Poetic Praises Poems of Inspiration and Praise by
Natasha Hammond
In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and he heard me (Ps. 120:1).
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Š 2010 Natasha Hammond. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author. First published by AuthorHouse 6/10/2010 ISBN: 978-1-4490-8854-5 (sc)
Printed in the United States of America Bloomington, Indiana This book is printed on acid-free paper.
About the Author My name is Natasha Hammond-Oliver, and I am a vessel of Christ. I was born on November 12, after 1970. My birthplace is Dayton, Ohio. I have lived here the majority of my life. I have had a passion for writing since about the fifth grade. I have always loved to write music, poetry, and essays of various types. It has always been natural for me to write at any given moment. There was never one specific thing that inspired me within sight, but it was the unseen from the heavens above that are within me, lighting a spiritual fire at God’s given moment. For years I kept under guardianship the gifting and passions that are inside of me. It was a secret I held close. Aside from writing, I am a dance teacher. I teach ballet, jazz, tap, and praise/worship. I work at an arts center here in Ohio and teach classes at a local YMCA. These jobs have been a blessing to me. Starting my own dance company is a blessing as well. The name of it is “Dancin’ with Praise.” My instructions are to travel to churches, daycares , schools, and art centers, teaching whatever style of dance they ask for in the name of Jesus. I use positive music and praise/worship music when teaching. Out of all the styles that I teach, my passion is definitely praise/worship. There is such a fulfilling purpose in seeing the children encouraged and enlightened spiritually when seeds are planted through glorifying God. Just to be chosen by him to do the things that he charges me to do is a reward within itself! Maybe one day you and I together will be dancin’ with praise! I pray that the words in this book bless you and keep you encouraged as well as uplifted. I pray that you find hope and peace in the praises of the poetry.
Contents A Praise during a Time of Chastening ............................................................................ 1 Alone ........................................................................................................................ 2 Father, I Pray ............................................................................................................. 4 To Be Loosed from Bondage ......................................................................................... 6 Eternally Grateful........................................................................................................ 8 The Cry .................................................................................................................... 9 Infirmary within the Spirit ...........................................................................................11 Stand ...................................................................................................................... 12 I Shall Press On ........................................................................................................ 14 Something to Keep in Mind ........................................................................................ 15 Make Way for the Lord ............................................................................................. 18 It’s All about You, Father ........................................................................................... 20 Realization ............................................................................................................... 21 Confession............................................................................................................... 25 The Remnant ........................................................................................................... 27
May the words in this book inspire, enlighten, and encourage you to stay planted in the Lord. Remember, the race is not given to the swift but to those who endure. Keep a praise in your heart, and give it life as you speak in utterance. May God bestow upon you wholistic healing through your faith.
About the Manuscript There is something in this book for people of all ages, races, and denominations. Everyone needs encouragement and guidance. I want to reach that young pre-teen who is going through peer pressures and changes. I want to let her know she has a friend in Jesus. I want to reach that single mother who is being “supermom” with no end—the one who shows strength to her family and others all day, but she’s crying at night on her knees wondering if God hears her or if he has forgotten his promises to her. I want to empower women and young girls in the name of Jesus all over the world. God has not forgotten about you. He wants you to know that he loves you.
Preface I have been writing spiritually/inspirationally the past five to six years. My story should be told because, like all things in life, these words of inspiration and motivation have a path. God gives me the revelation to pass it on, not to keep it bottled up to myself. I am just a vessel doing his will. There are eyes that need to see and ears that need to hear what God is saying to their situation. These words are not just meant for my own personal and spiritual healing but also to edify and encourage many others around the world.
Someone in the path of the words in these poems needs to know that God is still a healer in 2009! Someone needs to know that he is still a mind regulator! There are many who need to know that he is still the Omnipotent One! He sees all! There are eyes that will read these poems and feed healing to their mind in the name of Jesus! They will feed holistic healing to their hearts and retain knowledge leading to peaceful understanding without confusion. The words in these poems will not only leave a positive impact on those who read them, but they will also draw them nearer to the Lord. The words will let them know that no matter what they are going through, God is still around for them to draw strength from in times of need. Most importantly, they will let them know that God is love and it is never too late to turn to him as long as there is breath in their bodies. People will know without a doubt that God is alive in 2009, and he still saves!
