November 6, 2022

While I May Be Found

A man is wise to look
For me while I may be found.
I shall not continuously
Seek a man
Who runs consistently
From me because he can.

I want to be planted
In a man’s soul,
But I cannot enter
If a man’s heart is closed.
Transgressions take a terrible toll.

A man needs to call my name,
Or he only has himself to blame.
If he claims his need for me,
He shall be with me for eternity.

It takes faith to follow my lead.
Forgiveness a man must seek
For his evil deeds.
I am quick to notice
A searching heart;
I promise to do my part.
Isolated from me a man
Has a black heart.

By ELM
April 19, 2022

“Seek ye the Lord while he may be found,
call ye upon him while he is near.”
Isaiah 55:6 (KJV)

October 9, 2022

If Christ Be in You

If Christ be in you,
Your life is new.
You are not the same;
Christ has taken away
All of your shame.

The Holy Spirit is life;
He assists in bringing
 To an end sinful strife.
One looks forward
To the afterlife.

You are no longer
Saturated in the flesh;
Life has become original,
Less mythical
And centered on the biblical.

We are debtors
Who no longer live
After the flesh.
Our minds and souls
Have been refreshed.

By ELM
October 8, 2022

“And if Christ be in you, the body is dead
because of sin; but the Spirit is life
because of righteousness.”
Romans 8:10 (KJV)

October 2, 2022

It Makes My Mouth Water

It makes my mouth water
When I hear the Word;
It makes life less blurred.
My soul can fly as a bird.
God’s divine phrases
Can take me out of life’s mazes
And cause me to sing his praises.

It makes my mouth water
When I hear the Gospel preached;
When my pastor speaks
From Sunday to Sunday,
I listen to a holy speech.
When his tongue is loosed,
To God’s Word I’m introduced.

It makes my mouth water
When I read the Holy Scripture.
I envision divine pictures
That make my life richer.
The pages of my bible I turn
For I know I have a lot to learn.
God’s holy will I must discern.

By ELM
September 29, 2022

“And his mouth was opened immediately,
and his tongue loosed, and he
spake, and praised God.”
Luke 1:64 (KJV)

September 18, 2022

In the Power of His Might

In the power of God’s might
Put up a good fight
Whether day or night
Always struggling for the right
Moments may be opportune
Whether night or high noon
Hum a gospel tune
Jesus is coming again soon
Stand against the wiles
With a beaming Christian smile
As you traverse a few miles
Remembering Satan is full of guile
We wrestle against principalities
Lucifer is always contradictory
Godly men not being in the majority
Yet in Christ achieving the victory
Spiritual wickedness in high places
May be realized by men’s faces
Sin always leaves behind some traces
So we continue to run the races
Wearing the breastplate of righteousness
Believers must not drown in idleness
Satan’s attacks contain some frightfulness
As we maintain a degree of rightfulness
Fighting with the sword of the Spirit
Until our heavenly home we inherit
But not by our own merits
Yet never to disinherit

By ELM
August 22, 2022

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the
Lord, and in the power of his might.”
Ephesians 6:10 (KJV) 

September 4, 2022

The Erroneous Sort of Pride

Destruction comes after
Erroneous pride;
After which there
Is no place to hide.
Step outside
Yourself and look;
There is no way
To obliterate it.
Life lived is like a book
With all chapters read.
Arrogant behavior spreads
Wherever one treads.
Then comes the fall,
The decline, the declivity,
The downward slope
Where one finds no hope

Before a fall take note;
You can rid yourself
Of misguided hope.
Allow Jesus to take control;
Surely your name is on his roll.
Even the best of saints
Need a little restraint.
A haughty heart
Stirs up strife
Day or night.
Become as a child;
Be meek and mild.
Be veracious with yourself.
Honesty goes hand 
In hand with modesty.

