Today... 'The Covert from the Tempest
Behold a king shall in righteousness reign
and rivers of water cover this dry plain.
Like the shadow of a rock in a weary land
we see the great Covert from the Tempest stand.
Hidden in the Covert from the Tempest sore
there in His body on the cross my sins He bore.
For Christ has borne the Tempest of a Just God.
The great penalty of the laws awful rod.
Now safely sheltered beneath the cross am I.
The mighty Angel of Death will pass me by.
For my Covert from the Tempestuous rages
is beneath the Cross where I'm safe from its ravages.
Justice and Mercy kissed on Calvary's tree.
The law of God is now satisfied for me.
Wonderful peace, perfectly serene and still
can be found at the cross on Calvary's hill.
(see also the additional information in the Poet's notes box below)
Related quotes
Today... 'My Hiding Place from the wind
The storms can ravage and the mighty winds may blow
For me there is a secure hiding where I can go
It is beneath the cross of Jesus where I can stand
The shadow of a mighty rock in this weary land
So Satan may roar and try his best to claim me back
But my Lord has conquered him and stops him in his track
For the Devil can no longer have any hold on me
Because Jesus died giving His life to set me free
In Him and Him alone my security is found
He is my covert from the tempest raging around.
For I am eternally safe in Jesus my Lord
taking my stand in Him and resting upon His word.
(see also the additional information in the Poet's notes box below)
Today... 'Abraham's Seed
'God will provide, ' Abraham said
as Isaac to the altar was led
and there before them stood a ram
God's merciful provision for Abraham.
No ram was provided for You my lord
for You were the only Lamb of God.
Death on the cross would only do,
there would be no reprieve there for You.
You showed such obedience to God's plan
and great love was shown on earth to man.
Your death gives life to all You see
when they come to the cross at Calvary.
There was no other way.
For Abraham's Seed to pay.
All the way to Calvary You went
to pay my debt Your life was spent.
(see also the additional information in the Poet's notes box)
Today... 'The Fellow Of The Lord of Hosts
The shepherd is smitten and the sheep have fled
It happened just as the Lord of Hosts had said
'A sword will strike the man that is my fellow'
And from His wounded side crimson blood shall flow
The deep wounds that He bore came from God's great wrath
From the land of the living He was cut off
And for our transgressions He was crucified
When there upon the cross He was pierced and died.
For smitten and acquainted with grief was He
As he hung there on Calvary's cross for me
The price for my sins He was willing to pay
To bring back this lost sheep that had gone astray
(see also the additional information in the Poet's notes box)
Poem: Song to the Holy Cross
The cross of love:
The cross I love:
The cross I'd loved all life;
The wooden cross:
The holy cross:
The cross that bore man's strife.
The oaken cross:
The heavy cross:
The cross Jesus carried;
The cross on which
Christ Lord was nailed:
And bore man's sins indeed.
The cross of death:
The blood-stained cross:
The Savior, man, redeemed;
The cross of life's
Victory o'er death:
That souls on earth must heed.
poem by John Celes

Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Today... 'The Finisher of Faith
Ascending into heaven to triumphant applause
the battle was over and the victory was Yours.
Death had now been vanquished and the grave was opened wide
'It is Finished' was the great shout of triumph You cried.
The work is behind You the price for sin had been paid
the sepulchre was empty where Your body once laid.
You had endured the cross and despised its dreadful shame.
The heavens rejoice and Your great victory proclaim.
And there seated at the right hand of God I can see
my Lord Jesus Christ Who has Finished the faith for me.
For my great Author and the Finisher of the faith
won the victory over Satan and now I'm safe.
Despising the shame and enduring Calvary's cross
You came to seek and to save this poor sheep that was lost.
It is finished I hear that great victorious cry
Resounding throughout heaven as the years pass on by
(see also the additional information in the Poet's notes box below)
Today... 'The Door
Where do we mortals find that narrow heavenly Door?
Through which millions of sinners have entered before?
It is found at the cross where Jesus was crucified
There for You paid for our sins, laid down Your life and died
With Your arms outstretched so wide and saying, 'Come to me'
For we find forgiveness by Your death at Calvary
And we see the Door before us swinging open wide
Allowing us to pass through the veil to heavens side
At the cross the veil in the temple was rent in two
We can still hear You calling sinners to come to You
For the door into heaven has been flung open wide
'Come to me you weary, ' we hear as we go inside
Calvary's cross is the Door through which man can go through
And there is no other way only this door will do
For You are the Way by which we must enter heaven
It is at the cross we must come to be forgiven
Then as we look behind us on the lintel we see
'Chosen before the foundation of the world in Me'
Though millions have come yet there is still room for more
God by His Grace has allowed us to enter the Door
So come to that Door for it is opened wide for you
And taste the glories of heaven as you enter through
The cry goes out 'whosoever will may enter in'
It is at the Cross where your journey has to begin
All who enter the door shall be safely kept inside
There forever with the Lord Jesus they all shall abide
Each one was chosen by God before the world began
Included by His grace as part of salvations plan
(see also the additional information in the Poet's notes box below)
Shadow of The Cross
In the shadow of Christ’s cross, is every soul and sinner lost,
Every soul upon God’s earth, with sin tainting their own worth,
With His light put on all pride; the reason why Christ had died,
Carrying out His Father’s will, when lifted high on Calvary’s hill,
Lifted up for all men to see, was Christ the Lord of all Eternity.
