Forgive your brother seventy times seven

This is one of the most challenging and transformative commands of Christ, pushing us beyond the limits of human accounting and into the boundless nature of divine grace.

Here is a poem on that radical call to forgiveness.

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The Unbroken Cycle

The arithmetic of the heart Says,“Count the wounds, and keep a chart. To seven times,perhaps be kind, Then justice may leave grace behind.”

But Peter’s question, wise and small, Was met with love that shatters all. A number meant to never cease, A call to an eternal peace.

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” (Matthew 18:21-22)

Not four-hundred and ninety, then be done, But as the waves count,one by one, That crash upon the waiting shore— Forgive,and then forgive once more.

This is the math of Heaven’s realm, Where mercy stands to overwhelm The tally of the wrongs we keep, Awake,asleep, in memories deep.

It is the echo of the plea We offer on bended knee: “Forgive us our debts,as we forgive…” The very terms on which we live.

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:14-15)

So break the chain of my revenge, My bitter thoughts,that seek to avenge. Let not the wound define my soul, But let Your mercy make me whole.

For You have not kept count of me, Upon the cross,You set me free. You canceled an unpayable debt— How can I offer less than that?

So let me not just count to four, And then refuse to forgive more. But let my heart,by grace, be driven To forgive seventy times seven.

First become last and Last become first.

This is one of the most revolutionary and counter-intuitive principles of the Kingdom of God, repeated by Jesus throughout the Gospels. It turns the world's value system utterly upside down.

Here is a poem on this profound paradox.

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The Great Reversal

The world proclaims its certain creed: "To satisfy your every need. Climb to the top,secure your place, Win the relentless,human race."

But from a throne of grace and truth, You spoke a word to shame our youth, To humble pride and dismantle thirst: "The first will be last, and the last will be first." (Matthew 19:30)

This is the economy of Heaven's realm, Where You take the helm,and overwhelm The calculations of the wise, Beneath Your own mysterious skies.

The one who strives to save his name, Will lose the prize he thought to claim. The one who serves unseen,unknown, Will find a seat near Heaven's throne.

For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. (Matthew 23:12)

So let me take the lowest place, And trust completely in Your grace. Not jostling for a higher chair, But free from that consuming care.

Let me be last in line for praise, And walk in quiet,servant ways. To wash the feet,to bear the cost, To love the one that others lost.

For in Your Kingdom, strange and true, The way to lead is to pursue The cross-shaped path,to lose and die— Then find true life,supplied on high.

The first in might will be surpassed By those who simply held on last. The greatest King became the Least— This is the wonder,this the feast.

So I step down, to be raised up. I drink the lowly,offered cup. I choose the back,to be brought near— For in Your reversal,God is here.

Two or more gather i will be in the midst.

That is a powerful promise of Christ, highlighting the sacredness of unity and corporate prayer. It is a testament to His presence among His people.

Here is a poem on that beautiful assurance.

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The Chord of Three

It is not in the lonely hour, Though I may feel Your Spirit's power, That You reserve this promise sweet, For humble souls who choose to meet.

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20)

Not just a crowd, a faceless throng, But where two hearts in You belong, And agree as one on what they seek— Your will,Your kingdom, strong, not weak.

A chord of three strands, braced and tight, Cannot be broken in the night. Your presence is the binding tie, As we lift our single cry.

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:12)

It is the harmony of trust, When our own wills are turned to dust. When we align with heaven's song, And to Your purpose,we belong.

This is the ground where miracles stand, Held in the palm of Your command. The key that turns the lock above, Unleashing heaven's hope and love.

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.” (Matthew 18:19)

So find me, Lord, in unity, With those who seek You,faithfully. Not just to share a warm embrace, But to contend for truth and grace.

For in the midst of our accord, We meet with You,our risen Lord. The Two or Three,and You make Four— A glimpse of heaven forevermore.

Light and salt of the world

This is the beautiful identity and mission Jesus gave to all His followers—to be active, transformative agents in the world.

Here is a poem on being salt and light.

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For Earth and Sky

You call us not to hide away, To wait secluded for the Day. But to be sent,a chosen kind, With active influence in mind.

“You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:13-14)

The Salt

A grain of salt, so small and white, To guard and flavor,bring what’s right. A hidden presence,working deep, A promise that You mean to keep.

