lights. She's not in the society papers, But her heart with God is right. No fancy title does she hold On the ladder of success, But her name is in the Book of Life. She's clothed in His righteousness. She has a higher calling, Serving the Great I AM, Nurturing and protecting His dear and precious lambs. Though weak and small of stature, Her prayer the devil dreads. She terrorizes demons When kneeling at her bed. When praying for her family Heaven is all ears... Things begin to happen. Satan shakes in fear. It is the praying mothers, Secret weapons of the King, Doing wondrous exploits, Hidden behind the scenes.



A Gift For Father

 A Gift For Father By George Thurlow I was talking to the Lord one day When tears welled in my eyes, Thinking of all He had done for me Wondering the reason why. I am one of countless millions So unworthy of His love, But even then He knew me And willingly shed His Blood. I thought to myself, what can I do? For I can never repay Such a blessed sacrifice That could wash my sins away. By lighting a single candle, Can I increase the sun's bright glow? And through a single tear drop Add to the river's flow? What could I ever give Him That would bring delight and thrill, When He is owner of all the cattle On a thousand hills? I felt so sad and helpless For I loved the Savior so, And I wanted to give Him something -- My appreciation show. But my Lord looked down upon me With a Father's loving smile, Drew His arms around me... Said, "Listen, my precious child; What would make me happy? Just give My love away To everyone encountered, Each and every day. Tell others of My saving grace -- All those who do not know. Bear witness by all you do and say And loving kindness show. When you see a brother struggling, Stand beside him all the way. When your sister is discouraged, Have encouraging words to say. Do kind deeds for everyone, Even those who treat you bad. If you want to please Me, These are the things that make Me Glad. The gift that gives Me great delight Is when you're down upon your knees, And you set aside all earthly things To spend that time with Me. You say there is something special For Me you would like to do? Well, there is only one gift I'm seeking My Son... that's more of you!"



If You Only Knew What I Know

If You Only Knew What I Know By George Thurlow 　 If you only knew what I know, You wouldn't settle for less; And live each day in bondage Of sin and unhappiness. When you get a taste of heaven There's just no turning back; You'll never be content again Knowing the things you lack. Once you meet my precious Savior, Through Him see what you are; You'd be longing for a cleansing, To be righteous, holy, and pure. When you see how things were meant to be And what you can become: Why be a part of this sinful world, Discontent and glum? You can know the Savior personally And be a child of God: Sharing in Christ's inheritance And on streets of gold can trod. This world doesn't hold a candle To what there is in store, For those of us who know Him And of Him desire more. If you only knew what I know, Hope would be in your heart. The past would be behind you, You could have a brand new start. You'd have a friend to rely on Who would never let you down. Your heart wouldn't be so heavy; There would be a smile instead of a frown. If you would only meet my Jesus And ask Him in your heart; He would change you in a moment And new life would impart.



God Is Still On The Throne

　

God Is Still On The Throne By George Thurlow In these days of peril When things seem out of control, When good is bad and wrong is right And evil has taken a hold, Remember there's One who's greater And we don't stand alone, The mighty God our great Creator Still reigns upon the throne. Though the world may mock and scorn Him And laugh at His commands And ridicule His children Who obey and take a stand, Remember there is One all seeing He holds the world within His hands He's not intimidated By puny, prideful man. There's a spiritual battle raging We know the beginning, we know the end God's people will be triumphant For God's side always wins. So do not get discouraged For soon we are going home. Stand your ground and in the meantime, The Lord is still on the Throne.



Yoked With Jesus Christ

Yoked With Jesus Christ By George Thurlow When you are discouraged And feeling mighty blue, Overwhelmed and burdened And doubts don't seem to shoo... When fears bring forth inaction Till you're almost paralyzed; Hindered by your own thoughts And the devil's lies... There's solution in the Scriptures And not some new age chant; You can do all things through Jesus "Just kick the 't' off can't". * The battle is not yours alone For you're yoked with Jesus Christ. You can conquer every giant Through His strength and might. Nothing is impossible Yoked to the King of Kings; Through His awesome power You can accomplish anything! *Quoted from Rev. M.L. Mitchell's sermon "Unequally Yoked". Faith Lighthouse Assembly of God, Old Orchard Beach, Maine Philippians 4:13~ "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Matthew 11:28-30~ "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; For I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."



