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.

December 20, 2009                                  Today   Today is the day that you've been searching for. . . A day that you have never lived before.   Opportunities abound for you today. . . Opportunities for good or bad, but you choose the way.   So focus on the things that are important to you. . . Then you'll be surprised by all the good that you can do.   Tell someone you love them - it doesn't cost a thing. . . And a bit of encouragement will be what you bring.   People are hurting if you look around. . . And your words of inspiration will be a happy sound.   So lift your head and focus on living. . . And a good example will be what you're giving.   Jesus loves you, this you know. . . Share Him with others wherever you go.   Today is a gift created for you. . . And just by being the best you, will be the greatest thing that you can do.                                                          T.K. <><   "This is the day 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.

December 13, 2009                                              Praising God   We Christians need to have a thankful heart and praise God throughout the day. . . We need not grumble or complain when things don't go our way.   We need to be an example to those who watch how we live. . . A good example is something we should strive to give.   Criticizing and complaining, some of us do it very well. . . The good things we very seldom tell.   If you want to make a difference then praise the good today. . . Start by praising God - that will be the excellent way.                                                          T.K. <><   "Do everything without complaining or arguing." Philippians 2:14   May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

December 6, 2009                                                 The Tongue   I know some silent people whose praises should be sung. . . They preach a mighty sermon by guarding well their tongue.   They listen very attentive to every word I say. . . They never criticize or complain because that seems to be their way.   I wish I could be more like them and choose my words aright. . . Then I would not lie in bed and worry and toss and turn all night.   My friends have taught me a lesson every time I see them now. . . I see their great restraint and always wonder how.   Our words are powerful and can cut us to the heart. . . Lord, put a bridle on my tongue - I know that's a good place to start.   I know some silent people whose praises should be sung. . . They preach a mighty sermon by guarding well their tongue.                                                     T.K. <><   "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." James 1:19   May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

November 29, 2009                                   God's Plan   Each of us has been made to serve God in some unique way. . . And with His help we can arise, go forth and seize the day.   Some long to feed the poor. . . Others enjoy repairing a broken down door.   The longings of your heart is a special sign from God. . . Accept them and don't consider them odd.   Our Lord is not going to ask you to do something that you are not created to do. . . Therefore, the desires of your heart can be the true expression of you.   God's plan and our pleasures meet at a point in our heart. . . And the fulfillment of a useful life is found in doing our part.   So when you feel strange stirrings in your heart, please don't run and hide. . . Just call upon the Lord and He'll be your heart's guide.                                                                T.K. <><   "Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." I Corinthians 15:58   May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

November 22, 2009                              Look At You   Help me, Oh Lord, to live my life so people clearly see. . . Reflections of your loving heart that now resides in me.   Let others see the changes that You have brought my way. . . Let them see that You now fill up my day.   It's not so much what I say, but more of what I do. . . My actions are what make people look at You.   Help me Lord, to live my life so people clearly see. . . Reflections of your loving heart that now resides in me.                                                    T.K. <><   "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." James 2:26   May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

November 15, 2009                                          Thank You   As I come before you today Father I want to thank you for my life. . . You have given me so many blessings and topped it off with a wonderful wife.   I think you for the kids and grand kids and the memories that we build each day. . . And the fun of watching them as they grow and play.   I think you for my job and the privilege to serve each day. . . And I'm also thankful for the problems that make me stop and pray.   Thank you for the love in our home and the roof above our heads. . . Thank you for our daily bread and the comfort of our beds.   I thank you for my friends and the phone that often rings. . . And for the tears we cry and the joy that laughter often brings.   I thank you for my family's love and the way we sometimes sit and talk. . . And for the simple games we can play or have a picnic or take a walk.   It's good to be thankful for the little things that make up each day. . . For that is where we find your love and the wonders of your way.   Thank you for the memories that life has brought my way. . . And thank you for the blessing of knowing that I am your child each and every day.                                                                 T.K. <><   "It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High." Psalm 92:1   May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

November 1, 2009                                       Sow A Seed   We represent the Lord in the market place each day. . . So we should know what God’s word has to say.   A door may open and you’ll sow a seed. . . Or there might be an opportunity to do a good deed.   We’re ambassadors for Christ 24 hours a day. . . And that includes everything from work to play.   So know God’s word so you can sow that seed. . . And keep an eye open to do a good deed.   At work, at play or in the home too. . . There is a special work Jesus wants you to do.   So sow your seeds and let the harvest come. . . Because every seed produces some.                                                   T.K. <><   ”Then He told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed.”  Matthew 13:3   May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

October 25, 2009                                 Ripples   If you cast a stone into the lake of life, on a starless night. . . Will the ripples be seen or will they be out of sight?   They may not be seen, but they will be felt on shore. . . And making ripples is what God has us here for.   We're part of His church that meets spiritual needs. . . And we're influencing others with or without our deeds.   We need each other to be part of the whole. . . And by working together we'll meet our goal.   So for the cause of Christ make a ripple today. . . And do it on the shore of life and along your way.                                            T.K. <><   "Glorify the Lord with me; Let us exalt His name together." Psalm 34:3   May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

