View three different scripture poems each week on Calvary’s Facebook page, Calvary’s website and in the Freestone County Times.
February 21, 2021
The Begotten Son
From the bottomOf his heart,The begotten SovereignGave his lifeWhile on earth’sTrampled dirt.
OverwhelminglyOvercomingSin and death,The supreme MonarchLeft his blood mark On his cross so dark.
His compassion for menTime and time againHas been proclaimed.
He is the RockFor whom the dove came;He is the SaviorLost men must claim;He became sinTo feel men’s shame.
By ELMFebruary 14, 2021
“For God so loved the world, that hegave his only begotten son….” John 3:16a (KJV)
February 14, 2021
Seven Cows and Seven Heads of Grain
My confusion was extreme;I had two dreams,But they were one it seemed.They had the same themeThe dream interpreter said to me.
In my first illusive interludeI was on the margin of the NileWhen I was mesmerizedBy seeing seven wholesome cowsEmerge from the water of the river
And they began to pasture.Thereafter seven scrawny, skeletal cowsCame forth from the river,And they promptly devouredThe seven salubrious ones.Nevertheless, they remainedSickly, scraggy, skinny cows.
In my second slumbering sensationI envisioned seven heads of grain
On one stalk that were luscious and loaded.Suddenly from the same stalk sproutedSeven shriveled, stunted heads of grainThat swiftly swallowed the seven succulent ones.
The reasonable rationale of these reveries Is that seven prosperous years shall be shadowedBy seven desolate, dreadful ones of famine.Preparations must commence to preventHuman starvation and malnourishment.
By ELMFebruary 9 2021
“The seven good cows are seven years, and the sevengood heads of grain are seven years;it is one and the same dream.”Genesis 41:26 (NIV)
February 7, 2021
Love Your Enemies
In adversities love your adversaries;In hostilities love those who are hostile;In antagonisms love your antagonists;In oppositions love those who oppose.
Enemies who are relentless,Remorseless, ruthlessMust be rememberedIn prayers of faith,In rains of grace.
Did not our Lord do so?Do you love your oppressors?Do you cherish your foes?Do you tolerate your tormentors?
If you are a child of the King,Favor forgiveness;Overlook offenses;Waive wrongdoings.
By ELMFebruary 8, 2021
“…Love your enemies, bless them that curse you,do good to them that hate you, and pray for themwhich despitefully use you, and persecute you;”Matthew 5:44 (KJV)In Context: Matthew 5:43-45
January 31, 2021
Without the Shedding of Blood
The blood of ChristAtones for sinUntil time ends.Wise menAsk forgivenessIn the stillnessOf their hearts.They become witnessesOf the righteousnessOf the blood of Christ.Old ways of living diminishWhen a man lives for ChristUntil his days are finished.The blood of bulls and goatsWas a foreshadowing of the crossWithout which all menWould be lost.There is not a needFor other sacrificesBecause the blood of ChristIs so genuinely precise.
By ELMJanuary 30, 2021
“…Without the shedding of bloodthere is no forgiveness of sins.”Hebrews 9:22b (ESV)
January 24, 2021
A Lamp and a Light
God’s word is a lamp and a light;It shines bright at noon and midnight.
His word glows in my soul’s alcoves;With it there are no dim shadows.
A darkened trail I don’t travel;In life’s stream it is my paddle.
Life with the word avoids defeat;I can see God’s path and my feet.
His word I remember and read;Christ went to Calvary for me.
His word shines my enlightened heart;Each day with it is a fresh start.
Holy Scripture is my life’s guide;In Christ’s word I know to abide.
By ELMNovember 17, 2020
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet,and a light unto my path.”Psalm 119:105 (KJV)
January 17, 2021
To Be Consumed with Christ
To be consumed with ChristIs the desire of a prayerful life.A heartfelt commitmentEstablishes sincere enthusiasm.Worshipful sentimentsReflect the depth of a soul.
When a poignant confessionFollows divine conviction,Responsibility is acquired,And joy possessesWorshipful expressions.
A man’s righteousnessMust be based On Christ’s faithfulness.For a man to know God,He must acknowledgeHis own iniquitiesAnd deficiencies,And believe God’sConfidential forgiveness.
By ELMNovember 16, 2020
“My passion is to be consumed with him….”Philippians 3:9a (TPT)In Context: Philippians 3:8-10
January 10, 2021
Out of the Whirlwind
Out of the whirlwindThe Lord spoke to Job.He must now begin;Trials would not end.
‘Don’t question wisdomFrom your ignorance.Who created earth?Do you know your worth?’
‘I laid the groundworkKnowing dimensions.I made your framework.I’m your redemption.’
‘I kept the oceansIn their boundaries.I laid foundations;I made the nations.’
