by Jason Kirk Bartley

Sometimes we’re offended at such small things,
when we have a misfortune,
or what the Christian walk brings,
trials and tribulations,
and sometimes bombardment and pain.
The disciples of Christ in the Bible were about the Lord’s business,
not living in vain.
They preached to everyone who would hear,
anyone who would listen or lend them an ear,
they were stoned and beaten,
thrown in prison for their actions,
come against by the evilest of factions,
they were mocked and ridiculed,
but continued all the same,
preaching and teaching in Jesus’s name.
Paul lost his head,
Peter was crucified upside down and left for dead.
The apostles couldn’t care less,
they’d not lose their soul or be in distress.
Teaching and preaching, they proclaimed God’s Holy Word to a world that was lost.
James was killed by Herod’s sword,
that was serving Jesus’s cost.
John was stranded on Patmos,
after escaping being boiled in hot oil alive,
avoiding death, he surely survived,
Jesus was beaten and crucified.
When life gets tough and you wonder if God does hear,
Remember you’re not alone,
Jesus is near.
He’s in the valleys and on the mountains.
He’s your strength when you cannot go on,
you’re preserved by the power of His only begotten Son.
Your soul He restores,
‘Till He’s ready to take.
Stand up for Jesus.
Church, be awake.

Jason Kirk Bartley is a Christian poet from Chillicothe, Ohio. He is 47 years old and married to Nila, his forever love. He has been published poems and won awards. Jason holds a Master’s degree in Ministry from Ohio Christian University in Circleville, Ohio.