Acknowledgments I first give a glorified praise to my Savior. His spirit is sweet and everlasting. He never gave up on me, even when I gave up on myself. Second, a loving thanks to my husband, Jamil Oliver. Thank you to the Oliver family and my family as well for the love and support. Thank you to my Abundant Life Christ Centered Ministries Remnant Reformed Church family. All the prayers are a blessing. Thank you to the Lofton and Scott families for sowing into my life. Thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Green at Residence in Praise. Thanks to Karen Beaty at the YMCA in Englewood. A special thanks to Peritha Garland, Rushida Redmond, and Kiwanna Redmond. These are forever my remnant sistas in Christ! We’ve come a long way, girls! Glory to God! A special thanks to my cousin, Sharon Dukes, and Michelle for supporting me in the beginning of my writing explorations. Charmaine D. Boykin, thanks for the many years of friendship and all you have done. You are still in my prayers. Thank you to my aunt, Alberta Smith, down south who confirmed some things spoken to me in the spirit. These poetic praises truly do have a path! As these words are released by the power and authority of Jesus Christ, it is also in his name that I go forth in victory spreading his truths.
God is real! God is love! God is truth! Amen!
Even when I am teaching dance class, God speaks.
I stand in position ready to receive. For he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints (Ps. 85:8).
Remnant soldiers ministering through dance!
(L) Rushida Redmond, (R)Peritha Garland Pictures by Natasha Hammond-Oliver
Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war and my fingers to fight (Ps. 144:1).
A Praise during a Time of Chastening The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh. He chastens and chaseth. He’ll spin like a whirlwind into your life. He’ll tread through and thrash, And clear out his path. To do that which is just and which is right. He’s a God of giving, understanding, and loyalty. A true God of honor and praise. Never disowns his word or forsakes the righteous. But edifies, strengthens, and saves. He’s Jehovah Shalom, the God of peace. Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides. Some even call him Jehovah Nisi, to banner his name upon high. To me, he’s the King, the Messiah, the Christ. The one whom I long to see. The only man whom I’ll give my heart and worship eternally.
To God Be the Glory Forever! Amen!
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Alone My Lord! Why hast though brought me into this place? To a place of weakness and thirst. To a place where only the sick and infirm in spirit still find no peace. Hast thou turned thy back on thy vessel? Hast thou given up on me? Is there any hope left in the atmosphere? Has my extended mercy run out? What is it that I must do to regain my position? How do I get out of this lonely, desolate, forsaken wilderness spot? It is my most desperate prayer that you grant me life. I am so lonely without you, and to exist without you is truly death indeed. I seek a need for existence that only you can answer, my Lord. Come back to me, Father! Come back and rekindle that which only you and I can share. No man can ever give me that special thing. No man can even attempt to take me to that special place, my Lord. Teach me to be that mighty vessel that you have called me to be. Instill in me a fire that shall never die.
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Sometimes God will lead you to a lonely place to get your attention.
Stay encouraged! Proverbs 3:11–12 tells us to despise not the chastening of the Lord. It tells us to not be weary of his correction. Whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. 3
Father, I Pray I pray for eternal peace. A peace that stands still the stillness of time. A type of peace that ministers to the waters of any depth. I pray for prosperity. Not just financial but also spiritual and mental. Sometimes there is a need for mental healing that only God can provide. My spirit needs a miraculous elevation that no man can comprehend. It is delivered straight from the mind of God. I shall continue to pray for grace and mercy. A grace that is everlasting and a mercy that knows my pains. A grace and mercy that understands my struggles. I pray that God grants me forgiveness. A forgiveness that understands every fiber of my being. Hearing all the silent prayers of my heart. I need to also learn how to extend that same forgiveness toward others. The Bible says that if we forgive others, our Heavenly Father will forgive us also. I know, Father, that I will never be perfect. Still within my heart, I also know that there is room for change. I am willing to accept the change that you orchestrate within me. Show me, my Lord, how I am to live. 4
One must consistently pray for change. God can manifest a sincere change to come within your heart.
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To Be Loosed from Bondage Break me free, oh Lord! Unloose these chains. Set me free from this bondage of depression. Grab these struggles I’m riding by the reigns. Set me free from the whispers of the world. Apart from words of the unoptimistic. Send in an army of angels to unfold against my enemies. For they are more than I can number, and they are multiplying every day. They seek to destroy me and avenge their names. Some want to bring harm against me in the name of jealousy. Why does the spirit of jealousy always want what I have? It seeks to devour the gifts you have given me like locusts on a fine harvest. Lord, deliver me from this spiritual pain. I shall continue and fear them not. I shall call on the name of my Savior! You are Jehovah Jireh, my provider of all things. I know protection is on its way as I pour out unto you. You are truly a mighty God, and no harm shall come against your vessel. Though the enemy continually seeks to destroy, my soul will always belong to you. He can only bring harm against me, Lord, if you allow him to. So if it be your will, Father, I will journey on through the fire. I know that thou art with me, and to be with you is my only desire. 6
You can clear your mind, but only God can cleanse your spirit and make you free!