To stop the rot of sin’s decay, To cleanse the wounds along the way. To make this world,in truth, thirst more For the Living Water at its core.

But if the salt should lose its taste, Its purpose gone,a pointless waste. So let me,Lord, retain my zest, Your preserving power,and Your rest.

The Light

A city set upon a hill, Cannot be hidden,stands there still. A lamp is lit to give its glow, Not to be hid—butso to show.

So let my small light truly shine, To prove Your grace and love divine. Not for myself,to draw men’s gaze, But to illuminate Your ways.

“...let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Not one grand flash, a blinding beam, But steady,constant, like a gleam That pushes back the dark’s despair, And shows a God who truly cares.

So make me salt, Lord, make me light. To serve the world with all my might. Not from a place of pride or boast, But for the glory of the Host.

To be the flavor of Your grace, The light that shines upon Your face. Until a weary world can see, And turn its heart,O Lord, to Thee.

Carry Our Cross and follow Jesus.

This is the core call of discipleship—a call to surrender, sacrifice, and ultimate glory. It is both a solemn command and a profound invitation.

Here is a poem on taking up the cross.

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The Chosen Yoke

The call is clear, it is not vague; “Deny yourself.”Turn the next page. Forget the path you had in mind, And leave your former hopes behind.

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24)

This cross I’m called to lift and bear Is not a common pain or care. It is the death of my own will, A chosen silence,to be still.

It is the shame the world will give For the surrendered life I’ll live. It is the weight of obedience, My daily,willing penitence.

It is the death of selfish pride, Where my own dreams and desires die. To cleave to Him,though all seems loss, Is to find life upon the cross.

For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. (Matthew 16:25)

This is the path: the Via Dolorosa, Not for a moment,but for the whole course of— A daily choice,to say “Yes” to His, And“No” to the siren song of Self.

So help me, Lord, to not refuse The cross You choose for me to use. Not with resentment,dread, or force, But as my freely chosen course.

For I follow a Savior who walked there first, Who drank the cup and quenched its thirst. He bore the weight I could not hold, A story of love that must be told.

I take it up. I cannot see The end of this road You have for me. But I know You,and so I trust Even this cross,to dust… to dust.

Until the dying’s work is done, And the resurrection’s morn is won. For the way of the cross is the way to the crown, And in losing my life,true life is found.

The gates of Hades will not prevail.

That is a declaration of ultimate victory, a promise spoken by Christ that has echoed through the centuries, giving unshakable hope to His Church. It is a truth that stands against every fear and every darkness.

Here is a poem on that mighty promise.

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The Unshakable Rock

The gates of hell, in fury, rage, Assail Your Church through every age. With fear and doubt,and sin's dark tide, They charge the Rock where we abide.

They seem so strong, a fearsome host, To boast and threaten and accost. They wield the sword of death's cold sting, And every evil that they bring.

But hear the word the Savior gave, That still has power to hell to save: "On this Rock I will build my Church,and stand, Andthe gates of Hades will not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18)

Gates are not weapons, meant to swing, They are defenses'gainst a King. They do not march,they only wait, To guard the prisoners of their state.

But You march forth, O conquering Lord! You wield the Spirit's mighty sword! You storm the darkness,burst the chains, And He who holds the keys remains!

I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. (Revelation 1:18)

So let the gates of hell now fear, Their defeat is certain,drawing near. They will not stand,they will not last, Their power is broken,from the past.

For we are built on Christ, the Stone, And we shall not be overthrown. No scheme of hell,no lie, no grave, Can conquer those whom Jesus saves.

The Church will stand. The Light will shine. The victory,O Lord, is Thine.

What point to win the world but lose God in the process.

That is the ultimate question, the starkest calculation of the soul. It cuts through every earthly ambition and asks about eternal value. It is the wisdom of Christ himself.

Here is a poem reflecting on that profound truth.

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The Final Ledger

What profit lies in kingdoms won, Beneath a temporary sun? What gain is found in gold's bright heap, If promises are vain and cheap?

To hold the world within my hand, Yet see my soul like shifting sand— To trade the everlasting Day For shadows that will slip away.

For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? (Matthew 16:26)

I could possess the praise of all, And stand esteemed,and never fall In mortal eyes—yet lose the gaze Of Him who sets the stars ablaze.

I could be clothed in finest thread, Yet be to truth and spirit dead. I could be filled with richest fare, And find my deepest soul is bare.