‘The morning stars sing.I’m the creator.I give birds their wings;I make the bees sting.’
Out of the whirlwindThe Lord spoke to Job.He is man’s dear friend;In God there’s no end.
By ELMNovember 20, 2020
“Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind….”Job 38:1 (KJV)
January 3, 2021
I Am Rebekah
Receiving a husbandI had never seen,Believing a servant manI had never known,I went to a strange land.I perceived this was God’s plan.I am Rebekah.
I became the motherOf thousands of millionsWho were ordinary civilians,Yet some were ancestorsOf the Messiah who were willingTo follow the Savior,Being very resilient.They shall live foreverIn his dominion.I am Rebekah.
Leaving the only homeI had ever known,Being obedient toThe servant’s request,I followed him to IsaacWith great excitement.A future Son would beThe promised Messiah.I am Rebekah.
By ELMDecember 30, 2020
“And they called Rebekah, and said unto her,Wilt thou go with this man?And she said, I will go.”Genesis 24:58 (KJV)
December 27, 2020
Prophet of the Highest
I am the prophet of the Highest;For many yearsThe oracles had been silent,When I cameTo prepare a way.I went before his faceTo announce to the human raceThat he was the Messiah.I confronted sinUntil my life’s end.
I was the forerunnerAnd the front-runnerAnd the trailblazerAnd the newcomerDemanding that men repent.Their sins they had to regret.The Messiah would pardonAnd he would forget.Sins must be forgivenFor a man to live in heaven.
By ELMDecember 19, 2020
“And thou, child, shalt be called theprophet of the Highest: for thoushalt go before the face of theLord to prepare his ways;”Luke 1:76 (KJV)In Context: Luke 1:76-78
December 20, 2020
The Trough
In strips of clothThey wrapped theNewborn babyAnd laid him inA feeding troughCut in the bedrock.Did the baby cry?Perhaps he gaveA little cough?Mary kept him in her eyeAs the baby uttered a sigh.Near the troughDid a neighboring cow bellowAs it looked at the wee fellow?There were angels all aroundSinging in the airAnd sitting on the ground.The trough was the manger
Protecting the babyFrom all danger.This baby isThe soulful Savior.
By ELMDecember 14, 2020
“…They laid him in a feeding trough….”Luke 2:7b (TPT)
December 13, 2020
Love Each Other Deeply
Love each other deeply;This is what I planned;The more so is grand.
I want you to loveParticularly when it’s not easy,As you must love your enemies.
I gave up my lifeSo that you thoroughlyCan love deeply.
I constantly cultivateYour love as you activateMy will in your soul.
Persistently prayingAnd continually obeyingNurtures your love for each other.
My love is unfathomedYet intensely profoundWhen you grasp I’m around.
By ELMDecember 9, 2020
“So this is my command: Love each otherdeeply, as much as I have loved you.” John 15:12 (TPT)
December 6, 2020
On My Side
The Lord is on my sideWhen my eyes are not dry.When tears run down my cheeks,In the stillness He speaks.
God is my instructor,My heart’s faithful factor.For worse or for better,He’s my life’s pacesetter.
God is my foundationBuilt in his holy soil.He’s my soul’s salvationEnding all the turmoil.
The Lord is on my side;I trust this faithful GuideWhen sadness overwhelms.All grace in him I’ve found.
By ELMDecember 1, 2020
“The Lord is on my side; I will not fear.What can man do unto me?”Psalm 118:6 (KJV)
November 29, 2020
Don’t Doubt Me
Blind people can now see;Lame people can now walk;Don’t doubt me.
Lepers have been healed;Many deaf can now hear;Don’t doubt me.
The dead have been raised;Empty are their graves;Don’t doubt me.
Many lost have been found;Prisoners are no longer bound;Don’t doubt me.
Behold, I come quickly;Believe in me swiftly;Don’t doubt me.
By ELMNovember 28, 2020
“…Blessed are those who don’t doubt me.”Matthew 11:6 (The Living Bible)
November 22, 2020
Affection on Things Above
Affection on things aboveDevelops as a result of God’s love.A fondness,A tenderness,A warm heartednessFor sacred mattersAre relished as oneSoars the celestial ladder.
Compassionate good willIs acquired and remainsWhen one obtainsThe Savior’s saving grace.
A man is able to standBy the mercy grantedBy the crucified hands.
A man can be zealously engagedWhen his affection is on things above.A man’s heart shall burn when he learnsTo saturate himself with biblical verse.
By ELMNovember 23, 2020
“Set your affection on things above,not on things on the earth.”Colossians 3:2 (KJV)
November 15, 2020
When Men Began to Multiply
When men began to multiply,The Son of God many denied.To worship him they did not try.
And it came to passOn the face of earth,Men’s souls did not graspThe plans of the Lord.