Live free in Jesus! 7
Eternally Grateful For all the nights you kissed my tears and counted them up While keeping me near. And all the times I begged, ”Lord please” for one more chance to prove to thee. For all the times I thought of myself and cheated on you with someone else. When I swore to you an undying love and my actions weren’t different. But you didn’t give up. Hundreds of times you thought more of me than I thought of myself. Unworthy to breathe. Still you breathe in me life, love, and spirit. You give me strength to go on another day. I’m down on my knees giving thanks to thee, eternally grateful as I pray.
We owe the Lord more than we can ever repay him.
8
The Cry The God of Israel has a gift for you. Will you take it? Will you humble yourselves before him and allow him to have his way? Or will you continue to ignore him and all he has to say? The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob wants to use you to his glory. If you don’t think he can use you, just listen to my story. The Omnipotent One said, “It’s time to come home!” If you keep runnin’ you’ll end up like Jonah in the belly of a whale all alone. The great I Am said he’s the Creator of all things. We should desperately pray he doesn’t turn us back into the dust from whence we came.
God is calling for his people. Will you answer the call?
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God is calling for his remnant within the remnant. Close your ears and open your spirit. Be ready to receive.
In the day you hear his voice, harden not your heart. 10
Infirmary within the Spirit My spirit doesn’t want to go, and my flesh does not desire to stay. Lord, I don’t even feel like I have the strength to go forward. I feel as if the strongholds of a thousand warriors are against me. Suppressing my praise. Oh Heavenly Father! Defeat this thing! Destroy this thing and hold my life as precious. Lord, I’m in desperate need of restoration. I need a new song. I need a new melody of victorious praise. Anoint my feet with a new dance that only they will know. Send the visions to overwhelm my spirit, Father. All within me is old and fading away. So I beg you, send me some kind of revitalization. Restore the visions of glory, and strengthen my hands to praise.
God is a restorer to the infirm spirit. Pray to him in faith for all things.
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Stand Who shall stand in the way of the Lord? For his coming is at hand. For he doeth all things by his command. And who shall say that my God does not hear? When upon his holy hill my cries are lifted near. So when I stand, I must stand strong with boldness, glorifying his name. I am precious in his sight. An ornament upon his crown. Therefore I must set myself apart from the world and let my Holy Ghost shine! I am a light ordained of God, and I only serve the Most High! I must find strength in his name. I must learn how to use that name as my strength, sword, and as my shield. I must learn to go through my tailor-made tests and trials without murmuring. I must learn how to comply with God’s rules and not complain, Knowing that the Father has either sent it or allowed it to come. Just stand! Stand on the rock of the Savior. Knowing all things are meant as a means of strengthening. God’s army is full of strong soldiers. A soldier doesn’t complain about being on the front line. He just goes to war! 12
“Stand and Fight!� thus sayeth the Lord.
Remember, God is saying stand strong and fight, girded up in the spirit. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God, who strengthens us. 13
I Shall Press On Oh Father! How thy words comfort me. My enemies in this world seem to grow increasingly through no fault of my own. All I do is stand strong on your word, trying to encourage those around me. Is there fault in that? It seems I am often persecuted for my very being. Seems I am persecuted when I don’t react to foolishness in an ungodly manner. I answer thieves’ riddles with your words of foundation and glory. They want to deceive me into following the paths of darkness. I answer the slander of serpents with a silent tongue. Yet still, the world hates me. They hate me because they first hated you. I accept my destiny that you have ordained, Holy One. It is my prayer that you will continually send me peace and words of comfort. I shall press on.
The world hated Christ, but he pressed on. You also have that same power. Greater is he within you than he who is in the world!
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Something to Keep in Mind That which is destined shall be. Those who are determined shall succeed. Upon succeeding, there shall be an incline, An inclination ordained by God. Who shall stand in opposition? Who shall try to stop the great I Am? It is him and him only who controls the realms of reality. It is the mysteriousness of the Almighty that drives perseverance into one’s soul. It is his goodness that keeps a smile upon one’s face. He implants humbleness into daily living, along with extended grace and mercy. Rain and sunshine both come from above. Without one, there is no need for the other to have an existing purpose. For even on a cloudy day, remember the Lord who rests his feet upon them. Keep in mind that God controls the weather, The determination of the sun to shine, which was ordained by God, Shall always prevail in due season.
Keep looking up to the clouds!
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Deliverance is on its way to shine!