He was nailed up to pay the cost, of all the sin of sinners lost,
Lifted high as God’s Sacrifice, to pay for man an eternal price,
From on that cross at Calvary, blood did flow for you and me,
Blood of the Spotless Lamb, to pay the penalty of sinful man,
Worthy to atone for all, but one; Jesus Christ, God’s only Son.
From that cross to the grave, for all of those God would save,
Through faith in God’s Son, the Savior who died for everyone,
Now lifted high for all of us, the One in whom today men trust,
Seated upon His Eternal Throne, interceding for all of His own,
Men who at the cross believed, from Him, eternal life received.
Now all whom God did save, enter into eternal life, not a grave,
Truly saved by God’s Sacrifice, to be with His Son in Paradise,
Freed from sin’s eternal penalty, through the love from Calvary,
Fully cleansed in Calvary’s tide; blood out of our Savior’s side,
Purged of all our sinful dross, while in the shadow of the cross.
(Copyright ©04/2008)
You breathed Your last breath for me
'Heavenly Father, not My will, but Yours, ' You cried
then went to the hill of Golgotha where You died.
There upon Calvary's cross You breathed Your last breath
even though You had power over hell and death.
The angels were not able to understand why
the Immortal God had to bow His head and die.
For they were unaware of the eternal plan
that the Triune God agreed before time began.
In that great counsel You said, 'Here I am Send me.'
Willing You were, to hang upon that awful tree.
Willing, to carry my sins in Your body there.
Willing in my place the full wrath of God to bear.
Because of You, Lord Jesus I can now go free.
Because You have laid down your life at Calvary.
Because You hung on that cruel cross in my stead.
Because Your precious blood for me has been shed.
*************
Now I know that when the time comes for my last breath
that my life will not just end in my earthly death.
There in the shadow of death You will lead me through
to spend an eternity in heaven with You.
Good Friday...
Behold the wood that went to make the cross
That bore the Saviour Lord, King Jesus Christ:
The holy cross at Calvary on which
Was hung, the Redeemer of mankind race!
That man was only Son of God in flesh,
Who suffered, shed His precious blood as price
For every sin of everyone on earth,
Of Adam and of Eve in lineage!
It wasn’t about the cross that Jesus bore;
It was about the One who hung on it!
He came to earth as Mary’s baby boy,
And gave to men the Good News, peace and joy!
The cross of wood assumed significance
When Jesus died upon it for our sins;
The sacrifice supreme was love of God
For creature man of clay whom He had made!
When Christ resurrected upon third day,
And won o’er death and satan for all times,
The holy cross became the weapon sole
That scares away the devils back to hell!
The cross became the symbol of Christians,
Reminding man of Salvation for all,
As Christ had paid the price on our behalf,
And turned to be the Truth, Light, Way to God!
The holy cross beckons each one of us
To take up each one’s cross and follow Christ;
It is the only hope for all mankind
As life on earth becomes so meaningful!
God’s Love was born on Christmas day as Christ!
Man’s sins nailed Him to death upon the cross!
Christ’s obeisance to Father freed mankind
If repentant, from Fiery Pit of hell!
Reflect on passions Christ had undergone,
Before He died upon the holy cross;
Follow His teachings and precepts for man;
Heaven is nigh for sinners penitent!
(22-04-11)
poem by John Celes

Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Today... 'My Banner
The Banner of Jesus is flying high
there nailed upon the cross was He to die.
With arms opened wide as a flag unfurled
as men passed by and their insults hurled.
Upon Calvary's hilltop the banner flies
as Jesus lays down His life for us and dies.
There the veil of the temple was torn in two
and heavens door opened we go through.
He said 'When I am hung upon the tree'
then I will draw Jews and Gentiles to me, '
To all who believe the cross leads to heaven
and all who come in repentance are forgiven.
Outstretched upon Calvary's cross I see
the full extent of Jesus' love for me.
The 'agape' love of God was outpoured
for this poor, vile sinner by Christ adored.
From the Root of Jesse the banner flies
'Come, enter the gates of heaven it cries.'
The Sovereign Lord beckons us to come
and calls us to our great heavenly home.
