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

“On Wednesday, July 18, 1984, MaryBeth gave her heart to Jesus...” -written on the inside cover of my childhood New Testament    35 years we’ve walked together, Jesus and me through fair and foul weather; 35 years His hand’s held mine, Never once letting go in rain or shine.   35 years God has been my Father, Not just as Creator, but because He’s Redeemer. 35 years the Spirit’s lived in me, Working to copy the Son’s image holy.   35 years His Book’s been my guide, Illumining the Savior by my side. 35 years since as child of four, He became my salvation forevermore.   35 years, and I’ve so much to learn: Of keeping Him the One for Whom my soul yearns, Of loving my Lord with all of my mind, Of living by faith when troubles I find.   And in 35 more, what will then be? Will I still be here, or in eternity? I know not the answer, but of this I’m sure: We’ll sti...

“...Behold the Man!” “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, Even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, That whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 19:5, 3:14-15)   Look Jesus said it would come to pass, His suffering and death on Calvary’s cross. He planned it all out from the world’s very start; ‘Twas the only way possible to cleanse fallen hearts. He chose how it would be, and what He would do, And all of the details He already knew. He wanted the world His death to behold, To witness the plan of redemption unfold. So I come to the cross, knowing not what to say In response to what justice and love did that day. Isaiah speaks well: it was my sin He bore, My griefs that He carried, my stripes His flesh tore.   Live And when I beheld Him, and His Truth believed, My sin was forgiven, and pardon received. He stands today the victorious Lord, Risen fro...

Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward…” – John 18:4 After Gethsemane’s prayer of surrender, Jesus walked forth to meet His betrayer, Knowing all that would occur: Upon His holiness every rancorous slur, Upon His body every hatred hurled, And the worst, His Father’s wrath unfurled. Yet He went forth. He knew, too, what would happen as time progressed: Some would never choose to place in Him their trust. Some would, in His name, commit deeds unjust. And among even those who would love Him best, Failures would surface in temptations and tests. Sin runs deep, and in this world won’t rest. Yet He went forth. With calm authority He met every foe. He stuck to His duty when He wanted to go. He protected disciples, as He does all His own. He had nothing to hide, for His words’ truth was known. He knew that eternity was His kingdom’s throne, And from Calvary would come His victory alone. And He still goes fo...

“I pray for those who will believe in Me… You have loved them as You have loved Me.” (John 17:20,23)     The Passover was finished, the first Communion given, He had washed their feet, they had sung a hymn; Jesus and His disciples left the upper room. Before their return would come the cross and empty tomb. Wrapping their cloaks about them as the night grew chilly, They made their way over terrain rough and hilly. They left Jerusalem in its noise and festivity, Traveling to Gethsemane rather reflectively.   Perhaps they passed a vineyard as Jesus spoke John 15. They trudged along as He talked of hardship, yet victory, in John 16. And then He stopped, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and prayed. Eternity caught its breath at the beauty of such love displayed. He prayed for me. Glory, purity, unity: They flow through His words more brilliantly Than the Northern Lights could ever be. Yet what sparkling diamond captures my awe chiefl...

These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer;  I have overcome the world. (John 16:33) “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4           The third Christmas was entirely different than the first one. A stark contrast of divine protection and devastating loss mark that third Christmas season. When remembering that historical account, we typically emphasize the good and majestic parts of the story, while relegating the terrible events to the background. Perhaps we do so because to look too closely would rouse that persistent question “Why?” which is so often unanswered in this lifetime. Yet, in grappling with the events of the third Christmas, hope can be found for our times. Hope is always worth the work, so here we go…           There is perhaps nothing more beautif...

For Jamie and Judith  "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,  the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort."  (2 Corinthians 1:3) Jordan Grace “…Let the little children come to Me…” (Luke 18:16) “Jordan Grace, with the beautiful face,” Was our special rhyme-song of love For the daughter we held in love’s embrace, ‘Til called Home by our Father above. Almost three months your sunshine was here, Brightening all of our days. Your brothers hovered protectingly near, In love with your sweet baby ways. And now…now…it’s so very hard – This soul-wrenching moment we’re in – To let go in faith is what is required, So we trust in Him Who’s always been. The I AM of all knew each of your days, And knows all that is yet to be. Our sweet little girl on His face does gaze, In the Sonshine of eternity. “Jordan Grace, with the beautiful face,” Our hearts will always echo. What love has claimed, time...

“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:9-11) Coveted prizes we all search for – Forever love, real joy, and more – Are promised by Christ to those who abide In Him by keeping His words their guide. It seems so simple; how can it be That loving obedience sets us free To the life we’ve always yearned to know, A life of fulfillment His glory to show? I know not the answer to this mystery, How God Who is holy could live through me; Yet His Spirit within me whispers, “Keep trying, For grace and strength I’m always supplying.” Truly my Savior walks with me As surely as in Bible history, How can I not then in fellowship dear Cling to the One Whose words are so clear? Abide in Him in b...