Poetry With A Mission



...a thought provoking poetical exercise.

“ ‘Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father in heaven’ ” (Matt 7:21, ESV).

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others” (Phil 2:3,4).

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them...Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for it is by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom 12:14,19-21).

“ ‘You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist [do not seek revenge] an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give him your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to anyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you. But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you’ ” (Matt 5:38,39,40-42).

“ ‘...but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses’ ” (Matt 6:15, ESV).

“Those who say, “I love God,” and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. ” (1 John 4:20).

“ ‘Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends’ ” (John 15:13, ESV).

“But if you show partiality, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors” (James 2:9).

“ ‘Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful’ ” (Luke 6:36, NIV).

“ ‘So when you are offering your gift [special offerings] at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift’ ” (Matt 5:23,24).

Take My Selfish Heart

Much within me needs changing, Lord, lest You or others I offend,
Thus, such changes I ask of You, for on You, I daily depend.
And one change I sorely desire, Lord, is that change that'll have me be
A witness and a blessing to all who might treat me hurtfully.

So Lord above, who hears each plea, may ample love be given me,
For those ones who mightn't show love to this one who's pleading with Thee.
Fill me with such love each day, until all concern for self is choked,
And until all my thoughts towards such ones are but lovingly cloaked.

Again I plead, for mercy now, just like that which dwells in Thee,
That I such mercy may show towards those less merciful to me.
And I ask for forgiveness too, for those who might treat me cruelly,
That I, via my gracious response, a better way may have them see.

Tolerance and patience I also desire and request of Thee,
For those who might not understand, or who truth might dispute with me.
And help me reason from my heart, and use approaches that are sound,
In order that I may help remove walls where resistance I have found.

The following I also request, beginning with transparency,
So that fairness and honesty I’ll return to those who might deceive me.
And please free me from pretentiousness, and from feigning friendship too,
That I may always, (and in every way), be honourable and true. 

If anyone talks about me, Lord, saying something that's not true,
Help me when I'm talking of them, not that same wrong thing to do.
And when I speak, please remind me of that angel You’ve provided,
Who’s there beside me every day, knowing that which I've confided.

Create in me a humble spirit, one content to serve like Thee,
So that I'll display forbearance should any lord it over me.
And please remove sinful pride, and any desire for attention,
So that I’ll firstly seek the good of all who here in prayer I mention.

Loving Lord, on whom I call, how like You I so desire to be,
So will You take my selfish heart and make it like that one in Thee?
Yes, help me to always reflect you, Lord, via unselfish daily deeds,
And via carefully chosen words that will sow encouraging seeds.

Oh, there's one thing I’ve forgotten, Lord, which I shouldn’t have at all,
Though maybe I’ve tucked it away, given that it’s the hardest call.
But still, my Lord, I’ll it request, should it allow someone to live:
Please help me for another’s sake, my own life be prepared to give.

I will never cease from seeking, Lord, what I’m asking here of You,
For I know that what I’m asking, Lord, is what You’d want for me too.
So thank you, Lord, I know that You’ve heard, and I trust You’ll grant to me
These things that are sorely needed by all who want to be like Thee.

By Lance Landall