Christian Feature

 




ADD-ONS


When Satan Raps, Run!


When the devil calls from some shabby alley (he always lurking in the shadows, you see), and hollers the following kind of rap (which is nothing but a trap), run!

“Hey there, brother (or sister), you know, I’ve kinda missed yer, you and I going
way back, and now you’re giving me flak, which hey, really bugs my head, for why Jesus Christ instead, as didn’t I please you well, and it all waiting there still, the world your oyster, Kiddo, and I’ve the contacts, you know, which could see you riding high, for it’s man I glorify, get the picture?
Hey, come on, for soon your doubts will be gone, and you the one, real cool as, living big and all that jazz
yes, no concerns, none at all, for you’ll be having a ball.
Hey, come on, or one more time, as a little fun’s no crime, and I’ll take good care of you, and not balk at what you do, for I’m a real laid-back guy, who won’t trouble you with, Why?”

Yes, ain’t that just like the old dragon, for you say “Yes” and he’ll be draggin', you going where
he wants you to go, and haven’t you been there before? Oh, forgot, huh? Well, I wouldn’t, you know, his scene something like a rodeo, for soon you’ll be off his high kicking horse, and why so many others have changed course, for only too well they know that his horse is prone to throw, and then you’ll be on your back, in the red and not the black, and hollering out, “Please help me, God!” and feeling the old devil prod, for out will come another rap, one that more energy will sap, and why once again, I’d run!

“Hey, got you real good, huh? Yea, and hey, while you’re lying there, take this! And here’s some guilt too, God being real angry at you, so don’t bother crying out, for now God isn’t about, and you well and truly lost, for hey, man, look at the cost, your trail an absolute mess, and why I wouldn’t confess, and why now you’re 
stuck with me, just as doomed eternally.”

Wow! What a dreadful liar! He soon destined for fire, for what he says is far from true, and hey, friend, let me tell you this too, God can rap just as good as he can, God around long before raps began, so listen to this:

“Hello, son, come take My hand, so that I can help you stand, for I don’t turn folk away, but welcome them
any day, for I’m a forgiving God, who that path to the cross trod, where grace can rescue and save, it not tied to how you behave, but to your repentant cry, and strong desire to comply, for My way is better, son, and why from Satan I’d run, and yes, straight into My arms, for there’s nothing more that calms,and hence that peace I’ll give you, and yes, the Spirit’s strength too, that you may walk righteously, thereby witnessing of Me, that others may also see, how much better life can be, when one surrenders to Me.”

Now what do you think of that? Christ clearly where it’s all at, and once you’ve immortality — in other words, eternity — you’ll no doubt be rapping too, the following heard from you:

“I’m so grateful for that cross, for I count Earth but no loss, as I’ve gained eternity, via Christ’s death on Calvary, and now live in Paradise, having taken His advice, for He truly knows what’s best, and why I’m glad I confessed, and put the old life behind, sin no longer on my mind, and where I am now, I’ll be
praising God eternally, for He deserves the glory
oh, what a joyous story!”

And may such a happy rap soon come true for you, heartache no longer felt and nor in view, the wonders of Paradise enthralling, and Jesus your very name calling, and thus you two walking together, midst a heavenly kind of heather, and sharing the warmth and relaxing hue, where every day you will get to say, “Thank you,” and stimulating conversation pursue.

By Lance Landall


This poem was altered and renamed on 7 August 2019.

 “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 8:38,39).



More poems like the one that's directly above can be seen by clicking on the row of buttons positioned near the top and on the right hand side of my poetry garden number two.




GOD NOT ONLY GAVE HIS SON BUT HIS WORD



— The Christian Bible, which says:


That all Scripture is inspired by God (2 Tim 3:16; John 1:1; Prov 30:5,6).

That the things that the apostles have imparted came via the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 2:10,13; 1 Thess 2:13; John 14:26; 16:13).

That we’re to study God's Word so that we may receive His approval (2 Tim 2:15; 3:15-17; 1 Tim 4:6; John 8:31,32).

That we’re to make sure that we have a sound understanding of it (2 Tim 2:15; 1:13; Titus 2:1; 1:9).

That we imperil ourselves by paying little attention to it (Hosea 4:6; Ps 11:3; 2 Tim 4:3,4; Heb 5:11-14; Eph 4:14).

