Living Stone

Living Stone

And now GOD is building you, as living stones, into his spiritual temple.
1 Peter 2:5

This is my story of my walk with the Lord
It’s not that exciting, I hope you’re not bored

I grew up in a Christian home, Christian church, Christian friends
This is just where my story begins

I went to church on Sunday because that’s what you do
What I did the night before, well, nobody knew

I went through a phase where I was kind of wild
But I had an excuse, being a middle child!

I thought I could do it, just me on my own
The harder I tried, I felt more empty… alone

Instead of turning to God to forgive and forget
I turned to things that now I regret

There is a time in your life when you know what you shouldn’t do
So you avoid the only one that can save you

As I got older I realized it’s true
Jesus died on that cross for me… and for you

The more time that I spent in the word and in prayer
I soon realized, Jesus will always be there

When I look back now,… all the dumb things that I did
I sure am glad that our Lord does forgive

The seeds that were planted when I was young
Would play a big part in the years to come

I have friends that have been with me through thick and through thin
When it comes to talking about Jesus, I don’t know where to begin?

I struggle with things and pray every day
It’s reassuring to know we’re not here to stay

Satan makes you feel worthless- like your not good enough
God will forgive you and get rid of that stuff

I have a Christian partner to share in my life
I thank God everyday for my beautiful wife

My life has meaning since I gave it to him
Its not always easy as we are surrounded by sin

God showers us with blessing, his son He did give
And by his example, my life I should live!

I don’t know the specific time, moment, or place
But without Jesus in my life , this world I couldn’t face!

2003 - bryan rotman

Pray for Reign

Pray For Reign

Dear God hear my plea
Am I living for you or am I living for me?

What you want me to do, what you want me to be
Is there time for your work and my family?

You gave me my own kids and you gave me a wife
Shouldn’t they be the most important people in my life

Are you tugging at my heart, is this you that I feel?
I’m scared to ask - I’m scared to kneel

The job that you gave me provides all that I need
Do you want me to leave that to go plant your seed?

Why didn’t you ask me when I was single and free?
Maybe you did but I wasn’t listening to thee

Which scenario makes me lean on you more?
A single man or a family of four?

Are you calling me or testing me, I do not know
Please reveal to me which way to go

I love God, Guns ,and the Great outdoors
I like hunting turkeys, deer, and even wild boars

I’m uneducated, I didn’t go to Calvin or Hope
Do I fit the Youth Pastor mold? I would have to say nope!

I like being just a leader, I’m in a comfortable spot
Why am I feeling confused? Why’s my heart in a knot?

I like where I am, I like what I do
Does this mean I’m not following you?

Is this where you want me to be or am I just blind?
Do you have something more fulfilling in mind?

My prayer to you is that you reign in my heart
Let your will be done - Let me do my part

“See to it that you obey God, the one who is speaking to you.“ Hebrews 12:25

“I know all the things that you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other.
But since you are like lukewarm water I will spit you out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:15,16

Spring 2006 -bryan rotman

There are many seats available, I will open the door for you, and I will guide you

Wedding Poem

Wedding poem

I remember the day I met you, The moment you walked through that door
My heart stopped for a minute, My jaw hung to the floor

We started dating , And having lots of fun
Off to Cancun, For beaches and sun

Things were moving fast, It seemed like we just met
By memorial day weekend, We had our first pet

That summer was hot, We worked really hard
it was your first time , Mowing the yard

As the seasons changed, God was changing me too
I made a profession of faith, That was long overdue

I knew that I loved you, Not certain what that would bring
I cashed in my Harley fund, And bought a diamond ring

I popped the question, You sure were surprised
You didn’t need to answer, I could tell by your eyes

That following summer, Was one of the best
Our poor little camper, Had no time to rest

That year for my birthday, you gave me the coolest gift of all
120 mph, FREEFALL!

