Tested by harsh, uncertain times,
Fruitful in dry forbidding clime.
The remnant, by mercy and design,
His call, to multiply, to thrive.
~ D.F.
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“The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down and none shall make them afraid.”
~ Zephaniah 3:13
A sure death they had plotted,
serpents of men, those beasts,
Jaws and stomachs waiting,
such a tasty little feast.
But the Lord had His eye on him,
no harm would He concede,
Now curled up in the lion’s mane,
Daniel, fast asleep.
~ D.F.
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“Daniel was found to be unharmed because he trusted in his God.”
~ Daniel 6:24
He thunders not from the pulpit,
His voice, neither rude nor hard.
Words, simple, true and measured,
Safe harbor for the stormy heart.
~ D.F.
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“Jesus woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm.”
~ Mark 4:39
Linked by blood and common plan,
Two, these greatest sons of man*,
The first came forth to till the land,
The Word sown next, The Lord’s own hand.
~ D.F.
*Jesus and his older cousin, John the Baptist:
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“This is the one about whom scripture says: ‘Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, he will prepare your way before you.’
I tell you, among those born of women, no one is greater than John; yet the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”
~ Luke 7:27-28
Host of angels in garments white,
The heavens awake, dazzling light.
Focus now, pray, get the notes right,
A few days more, the LORD’s big night!
~ D.F.
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And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:
“Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.”
~ Luke 2:13-14
Israel’s longing,
Scripture foretold.
History’s rewriting,
The hours, unfold.
~ D.F.
The dark hours, ever deepening,
Winter chill, heart gripping,
Yet shiny orb, gently warming,
The Morning Star, dawn awaking.
~ D.F.
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“I am the root and offspring of David, the bright morning star.”
~ Revelation 22:16
Photo:
I have been informed by a young botany enthusiast that this flower is a Pigeon Orchid (Dendrobium crumenatum). Thanks, Isaac!
With patient love, watchful, guarding,
The Eden within her being,
For the Tree of Life, at last flowering,
God-is-with-Us, in the making.
~ D.F.
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“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us.”
~ Matthew 1:23
Slow may be His writing,
But its meaning is clear,
“MENE, TEKEL, PERES!”
Your visitation draws near.
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Regarding Belshazzar, the Chaldean king:
“MENE, God has numbered your kingdom and put an end to it;
TEKEL, you have been weighed on the scales and found wanting;
PERES, your kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and Persians.”
~ Daniel 5:25-28
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“For some have already turned away to follow Satan.”
~ 1 Timothy 5:15