That those who hide, suppress or distort its truths will incur God’s wrath (Rom 1:18; Gal 1:8,9; 2 Peter 3:16; 1:20; Prov 30:5,6).

That we're not to add to it or subtract from it — in other words, and also, that we're not to tamper with it, change, dismiss or dispute anything in it.

That those who seek to study and understand the prophecy contained in the book of Revelation (which deals with End-time events), will be  blessed by their so doing (Rev 1:3).

And remember this too: 

A)  God’s Word gives us information that can save us from eternal death.
B)  God’s Word gives us information that can help us to be happier, healthier and wiser.
C)  God’s Word gives us information that helps us to come to know Him better.
D)  God’s Word gives us information that helps us to know what He requires of us.
E)  God’s Word gives us information that provides us with hope for the future.
F)  God’s Word gives us information that provides us with the answers to life itself.
G)  God’s Word gives us information that we can use to help others come to know Him,
and His will, so that they too can be saved and live happier, healthier and wiser.
H)  And lastly, there's never any problem with God’s Word, but often with us.




WANT TO KNOW WHAT GOD'S LIKE?



Well, dwell on these examples:

Beautiful singing voices;
Natural, wholesome laughter;
Melody, harmony and rhythm;
Sunshine;
Starry skies;
Amazing creatures;
Dawn choruses;
Pretty flowers;
Artistry;
Poetry;
Beauty;
Order,
Cleanliness;
Love;
Kindness:
Tenderness;
Compassion;
Mercy;
Forgiveness;
Sympathy;
Smiles;
Hugs...





A HYMN



Saviour God

Verse One

Help us give our all to Thee,
O God of love and mercy,
Help us put more trust in Thee,
O God of hope and glory.

Refrain

O Saviour God, Saviour God,
How we yearn for Your return,
O Saviour God, Saviour God,
May we more of Your love learn.

Verse Two

Help us walk and love like Thee,
O God so wise and Holy,
Help us praise and worship Thee,
O God so great and mighty.

Verse Three

Help us rise and speak of Thee,
O God of truth and beauty,
Help us always dwell on Thee,
O God so true and steady.

By Lance Landall


Would you like to put this to music? Let me know.





Christian version (added verse).


Questions


Tell me, why do penguins waddle, why do elephants lumber,
And why do bears relax in winter, curl up and slumber?
Why do rabbits have big ears, why do pigs have curly tails,
Why do mockingbirds mimic, why is there a shell on snails?

Why do lizards shed their skin, why do puffins have bright bills,
Why do barn owls hunt at night, why do fish have fins and gills?
Why do moles love eating worms, why do humpback whales sing,
Why do vipers have long fangs, and why do jellyfish sting?

How do hummingbirds hover, why do platypus lay eggs,
Why do centipedes and millipedes have so many tiny legs?
Why is a giraffe’s tongue blue, why do albatross have wide wings,
Why do horses enjoy oats, why do magpies nab bright things?

Why are cicadas noisy, why are turtles very slow,
Why do beavers create dams, why do roosters always crow?
Why is a slug so slimy, why do vampire bats seek blood,
Why do termites build towers, why do hippos love the mud?

How do tadpoles become frogs, why do meerkats stand on guard,
Why are pigeons rather plump, why is rhino skin so hard?
Why do carp fish suck up mud, why do leopards climb up trees,
Why are vultures scavengers, and who put that jump in fleas?

How does a woodpecker drill, how do bees produce honey,
And why do domestic cats pinch places warm and sunny?
Why do panthers like to swim, why do condors fly so high,
And why are gorillas hairy? Please tell me how and why.

Now, if you cannot help me, I certainly know who can,
'Cause He knows all the answers to the questionings of man.
And one day we can ask Him, providing He’s become our King,
'Cause Christ’s returning shortly, and saved ones He’ll Heavenward wing.

By Lance Landall


This poem was tweaked on 31 December 2022.





Regarding Christ


On the cross of Calvary, hanging there instead of me,
And having suffered cruelly, and also because of me,
Was One divine and holy, One who gave His life for me,
One who suffered willingly, One who risked it all for me.

And all that Jesus went through, He also went through for you,
And I’m so glad He did do, showing that same love for you.
And everyone else too, thus not simply me and you,
But all who’re faithful and true, and hence why I pray for you.