You are supportive, Of all that I do
But when it comes to deer hunting, You could learn a thing or two

I spend a lot of time w/ my friends, We have lots of fun
But its you that I want, Before the day is done

We’re a very happy couple, They say it’s healthy to fight
But don’t expect flowers, every time that your right

We’ve talked about goals, I’ve met all that I’ve tried
Today was the biggest, Making you my bride

The Lords brought us together, To have and to hold
May he bless us and keep us, As we grow old

As we go home tonight, No longer two-but one
Let not our will, But the fathers be done!

I LOVE YOU DAYSHA! June 22,2002

Thank-You MOM

Thank-you mom

Thank-you Mom for all the love you show
It wasn’t until I had my own kids, this love did I know

Thank-you for all the food you prepared
Thank-you for all the meals that we shared

Thank-you for always being proud
Thank-you for making us pray out loud

Thank-you for all the miles you drove
Thank-you for all the laundry you fold

Thank-you for all the owies you kissed
Thank-you for all the important events you never missed

Thank-you for all the discipline you gave
Sorry about the wooden spoon you couldn’t save

Thank-you for your prayers all these years
Even when it meant sleepless nights and a few tears

Thank-you for all the sacrifices you made
My Christian education was worth what you paid

Thank-you for modeling Christ in your life
That set the standard high, when picking out a wife

Thank-you for waiting up till I came home
Thank- you for raising me in Jesus alone

Thank you for teaching me to pray
That it’s OK to clap your hands in church

Or maybe even sway

The child can never fully understand-all that their mothers do
But as your child I say -Merry Christmas MOM and I love you!

Christmas-2006-bryan

Through The Eyes of My Child

Through the eyes of my child

The angels that I pray for to watch over my child at night
Do you think they just leave at the first crack of light?

They give us some room, but they stay near
In case of a wake-up or the shed of a tear

My daughter laughs and she giggles… but isn’t looking at me
Is there an angel in the room that I can not see?

Who does she wave too? Who does she see?
Is there an angel...standing next to me?

Is she closer to heaven because she hasn’t been here long?
Can she see the angels? Does she sing along?

Through the eyes of my child can I see God’s face?
The radiant smile of that little girl…Is that just a taste?


“For he orders his angels to protect you wherever you go” Psalm 91:11

Spring 2006 - bryan rotman

Bushel

Bushel

What does it mean to be a Christian- can I possibly follow his way
Do the things of the Bible - apply to today

Is it just one day a week-to listen and sing
Talk with our friends- an envelope to bring

Do I understand what I believe- Can I explain it to a stranger
That God saved me- through a baby in a manger

Will I be frustrated with those who don’t know
I have believed all my life- but in my life does it show

Can you see it in the way I treat my wife
Are my words always kind- or do they cut like a knife

Rule number one and two- Love God -Love People
Why are so many hurting- right under our steeple

Jesus was homeless - but rich in every way
For he understood about rot and decay

I have so much- But always look to those who have more
If I had what they have -I would give to the poor

My life on earth is but a fraction of time
Why do I spend it seeing what I can make mine

What did God give me- what can I bring
Can I work with my hands- Can I stand up and sing

What is this gift that I am trying to fight
Am I putting a bushel over his light

bryan rotman 01/10/07

Gut Check

Gut Check

Who do I know that is oppressed or poor
Should I just send a check or should I do more?

Can I put a face on someone-that is in need?
Do I spend my time on myself- is that a form of greed?

Can I spend time with a kid who doesn’t know love
Are we caring for orphans and widows? a direct command from above

Will kids find more love in gangs on the street?
Than they can - in Christians they meet?

We are always so busy doing our thing
Loving ourselves - no time for the king

Jesus took time to heal that blind man - while on his way
His ministry was constantly interrupted- but he made time to pray

Following Jesus is not about us
It is humbly serving without making a fuss

Jesus open our eyes and teach us to share
Help us reach out to others and show that we care

bryan rotman 01/09/07

Surrender

Surrender

My legs are trembling
My knee’s are getting weak
The adrenalin is pumping
It’s God’s will I seek

Slowly I rise
The only one on my feet
I don’t look around
No one’s eyes do I meet

With one hand lifted to the father
One hand holding my son
I have decided to follow Jesus
And thank him for what he’s done

I put this song on the alter
My face soaked with tears
With my eyes tightly closed
God took away my fears

I can’t close my eyes forever
Standing before his throne
…the song’s almost over
Will I be standing alone?