Musings At The Graveyard

                       Musings At The Graveyard By George Thurlow 　 "Just dying to get in there" So jokingly is said, A temporary storage yard For the bones of the dead. I wonder as I gaze about Where are these people now; Are they safe in the arms of Jesus, Or are they suffering down below? There are monuments of every size Of the rich and of the poor; Some names are long remembered While others are obscure. Yet death is the equalizer, In the grave the body lies; The temporary perishes, But the spirit never dies. Did they miss the opportunity When the invitation came; Did they receive eternal life Believing on Christ's name? Did they accept the offer Of mercy, pardon and grace, And now walk on the streets of glory Viewing Him face to face? Or sadly on the other hand, Did they choose another way, And live in hell and torment Now and for always? For death is just the portal Of eternity; Destinations are determined Right now by you and me.



Just A Few More Miles

　

　

Just A Few More Miles By George Thurlow It will not be much longer. Soon His face you'll see. Carry on just a little longer; Reward is waiting thee. All you have ever hoped for Is about to come to past. Only a few more miles to go And you'll be home at last. My friend do not grow weary And tired of doing right. Victory is yours for the taking, Achieved through His great might. Brother, please stay faithful; Don't faint along the way. Christ will give you strengthening, And see you through another day. Sister, please hang in there And stay upon the track. For the trumpet is about to sound And the clouds are rolling back. All heaven waits with bated breath. The moment is almost here. Lift up your head towards heaven, For you're redemption's near. There will be a celebration: The Marriage Supper of the Lamb, Where the saints are gathered With the Great I AM. Oh my friends don't miss it! Remain faithful unto Him. For it's only a few miles to go To be safely gathered in.



Victimized or Victorious?

Victimized or Victorious? By George Thurlow 　 Don't live your life as a victim And let the devil knock you around; For satan has been defeated You now are on higher ground. Lift up your head towards heaven, Don't listen to the lies; For in Jesus you are victorious And the old self it has died. For Christ has freed you from bondage, From your shackles you are released; Don't keep yourself imprisoned For the Truth has set you free. "For greater is He that is within you Than he that is in the world": Don't be swallowed up by circumstance, Be dragged down by the swirl. Just claim those things He promised For Christ has paid the price: Nothing can have a hold on you Because you have new life. Don't cower and crawl on your belly For you are a child of The King; In Him you lack nothing, He has given you everything. Turn now from idolatry, Do not complain and moan; For when you are focused on your own self, You place yourself upon God's throne. You were made to serve Him; He has equipped us everyone: Cry out for fire and power Through His strength the work be done. Just keep your eyes on Jesus; Resist the devil and he will flee: Keep walking in the Spirit, Christ has won the victory.



Worry And Fret

Worry And Fret By George Thurlow Troublesome pests That steal our zest And rob our peace of mind... Tormenting twins, These partners in sin That serve to hinder and bind. Worry and fret, They're a snare and net Of the devilish kind. But Jesus taught To take no thought Of what tomorrow may bring... Seek the Kingdom first, After His righteous thirst. He'll provide all other things



A Matter Of Perspective

A Matter Of Perspective By George Thurlow Some folks see calamity At every twist and turn, According to their faith Receive the thing they spurn. Others see a blessing Waiting 'round the bend; With confident expectation They extend their hands. Some folks have the jitters Live in panic and in fear; Others have serenity And feel Christ's presence near. It's a matter of perspective In whom you place your trust... Be it in a conquering Savior Or a lying serpent in the dust. Some folks see a dead man, Pain, defeat and loss. As for me, I see the empty tomb And the vacant cross! Matthew 9:29  Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. Job 3:25 For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.



Redeeming The Time

Redeeming The Time

By George Thurlow

The urgency of the hour
Implores Christians every where,
Roll up the shades of lethargy
Wake up and be aware.

Shed the cloak of apathy,
Have a look around.
See Christ at the very portals,
The trump about to sound.

Look for doors of utterance,
Be ready to proclaim.
Shout it from the roof top,
Salvation through Jesus' name.

The urgency of the hour,
Pleads redeem the time...
Souls perish every minute,
Throw out the life line.

 

Ephesians 5:16

¹⁶ Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

 

 

 Colossians 4:3

³ Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:
 

Colossians 4:5

⁵ Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

 



Where Are All The Warriors?

