The key to all strange things is in thy heart. My spirit has come home, that sailed the doubtful seas.
From Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
Countee Cullen (1903-1946) was an American poet and novelist, who made a significant impact during the Harlem Renaissance.
From Isaiah 43:2: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”
Life’s inevitable storms
Sweeping tides against mankind
Surging within, Father’s love
Mercy arrives, never blind
Darkness blocking out daylight
Masking goodness of mankind
Surging within, Father’s truth
Savior’s light fully aligned
Faith overwhelmed, strength waning
Subduing trust in mankind
Surging within, Father’s voice
Peace returns as he designed
Angry river waters flow
Raging in hearts of mankind
Surging within, Father’s grace
Heavenly spirit assigned
One more trial challenges
Flipping conscience of mankind
Surging within, Father’s Word
Life’s purpose better defined
From John 16:33: “I have said this to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution, but take courage: I have conquered the world!”
Open your heart to sympathy, but close it against despondency. The flower which opens to receive the dew shuts against the rain.
From Joshua 1:9: “I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
James H. Aughey (1828-1911) was an American minister. During the Civil War, he was imprisoned and scheduled to be executed for his anti-Secession and pro-Union beliefs. Fortunately, he was able to escape from his Confederate captors and reached the lines of the Union army.
Photo by Bich Tran on Pexels.com
Looming, life’s challenges come from left field
Invading life, pushing through safety shields
Sheltering-in-place brings many changes
Experiencing new rules, with broad ranges
Occupied at home, juggling novel ways
Overcoming change, yet lost in life’s maze
Closing businesses, routines now shuttered
Feeling suddenly strange, life seems cluttered
Playing underfoot, young children amaze
Showing adults, innocence shows new ways
Living with this new normal, upside down
Sensing loss, emotions creating frowns
Praying for those needing support and care
Tapping our faith, God leads with His bright flare
Remaking daily habits, life’s new pace
Shelving normal, left high on a bookcase
Growing each day, uncertainty prevails
Ticking clocks, second hands moving like snails
Hunkering down, persistent virus sprawls
Waiting day by day, patience makes its call
Photo by Shawn Stutzman on Pexels.com
Originally published April, 2020 (near the beginning of the Covid pandemic).
If there were no valleys of sadness and death, we could never really appreciate the sunshine of happiness on the mountain top.
From Psalm 23:4: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
Roy Rogers (1911-1998) was an American singer, actor, and television host. He co-founded the Sons of the Pioneers singing group.
From Psalm 86:11: “Teach me Your way, O Lord, that I may walk in Your truth; give me an undivided heart to revere Your name.”
In perfect world
Always scoring
Tasting success
Every inning
Imperfect life
Trials crashing
Testing resolve
Emptiness reigns
Lessons in trust
Spirit nurtures
Kneeling at cross
Jesus teaches
Answers come forth
Faith’s walk deepens
Learning God’s ways
Grace enters heart
Battle strengthens
Darkness vanquished
Walking with Christ
Light victorious
God’s mercy flows
Just as He planned
Steady guidance
Growing each day
From Ecclesiastes 3:14: “I know that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it nor anything taken from it; God has done this so that all should stand in awe before Him.”
Every blow of the hammer is to fasten the nails of the building; so the preacher’s words are to fasten you the more to Christ; they weaken themselves to strengthen and settle you.
From Colossians 1:23: “Provided that you continue securely established and steadfast in the faith, without shifting from the hope promised by the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven. I, Paul, became a minister of this gospel.”
Thomas Watson (1620-1686) was an English Puritan preacher and Christian author.
Scaling
Mountain’s challenges
Faith’s promised cornerstone
Light delivers trusted grace
Overcoming
Navigating
Stormy seas
Light from above
Counting on faith’s compass
Reassuring
Traversing
Enemy’s darkness
Faith leading forward
Righteous light strengthens faith
Illuminating
There’s no sight like seeing the light from Calvary kiss a human face as it fills the heart with the assurance of Divine forgiveness.
From Hebrews 6:10-12: “For God is not unjust; He will not overlook your work and the love that you showed for His sake in serving the saints, as you still do. And we want each one of you to show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope to the very end, so that you may not become sluggish but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”
Rodney “Gipsy” Smith (1860-1947) was a British evangelist who conducted campaigns in both his native land and the United States for over 70 years.
From Isaiah 43:2: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”
Road ahead narrows
Stumbling with each step
Burdened with mistrust
Lack of faith, leads to missteps
Spirit joins each step
Uplifting at dawn
Life’s route flattens out
Mercy calling out, hang on
Tomorrow arrives
Trusting in God’s grace
River passing through
Each faithful step, keeping pace
Wilderness watered
Blossoming new leaves
Harvest steps forward
Deliverance, wrapped in sheaves
Eyes focused on Christ
Leading steps with love
Journey energized
Guided, by Spirit above
From Romans 8:27: “And God, who searches hearts, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”
Big Sky Buckeye 