Snatched Away

Snatched Away

By George Thurlow

 

Oh the time is coming,

The day so very near,

The sounding of the trumpet

Shall call us out of here.

 

That awaited blissful moment,

The hope throughout the years,

Is suddenly upon us

At the portal He appears!

 

Christ descends from heaven

With a mighty shout.

The archangel blows the trumpet;

It's time to snatch us out.

 

The watchful wait is over.

The command's so loud and clear:

"Come up hither" is the cry;

Saints the time is here.

 

Then no earthly gravitation

Will ever hold us down,

For in the twinkling of an eye

We'll tread on higher ground.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

 ¹⁶ For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
¹⁷ Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
¹⁸ Wherefore comfort one another with these words.



Jellyfish Christians

 

 

Jellyfish Christians

By George Thurlow

 

Don't be a jellyfish Christian

All flesh and no back bone,

Not committed to anything,

Free loading rolling stones.

 

Accomplishing nothing of lasting value.

Just floating and drifting along.

Stinging and poisoning others;

Not attached for very long.

 

Yet so unlike their cousins

The coral of the sea,

Who attach themselves to solid rock

And live in colonies.

 

And firmly they are anchored

When united form a reef,

But the source of their amazing strength

Is the solid rock beneath.

 

From this we can learn a lesson:

We need others to stand strong,

For support and nourishment

Of the saintly throng.

 

And for a firm foundation

Stay attached to Christ;

Or like the drifting jellyfish

We'll lead fruitless, useless lives.

 

Poem inspired by an illustration from a sermon called "Lively Stones" (1 Peter 2:4-8)

Preached by Rev. Merle L. Mitchell ,Faith Lighthouse Assembly of God, Old Orchard Beach,

ME on 8/23/98.



A Listening Heart

 

 

 

A Listening Heart

By George Thurlow

 

Today I come before you Lord

To seek you face to face,

And to feel your awesome presence

In this quiet place.

 

I've left my cares and burdens

Right outside the door,

For I know that you'll take care of them

As you have always done before.

 

I come here just to be with you,

Free from distraction and from noise;

Just to sit and listen

For your still small voice.

 

Lord give me a listening heart

And still my rambling thoughts.

I put my mind under subjection

So I can hear you talk.

 

I come here just to worship

With no petitions or requests:

Just to commune and fellowship

And to seek your rest.

 

I've shut out the world Lord

And have left it far behind.

I give you my full attention

Spirit, body, mind.

 

I'll quietly sit and listen

And on you I will wait,

Till I feel your warmth surrounding me,

The Holy Ghost's embrace.

 

Lord give me a listening heart.

Drive  hindering thoughts away,

So I am free to seek you,

To hear what the Spirit will say.

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. John 14:16-17
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 14:26
“When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me. And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.” John 15:26-27
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. John 16:13

 

1 Kings Chapter 19

¹¹ And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; [but] the LORD [was] not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; [but] the LORD [was] not in the earthquake:
¹² And after the earthquake a fire; [but] the LORD [was] not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.
¹³ And it was [so], when Elijah heard [it], that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, [there came] a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?

The Power Of His Name

 

 

The Power Of His Name

By George Thurlow

 

What wondrous power and boldness

Obtained through Jesus name;

Lets the pilot light within us

Become a dancing flame.

 

It makes the demons tremble,

Sends satan on the run,

Gets back what he has stolen,

Make strongholds come undone.

 

It binds the enemy's power.

Christ's name he must obey;

With no strength to stand against it

He backs down without delay.

 

In Christ's name we have authority

To tear down the gates of hell;

Go in and snatch the prisoners

Held captive in his cells.

 

In Christ's name we have the victory

To overcome the foe.

When we use the name of Jesus

All demons have to go.

 



Sunday Every Day

 

 

Sunday Every Day

By George Thurlow

 

When we get to heaven

It will be Sunday every day,

Forever in His presence

Singing songs of praise.

 

At the feet of Jesus

Bowing down before,

Viewing all that once was secret

Now ours forever more.

 

Dancing on the streets of gold,

Wading in the crystal sea,

A continual celebration

For eternity.

 

A glorious reunion

Of brethren and saints,

Rewards for the faithful

Who stood strong and did not faint.

 

Seeing the face of Jesus,

His warm and loving smile

Will make it worth the effort

Of going the extra mile.

Be Not Afraid, 'Tis I

Be Not Afraid, 'Tis I

By George Thurlow

 

In the midst of struggle,

Overwhelmed on every hand,

Look up and see the Master

Calling "Here I am".

