The Edge of our Unknowing

I find myself

at the edge of my unknowing,

contemplating whether to draw back
or to take a wobbly step of faith,

because the leap

seems way too hard

at the moment.

I like the idea
that Jesus stands
a little to the side of
the edge of our unknowing,

willing us to see
how wonderful the waves are close up,

if only we would get out
of our small but stable boats.

The edge of our unknowing
is not a place
you want to wait,

for it is crowded
with the curious but apathetic.

They stay long enough
to catch a glimpse of what exists
outside their comfort zone,

and turn their backs again
on mystery and wonder.

If it is something
I can't easily explain or rationalize,

does that mean

that it is definitely not of God

or that it definitely is?

Too many of us
are fearful of knocks to prideful self
or lowering of social standing,

to risk the journey

to where our understanding
becomes of limited use,

and we have to

trust Someone else

beyond the edge of our unknowing.

Enemy

My enemy drops

words of hatred,

sinking lead weighted
into my soul,

ready to be hooked up
into my conscious thoughts
at a moments notice.

Left long enough
not dealt with,

their toxicity spreads
its poison,

and the diseased seeds
unnaturally spring
forth new and bitter growth.

The cruel words spoken to me
are spewed from a churning pit
of fear and pain,

entrenched by years
of practiced unforgiveness.

There is no sign of compassion,
grace and mercy
that marks humanities restoration
towards original intention.

Instead the broken and scarred outworking
of sin,
left unchecked
to run its violent course.

My response if undisciplined
is judgement and contempt,
but I try to tread a different path.

My heavenly Father
bids me that I would become like Him,

and bless those who curse me,

and pray for those
who spitefully use me.

I choose to do this
not because it is easy,
but knowing if I don't,

my face will reflect my enemies

and my heart turn out the same.

Place of Refuge

There is a place of refuge,

close by the Father's side,

where both death and sin

cannot come in,

it is safe, so come and hide.

There is a place of refuge,
the Savior forged the way,
where we all can dwell
and others tell,
in this truly troubled day.

There is a place of refuge,
it is not far afield,
you don't need to pay
or go away,
you only to Him must yield.

There is a place of refuge,
it is for you right now,
say yes to the Lord
whose life out poured,
and to Him we all can bow.

There is a place of refuge,

I live there every day,

it's my good news song

so don't take long,

with my King you too can stay.

Don't go this Alone

Don't go this alone,

this steep and winding track

with sheer precipice on one side

and rising cliff face on the other.

Don't go this alone,

this stormy raging sea

with windswept white crests

defying gravity

as thick foam flies from ocean currents.

Don't go this alone,

this little quiet life

you call your own,

and protect so fiercely

with all your fragile might.

Don't go this alone,

this time as you look 

out of the window

from your illness bed and wonder which

hidden path brought you to this place of pain.

Let Me in.

Let Me be with you.

I have walked this hard earth,

and have felt the cruel sting of life,

and even tasted bitter death for you.

I am here

waiting

for your heart response,

even if you don't have the strength to speak,

I know what is in your innermost thoughts.

Receive Me into your life.

Don't go this alone.

Easter Baptism

For to me,

to live is Christ,

and to die is gain.

He stands with silted salt water
swirling around him.

I baptize you in the name of the Father,
the Son and the Holy Spirit.

He is immersed
in the ocean,
clinging cold with winter current.

Fiery red hair submerged
for a moment,
identifying with His Savior's death.

Rising again with a shout,
and resurrection reality
wrapping round.

The seal of the Spirit,
and heaven's glad witness
of this sight.

The sacred sacrament
encountered by multitudes
around the earth,
revisited this Easter Sunday.

Repent and be baptized
Jesus said.

Obedient observance

the only right response,

and so he did.

Trinity

The Trinity

torn for our transgressions.

Eternal unity
fractured at the cross.

Love for humanity
producing pain
between Father and Son.

Spirit in travail.

"Abba, Father,
Why have you forsaken me?"

Silence
more devastating than
at any other time.

The Salvation Plan
prevailing,
angels in awe
with bated breath.

Disciples in disbelief,
hopeful hearts
shattered,

kingdom dreams
bleeding out
onto barren earth.

Incomprehensible measure
of grace
from God Himself,

as we are unable
to save ourselves.

The Trinity
made a way
for our reconciliation.

Father, Son and Spirit

reaching out to you.

Furnace Fire

Furnace fire

from the throne room,

crossing onto

the threshold of earth.


Swirling around us
as we pray,
glimpsing God's
great glory and power.

Fire and whirlwind
combined encircling,
as His Holy Spirit
manifests miracles
in our midst.

Deep peace at the center
of the rushing flames,
wrapping in
manifest presence.

Deep delight
in revealed goodness,
healing free gift
by grace received.

Wonder and awe

at eternal majesty,

drawing near

to touch our frailty,

with so much love.