On Route from the Capital to Fengxian… to Damascus
There are many lessons of Christ holy and true
Which are hinted at in the words written by Du Pu
zhu men jiu
rou chou
lu you
dong si gu
Behind the wide red gates of the rich, food lies rotting from waste
Outside the poor lie frozen to death (neglected and emace'd)
You can learn the rest of that truth if you listen now
If you follow the narrow path: the Jesus Christ tao...
That those who horde the things of the earth
Will find those things ruined and replaced by dearth.
It is indeed an irony, that the humble poor-in-spirit
Recieve the gift of Truth by God when they listen and they hear it.
They have a greater treasure than the rich man could ever dream.
The first became the last, and the last shall reign supreme.
And here is the transcendent: That those who gather this Holy Truth
Do not deprive anyone else of the bread and elixir of heavenly youth
Yes, those rich-in-truth unlike the earthly wealthy,
Whose positions and perks are guarded by their strong and stealthy
Yes, those who have followed the straight path to His gate,
Unlike those who lock out the masses with their red iron gate
They call out to everyone to join them in their joyous eucharistic feast
Which celebrates the conquest over eternal death, which the blood of Christ released.
Irony! Red irony indeed, that Christ’s bounty rots not
Inside His narrow gates, for the poor who His salvation sought.
But the proud rich man, who ignores the love that Jesus showed,
Lies starved of truth and blessings; frozen on his own winding red road.
Du Pu (Tu Fu) was a poet from eight century China who wrote about the plight of the poor. He is revered as one of the greatest poets of China.
poem by Daniel Partlow
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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Sharing Truth
You can share Truth with men, in many ways throughout the day.
For men may not listen friend, to words of Truth you have to say.
There are those times just when, a Gospel tract could be the way.
As for God’s Truth we must contend, this my friend without delay.
We can share The Truth of Christ, as we live each day and hour,
Living how God changed our life, through The Holy Spirit’s power.
Change that helps us pay the price, even though inside we cower.
Christ’s selfless loving sacrifice, is that Truth men need to shower.
We need to shower Truth indeed, like rains falling upon the earth,
Going forth spreading His seed; sowing Truth with heavenly mirth.
Sharing Truth they do not heed, as they see not Salvation’s worth.
That as sinners, we’re in need, and must experience a New Birth.
We need to point to the Love, of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Who came to earth from above, to become, for all men, a sacrifice.
God sent The Spirit as a dove, knowing Jesus would pay the price.
And by the Sprit we share His Love, to point all men to Eternal Life.
So we share God’s Truth with men, never knowing just what to say,
But thru the Blood of Jesus Christ, The Gospel has a saving power.
And some men will see their need, to come to Christ by New Birth,
Thus they will help share the Love, of the only Savior Jesus Christ.
The Narrow Way
Narrow thinking is the only way; everything else is stubble and hay.
The sin of arrogance and of pride, is the reason why our Jesus died.
Even Jesus had intolerant views, and He’s the author of Good News.
For Jesus said “I am the Way”; a pretty bold statement for one to say.
Today many have come to endear, Christ’s Truth which is quite clear,
While others with darkened minds, embrace thinking of a different kind.
Although Jesus was very clear, many men seek their own way I fear.
They go on to a destructive path, ending not in blessing but in wrath,
For these men have no reverent fear, and their end is also quite clear:
They will be told to depart from Christ, at the end of their earthly life.
Christ also said He was The Truth; The Word alone is substantial proof,
Proof that Christ was the one, that The Bible said one day, would come.
Coming as the prophets foretold, makes His word more valued than gold.
But wicked men malign The Truth, with doubting hearts filled with reproof.
But Christ is The Eternal Truth friend, and all will see this come the end.
Friend, one other claim of Jesus Christ, is that for all men He is The Life.
He gave His life up for all men, so that in Him they are not condemned.
The life Jesus came down to give, is more than the life that you now live.
For all who come to Christ and believe, Eternal Life they shall receive.
But without Him upon you last breath; you face not life but eternal death.
For He is The Way, Truth and Life, and yes friend, that is Jesus Christ.