When men began to multiply,Before they were led to Sinai,With one another they did strive.
And it came to passThe sons saw the daughters of men.The Spirit did not seek again.
When men began to multiply,Their sins caused them to go awry.The Lord’s grace they did not apply.
And it came to passOn the face of earth,Many did not tryThe free second birth.
By ELMSeptember 28, 2020
“And it came to pass, when men began tomultiply on the face of the earth….”Genesis 6:1a (KJV)
November 8, 2020
Sharper than Any Twoedged Sword
The Word’s perceptivenessAnd judiciousnessCleanses a man’s heartOf unrighteousness.
The Word rejuvenatesAnd invigoratesAnd liberatesA man’s soul.
It is like a twoedged sword;It is like a spiritual scissor;It is like a surgical knife.This weapon is bladedAnd clawlikeAnd sharper thanAny bread knife.Sin it strikes.
To a man’s being it penetrates.It intermingles the thoughtsOf a man with the heart of God.A man’s essence it captivates;It stimulates a man’s beingTo anticipateBlessings.
By ELMOctober 27 2020
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, andsharper than any twoedged sword, piercing evento the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and ofthe joints and marrow, and is a discerner of thethoughts and intents of the heart.”Hebrews 4:12 (KJV)
November 1, 2020
All That Delights God’s Heart
I trust when I prayThat I delight God’s heart.I go to my private placeThat is my praying space.I explore my Lord;I expect his grace.
I aspire to be a sacrificeThat Christ will cleanseWith his sacred fire.He empties me of vileMuck and mire.Shall my shame expire?
I intend my prayers to beGenuine endeavorsExpressing my needs,Emphasizing my brokenness,Declaring my feelings,While I am kneeling.
By ELMOctober 29, 2020
“I encourage you to surrender yourselves to Godto be his sacred, living sacrifices. And live inholiness, experiencing all that delights his heart.For this becomes your genuine expression of worship.Romans 12:1b (TPT)
October 25, 2020
Calling Out for Insight
Calling out for insightDay and nightIs a good thing.Asking God for thisMay result in bliss.
Having a degreeOf perceptiveness,Kindled withForthrightness,Adds an opennessTo a person’s being.
Christian integritySeeks sincerity.Godly honestyEnsues genuine humility.
Calling out for insightCan make a darkSituation bright.Fears can take flight.Wisdom is a delight.
By ELMOctober 19, 2020
“Indeed, if you call out for insight…You will understand the fear of the Lord.”Proverbs 2:3a, 5a (NIV)
October 18, 2020
Before You Ask Him
Before you ask him, He knows what you need,But he wants youTo agree to believe.
Jesus is the key.On his daily bread do feed.Only in Christ can you succeed.
Before you ask him,In his grace take a swim.Faith in Christ is never just a whim.
Jesus is full of compassion;He wishes to be the main attraction.His grace and love are everlasting;Therefore, veer from sinful distractions.
Before you ask him,Walk in his direction.He does not want you to zigzagAs you carry his cross.Follow his path; you won’t get lost.
By ELMOctober 12, 2020
“…Your Father knoweth what things ye have needOf, before ye ask him.”Matthew 6:8b (KJV)
October 11, 2020
Of Such Is the Kingdom of Heaven
One must be as a childTo be reconciledWith God.
A relying acceptance,A responsive alignment,A resolute acknowledgementOf the merciful grace of JesusMust be presentIn the heart of a manTo be as a child.
The kingdom of heaven,The paradise of promise,Is given to those who Come as a trusting youngsterTo the heart Adjuster.
Children – of suchIs the kingdom of heaven – Come without leavenTo their eternal home.They find blessed restIn a haven, a nestWhere all needs are addressed.
Men should bring children to Jesus;They should not be hinderedWith their hearts loving and tender.
One must be as a child,Meek and mild,To enter the kingdom.
By ELMJuly 23, 2020
“But Jesus said, Suffer little children,and forbid them not, to come unto me:for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”Matthew 19:14 (KJV)
October 4, 2020
Fully Mature
I have been proclaimed.You should feel no shameWhen you trust in me.I trust you are fully mature;My love is pure.
I want you to admonishAll believers.You must not letThe old deceiverLessen your joyfulnessThat you possess.
There should beA flowering in your soul.My desire is that youContinue to grow.A contemplative calmnessShould take holdAs you let me have control.
Find yourself fully mature.Problems you must endureSo be at home in prayer.Perpetuate anAwareness that I care.
By ELMSeptember 7, 2020
“He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so thatwe may present everyone fully mature in Christ.”Colossians 1:28 (NIV)
September 20, 2020
Autumn and Spring Rains
God sends the autumn rains;His people have a lot to gain.Abundant showersDescending from aboveDeclare God’s love.
