Witnessing
New day
On eagle’s wings
Soaring to Father’s refuge
Grace
Substituting
Bitter tongue
Walking with Jesus
Righteousness fills each word
Kindness
Receiving
God’s mercy
Filling our spirit
Overflowing with His goodness
Forgiveness
This series of poems (written in the German-inspired style of Elfchen or Elevenie) shares a total of eleven words in each poem, with a sequence by line of one, two, three, four, and one words.
The Gospel is good news of mercy to the undeserving. The symbol of the religion of Jesus is the cross, not the scales.
From Philippians 2:8-9: “He humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross. Therefore God exalted Him even more highly and gave Him the name that is above every other name.”
John Stott (1921-2011) was an English preacher and Christian theologian. During his years in the ministry, he was one of the leaders of the worldwide evangelical movement.
From Psalm 121:1-2: “I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”
Dark perils come knocking
From where will “real” hope come?
Dreaded illness stalking
Hearing death’s haunting drum
His steadfast assurance
Calvary’s lasting love
Heavenly insurance
Breathing from God above
Forever life’s keeper
Never pausing to rest
Eternity’s doorkeeper
Refilling life with zest
Tomorrow’s sunrise beams
Hope reborn and glowing
Healthy spirit fills dreams
Believing and knowing
This poem touches upon a personal reflection of my own Dad, who contracted Covid several months ago. Despite being vaccinated, his underlying health conditions put him at great risk from the disease. I give thanks every day that he has recovered and can look forward to his upcoming 87th birthday.
Bible history is filled with people who began the race with great success but failed at the end because they disregarded God’s rules.
From Proverbs 13:13: “Those who despise a word bring destruction on themselves, but those who respect a command will be rewarded.”
The writing of this poem is inspired from the works of American poet, Walt Whitman (1819-1892).
Escaping life’s hectic pace
Finding nature’s retreat
Breathing her refreshing air
Freedom’s open love seat
Waking to blessed sunrise
Living off nature’s land
Sowing seeds, fertile harvest
Freedom’s new motherland
Pursuing nature’s rhythm
Feeling never alone
Answering only to God
Freedom’s sturdy jawbone
Sleeping under nightly stars
Filling mind, mellow dreams
Sharing nature’s melodies
Freedom’s harmony beams
Experiencing new joy
Tasting nature’s flavor
Discovering Father’s gift
Freedom’s grace-filled favor
Happiness, not in another place but this place . . . not for another hour, but this hour.
I dream in my dreams all the dreams of the other dreamers. And I become the other dreamers.
Walt Whitman (1819-1892) was one of America’s most influential poets. His writing prowess was not only evident in his poems, but also in his work as a journalist and essayist.
Life’s thorny issues
Tainting our experience—
Tasting bitterness
Sitting down to write
Rediscovering lost art—
Letter to dear friend
Sooner or later
Actions bringing correction—
Life’s daily cadence
Keep conscience clear, then never fear.
Content makes poor men rich; discontent makes rich men poor.
Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) was a Founding Father of the United States. He served his nation as a prominent statesman and effective diplomat.
This poem is inspired by a favorite hymn of many, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”
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Living weak in character
Laying at the Cross, past torts
Jesus, always our friend
Hearing our troubling reports
Stepping humbly to our Lord
Dumping these tribulations
Jesus, always through His love
Building our life’s foundation
Facing polarizing darkness
Bearing pain, feeling alone
Jesus waits, always trusting
Welcoming us to His own
Taking us, lifting us up
Rescuing us from sin’s shame
Jesus, always rebuilds faith
Saving through His Father’s name
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From 1 Peter 1:21: “Through Him you have come to trust in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God.”
Jesus promised peace for those who trust in Him, and He delivers on His promises.
From John 16:12-13: “But to all who received Him, who believed in His name, He gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.”
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