So the very words of Christ you read, are eternal words you must heed.
And friend, narrow is the only path, which for all eternity indeed will last.
And broad is the one to destruction, and that’s not man’s mere deduction.
For not broad but narrow is the one, to Eternal Life with God’s Only Son.
Relying On The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is enough for me, as I’ve been sealed for eternity,
Sealed, by The Spirit of Christ, with His guarantee of Eternal Life;
The Spirit, the only teacher I need, as Truth, He helps me to heed,
Guiding me through all my days, for Christ’s Glory and His Praise.
For The Spirit opened my eyes, to discern Truth from Satan’s lies,
Teaching me the Ways of God, while led by Christ’s staff and rod,
Growing in His Truth and Love, assisted by His Spirit, from above,
Teaching me God’s Truth day to day, as I travel life’s Narrow Way.
It’s the work of God’s Holy Spirit, to shed light on Truth as I hear it,
Revealing Truths, that I never heard, from God’s Holy, Living Word.
From The Truth, revealed to men, by God’s Spirit, I am Born Again,
Believing in Christ and Him alone, I became one of God’s very own.
As God’s Spirit led me to believe, The Truth of God I would receive,
Believing the Saving Truth of Christ, I received in the Spirit New Life,
And at that very time and place, my life was changed, by His Grace,
Never again would it be the same; all by the power of Christ’s Name.
It is in Christ, that I now abide, through The Spirit, Who dwells inside,
And in God’s Spirit, I fully rely, in the same power from God on high,
Sent to comfort Children of God, while they journey this earthly sod,
Who will also, soon snatch us away, to Heaven on that Glorious day.
(Copyright ©06/2010)
Thanks Again
Today, I thank God once more, for sending me a Savior and Lord,
For reaching down into this life, where darkness and sins were rife,
For sending The Holy Spirit of God, upon men on this earthly sod,
To deliver men on this earth, through His Truth and a spiritual birth.
God leads with Truth as I hear it, through the indwelling Holy Spirit,
God’s Holy Spirit which I received, the very moment that I believed,
Producing in me peace and love, that comes from The Lord above,
A love within that He preserves, that no one on earth truly deserves.
Tomorrow, I’ll thank God again, that through Christ I am born again,
Born into His Eternal Family, that without Grace, I would never see,
But now, I know I’ll see His face, for I’ve been saved by His Grace,
Saved by my Savior and my Lord, to reign with Christ forevermore.
Indeed for me, God has done, so much through my life in His Son,
A life which I never had before, I entered through that Narrow Door,
One that opens to greater things, serving Christ, The King of kings,
And after this I’ll receive rewards, all from Christ, the Lord of Lords.
I cannot thank The Lord enough, for all of His Mercy and His Love,
For sending, His Only Son, Christ, to pay for me the ultimate price,
And that the Savior who died for me, become my Lord for Eternity,
For by the death of Jesus Christ, God has granted me Eternal Life.
Behind The Gates Of The Wealthy
zhu men jiu rou chou
lu you dong si gu
Behind the gates of the wealthy
food lies rotting from waste
Outside it's the poor
who lie frozen to death
A Disciple of Christ
When you cleave onto God’s Word, the Truth of God that you heard,
And choose to follow Jesus Christ, allowing God’s Word into your life,
You then become a disciple of, The Lord and Savior and God above.
Only in Christ, are men truly free, with a freedom that spans Eternity.
It is a freedom which begins inside, when in Jesus Christ you abide.
In God’s Word is revealed proof, that Jesus Christ is the Living Truth.
Knowing this Truth sets men free; that is sinful men like you and me,
From the bondage we’re now in, the hidden bondage that we call sin.
As this Truth you’ve come to know, within your heart begins to grow,
You dear friend indeed will find, frees both your heart and your mind.
You will know just why Christ came, and endured the cross of shame,
With The Truth you can reason why, our Lord Jesus Christ had to die.
Friend, every heart that Christ frees, The Lord above fills with peace,
And His Truth supplies the Light, to lead you out of the darkest night.
Because this Truth is The Light, it’s the only way that’s eternally right.
