Spirit Lifters from Tom Kesting
Tom Kesting grew up in Bluefield and attended Bluefield High School.  He played football and was on the team that won Bluefield's first State Championship in 1959.  Tom graduated from BHS in 1961. He attended West Virginia University and played football for the Mountaineers.

 

Tom has been working for In Touch Ministries in Atlanta, Georgia for the past 14 years.  He is a husband, father and grandfather.
Tom resides in Lilburn, Georgia.

May God Bless Tom and his wife Gloria for their continued interest in the ministries of the Bluefield Union Mission.

May 21, 2011 The Angels   Whom you trust makes your faith seem real or not. . . And big or small your faith will show when the issues of life get hot.   Our acts of faith all add up as we live each day. . . And a penny’s worth of faith can make a difference in a big way.   A mustard seed is not very big at all. . . But that tiny speck of faith will make a bent man stand tall. So grasp the faith in the tiny seed. . . And follow your Master whenever He wants to lead.   Life can be rewarding when you’re walking with the King. . . And your faith will be growing as the angels watch and sing.   T.K. <><   "For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways." Psalm 91:11 May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

May 14, 2011   Frowns   I saw a lot of frowns today on a lot of tired and weary faces. . . And it’s not confined to just one locale – you find it in many places.   People are looking for a solution that will free them from their stress. . . And a lot of frowns are caused by lives that are a mess.   Isaiah gave a promise that most of us don’t know. . . A promise that is welcome wherever you might go.   There is nothing like a perfect peace to chase weary frowns away. . . And by trusting in the Shepherd you’ll have less stress in your day.   T.K. <><   "You Lord, give true peace to those who depend on you." Isaiah 26:3 May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

May 8, 2011 Mothers   We all have gifts that bring a smile to our face. . . But a mother is a gift that was given from God’s grace. For 9 long months a mother and child share a bond that is so neat. . . And on the graduation day the emotions run sweet. There is a certain joy that only mothers can give. . . And there is a special wisdom she impacts to help a struggling child live. When God made mothers He threw away the mold. . . And when God created mothers He created them loving and bold. We honor you mothers for the blessing you are. . . Without your guidance, our society wouldn’t get very far. T.K. <>< "Honor thy father and thy mother, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee." Deuteronomy 5:16 May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

April 30, 2011                                         Your Call   The days of creation must have exhibited some incredible sights. . . Suns, moons, planets, days and nights. Mountains and rivers and canyons too. . . And while God was creating, He was thinking of me and you. The hippo waddled and the camel got lumps. . . And the frog croaks and some have lumps. Man was given something different from all the rest. . . The gift of choice was saved for the best. In the beginning before there was time. . . God planned it all and said, “It would be fine.” Jesus is the artist who planned it all. . . And He eagerly stands at the heart’s door waiting for your call.                                                           T.K. <><   “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hears my voice, and opens the door, I will come into him and will sup with him, and he with Me.”  Revelations 3:20   May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

April 24, 2011                                       Make A Difference   You don’t have to be a doctor or a lawyer or a successful business man. . . All it requires is a decision to take a stand. You can make a big difference wherever you are. . . Just humble yourself and pray for those near and far. A neighbor, a loved one or someone you don’t know. . . Just pray for people wherever you go. Maybe you’ll see a difference in a life in a day or two. . . When you pray for someone there is eternal significance in what you do. So make a difference and commit to pray. . . And your prayers will make difference in some life today. Family or foe they need Who you know. . . That’s what makes praying so exciting wherever you go. You may be sowing seeds that others might reap. . . This is one of Jesus’ commands that’s easy to keep. So make that decision and take that stand. . . Pray for that doctor, that lawyer or that successful business man.                                                            T.K. <><   “. . .Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He would send forth laborers into the harvest.”  Luke 10:2   May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

April 16, 2011                                         Knots   When life gets filled with knots, sometimes they are hard to untie. . . Life and living become complicated and you feel like you want to die. For untying knots you need a practical plan. . . A plan to aid you and help you take a stand. We can always find problems wherever we go. . . But the solution is what you really want to know. Mary, the mother of Jesus showed us what to do. . . Give the knots to Jesus, He’ll untie them for you. From the wedding feast we take our cue. . . Giving our knots to Jesus is what He wants us to do.                                                   T.K. <><   “His mother saith unto the servants, whatsoever He saith unto you, do it.” John 2:5 May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