A multitude of gifts are swiftTo come from God’s throneMaking his intentions known.
God sends the spring rainsThat benefit humankind.He washes away sinful stainsAnd opens men’s eyesThat once were blind.
God is faithfulTo fulfill men’s dreams.He is ableTo provide blessingsIn continual streamsAs in April.
By ELMSeptember 21, 2020
“Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice in theLord your God, for he has given you theautumn rains because he is faithful. Hesends you abundant showers, bothautumn and spring rains, as before.”Joel 2:23 (NIV)
September 13, 2020
In the Name of the Father
In the name of the FatherAccept my grace.Cut to the chase.
In the name of the FatherClaim my free blessings.Keep progressing.
In the name of the FatherInhabit my presence.Look for my appearance.
In the name of the FatherFortify your faith.Solidify my grace.
In the name of the FatherClose temptation’s door.Kneel and pray on the floor.
In the name of the FatherMake disciples.Your worship is vital.
By ELMSeptember 5, 2020
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father andof the Son and of the Hoy Spirit.”Matthew 28:19 (NIV)In Context: Matthew 28:18-20
September 6, 2020
Making Home
Making home withMy Father and meSuspends roaming.
There’s no placeLike home;It affords a joyful Syndrome.
Making home with meSolidifies liberty.Unrestricted graceAbides in that place.
Allow your dwellingTo be one of hospitality.It’s more than a shelter;It’s making home.
Making home withMy Father and meGives one a haven,A sanctuary,A place that doesNot vary.
By ELMSeptember 6, 2020
“Jesus replied, ‘Anyone who loves me will obey myteaching. My father will love them, and we will cometo them and make our home with them.” John 14:23 (NIV)
August 30, 2020
Having Dinner at Levi’s House
I was having dinnerAt Levi’s houseWith tax collectorsAnd sinnersWhen a groupOf Pharisees entered.
The Pharisees askedWhy I was thereWith the outcasts.
Their hearts I knew were cold;This is why they were so bold.
I told them the sickNeed a cure;I wanted to makeTheir hearts pure.New life was their Need for sure.
Many people followed me.Some were friends;Some were enemies.They did not all seeTheir need for me.Many did not believe.
By ELMAugust 26, 2020
While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house,many tax collectors and sinners were eating with himand his disciples, for there were many who followed him.”Mark 2:15 (NIV)
August 23, 2020
Voice of God Speaking
Men shouldHear the voiceOf the LordAnd rejoice.Everyone hasTo make a choiceTo do or not.
If men wouldListen to God speakEvery day of Every weekAnd Jesus seek,They’d be strongerAnd not so weak.
The voice of GodMay be speaking;His Spirit mayBe pleading;Men shouldFollow his leading.
Men need to heedGod’s messageAs they travelLife’s passage.It shall give themAn advantage.
By ELMAugust 15, 2020
“Has any other people heard the voice of God speakingout of fire, as you have, and lived?”Deuteronomy 4:33 (NIV)
August 16, 2020
Like the Brightness after Rain
For the most part,David ruled in righteousness.He was a man after God’s own heart.He knew the substantial essentials,Yet he knew he was not indispensable.
Like the brightness after rain,He was a visible godsend to Israel.Like the brightness after rain,His God given power was invincible.
As he put his trust in God to rule,He was like the light of morningAt sunrise on a cloudless morning.
Like the brightness after rain,Blessings flowed from God’s throne.Like the brightness after rain,God’s potency was known.
By ELMJuly 26, 2020
“…When one rules over people in righteousness,when he rules in the fear of God, he is like thelight of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning,like the brightness after rain that brings grass from the earth.”II Samuel 23:3b-4 (NIV)
August 9, 2020
August 2, 2020
To Win the Prize
I must keep my eyesOn my SaviorTo win the prize.Sometimes he hasTo advise; sometimesHe has to chastise.It seems no matterHow hard I tryI tend to fall shortOf reaching my goals;It’s like I fellInto a sin hole.Maybe iniquity getsStuck inside me likeCabbage in an egg roll.Perhaps, I need to recallThat I’m fighting a war,And I probably needTo dig a foxhole;That would be Better for my soul.A lot of things aboutThis life are not celestial;Some are even dreadful,But of one thing I am sure:My Savior’s loveIs most essential.
By ELMJuly 28, 2020
““I press on toward the goal to win the prizefor which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”Philippians 3:14 (NIV)
July 26, 2020
Hospitality to Strangers and Angels
Strangers may be angels,Or they may not be.Hospitality must be shown.Perhaps they are all alone;Perhaps their sinsHave not been atoned;Perhaps they have no home;Perhaps they have beenThrowing stones;Perhaps they have justCome from God’s throne.
