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

"...I am with you always..." (Matt. 28:20) By my bed You sit with me To talk at night once more And my heart stirs at what faith sees - Kindness in Your eyes, my Lord. You always look at me with love, As does Your Father, too. It makes me want to know more of My holy God - all that is You. This year's Easter week is here, And with it comes reflection On Scripture's canvas painted clear; The Lamb is my salvation. Submission to the Father's will Had never been so costly; Strength met sorrow when You kneeled 'Neath olive trees surrenderingly. I wish I could've done something To help You way back then! Instead it was my own causing; You died for all my sin. Still today You're strong for me; Your gracious hands reach out To meet all needs so patiently. You'll never cast me out. At such a love my soul is stirred To love You back, my King; For when the Shepherd's voice is heard, All else is naught esteemed. Father, please send back Your Son! I long to...

Nineteen years ago and a continent away, a new alphabet was written. The twenty-six English letters became the starting point for twenty-six phrases that summarized important truths, truths important enough to be foundational stones for life building. The place?  The FMCA 3 rd -5 th grade classroom in Lima, Peru. The people? Miss Boley, Jared, Andrea, Jeff, Cailie, and Alex. The pattern? I'd write one phrase and an illustrative short story a week, with my students each getting a chance to pick one setting, and write one story as well. We memorized those twenty-six phrases as the year progressed, and though I don't know if my students remember any of them today, from time to time I think of a letter and its accompanying truth: D, Q, H, C.... Although it's not poetry, I decided a couple weeks ago to post that “Alphabet to Live By” on this blog. It is my prayer that a letter or two will resonate with each reader. The corresponding short stories are available on request. ...

    Sometimes a hero doesn’t wear a cape.             He dresses in business casual and goes to work day in and day out to provide for his family.             He habitually does the dishes after supper so his wife can care for her mom’s medical needs.             He cleans up his kid’s throw-up in the middle of the night without complaining.             He says two words at the start of a secular business lunch: “Let’s pray,” and then does so in Jesus’ name.   Sometimes a hero doesn’t have a flashy logo to let everyone know who he is.             However, when coworkers, family, or restaurant servers make mistakes, he doesn’t belittle or berate them.         ...

  Psalm 23:4 "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me..." I stand at valley's edge tonight With loved one's hand in mine, And know that though, try as I might, To let go it is almost time. Memories of days now past Like whispers kiss my soul. Truths we lived this life outlast;  They'll see you to your goal. The Spirit, Son, and Father Will change your faith to sight, And He can never falter Who carries you to Light. At valley's edge we'll watch you go, And we will trust Him, too; You taught us how to love and know The God Who means so much to you.

  “…Behold, let thine handmaid be a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.” 1 Sam. 25:41   “…you serve the Lord Christ.” Col. 3:24   If I were here when You were here, Son of God and Son of Man, What I’d want more than anything Would be to serve You at Your hand. Little things that must be done – Unimportant in themselves – I’d try to do for love of One Whose love all else excels.   I wish I could have washed Your feet, You Who washed other men’s, Or cooked and brought You food to eat When Your day’s work was at an end. I wish I could have given You Soft pillows for Your head, Or had a home to welcome You As through the land You’d tread.   A few small comforts – not a lot To give the King of Kings; But as I’d work, You’d fill each thought (To know You makes joy sing!). Ointment, mending, cold water, too, I’d try to anticipate each need; Watching, listening, then I’d do Whate’er I could for my Friend indeed.   But…I am here and that was then, Y...

  “…He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The LORD is my helper; I will not fear…’” (Hebrews 13:5-6)   Swinging out into 2024, With but a peek at what’s beyond the door; What’s likely-to-be summons Faith’s muster In steady stance against Fear’s bluster. Then onward my soul, brandish your Sword; Your Father’s the King, your hope is His Word! Recount now His deeds – He’s ever the same; Look up and smile – He’s called you by name.   Though I’m but a pilgrim in this changing world, My Father made Heaven with glory unfurled. Though all that is holy here may be challenged, My Father’s not daunted; Elijah He encouraged. Though varied limitations bar my way, My Father blew the Red Sea’s waters away. Though tasks and time are out of proportion, My Father spoke light at dawn of Creation.   Though I don’t know yet how events will unfold, My Father tells me to come to Him bold.   Though my strength to represent Him is small, M...

  Revelation 3:14-22   “We are the Church, young and cool, Too hip to sign up for God’s total rule. We’ve got cash, and we can do suave. We flirt with Truth, but have no resolve.”   “We are the Church,” others may boast, “We have all we need, for wealth matters most. With a nod of assent to God, we go on - Secure in our folly, old and settled and wrong.”   “You are My Church!” the Amen cries, “But lukewarm devotion has blinded your eyes To your wretched condition of misery. I stand on the outside of such piety.”   Oh, may it never, never be That anything’s enthroned but Thee! The gift of communion from Your heart to mine Makes trinkets of treasures I’d otherwise find.     * * *   We’ve reached the end of Christ’s seven letters, But in our own time, we’d do well to remember The Church’s condition is defined by its members. Let our hearts leap in faith as His eyes search our souls, With a yearning to know Him still the leader of goals,   The lo...