Messiah

Who would not fear you, O King of nations?  That title belongs to you alone!  Among all the wise people of the earth and in all the kingdoms of the world, there is no one like you.   Jeremiah 10:7

 

Jesus, my King,
All praise and honor to Your Name!
Jesus, my King,
This knowing heart does proudly sing
with awe and reverance to proclaim
in death and life, You overcame.
Jesus, my King.

Poetry Type: Rondelet

Graphic courtesy of Heartlight.org

Forgiven Now

Psalm 86:5
For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and
abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.

Redeemed forever now and inwardly renewed,
heroically ransomed although undeserving still,
divine grace cascading love abounding among
rescued souls, opened minds, softened hearts
reaping genuine faith and repentance true;
extending unmerited favor, lavishing
mercies upon mercies interposing
full and final pardon amply
erased all sins presently
here and now
forgiven
now and here
presently sins all erased
amply; pardon, final and full
interposing mercies upon mercies
lavishing favor unmerited, extending
true repentance and faith genuine, reaping
hearts softened, minds opened, souls rescued
among abounding love cascading divine grace;
still undeserving although ransomed heroically,
renewed inwardly and now forever redeemed!

Poetry Type:  Palindrome
*Another Palindrome here

 

Desert Bloom

Have you discovered the restful and sweet love of God the Father that is found through faith in Jesus Christ? It is by our faith in Jesus that we have access to the throne room of God. It is there that we find forgiveness, healing, wisdom and unending love. It is there that a dry and dead heart blooms to new life. It is there that our souls are saturated in His precious love.

This poem is written to the bride of Christ. We, as followers of Christ, collectively make up the church – we are the bride of Christ. These words are meant as an encouragement to remind us all how much the Lord loves us and that He sees us as the spotless rose, the lily of the valley, the rose of Sharon…when we put our faith in Him individually and collectively.

Jesus loves you so much. He loves to reach out in unique and personal ways. Ask Him…Seek Him….Knock for Him if you feel the door is closed. He is waiting for You with open and loving arms.

Sweet fragrance of His knowledge
Timeless beauty In His grace
Soothing is His loyal pledge
Precious is His dwelling place.

By His mercy, we are blessed
In this eternal moment
Under shade tree, give us rest
May we ever be content.

The taste of endless freedom
Among His fold, find His peace
Refreshing is His wisdom
Living waters never cease.

All my stroll His open field
Sauntering the valley floor
In His orchards we are healed
Radiating evermore.

Shrubs to prune and seeds to sow
Flourishing among true light
Living where wildflowers grow
In our prayer He finds delight.

Doves sing praise and buds appear
New life sprouts from certain death
Sights and sounds of spring so near
Giving thanks with every breath.

From thistle to spotless rose
Bitter winters of the past
Thriving in tranquil repose
The cold rain is gone at last.

Entangled among the thorn
Vibrant petals intertwine
Not afraid of those who scorn
As true branches of the vine.

Gorgeous is the faithful bride
When love is in full bloom
Floral plains so lush and wide
Devoted to the bridegroom.

The perfect bride absolute
Sweet desert bloom, brightly shine
Pure white lily bearing fruit
Reflect His glory divine.

Body of Christ purified
Ever green, with roots so deep
With a crown of thorns Christ died
Firm salvation ours to keep.

Showing us the greatest love
The ultimate sacrifice
Unceasing grace from above
Through our savior, Jesus Christ.

Scripture Meditations

Isaiah 62:5b As the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you. (Amplified)

Matthew 11:29 Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. (Amplified)

2 Corinthians 2:14-16 I am grateful that God always makes it possible for Christ to lead us to victory. God also helps us spread the knowledge about Christ everywhere, and this knowledge is like the smell of perfume. In fact, God thinks of us as a perfume that brings Christ to everyone. For people who are being saved, this perfume has a sweet smell and leads them to a better life. But for people who are lost, it has a bad smell and leads them to a horrible death. No one really has what it takes to do this work. (CEV)

Philippians 2:15-16 That you may show yourselves to be blameless and guiltless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish (faultless, unrebukable) in the midst of a crooked and wicked generation [spiritually perverted and perverse], among whom you are seen as bright lights (stars or beacons shining out clearly) in the [dark] world, Holding out [to it] and offering [to all men] the Word of Life, so that in the day of Christ I may have something of which exultantly to rejoice and glory in that I did not run my race in vain or spend my labor to no purpose. (Amplified)

Light of the World

I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. John 12:46

Once bound by darkness, but now living free,
To walk in God’s light and rest in His grace.
A glorious truth, my heart would agree,
Once bound by darkness, but now living free.
In His rich love, Christ gave Himself for me,
Every hope found in His saving embrace.
Once bound by darkness, but now living free,
To walk in God’s light and rest in His grace.

 Poetry Type:  Triolet

 

Renewal

But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)

God never grows tired or weary
And those who wait upon the Lord
Will surely find strength in Him.
So mount up close to God.
Meet Him at the cross
Where He quickens
And revives.
Rise Up,
Soar!

Poetry Type: Nonet

I love this verse in Isaiah and I know it is a favorite scripture for many. Before I was walking with the Lord, someone gave me a refrigerator magnet with this verse on it. I used to collect all things eagles, and the magnet had a beautiful soaring eagle pictured on it. It remained on my fridge for years although I must say I didn’t fully understand the meaning. These Words from God are all the more precious to me now having read them over many times, studied the book of Isaiah, and truly experienced God’s refreshing at times when I have been spiritually, emotionally or physically weak.  

What does this scripture mean to you? How has God renewed you recently?