Strangers and AngelsNeed a cordial reception.They may need lodging;You may be their destination.They may need friendshipOr fellowship or companionship,Or by chance you need theirs.Maybe they have come to worship.
Without knowing it you may beRescuing themOr reviving themOr restoring them.
By ELMJuly 25, 2020
“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers,for by so doing some people have shown hospitalityto angels without knowing it.”Hebrews 13:2 (NIV)
July 19, 2020
An Entwined Heart
Woven together by grace,Fused by faith,Are the hearts of thoseEntwined with Christ.
As a shoe is laced,So is a godly man’s lifeTightened by heart stringsWhen drawn through theEyes of God’s embrace,Capturing stability in his race.
Enmeshed and entangledWith the Savior,Once a babe in a manger,Promises a soul secureNot life free of danger.
Love interminglesAmong believer’s heartsAs it flows from God’s throneStimulating charityAnd fostering familiarityWith the secrets of God.
By ELMJuly 1, 2020
“For how could anyone be disgraced when heHas entwined his heart with you?”Psalm 25:3 (TPT)
July 12, 2020
Flawless
The Lord is flawless;His being is faultless.My God he is;He’s my reason to rejoice.A man should choose him;He is the best choice.A spiritual acceptanceIs required;Forgiveness mustBe desired.
The Lord is flawless,And He keeps all promises.His words and deedsAre always honestAnd never thoughtless.In him I take refuge;My sin debt is huge.I know I need ChristAs the center of my life.
The Lord is flawless;His way is perfect.Only in him I find solace.My life he wants to direct;My sins he collects.God is the consummate One;In his Son the victoryHas already been won.
By ELMJuly 7, 2020
“As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord is flawless;he shields all who take refuge in him.”Psalm 18:30 (NIV)
July 5, 2020
Before Me Was the Lamb
Standing on Mount ZionWas the Lamb,The Passover lamb.He was kept in the home,A pet before slaughter.After four days he would perishFor men’s sons and daughters.The massacre of the Messiah,The carnage of the ChristOccurred on Mount Calvary,Where he won the masteryOver sin’s scourge.
Before me was the Lamb,The babe of Bethlehem.Before me was the Boy teaching the doctorsIn the temple in Jerusalem.Before me was theMiracle maker whoCaused the blind to see,Who caused his disciplesTo watch as he walked on the sea.
Not the mark of the beast,But a counter markWas on the believers’ heads.The Lamb that turned waterInto wine at a wedding feast,Who is the bread without yeast,Stood on Mount Zion before me.
By ELMJuly 4, 2020
“Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb,standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 whohad his name and his Father’s namewritten on their foreheads.”Revelation 14:1 (NIV)
June 28, 2020
How Many Loaves Do You Have?
‘What do you haveIn your hand?May it be usedTo help a fellow man?’
‘How many loavesDo you have?’The reply was seven.‘Have you consideredWhat you are getting?Shall you receive a blessing?’
‘What do you haveIn your hand as you walkOn the narrow road?Do you carryA heavy load?The Son of ManCarried his cross.Some bear sin on roadsThat lead to loss.’
‘How many loavesDo you have?’The reply was seven.‘Could they showThe way to heaven?Was the breadMade without leaven?Is the Bread of Life yourGreatest possession?’
By ELMJune 20, 2020
“’How many loaves do you have?’Jesus asked. ‘Seven,’ they replied.”Mark 8:5 (NIV)In Context: Mark 8:1-10
June 21, 2020
Walking
Jesus walked on water;Peter did too.The Lord God was walkingIn the garden in the cool of the day.To the original pair he soon was talking.
Pharaoh’s daughter went walkingAlong the riverbank.She discovered a baby in a basket;That was quite shocking.
King Saul dressed David inHis coat of armor and helmet.David tried walking around,But he felt too earthbound.
As Elisha and ElijahWere walking and talking,A chariot of fire took ElijahAway to heaven in a whirlwind.
People walking in darknessHave seen a great light.Hearts lost their hardnessChanging their inwardness.
Four men were seen walkingIn the fiery furnaceUnbound and unharmed.
Jesus walked on water;Peter did too.
By ELMJune 19, 2020
“Then the man and his wife heard the soundof the Lord God as he was walking in the gardenin the cool of the day….”Genesis 3:8 (NIV)
June 14, 2020
Possess Your Soul
Let the mind ofJesus be yours.It makes life easierTo endure;It ensures graceWhen facedWith trials.
You must possessYour own soulTo grow.Be careful Not to developA coldness.
Form the mind of ChristTo possess your soul;God uses thisTo enrich your life.It takes patienceTo acknowledgeGod’s presence.
Don’t stayAt the beginning,When you first believed.Trust ChristAt life’s endingAnd worshipThroughoutEternity.