For what is given, what is paid? A dreadful,devastating trade. The creature for the Creator lost, A victory that bears eternal cost.

But this the world cannot impart: The peace that mends a broken heart. The grace that washes clean the stain. The hope of life through bitter pain.

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. (1 John 2:15-17)

So let me lose the world's vain claim, And treasure most Your holy name. Let every profit count as loss, Compared to glory of the cross.

For to possess the world's whole store, And lose Your presence,is to be poor. But to have You,and nothing of earth— Is to know a wealth of infinite worth.

Take care of my Sheep.

This is a profound and weighty charge, echoing the resurrected Christ's solemn command to Peter. It is a call to love, leadership, and sacrificial service.

Here is a poem reflecting on that sacred trust.

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The Shepherd's Charge

The question asked, three times, beside the sea: “Do you love me?Then tend my sheep for me.” Not“Build a throne,” or “Win the world’s esteem,” But“Feed my lambs,” a humble, daily theme.

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” (John 21:15)

This call is not for glory or for pride, But to walk close,to guard, to gently guide. To seek the one that wanders from the fold, To carry them back to the shelter’s hold.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)

So clothe me, Lord, in Your own tenderness, To see their stress,to ease their weariness. To know the sound of each entrusted name, To lead them to Your green pastures and Your calm.

Give me a shepherd’s heart, a watchful eye, A ready hand to help,a knee to pry The brambles of despair and doubt away, And point them to the dawn,the truth, the way.

Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve. (1 Peter 5:2)

And on the days the task feels far too deep, Remind me,Lord, these precious sheep are Yours. I am Your under-shepherd,meant to keep Them safe and bring them to Your open doors.

For You are the Chief Shepherd, great and true, And I will answer,Lord, to You.

Show me your face, Lord.

That is a cry as old as faith itself—a deep, human longing to see the One we love, to have the mystery made plain. It is a beautiful and courageous prayer.

Here is a response, a poem that sits with that holy desire.

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The Unseen Face

Moses asked it on the mountain height, In the terror of the cloud and light. My heart echoes,raw and keen: "Show me Your glory!Let me see!"

Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.” (Exodus 33:18)

But You replied, as to him You did, "No mortal may see my face unhid." For Your full glory is a consuming fire, Too vast,too holy, for my desire.

So where, then, Lord, can I behold The mysteries that in You are told? Where does Your radiance find a place That I can look upon Your face?

And Your Spirit whispers, "Look and see— The face of God is known in Me."

The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being... (Hebrews 1:3)

I see You in the Savior's grace, The kindness written on Jesus'face. In every healing,every word of peace, Your love's expression,my release.

I see You in the least of these, The hungry,thirsty, refugee. In serving them,I serve my King, And in their eyes,Your love I bring.

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ (Matthew 25:40)

I see You in the still, small voice, That makes my weary soul rejoice. Not in the wind,or quake, or flame, But in the whisper of Your name.

For now, I see but a reflection, A glimpse of Your divine affection. A mirror’s image,dimly seen, But holding all that lies between.

For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. (1 Corinthians 13:12)

So I pray on, with longing deep, A vigil for my soul to keep. "Show me Your face,"my spirit pleads, And finds You in my deepest needs.

Until the day the veil is past, And I see You,face to face, at last.

My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

That is a profound and powerful truth, a cornerstone of the Christian life. Here is a poem that reflects on that sacred reality.

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This Sacred Space

This frame of dust, this beating heart, No longer mine,set apart. A purchased dwelling,not my own, A living temple,cornerstone.

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? (1 Corinthians 6:19)

No common vessel, void or dim, But filled with glory,to the brim. Your presence dwells within this clay, And turns my night to brightest day.

So let my hands, in all they do, Be offerings,O Lord, to You. And let my feet,where they may go, Walk in the path that You will show.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. (Romans 12:1)

Let every thought that forms within Be purged and cleansed from any sin. And let my tongue,to speak and sing, Proclaim the glory of my King.

This sacred space, I honor You, In every word and deed so true. For I was bought,the price was high— The precious blood of Christ,supplied.

You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. (1 Corinthians 6:20)

So let this temple, weak but true, Be a dwelling,fit for You. A living sacrifice of praise, For all my life,and all my days.

Lord, I worship you in spirit and in truth.