April 9, 2011                                         Faults   If I am honest, the faults I see in others is a true reflection of me. . . Oh Lord, help me to recognize my own hypocrisy. Sometimes it’s easy to point at others and see all the bad that is. . . But we must be loving and forgiving because we one of His. I have plenty of faults that are plain for all to see. . . And all I can say is be patient and forgiving of me. I am a work in progress and there are still a lot of loose ends. . . A lot of rough miles – a lot of sins. We can’t give up because there is a long way to go. . . And I am still discovering faults I didn’t even know.                                                 T.K. <><   “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. “ Philippians 1:6 May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

April 2, 2011                                                   A Mission   Meaning and purpose is a warrior’s delight. . . And pursuing God’s will makes living just right. The gift you were given may be an answer to prayer. . . For a reason and purpose God may have you there. At work or in school you’re part of His plan. . . And He’s on the side lines cheering as a fan. So take your calling and live confidently today. . . God has a mission He is sending your way.                                                 T.K. <><   “Being confident of this very thing, that he which had begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”  Philippians 1:6   May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

March 26, 2011                      Made It Right   I love the treasures of a crystal snow. . . And all those wonders that nature can show. You see a mighty Maker’s hand. . . A lot of love and wisdom planned. But some eyes are blind and see not the sights. . . They live in darkness and endless nights. The light that shines was meant for all. . . The beauty of creation is our Master’s call. Creation is God’s wake up call. . . The blessing and wonder for us all. So enjoy each sight from both day and night. . . God made it all and He made it right.                                         T.K. <>< “For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.” Romans 1:20   May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

March 19, 2011                                                     Be A Friend   Many have gone outside to find a friend, but could not find one there. . . Some have gone outside to be a friend and found friends everywhere.   Many people you meet are hurting in so many ways. . . For some pain and suffering fill up their days.   You can be a doctor of sorts as you fill the role you play. . . Bringing words of cheer and encouragement as you pass along the way.   A smile will bring great joy too. . . And what could be better than a hug from you.   So be a friend to someone and sow some seeds of love. . . Remember that Jesus is smiling as He watches from above.                                                               T.K. <><   “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17   May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

March 12, 2011                                                   The Answer   In an underground vault in Iceland is the best place to watch the news. . . Watching it in your own home only tends to blow a fuse.   Inner peace is hard to find. . . And harmony between brothers is on the decline.   So what’s the answer for the shape we’re in? . . . Jesus! Only He can straighten out mixed up men.   You pray for me and I’ll pray for you. . . And we’ll trust in Jesus and see what He can do.   This time next year we’ll meet again. . . And hopefully, we’ll be Jesus loving straighten out men.                                                               T.K. <><   “Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.” II Corinthians 5:17   May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

March 5, 2011                                     Giants   We all face a Goliath ever now and then. . . Some by surprise and some because of sin.   When a Goliath enters your life your joy will fade away. . . A Goliath in your life can dominate your day.   Like oak wilt on the family tree you’re down in the dumps. . . From morning, noon and night you learn to take your lumps.   He’s the bully of the valley and as tough a $3.00 steak. . . And he’s there to taunt us as every time we make a mistake.   Giants will always lurk in our neighborhoods what more can I say. . . So just focus on Jesus and watch those Giants run away.   Pick your stones and prepare your sling. . . And after your victory, you’ll want to sing.                                                   T.K. <><   “In my troubles I pled with God to help me and He did.” Psalm 20:1 May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

February 26, 2011                                                                  Your Boat   You have a boat that Jesus wants to use. . . He wants to use your boat to spread the good news.   Your boat is your life and all that you do. . . He wants to reach others as He lives through you.   Your talents and your gifts and even where you live. . . Jesus sailing your boat and the opportunity to give.   So hoist up your sails and welcome the Captain aboard. . . Your boat has new meaning when Jesus is your Lord.                                                               T.K. <><   “And He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and He asked him to put out a little from shore.  Then He sat down and taught the people from the boat.”    Luke 5:3   May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