October 18, 2009                                       Did You Know?   Did you know that the one who feeds the birds cares even more for you . . . And the one who clothes the flowers is your provider too?   Did you know that the one who created the universe also created you. . . And thinks that you are special and dearly loves you?   Did you know that God created this day just for you. . . And there are special things that He would like for you to do?   Did you know that God has special plans He wants to share with you. . . Plans to help you do what you do?   Did you know that God is by your side right now. . . WOW!                                                  T.K. <><   "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." Jeremiah 33:3   May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

October 4, 2009                                                                 No More   Forgive and forget is one of the best things we can do. . . This simple practice will make a spiritually healthy you.   We all encounter hurts and pain as we go along life's way. . . But it's best to remember the kindnesses given day by day.   A hurt can make you bitter and take your health away. . . But forgiveness can make you better and bring joy to your day.   Forgive and forget is the best way to live. . . And those who do, find blessings that only God can give.   So remember those hurts no more. . . Because that's what forgiveness is for.                                      T.K. <><   "Joseph named his first born Manasseh and said, "It is because God has made me forget all my trouble. . ." Genesis 41:51   May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

September 27, 2009                                 Where You Are!   Sometimes we sit and wait for some great deed that we may do. . . Hoping for something that will inspire and motivate you.   I guess we have that great desire to shine a light that will travel far. . . That would be nice, but we can brighten the corner where we are.   Greet every person you meet with a lively smile. . . A sincere smile can be effective for a country mile.   That person down the street who is always sour and dour. . . Why not make an appointment and give them a leisurely hour.   It would be nice to make a difference that reaches wide and far. . . But brothers and sisters, just brighten the corner where you are!                                                      T.K. <><   "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light" Ephesians 5:8   May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

September 20, 2009                              That's All   Some day He's coming back and it won't be long. . . And He'll fill our heart with a brand new song.   We'll be ready, you can count on that. . . Where He is, is where we want to be at.   We've had it easy compared to some. . . Nevertheless, we're still anxious for Him to come.   Things in this world are happening at a frantic rate. . . And the dawn of each morning could be that date.   He's coming back for you and me. . . Those heavenly mansions He wants us to see.   It won't be long, then we'll hear the call. . . Then it's curtains and that's all.                                                  T.K. <><   "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." John 14:3   May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

September 13, 2009                        Pause and Pray   I sat and wondered what I did for God today. . . Did I once take time to pause and pray?   I can find and serve Him in many ways. . . Because life is made of ordinary days.   The sun came up and went down too. . . Another perfect day made for me and you.   We were not looking for God, but He was looking for us. . . Remember the smile on the face of that child we saw on the bus?   Small things, big things; they're all there. . . God's efforts to show His care.   Did you do anything for God today? Why not just pause and pray.                                     T.K. <><   "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. . ." James 4:8   May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

August 30, 2009                              Doing Good Deeds   Thank you for taking the time to send me the thoughtful note. . . The words were comforting that you wrote.   I know that each word was prayerfully spoken. . . Because they soothed a heart that was nearly broken.   What you did was not in vain. . . It helped me in my time of pain.   Let us keep our eyes and ears open to those in need each day. . . Blessings received, and then blessing others are blessings to repay.   All around us we can meet plenty of needs. . . We can show a lot of kindness by doing good deeds.                                               T.K. <><   "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:4   May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

August 23, 2009                              This Troubled Day   A relationship with God is special you know. . . Because He goes with you wherever you go.   He gives you that inner peace which is a prize to hold. . . And He brings you blessings that are surprising to behold.   Prayer and the Bible make Him come alive. . . With God in control you're along for the ride.   We all face challenges each and every day. . . And if we're smart, we'll rely on the One who is the way.   So, trust in the Lord, let Him lead the way. . . It's the best way to live in this troubled day.                                                T.K. <><   "Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture." Psalm 37:3   May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

August 16, 2009                               Our Walk   Our actions and our words must support what we do. . . Action oriented Christians should be the picture of me and you.   The world would rather see a Christian than hear one merely talk. . . They would rather see their actions and behold their daily walk.   We can talk a good game and all seems well. . . But a discerning eye can always tell.   It's not what you say that grips my heart. . . It's the how and what you do that's the most important part.   Let me watch you for a day or two. . . Your actions will give me an accurate picture of the real you.   So before you talk, dot all your i's. . . Your Christian walk is being observed by interested eyes.                                                     T.K. <><   "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20   May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

August 9, 2009                            God's Word   God's word can heal and bring comfort to one's soul. . . It can also restore a broken life and make one whole.   God's word is a comfort food for the hungry soul. . . Restoring peace and making one whole.   You find promises, reminders and challenges too. . . God's word even imparts knowledge to you.   God's word is powerful; it can change your walk. . . And as it works in your heart, it can effect even the way you talk.   God's word is so powerful it can restore your soul. . . It can cleanse your heart and make you whole.   So, hide God's word deep within your heart. . . You do the hiding and God will do His part.                                        T.K.. <><   "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Hebrews 4:12   May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

