Poetry With A Mission

...a thought provoking poetical exercise.

“Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven’ ”
(Matt 18:22, NKJV).
“ ‘But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions’ ”
(Matt 6:15, NASB).

Now, prudence is certainly a good thing, and we should always use it,
And that there're times where one should draw a line, I'm sure that all would admit.
But may I suggest to you, that before you go drawing such a line,
That you dwell on our Saviour's forgiveness, and His torch on yourself then shine.

Yes, seventy times seven, Jesus has very clearly counselled us,
However, what our Lord really means is, seventy times seven plus.
For all those times that we let God down, and those times that He forgives us,
Aren’t simply seventy times seven, but seventy times seven plus.

Yes, so many times we let our Lord down, and often, wilfully so,
And yet, though we ask for His forgiveness, those same wrongs still from us flow.
Despite our every effort, it isn't long before we fall and sin,
And hence why we need forgiving, and time for real changes to begin.

Therefore, seventy times seven, no, but seventy times seven plus,
Given that though we oft falter, our Lord another chance gives to us.
For He knows that we are wretched sinners in need of love that bears long;
A love that grants forgiveness to the repentant who have acted wrong.

Thus, in like manner, we should forgive any who wrongfully treat us,
Bearing long with them, and forgiving them seventy times seven plus.
Yes, forgiveness that is endless, just like that which our Saviour displays,
Though not if we choose to reject Him, and then remain with our old ways.

Oh, what a shocking price our Saviour paid on that cross at Calvary,
So that repentant sinners could be forgiven, and thereby go free.
And hence why He desires that that same love be manifested in us,
Not simply seventy times seven, but seventy times seven plus.

Yes, I know that it is very hard to forgive what some people do,
But that is what our God requires if His forgiveness we're wanting too.
And how could we act otherwise, when our Saviour has forgiven us,
Not simply seventy times seven, but seventy times seven plus.

By Lance Landall

2.  When Godly Men Fall

When godly men fall, sound ministers who are of note, high in profile, and who call a spade a spade,
Please remember this: That Satan seeks their downfall more so given that they’re true blue and unafraid.
Satan can’t stand trumpet blowers, those who’re as straight as a dye, and who point out sin and heresies,
Unmasking his wicked scheming — yes, his deviousness, and that work of his human agencies.

Thus it’s tragic when godly men fall, given the damage done to God’s cause, Christianity,
And given the damage done to many a Christian’s walk, such affecting them discouragingly.
And, I must add, such is inexcusable, 'cause such men know better, and should practice what they preach,
But God forgives, and so must we, 'cause we all fall short of the mark, and will do despite what we teach.

Hence why we too are targeted by Satan and his evil angels when walking committedly,
'Cause we too, via truly walking in accordance with God's will and Word, anger Satan immensely.
Hence why Satan seeks our downfall too, and hence why our opposers and ungodly men seek such too,
'Cause both they and the devil hate being exposed, given that what's contrary to God’s will, they pursue,

And in order to ensure the downfall of men.

Hence why many women throughout Earth's history have been used to ensnare men, and their fate thus seal,
'Cause women are most men’s Achilles heel given a woman’s attractiveness, sexual appeal.
Hence why many men fall, and given that we're so human (too oft used as an excuse, but sadly true),
All why compassion, forgiveness and understanding is called for, and given such could be me or you.

Yes, but for the grace of God, there could go each of us, 'cause despite our best efforts, commitment, stance,
And with us all so fallen, sin-sick, and so terribly prone to this or that, there's always that chance.
That is, whereby we might fall, due to any number of things, hence why we should always be on guard,
Daily connected and committed to God, trusting in His strength —  victorious, though battle-scarred.

By Lance Landall
 

This poem was upgraded 15 February 2020.

“Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who continually does good
and who never sins” (Eccl 7:20, NASB).

Note: Where a woman enters into a forbidden relationship, or where a woman sets out to seduce a married man, and that man succumbs to her seduction, both are guilty, for both have sinned, both have acted wrongfully, and thus both must share in condemnation. Where a woman has been "used" to bring about a man's downfall, and where she had freedom of choice without fear, she is likewise guilty, for she had the opportunity to say, "No." At the end of the day, it's all about choices.
You may like to check out my secular section, given that certain poems there are somewhat related.





The following poem is also found in my secular section.