By ELM
September 2, 2022

“Pride goeth before destruction, and an 
haughty spirit before a fall.”
Proverbs 16:18 (KJV) 

August 21, 2022

My Blood

My blood painted the cross
And tainted the ground;
It puddled at the rugged foot
Where it darkened like soot.
Men can be justified freely
By placing faith in my blood
To cover all transgressions
As they state their confessions.
My blood makes an atonement
For human souls.
While you were yet sinners,
I died for each of you.
You were saved from wrath by me;
You were reconciled to God by me.
You must eat my flesh
And drink my blood to have life.
Live in the light; get out of the night.
I shall raise you up at the last day.
Without the shedding of my blood
There is no remission.
I passed over you in Egypt
If the blood was about your door.
Your redemption is by my blood.
I am the lamb without spot;
With my blood you’ve been bought.
You were far off,
But now you are nigh.

By ELM
August 9, 2022

“For this is my blood of the new testament,
which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”
Matthew 26:28 (KJV)

August 7, 2022

Grapes of Thorns or Figs of Thistles

A man should never
Mistake grape vines
For thorn bushes.
The grapes shall shine
In the morning light;
They get fatter as
They get ripe.
Grapes are not gathered
From a bramble bush.
Such thoughts
Should be hushed.

Figs of many kinds
Are delicious and fine:
Black Mission Figs,
LSU Purple Figs,
Chicago Cold Hardy Figs,
Brown Turkey Figs,
Celeste Figs,
Etcetera.
Figs do not have thistles;
No need to blow a whistle
Or notify officials.

By ELM
August 6, 2022

“Ye shall know them by their fruits.  Do men
gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?”
Matthew 7:16 (KJV)
In Context: Matthew 7:15-23

July 24, 2022

A Heart as Fat as Grease

Some have a heart
As fat as grease;
Their ticker is swollen,
And they do as they please.
They need to take a trip
Down on their knees.
Their souls are so cold;
They’re going to freeze.

Pride prevents many
From looking on the inside.
If they did, they would not
Like what they see.
Their own vanity
Becomes their guide.
They have no concept
Of God’s precepts.

Some have a heart
As fat as grease;
Their pride needs to decrease.
They’re following the wide way;
They’re not considering peace.
Their time in true worship
Does not increase.
Their spirits are bleak.

By ELM
July 1, 2022

“Their heart is as fat as grease;
but I delight in thy law.”
Proverbs 119:70 (KJV)

July 17, 2022

God Doesn’t Owe You Anything

God doesn’t owe you anything
Whether you are a pauper or a king.

God doesn’t owe you anything
Whether or not you have shoestrings.

God doesn’t owe you anything
 Whether or not you have a diamond ring.

God doesn’t owe you anything
Even though you have gifts to bring.

God doesn’t owe you anything
Even though you have a hymn to sing.

God doesn’t owe you anything
Even though you are worshiping.

God doesn’t owe you anything
Regardless of your status in society. 

God doesn’t owe you anything
Regardless of your notoriety.

God doesn’t owe you anything
Regardless of your piety.

By ELM
June 24, 2022

“… How much owest thou unto my Lord?”
Luke 16:5b (KJV)

July 10, 2022

God Gives Grace

Grace instills goodwill
Toward every man.
Christ wants men to
Have an abundant supply,
And apply
It to their lives
Thereby being fulfilled.

The proud,
The pompous,
The presumptuous,
Men should resist;
God does.

Grace decorates
The heart of men,
Allowing them
To begin again.
It permits forgiveness
And enthrones forbearance
In a man’s heart.

By ELM
June 28, 2022

“…God resisteth the proud, but
giveth grace unto the humble.”
James 4:6b (KJV)

June 26, 2022

Don’t Doubt

Can you move a mountain?
If you’re doubting, you can’t.
Faith must be firmly implanted
In the soul to do so.
Don’t doubt.

Put to death hesitation;
Be bold in your faith.
You belong to God’s nation;
In His kingdom you live
And have your being.
Remember the fig tree,
And celebrate being free.
Spread the seeds of belief.
Christian confidence
Strengthens your credibility.
Don’t doubt.