 

When life gets rough and stormy

And you're losing strength and will,

Christ will calm your troubled sea

Commanding "peace be still".

 

If afflicted by disease and pain

Fearing that you might die,

Oh hear Jehovah Rapha state

"Be not afraid, tis I".

 

He is our very present help

For all trouble in our midst,

Coming to uphold us

Strengthen and assist.

 

Mark 6:47-50

⁴⁷ And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.
⁴⁸ And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.
⁴⁹ But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:
⁵⁰ For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.

.

Psalms 46:1
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble".

Building Blocks Of Faith

 

Building Blocks Of Faith

By George Thurlow

 

 

When troubles come upon you

And try to knock you off your feet,

Just begin to praise Him

Don't cower in defeat.

 

Opportunity has arisen

To prove His Word is true.

Stand still and see salvation;

The Lord will fight for you.

 

Welcome trials with open arms;

They're the building blocks of faith.

Strength is perfected in weakness

For sufficient is His grace.

 

Surrender not in trials

For a blessing you will miss.

Ride out the storm and trust Him

Till a clearing of the mist.

 

Praise God He deems you worthy

To attend His school of faith.

Trials are but a lesson

To help us win this race.



The Most Unlikely

The Most Unlikely

By George Thurlow

 

 

The God I serve is able

To take a nobody such as I,

And create a mighty warrior

Through His power from on high.

 

If He can use a youthful shepherd boy

To bring a giant down,

He can use a Blood washed sinner

Who has repented and turned around.

 

Though Moses was not eloquent

And Gideon wasn't brave,

He gave them the ability

Their own people for to save.

 

If He can take a timid Timothy

With His gifts stirred up within;

Then I too can share the Gospel

Reach out and bring them in.

 

Lord, you use the most unlikely

For you have eyes to see,

Even the broken and discarded

Are valuable to thee.

 

Just a clean and willing vessel

Is all that you desire,

To fill it with your power

Holy Ghost and fire!

 

You choose the most unlikely,

Those doubtful to succeed,

To do your will, your purpose

 To accomplish your mighty deeds.

Faith Is

1 Kings 17:2-6
2 And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, 3 Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. 4 And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there. 5 So he went and did according unto the word of the LORD: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. 6 And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook.

 

Faith Is

By George Thurlow

 

Sea walking without a life jacket,*

Sound sleep in a lion's den,

Building an ark out in the desert,

Crossing the sea upon dry land.

 

It's an axe head floating to the surface,

Bodies rising from the dead,

A ninety year old mother,

A prophet raven fed.

 

Faith is a trusting father

Whose son would sacrifice,

Knowing God is faithful

Would raise him back to life.

 

It's trusting in a Savior

Who died upon a cross,

That His Blood will save us,

So our souls won't suffer loss.

 

* Poem based on a sermon by my Pastor

Rev. M.L.Mitchell

Faith Lighthouse Assembly of God

Old Orchard Beach, Maine

2 Kings 6:4-7

⁴ So he went with them. And when they came to Jordan, they cut down wood.
⁵ But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed.
⁶ And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim.
⁷ Therefore said he, Take it up to thee. And he put out his hand, and took it.
 



Come On Home To Jesus

Come On Home To Jesus

By George Thurlow

 

Come on home to Jesus

His arms are open wide.

All those who tripped and fallen

And on a downhill slide.

 

It's not too late to come home

His Blood will still apply.

The door of the ark's still open

Hurry up and get inside.

 

Dash on home to Jesus

 While on this side of death.

Get you sin debts settled

While you still have breath.

 

It's not too late to come home

To be cleansed and start anew.

Return unto the Shepherd's fold

He will welcome you.

 

Rush on home to Jesus

The trumpet soon will sound.

Get your life in order

So you can leave the ground.

 

 

  



 

Luke 15:7 

I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

 

Luke 15:10

Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

 
I was lying in bed just before midnight 8/3/15 into 8/4/15 and the Holy Spirit brought to mind faces of some brothers and sisters that have strayed away from the Lord. I felt the urgency to pray for these individuals. As I did so, the words "Come on home to Jesus" kept coming to me as well as the first stanza of this poem. So I got up and finished the remainder of the poem.

Shrinking In His Presence

 

Shrinking In His Presence

By George Thurlow

 

Focusing on your troubles,

Telling tales of woe

Are the water and fertilizer

That make your problems grow.

 

Difficulties flourish

When heed is given them:

In your eyes they start to blossom

Appearing all so grim.

