Spirit Lifters

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.

March 6, 2010

Trust

As we travel life’s highway day after day. . .

We soon learn that there are going to be obstacles along the way.

Every obstacle becomes a choice that puts us to the test. . .

And if we trust the Lord, He can help us choose the best.

So trust the Lord with all your heart. . .

And if you do that He’ll do His part.

There was a new year coming and now it’s here. . .

And with the Lord by our side, there’s nothing to fear.

The clouds on the horizon may look dark or gray. . .

But the Lord will be with us no matter what comes our way.

So trust in the Lord with all your heart. . .

If we do that, then He’ll do His part.

T.K. <><

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Psalm 3: 5-6

May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

February 27, 2010

Works of God

The sun is rising, a new day is here. . .

I hear the birds singing – it sounds like a cheer.

The sky is full of white clouds that are awesome to see. . .

These are the works of God that are close to me.

I hear the laughter of a child and I bubble inside. . .

I chase the wind and let my kite take a ride.

Someone gives me a smile and tells me how happy they are. . .

I loved catching lightening bugs and putting them in a jar.

I live a simple life, and for me it’s the way it should be. . .

And these are all works of God that are close to me.

Open your eyes and you too shall see. . .

The works of God the way He meant it to be.

T.K. <><

“Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burdens, The God who is our salvation.” Psalm 68:19

February 21, 2010

Life Has Meaning

If for the meaning of life is what you search. . .

Then take the first step and attend a church.

Sit quietly in a pew and don’t look around. . .

Pay attention to your heart and listen for that deep inner sound.

If you’re sincere God will speak to your heart. . .

And on a new adventure you’re about to start.

Life has meaning when God is there. . .

Because He’s always present and His fellowship you’ll share.

God puts meaning and adds color to our living. . .

And His encouragement and blessings He’s constantly giving.

So go to church and find new meaning there. . .

Sit in a pew and feel God’s care.

T.K. <><

. . . “I came that they may have life, and have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

February 14, 2010

He Gives

He gives me beauty for ashes and gold for my dross. . .

Joy for my sorrow and a crown for my cross.

He gives me peace for each heartache and a balm for my pain. . .

Sunshine for the shadows and a bow after the rain.

He gives me courage in the morning and strength throughout the day. . .

He protects me from evil and encourages me along the way.

He gives me food to eat and work to do. . .

Friends to enjoy and calms my heart when I’m down and blue.

He gives me answers to my prayers and forgives my sins. . .

And rejoices with me when my favorite team wins.

He gave me beauty for ashes and gold for my dross. . .

Joy for my sorrow and a crown for my cross.

He gave me peace for each heartache and a balm for my pain. . .

Sunshine for the shadows and a bow after the rain.

T.K. <><

“He who gives attention to the word will find good; and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.” Proverbs 16:20

May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

February 6, 2010

A Pinch of Faith

A pinch of faith is all you need as you launch out into this day. . .

A pinch of faith will bring a guiding light for your way.

Matthew recorded what the Master said. . .

The seventeenth chapter the twentieth verse needs to be read.

A pinch of faith can be big or small. . .

What you need is a pinch of faith, that’s all.

A mustard seed is a small little speck that’s hard to see. . .

But a pinch of faith will open doors for you and me.

Trouble and doubt may lay at your door. . .

So grab a pinch of faith – that’s what it’s for.

So use your faith and watch it grow. . .

And you’ll be a good example to others wherever you go.

A pinch of faith is what we need. . .

And with every pinch you plant a seed.

T.K. <><

And He said to them, “Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, “Move from there to there, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.” Matthew 17:20

May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

January 31, 2010

A Loving God

You are who you are for a reason grand and true. . .

A designer original is the best way to describe you.

Everything about you is part of a special plan. . .

And because of that you are called to be God’s unique woman or man.

The way you look and the personality that set’s you apart. . .

Are all confirmations that you were conceived in your Maker’s heart.

You parents were chosen no matter what we may say. . .

And we are alive now specifically for this time and day.

There are times when living is not easy you know. . .

But those times shape us and help us to grow.

The bending and shaping comes from the Master’s rod.. . .

And because of that you are who and what you are because there is a loving God.

You are a designer original and there is no one else like you. . .

You play an important part by all that you do.

So live your life and see all the good. . .

And that will be living the way you should.

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.

January 24, 2010

His Grace

When I became a Christian I knew there were things I couldn't do. . .

There were many things to me, that were brand new.

Patience, love and understanding were things I would desperately need. . .

Wisdom, faith and courage if I were to do a good deed.

I received the Holy Spirit and His presence showed upon my face. . .

Now praise be to God I am a recipient of His grace.

Prayer is the avenue that takes me to God's throne. . .

That is so encouraging because God doesn't want any of us to feel all alone.

Peace and joy are special gifts He sends us every day. . .

And I try to praise Him and thank Him as I go on my way.

I am part of God's team and I praise Him for His grace. . .

And that smile you see - He put it on my face.

He does it for one and all. . .

Because that's His special call.

T.K. <><

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: the old has gone, the new has come." 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.

January 17, 2010

He Gives

May God bless you and keep you and give you His love. . .

And may He prosper your labor with help from above.

May God put strength in your arms and His love in your soul. . .

His smile for your reward and His glory for your goal.

He puts the wind at our back and a smile on our face. . .

And word has it that we all have a mansion at His place.

He gives us air to breathe and a sun for our seasons. . .

And He meets all our needs for all the right reasons.

He loves this world and wants the best for each. . .

And no soul is ever beyond His reach.

May God bless you and keep you as He gives you His love. . .

As the heavenly host is cheering from above.

T.K. <><

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

January 10, 2010

In His Hands

My Heavenly Father is rich in houses and lands. . .

And He holds the wealth of the world in His hands.

Rubies and diamonds and silver and gold. . .

His coffers are full; He has riches untold.

When I have a need I don't worry or fret. . .

I tell the Lord and my needs are met.

When you're walking with God your needs are met. . .

You live by faith so you don't have to worry or fret.

There is always plenty when God fills my plate. . .

And the amazing thing is He's never late.

My Heavenly Father is rich in houses and lands. . .

He holds the wealth of the world in His strong hands.

There are rubies and diamonds and silver and gold. . .

His coffers are full - He has riches untold.

T.K. <><

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

January 3, 2010

Coast To Coast

It's the end of the year and it's time to review. . .

With the coming new year everything will be new.

It's time to set new goals and make new plans. . .

Hopefully we'll be heading towards new lands.

We want to reach out to the lost and educate the found. . .

And for many, the story of Jesus will be a new sound.

In every town there are opportunities galore. . .

There is a great spiritual hunger and people want to know more.

So let's do those things that will impact the most. . .

Let's share the gospel coast to coast.

We can each do it by the life we live. . .

The power comes from Jesus and He's eager to give.

T.K. <><

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Matthew 28:18-20

May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart,build your faith and brighten your day.

Spirit Lifters 2009
Spirit Lifters 2008