By ELMMay 26, 2020
“In your patience possess ye your souls.”Luke 21:19 (KJV)
June 7, 2020
Moses Was Very Meek
Moses was very meek;He had a spirit of submissionAnd a reverent disposition.
After being in God’s presenceHe had a glowing countenance.His behavior was one of a lamb;Nothing about him was a sham.He was not a fraud or a fake;He never did the truth forsake.
Moses was very meek;His was a soul worth knowing.His being was one of understanding.
Into the wilderness he ledThe Hebrews out of Egyptian bondage.God provided miracles to his advantage.Of the law he knew firsthand,And he knew God had a plan.Moses was a servant and a wise man.
Moses was very meek;He possessed a godly demeanor.Of God he was a devoted follower.
By ELMMay 23, 2020
“Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the menwhich were upon the face of the earth.”Numbers 12:3 (KJV)
May 31, 2020
More than Conquerors
More than conquerorsChrist wants men to be;In Christ there areNumerous possibilities.
TribulationsCan shake a believer’sFoundation,But victorious he can beAs he rises fromLife’s troublesome sea.
Trials and travails,Miseries and adversities,Disappointments and dilemmasCome to every man.Some come by a man’s
Own doing;Some come fromAnother.
Every ChristianHas somethingHe wishes was not there.It does not go away,But it is softenedBy prayer.
“Nay, in all these things we are more thanconquerors through him that loved us.”Romans 8:37 (KJV)
May 24, 2020
Hanging On Every Word He Said
Men wereIntently listeningAndAttentively heedingAndDecisively decidingAndAstutely respondingAs they wereHanging on every wordHe said.
Listeners became convertsAndConverts became believersAndBelievers became worshippersAndWorshippers became followersAndFollowers became disciplesAs they wereHanging on every wordHe said.
Thoughts became deedsAndDeeds became worksAndWorks became blessingsTo othersAs they wereHanging on every wordHe said.
By ELMMay 18, 2020
“…Because all the people hung on every word he said.”Luke 19:48b (NLT)
May 17, 2020
Wounded for Our Transgressions
Jesus was woundedFor our transgressions;His harming was our healing.His crucifixion was our curative.His resurrection was our retrieval.
Jesus was bruised for our iniquities.He was scratched and scarred;He was battered and bloodied;He was brutalized and broken.
The chastisement of our peaceWas upon Jesus.He endured our execution;He paid our penalty;He encountered evilLike no other.
Yahweh placed the penalty of sinUpon his loving SonSo that we could be forgiven,So that we could be delivered,So that we qualified for citizenshipIn his heavenly kingdom.
By ELMMay 7, 2020
“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he wasbruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peacewas upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”Isaiah 53:5 (KJV)
May 10, 2020
Wise in Their Own Eyes
Men who are wiseIn their own eyesAre misguided and mistaken;They have deludedAnd deceived their hearts.
If praise is due,Let another do.If one is to glory,In the Lord let him glory.
Judicious and sagacious menReceive blessings from the Lord;God recognizes if a man is self-righteous.
God acknowledges when wise menReceive praises from othersAnd not from their own lips.
Some justify themselves before men,But God grasps their marrow and affection.Since God asserts microscopic perception,He perceives men’s honesty and deception.
When a man ascertains he is nothingApart from Christ, then he is something.A man who walks wisely and justifiablyIn Christ, serves the Savior humbly.
A man with a proud heartIs a danger to himself and others;He cannot be a blessing to another.
“Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes,and prudent in their own sight!”Isaiah 5:21 (KJV)
May 3, 2020
A Continual Cleansing
There is no darkness in Christ;He is the eternal light,A ceaseless, continuousIllumination flowing In redeemed heartsNo longer blind.
Light shines on transgressions,Uncovering secret sinsNeeding atonement.No man is alone;All men have Adam’s Common nature.
A continual cleansing beginsAt the point of accepting Jesus’Redeeming sacrifice on Calvary.Each believer will sin againBecause he is still in the flesh,But in Christ he can discern rest.
God’s incessant graceAllows a man to save face.God’s unrelenting mercyCan help men with controversy.
The blood of JesusContinually cleansesMaking rejection of ChristStunningly senseless.
By ELMApril 30, 2020
“But if we keep living in the pure light thatsurrounds him, we share unbroken fellowshipwith one another, and the blood of Jesus,his Son, continually cleanses us from all sin.”I John 1:7 (TPT)In Context: I John 1:5-7
April 26, 2020
Build with Care
The Savior of men isThe precious cornerstone. Every wise builder builds upon him.Every wise builder builds with care.
Christ is the foundation,The framework, the fundamentOf a man’s soul that is saved by grace.Jesus is the groundwork.Jesus is the substructure.Jesus is the originator.Build with care.