There praise shall be my glorious battle cry
and His great love my soul shall occupy.
Called into His Banqueting house above
where His great banner over me is love.
(see also the additional information in the Poet's notes box below)
Today... 'The Captain Of Salvation
My great Captain of Salvation and God
the rugged pathway to Calvary trod.
Where He died on that rugged wooden cross
and was made perfect through suffering loss.
To bring our Salvation He came to earth
born as the Son of God through virgin birth.
But He won that battle of Calvary
and laid down His life on that curséd tree.
The devils fear and fly at His approach
for He lived a life beyond all reproach.
All foes defeated with none left to stand
even the grave is under His command.
Salvation's Captain so victorious
and He has conquered death all glorious.
Every knee shall bow and tongue confess
His lordship and praise His supreme prowess.
From sin He was determined to abstain
and through righteousness became Captain.
Securing Salvation He came to save
defeating Satan, He rose from the grave.
The Captain of Salvation wears the crown
and all princes and leaders shall bow down
to the great Lord of lords and King of kings
For whom, by whom and through whom are all things.
(see also the additional information in the Poet's notes box below)
Today... 'The Comforter
This poor man cried and the Lord heard his voice
Placed a new song in his mouth causing him to rejoice
The great Comforter from heaven came to comfort me
With His arms outstretched on that cross at Calvary.
The Holy Spirit convicted me of sin and shame
And showed me that Jesus had borne the blame
So I knelt there before the cross to confess
with true conviction my unworthiness.
My sins forgiven and my soul began to revive
The Holy Spirit empowered me I came alive
Then as my constant companion he illumined me
Opening my eyes to all spiritual reality
Leading me into the Truth written in God's word
And teaching me more about Jesus my Lord.
(see also the additional information in the Poet's notes box below)
The Holy Cross
O Holy Cross of Jesus Christ!
How must I come to Calvary?
– By giving up world’s pleasures first,
Carrying my own and follow Thee!
O Holy Cross that Christ had borne!
Take me to Heaven’s narrow gate;
Much strife my body does adorn,
My sufferings never abate!
O Holy Cross on which Christ died!
At times, in life I grow weary,
Although in God, I do abide;
With charm all lost, life seems dreary.
O Holy Cross that satan fears;
Then guide me in the way of light;
My stay on earth almost well nears;
Let Truth be always in my sight!
O Holy Cross: eternal sign;
In Jesus Christ, I trust my soul;
In Maker’s Feast, I wish to dine:
My only aim and earthly goal!
O Holy Cross that saves mankind;
Show me the dress of grace to don;
For only pure a heart and mind
Can see the face of God’s one Son!
poem by John Celes

Submitted by Poetry Lover
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That Old Rugged Cross
That cross so simple in design, spans throughout all of time.
As simple as that cross may be, it reaches well into eternity.
A wooden beam upon a tree, lifted high on Mount Calvary.
For all the saints of the past, it capped a hope that will last.
As that hope they waited for, was fulfilled through our Lord.
For the saints of latter years, it would conquer all our fears,
As death was swallowed in victory, on that cross at Calvary.
Today the cross of Jesus Christ, can grant victory to any life.
From that single horrific place, God began this age of Grace.
While many were dismayed, the Love of God was displayed.
By God, Christ was shunned, as wrath was sent on His Son.
Wrath meant for you and me, which was poured at Calvary.
God’s own Son bearing disgrace; a sinless lamb in our place.
In agony Christ was seized, until God’s anger was appeased,
As Christ paid the ultimate price, becoming for all a sacrifice.
He died and bled on the cross, washing away our sinful dross.
The sinless man bearing the cost, to bring to God, sinners lost.
And all who come to Jesus Christ, by the cross gain New Life,
As that bloody cross of Calvary, leads all men towards Eternity.
That rugged, yet simple design, has truly stood the test of time.
(Copyright ©04/2006)
Come To God
To The Father you can come, through the access of The Son,
By the way of Calvary’s cross, God’s way provided for the lost.
Christ began by God’s Grace, dying on the cross in our place,
The entire penalty for man’s sin, at Calvary was placed on Him.
Jesus ended a separation friend, between God and mortal men,
That long divine separation, was bridged by a cross of salvation.
A bridge that’s open to every man, in every nation of every land,
An access provided to God above, by the Son and Father’s Love.
God leaves it to us to do our part; to accept with a believing heart,
God’s atoning sacrifice on Calvary, for sinful men like you and me.
As we come with a weary heart, we receive from God a new start,
We begin with God a life anew, in Christ who died for me and you.
For when in Christ we do believe, The Holy Spirit we then receive,
Where in our hearts He will reside, helping men, to in Christ abide.