By ELM
June 29, 2022

“Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say
unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall
not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but
also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou re-
moved, and be thou cast into the sea;
it shall be done.”
Matthew 21:21 (KJV)

June 19, 2022

Finish the Course

Testify the gospel
Life not dear to self
Fight a good fight
Keep the faith
Love his appearing
Crown of righteousness
Receive Jesus
Compassed with a great
Cloud of witnesses
Lay aside every weight
Sin so easily besets us
Jesus the author of our faith
He endured the cross
Sitting at the right hand
Of God’s throne
Jesus the finisher of our faith
Contradiction of sinners
The heathen shall perish
Waxing old like a garment
His kingdom is from
Generation to generation
An everlasting dominion
Speak the oracles of God
In due season we shall reap
Love his appearing
Some will be tried
Some will be cast into prison
You are as sheep
In the midst of wolves

By ELM
June 9, 2022

“I have fought a good fight, I have
finished my course, I have kept the faith.”
II Timothy 4:7 (KJV)

June 5, 2022

Afflictions

Afflictions, diseases, illnesses
Impact all men, even the righteous.
The Lord redeems believers;
He is not like the Deceiver.

Afflictions may last just a little while,
And the Christian may soon see their end,
Or perhaps they’ll continue mile after mile,
Bringing later the worshiper’s smile.

Afflictions, troubles, tribulations
Affect all men, even God’s children.
For the saints these shall end
With a shout of triumph and a loud amen!

By ELM
June 4, 2022

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous:
but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.”
Psalm 34:19 (KJV)

May 22, 2022

I Am Wisdom

At the crossroads I stand;
I try to greet every man,
But most do not respond.
If you hear my voice,
Make the right choice.
Decide to reply
Expediently and efficiently.
Every person needs me,
But many do not believe me.
I always give good advice;
For you I may have suggestions;
If you follow them, I can give
You able assistance.
However, many men
Are unwise, even ludicrous.
Their behavior is often ridiculous.
I always tell what is real,
What is truthful and literal.
My words are meaningful
And substantial.
I may be knocking on your door
While you’re spread out on the floor,
Not knowing what to do.
I am never evil;
I maintain common sense;
I distribute gumption;
And to your life I add substance.

By ELM
May 16, 2022

“Can’t you hear the voice of wisdom?
She is standing at the city gates and
at every fork in the road, and at the
door of every house.  Listen
to what she says:”
Proverbs 8:1-3 (The Living Bible)
In Context:  Proverbs 8

May 15, 2022

I Have Called You by Name

I knew your name
Before you were given a name.
I knew you
Before you became you.

Do not be afraid
To approach my throne.
There you can remain
To seek forgiveness and pray.
I have called you by name;
Admit your transgressions;
No one else is to blame.
I am not playing a game.

You I can always identify;
You are specifically unique.
My holy will you must apply;
Through my Word I speak.

I have called you by name;
You are now my child.
I have called you by name;
Your soul has been reconciled.

I knew your name
Before you were given a name.
I knew you
Before you became you.

By ELM
May 9, 2022

“…Do not be afraid, for I have
ransomed you. I have called you
by name; you are mine.”
Isaiah 43:1b (NLT)

May 8, 2022

Edify

Edify one another;
Edify your brother;
Fill up your grace cup;
Build up.

Exhort your sister;
Don’t miss her;
Assist her;
Love her.

Speak honest words
That do not fly;
Be thankful
And satisfied.

Pray intercessions;
Forgive transgressions;
Listen to Godly wisdom;
Don’t be Satan’s victim.

Edify before people go awry;
It’s okay to ask why;
Give your service another try;
Entreat others to fly.

By ELM
June 5, 2021

“Wherefore comfort yourselves
together, and edify one another,
even as also ye do.”
I Thessalonians 5:11  (KJV)

May 1, 2022

Life More than Meat

Life is more than meat,
So men should not fret
About what they eat.

All men shall be tried,
But if they trust the Lord,
He shall provide.

Men should not worry;
Those that do shall be sorry.
All burdens Christ can carry.

Life can be delectable;
Life can be delightful,
When men trust the Gospel.

At the cross it is good to tarry;
Men need to hear the gospel story
And celebrate the Lord’s glory.

Life is more than what a man wears;
He should focus on Christ
And abide in his care.

Life is more than meat
As men worship at Jesus’ feet.
He makes men fully complete.

By ELM
November 6, 2020

“Therefore, I say unto you, Take no thought
for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye
shall drink; not yet for your body, what ye
shall put on.  Is not the life more than meat,
and the body than raiment?”
Matthew 6:25 (KJV)

April  24, 2022

Sin Dwells in Me

I recognize my shortcomings;
I acknowledge my faults;
I admit my sins.