The Way, the Truth and Life is but one, Jesus Christ, God’s Only Son.
This Truth my friend is Jesus Christ, Truth which leads to Eternal Life.
That is why only Christ can say; He is The Truth, The Light and Way.
Today embrace The Word of God; Truth will guide the path you trod,
Make His Word a part of your life, and you will be a disciple of Christ.
(Copyright ©08/2006)
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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How Will They Believe?
How many hearts will receive, God’s Eternal Message and believe?
The Word of Truth, as they hear it, when moved by The Holy Spirit.
But before believing they must hear, God’s Truth, which is so near,
The Living Truth, Who lives within, all believers saved from their sin.
How will they hear with no preacher, those without a Godly teacher?
Those willing to share God’s Word, until all on the earth have heard,
The Truth of our Lord’s Salvation, in The Light of God’s Revelation,
Sharing with everybody in our life, the Saving Truth of Jesus Christ.
Who is it that The Lord has sent, to warn all other people to repent?
To turn away from darkened ways, to follow Christ, to God’s praise,
Turning sinners to a different path, to avoid God’s Righteous Wrath,
Turning them form things not right, to walk a new life in God’s Light.
Friend is this not to be all of us, who have believed in Christ Jesus?
Who are sent by God above, to share with others our Savior’s Love,
Through the message of the Cross, with men who are presently lost,
So they can be saved by Grace, when The Truth, they also embrace.
Won’t you this day, make a choice, to be for Jesus Christ, a voice?
Making your Purpose in this life, pointing all others to Jesus Christ,
For beautiful are the feet of those, who The Lord and Savior chose,
To bring others His Good News, when His Will, is what you choose.
(Copyright ©07/2009)
Belief In Christ Alone
When in Jesus Christ you believe, Eternal Life you will receive,
Your faith alone is all you need, if Christ’s words you will heed,
I am the Way, the Truth and Life, Truth spoken by Jesus Christ,
The same Truth that is true today, no matter what man may say.
No one will see God, but by Him, Christ who saved us from sin,
Only through The Son we’ll see, The Father and God of Eternity,
The Lord, Who died on Calvary, to provide life, for you and me,
Jesus Christ, God’s Only Son, holds Eternal Truth for everyone.
But, some continue adding to, The Truth spoken to me and you,
Jesus own words “It is finished, ” by false teachers is diminished,
Teaching which adds to His Truth, leading only to God’s reproof,
As The Father will truly condemn, all the False Teachings of men.
Not heeding what Christ had said, they all remain spiritually dead,
Remaining dead in all their sin, ignoring The Truth spoken by Him,
Implying that we must do our part, from salvation they will depart,
To a belief where Satan lurks, around a salvation of man’s Works.
Men adding to The Truth of God, will only see God’s judging rod,
And for subtracting from Revelation, they shall not see Salvation;
Remember Christ’s Gospel Truth, and receive life not His reproof,
Through faith alone, in Jesus Christ, you shall receive Eternal Life.
Only One Truth
What Jesus Christ did for you, no other religious leader could do,
And what He does in the eyes of all, will indeed, be their downfall.
For only Christ died for all men, while they were to be condemned,
And only He will be returning again, as Lord and Savior of all men.
Many people, in ignorance proclaim, a salvation in another’s name,
Exalting a man and his cause, that’s filled with many spiritual flaws.
If they’d only read God’s Word, they’d see Truth that they’ve heard,
The Eternal Truth, men need to fear, as God’s Judgment is so near.
Until then many others shall come, in the Name of God’s Only Son,
Depicting scripture in a different view, with a darker, religious skew.
But God has only one Revelation, One Truth that leads to salvation,
From His Only Son, Jesus Christ, in whom men receive Eternal Life.
There is another spirit, not of God, sent throughout this earthly sod,
And Satan’s the prince down here, deceiving men both far and near.
God’s Spirit is through Jesus Christ, who alone was God’s Sacrifice,
And He sends His Spirit to all of us, who in God have put their trust.