Establish your life in Christ.Construct with courage.Shape with strength.Make with mercy.Frame with faith.Build with care.
There is no other source of lifeThan the Redeemer,No other underpinning,No other infrastructure,No other understructure.Build with care.
Doctrine is built on Christ.Purposes of God are seen in Christ.Righteousness reverberates from Christ.Build with care.
By ELMApril 24, 2020
“By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundationas a wise builder, and someone else is building on it.But each one should build with care.”I Corinthians 3:10 (NIV)In Context: I Corinthians 3:9-15
April 19, 2020
He First Loved Me
Before I loved Jesus,He first loved me.He heard my plea.He abated the waves of sin,So I could beginMy walk with him.Jesus is One in Three.His grace is all I need.His love does not cause fear;If to his throne I stay near,His commands I can hear.I must choose him to followToday and tomorrow.Before I loved Jesus,He first loved me.His glory I shall one day see.In him I am victoriousBecause his love is glorious.He endured the cross with its painTo remove all of my shame.His goodwill is instantaneous.He decorates my soul, my spirit.He gives me a new song,And I listen and sing along.His various blessingsTeach me to him I belong.His crucifixion was serious,So that my life would no longerBe meaningless.
By ELMApril 13, 2020
“We love him, because he first loved us.”I John 4:19 (KJV)
April 12, 2020
Christ Put on Skin
Christ put on skinTo save men from sin.He wants to save allBefore their lives end.
Men were made in God’s likeness,So they can share with othersThe glory of his brightness.
Christ put on skinTo save men from sin.Only through Jesus menHave victory over sin.
God shields men from within,Like a tattered coat he can mend.He insulated Daniel in the lions’ den;He protects believersFrom the wrath of lost men.
Adam’s coat of skinsGave him a chance to live again.New possibilities are producedWhen men proclaim the truth.
Christ put on skinTo save men from sin.On him should a man depend;Forgiveness Jesus extends.
By ELMApril 10, 2020
“Unto Adam also and to his wife did theLord God make coats of skins, and clothed them.”Genesis 3:21 (KJV)
April 5, 2009
One Gospel
There is not another;There is only one gospel.It is not possible;The one is scripturalAnd doctrinal.
Some prefer to pervert it;Many decide to distort it;Others choose to conceive it.
The gospel is the story of Christ.Jesus died that men might have life;On Calvary he was sacrificed.Men must accept the gospel by faith;They must not wait.It is the story of the Messiah’sBirth, death, and resurrection dates.
If ignored, it will lead a man to trouble.If disregarded, it will make a man stumble.If brushed aside, it will cause a man to crumble.
Men must strive to please God with a passion.The Savior of men is full of compassion,And the gospel cultivates soulful satisfaction.
By ELMApril 3, 2020
“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called youinto the grace of Christ unto another gospel, which is not another;but these are some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.”Galatians 1:6-7 (KJV)In Context: Galatians 1:6-10
March 29, 2020
Search Your Soul
Search your soul for me.It’s been a long timeSince we dared a rhyme,Since we shared springtime.
Look with all your heart,And when you find me,Never let me go.In your life I wantTo play a big role.
Pursue my purpose.My intentions areMost honorable,Honest and noble.
Dignify your ride;Come and go with me.I died on a tree,So you can be free.
Be still on your bed;Nightly say your prayers.Daily eat my bread;You must know I care.
Tremble before me;My majesty sees.My grace and gloryHas made you holy.
By ELMMarch 20, 2020
“Tremble in awe before the Lord, and do not sin against him.Be still upon your bed and search your heart before him.”Psalm 4:4 (TPT)
March 22, 2020
Be Strong and of Good Courage
You have all the strengthYou need in me.My lengthAround you stretches.I’ve got your edges.I’m the wedgeThat keeps youFrom sliding.
As with Job,Surrounding youIs a hedge.It is I.I minimize your risk.Your probability of jeopardyIs slim, none eternally.
You shall face hazardsAnd incidences of peril,But wear my protective apparel,My whole armor: truth,The breastplate, the gospel,The shield, the helmet,And the sword of the Spirit.
Remain at my throne;Do not wander away.Do not be dismayed;My glory is on display.Do not be afraid.Pray.
By ELMMarch 22, 2020
“Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them;for the Lord thy God, he it is who doth go with thee;he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”Deuteronomy 31:6 (KJV)In Context: Deuteronomy 31:1-8
March 15, 2020
Hide It Within
Some matters areFound deep within.That’s where they remain;They’re of such valuable gain.They can’t be bought,Nor can they beWashed awayBy decades of internal rain.
Birthdays come and goAs do days of rain and snow,But God’s designs are life keeping.They enter sweepingOther issues aside;Initial sinful ones are keptIn parenthesis,While others simply hide.