 

But when your eyes are fixed on Jesus

How those circumstances shrink.

He's much greater in comparison

And they're much smaller than you think.


2 Corinthians 5:7
⁷ (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 

The Day After

 

 

The Day After

By George Thurlow

 

In the stillness of Monday morning

Only crickets now are heard.

The church sits quiet and empty

After worship, praise and Word.

 

But still I hear the preaching,

Those mighty words of faith.

The voices raised in worship

Still echo in this place.

 

Oh the miracles that were wrought here

 Only yesterday,

And the way the Spirit ministered

Will be felt for days and days.

 

The love of God's own people

Shown through warm embrace

Or a simple smile or handshake

And a radiant face.

 

What a glorious taste of heaven

All being one in You.

The "City" is drawing closer;

I'm getting a clearer, crisper view.

 

Even now I sense Your Presence;

It permeates this place.

So I'll take my station

Commune and seek Your face.

 

I'll pray the seeds sown Sunday

The enemy will not steal,

But will yield a bountiful harvest

That in time will be revealed.

 

A poem written early one Monday morning down at church as I was sprawled out in front of the altar spending time with the Lord in fellowship and prayer. It was a very peaceful September morning, and all I could hear were the sound of crickets outside. The services Sunday morning and evening were replaying in my mind as I reflected on what the Lord had done in this place the day before.

 

Photos of Faith Lighthouse Assembly of God

Old Orchard Beach, Maine

 



Closest To A Miracle

 

 

Closest To A Miracle

By George Thurlow

 

Your closest to a miracle

At the darkest hour;

For the tide is sure to turn

When things are seeming sour.

 

When things become impossible

Beyond the ability of man

God steps in to rescue

With His strong right hand.

 

When we quit our striving

And all our burdens lay,

God opens up a passage

And provides a way.

 

You're closer to a miracle

If in prayer prevail

For wondrous things will happen

Behind the heavenly veil.

 

Although we can not see it

With our natural eyes

Chariots are rolling

And the angels on the fly.

 

Heaven started moving

At the Lord's commnd.

There was a miracle in the making

When you knelt and raised your hands.

Exodus 14:13

    And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.

 



Light Dispels The Darkness

 

Light Dispels The Darkness

By George Thurlow

 

No matter how tough the battle

Keep this in mind,

Light dispels the darkness

Each and every time.

 

The devil would try to fool you

As if he had the upper hand;

 Cause you to fret and worry,

Bury your head deep in the sand.

 

He would keep you in an uproar

And tinker with your mind,

Till it's confused and spinning

Spiritual sight now nearly blind.

 

Every tactic in the book

On you He longs to fling,

Till you're broken and defeated

Useless for the King.

 

Although he does have power

There's One mightier than he,

And His Blood flows through us

Defeated we need not be.

 

For the light within us

Will always dispel the dark,

If we keep walking in the Spirit

And cling to the solid rock.

 

Make no room for the devil.

Just keep him in his place

With warfare down on bended knees

With the Savior face to face.

 

We'll always be the conqueror

When abiding in the vine

For light defeats the darkness

Each and every time. *

 

 

This poem was inspired by Rev. M.L. Mitchell's comment during the evening service 1/24/99,

"light defeats the darkness every time".

Faith Lighthouse Assembly of God

Old Orchard Beach, Maine

 

He Won't Pass You By

 

He Won't Pass You By

By George Thurlow

 

Call upon the Savior's name;

He won't pass you by.

Reach out and touch the Master's hand,

He'll surely hear your cries.

 

There's not a soul beyond His reach

Or a place His love won't go.

In the darkest crevice of a heart

His precious Blood can flow.

 

Nary a sin will shock Him

Or make Him turn His head.

That's why He went to Calvary

In your place instead.

 

He seeks out the lonely

And the forgotten of this earth;

The sad and brokenhearted

Thought to have no worth.

 

He walks through the cells of prisons

Seeking the vilest men of all:

Washing away the dirt and filth

Of those who heed His call.

 

He's present in the nursing home

And visits the infirmed.

In mercy offers another chance

To accept the one they spurned.

 

He wanders through infirmaries,

 Visits those confined to home:

Gives comfort and assurance

That they are not alone.

 

He has mercy on the homeless,

Cold and hungry on the street.

He offers Himself to everyone

Even you, your soul He seeks.

 

 Call upon the name of Jesus

He'll surely hear your cry.

His arms are open wide for you

For all your sins He died.

Romans 10:9-10
⁹ That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
¹⁰ For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Romans 10:13
¹³ For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.