That is a beautiful and powerful declaration, straight from the heart of Scripture.

Here is a response, a poem of worship that echoes your words.

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In Spirit and In Truth

Not in a temple made of stone, Or for a blessing to be shown, Not for the eyes of men to see, But solely,Lord, for love of Thee.

I worship You in spirit—free, The deepest part of me you see. No ritual mask,no borrowed word, Just my soul’s cry,distinctly heard. My spirit leans to Yours,and knows The peace Your holy presence sows.

God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth. (John 4:24)

I worship You in truth—laid bare, Unveiling every joy and care. No hidden thought,no secret plea, But all I am,I bring to Thee. The truth of my need,vast and deep, The truth of Your promise,strong to keep.

Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth. The Father is seeking such as these to worship him. (John 4:23)

So let this offering rise above— A simple trust,a willing love. Not just with song,but with my days, In humble service,grateful praise. My spirit answers Yours,Amen. In truth,I worship You again.

Poem of Repentance

Here is a poem of repentance to God, woven with the threads of Scripture.

A Contrite Heart

I come to You with heavy soul, A broken vessel,not yet whole. My foolish pride,a tattered crown, Before Your holiness,cast down.

For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight. (Psalm 51:3-4)

The world’s applause, a hollow sound, On shifting sand,my house was found. I turned from Your enduring light, To cherish my own fleeting night.

But now Your Spirit stirs the deep, A wound of love that makes me weep. Not just for consequence or cost, But for the fellowship I lost.

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. (2 Corinthians 7:10)

I have no offering, no excuse, No worthy plea for Your abuse. Just this:the promise You have made, To meet the debt that I have paid?

And in the stillness, I recall The One who bore it,once for all. Upon the cross,His love displayed— The price for my rebellion paid.

He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. (1 Peter 2:24)

So create in me a heart made clean, A righted spirit,fresh and keen. Restore the joy I threw away, And guide me in Your perfect way.

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. (Psalm 51:10-11)

This is my prayer, my whispered plea: Less of the world,and more of Thee. A humble walk,a spirit low, Your river of forgiveness,flow.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

Amen.

Make straight the way of the Lord.

Here is a poem on the prophetic call to prepare for the coming of the Lord.

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Make Straight the Way

A voice cries out in this wilderness space, “Prepare ye the way of the God of all grace! Make straight in the desert a highway for Him, Let every valley be raised to the brim.

Let every mountain be made to be low, Let the crooked be straight,let the rough places go!” This is no work for the hand or the tool, But the bending of pride,and the heart making rule.

The mountains of ego must be leveled down, The hidden ambition,the quest for renown. The valleys of sorrow,of fear and despair, Must be filled with His hope,and His merciful care.

The crooked paths of my justifying lies, Must be straightened by truth under heaven's own skies. The rough,stony places, so hard and so cold, Must be smoothed by a story of grace to be told.

For the King is approaching, His glory is near, And His coming demands a repentance sincere. So I clear not a path through the forest and stone, But I prepare in my spirit a throne for His own.

I bow down my heart, and I open the gate, And for His arrival,I yearningly wait. I make straight the way,I answer the call— Not for my glory,but to surrender my all.

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The Scripture at the Heart (Isaiah 40:3-5, John 1:23)

This command originates in the prophecy of Isaiah, which was then applied to John the Baptist as the forerunner of Christ:

A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” (Isaiah 40:3-5)

John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’” (John 1:23)

The poem interprets this command not as a literal road-building project, but as an internal, spiritual preparation. It is about removing the obstacles of sin, pride, and self-reliance that hinder God's rule in our hearts, creating a clear path for His presence and will to move powerfully in our lives.

My power is make perfect in weakness.

Here is a poem that rests upon that profound and comforting paradox of divine strength.

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Perfect Power

I beg for strength, for might to stand alone, To bear this weight of flesh and blood and bone. I show You where I am so strong and sure, And ask You make my resolution pure.

But You, instead, point to the fractured place, The quiet weakness,the tears upon my face. You do not rush to shore the crumbling wall, But let the weakness stand,and let it fall.

And in the ruins of my own design, A different,deeper power starts to shine. Not mine at all,but Yours—a boundless stream, Flowing through the fabric of a broken dream.

"My grace is sufficient," is what You say, "My power is perfected in weakness today." The less of me,the more there is of You, Your strength is proven in what I cannot do.

