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

  When they had crossed over, they came   to the land of Gennesaret.   And when the men of that place recognized Him [Jesus],  they sent out into all that surrounding region, brought to Him all who were sick,   and begged Him that they might only   touch the hem of His garment. And   as many as touched   it   were made perfectly well. (Matt. 14:34-36)   It didn’t matter the sickness they had; There wasn’t any disease too bad That couldn’t be cured by coming to Him, And touching only His garment’s hem.   Desperate faith made them dare to beseech The God Who’d put Himself in their reach. And all who touched were made perfectly whole – “Saved through”* the plagues of body and soul.   “Touch the hem!” their story compels, Joining the echo of all the true tales Of lives changed – the whisper of centuries – “Look up in faith to know Jesus!”   My soul, make this practice your reflex of faith: G...

     In Matthew 11:25-26, Jesus prays the following: “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. ”      A few years ago, my mother-in-law pointed out how that second sentence highlights Jesus’ submission to whatever the Father desired. She mentioned that she had once heard someone say that verse 26 is an appropriate response when we encounter challenges that we would rather bypass. From time to time I remember that thought.      “Even so” is a strong affirmative “yes.” Luke 10:21 records the same prayer, adding that Jesus rejoiced as He prayed. That characteristic submission to the Father shines through His other recorded prayers also, perhaps the most notable example being Gethsemane’s “nevertheless” prayer, when sorrow underscored His words. So, as imitators of Christ, from joy t...

It doesn't have to be a perfect day to be a good day. Tasks need not be profound to be impactful; Don't focus on yourself if you'd be joyful. God's light breaks through all darkness, for He's with you.

  “…the strength of the hills is His also.”   – Psalm 95:4   Rugged majesty beckons. Bird songs echo the summons. Wind on my face invigorates. Horizon’s grandeur fascinates. Nothing manmade disrupts the view Of mountain splendor made by You.   Thousands of trees in varied green, Leaves that scintillate sunlight’s sheen. Wildflowers, gurgling creek - Beauty that the soul may seek. Rocky cliffs picture solid strength Passing centuries in length.   Footpaths say to come explore Higher, farther; hike some more. Ones I love along for the walk, Picnic lunch on a sunny rock. History’s tales from hills like these Challenge my soul to heroic deeds.   Best part of mountain excursions? Time with You, without diversions: Joy of abiding fellowship sweet Because my God has come to meet Me on the grand, grand mountains He made, And His love is the serenade.

“And they remembered His words.” Luke 24:8   Forgotten had been His clear prophecy Concerning His death’s necessity And resurrection that surely would be. Still He rose from the grave triumphantly, And they remembered His words.     It was an “Oh, yeah…that’s right” moment that morn, As joy changed faces that had been so forlorn. The King’s rightful crown never could be a thorn! Since they’d forgotten, they’d lost hope when they mourned, And they remembered His words.     And this is the motto I long to strive for: Honor my God with verse 8 of Luke 24. Make it the recourse my thoughts turn to more Than anything else; not after, before. And they remembered His words.     When my heart feels all jumbled, struggling to stand, Help me lean on, each time, words from Your hand. Spoken by He Who eternity spanned, By them faith’s flickering flame is fanned. And they remembered His words.     Lov...

  “…So when I saw it, I fell on my face…” (Ezek. 1:28)   You are the God Who sat on the throne above the firmament above the wheels and living creatures that Ezekiel saw. You are the God Who divided the Red Sea in two so that Israel could pass through. You are the God Who walked with Adam and Eve in the garden. You are the God Who died on the cross and defeated the grave to redeem us. You are the God Who sent fire on Mt. Carmel and spoke to Elijah in a still small Voice. You are the God Who did the impossible for Abraham and Sarah. You are the God Who kept David’s feet from falling and set him on a rock. You are the Rock that gave water to the multitude of wilderness wanderers. You are the Warrior of Revelation Who will right every wrong and receive every adoration. You are the Savior Who touched the leper and forgave the adulterer. You are the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. You are the God Who delivered Jehoshaphat and his army from overwhelming od...

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.  For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal,   but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,” – 2 Cor. 10:3-4 “I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ,  Who will judge the living and the dead  at His appearing and His kingdom:    Preach the Word!” – 2 Tim. 4:1-2a   Every Sunday churches gather, And the Spirit, though unseen, Walks among the rows of hearers   Who Life* and death are in between.   As the pastor wields the Sword, The Spirit pricks each heart With truth from God’s most holy Word; Great grace He’s ready to impart.   And angels hold their breath – What decision will be made? Choose redemption over death! Make the sin-to-Savior trade!   While Truth’s* declared, Christians pray, And the battle rages on. “Oh, God, help them believe Your Way* Befo...

For the blessing of Your presence near, That enters with us this New Year, We thank You. For promises Your Word imparts To meet deep longings of our hearts, We thank You. For shelter and our daily bread Received as our Good Shepherd's led, We thank You. For all the "extras" that You've given Above our needs, gracious provision, We thank You. For music, hope, and family - Expressions of eternity, We thank You. For enablement to follow You No matter what we may go through, We thank You. For the Spirit's pull upon our souls To know You more, greatest of goals, We thank You. For Jesus and His sacrifice To take our sin...so high a price, We thank You. For the Father's holiness and love Changeless True One, reigning above, We thank You. For the beautiful world You put us to live on, And for the new one we'll see at eternity's dawn, We thank You. "For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things,  to Whom be glory forever. Amen." (Rom. 11:36) ...