Where Are All The Warriors? By George Thurlow   Where have all the warriors gone Who battled on their knees... Faithful to the cause of Christ One mission...Him to please? Where are all the soldiers strong Sold out to Jesus Christ, Committed and devoted A living sacrifice? Has lukewarmness overtaken; Has apathy now set in... Isn't complacency and idleness Indifference to sin? Where are those who hear His voice And obey the Spirit's call, Regardless of the hour Ready on knees to fall? Have the old paths been forsaken For emergent apostasy... Is seeking first His Kingdom Now purpose driven me? Separation is still required From the worldly way; Holiness, obedience Is still the order of the day. His eyes are roaming to and fro All about the earth, Looking for the faithful Who knows a lost soul's worth. He's still calling valiant warriors To fight the good fight of faith, To finish the course, and gain a crown To win the final race



Judgment Day

Judgment Day By George Thurlow I dreamed I was up in heaven And witnessed judgment day. Many went up before the Judge Just to be turned away. The Book of Life was open, But their names could not be found. For while they walked upon the earth They had turned the Savior down. The day was dark with sorrow, Only weeping could be heard. The Judge pronounced the verdict "Guilty" was the Word. For they thought they would always make it; Their good deeds would surely do. But Jesus said "Depart from Me For you I never knew". As I gazed upon the proceedings To my horror I did see, Familiar faces in the throng Staring directly at me. There were family, friends, and acquaintances That I had failed to witness to... Now banished for eternity For Jesus they never knew. I had been happy that my soul was saved But the Gospel I failed to share. If I had only obeyed my Savior From suffering they could've been spared. Now they looked at me with pleading eyes, "How come you did not tell? All along you had the answer That could have kept us from going to hell". I hung my head in shame and sorrow For their blood was on my hands For them, would be no second chance To accept Jesus and repent. The piercing eyes of the Master Burned through to my very soul... Then with shrieks from the Lake of Fire I broke down and lost control. Then suddenly I awakened Drenched in sweat and with a scream... My heart was pounding wildly As I was aroused out of my dream. For a few minutes I sat shaking With tears streaming down my face. Then the Holy Spirit convicted me, It's a reality that will take place. I got out from beneath the covers And went down upon my knees. I asked the Lord to forgive me For my neglect and complacency. From that moment onward I repented of that sin. Now I delight in being a witness And a fisher of men. For the Lake of Fire is all too real And for millions does await. Oh Christian spread the Good News Before it is too late!



Faith Just Does It

Faith Just Does It By George Thurlow Faith just does it And doesn't question God. It's not a pew potato Or a bump upon a log. It goes right into action And heeds the Lord's commands. There's no doubt or hesitation It's obedience on demand. Faith is a matter of trusting Though the picture not complete, And it allows the Holy Spirit To direct and guide the feet. It's walking with a blindfold But feeling safe and secure, Because the One who walks beside him Is steadfast, able, sure. It's confident of the outcome, Doesn't know the word defeat, Refuses to bend or buckle Under pressure, stress or heat. Faith is fueled with fire And power from on high, Not of human effort But on the Spirit does rely. It's shield deflects the fiery darts Of discouragement and dismay, Makes one certain of the victory That is sure to come his way. The man of faith refuses glory, He happily steps aside And gives glory to who the glory is due The One in whom he does abide.     *This poem has been put to music by Diane Fenderson and is featured on her CD Love Called My Name 2014



Peace Through The Blood Of His Cross

Peace Through The Blood Of His Cross By George Thurlow First born from the dead, Reconciler of the lost, Restorer of the breach Through the Blood of His cross. Access to the Holiest Via veil of His Flesh, Acceptance by the Father Through His righteousness. Slayer of the enmity, Purger of the dross, Peacemaker of promise Through the Blood of His cross. "And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven." Colossians 1:20 *This poem was put to music by Diane Fenderson and is featured on her CD Love Called My Name 2014



Sowing In Tears, Reaping In Joy

Sowing In Tears, Reaping In Joy By George Thurlow   Sowing in tears, Reaping in joy. Precious seeds The saints deploy. Plowman o'er reaper Soon overtakes. Souls to harvest, The hour late. Watering the Word With prayers and tears. New names in heaven, The angels cheer. White are the fields, Short grow the days. Christians work Without delay.  *This poem was put to music by Diane Fenderson and is featured on her CD Then I Met The Master 2014. Psalm 126:5 "They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." Amos 9:13 "Behold the days come, saith the Lord, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of the grapes him that soweth the seed; and the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt."



