The First and The Last
Sophie - March 25, 2009
If you've ever sat under Priscilla Shirer's teaching, you've probably heard her recite a powerful poem about the character of God. I heard it for the first time at Deeper Still in Nashville, and I've often wondered if there was a written copy somewhere.
A few months ago we used Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed: A Study of David (which was filmed at Deeper Still Nashville) in our Bible study, and once the ladies in our group heard Priscilla recite that same poem, my sweet friend Mary Jo looked at me and said, "You HAVE to find a copy of that."
So, four months later, here it is. I am obviously VERY prompt and organized.
Regardless, I'm tickled to have a copy now. I found it on Priscilla Shirer's website, and the author is unknown.
As my pastor would say: it'll preach.
He is the First and Last,
The Beginning and the End!
He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all!
He is the Architect of the universe and the Manager of all times.
He always was,
He always is, and He always will be...
Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone!
He was bruised and brought healing!
He was pierced and eased pain!
He was persecuted and brought freedom!
He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power!
He reigns and brings Peace!
The world can't understand him,
The armies can't defeat Him,
The schools can't explain Him,
and The leaders can't ignore Him.
Herod couldn't kill Him,
The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him,
and The people couldn't hold Him!
Nero couldn't crush Him,
Hitler couldn't silence Him,
The New Age can't replace Him,
and Oprah can't explain Him away!
He is light, love, longevity, and Lord.
He is goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.
He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure.
His ways are right,
His word is eternal,
His will is unchanging,
and His mind is on me.
He is my Savior,
He is my guide, and
He is my peace!
He is my Joy,
He is my comfort,
He is my Lord, and
He rules my life!
I serve Him because
His bond is love,
His burden is light,
and His goal for me is abundant life.
I follow Him because
He is the wisdom of the wise,
the power of the powerful,
the ancient of days,
the ruler of rulers,
the leader of leaders,
the overseer of the overcomers,
and is to come.
And if that seems impressive to you,
try this on for size.
His goal is a relationship with ME!
He will never leave me,
never forsake me,
never mislead me,
never forget me,
never overlook me,
and never cancel my appointment in His
appointment book!
When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I! fail, He forgives!
When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!
When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am blind, He leads me!
When I am hungry, He feeds me!
When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face Death, He carries me Home!
He is everything for everybody everywhere, every time, and every way.
He is God, He is faithful.
I am His, and He is mine!
My Father in heaven can whip the father of this world.
So, if you're wondering why I feel so secure, understand this...
He said it and that settles it.
God is in control,
I am on His side,
and that means all is well with my soul.
Everyday is a blessing for GOD Is!
Melanie
Melanie
Sophie
Sophie
Pam
Pam
Paige
Paige
Kris
Kris
Comments (7)
Amen!
Posted on March 26, 2009 8:44 AM
This reminds me of a message by SM Lockridge. It gives me chills every time I hear it. There are various recordings of it on the net, but IgniterMedia used it to create a great sermon illustration - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upGCMl_b0n4. One of my favorite parts is when he says, “I wish I could describe Him to you!”
Posted on March 26, 2009 10:51 AM
“It’ll preach” is an understatement! I do believe I just had church right here at my desk!
What a fabulous reminder of exactly who is in control when the world we live in is turned upside down as it is now.
Posted on March 26, 2009 11:18 AM
I first heard that years ago at a children’s pastor’s conference, and the voice doing is was POWERFUL. I can still hear it in my head. I’d love to find that version again. It had pictures along with it. I was there in Nashville when Priscilla shared it, too, and it was amazing.
Posted on March 26, 2009 8:26 PM
I was at that Deeper Still, and am so glad to have the poem. Thanks so much for sharing it. Very powerful and true!
Posted on March 30, 2009 7:03 AM
We’re doing this study in my Women’s Bible Study group and when Priscilla recited that poem tears filled my eyes. What a mighty God we serve!
Posted on April 2, 2009 8:27 PM
Sophie, i heard Pricilla share this during Deeper Still Atlanta, Lord knows i went deeper still! i looked for a copy then, found it, saved it (somewhere) misplaced it and now that i want to use it for the ‘Believing God’ group i’m leading i search and find it here.
i am having church tonight with another trio, Father, Son and Holy Spirit! Whew!!
God bless you, your organizational skills and prompt delivery of this awesome message.
tammy All good things in Gods time :)
Posted on September 19, 2009 8:31 PM