We were warned by God, in love, that not every spirit is from above,
And not to be by men deceived, when Truth, they have not received,
But, by His Spirit receive Truth, so, not to see God’s strong reproof,
And from all deception be set free, to live with God through Eternity.
(Copyright ©09/2008)
Truth That Sets You Free
Words expressed to you and me, that the truth will set you free,
Not simply truth of any kind, but, Truth which leaves sin behind,
The Truth spoken of is Him; The One Who saves many from sin,
The Truth available to all of us, is the Lord Himself, Christ Jesus.
Friend in the Bible you shall find, God's Truth of an Eternal kind,
Truth that is beyond the world, Truth which Jesus Christ unfurled,
A Truth that's meant for everyone, coming from God's Only Son,
His Truth, which sets men free, from the present through eternity.
Common truths known on earth, for man, are of no eternal worth,
All common truths known to man, access not God's eternal plan,
They are better than lies for us, but, have not His Righteousness,
Common truth won't get us to, Eternity, prepared for me and you.
The only Saving truth, in this life, is Truth, in the person of Christ,
God's saving Truth all men need, His Gospel Truth all must heed;
Common truth will not set you free, or give you new life eternally,
For man's word shall fade away, but, God's Truth is here to stay.
The Saving Truth, you have heard, is there for all in God's Word,
The Way, the Truth and the Life, is the Living Word, Jesus Christ,
Whose Word comes from eternity, Truth, that saves you and me,
Reading His Word reveals proof, He's the author of Eternal Truth.
It’s About God
It’s all about The Lord, my God, I can say with a confident nod,
The One, Who sits above the sky, directs the path of you and I,
As this world is in His hands, a Truth not everyone understands,
For with God they’re at enmity, blinded by God’s eternal enemy.
Yet this enemy has been overcome, by God’s Only Eternal Son,
But he still deceives each nation, keeping them from Revelation,
God’s Word, which lasts eternally, in which man will gain victory,
When their eyes are open to see, in Christ, they will live eternally.
Friend, today Christ is in control, of every nation and every soul,
My God can overrule Satan’s call, to save lost men from the fall,
But they need to personally believe, in Christ, as Lord to receive,
Eyes to see God’s Truth and Light, to be rescued from the night.
Today God’s desire for everyone, is to come to Truth in His Son,
Truth, that leads us to salvation, found in God’s Holy Revelation,
Today, with Christ in control, God gives us a choice for our soul,
To listen to His Son’s instruction, or follow Satan, to destruction.
It’s about God, not you or me, Who, in Christ, gives life eternally,
It is Christ, The Eternal Creator, Who God sent, to be The Savior;
We serve God or Satan, His foe, and The Lord wants all to know,
In lieu of death, God offers us life, in His Only Son, Jesus Christ.
So Many Need The Lord
There're so many who need The Lord, a truth by some that is ignored,
Even by those who claim to be, bought through the Blood of Calvary,
By God, for a purpose and a plan; to reach for The Savior every man,
From every tribe, tongue and nation, with the truth of God's Salvation.
We've been saved for a mission, to be part of The Great Commission,
Commissioned by Jesus, Himself, to be his witness, not live in stealth.
To live with God's purpose in mind, as we leave earthly desires behind,
As we live in the world for Christ, willing to be for Him a living sacrifice.
Each and every believer knows, this Age of Grace will come to a close,
The time is surely drawing near, when Jesus Christ says 'come up here',
When that trumpet sounds for us, everyone, who truly belong to Jesus,
Taking us from this earth we roam, to be with our Lord in our real home.
This Blessed Hope, we must share, as there may be little time to spare,
This, with many a family and friend, those who aren't ready for the end,
We need urgency and God's zeal, as the time and God's Truth are real,
That only true believers, in Jesus Christ, have that Hope of Eternal Life.
We must ask God to open each heart, so God's Holy Spirit can impart,
God's Truth as The Spirit works in us, believers who know Christ Jesus,
This, as we follow The Spirit's lead, speaking to those, who are in need,
Of the saving Hope in Jesus Christ, that they too, can enter Eternal Life.
