FOLLOW-UP TO “A TESTIMONY IN THREE PARTS”
Hebrews 10:23-24 (NAS) says, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds…“
When Jeff came to our Wednesday life group for corporate prayer, after his most recent cancer diagnosis, our “Family Strong,” as Jeff calls us, surrounded him, literally. He sat on the coffee table in our living room and became hidden in the fold of faithful followers who believe in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and believe in His Holy Word. We prayed “African-style,” as our host called it; and certainly, it is practiced worldwide. We huddled up and got to business in God’s presence – all at once!
The sound of prayer was like a gentle babbling brook, beseeching the Everlasting Father, the Great Physician, the Wonderful Counselor for Jeff’s strengthening, encouragement, and comfort. Each of us prayed quietly aloud to seek God’s face, God’s heart, God’s hand of healing over Jeff. And though we separated physically when the night ended, we’ve been gathered around him in prayer ever since. This is a journey, and none of us knows when it will lead him into the physical presence of Jesus. Yet every day online and in person, Jeff’s vibrant conviction and confidence in Christ breathe with life in the shadows of death.
While we’ve endeavored to “stimulate him with love and good deeds,” his pastor’s heart has been reviving our life group members and church family with faith, hope, and love. And one of the ways he does this is through poetry. Turn your eyes upon Jesus as you read Jeff’s words. May you also be strong and courageous in the Lord’s loving gaze when you face uncertainty. And please join our chorus of petitions for a miracle. His big family needs him here a good while longer.
BELIEVE
by Jeff Moore
Believe in Jesus, As we begin
Believe in Jesus, For we have sinned
Believe in Jesus, For He has died
Believe in Jesus, That’s why we cried
Believe in Jesus, For He will rise
Believe in Jesus, ’cause you will see
Believe in Jesus, He will set you free
COUNTING MY BLESSINGS
by Jeff Moore
There are days that I do struggle,
I know there can be nothing but trouble,
When I seek out Jesus now,
He shows me this is the way and how
He says, “Knock and seek Me out,”
I will tell you what it is all about
Stay with Me and you will see,
This is the life that truly can be
So understand that Jesus is for real,
It is His love that you can feel
Take this as all of life’s lessons,
Thank you Jesus, I am counting my blessings
A BLIND MAN
by Jeff Moore
Jesus saw what We did not see
The Love of His Father Is for you and for me
If you so choose To turn your cheek
Life without Jesus Can truly be bleak
So open your eyes And see if you can
Do not lose sight And become a Blind Man
LIVE TO FIGHT ANOTHER DAY
by Jeff Moore
I wake in the morning to see where I will be,
The Lord says, “This is what you can do for Me”
Sometimes I think this day could be trouble,
He says, “There is no real need to struggle”
It’s days like these I can’t really afford,
Give your burdens to God
and He will fight with His mighty sword
So even if you may have any doubt,
Turn to Christ and He will help you out
Trust in His Son Jesus and follow His ways,
Believe and live to fight another day