Category Archives: Poems

Lydia Becomes Part of the Royal Priesthood

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“And without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6

It’s recorded that the apostle Paul received a vision—of a man putting forth a request, that Paul should come over to Macedonia, so that the people there could be blessed.

So Paul, and those with him, pursued the vision, setting sail on the Aegean Sea–landing at Neapolis, they went to Philippi, a leading city of Macedonia in which to be.

On the Sabbath, they went out to a riverside, where some women were who customarily prayed. Prayer and worship were woven as fabric in Lydia’s life, while selling fabrics of purple was her trade.

She listened to that which Paul spoke to them about Jesus Christ being the Lord—then took heed in her heart that it was through Jesus, that true relationship with God is restored.

Embracing what Paul said, she went from reverencing God to knowing Him in a personal way. God had opened her heart to respond to the good news, just as anyone can do today.

Then she and her entire household were baptized, representing their being washed from sin. With joy, she invited the missionaries to her home to stay, prevailing upon them to come in.

This woman, Lydia, who sold fabric of a royal color, had found peace at the riverside that day. Through the Prince of Peace, her Lord, Jesus Christ, she’d been welcomed into His royal family to stay.

P. A. Oltrogge

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9

A reference to baptism by Peter in Acts 2:38-39: “…Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God shall call to Himself.”

“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace..” Isaiah 9:6

(The poetic account is based on Acts 16:9-15 about Lydia from Thyatira)

Some references to purple’s use in the Bible:

“Moreover you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twisted linen and blue and purple and scarlet material; you shall make them with cherubim, the work of a skillful workman.” Exodus 26:1 (for the Tabernacle)

“And now send me a skilled man to work in gold, silver, brass and iron, and in purple, crimson, and violet fabrics, and who knows how to make engravings, to work with the skilled men whom I have in Judah and Jerusalem, whom David my father provided.”
2 Chronicles 2:7 (for Solomon’s Temple)

On the Legend of the Dogwood

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Dogwood

Photo by Audrey

I think that I shall never see
As lovely a “bouquet” as a dogwood tree.

Pink-flowered, or purple, or snowfall white–
They create a breathtaking sight.

They’re reflections of the Master designer–
Of all beauty He’s created, there isn’t much finer.

They do speak of the divine, for a legend they bear–
On each flower’s center, a “crown of thorns” is there.

Like the beams of a cross, the petals connect,
With rust-colored tips–of Christ’s blood they reflect.

It flowed from His veins, pierced with a spike’s metal,
Of which we’re reminded by a hole in each petal.

That dogwoods were once strong enough to be a cross is a story;
After Calvary, God took pity on them to yet speak of His glory.

But though just a story, not Biblical fact–
The legend has stuck and has made an impact.

For in springtime when blossoms of dogwoods begin,
We think not only of their beauty, but of our Savior within.

Then, too, it can be said that, after winter, when they flower,
they remind not just of the cross, but of Christ’s resurrection power!

P. A. Oltrogge

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.’” John 11:25

Hosanna to Jesus, our King

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Palm Branches

Photo by Luke Jones

“And you shall take for yourselves on the first day the fruit of beautiful trees, branches of palm trees, the boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook; and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days.” Leviticus 23:40 NKJV

“Thus I will bless you while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name.” Psalm 63:4 NKJV

from John, chapter 12:

…six days before the Passover:

Jesus came to Bethany, where He’d recently raised Lazarus from the dead;
so Martha prepared Him a supper where He, Lazarus, and others were fed.
Lovingly, Mary took costly perfume of pure nard and anointed Jesus’ feet.
She then wiped them with her hair, a gesture Jesus lauded as sweet.

Judas rebuked it as being wasteful; but Jesus knew that which was lying ahead–
it was an anointing upon His body before His crucifixion and resurrection from the dead. A large crowd of the Jewish people came out, to the town of Bethany that day, to see Jesus, and Lazarus, too–as news of his resurrection had traveled a long way.