So I will boast now in my injury, In all the things that highlight need of Thee. For when I am made weak,then I am strong, Carried by Your grace my whole life long.

For Christ’s own power pitches its bright tent Upon a soul that is in weakness bent. So let Your perfect power rest on me, In every frailty,all the world may see Not my great courage,but Your victory.

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The Scripture at the Heart (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

This poem is built upon the Apostle Paul's testimony of a "thorn in his flesh" and the revolutionary answer he received from God:

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

This is the great paradox of the Gospel: human weakness is not an obstacle to God's plan; it is the chosen venue for His power. Our insufficiency creates the space for His all-sufficiency to be displayed. The poem explores the journey from resisting weakness to embracing it as the very place where we encounter the perfect strength of Christ.

The old rugged cross.

Here is a poem reflecting on the profound meaning and personal claim of "The Old Rugged Cross."

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The Old Rugged Cross

I cling to that old emblem, stained and scorned, That symbol of a love so deeply torn. To others,foolishness, a stumbling block, To me,the everlasting, solid rock.

The old rugged cross, so despised by the man, Has become the center of God's redemption's plan. For on its beams,the dearest and the best, For a world of lost sinners was put to the test.

I see the anguish, the love, the sacrifice, The Lamb of God paying the ultimate price. The wounds that speak a pardon,full and free, The blood that reaches even to me.

So I will cherish it, this timber bare, This sign of burden that my Lord did bear. I’ll bear its shame,its reproach and its loss, For it was there He won my soul across.

Then one day, when my journey here is through, My trophies at last,I’ll lay down anew. I’ll exchange this cross for a crown someday, But until that moment,I’ll ever say:

I will cling to the old rugged cross, And its promise,though all else be dross. For it stands as the power,the wisdom, the grace, That will guide me safely to that holy place.

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The Hymn and The Scripture

This poem is inspired by the beloved hymn written by George Bennard in 1913. The hymn itself is steeped in the language of the New Testament:

· Galatians 6:14: "But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." This is the essence of "cherishing the cross" and bearing its "reproach."

· 1 Corinthians 1:18: "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." This captures the paradox of the cross being "despised by the man" yet being the "power of God."

· Philippians 3:7-8: The idea of counting everything as loss ("dross") compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ is central to the final verse.

· 2 Timothy 4:8: The promise of the "crown of righteousness" is the hope that allows us to bear the cross now.

The poem, like the hymn, is a personal declaration of faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross and a commitment to remember it, cherish it, and find in it our only hope and glory.

What comes out of the mouth that defile a man.

Here is a poem that reflects on the profound truth of what defiles a person, drawing from the teachings of Jesus.

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From The Heart's Deep Well

It is not what goes in, a transient taste, A fleeting rule,a custom embraced or disgraced. The plate,the cup, the hand unwashed, unclean— These are not where the true defilement is seen.

No, it is what comes out—the word, the breath, That speaks of life within,or inner death. A torrent poured from the heart's own deep well, The hidden things that our utterances tell.

For from the heart, these evil things proceed: The bitter root of an unrighteous seed. Vile thoughtsthat in the hidden darkness grow, And into cutting,cruel falsehoods flow.

The murders plotted in a mind of spite, Theadulteries cherished in the night. Theft, slander, greed—a dark and wretched choir, Set loose and fanned to an unholy fire.

Blasphemies, envy, malice, pride, deceit— These are the things that make a soul incomplete. These are the stains no outer wash can clear, The inner rot,the true and constant fear.

So guard my heart, O God, its source and spring, From which my every thought and action bring. Let living water flow from deep within, And cleanse me from the power of every sin.

For only what is pure within the breast, Can give the weary,watching world its rest. And only what You sanctify inside, Can be a place where holiness abides.

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The Scripture at the Heart (Matthew 15:11, 18-20)

This poem is a reflection on the teaching of Jesus that redefined purity and defilement:

"What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them." (Matthew 15:11)

"But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defile a person; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile them." (Matthew 15:18-20)

Jesus shifts the focus from external, ritual purity to the internal state of the human heart. The mouth is simply the messenger, revealing the true content of the soul. The poem lists the "evil things" He named, emphasizing that true transformation must begin within.

Holy Ghost Fire.