The Spirit knowing all our needs, goes to The Lord and intercedes,
So in this life we need not fear, for in the Spirit God is always near.
We come to God as mortal men, from a world that is condemned,
And we face certain death friend, when this earthly life does end,
But God gives to us Eternal Life, through our Savior Jesus Christ.
So come to God and you will see, with new life forever in Eternity.
(Copyright ©07/2006)
Today... 'Fountain of living waters
Come and see the crimson flood flowing free
from the cross on the hill of Calvary.
Blood that has flowed from Emmanuel's veins
to wash away all of our sinful stains.
I will not forsake this deep cleansing flow
for it can wash me whiter than the snow.
To the Fountain of Living Water flee
and come for forgiveness at Calvary.
So let's all fear God and shun the evil.
Flee from the temptations of the devil.
But when we sin in repentance we cry
'Lord wash me in Your blood or I shall die.'
(see also the additional information in the Poet's notes box)
Today... 'The Author and Finisher of our faith
Before the seconds of time had begun.
At the great council of the Triune One.
A plan was devised for the salvation of man
and was agreed upon before all life began.
Such an awesome and incredible plan
to condense Yourself and become a man.
The Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
took on all our mortality to pay sins price.
Then that awful day came in Your great plan
when the Author of Life was taken by man
and made to climb the steep hill to Calvary's tree.
There You lay down Your life for sin and set us free.
'It is finished' was your victory cry
as You gave Your life in a final sigh.
Finished completely was that work of grace.
Salvation made possible for the human race.
Completing the work that You came to do
all Your followers made perfect in You.
Each having a righteousness not of their own
but from the One seated on the heavenly throne.
Fixing our eyes upon the Risen Lord
Who for the joy before Him the cross endured.
Made perfect through suffering sin and its shame
and been given the Name above every name.
All Creation joins in the victory song
united in one great heavenly throng.
To the Author and Finisher of Faith we sing
gathered in heaven before our glorious King.
(see also the additional information in the Poet's notes box below)
His Righteousness Alone
I have no righteousness of my own but stand on faith in Christ alone,
Abraham's an example to all of us for he believed unto righteousness.
On my own, from God, I stand apart as I was born with a sinful heart,
But Jesus took upon the sin of us to cover us with His Righteousness.
God knew before man's fall that Christ would die for the sins of all,
Satan would strike Christ's heel but God followed with this appeal,
Christ would in turn crush his head and Satan will be eternally dead,
Sin's price of death is on my head but Jesus Christ died in my stead.
Though Jesus died He rose again for death could not hold Him friend,
Death may come to all my friend and apart from Christ it is your end.
If you accept His Righteousness in-lieu of death you'll be blessed,
Reject The Lord and your last breath will take you to eternal death.
Christ suffered death for a while so to God we could be reconciled,
From the grave Christ did rise and now He lives even though He died.
Christ bore our sins on the cross and for our sins He paid the cost.
In the grave He buried our sin so we could rise to new life with Him.
There's still hope you can be sure for Jesus is knocking at the door,
He's waiting for you to come in for the cross is your victory over sin.
For our sin Christ did atone and Salvation is in Him and Him alone,
The One knocking at the door can be your Righteousness forevermore.
(Copyright ©03/2004)
The Cross
Two fallen twigs when kept across
Can form a cross;
Two blades of grass just put cris-cross
Becomes a cross.
Two fingers placed atop the next
Looks like a cross;
A wire-mesh has umpteen crosses,
Like stars the sky across.
The cross is symbol of Christians;
The cross is pride of all baptized;
The cross instills love of Jesus;
The cross is feared by all devils!
The cross is sign of faith in God;
The cross means sacrifice like Christ;
The cross reminds of victory over death;
Carry your cross and follow Christ.
The cross can save the worst sinner;
The cross is sign of after-life;
The cross means Christ is Son of God!
The cross leads always to heaven.
Copyright by Dr John Celes 10-30-2009
poem by John Celes

Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Here I am - send me
There before the beginning, 'Send me', You said
choosing to go the cross and die in my stead.
There in the garden great drops of blood you sweat
so determined to follow the pathway set.
'Father, not My will but Yours be done' You said.
Knowing all things before You still went ahead.
Carrying Your cross up Golgotha's hill You went
and there as a sacrifice Your life was spent.
For You climbed that steep hill to die in my stead.
On the cross of Calvary Your blood was shed.
Whilst hanging on that tree You took all the blame
and paid the penalty for my sinful shame.
'My God, why have You forsaken me', You cried
and then You laid down Your life for me and died.
It was for my transgressions that You hung there
and upon Your body my punishment bear.
Willingly You bore my sin and paid the price.
Willingly You gave Your life in sacrifice.
Willingly taking my infirmities
Willing bearing my iniquities.
Written after reading Hebrews 10: 7