The chief priests didn’t like this at all, and putting Lazarus to death was their thought. They were losing many because of this miracle, which Jesus’ power had wrought. The next day, those who had come for the feast learned Jerusalem was then on Jesus’ route. They took branches from the palm trees to wave–“Hosanna!” was the chorus they began to shout.

Further, they firmly cried out, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord;
even the King of Israel!” They thought an earthly King was what history would record. Humble and riding on a requested donkey that had never been ridden before,
Jesus entered Jerusalem, amidst their praise, knowing what was really in store.

For just outside of Jerusalem, on a hill called Golgatha, a cross would hold
the precious body of our Lord Jesus Christ, and another Kingdom’s story would unfold. There He would sacrificially die for all mankind, bearing all of their disgrace. But in three days, He would rise and return to His Father in Heaven, in order to prepare us a place.

You see, Jesus Christ IS the King of Kings, as sung in the glorifying Hallelujah Chorus. Those who are His, praise Him still with joy–both now and in the Eternal Kingdom yet before us.

P. A. Oltrogge

“In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2 NKJV

Excerpt from Handel’s “Messiah,” “The Hallelujah Chorus”
“For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
The kingdom of this world
Is become the Kingdom of our Lord,
And of His Christ, and of His Christ;
And He shall reign forever and ever,
Forever and ever, forever and ever;
King of kings, and Lord of lords!”

“After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.’” Revelation 7:9-10 NKJV

Palm branch

Photo by Tree-Species

In this Lenten Season

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Ruby-Crowned Kinglet on Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge 02

Photo by USFWS Mountain-Prairie

The sweetness of the song of a bird outside that stopped to rest in a tree,
was a little sign of love God brought by my window, sharing His creation with me.

He does send the birds to cheer us…before we start the daily tasks we face,
and every spring breeze or flower that buds reminds us of His grace.

Better than the actions of a loving parent, watching over children on their way, God doesn’t just come alongside us, but lives within us, by His Spirit, each day.

With tenderness and compassion, He answers His children’s every call.
And we answer His call, too, by telling others that Jesus died and rose for us all.

P. A. Oltrogge

“In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:10

“There was the true light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. He was in the world and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.” John 1:9-12

On a Desert Road

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Does this world seem like a desert–parched and offering little shade?
Thank God, we have an oasis, when our minds on Christ are stayed.

It’s there, we find “living water,” through God’s Holy Spirit and His Word.
Why struggle, as if in a desert, when the “rain” of God has occurred?

It’s said that very little water can cause desert seeds to flourish.
Likewise, you can be revived–just one word from God can nourish.

Troubles can bombard our minds through circumstances or daily news,
so turn to the life-giving Word of God, the blessed oasis that’s yours to use.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in Thee.” Isaiah 26:3 KJV

“Jesus answered and said to her, ‘If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.'” John 4:10 NASB

“Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles.” Psalm 119:50 NLT

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NKJV

Blueprint Negev trees in the Israeli desert

Photo by David Shankbone

A Star for the Magi, a Star for Us…

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“…they went their way, and lo, the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them, until it came and stood over where the Child was. And when they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And they came into the house and saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell down and worshiped Him; and opening their treasures they presented to Him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.”
Matthew 2:9-11

The Bible relates that some magi sought
A gift so priceless that it couldn’t be bought.
A star was their guide in this long-ago quest;
And it went before them, coming to rest,
Over the place where God decreed it should,
Designating the Christ-child–and there it stood.
It must have been brilliant as it stopped above
To point out the gift of God’s divine love.
They worshiped Jesus there, going inside,
Trusting that the star was their heaven-sent guide.
The Child was the very reason God had brought them to this place,
And they sensed that redemption was theirs to embrace.
A Redeemer God had sent, as had been foretold–
The magi presented gifts–myrrh, frankincense, and gold.
God’s righteousness and holiness would require a sacrifice–
That justice would be met when this Child paid the price.
He would live a perfect life, fulfilling all that’s right
And would urge all to repentance, saying He was the world’s Light.
As an individual, you may think that your life has been good…
But “falling short of God’s glory” needs to be understood.
God sent for all a Savior, an old familiar story–
Only Christ’s sinless life met and satisfied that glory.
Fitting it was for a sparkling star’s light
To magnify the greatest Light on that special night.
Today God sends His Spirit to lead and be your guide–
It’s “standing” above the Lord’s house, inviting you to come inside.
There find the God-sent Christ–for you to worship and believe.
You’ll find that He gives gifts to you–from His goodness, you’ll receive!