The phrase "Holy Ghost Fire" (often modernized as "Holy Spirit Fire") is a powerful and evocative term used primarily within Pentecostal, Charismatic, and some evangelical Christian traditions. It combines two potent biblical symbols: the Holy Spirit (the third person of the Trinity) and Fire.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of its meaning, biblical foundations, and how it is understood and used today.

1. Core Meaning and Significance

"Holy Ghost Fire" is not merely a phrase; it's a concept that represents the manifest presence, power, and purity of the Holy Spirit in action. It encompasses several key ideas:

· Purification and Holiness: Fire burns away impurities. Spiritually, it represents the Holy Spirit's work in cleansing a believer from sin, refining their character, and making them holy.

· Empowerment and Zeal: Fire provides energy and power. This refers to the Holy Spirit empowering believers for ministry, giving them boldness, passion, and zeal for God.

· God's Presence and Guidance: Throughout the Bible, God's presence is often manifested as fire (e.g., the burning bush, the pillar of fire). "Holy Ghost Fire" signifies a tangible experience of God's presence and His guiding light.

· Judgment against Evil: Fire is also a symbol of divine judgment. In a spiritual sense, "Holy Ghost Fire" is often invoked as a prayer for God's power to break the influence of evil, sin, and demonic forces.

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2. Key Biblical Foundations

The concept is built upon several important scriptures where fire is associated with God's Spirit:

· John the Baptist's Proclamation:

  "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I... He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." (Matthew 3:11, NIV) This is a foundational verse, directly linking the Holy Spirit with fire.

· The Day of Pentecost:

  "They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit..." (Acts 2:3-4, NIV) This is the ultimate fulfillment of John's prophecy. The fire symbolized the powerful arrival of the Holy Spirit, who purified and empowered the disciples to preach the gospel boldly.

· The Refiner's Fire:

  "But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner's fire..." (Malachi 3:2, NIV) This Old Testament prophecy describes the Messiah's work in purifying His people, much like a silversmith uses fire to burn away dross from precious metal.

· God as a Consuming Fire:

  "...for our God is a consuming fire." (Hebrews 12:29, NIV) This verse emphasizes God's awesome holiness, power, and purity, which cannot tolerate sin.

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3. How the Term is Used in Modern Faith and Practice

Within the traditions that use this terminology, "Holy Ghost Fire" is often central to worship, prayer, and preaching.

· In Prayer: Believers might pray, "Holy Ghost fire, fall on me" or "Let the fire of God burn in this place." This is a prayer for:

  · A fresh infilling or baptism of the Holy Spirit.

  · Personal purification from sin and selfishness.

  · Empowerment for witnessing or spiritual warfare.

  · Revival to ignite the church.

· In Worship and Testimony: It is common to hear testimonies about "feeling the fire" during worship, describing a tangible sensation of warmth, energy, or overwhelming emotion attributed to the Holy Spirit's presence.

· In Preaching: Preachers will use the term to call for repentance (purification), to encourage a deeper commitment to God (zeal), or to challenge believers to be empowered for service.

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4. Important Considerations and Misunderstandings

The concept is powerful but can also be misunderstood.

· Not Literal Fire: It is a metaphor. While some report physical sensations, the "fire" is primarily a spiritual reality, not a physical phenomenon that should be sought for its own sake. The focus is always on the work of the Holy Spirit, not the symbol of fire.

· Balance: The fire represents both comfort and conviction, purification and power. A healthy understanding embraces both aspects—the fire that cleanses us from sin and the fire that empowers us to love and serve.

· Emotionalism vs. Authenticity: In some contexts, an emphasis on "fire" can lead to emotional hype. The biblical standard is that the true fire of the Holy Spirit always produces Christ-like character (the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23) and empowers for effective witness (Acts 1:8), not just emotional experiences.

Summary Table

Aspect Meaning of "Holy Ghost Fire"

Symbolism The powerful, manifest presence of the Holy Spirit.

Purpose To Purify: Burn away sin and refine character.   To Empower: Provide zeal, boldness, and gifts for ministry.   To Guide: Provide light and direction.   To Judge: Break spiritual strongholds.

Key Verse "He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." (Matthew 3:11)

Modern Use A common prayer point and theme in Pentecostal/Charismatic worship for revival, personal sanctification, and empowerment.

