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

“Jesus…said to him, Do you believe in the Son of God?” (John 9:35) Dawn rose, but he could not see it. He had never seen a sunrise. The beauty of color was unknown to his eyes. He had never seen his parents’ faces. He found his way by shuffled steps and counted paces. He had been born blind. But that day, his life changed forever. God’s glory was revealed undisguised; Jesus opened the blind man’s eyes! What he had never dreamed could be Became his reality. The gift of sight was his. The Daystar rose on blind leaders. They never saw the glory of Jesus. They would not believe, so their sin knew no forgiveness. Stubbornly the Son of God they faced, But the once blind man’s faith placed In him perfect spiritual sight. What does this story mean to me? My limitations are invitations for God’s work. And because He's worked, to witness for Him I must not shirk. Though scared parents and angry leaders led to rejection, Jesus gave the o...

John 8:58 – “Jesus said to them, Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” Before the world and time began, Jesus is the great I AM (John 1:1). When history’s finished up His plan, Jesus is the great I AM (Revelation 22:13). Before I ever took a breath, Jesus is the great I AM (Psalm 139). And someday when I’ve passed through death, Jesus is the great I AM (Revelation1:17-18). He rules above this pagan world; Jesus is the great I AM (Psalm 2). Though insults at Him it has hurled, Jesus is the great I AM (Philippians 2:5-11). His love has conquered my heart, too; Jesus is the great I AM (Ephesians 3:14-21). I’ve found Him always kind and true; Jesus is the great I AM (Isaiah 61:1-3). He’s Bread of Life, all that I need; Jesus is the great I AM (John 6:35). He’s Light exposing darkest deeds; Jesus is the great I AM (John 3:16-21). He’s Shepherd gently tending sheep; Jesus is the great I AM (John 10). He’s One Who in...

John 7:37-38 – On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying,“If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” The Feast of Tabernacles drew to a close; The last great day of celebration arose. The priest with water came near to the altar, And joy overflowed in song and in laughter. Then Jesus stood and shouted to all A wonderful, beautiful invitation call: If any man thirst, let him come unto Me! Living water will flow so abundantly! If any man, any man, any man thirst, Let him come to the One Who’s preeminently first! Nothing else satisfies mankind’s deepest longings These all fall far short: fame, pleasure, belongings. I wish I had been at the temple that day, To hear those great words that Jesus did say! I’d have fought through the crowd to fall at His feet, To answer, “I’m here; please make me compl...

John 6:20 – “  But He [Jesus] saith to them, “It is I; be not afraid.” “It is I,” our Savior said To men so full of dread; At His “Be not afraid,” Their doubts were all assuaged. “It is I,” He whispers yet When our hearts today would fret; And there’s no storm can ever His presence from us sever. “Be of good cheer,” He smiles* When we’re cornered by life’s trials, And somehow in our souls we know He’ll see us through; our faith does grow. I thank You then, my Jesus! Your words bring peace and steadiness. You’re with me every day and night. I trust You with all that brings fright. And since You love me, love me so, May I to You a smile show. We’re in this storm together, Lord, And I rejoice in Your good Word. *See Mark 6:50

John 5:6 – When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” Two thousand years ago When Jesus walked on earth, He asked a question whose echo Extends to all souls still in dearth. “Wilt thou be made whole?” His piercing, loving gaze Looks deep into my soul, And sees all of my days. Perhaps my heart then leaps in faith; Perhaps it droops like wondering waif. In either case He still stands there, With mercy’s salve: relentless care. Perhaps I mumble some excuse, Like John 5’s paralyzed man. But His Truth wins against doubt’s ruse; He’ll carry out His plan. The One Who’s saved my soul from hell Crafts each day to His story tell. If aught then ails my life I know His strength will yet His glory show. No matter then what brings duress, What troubles bind my soul; With anchored hope I answer, “Yes! Lord Jesus, make me ...

John 4:23 – “…the Father se eketh such to worship Him.” How should I worship You, High Holy One? What things would please You; what words from my tongue? What actions, what music, what th oughts in my heart? What gifts could I possibly to You impart? How could You ever take pleasure in me, Whose pride and defiance sent You to the tree? “Jesus has answered this,” He patiently said. So I opened His Word, and therein I read: “…worship the Father in spirit and truth.” He seeks for this “must;” it’s worship’s real proof. ‘Spirit’ refers to my heart’s attitude; ‘Truth’ lines up with all that His Word calls good. When I come to worship You, High Holy One, My heart must be awed by the Light of Your Son, And my worship must also be true to the Bible. These two are essentially, undoubtedly vital. To have only awe is a ship without moorings, Yet truth without love is as colorless mornings. Then end here Your search, Oh, Father, I pray, Find ...

John 3:30 – “He must increase, but I must decrease.” When circumstances turn my attitude sour, I increase . When I respond with His gracious power, He increases . When I think only of what I feel or want, I increase . When I put others’ needs at the forefront, He increases . When I sulk inside and those thoughts hold sway, I increase . When I praise His goodness anyway, He increases . When all I see is what is wrong, I increase . When I count my blessings all day long, He increases . When I resign to temptation’s pull, I increase . When I by faith choose to follow His rule, He increases . When fear, frustration, or anger loom large, I increase. When Jesus in all His glory takes charge, He increases. And those decisions never cease: Will I increase? Will He increase?