P. A. Oltrogge

“Again therefore Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.'” John 8:12

“But now apart from the Law, the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness because in the forbearance of God, He passed over the sins previously committed, for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” Romans 3:21-26

“Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” James 1:17

Reprinted for Christmas, 2015

Children Love to Sing of the Newborn King

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Photo by Icelight

Photo by Icelight

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 NKJV

If there had never been a Savior, Christmas carols would never have been heard.
We wouldn’t have learned that the baby in the manger was God’s very Word.

If there had never been that baby’s birth, then when each December comes around,
we wouldn’t sing of “Joy to the World,” but merely of some snowfall on the ground.

Songs of snowmen or of reindeer can’t bless young children like songs that show
that they’ve a God of love–who created the real, live reindeer and the snow.

“Away in a manger, no crib for His bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head;
the stars in the sky look down where He lay” are words that bless so much more instead.

“The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay” helps children to understand Christmas Day.
“Oh Little Town of Bethlehem,” song of His birthplace, has words that anyone can pray.

On a silent, holy night, all was calm and all was bright, when a virgin gave birth–
to a holy infant, tender and mild. A child senses peace by this carol on Jesus’ worth.

When children know of God’s gift of the Savior, they’re blessed to have the realization
that lighted trees and giving of gifts are in honor of the Son of God’s birthday celebration!

P. A. Oltrogge

Oh, little town of Bethlehem,
how still we see thee lie.
Above thy deep and dreamless
sleep, the silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth,
the everlasting light.
The hopes and fears of all
the years are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary
and gathered all above;
while mortals sleep,
the angels keep
their watch of wondering love.
Oh, morning stars together
proclaim the Holy birth.
And praises sing
to God the King,
and peace to men on earth.

How silently, how silently
the wondrous gift is given.
So God imparts to human hearts
the blessings of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming,
but in this world of sin,
where meek souls
will receive Him still,
the dear Christ enters in.

Oh, holy child of Bethlehem
descend to us we pray.
Cast out our sin and enter in,
be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels
the great, glad tidings tell.
Oh come to us, abide with us,
our Lord, Emmanuel!

(Words by Phillips Brooks
Music by Lewis H.Redner)

Powerful Prayers for Peter

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Herod began to persecute those who believed in Jesus, it’s told in the twelfth chapter of Acts. James was martyred by the sword and Peter was seized, though there had been no criminal facts.

The church was offering up constant prayer for Peter–imprisoned by Herod Agrippa, the king. So in the dark of the night, God sent an angel to visit Peter there, who was asleep despite everything.

Four squads of soldiers had been assigned to him; and he was chained as he slept that night. A soldier on each side of him and guards were there, who were keeping the prison door barred tight.

Suddenly, the angel of the Lord stood by Peter, and a light shone inside the prison cell. The angel struck him on his side and raised him up; and from Peter’s hands, the heavy prison chains fell.

At the angel’s instruction, Peter dressed quickly to follow him–though it all seemed to be unreal. They went past the first and second guard posts. This must be a “vision,” was how it made him feel.

They came to the iron gate that led to the city, which simply opened to them of its own accord–then went out and down one street, and the angel departed. What a rescue from an angel of the Lord!

Peter came to his senses, realizing it had actually happened–he’d escaped Herod and leaders of the Jews. He proceeded on to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where they’d fervently prayed for this news.

Peter knocked at the door of the gate to the house, and a girl by the name of Rhoda came to see who was there. In her joy at hearing his voice, she ran to tell the others it was Peter, and that God had answered prayer.

They just couldn’t believe her, so Peter had to continue to knock, until they opened the door themselves to see… that God, indeed, had heard their prayers for Peter, and had sent His angel–to miraculously set him free!