Sin dwells in me,
So what shall I do?
I am a believer
Who is deceived
By the devilish Deceiver.

I must ask forgiveness;
I must plead for mercy;
I must seek my Savior.

Sin comes sneaking in
A door I left open.
Sin blatantly raises its head.
What has Satan said?
I often hear him,
But what does my Savior say?

I don’t do what I should;
If my faith was greater,
Then I certainly could.
An altar I need to build
Out of stones I would.
What would I sacrifice?
My Life?

Sin dwells in me,
But not in eternity.

By ELM
April 23, 2022

“Now if I do that I would not,
it is no more I that do it, but
sin that dwelleth in me.”
Romans 7:20 (KJV)

April  17, 2022

The Earth Swallowed

The Lord was provoked,
Yet in righteousness
He’s continually cloaked.
Severity was evoked.
Was there fire?
Was there smoke?

The earth swallowed
Korah’s brigade.
An earsplitting hush –
Soundless death followed.
Empty hearts –
 They’d been hollow.

This fathomless pit
Devoured and gobbled
Korah’s contingent.
Their rebellion 
Against Moses and Aaron
Brought God’s wrath,
Not a heavenly path.

By ELM
April 12, 2022

“And the earth opened her mouth, and
swallowed them up, and their houses,
and all the men that appertained unto
Korah, and all their goods.”
Numbers 16:32

April  10, 2022

Out of the Pit

When Joseph hit
Rock bottom,
He was lifted
Out of the pit.
Perhaps he had come
To the end of his wit.
He had to admit
His brothers he
Could not outwit.
Only by relying on Jehovah
Could he make it
Out of the pit.
Surely he prayed
Before the Ishmaelites came.
To them he was sold
For twenty pieces of silver.
What his brothers did
To him made him shiver,
But he prayed to
The great Deliverer
Who saved him from death
In the depth of the pit.
He was now on
His way to Egypt
Maintaining a firm
Allegiance
In his God.

By ELM
January 28, 2021

“…They drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit,
and sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty
pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.”
Genesis 37:28b

April  3, 2022

A Stumbling Block

A stumbling block,
A setback,
A snag
Can hurt your brother
Or another.
Get it out of the way.

A stumbling block,
A predicament,
A pitfall
Can harm or hinder
A friend,
An ally.
Get it out of the way.

A stumbling block,
A complication,
A concern
Can cause a constraint
Between neighbors
Or fellow laborers.
Get it out of the way.

A stumbling block,
A dilemma,
A disappointment
Can distractingly develop
Into a disagreement
Among fellow worshippers.
Get it out of the way. 

By ELM
April 23, 2021

“…No man put a stumbling block or an
occasion to fall in his brother’s way.”
Romans 14:13 (KJV)

March 27, 2022

Hemmed In

I am hemmed in
By Christ.
What a better situation?
I am hemmed in –
Surrounded by mercy –
Encircled and enclosed
By God’s loving arms
Interlocking around me.

Behind me and before me
Christ is there.
Blessings besiege me.
I am enveloped by his love;
I am corned by his border.
I am encased by his grace.
What a greater circumstance?
I am hemmed in.

I am spared from my past;
I am prepared for my future.
God’s blessings embellish me.
God’s hand is upon me.
God’s care covers me.
God’s spirit leads me.
I am hemmed in.

By ELM
July 24, 2021

“You hem me in behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon me.”
Psalm 139:5 (NIV)

March 20, 2022

Every Weight

Each human hindrance
 Specifically heavy
 Mortal burdens
Every weight
Must be
Dumped

Iniquities invite
The Enemy
To shift
Hearts

Abhorrent absurdities
Pernicious poundage
Insidious indignities
Odious oppressions
Human hypocrisies
Baleful behaviors
Perverse plots
Every weight
Must be
Buried

By ELM
December 19, 2021

“…Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin
which doth so easily beset us….”
Hebrews 12:1b (KJV)

March 13, 2022

You’ll Give an Account

Don’t cause your brother
To stumble;
Don’t fumble
Grace.
If your brother thinks it’s a sin,
Don’t do it.
It shall make a difference
In the end.
If your brother
May stagger,
If he may be overwhelmed,
Remember to live
In the spiritual realm.
Recall the One
To whom you belong.
Would He do it?
He never does wrong.
Every tongue shall confess;
Every tongue shall profess
Jesus as King of Kings.
Isn’t this a fabulous thing?
Never look down on another;
He may be your brother.
Build all men up;
They may be down
On their luck.
As a brother, never buck
The will of God.
Don’t cause your brother
To stumble;
You’ve got to get humble.
You will give an account;
The will of God is tantamount. 