When He Won’t Be Ignored
Yes, Christ is The Mighty Lord, Truth, which by many, goes ignored,
But, very soon, every eye shall see, He is The Lord through Eternity,
When Christ comes as living proof, of man’s eternal Hope and Truth,
As The Eternal Lord, Christ Jesus, rules this world, in Righteousness.
Christ’s Reign then, will not be denied, with no place for men to hide,
From the Righteousness of our God, as Christ rules with an Iron Rod.
Dark will not hide from God’s Light, as Christ rules with Eternal Might,
With all the earth under the Authority, of Christ who will Rule Eternally.
Even now, as men in darkness grope, Christ is the only lasting Hope,
God’s Truth that many refuse to heed, even during their darkest need,
And yet, His Truth is free in this age, as opposition continues to rage,
This Truth brings to all God’s peace, in one’s heart, that will not cease,
And this is true of Messiah’s reign, as for war, men will no longer train,
As peace is what His reign allows, when men turn weapons into plows,
For there shall be war no more, as Christ starts His reign forevermore,
With Christ’s Millennial Reign on earth, true peace God will finally birth.
Right after the Great Tribulation, all the earth will see God’s Revelation,
When Jesus Christ returns in the sky, so Messiah is seen by every eye,
Returning to Jerusalem, dear friend, to bring His Kingdom with no end,
Today you can accept God’s Son, and be part of His Eternal Kingdom.
(Copyright ©05/2010)
Don’t Leave Without Him
Don’t leave without the Lord Jesus, when life on this earth ceases,
You need to know Jesus friend, before your life comes to an end,
Death on this earth brings a new; an eternity, for both me and you,
One with The Lord God forever; or one where you’ll see Him never.
All need to know, He Who came, and life, shall never be the same,
He, Who came to save your soul, from the penalty of Adam’s fall,
He, Who bore God’s righteous wrath, to put us on a different path,
A path which leads to Eternal Life, through The Lord, Jesus Christ.
God’s Eternal Truth, all should heed, for Jesus Christ, all will need,
Hearing this Truth, some may scoff; while others, simply put it off,
Saying I don’t need Christ now, but, maybe another day somehow,
However, if you wait too long, you will be singing a different song.
Everyone will experience eternity; difference is which side you see.
Some shall enter Heavenly Bliss, a place that many souls will miss,
For others will see a darker side, because God’s Truth they denied.
Heaven or Hell, all shall choose, one choice you win, one you lose,
The fact Jesus Christ already won, a place in Heaven for everyone,
Who, embraces as Savior, Christ, while on earth, you still have life,
For believers Christ gained victory, over Hell and death on Calvary,
Today if Christ you truly embrace, Heaven shall be your final place.
(Copyright ©04/2011)
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit moves on a life, making changes for Jesus Christ,
When a truly repentant heart, comes to God for a brand new start.
Within God’s Word it’s revealed, by The Holy Spirit we are sealed,
By The Lord of all Creation, when we come to Christ for salvation.
Sanctification begins in us when, in Christ we become Born Again,
Accepting the Gift from our Creator, New Life, in Christ our Savior.
From the moment in Christ we trust, The Spirit begins a work in us,
As we live upon this earthly sod, using our new life to glorify God.
The Spirit is sent by God’s Son, to dwell in the hearts of everyone,
All in The Son who have new life, baptized into the Body of Christ.
He assures us when all is wrong, that to God’s Son we do belong,
As The Comforter, of all those, who follow Jesus Christ, who rose.
He illuminates and fills our hearts, as Truth, the Holy Spirit imparts,
Guiding Believers as He teaches, speaking Truth to all He reaches.
He empowers those who believe, the moment that we first receive,
Christ’s life changing Gospel Truth, with a New Life as living proof.
Through all this He intercedes, with The Father for all of our needs,
As He grants spiritual gifts to us, mere sinful men made from dust.
All this because He regenerates, a believing soul that God creates,
So why not believe Him today, so He can send the Spirit your way.
(Copyright ©06/2008)
If Only More
If only more people could see, Jesus Christ, and be set free,
Of all that bondage they’re in; the dark chains caused by sin;
Or freed from bonds of religion, for that way causes derision,
As freedom is in Christ alone, declared to all from His Throne.