At dawn, back at the prison, there was a commotion among the soldiers, as to how Peter’s captivity was defied. After a search was endeavored, Herod ordered the soldiers’ deaths; but the Bible records that he, too, soon afterward died…

“But the word of God grew and multiplied!”

P. A. Oltrogge

(From the account in Acts 12)

On divine interventions of today:
http://www.sidroth.org
Many encouraging archived programs…

Scatter Genuine Love

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A clanging cymbal, a noisy gong,
That’s how a life is without love–so wrong!
If you speak of the future, possessing that gift;
Know mysteries and knowledge, but don’t show love, you’re adrift.

Even if you have faith that seems to be heaping,
In God’s eyes–without love–nothing is what you’ll be reaping.
If you have faith that could remove a mountain,
Without love, your life can be compared to a dried up fountain.

If you give all your possessions to feed the poor
But have not love, you’ll always be unsure
Of the mark you’ve made in this world that needs
Your true love and compassion scattered as seeds.

If you give even your life, with your body being burned–
Without love in your heart, there’s nothing you’ve earned.
Be patient, be kind–don’t be jealous or brag–
Nor be arrogant or act unbecomingly–those things bring a snag.

Don’t let yourself be provoked, and forsake insisting upon your own way;
Don’t take into account wrongs suffered in a fray.
Don’t be glad about things unpleasing to God, but be glad about what’s good.
In love–bear, believe, hope and endure all things as He would.

Other gifts will cease, but real love is enduring;
The partial will give way to a full maturing.
Now things in the mirror are dimly seen,
But one day all will be clear with a crystal sheen.

Faith, hope, and love–these three you can rate,
But love will always be the greatest of the great.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Gentleness, self-control–
Scatter these seeds and be a contented soul.

P. A. Oltrogge

(poetic thoughts from 1 Corinthians 13)

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” words of Jesus in John 13:34-35

“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us; an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” Ephesians 4:32-5:1-2

12AFB0DC-1B88-485A-9E17-528C7C609D66
Photo by Porch of the Lord

The Prodigal Son

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A parable Jesus told….

Once there was a man who had two sons fully grown,
and the younger asked for his inheritance to go off on his own.
So the father divided his wealth and the younger son went away,
while the older one was loyal to his father and knew that he would stay.

In a distant land, the younger squandered all of his part of the estate.
He lived in a wild and unwise manner, and poverty became his fate.
A famine occurred in that country, and he couldn’t get ahead;
he was hired to take care of swine and longed to eat what they were fed.

At that time, he came to his senses and remembered his father’s care–
even his father’s servants had always had meals that were generous fare.
So he thought out what he would say about the restoration he desired.
“I’m no longer worthy to be my father’s son–I’ll just ask to be one who’s hired.”

He then traveled back to his home, and the father saw him when still far away–
then ran to embrace and kiss him, before even hearing what he had to say.
The son repented of all he’d done, telling all that had been on his mind;
and there he found compassion and a heart that was only kind.

The father called to his servants to clothe the young man with all of the best–
the best robe, ring, and sandals, and even with a banquet, he’d be blessed.
A celebration was called for everyone, for this was a time to rejoice!
But out in the fields, the older son stopped, having heard his father’s voice.

At the sound of the merriment, he inquired of the servants of what had just transpired.
They told him that his brother was home, and that a celebration was required.
He became angry then and wasn’t willing to even go inside,
but his father came out to entreat him–he wanted him to be alongside.

“…For so many years I’ve been serving you, and I’ve never neglected a command….”
He complained that he felt what his brother deserved was his father’s reprimand.
“My child, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours,” the father said.
But they needed to rejoice for this son now lived. “This brother of yours was dead–

He was lost and has been found,” he said–much like a Shepherd rejoices to find
a lost sheep that had strayed far from the fold but had always remained on His mind.

P. A. Oltrogge

From Luke 15:11-32

“I am the good shepherd and I know My own, and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father, and I lay down My life for the sheep.” words of Jesus in John 10:14-15