A Hand Along the Journey: Poems for the King from One Pilgrim to Another

  “I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.” John 10:14   The Shepherd’s eyes look in kind love At all the sheep who are His own. The Shepherd’s shoulders – strong to bear Them safely all the way to Home. The Shepherd’s ears are quick to hear Each bleat and “baa” from lambs that fear. The Shepherd’s heart compassion feels; He shelters weak ones, holds them near. The Shepherd’s path – the wisest choice, For sheep can trust His gentle voice. The Shepherd’s presence, greatest gift; He’ll never leave or His Word shift. The Shepherd’s smile brings quiet joy; His love breathes peace within the soul. This Shepherd’s mine; I hope He’s yours, For only Jesus makes life whole.

“…Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.   Therefore comfort one another with these words.” – I Thess. 4:13-18   We loved each other - best friends, soul mates - It's hard you're gone, within heaven's gates. We thought we'd turn old and gray together, Living and loving on this side of forever. How could “together” fly by so fast?  How can it be all those dreams are past? And the man for whom my life was made, Instead of here, walks on streets gold paved. I look at your picture with eyes so true; You’re just as alive as when I saw you. Only ‘cause you were you is the loss so keen; I'm so glad to have known you, though I'm in the "between." My solace is this: you're with Jesus our Lord, And we'll meet again is His promised word. ___________ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEZnE2UjY6E&list=RDQEZn...

Please listen to this background music while reading the quotations / poem: https://youtu.be/69yfusFIMII?si=sYOMEUnQp7VWeQ-1 In God We Trust: America’s Declaration of Dependence   George Washington said: It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible. *  It is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor. *   Ronald Reagan said: Of the many influences that have shaped the United States into a distinctive nation and people, none may be said to be more fundamental and enduring than the Bible. 1 If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under.  2   Reagan further stated: It's been written that the most sublime figure in American history was George Washington on his knees in the snow at Valley Forge. He personified a people who knew that it was not enough to depend on their ow...

  “…behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne.” – Rev. 4:2   Twenty years past, this day, our “I do.” As man and wife, a family new. Thousands of days since come and gone, Each one a gift, notes in love’s song.   And this day for you, what a May 13 th – Seeing what no eye sees on earth beneath! I try to imagine from colors in Scripture A glimpse of the beauty, heaven’s overture.   Beneath the throne, beneath His feet, Paved sapphire of brilliant blue meets A sea of glass, and from it flows The river of life that God bestows. Such clarity no gemstone here On earth will ever rank a peer. When heaven’s saints fall down, cast crowns, They clatter on sapphire; worship all else drowns.                                           A bright rainbow around the throne With hue of emerald green has shone From Ezekiel’...

  “And He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And He said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And He said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.”  Rev. 21:5-6   Stronger than death, Jesus is Victor; Beyond life’s last breath He is the Deliverer. Heaven’s justified dwell With His light in their eyes; Of His triumph they tell   In unending reprise. Salvation’s Captain Entered our fray; At Calvary’s mountain His blood bought our way. Stand then e’er boldly By faith in your Lord;   Unchanging, He holds thee, And sure is His Word.

  “One God and Father of all, Who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” -Ephesians 4:6   My God is my Father, and He’s over all – Eternally sovereign, the Ancient of Days. Naught overpowers Him, nor ever shall, Peerless and mighty, His deeds call forth praise.   My God is my Father, and He works through all – Providence unhindered by choices and chance.   His glory and purposes take the last curtain call, Ever working and winning behind casual glance.   My God is my Father, and He is in all – Through the Spirit indwelling those who’ve trusted the Son. That God’s very presence would fill ones so small… It’s the gift of the ages, with parallel none.   “Over, through, in” – power, providence, presence – A good staff to lean on when times turn hard. We can always trust Him when things don’t make sense;   All the way Home, His children He’ll guard.