By ELM
February 17, 2022

“Yes, each of us will give an account
of himself to God.”
Romans 14:12 (TLB)
In Context: Romans 14:10-13

March 6, 2022

Invasion

The invasion
 Of a man’s heart
By the Spirit’s
Persuasion
Is an intrusion
Of grace.

It is the optimal
Occasion.
Previously empty,
Trust took root.
A man’s soul
Becomes whole.

A war has begun
Using mercy’s artillery.
A barrage of faith
Shoots Satan’s antics.
A confidence ensues
When Christ rules.

By ELM
March 8, 2022

“But he that entereth in by the door
is the shepherd of the sheep.”
John 10:2 (KJV)

February 27, 2022

Leave the Ninety-nine on the Mountain

From a hundred sheep
 One is gone
Somewhere all alone
The shepherd sorely searches

Ninety-nine on the mountain
One had gone astray
Perchance far away

Leaving the ninety-nine on the mountain
Below the sheep man combed
Where the one sheep roamed

In a narrow vale
 The shepherd intervened
The one was seen
He was lost was found
Lying on the ground
Nigh a flowing stream

The shepherd reverted
 To the ninety-nine
The one lost was recovered
Grace discovered

By ELM
October 25, 2021

“What do you think?  If a man has a hundred sheep,
and one of them has gone astray and gets lost, will
he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountain and
go in search of the one that is lost?”
Matthew 18:12

February 20, 2022

Through a Needle’s Eye

To go through
A needle’s eye,
O my! O my!
It is not wide.
How does one get
Through it?
How does one
Pursue it?
By faith.

A rich man
Has a difficult time.
You see; he is
Probably blind.
Stuff and nonsense
Get in the way.
Whatchamacallit.
Sometimes it is
There to stay.

The kingdom,
God’s heavenly realm,
Has the Master at its helm.
He must remain in the forefront;
A man has to take a stand.
It’s a place upright,
A place where a man has to testify.
O my! O my!
It is not wide.

By ELM
February 19, 2022

“For it is easier for a camel to go
through a needle’s eye, than for
a rich man to enter into the
kingdom of God.”
Luke 18:25

February 13, 2022

We Must Never Forget

We must never forget
That God sent his only Son,
So we can have eternal life.
He is the incredible Light.

We must never forget Jesus fulfilled his Father’s wish.
The carpenter’s Son hung on a tree
Lovingly praying for men to believe.

We must never forget
The ground beneath the cross was wet
With the blood of the Immaculate.
We owe Jesus a debt.

We must never forget
We are now soldiers, more than cadets.
We wear the armor of God till yet.
We owe Jesus a debt.

We must never forget
The love Jesus has for us.
We must never forget
In Christ we do trust.

We must never forget
Our sins he bore on the cross.
Without the cross all would be lost.
Jesus paid the ultimate cost.

By ELM
February 8, 2022

“For we must never forget, dear brothers,
What happened to our people in the wilderness….”
I Corinthians 10:1a (TLB)

February 6, 2022

Still Fed on Milk

Baby believers
Can’t digest meat;
They are still fed on milk.
If not on milk,
They wither and wilt.
They can’t be strong;
They go back and forth
Not sure to whom they belong.
About this somebody
Probably wrote a song.

O! I wish they would be steady,
And always be ready
To give an account of their faith,
Yet only milk can they digest.
They don’t know facts;
They just guess.

They are not heart-healthy,
Nor are they spiritually wealthy.
Solid food is what they need,
But they just can’t take it in.
They follow their own desires;
They don’t work;
They’ve already retired
From a job they never did.
They’re off of the straight and narrow;
They fly like a dizzy sparrow.