3.  No One's Infallible

Even those who call others to a higher moral standard can fall themselves, no one infallible,
But though they may fall, badly weakening their stand, and also opening themselves up for ridicule,
They’re still bound by duty (perhaps more so given their own fall), to keep preaching that same noble gospel,
Given mistakes hardly cancel out wisdom, 'cause not conveying such, can see others suffer ill.

And hence why parents (for example), despite their past mistakes, should still advise their kids accordingly,
Thus giving their kids the benefit of their sad experience, acting thoughtfully and lovingly.
'Cause what mum and dad who suffered via their mistakes, wouldn’t warn, seek to steer their child away from such ill?
And woe betide kids who say, “You can’t talk!” — 'cause chances are, they’ll soon have a sad tale of their own to tell.

If we only took notice of those who're perfect examples (who, let me repeat, aren’t infallible),
We'd hardly take notice of anyone at all, and what would we do if those folk somehow, somewhere fell?
At the end of the day, we must look at the merits of what's being said, bearing in mind we could fall,
And what if others then didn’t want to listen to sound advice from us? Wouldn’t we foolish them call?

While all who call others to a higher standard should maintain such a standard, life can trip even the best,
Who, while only having themselves to blame, should continue to look to another’s best interest.
And if we’re sensible (mature, that is), we'll continue to listen to what such people have to say,
'Cause if there’s merit in what they’re preaching, and we ignore such, then we too, will no doubt others dismay.

By Lance Landall


This poem was tweaked throughout on the 6 January 2023.

4.  “Man Overboard!”

It seems that we’re oft wounded by our own folly, Lord, having somehow let our grip slip from You,
In a moment of our fallen humanity where something rebellious we've chosen to do.
Oh, that pain we suffer, Lord, and that pain that we can thereby inflict on other people too,
All of which sets us back, and hence our need of healing, Your forgiveness, and that of others too.

You never said the Christian's walk would be easy, Lord, hence why daily we must depend on You,
'Cause in our own strength we haven’t a hope, and then there’s that roaring lion we're up against too.
And oft we seem to slip without thinking, Lord, perhaps our eyes momentarily off the ball,
But whatever the reason, we’ve only ourselves to blame, regardless of that way we might fall.

And the more we become like You, and rightly stand up and speak out, we triple the devil’s fury,
Who ups temptations and troubles, and plots against us more so, hoping that our demise he’ll  see.
And with us being such easy prey, Lord, given our weakness for sin, our fallen condition,
It’s not long before we’re caught in some fix, Satan having indirectly got our permission.

Far too oft we stray from Your side, Lord, somewhat like Eve, flattered by the serpent’s beguiling snares,
Only to end up on our knees again, amidst appeals for Your help, repentant sobs and tears.
Hence why I rejoice that You’re so forgiving, and understanding of our fallen condition,
Aware we’re simply no match for that age old serpent, 'cause he’s a cunning master tactician.

Hence why we shouldn’t take our eyes off You, Lord, nor rely on our own strength, 'cause such is folly,
And why we should always walk in paths of righteousness, seek Your will, and not ours (rebelliously).
And midst such, showing the same concern and understanding to others as You do to us, Lord,
Forgiving when they wrong us — and when they fall, lovingly shouting to others, “Man overboard!”

As You take hold of our outstretched hand, we should take hold of theirs, pulling them up from sin’s clutches,
Giving them time to mend spiritually, supported by love’s meantime encouraging crutches,
'Cause we all know how easy we slip and fall, and how many times that we’ve had to call on You,
And there You are, arms open wide, the warmth of Your robe of righteousness ready, renewed strength too.

Yes, when we tumble You’re always there, and when others tumble, us too, I hope, reflecting You,
'Cause You're our example, Lord, our lifeline, and hence why lifelines we should extend to others too.
The seas of life are oft stormy, and evil winds can blow us off course, or pitch us overboard,
But You, Lord, are always there with that lifeline, and why we should be quick to cry, “Man overboard!”

But having said that, I know You’re able to keep us from falling, preserve us on the solid Rock,
And that rock's You, Lord, where not just midst storms, but every day, we should drop anchor and safely dock,
'Cause there, in the bosom of Your care, we can find an inner strength, and direction for each day,
Thus claiming the victory in Your name, but only if there, Lord, we wisely anchor and stay.

By Lance Landall


This poem was upgraded 18 February 2020.