My God is faithful
When I put my trust in him
For the whole church was standing
At the end of this hymn

Anytime I hear that song
Or whistle it’s familiar tune
It takes me to that defining moment
On that Sunday afternoon!


“IF ANY OF YOU WANTS TO BE MY FOLLOWER, YOU MUST PUT ASIDE YOUR SELFISH
AMBITION, SHOULDER YOUR CROSS DAILY, AND FOLLOW ME.” LUKE 9:23

bryan rotman - FALL 2006

Won More

Won more!

If you had one more If you got your way
Would you keep it for yourself or would you give it away?

One more hour Lord In my day
Then I would make time for you Then I would pray

One more dollar Lord Give me that raise
Then to you I will give my praise

One more week of vacation that’s all I need
Then I could work for you I’d go plant your seed

One more plate To get my fill
Tomorrow Lord I’ll do your will

I can’t get caught Lord What would I do?
Just one more time Then I’ll serve you

One more chance To make it right
This time Lord I won’t start the fight

One more time To say good-bye
A few more minutes Before they die

Jesus WON more Than we could ever crave
When he busted loose Out of that grave

Jesus WON over death and sin
So we could spend forever with him!

“How we thank God, who gives us victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ our Lord!” 1 Corinthians 15:57
Spring 2006 - bryan rotman

sunset

SUNSET

As I sit in this familiar place
The sky all cloudy and gray
Thinking to myself , it would be a great night
For a sunset display

The wind is blowing sharply
There is snow on the ground
My toes are freezing cold
my face exposed just enough, that I can look around

I slowly have this warming feeling
Like a child on his fathers lap
A feeling of total peace
Into his majesty did I tap?

The clouds began to leave, the sky began to change
It was if he read my mind
The show was set in motion
All the colors of the rainbow I could find

I shared that sunset upon the lap
Of my God most high
A little glimpse of heaven
Till the darkness filled the sky

I didn’t leave the woods empty handed that night
As I crunched through the snow
I had the feeling I’d been with the king
That was all I needed to know

bryan rotman - fall 07

I Believe

I BELIEVE

I believe that Jesus is the son of GOD

I believe that Jesus willingly chose to leave a perfect heaven,

where everything was pure and angels worshiped him,

to come into this corrupt world we live in

I believe that Jesus came to earth to save me

I believe that Jesus died for my sins, past-present-and future sin

I believe that Jesus left my sin nailed to that tree

I believe that Jesus concurred sin and death,

and rose from the dead on the third day

I believe that Jesus breathed life into his spirit dwelling inside of me

I believe that Jesus lives inside of me

I believe that I still sin and will continue to sin,

and although I sin, I am forgiven

I believe this is the freedom I have in Jesus

I believe that because of this freedom in Jesus,

I don’t want to sin , but live for him

I believe that carrying around guilt or shame,

from a sin that is forgiven, is a trick of the devil

I believe that GOD takes care of his children, and he knows best

I believe that there is no way to payback Jesus

I believe that if I lose my life to Jesus, in him, I will find life

I believe that there is no freedom without total surrender

I believe that the things of this world will fail me

I believe that the people of this world will fail me

I believe that Jesus is the rock of the church

I believe that church is who you are, not somewhere you go

I believe that when my body dies, my spirit will go to be w/Jesus

I believe that Jesus came to simplify the way to heaven

I believe that I must love the Lord my God

I believe that I must Love, even if I don’t like, my neighbor

I believe that I can be a tool for Jesus

I believe Jesus speaks to me, when I make time to listen

I believe that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me

bryan rotman 1/17/07