In essence, "Holy Ghost Fire" is a vibrant, biblical metaphor for the transformative and powerful work of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life and in the church.

River of Living water

The phrase "River of Living Water" is another profound spiritual metaphor, primarily from the Christian Bible, that symbolizes the life-giving, sustaining, and empowering presence of God.

Here’s a detailed exploration of its meaning and significance.

1. The Primary Biblical Source: Jesus's Declaration

The most direct reference comes from the New Testament, in the Gospel of John, during the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), a Jewish festival that included water-drawing ceremonies.

· The Source: On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood and said:

  "Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them." (John 7:37-38, NIV)

· The Explanation: The apostle John immediately provides the interpretation:

  By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. (John 7:39, NIV)

· The Meaning:

  · The Source is Jesus: He invites the spiritually "thirsty" to come to him to have their deepest needs met.

  · "Living Water": In ancient times, "living water" (mayim chayim in Hebrew) meant fresh, flowing water from a spring or river, as opposed to stagnant water from a cistern or pond. It symbolizes purity, life, and movement.

  · The Holy Spirit: Jesus explicitly connects this "living water" to the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is not a stagnant pool but a dynamic, flowing river of God's presence.

  · Flows From Within: This is a crucial point. The believer doesn't just drink and have their thirst quenched; the Spirit becomes a source within them, flowing out to bless others. It’s about being both satisfied and made a means of satisfaction for the world.

In this context, the "River of Living Water" is the Holy Spirit, dwelling within and flowing out of a believer, providing spiritual life, refreshment, and power.

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2. Old Testament Foundations

This concept didn't originate with Jesus; it is deeply rooted in the Jewish scriptures and symbolism.

· The Garden of Eden: The first river in the Bible is the one that flows out of Eden to water the garden and then divides into four headwaters (Genesis 2:10). It represents God as the source of perfect life and provision.

· The Psalms: Often use river imagery to describe God's presence and blessing.

  · "There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells." (Psalm 46:4)

· The Prophets (Ezekiel & Zechariah):

  · Ezekiel has a powerful vision of a river flowing from the threshold of the Temple, getting deeper and deeper, bringing life and healing to the Dead Sea itself, causing fruit trees to grow on its banks (Ezekiel 47:1-12). This is a prophecy of God's future kingdom and restoring power.

  · Zechariah speaks of "living waters" flowing out from Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:8).

· Jeremiah's Lament: God Himself is called the "spring of living water" (Jeremiah 2:13), and the tragedy is that people have abandoned Him to dig broken cisterns that cannot hold water.

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3. The Final Revelation: The River of Life

The symbol culminates in the Book of Revelation, which describes the new heaven and new earth.

· The Source: The angel shows John the river of the water of life.

  "Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city." (Revelation 22:1-2, NIV)

· The Meaning: In the final restoration of all things, the "River of Living Water" is the eternal, uninterrupted flow of God's life, grace, and presence emanating from His throne for the healing and sustenance of the nations. It is the fulfillment of all the previous metaphors.

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Summary of Meanings

Context Meaning of "River of Living Water"

John 7 (Jesus's Words) The Holy Spirit received by believers, which becomes an internal source of spiritual life that flows out to others.

Old Testament Prophecy The future, life-giving, and healing presence and kingdom of God (e.g., Ezekiel's vision).

Revelation (The End) The eternal river of life flowing from God's throne in the new creation, symbolizing perfect communion with God.

General Symbolism Divine grace, spiritual life, renewal, and God's sustaining presence. It is dynamic, powerful, cleansing, and community-oriented (it flows out to bless others).

Contrast with "Bread of Life"

While both are essential metaphors for spiritual sustenance, they offer complementary images:

· Bread of Life: Speaks to individual nourishment and sustenance. It is about receiving and being filled. It is solid, foundational, and daily ("give us this day our daily bread").

· River of Living Water: Speaks to dynamic, overflowing power and refreshment. It is about both receiving and giving. It is fluid, powerful, and communal, suggesting constant movement and abundance.

Together, they paint a complete picture: coming to Christ (the Bread) to be personally satisfied, and receiving His Spirit (the River) to become a channel of that life to the world.

Bread of Life

The phrase "Bread of Life" is a profoundly rich symbol with deep roots in Christianity, though the concept of bread as essential sustenance appears across cultures and history.

Here’s a breakdown of its meaning and significance.