If only more will see His Truth, and by faith, avoid His reproof,
God’s Judgment on this world, that wrath His prophets herald,
Wrath only avoided through Christ, who, for men gave His life,
When He was God’s Sacrifice, to pay in full, sin’s eternal price.
If only more could understand, all The Truth on which we stand,
Truth not built on man’s theology, but, on the Blood of Calvary,
Blood that flowed from the Rock, not of earth but eternal stock,
The Rock not cut by human hands, on which one falls or stands.
If only more could see the need, to share Truths, which we read,
In God’s Holy, Eternal Word, Truth, many may have never heard,
And it’s the believer’s obligation, to point all to God’s Salvation,
Being sent by Christ to proclaim, Salvation in our Savior’s Name.
Then more would truly be free, not just now, but through Eternity,
When through Truth they believe, and eternal life they will receive,
Then, they’d understand by faith, God’s Salvation is all of Grace,
Then they could join in with us, to point the world to Christ Jesus.
(Copyright ©08/2010 Bob)
The Battle Is Hot
The road is long, the battle is hot, but many Christians just are not,
They are not on fire for The Lord, and opportunities just go ignored.
In the end times Jesus foretold, that hearts of many will grow cold.
But the gates of Hell will not prevail, for Jesus Christ can never fail.
Christ said His Church He will build, and that friend will be fulfilled.
Friend many are ignorant today, of God’s Truth and The Only Way,
Many do not embrace His Name; and Paul says this to our shame.
For all who know His Name, we need to lift our voice and proclaim,
Proclaim to all the Truth of God, everywhere that our feet will trod.
We must rise above the crowd, to proclaim Truth and to do it loud.
For we were saved to impart, The Word of God with all our heart.
And commissioned by Jesus Christ, to lead all men unto New Life.
We’ve been equipped for the task, to share Truth with all who ask.
For Christ sent us The Comforter, the teaching Spirit of The Lord.
He guides believers in The Way, giving us the right words to say.
He gives to us a bolder spirit, to speak to all who need to hear it.
We need to reach all the world, with the message prophets herald,
That anyone apart from Christ, shall never enter into Eternal Life.
We need to rekindle a new fire, in our hearts with a strong desire,
To reach the lost for Jesus Christ, so they can receive Eternal Life.
Today... 'He Who is true
Truth untainted, so holy and so pure
holds the key that can open heavens door.
He's given us understanding to know
the truth that only Jesus Christ can show
The only Way, the Truth the Life is He
God's One and Only Son Who has the key.
True God and giver of eternal life
Who lived a life of Truth and sacrifice.
Truly God and Man in full Deity
God in a body of humanity.
Truth personified in our human flesh
Jesus Christ our Lord and Righteousness.
(see also the additional information in the Poet's notes box)
The Broad and The Narrow
When Christ started The Church He made things quite simple and clear,
However many are following Religious Leaders into ambiguity I fear.
Christ came to give us freedom through the Cross-of Salvation,
However many are following Religious Leaders on roads of damnation.
Christ told the early disciples of only one road in which to follow,
But today Religious Leaders try to make His words vain and hollow.
The only road is a narrow one, and you enter through a narrow gate,
This Truth is despised by Religious Leaders, who proclaim it is hate.
While very few find this road that leads to the only Resurrection,
A broader road is being paved by Religious Leaders to destruction.
It’s easy to get on this road through a wide gate and many are on it,
Being lead by Religious Leaders who Christ warned are false prophets.
They come to you in sheep’s clothing and appear to be pure and good,
But inwardly these Religious Leaders are darkened ferocious wolves.
In the end many will abandon the faith to follow hypocritical liars,
Lead by Religious Leaders with morals that were seared with an iron.
When you stand before The Lord, it’s only His words you will hear,
You can follow these Religious Leaders or The Lord with Holy Fear.
Will He say “Away from me” as you chose to be wicked and irreverent?
Or will you hear Him say, “Well done My fine and faithful servant”?
(Copyright © 07/2002)