By ELM
February 8, 2022

“I have had to feed you with milk and not
with solid food, because you couldn’t digest
anything stronger.  And even now you still
have to be fed on milk.”
I Corinthians 3:2 (TLB)
In Context:  I Corinthians 3:1-4

January 30, 2022

Wisdom

Some men seek it;
 A few men find it.
If a man inquires of God,
He will give a bountiful supply.
God is generous to provide.

In today’s word there is a shortage.
Little is being reported.
From heaven it needs to be imported.

It is not attained with a doubtful mind.
Perhaps it takes a little time,
But it can make a life sublime.

It is attached to understanding.
True sapience is admired;
Holy men need to be inspired.
Sound sagacity needs to be practiced
For a man to be spiritually active.

By ELM
July 19, 2021 

“… For he is always ready to give a bountiful
supply of wisdom to all who ask him; he will
not resent it.”
James 1:5b (TLB) 

January 23, 2022

Writing on the Ground

A woman had committed adultery;
Was that her life history?
Her accusers brought her
To Jesus to see what he would do.
This woman had been caught,
But did her claimants have any faults?

Meanwhile Jesus stooped down
And began writing on the ground.
When the accusers demanded an answer,
Jesus stood and said,
He who had no wrongs
Was to throw the first stone. 

Again, Jesus stooped down
And began writing in the dust.
Were the accusers being unjust?
Around the woman there gathered a crowd;
Were they being too proud?

When Jesus stood again,
The crowd had dispersed.
To the woman he said,
“Go, and sin no more.”
O! How her heart soared!

By ELM
July 20, 2021

“…Jesus stooped down, and with his finger
wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.”
John 8:6b (KJV)
In Context: John 8:1-11

January 16, 2022

Wide Steps beneath My Feet

Wide steps beneath my feet
Keep me standing when I
Feel like I may fall;
God’s grace performs it all.

You measure my steps;
They are just the right length.
You measure my steps
When the stairs are steep.

Christ stood at my door and knocked;
I answered salvation’s call.
He never struck hard; his rap was gentle.
A fire within me he did kindle.

Wide steps beneath my feet
Make my footing sure;
Wide steps beneath my feet
Help with trials that I endure.

I know I’ll never slip;
I praise you with my lips.
With wide steps beneath my feet,
I’ll walk on heaven’s golden streets.

By ELM
June 16, 2021

“You have made wide steps beneath my
feet so that I need never slip.”
Psalm 18:36 (TLB) 

January 9, 2022

An Offering and a Sacrifice

A doer of the Word
A follower of the Redeemer
A servant of salvation’s Master
A man must be

An offering and a sacrifice
Was the life of Christ
He came to ransom sinful men
Whose hearts are cold as ice

The Creator of man
The Son of David
The Messiah
Saves men from Hell’s fire

An offering and a sacrifice
Jesus paid the price
Any man can have a new life
Leaving this world behind

The Alpha and Omega
The Beginning and the End
A man’s dearest Friend
O! Hallelujah!

By ELM
January 6, 2022

“And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us,
and hath given himself for us an offering and
a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour.”
Ephesians 5:2

January 2, 2022

All That Is Within Me

All that is within me
I trust, dear Lord
Is acceptable to thee.
Is my life what you
Want it to be?
I know my soul
Is grounded in you.
My faith is placed in you.
Yet, are there hidden
In the alcoves of my soul
Iniquities that only
You can behold?
You detect my essence;
You search the
Marrow of my mind.
Your grace is intertwined
In the gist of my being.
Do trespasses abound?
Please let me know
What you have found.
Chase away my sins
With your grace;
I want to see your face
With nothing between.
Hear my plea
Regarding all
That is within me.