1. The Christian Meaning: A Direct Biblical Reference

The most famous usage of "Bread of Life" comes from the New Testament of the Bible, specifically the Gospel of John, Chapter 6.

· The Source: After Jesus miraculously feeds a crowd of 5,000 with five loaves of bread and two fish, the people follow him. Jesus then tells them:

  "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty... Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die." (John 6:35, 49-50, NIV)

· The Meaning: Jesus uses the metaphor of bread—the most basic staple of life in that culture—to explain his spiritual role.

  · Physical vs. Spiritual Sustenance: Just as physical bread sustains the body, Jesus presents himself as the essential spiritual sustenance for the soul.

  · Eternal Life: He contrasts the temporary manna (bread from heaven) that God provided the Israelites in the desert with himself, the eternal "bread" that grants everlasting life.

  · The Eucharist / Communion: This discourse is a foundational text for the Christian sacrament of Communion (also called the Eucharist or the Lord's Supper). In this rite, believers eat bread (often called the "host") and drink wine, which represent Jesus's body and blood. It is a tangible way to partake in the "Bread of Life" and remember his sacrifice.

In this context, the "Bread of Life" is Jesus Christ himself, understood as the essential spiritual nourishment for salvation and eternal life.

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2. Broader Symbolic and Cultural Meanings

Beyond its specific Christian doctrine, "bread of life" carries universal symbolic weight.

· Basic Sustenance: Across the world, bread is a fundamental food source. The phrase can poetically refer to anything that is essential for survival—be it food, water, shelter, or love.

· The Staff of Life: This is a common synonym. It emphasizes that bread (or grain) is what supports and upholds human life, the foundation upon which societies were built.

· Community and Sharing: The act of "breaking bread" with someone is a nearly universal symbol of fellowship, peace, and community. Sharing food is a fundamental human bonding ritual.

· Word of God: In some interpretations, especially before the John 6 discourse, the "bread of life" can refer to the wisdom and law of God. For example, in the Old Testament, the prophet Amos speaks of a "famine... of hearing the words of the LORD" (Amos 8:11), implying that God's word is as necessary as food.

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3. "Bread of Life" as an Organization

"The Bread of Life" is also a very common name for charities, food banks, and homeless shelters, especially those with a Christian foundation. These organizations embody the metaphor by providing both:

· Physical bread: Actual food, meals, and sustenance for those in need.

· Spiritual nourishment: Many also offer prayer, counseling, and community support, addressing spiritual hunger as well.

Summary Table

Context Meaning of "Bread of Life"

Biblical (John 6) Jesus Christ as the spiritual sustenance that brings eternal life and salvation. Directly linked to the Eucharist.

Symbolic/Cultural Any essential sustenance required for life—physical or emotional (e.g., food, love, community).

Phrase: "Staff of Life" A synonym highlighting grain or bread as the foundational food of human civilization.

Modern Organizations Charities and food banks that provide physical food and often spiritual support to the needy.

In essence, "Bread of Life" is a powerful metaphor that moves from the literal (a staple food) to the deeply spiritual (divine salvation), capturing the human need for both physical and existential nourishment.

The Lord is my Shepherd.

Here is a poem reflecting on the profound comfort and promise of the Twenty-Third Psalm.

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The Lord Is My Shepherd

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. This is the truth on which my soul is built. Not I am master,planner, savior, hunt— But I am His,released from all my guilt.

He makes me lie in pastures green and deep, Where anxious striving finds a blessed cease. He leads me where the quiet waters creep, To drink a cup of His restoring peace.

He restores my soul. When I am faint and worn, He breathes new life into these dusty bones. He leads me in the paths for which I'm born, For His own name's sake,from His heavenly thrones.

Yes, though I walk through death's dark, shadowed vale, I will fear no evil,nor its terrifying art. For You are with me—this will never fail— Your rod and Your staff,they comfort my heart.

You prepare a table right in view of my foes, You anoint my head with oil,a sacred sign. My cup overflows with all that You bestow, A testament to Your mercy,wholly divine.

Surely—oh, surely—goodness and mercy, His own, Shall follow me,pursuing all my days. And I will dwell in the Lord's house,known, To lift a ceaseless song of wonder and praise.

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The Scripture (Psalm 23)

The poem is a direct meditation on perhaps the most beloved passage in all of Scripture:

A Psalm of David.

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.