“Deliverance is mine!� says Peritha Garland as she stands victoriously. 16
“I am a child of the King! Whom shall I fear?� says Rushida Redmond with authority. 17
Make Way for the Lord Help me, Father! I’ve fallen to a place where it seems that all around me is still. A place where I’m too weak to stand. A place where I’m too strong to stop crying. Oh, Father! Where is thy strength? Where are my appointed angels? Have I them no more? Am I to be alone, wondering how to escape this thing? Have I fallen short of your glory one time too many? If it pleaseth thee, my Lord, draw me nigh unto thee. Demand that the atmosphere releases me! That I may leave this pit and continue to be about my Father’s business. I shall yell unto the hills and the mountains! Make way for the King! Here cometh my Messiah! Then all that is still shall move. And all that moveth shall become still. Make way for the Lord!
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Never underestimate God’s greatness. When you are weak, that’s when he is made strong!
“We shall call on the Lord our God to be our strength. We recognize him as sovereign.” 19
It’s All about You, Father Why must they hate me, dear Father? Why must the scorpions constantly prey upon my gentleness? It is you who created every living being. It is you who gives us free will of choice. The chance to choose eternal life or dreadful death. The chance to choose marvelous light over the disturbing darkness, lurking to destroy those marked with the seal of the Messiah. I know I’m marked for greatness, because you have shown me great is thy name. Most of all, I know because you told me so. It is you who has labeled me unique in thy sight. In ways that man could never comprehend. They refuse to see me in the light and try to keep me labeled with my dark past. It is you who has placed in me gifts and talents to use to your glory. You have told me that I am royalty. By being resurrected, and extending the invitation to sit at the table with you and the Father, only greatness can dwell in your midst. Therefore, I must be great in your sight for you to promise me such a thing.
Great and wonderful is the name of the Lord! 20
Realization The Bible says to look unto the hills for my help. So I continually stare. I stare atop of the highest hills my eyes can see. I focus upon the clouds by day and the stars by night, praying for change. Hope within me won’t let me stray. I thank God for his spirit and trust. I thank God for providing comfort to my inner man. There is peace in his Scriptures. A peace I cannot explain. Experience gives understanding to that which I describe. The more time I spend with him, the more I love him. Who is worthy to stand in the special place of the Lord? Who can heal my inner man and make me feel as special as he? Who has the power of life and death in his hands, and is the controller of all time? No one but God. Only God can do, and only God does. He is the only miraculous one in control.
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Once you come into the realization of who Christ really is, you will continually sing him praises as you look unto the hills.
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Let us worship the King together! There is strength in numbers! 23
Oh! What joy it brings! Dancing unto the King! Let us exalt his name in unity! Let us give him the highest praise as we worship in his courts! Psalm 149:3 says, “Let them praise his name in the dance.� 24
Confession Confession is wonderful. It’s restoration for the soul. That which God cleanseth shall not return to old. God keeps you whole. Confession is a blessing. It lifts the burdens of sin. It lets you know that all is forsaken, and not to be spoken of again. The Lord knows you’re still his creation. From confession comes the strength to move ahead. To not look back on what’s behind. To implant yourself within the things of God. Don’t let the foolishness of the world keep you confined. Even the strong fall short sometimes in need of some help from the Lord. A cleansing of heart and a renewal of the spirit is a result of confession brought forth. Moving forward is what it’s all about, not dwelling on what should have been. Confession is necessary to keep a clean heart. True worship comes from within.
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First John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.�
Come! Take a dip into the river of water of everlasting life! 26
The Remnant We are that which was held to the end. The rejected, the downrated, unpopular among men. Set aside to bring forth the words of our Lord. Glory seekers for God is what we’re meant for. We must stand tall and stay strong, letting faith do its deed. Only the remnant can do the things that we do. Heaven must send results when the remnant prays for you. We stand bold, pray hard, fast long, and glory shout! Behold! We are the new that God was talking ’bout! Each one of us special with our own Godly purpose. People near us get nervous when they see us in service. So watch what you speak about those left behind. They might just be Remnant, God’s chosen divine.
The remnant of the Remnant are the last remaining, set aside for a time such as this, to boldly go forth and win souls for the kingdom of heaven!
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Natural sistas and remnant sistas in Christ! Glory!
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Are you a part of the Remnant?
Are you in position? Don’t let anyone take your place. Stay focused. There is absolutely no time for distractions. 29
Continue to run the race well, believing that better is the end of a thing!
God has been good to me. I shall continue to serve him faithfully, believing that better is the end. I know God’s words to be true. I know God’s promises to be fulfilled in due season.
Praise him in advance! 30