Redeeming a Sleepless Night

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos
A nineteenth century painting by Carolus Duran

In the early morning hours
when you cannot fall asleep,
try conversing with the Shepherd.
Don’t rely on counting sheep!

Take advantage of the silence
as you toss and turn in vain.
Try to verbalize your feelings
as you pray in Jesus’ name.

Close your eyes and praise the Savior.
Hum a song you’ve sung in church.
And you’ll sense the Lord beside you
on your horizontal perch.

In addition to each week’s post on this website, Greg Asimakoupoulos offers daily video devotionals on his YouTube channel. Here is a sample video. If you are interested in receiving these devotionals Monday through Friday, you can subscribe on YouTube at My Rhymes and Reasons.

Looking Back 80 Years Later!

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos
Surrender ceremony on USS Missouri on September 2, 1945

Eighty-years-ago today
my dad looked back as if to say,
“Do not forget what happened here
that calls to mind world peace!”

Dad’s haunting stare invites our glance
as we recall a grave expanse
of small white crosses where the brave
lie buried six feet down.

Today’s a day to hold our breath
and pray for peace while senseless death’s
a way of life day after day
in Gaza and Ukraine.

May mem’ries made in Tokyo Bay
revisit us this solemn day
as we reflect on what it takes
to practice war no more.

* My father was a nineteen-year-old Marine on the Mighty Mo the day the surrender ending World War 2 was signed. He is seen in the lower right-hand corner of an historic photograph looking back toward the photographer.

Below is a link to a post on Facebook by SQuire Rushnell, the creator of the Godwinks phenomenon:
https://www.facebook.com/Godwinks/posts/pfbid02JvsEyzewPwY2mQokzpEYCdySJRSyx4z6PB8hrGHis72M5iYvmxQMG4wKACZRkttgl

In addition to each week’s post on this website, Greg Asimakoupoulos offers daily video devotionals on his YouTube channel. Here is a sample video. If you are interested in receiving these devotionals Monday through Friday, you can subscribe on Greg’s channel.

The Time is Near

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos
A doctor shares a dreaded diagnosis with a patient

The doctor says your time is near.
And what that means is crystal clear.
A time to hope and not give in.
A time for faith to grown within.

A time for walking with the Lord
and trusting Him for what’s in store.
A time for standing on God’s Word
with confidence your prayers are heard.

A time for sitting with your tea
and thanking God for family.
A time for kneeling at your bed
to give the Lord the fears you dread.

A time for laying still at night
and knowing things will be alright.
A time for living every day
including ones when skies are gray.

A time for reading a good book
content to let another cook.
A time for laughing at a joke
and spending time until you’re broke.

A time for getting extra rest
and taking stock of how you’re blest.
A time for sharing your beliefs
without concern for critics’ beefs.

So, when you hear the time is near,
don’t be dismayed of start to fear.
Those words are just a way to say
you’ve got the means to seize the day!

In addition to each week’s post on this website, Greg Asimakoupoulos offers daily video devotionals on his YouTube channel. Here is a sample video. If you are interested in receiving these devotionals Monday through Friday, you can subscribe on Greg’s YouTube channel “My Rhymes and Reasons.”

Remembering the Family Doctor

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos
Dr. James Dobson was the founder of Focus on the Family

He focused on the family.
He dared to discipline.
He underscored what made our nation strong.
Through radio, his doctoring
helped heal sick marriages
prescribing antidotes to culture’s wrongs.

He diagnosed pornography
as a malignancy
that (if not treated) threatens healthy love.
This pro-life prophet stood up for
lost lives who lacked a voice,
those unborn babies known to God above.

His adventures were an odyssey
through magazines and books,
through videos, curriculum and more
that pastors, teachers, moms and dads
relied on to find help
to focus on what faith in God is for.

Though vilified and scandalized
by critics of his claims,
he bravely took a stand and held his ground.
Doc Dobson stood for what gives life
when all is said and done.
He based his views on where God’s truth is found.

I do not hold to all he held,
but hold Jim in my heart
as one who walked with Presidents and God.
This broadcasting psychologist
has left a legacy
both here within our country… and abroad.

In addition to each week’s post on this website, Greg Asimakoupoulos offers daily video devotionals on his YouTube channel. Here is a sample video. If you are interested in receiving these devotionals Monday through Friday, you can subscribe on Greg’s channel.

Remembering a Legend!

/ Greg Asimakoupoulos
Chuck Girard was a founding member of the Christian band LOVESONG

The little country church
on the edge of town
(and bigger ones
across the nation)
are remembering
a Christian music pioneer tonight
because Chuck Girard died today.

His life was a love song
to the Lord he worshiped.
Sometimes alleluia
leapt from his lips
and sometimes changes
prompted groans
that only the Spirit of God could decipher
as the wind was low.

That other Chuck
sang this Chuck’s praises
before Pastor Smith joined Heaven’s choir.
And now both are
blending their voices
together as one
on the other side.

Tonight I invite you to
welcome back
forgotten memories
of “the Jesus Revolution”
when we made our way to Calvary Chapel
in the front seat
or the backseat
with or without shoes
with a hunger for God’s Word.

Let us be one
as we feel the love
and extend our two hands.
With one
reach out to Jesus
with gratitude
for Chuck’s ministry
and with the other
bring a friend
to your home
to talk about
the good old days
when we’d honk ‘cause we loved Jesus.  
And then,
while recalling that amazing time in our lives,
ask Alexa to play
music by Chuck Girard.
I just did!

Peace to his memory!