 

Immanuel

The Son is the gleaming brightness of God’s glory. He is the exact likeness of God’s being. He uses his powerful word to hold all things together. He provided the way for people to be made pure from sin. Then he sat down at the right hand of the King, the Majesty in heaven. (Hebrews 1:3)

This gift beyond description,
A Savior born for you and me.
Matchless love without compare,
Displaying endless mercy.

He came to live among us,
To fulfill the greatest plan.
Stripped of all His privilege,
He stepped down to live as man.

He demonstrates His love for us,
Through humble birth and death.
A greater love has not been shown,
Then at His final breath.

To save us undeserving ones,
And show goodwill toward men,
He rose again and intercedes,
We know he’ll come again.

By faith in Jesus Christ alone,
Our debt in full is paid.
Resulting in a peace with God,
That will not spoil or fade.

Grace from heaven, Immanuel,
With all the angels sing!
In our heart of hearts He dwells,
High Priest and Coming King!

Philippians 2:5-8 Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:] Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God], did not think this equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped But stripped Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being. And after He had appeared in human form, He abased and humbled Himself [still further] and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross!

Luke 1: 77 To bring and give the knowledge of salvation to His people in the forgiveness and remission of their sins. Because of and through the heart of tender mercy and loving-kindness of our God, a Light from on high will dawn upon us and visit [us]. To shine upon and give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to direct and guide our feet in a straight line into the way of peace.

Clipart courtesy of: http://www.creative-spiritz.com

 

A Reasoned Faith

It is possible to find peace serene
Where mind and soul merge in lucid delight.
Why do some view Truth as a blinding light
And harden their hearts to a faith unseen?

Suffocated by the day’s rhetoric,
A proud man has no need for God’s embrace.
Unwilling to breath in God’s saving grace
Or be smothered in God’s love euphoric.

Exemption from obligation is sought,
When the soul’s insight is clouded by sin.
All but choking faith and reason within
Asphyxiated by postmodern thought.

Seeking wisdom cannot be set aside,
Still more is found when faith is not denied.

“This is the crisis we’re in: God-light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness. They went for the darkness because they were not really interested in pleasing God. Everyone who makes a practice of doing evil, addicted to denial and illusion, hates God-light and won’t come near it, fearing a painful exposure. But anyone working and living in truth and reality welcomes God-light so the work can be seen for the God-work it is.” John 3:19-21 (The Message)

Poetry Type: Sonnet

Faith Under Pressure

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 (NIV)

Noah’s faithfulness endured
Through 40 days and nights of rain.
Yet mockers mocked and scoffers scoffed
And called him everything but sane.

When Moses left the Pharaoh’s court
After 40 noble years,
He wondered 40 more with sheep
Until the burning bush appeared.

Without water but with the Lord,
Moses fasted 40 days.
Receiving wisdom on the mount,
God’s presence turned his face ablaze.

When finally near the Promised Land,
All 40 days the spies went out.
Their lack of trust cost 40 years
As desert’s pawns because of doubt.

Kings David, Saul and Solomon
For 40 years each one did reign.
God’s chosen ones to rule the land
By taking care of His domain.

Then 40 days of wilderness
That serpent tried his very best,
To tempt our fully human Lord
But Jesus Christ did pass the test.

Our risen Christ, He walked this earth,
All 40 days of Heav’n He spoke.
Living proof death lost its sting
The broken curse of satan’s yoke.

The Blessed One, He took our shame,
His blood spilled out by thorns and nails.
Our Holy, Blameless, Righteous One,
Proved by His Life, our God prevails.

We sow in tears yet reap in joy,
Bearing under faith’s tested shield.
Casting burdens upon the Lord,
A blessed assurance is revealed.

Poetry Type: Didactic

Interesting Sermon by C.H. Spurgeon

Have you ever considered the significance of numbers in the bible? I am not referring to the Bible Code or Numerology here, but looking at God’s intended meaning and purpose behind specific numbers found throughout the bible.   I was recently contemplating the number 40 and noticed that there are several examples of trials coming upon the people in the bible in timeframes of 40 years or 40 days. Most biblical commentators seem to indicate that the number 40 represents a complete testing or probation period usually followed by blessings. What are your thoughts about the representation of numbers in the bible?

Graphic Courtesy of Heartlight

Wisdom’s Voyage

So how can it be that sometimes no means yes?
My weak eyes have grown accustomed to the dark,
And refuse to see the flood while in the arc.
Yet, in God’s wisdom, I trust that He knows best.
His plans are purposeful, not some random guess.
But nonetheless, I quite often miss the mark,
And question His invitation to embark.
Still knowing the Lord loves to love and to bless.

Will my heart change and welcome His brand-new day?
I pray for strength to lift my eyes and see Light.
Yes, the Son still shines though the skies appear grey;
Piercing cloaks of darkness with power and might.
God’s love and mercy are just one prayer away,
Stand firm! This is no time to give up the fight.

Poetry Type:  Italian Sonnet

Graphic Source: Heartlight

Who can measure the wealth and wisdom and knowledge of God? Who can understand his decisions or explain what he does? “Has anyone known the thoughts of the Lord or given him advice? Has anyone loaned something to the Lord that must be repaid?” Romans 11:33-35

The Lion and The Lamb

The spotless lamb slain,
Raised from the dead in glory,
Judah’s lion reigns.

Poetry Type: Haiku

“Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God. It cost God plenty to get you out of that dead-end, empty-headed life you grew up in. He paid with Christ’s sacred blood, you know. He died like an unblemished, sacrificial lamb. And this was no afterthought. Even though it has only lately—at the end of the ages—become public knowledge, God always knew he was going to do this for you. It’s because of this sacrificed Messiah, whom God then raised from the dead and glorified, that you trust God, that you know you have a future in God.” 1 Peter 1:18-21 (The Message)