All genuine believersTreasure God’s wisdom.He releases a man’s soulFrom a horrendous prison.Anchored inside is grace,Yet sin leaves behind a trace.Any man can acquire it,But sin’s wit is hard to admit.
By ELMMarch 10, 2020
“My child, will you treasure my wisdom?Then and only then, will you acquire it.And only if you accept my advice andhide it within will you succeed.”Proverbs 2:1 (The Passion Translation)
March 8, 2020
Drinking a Scorching Wind
Drinking a scorching windWill be the fate of all menWho refute the truth.
The verity of the gospelPropagates to all men.The divine messageDemonstrates to all,Who by Satan’s schemes fall,That there is promiseOf a descending SaviorWho changes human behavior.
To life Christ adds flavor;No one ever lived who is greater.Flaming sulfur will fall dryBurning human eyes.Drinking a scorching windShall extendThe torment and miseryOf those who chooseTo not believe.
Hurting and hardshipGo hand in handAs men try to understandThe Messiah’s plan.
By ELMFebruary 25, 2020
“He will send fiery coals and flaming sulfur down on thewicked, and they will drink nothing but a scorching wind.”Psalm 11:6 (CEV)
March 1, 2020
Count the Cost
What does it takeTo save the lost?Sit down andCount the cost.
If you are planningTo build a houseWith your spouse,You would firstCount the cost.
The value of a soulTook Jesus to the cross.He paid the priceSo men could haveEternal life.
Were the expendituresExpensive?Was the purchaseWorth it?
It took a willing heart,A cross, and JesusTo fulfill his part.
With this actAll men get a fresh start.This is a biblical fact.
By ELMFebruary 18, 2020
“For which of you, intending to build a tower,sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost,whether he have sufficient to finish it?”Luke 14:28 (KJV)
February 23, 2020
The Scriptures Point to Me
The Scriptures point to me,So why can’t you believe?
Have you seen my miracles?Some of them were visible.
You believe in the Scriptures,Yet you don’t get the picture.
The Word was given by me;It’s about eternity.
The Scriptures point to me;Read them and be set free.
I gave my life for you;That can make all things new.
The Bible is original;Its stories are not fictional.
The Word draws pictures of me.It’s a painting of men free.
By ELMJanuary 7, 2020
“You search the Scriptures because you believe they giveyou eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!”John 5:39 (NLT)
February 16, 2020
Not Bread Alone
Bread alone willNot satisfy.Have you everWondered why?
There is a deep-seatedNeed in a man’s soulTo feel that he is whole.
He can only findInherent contentment in Christ,But most men never go there.They can be joint heirs, butThey never turn to the MasterWho has all of life’s answers.
Every man has thisImperative requirementIngrained in his brain,But few admit it.
There is aPowerful potencyIn God’s words.Holy Scripture is like a sword.It slashes and splits;It slices and slitsAll human issuesTo the core of the heart.
Christ is the living Word.Now you have heard.Is the gist of your being stirred?
By ELMFebruary 11, 2020
“…It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone,but by every word that proceedethout of the mouth of God.”Matthew 4:4 (KJV)
February 9, 2020
Nothing Can Separate Us
God strengthens believers;We can overcome the deceiverBy our faith in Christ.
God is not dead;Get that through your head.He is with you in real time;He cleanses away the grime – The crud, the filth, the muck of sin.You can start all over againEvery day when you pray.
Nothing can separate us,So why make a fuss?He loves you today;He’ll love you tomorrow.He made you out of clay.He expects you to love him always;Don’t let sin get in the way.
Even if you want to,You can’t keep God’s love away.Death can’t. Life can’t. Men can’t.Angels can’t. Demons can’t.
Isn’t this great news?So why feel blue?I have trusted him;How about you?
Remember, Christ is seatedAt the Father’s right handMaking intercession.O! What a blessing! Amen!
By ELMJanuary 28, 2020
“And I am convinced that nothing canEver separate us from his love….”Romans 8:38a (NLT)
February 2, 2020
The Trying of Your Faith
The substance of thingsYou hope for is faith,But you can’t see it;You’ve never seen it.It doesn’t work that way,But you know it when you have it.You ask for it when you pray.You may ask the Lord to increaseYour faith day by day.
Faith increases patience.Sometimes you have to wait;You may be waiting for days,Or weeks, or months, or years.It will come, but when it does,You may shed some tears.Happiness or sadness or bothMay accompany your faith.Salvation is by grace through faith.
The trying of your faithMay be a difficult struggle.Remember biblical Job;He lost everything but his faith.Sometimes trouble comes double;Sometimes you may feel like You’re in a dense jungle,And there is no way out;That’s the trying of your faith.
By ELMJanuary 25, 2020
“…The trying of your faith worketh patience.”James 1:3 (KJV)In Context: James 1:2-11