What Have I Earned?

Lord I heard the question "What Have I Earned?" today,
as though earning something was significant in some way.

Have I earned an allowance this week,
have I earned the approval for which I seek?

Have I earned respect from another this day,
as though that makes me important in some way?

I've thought it over and there are things I'd like to
earn too,
I like to earn more souls coming home to you.

I'd like to earn people's trust in what I have to say,
so they no longer wish to go astray.

I'd like to earn the attention they now spend on sin,
telling them you are knocking and want to come in.

I'd like to earn the right to be heard as I speak,
teaching others there's truth if only they'll seek.

I'd like to earn enough money to feed those who hunger
and thirst,
but of course I'd pay my tithe and offerings first.

I'd like to earn a reputation of Honor and Glory,
for sharing with others your salvation story.

Then I could gratefully hand it all over to you,
surrendering what is of course your just due.

Instead what I have earned is death and eternal loss,
but what I will have was paid for at great cost.

If what I have earned is what were being given to me,
eternal life I would never be allowed to see.

If what I have earned were not wiped out by my Savior,
I'd burn in Hell for my sinful behavior.

Thank You Father that what we have earned need not be,
salvation is offered to all men from Thee!
by Barbara Philbrook

Life's Tests

When I have left this life with which I've been blessed,
may it be said that I've passed the tests.

The test of friendship, may I have been strong and true,
always being there when needed by you.

The test of faith, may I have recieved and used it wisely,
believing though not seeing the things of which the Bible
advised me.

Have I loved others no matter how I was treated,
so that the enemy and his hurting ways were defeated?

The test of giving, was I as generous as I could be,
sharing the wealth God poured out on me?

The test of patience, was I able to wait without
frustration,
yet answering when called without hesitation?

Was I more than willing and anxious to do,
each and everything that the Lord wanted me to?

Was I there for my fellow man,
doing what God had assigned me in His great master plan?

Were my intentions what were expected of me,
or was I representing my God disparagingly?

I pray dear Father that I have brought no shame to You,
that I have willingly and honorably done all You intended
me to.

Lord if I have come up short of Your expectations,
I ask that You show me Your will by way of revelations.

Show me the things that You want me to do,
and then provide me the wisdom and strength to carry
them through.

Life's tests are measures of my contribution since birth,
may my existance be considered a life of worth.
by Barbara Philbrook

Eternal and Everlasting

Always was and will forever be,
that's what eternal and everlasting means you see.

Our God was how we all began.
He is the designer and creator of every man.

He made the world in which we live,
and 'twas He a second chance to us did give.

He devised and executed the salvation plan,
to pay for the sins of every man.

'Tis He who sent His precious Son to Earth,
to offer salvation to people of no worth.

'Tis He who answers our each and every prayer,
and reaches down to get us from the depth of despair.

Prayers may not be answered as we requested,
but that His knowledge is superior need not be tested.

We know He works all things for our good,
just as any loving caring Father would.

One day we'll all be going home for eternity,
to be with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit all three.

Eternal and everlasting terms beyond our conception,
but when we go Home we'll have a new perception.
by Barbara Philbrook

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