Today I wanted to share three poems. The first one I wrote for my ordination service. It chronicles my conversion story, with each stanza referring to particular experiences I had in my life, including dreams and a stark momentary encounter with -- yes -- an angel. The other two poems/psalms are from a brother I have come to know and love who attends my church. Mine is just one of three I have written in my entire life(!), the other two are taken from Rev. Lee Tyler Robertson’s book, “Musings of a Heart – Vol. 1” which he gave me as a gift. All three have to do with the inner strength and help we get from Jesus. Enjoy.
JESUS
You sought me when my days were young,
Your love reached out through everyone.
Such gifts you gave, so rare and sweet –
Ten thousand clues laid at my feet –
And yet our paths did never meet.
You called to me from peaceful woods,
From morning dew which glistening stood,
In fields where flowers Your radiance shown,
And wildlife’s whisper in clear tones,
Called out to make Your glory known.
You called to me so many ways,
In dreams at night of ancient days,
Where on a distant hill there stood,
A silhouetted cross of wood.
And in the hush mine eyes did see,
A figure hanging there… for me.
I ran not knowing what to do,
But still your angels did pursue!
I shunned Your love! I knew Your creed!
T’was for sinners You did bleed.
My plans were set, I had no need.
My eyes were set on wealth and greed.
I turned my back on all You’d shown,
Excused away the love I’d known.
To me You’d been so kind and real,
But still my heart refused to yield.
So many kindnesses You’d shown,
And yet my heart had turned to stone!
I sought life’s thrills to fill the void.
There was no pleasure not employed.
For self I lived and breathed and slept.
Yet ever down my spirit crept,
Until in broken shame I wept,
To see the vigil You had kept.
“Such Love,” I said, “it cannot be;
That condescends to one like me!”
“If anything, I’ve earned Your rage —
Eternal wrath, the sinner’s wage!”
But You in loving mercy shone,
With greater love than e’re I’d known.
You touched and turned me Lord to You,
With love unfath’mable yet true.
You caused my hardened heart to see,
No greater joy could e’re there be,
Then loving You who first loved me.
Pastor Jeffrey F. Evans, March 15, 1987. Age 30.
FIGHT OR FLIGHT
Fight the flight.
Bear the fear.
It has no place here.
Fight the flight.
Turn and face it.
It ain’t always pretty.
Fight the flight.
Grin and bear it.
I won’t be the same!
My nature has changed,
‘Cause of Your nurture.
My nature has changed,
Nurtured in Your arms.
The longer You hold me, the stronger I get.
Never let go. Never forsake me.
I will run the race to the end.
I'll find my prize in those words:
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Rev. Lee Tyler Robertson
IN THE BLOOD
O Lord, You are the Protector.
When nightmares stalk my dreams to breed their fear,
You are present working to redeem me.
O Lord, heal my bloodline and cleanse it from its covenant.
No longer will I be a slave to sin.
Complete Your work in me.
O Lord, I will call on Your Name,
When the snake slithers, seen beneath the paper,
Seeking to seduce.
O Lord, its eyes are upon me,
But my eyes are fastened on You.
Let me see only truth.
It’s time to reveal the darkness that lingers in the blood.
You reveal, because I ask of You and You are ever faithful.
And have never failed me.
Give me courage to rise up.
Give me courage to fight for my inheritance.
For you have prepared me well.
My lips shout Your praise and cry Your name.
For You alone can save, and by You alone may I enter in.
Jesus, the precious name to shake the world.
Rev. Lee Tyler Robertson
For Jesus, whose love is beyond all human understanding, Pastor Jef
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