THE PERFECT PLAN

From Genesis pages
Throughout all the ages
Mortality's governed our days
We live for a while
and may bring a few smiles
Then depart from the sun's shining rays

Along the path of mans history
The most sought after mystery
Is how did we happen and why?
Are we all pawns of chance?
Or could it be that we dance
For a purpose that's higher than high?

Might a plan emanate
Through a God who creates
and loves everything he has made?
Could this plan include one
No less than his Son
To save man - with his life could he pay?

Could its' purpose include
Such a vast multitude
That he gathers with love to amaze?
And embraces forever
With a joy we have never
beheld - nor will see in our day?

Well, this plan he has told
Through his prophets of old
and companions who walked with his Son
And this plan is for all
Who will answer his call
Who will love and acknowledge the One

To the faithful he's called
Though the world stands appalled
He will hold you through trial and temptation
Through tough times and hard grind
You are first on his mind
Though his hands hold the fate of the nations

Like ore from a mine
We are being refined
God's plan of perfection unfolds
We don't walk alone
On the path to his throne
and soon we will walk streets of gold

THE NAME

"There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved." (Acts 4.12)

There’s a name that we hear and we prick up our ears
It’s been around now for a good many years
Some hear it with joy, some dissatisfaction
Whatever the case, it provokes a reaction

Controversial for many, the cause of much strife
Of wars and of greed and the plundering of life
The wisdom-filled tell us religion’s to blame
“That wouldn’t have happened if not for the name”

“and what of those tyrants who preached in the name
to further their causes or garnish their fame
On the surface quite flawless, no fissures or cracks
but behind secret doors they commit heinous acts”

In Gods’ perfect world, how could this all happen?
Was He to blame or were MEN the war captains?
Did MEN make decisions and use their own voices?
Did He gift them the privilege to make their own choices?

Yet others make choices to listen with hope
The name brings new life and a new way to cope
Provides a new purpose, our bonds it can sever
and speaks of a love that can be ours forever

This name was first spoken in Heaven above
It means truth and compassion, means power and love
and whether the hope or the bane of the nations
this name’s interwoven through all of creation

What does the name stir in you when you hear?
Does it fill you with joy or does it interfere
with the lies you’ve been told or your dance through the night?
This name is your last chance to walk in the light

An unstoppable light that shineth eternal
An unquenchable power over all that’s infernal
An unfathomable love through a sacrifice made
An undeniable presence that must be obeyed

Is it mohammed? Quick, get on the phone!
krishna or buddha or some other stone?
There’s only one name and forever I’ll sing
His name is Jesus. Jesus my King!

DRY SPELL

This poem was written at a time when I was feeling down and as if I were just going through the motions. I started out writing how I felt and as I went on, soul searching led me to the reality of Gods truth.

As dawn turns to day and the traffic slows down
The factory winds up to belch smoke from its crown
I rise from what sleep I achieved through the night
Walk into my day and I'm flying the same kite

Facts and figures, debts and bills
A new pain in my head and I'm swallowing pills
I must buy new clothes and I must cut my hair
I must walk the walk and I must not despair

I set time aside to pray in the morn
I start to confess then remember the scorn
I received yesterday and my mind starts to race
Then I think of another tough thing that I face

I'm walking the paths of the world once again
I was talking to God now I'm anxious of men
It's a pattern emerging that haunts me of late
I was closer than close, now the distance seems great

It bothers me so that I'm feeling so dry
I'm seeming to crawl when I'm needing to fly
I'm getting confused as I beat myself up
Though I know that the devil will refill this cup

Then there's that voice and it's ever so faint
It tells me I sin but I'm also a saint
It tells me "My child, though you strive and you pace,
I sent you My Son, you are under My grace"

He deserted His throne and He came down to die
and I marvel at how I can cry out and sigh
He carried my sin and He fell to His knees
With the cross on His back and His blood for the fee

You are my rock O Nazarene!
I get my hands dirty but you wash them clean
You HAVE forged my path, you HAVE set the stage
You ARE by my side 'till the end of the age

Though I feel down and a little removed
I will stay on your path Lord because you have proved
That your Word is the truth and your love is the way
and I want to stand with you on that holy day

INVITATION TO LIFE (based on Isaiah 55:1)

A call to every nation
There's been a declaration
A message issued with a trumpet blast
You have an invitation
To join a celebration
So shake a leg and get your tickets fast

In the general population
There's a great infatuation
With seeking truths down many barren tracks
This 'new age' intoxication
Leaves you stranded at the station
Empty bags and none the wiser for the facts

Does your spiritual stagnation
Make you yearn for elevation?
Do you strive and pace and no-one seems to care?
Are you thirsty with frustration?
Do you walk with hesitation?
You're unsure what it is, but it's not there?

There is hope and revelation
When you read your invitation
Its' sender signed your name with His own hand
He will wake you from sedation
You will shout with jubilation!
And your spirit will be filled right where you stand

Parched lips will know cessation
When you drink in His salvation
Come and have your fill - it's all for free!
No cash accumulation
Can buy this liberation
The price was paid with blood upon a tree

You don't need qualification
Just humble supplication
His love for you was made known by decree
For the Lord of all creation
Wants your name in publication
In the Book of Life that sits upon His knee