When we touch the bedrock of the reality of the Gospel in God, we shall never bother God any further with little personal plaints.
From 1 Corinthians 1:17: “For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power.”
From John 14:6-7: “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him.”
Jesus, Son of Man
Healing and teaching
But, He’s so much more
God’s love, far-reaching
Believe and accept
Jesus, Son of God
Lamb, without blemish
Sinless and unflawed
Primary mission
Save this fallen world
Holy and divine
Savior’s love unfurled
Born in Bethlehem
Calvary’s cross waits
Unselfish journey
Christ accepts His fate
Father, Son, Spirit
Trinity in One
Path to truth and life
Darkness on the run
From John 10:29-30: “What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”
God gives you peace before you go to pieces.
From 2 Corinthians 13:11: “Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”
Public baptism by immersion occurs on this date
Young girl reveals her guided walk to faith’s gate
Scripture speaks of baptism at every turn
From this girl, we all have so much to learn
Believe, be baptized, and continue to be brave
For Christ arose and escaped from His grave
All are baptized into one body so pure
Made to drink one spirit, totally for sure
Christ’s baptism launches His ministry, rich for all
In God’s presence, His words forever stand tall
Scorned persecutor of Jesus’ faithful, Christian way
Saul baptized as Paul, with Lord’s forgiveness to stay
Believers baptized under God’s authority of thee
Through Father, Son, and Holy Spirit which see
Baptism generates life’s faithful walk, filled with newness
Youthful girl accepts Jesus as Savior, blessed trueness
Feeling transforming spirit of Father’s Holy, living water
Accepting God’s purpose, living as newfound daughter
This young girl’s act of faith inspires so many others
Opening eyes to witness, every sister and brother
This poem, written in February of 2019, has been updated in style. The content reveals the public baptism of a granddaughter back on this date.
To trust God in the light is nothing, but trust Him in the dark–that is faith.
From Romans 13:12: “The night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.”
From John 6:35: “Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
Gathering in community
Preparing for His Hungry Feast
Coming to Heavenly Father
Worshipping Christ, our Holy Priest
Traveling life’s difficult road
Hungering for peace in our hearts
Tasting fellowship with Jesus
Targeting us with grace-filled darts
Fulfilling hope from Father’s love
Joining at His holy table
Seeking lasting, peaceful comfort
Witnessing Bethlehem’s stable
Rejecting evil’s dark presence
Praising and worshipping our Lord
Filling our hunger from His feast
Riding Gospel’s train . . . all aboard!
From Matthew 5:6: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”
The hymn “We Come to the Hungry Feast” inspired the writing of this poem. Some churches also use this tune as a communion hymn.
Our part. Trust God wholeheartedly, in every corner of life, recognizing that He is the One in charge.
From Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”
God
Always present
Hearing heartfelt prayers
Every mountain and valley
Unwavering
Father’s
Forgiving grace
Opens up hearts
Reshaping darkness into light
Love
Fellowship
With believers
Sharing mutual burdens
Strengthened through the Gospel
Faith
From Psalm 89:8-9: “O Lord God of hosts, who is as mighty as you, O Lord? Your faithfulness surrounds you. You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, you still them.”
Approaching storms
Burdened with fear
Now darkness forms
Hope’s light unclear
Tempest brewing
Drowning with fright
Life’s undoing
Faith must invite
Our Prince of Peace
Seeing our plight
Renews life’s lease
Turns night to light
Lord’s mighty voice
Storm’s rage resigns
Angels rejoice
Peace rules divine
Heart’s calmness grows
Lord takes control
Dark chaos slows
Christ on patrol
From Psalm 107:28-29: “Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought them out from their distress; He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed.”
Here is a familiar hymn, “Eternal Father, Strong to Save.” While I have used this hymn in the past, this shortened version features the true intensity of the “tempest brewing.” We can always look to our Father’s strength to help us persevere.
Beware of idols
Turning away, seeking truth—
Placing faith in God
Love abides in God
Seeking lost and wayward sheep—
Welcoming each home
Father, be gracious
Faithful promises leading—
Hearing each prayer