February 19, 2011                                                   Great Glory   When Jesus first came to live upon the Earth, humble was His story. . . But He has promised to return with great power and great glory.   Reading signs is not necessarily easy for us Christians to do. . . But Jesus gave us signs to read before He comes back to get me and you.   Let us open wide our eyes. . . After all, Jesus’ arrival – let it not catch us by surprise.   Remember when Jesus first came to live upon this Earth, humble was His story. . . But when He returns, He’ll come with great power and great glory.                                                                           T.K. <><   He told His disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.” Matthew 28:18   May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

February 12, 2011                         Always Remember   Knitted together is the way we were made. . . Made to meet the Creator’s grade.   Each personality thread was tenderly laid. . . As the Artist painted with the perfect shade.   Like a composer He gave each one the exact chord. . . And our bright personality is our reward.   Each creation is different – no two are alike. . . Some like walking while others enjoy riding a bike.   There is a reason for this and I am sure you’re aware. . . Since we’re all different it’s easier to share.   So study your knitting and give living your best. . . And always remember you were created differently from all the rest.                                                                                       T.K. <><   “I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well.”  Psalm 139:14   May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

February 5, 2011                                                   Changing   Lord, I’d like to make a difference in the world around me, but I don’t know what to do. . The leadership and motivation – it’s all got to come from you.   I am not a star or the dynamic personality type. . . I am just a humble person who wants to live life right.   I really would like to make a difference in the world around me. . . And being involved in the place you want me to be.   So lead me down the path that you want me to take. . . For a lot of life and living are always at stake.   The world around me needs changing, there’s no doubt about that. . . And in that changing process is where I long to be at.                                                                           T.K. <><   “Let your light so shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”  Matthew 5:16   May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

January 29, 2011                                  Thank God   It’s early morning and I am scanning the eastern sky. . . Today, I am an early morning guy.   In a matter of minutes God’s morning miracle will appear. . . From darkness to golden – a new day is here.   I love to watch God start a new day. . . The sun is out and it’s time to play.   Another miracle; another new day. . . He’s been doing it forever – that’s God’s way.   So I’ll scan the sky and watch the golden appear. . . Thank God. A new day is here!                                       T.K. <><   “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”  Psalm 118:24   May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day

January 22, 2011                         A Treasure   There is a treasure that we each should own. . . And this treasure is greater than a crown or a throne.   The treasure is a conscience clear. . . For it brings with it a sweet peace and inner cheer.   Good thoughts, good actions and peaceful hearts. . . From the author of life is where it all starts.   God's word will begin to set our conscience straight. . . As we learn to recognize Satan's bait.   There is a treasure that God wants you to own. . . And it will serve you better than a crown or a throne.   A conscience that is pure and clear. . . A treasure that will bring you sweet peace and cheer.   So use God's word to filter each deed. . . For God's word was given to meet our every need.                                           T.K. <><   "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword" Hebrews 4:12   May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

January 16, 2011                                          Words  The wise use of one’s tongue is a special gift you know. . . And the wrong words spoken can cause needless conflicts to grow.   Thoughts, feelings and opinions that are tossed carelessly into a crowd. . . Can crush a life because their perception is received so loud.   Guarding one’s lips is a hard thing to do. . . But as Christians it’s a practice that will be beneficial for me and you.   Words spoken wisely can give some one a great day. . . And a good practice before you speak is just stop and pray.   The words we speak can be sour or sweet. . . And words fitly spoken is an act we need to repeat.   So chose your words and chose them right. . . Words rightly spoken are always a delight.                                                   T.K. <><   “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.”  Proverbs 10:11

January 9, 2011                                God’s Love   God’s love is uncaused and spontaneous and flows like a spring. . . And God’s love in your life makes your heart sing.   He sees our potential and knows our plan. . . And He is really delighted when we finally understand.   He made us for purpose and He shines the light. . . And He stands by us when we struggle in the darkness of night.   But with the dawn and the sunrise there are new horizons to see. . . And God is still there encouraging you and me.   God’s love is uncaused and spontaneous you know. . . And He wants to go with us wherever we go.                                                      T.K. <><   “. . .And low I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”   Matthew 28:20 May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.