By ELM
December 27, 2021

“Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is
within me, bless his holy name.”
Psalm 103:1 (KJV)
In Context: Psalm 103:1-5 

December 26, 2021

And the Child Grew

And the Child grew
The Bethlehem Baby
Born in a manger
There was no maybe
God’s grace commenced
Embarking on a mission
Being heaven sent

And the Child grew
 Being eternal
Nothing new
Write it in your journal
Perpetually everlasting
Ageless endless
Ceaseless timeless

And the Child grew
The Scriptures he knew
Filled with wisdom
Biblical ingenuity
Teaching in the temple
Working within the system
The world trembles

And the Child grew
He hung on a cross
Darkness everywhere
Wearing a crown of thorns
Cutting across his head
Out of his sepulcher he came
We are to blame

By ELM
October 18, 2021

“And the Child grew and became strong in spirit,
filled with wisdom, and the grace (favor and
spiritual blessing) of God was upon Him.” 
Luke 2:40 (The Amplified Bible)

December 19, 2021

Field Lilies

Anyone’s flower –
A field lily
Awesomely arrayed
Attired in simplicity
Angelically made

This floral life
By the Master’s hand
Was clothed
With no insecurities
In all of its beauty

Legitimate necessities
Laced with no anxieties –
Life ought to be
If mankind only
Would believe

Solomon robed
In kingly royalty
In all his glory
God richly rendered
Nothing missing

Field lilies
Brilliantly bedecked
Here today
Gone the next
Are never vexed

By ELM
November 26, 2021

“And why worry about your clothes?
Look at the field lilies!  They don’t
worry about theirs.”
Matthew 6:28 (TLB)
In Context: Matthew 6:28-30

December 12, 2021

The Life of Your Soul

What’s more fundamental
Than the life of a man’s soul?
The answer is found
In the Living Scroll.

With ears open
Christ is more than a token;
Listen to his words
As they are spoken.
Discern the written.

Unfailing mercies,
Unfaltering blessings
Lie at the feet of Jesus;
They must be picked up
And lived.

A man’s life story
Needs to be surrounded
By the Lord’s glory
As seen in God’s grandeur.

Testimonies old and new
Are gathered from a man’s pew.
The riches of God’s grace
Must be embraced.

By ELM
December 15, 2021

“Come to me with your ears wide open.
Listen, for the life of your soul is at stake.
I am ready to make an everlasting covenant
with you, to give you all the unfailing mercies
and love that I had for King David.”
Isaiah 55:3 (TLB)

November 28, 2021

Receiving a Kingdom
Not stirred or displaced
By enraptured grace
A kingdom received
By God decreed

Never moved
And true and proved
Saints before us
Indeed did trust

Receiving a kingdom
With God given wisdom
With respectful reverence
Dearest observance

Mesmerized lives
By mercy divine
Receiving a kingdom
Of hallelujah freedom

Godly fear
Knowing Jesus is near
A consuming fire
Forgiveness aspire

By ELM
November 27, 2021

“Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot
be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may
serve God acceptably with reverence and godly
fear; For our God is a consuming fire.”
Hebrews 12:28-29 (KJV)

November 14, 2021

Peter’s Shadow

Countless hearts were aglow,
Hoping Peter’s shadow
Would fall across them.
The apostles in Jerusalem
Were evangelizing the people.
Many sick and feeble
Were profoundly healed;
These marvels were real.
Zealous faith emerged.
Souls evolved into spiritual receptors;
The Holy Spirit proved their protector.

Throngs converged in Jerusalem.
On their beds the sick
Were carried into the streets
Striving to meet
Peter or encounter his shadow
So they could be well.
The tides did swell.
Believers mushroomed
Into masses from nearby towns,
Desiring a glimpse of Peter’s shadow.
Their hearts would grow.
They would know
They were children of the Lamb.

By ELM
November 10, 2021

“Sick people were brought out into the
streets on beds and mats so that at least
Peter’s shadow would fall across some
of them as he went by!”
Acts 5:15 (TLB)
In Context: Acts 5:14-16

November 7, 2021

Turn Off the Flow

A wise man speaks
With well-chosen words;
Each syllable is crucial,
Every sound essential.

Words convey a message to relate;
A prudent man shall articulate.
He shall be thoughtful and logical
And always practical
 And often advisable.

Too many words clutter
The perceiver’s mind.
A man should know
When to turn off the flow.

The speaker should be
Concise and incisive.
He or she should be
Forthright and polite.

By ELM
November 1, 2021

“Don’t talk so much.  You keep putting
your foot in your mouth.  Be sensible
and turn off the flow.”
Proverbs 10:19 (TLB)
In Context: Proverbs 10:18-21