August 2, 2009                                  Time   The gift of time is something we all share each day. . . A gift from God we can use either for work or play.   Time spent with God has a sweetness of it's own. . . And these seeds of righteousness have unique fulfillment when they're sown.   Twenty-four hours, seven days per week. . . Precious moments with God that we can keep.   A time to live and a time to give. . . And the more we give the more we live.   God gives us time to find His will. . . Then gives us time for His will to fulfill.   God is so good; what more can I say. . . God has given us the gift of time to use today.                                                T.K. <><   "The command to Fear God is coordinate with the command to keep his commandments, indicating that true reverence toward God is to be manifested by obedience to Him, for this is the whole duty of man." Ecclesiastes 12:13   May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

July 26, 2009                                Anger Sometimes anger appears unwanted in our heart. . . And the poison it brings doesn't seem to want to depart.   It appears from out of the blue and bursts into the mind. . . And changes our attitudes that used to be kind.   It can affect everything you think and do. . . Anger can be a destructive emotion that can destroy you.   The state of our heart we need to guard each day. . . By carefully guarding our heart we can keep a lot of misery from coming our way.   Sour moods bring misery and gloom. . . And with poison in our system it's hard to bloom.   So guard your heart with diligence each day. . . And better moods will guide your way.                                                     T.K. <><   "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Proverbs 4:23   May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

July 19, 2009                                   Share The Word   Spread the gospel and share the word. . . The good news many have never heard.   A beam of light for those searching for a ray of hope. . . A life line for brothers and sisters trying to hold on and cope.   So we spread the gospel and share the word. . . The good news must be heard.   A beam of light to a darken soul. . . Introducing Jesus to the hopeless is our goal.   Spread the gospel share the word. . . So many in a hurting word have never heard.                                                 T.K. <><   "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes" Romans 1:16   May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

July 12, 2009                          Power And Authority   The man who lived in the tomb was a scary sight. . . He ranted and raved both day and night.   People were afraid to go where he was. . . Then Jesus healed him and that's the buzz.   There were a bunch of pigs grazing on the hill. . . And into the water they took a tumbling spill.   Jesus healed the man who struck fear into the heart. . . Then he wanted to stay with Jesus and not depart.   Jesus gave him a ministry and away he went. . . Praising Jesus where he was sent.   Changing lives is what Jesus does so well. . . A new life history that others will tell.   Power and authority, Jesus has it all. . . And changing lives - that's His call.   No matter the problem Jesus knows what's best. . . And all that chaos could be just a test.   Be part of the team that does what's good. . . And what you can't, you know He could.                                              T.K. <><   "So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed." Mark 5:20   May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

July 5, 2009                            The Biggest Smile   We live in a darken world and there is not a lot of light to see. . . But we are Jesus' lights and He is counting on you and me.   We must decide and then He does all the rest. . . Making the decision is our biggest test.   As a child of the King we've been gifted you know. . . You have a special gift that He wants to show.   So make your decision and join the race. . . And the biggest smile will be on Jesus' face.   There are mountains to climb and races to run. . . And shining the light for Jesus is tons of fun.   So shine your light as you run your race. . . And put a smile on Jesus' face.                                                     T.K. <><   "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid." Matthew 5:14   May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

June 28, 2009                                  Your Load   The fast race to nowhere we've all been down that road. . . Our emotional shoulders are stooped from carrying the load.   There were places to go and things to do. . . And there were challenging experiences - some old, some new.   We were looking ahead as we eyed tomorrow. . . For some, tomorrow arrived and brought nothing but sorrow.   Inner peace is a special gift from God. . . If you don't have it, then that thought may seem odd.   When you know the King, He makes all things right. . . You may stray but you'll never be out of His sight.   Walking out of the fog and into the light. . . The light of the world can light up your night.   The fast race to nowhere we've all been down that road. . . Jesus is your friend who wants to carry your load.                                              T.K. <><   "Come unto me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28   May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

June 21, 2009                           Yes Indeed!   Good news, bad news, we've heard it all before. . . If there is good news, brother, I want to hear more.   Newspapers, radios and TV's too. . . It seems like their goal is to depress me and you.   I read the end of the Bible and found out who won this game. . . And now my view of the news will never be the same.   The bad news now I understand its source. . . God's in control and He controls the course.   There are certain boundaries that man can not exceed. . . God has the final word - Yes indeed!   So trust in the Lord and let Him get you through. . . If you're on His team, He's got a plan for you.                                       T.K. <><   "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3: 5,6   May the Lord use this Spirit Lifter to lift your spirits, encourage your heart, build your faith and brighten your day.

June 14, 2009                         Power And Authority   The man who lived in the tomb was a scary sight. . . He ranted and raved both day and night.   People were afraid to go where he was. . . Then Jesus healed him and that's the buzz.