5.  We're All Too Hard

Yes, we’re all too hard, Lord, far too hard, and so in need of Your compassionate sensitivity,
And who knows why we are this way — perhaps it’s our background, or are we simply acting selfishly?
We just can’t seem to help ourselves, hence our cutting, condemning, thoughtless, unkind words and behaviour,
That are so removed from those words and deeds of our humble, caring, selfless, loving, gracious Saviour.

Change doesn’t come easy, Lord, for this ill within us is so engrained, and right from birth, seemingly,
And why only You can help us, Lord, for no matter how hard we try, it’s déjà vu, upsettingly.
Yes, we’ve no sooner opened our mouth, or taken a step, and there we go again, frustratingly,
And all the while just damaging relationships, and oh yes, Lord, witnessing very wrongfully.

Even our love is tainted, for it’s usually connected with what benefits us as well,
Rather than being solely focussed on the well-being of others, and why on ourselves, we mostly dwell.
And sometimes we pridefully pat ourselves over something we’ve done — well, in a certain kind of way,
Conveniently overlooking those things we haven’t done, and that our true state conveys, I dare say.

And hence why we are so in need of Your help, Lord, for only the Spirit can truly set us free,
That is, from our erring and selfish bent, and that character-stifling people-harming tendency.
Yes, for we’re all too hard, Lord, far too hard, and so in need of Your compassionate sensitivity,
For others as well, are just as much in need of thought, love and care, as too-hard and too- selfish we.

By Lance Landall





The following poem also appears in my secular poems section.

6.  Behind And Within

Though most of us are full of excuses that aren’t good enough, there’re those who to some degree can be excused,
Or who at least have a legitimate reason for their action, and thus shouldn’t be unkindly accused.
Though their behaviour may not be how it should be, it’s not something they’ve altogether chosen consciously,
’Cause there’re things occurring within them that they don’t understand, nor that have even been picked up on, sadly.

Such could relate to either the physical or mental, of which each can affect the other, let’s be clear here,
And finding the exact cause can be an expensive exercise, and protracted, and the means just not there.
Nor other folk, by the way (at least not like they should be), who could provide a helping hand in certain ways,
Which, when such isn’t there to support, somehow ease things, that needed change or answer, simply thwarts or delays.

We’re living in times where many are afflicted with the unknown, a multitude of things that  impair,
One being chemicals that enter the body via one’s mouth or skin — and how, once again, oft isn’t clear,
’Cause much that we’re told is safe proves to be otherwise, let alone those things that we know aren’t safe, quite another case,
And which we oft can’t avoid given that they surround us, are so regularly found within the workplace.

Hence why we should be more tolerant of, more patient with, those who come our way who behave in certain ways,
’Cause who knows what’s behind their behaviour, how much they’re struggling with something, and all of which oft them dismays.
While wrong shouldn’t be condoned, there are wrongs that occur more ’cause of injury rather than ’cause of some sin,
That plain selfishness or evil — yes, there being so much more that can be going on behind and within.

For example:

If someone’s impatient, is it selfish impatience or an uncontrollable irritability,
’Cause some health conditions can seem to override one’s self-control (where there’s stress particularly).
I guess I’m referring to ‘chronic fatigue syndrome,’ say, and then there’s depression, serious depression,
Both of which can lead to some unfortunate (but not purposely chosen) upsetting outward expression.

Then there’re those medications, which, despite one’s best efforts, can see someone acting very differently,
Thus they hardly in full control of the scene, and against all the odds having to battle furiously
(To refrain from acting wrongly, that is), ’cause under such conditions such can seem an impossibility,
And more so if there are some issues going down, and hence why we should refrain from acting judgmentally.

We’re so quick to see things as being some sin, when it’s more an injury that’s expressing itself poorly,
Rather than something premeditated, someone’s bad trait, someone just lashing out uncontrollably
(Due to a lack of self-control that they were more than capable of, and deserving condemnation for),
And hence why we need to mind how we look at things given that behind someone’s action there’s oft a lot more.

By Lance Landall

7.  Earthly Messengers

Our Lord’s earthly messengers — those who herald His truths — are simply that, earthly,
Hence why they’re not always in tune with the heavenly come their delivery.
In other words, though they speak on our Lord’s behalf, they do so imperfectly,
Hence why we should listen to what they say and not condemn their ways unfairly.

Oh, if only they were Divine, but then, they’d hardly be here on Earth with us,
And all why those ways they word things oft fall short of the wiser ways of Jesus.
And why our expectations shouldn’t be too high, and nor we too hard on them,
For aren’t there things that we do too, that others could just as easily condemn?

