Category Archives: Poems

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

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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

Poetry for Autumn

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Photo by Kimberly Vardeman

Photo by Kimberly Vardeman

A Captivating Season

The heavens and earth exhibit countless masterpieces of the Lord’s.
His seasons have beauty and variety–each one has its own rewards.

But one that’s especially captivating is the autumn, before it’s cold.
Shades of red, orange, and gold make His artistry evident and bold.

Hearing the crunching of fallen leaves under our feet as we walk,
makes for a reflective time of year to go out with a friend and talk.

When the sun shines on a hillside covered with trees which have “turned,”
it’s a far more exquisite gift God gives than anything I may have earned.

“Fall” is a time of the welcome harvest, when thankfulness comes to mind.
There are pumpkins and apple picking and bountiful crops of every kind.

So, I thank God for His goodness and the beauty that He’s displayed;
And I thank Him that, in any season, He’s answered when I’ve prayed.

I know that I love spring and summer and the winter’s pure white snow;
but my favorite season still is autumn, with its glorious golden glow.

P. A. Oltrogge

“The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.” Psalm 19:1

“…Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory.” Isaiah 6:3

Photo by Stan-n-Deb Horst

Photo by Stan-n-Deb Horst

There’s a Rainbow!

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dfb photos

dfb photos

If ever there was a subject that should be put into poetic form,
it’s that of the magnificent rainbow, which can suddenly appear after a storm.

As the sun starts shining, it’s especially vivid, after the rain has poured;
and its message comes from God, as it’s the signature of the Lord.

He said that He was setting His bow in the cloud, to always remind afresh,
of His covenant made to Noah and his sons, and every living creature of all flesh…

that never again would He send a flood to cover the entire expanse of the earth.
To all successive generations, the rainbow’s reminded of this covenant of great worth.

We remember today that Noah was a real person, who steadfastly undertook
the building of a great ark by God’s direction, no matter how, to others, that would look.

It took many decades to accomplish the task, and there never had been a flood…
Today, God is offering the safety of an ark that was “built” by Jesus’ sacrificial blood.

God is not willing for any to perish. He’s giving much time to accept His invitation
to enter into the ark of the Lord–His provision for any person of any nation.

When I see the rainbow there in the sky, I’m reminded of God’s covenant made to mankind–including the one He made for us through Jesus, the greatest covenant He wants all of us to find.

P. A. Oltrogge

“For this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you for the remission of sins.” Matthew 26:28 NKJV

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 NKJV

“But I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall enter the ark….” Genesis 6:18

See the first half of Genesis, chapter 6, for the causes behind God sending the earth-encompassing flood and to read of Noah finding favor with God.

For your interest:
http://www.arkencounter.com

Photo by Javierosh

Photo by Javierosh

The Big “Little Miracles”

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A friend shared with me recently about a problem resolved,
which might have seemed insignificant to those not involved.

It concerned a cherished missing item that was suddenly found.
She had prayed and prayed again and had looked all around.

She thought of accepting the loss and putting it out of her mind,
but then realized that there’s nothing that the Lord cannot find.

So, in time, when it was discovered, it was confirmed that He’d truly heard.
That God cares about the little things is something of which we can be assured.

Then, there are other big little miracles that cross our paths–often taken for granted.
It’s good to thank Him for those, too, wherever we find that He’s had them planted.

Perhaps, it’s in a smile that lifts your spirits or an encouraging word from a friend–
He’s behind any act of kindness or thing of beauty, and, to His love, there’s no end….

P. A. Oltrogge

“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me….” Psalm 138:8

“Casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

“Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered….” Luke 12:7

In the Twinkling of an Eye

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“For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, and remain until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17

At God’s appointed time, I’ll be saying goodbye.
That time is getting close, and I’ve tried to explain why.
I love you so much–please come along;
Don’t neglect Jesus for that would be wrong.
He’s preparing a party, and it will be grand.
Please don’t miss out because you don’t understand.
He’s made it so plain in the true Gospel story–
He, the Christ, is our way to Glory.
One thing’s for sure–all lives draw to a close,
so it’s best to put faith in the One who arose.
But we could see Jesus more quickly than we think
for the Bible speaks prophetically of what’s on the brink.
“In the twinkling of an eye…we shall be changed.”
Take Jesus and your place in Glory that He has arranged.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Behold, I tell you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and the mortal must put on immortality. But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’” 1 Corinthians 15:51-54

The Ship of Faith. . .

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A sail ship of today…
Photo by Porch of the Lord

“Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat. When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, ‘Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.’ But Simon answered and said to Him, ‘Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.’ And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.” Luke 5:3-7 NKJV

“JESUS IS MY HEALER”–four words that please the Lord;
“Jesus is my healer” shows Him my faith’s “on board.”

“JESUS IS MY PROTECTOR,” against life’s waves and winds.
“JESUS IS MY REDEEMER,” Who’s forgiven all my sins.

“JESUS IS MY PROVIDER,’–At His word, I let down my “nets;”
With each provision, Jesus reminds that I’m one whom He never forgets.

“JESUS IS MY ENCOURAGER,” against fear, unbelief, or doubt;
As in Peter’s walk on the water, I can trust the Lord’s hand will be out.

“JESUS IS MY EXAMPLE OF LOVE”–His love fills my heart’s sails,
So I may serve others, as He has said, showing that “Love never fails.”

“JESUS IS MY PEACE AND JOY”–His joy has become my strength.
“JESUS IS MY SHEPHERD,” guiding throughout my life’s length.

Or I might call him MY CAPTAIN, on watch for any rocky shoal;
And Jesus is the STRONG ANCHOR of my very soul.

“JESUS IS MY TEACHER;” May I strive to follow in His steps–
To rescue those whose lives have sunk, even to the depths.

For there isn’t anybody, who’s not welcome to come aboard;
Take Christ as Savior and join the crew of the SAIL SHIP OF THE LORD.

P. A. Oltrogge

“Bless the Lord, oh my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from the pit; Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle.” Psalm 103:1-5

And JESUS IS MY ETERNAL HIGH PRIEST:

“So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 6:18-20 NLT

Photo by B. Oltrogge

Photo by B. Oltrogge

“When I remember Thee on my bed, I meditate on Thee in the night watches, for Thou hast been my help, and in the shadow of Thy wings I sing for joy. My soul clings to Thee; Thy right hand upholds me.” Psalm 63:6-8

“My eyes anticipate the night watches, that I may meditate on Thy word.” Psalm 119:148