Steady In The Storm

Steady In The Storm By George Thurlow Steady as she goes Lord, I am holding tight; Though the storm may toss me, I am safe within Your might. Nothing shall overtake me. I am secure with You. I stand upon your promise, Your precious Word of truth. I veer not to the left or right; There is no looking back. I focus on my Savior Who keeps me right on track. Through Christ I won't be blown off course. I'll hold fast unto my crown, For I treasure my salvation And the new life I have found. Through His power I'll be steadfast And conformed to His sovereign will, Trodding along the path of righteousness With the Spirit ever filled. Steady as she goes Lord, I have confidence in You. Regardless of the stormy seas I know You'll see me through.   *This poem was put to music by Diane Fenderson and is featured on her CD Then I Met The Master 2014.



It Would Be Enough For Me

It Would Be Enough For Me By George Thurlow If there were no rewards in Heaven, No inheritance to behold, No robes or crowns of glory Or streets that are paved with gold... If I didn't have a mansion Prepared there just for me, If there were no jewels or splendor Nor river flowing free... It would be enough for me Just to see Your smiling face, To feel Your arms around me, To be held in warm embrace... To hear Your soft voice welcome me At the finish of my race, To see You in Your glory The One who took my place. To hear You say, "Well done My son! You're a good and faithful servant." It would be enough for me... To be eternally in Your presence.   *This poem was put to music by Diane Fenderson and is featured on her CD Then I Met The Master 2014.



When Angels Step Aside

When Angels Step Aside By George Thurlow I close my eyes in worship... Then I'm before your throne. Through the Blood of Jesus Your Grace has led me home. I sing the song... "Amazing Grace," And "the angels step aside"...** For only a Blood-washed sinner Knows how it feels inside. I'm rescued from the pit of hell, No longer an enemy. My feet are treading Holy ground; I'm sanctified and free! Showered in His precious Blood, Thoroughly white and clean... The vileness of my sinful past, Now a sparkling sheen. I can look into my Savior's eyes With thankfulness and pride, And sing to Him that song of love While angels step aside.   *This poem was put to music by Diane Fenderson and is featured on her CD "I'll Trust The Potter's Hand 2012.   **Poem inspired by words of Rev. M.L. Mitchell of  Faith Lighthouse Assembly of God in Old Orchard Beach, Maine~ "the angels have to step aside".



Safe Harbor

Safe Harbor

By George Thurlow

 

 



Life's a journey upon the deep, And my compass safely keeps: Me true on course and straight ahead. Wind and weather I do not dread. I keep my eye upon the beam, Even in fog when lost I seem; For my compass steers me right Even on the darkest night. I plot my course and then I steer, And from rocks and shoals I veer. I keep my bow headed in To wind and waves that would do me in. And though the gale would capsize me, My anchor's fastened steadfastly. I ride out the storm tossed waves For I know that I'll be saved. And once the sea again is still, Into my hands I'll take the til'. For I know that soon I'll see The safe harbor waiting me. In this port I'll safely dwell; No more to fight the wind and swells. In this cove securely moored I'll spend eternity with my Lord. *This poem was put to music by Diane Fenderson and is featured on her CD "I'll Trust The Potter's Hand 2012.



Don't Be Shaken

Don't Be Shaken By George Thurlow   Don't be shaken in mind, * At these troubled times, For all must come to past. Though the earth may suddenly quaken, Don't let your peace be taken. God is in control. Don't run in retreat, And live in defeat For you're on the winning side. Have not the prophets spoken, And Christ's Blood the evident token Of the devil's demise? * We're priviliged to see, All the prophecies Fulfilled before our eyes Keep your hands to the plow. Don't look back now.* Christ is on the way. *This poem was put to music by Diane Fenderson and is featured on her CD Wings of Faith 2010. 2 Thessalonians 2:2 "That ye be not shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand." Philippians 1:28 "And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God." Luke 9:62 "And Jesus said unto him, No man having put his hands to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."