Yes, God’s earthly messengers are as flawed as anyone else, fallen as well,
But whoever they be (possibly you or I), there’re things they must do and tell.
For God would have it no other way, Earth’s apocalyptic end not far away,
And thus when it comes to what folk need to hear, little time left to such convey.

Truth has a habit of not going down well, made worse by ill chosen words, and,
Such often offending the easily offended, who little understand.
In other words, they more sensitive than they should be, and quick to spot those flaws
That plague God’s earthly messengers as much as them, and that has folk closing doors.

By Lance Landall

8.  Go Easy On Your Brother

Please go easy on your brother, 'cause he's human just like you,
Yes, a broken earthly vessel who is also struggling too.
And you know as well as I do that the devil's on his tail,
And if you put the boot in, it’s more likely that he will fail.

Although he's acted wrongly here, you should cut the man some slack,
Given that every Christian Satan's trying to attack.
It’s not easy to withstand some assaults that can come our way,
Including those strong temptations which can also lead astray.

And you don’t know all he’s been through, nor what makes him tick inside,
Nor what he's currently fighting, or how hard he may have tried.
And some of us are weaker, succumbing far more easily,
So please be careful how you go, lest you treat him wrongfully.

No, I’m not condoning sin, 'cause that’s not something we should do,
But how you treat offenders can reflect wrong that's within you.
Thus the way you treat another who has fallen into sin,
Will either please our Master or simply see the devil grin.

And think of how God bears with us, though we let Him down each day,
Whether accidentally or by choosing to disobey.
So just like He does with us, we should bear with one another,
And why it is I'm saying, please go easy on your brother.

Sure he may need approaching, but you should do so carefully,
And not being surprised if he responds somewhat tearfully.
'Cause sometimes people are wishing that their burden they could share,
And though words may be needed, still show him your loving care.

No, never kick a man who’s down, even if it’s his own fault,
Nor harangue a backslider, 'cause that’ll hardly his slide halt.
But rather, cut that man some slack, and I’m sure that he’ll bounce back,
And you’ll have gained a brother, helped that man get back on track.

By Lance Landall


This older poem was upgraded on 5 November 2022.

“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak...” (Rom 15:1, NIV).
"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful" (Luke 6:36).

“Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who continually does good
and who never sins” (Eccl 7:20, NASB).

Recommended reading: Why Do Christians Shoot Their Wounded? by Dwight L. Carlson, M.D

9.  Mind Your Fellow Christian

Yes, mind your fellow Christian, for though we’re called to live up to a high standard (as we should do),
We are indeed fallen humanity, weakened by thousands of years of sin, the end of the queue.
And oh, how we all have our bad days, and more so those who have lost their health and vitality,
And why one longs for Christ’s coming — yes, that glorious resurrection, and immortality.

But meantime, many struggle with afflictions, become unwell and feel unable, even down,
And oh, how Satan loves to put the boot in, and hence why midst some trial, some feel about to drown.
And that’s where we come in, their fellow brothers and sisters, the Spirit working within and through,
For Christ desires that we be His earthly helpers, and that via our love, they will really know Who.

Therefore, and on our journey, we should make allowances, give folk room to manoeuvre and grow,
And while we’re at it, willingly dispense kind words and deeds, heavenly plants Christ wants us to sow.
For so many are in need of healing, answers that only prayer can bring, words of hope and cheer,
And why Christ has called us to minister to others, for in His eyes, all are precious and dear.

So mind your fellow Christian, bearing long with others just like Christ bears long with us — praise His name! —
For how many times do we let Him down? And not just accidentally; our excuses lame.
Yes, so let’s not sit in judgement, but help rather than condemn, we showing love and empathy,
For we know how we battle ourselves, the sad evidence so apparent, and hence God’s mercy.

By Lance Landall

10.  Don't Hinder God's Men

Pastors may err (and there’re always wolves in sheep’s clothing), but despite that being so,
Pastors aren’t there to be pulled to pieces, and nor are they mealtime fodder, you know.
But men who should be prayed over that they might be faithful and true, and thus not err,
And as for those wolves — well, pray that God will expose them, whose wrath they sure incur.

The truth is, pastors are human too, and therefore, and just like us, they make mistakes,
And are often wearied by the rounds of their parishioner’s gripes, slackness and aches.
Yes, it no small thing to tend a flock, and sheep so inclined to bleat and stray, and hey,
Pastors aren’t there to bog down with trifles, for so much closer is Christ’s coming day.

By Lance Landall

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