In Everything Give Thanks

In Everything Give Thanks By George Thurlow Copyright October 30, 2008   Not just for the times when all is well And life seems at its best, When all is running smoothly Free of trials and tests... Not just for the times of laughter With warmth and sunny skies, And blissful days unmeasured When my heart is soaring high... But I thank you in the stormy days When the rains are pouring down, When I am overwhelmed and burdened, When troubles do abound. I thank you in the lonely times When my heart is feeling low, In dark days of dilemma, Or when my body is hurting so. It is Your will concerning me That I give thanks in every thing. It's evidence of my faith in You; You'll work out every thing. *This poem was put to music by Diane Fenderson and is featured on her CD Wings of Faith 2010.      1 Thessalonians 5:18 "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."



The Wings Of Faith

                                                                            

                                                                 

The Wings of Faith By George Thurlow The wings of faith will carry you Above the storms of life, Beyond the clouds of confusion, Turmoil, noise and strife... Rising to a quiet place Of calmness, rest and peace, Lifted by the Spirit Where tumult has to cease. The wings of faith will carry you Where the voice of God is clear, Above the tempter's tactics And his darts of fear... Seeing a new perspective, Life from a higher place, Problems grow much smaller Through the eyes of faith.   *This poem was put to music by Diane Fenderson and is featured on her CD The Wings of Faith 2010.

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Master Craftsman

                 

                        

                                                    

 

 

 Master Craftsman

                                         By George Thurlow

Lord, take this earthly vessel Which is full of me; Empty it completely And fill it up with Thee. Pull down this earthly edifice And build it back again. Reconstruct me to Your liking; Create a brand new man. Smooth out the roughened edges Of this child You call your own, 'Til I reflect my Savior, A perfect polished stone. Put me back upon the potter's wheel Until You're fully pleased, And I've been fashioned in the image You envisioned me to be. I place myself before You And relinquish all control 'Til I'm a finished product, O Master Craftsman of my soul. *This poem was published in Live  May 19, 2002, a publication of the General Council of the Assemblies of God (Gospel Publishing House) . **This poem was also put to music by Diane Fenderson and recorded on her CD Then I Met The Master 2014



Never Alone

Never Alone By George Thurlow Though your house sits quiet and empty, And you now live all alone, For the ones who once dwelt with you Have departed or gone on... No gathering at the table For breaking of the bread, Or pleasant conversation Just silence now instead... No one to share your thoughts with Or the happenings of the day. You feel lonely and forsaken, Forgotten and hid away. But oh there's One Who loves you. You are always on His mind. He's closer than a brother, Compassionate, loyal and kind. He's One Who will always be there With a listening ear to lend... An ever present companion, There's no truer, dearer Friend. Though life may bring us sorrow, And loved ones do depart, Jesus never leaves us For He dwells within our hearts.



Changes God's Way

Changes God's Way By George Thurlow 　 Not through political promise And new confounded schemes, Programs, plans and projects That are not what they seem. Not through new higher taxes, Lowered standards, special rights, Not through the separation Of America from the Light. Not by extermination Of the innocent so young: Not by silencing her people By censure of the tongue. But changes through repentance Brings change from inside out; No other way is possible To bring true change about. For the heart of man is deceitful Full of wicked ways, Selfish and rebellious Wanting its own way. Change only comes with humbling Ourselves on bended knee And saying, "God forgive me For offending thee". Yes changes only God's way Will get our course set right... So that the city set upon the hill Again will shine her light.

                                     2 Chronicles 7:14King James Version (KJV)

¹⁴ If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

                                                        



The devil's Danger List

The devil's Danger List                                                                      By George Thurlow Are we Christian warriors Storming hell through prayer and fast... Knocking over strongholds And all evil in our path? Has hell been put on notice... When we pray does Satan shake... Or does he sit and snicker At the weakness of our state? Are the alarm bells ringing in hades When we go to our knees in prayer... Or does the devil get a good night's sleep Without a worry or a care? Are we praying in the Spirit And filled with the Holy Ghost? Have we made the devil's danger list The top ten he fears the most? Are we snatching up the dying souls From the dragon's grip... Extinguishing his fire With Scripture from our lips? Is our Pentecostal power Dousing slewfoot's flame... And like Paul and Jesus Does the devil know our name? Are we winning battles Or are our efforts only chaff? Are all the demons trembling Or do we make them laugh? The only way to victory Is faithful fervent prayer, For all the while we're sleeping The enemy is sowing tares. The gates of hell will not prevail; We can escape the enemy's snare... For the way to stand against him Is on our knees in prayer.