By Lance Landall





Truly Knowing Him


Many things are said about God, but only His Word is to be trusted, and
Both rightly interpreted and clearly understood, which is just what He'd planned.
And so, many claiming this and that, but not correct, and then that mystery,
Certain things about God that we will never know this side of eternity.

Thus God needing to be experienced via a personal relationship,
Enter not just the Written Word, but the Spirit, fervent prayer, mindful worship.
That hour by hour, day by day talking to Him, waiting for an answer, ready,
Our understanding of Him and our interaction with Him both sound and steady.

By Lance Landall





Can't You See?


God’s trying to break our stony hearts with His love, all why He bears long, and why
He’s gracious even in our moanings and failings, we still the apple of His eye.
It not about punishment, and all why He appeals via His creative ways,
That we might never want to hurt Him again, but willingly please Him all our days.

Jesus wants people to love Him —and to love, one must be able to reject,
And thus affection not forced but chosen, and how the love of God we reflect.
Robots unable to choose, and all why God gave us free choice, that hopefully
We would choose to follow Him out of love, thereby marked by our sincerity.

So can’t you see, it’s His love that’s behind all that He does, that He might woo us,
And thus we responding to that love, or rejecting it, and thereby Jesus;
And ultimately, there’s consequences, but that being our choice, and why we
Should let His love melt our hearts, and never view Him as acting menacingly.

By Lance Landall





WHAT SUCH REMIND ME OF



A spade reminds me of how we should dig deep into God’s Word.
Scissors remind me that we should cut our ties with unholy influences.
A fishing line reminds me that we’re meant to be fishers of souls.
A vacuum cleaner reminds me of how our heart and mind should be regularly hoovered too.
A watering can reminds me of new converts who shouldn’t be left to wither.
A ruler reminds me that God has His demarcation lines.
A waste can reminds me where error and falsehood belong.
A spanner reminds me of how some minds need undoing.
A flower reminds me of how we need the Son too.
A fence reminds me of how we should always keep Satan out.
A lamp reminds me that we’re meant to shine too.
A tap reminds me of the Fountain of Life.
A heater reminds me of the warmth that we should radiate.
A letterbox reminds me of how fellow Christians are waiting to hear from us too.
A chapel reminds me that a quiet place and prayer go together.
A clothesline reminds me that we should always hang out our thankfulness and gratitude.
A church reminds me that a visible Christian presence is needed.
A hospital reminds me that sinners need surgery too.
A petrol pump reminds me that we can’t get very far without the Spirit's octane.
A court reminds me that Christ will have His day.
A sign post reminds me of the “signs of the times.”
A ladder reminds me that we’re supposed to be climbing.
A toothbrush reminds me that our mouths should also be free of verbal bacteria.
A thistle reminds me that there are things in our lives that need weeding too.
A give way sign reminds me that we should think of others.
A stop sign reminds me that there are certain places we shouldn’t go.
Traffic lights remind me that there’s a time and place.
A speed bump reminds me to slow down for others on their way too.
A clock reminds me of Christ’s soon return.
Scales remind me that we should be weighing everything according to Scripture.
A door reminds me that Christ is knocking on hearts.
The moon reminds me of how we should be a light in the darkness too.
A basket reminds me of the fruits of the Spirit.
A measuring tape reminds me that we should measure up too.
A gift reminds me of the greatest gift of all.
A radio reminds me of how we should be tuned into a heavenly frequency.
A bridge reminds me of how we should always try to bridge gulfs.
A train reminds me that all need to get on board regarding salvation.
A fan reminds me of the Gospel cheer that we should be spreading.
A washing machine reminds me that our righteousness is as filthy rags.
A book reminds me that there are chapters to our lives, and why we need to give others time.
A pen reminds me of the written Word.
A grinding stone reminds me that we need to sharpen our spiritual senses.
Feet remind me that we must tread the same path that Jesus trod.
Glue reminds me to stick to the straight and narrow.
A plane reminds me that one day we'll fly too.
A kettle reminds me to sing under presure.





WE JUST EVOLVED, HUH? WELL, YOU COULD'VE FOOLED ME, THE EVIDENCE OF A DESIGNER, CREATOR, MOCKING MOCKERY, THAT ATHEISM, THAT THEORY OF EVOLUTION, NEITHER BEING A VIABLE SOLUTION,
BUT A MISLEADING DISTRACTION, EVIDENCE OF GOD NOT MERELY A FRACTION, BUT ABOUNDING, AND THUS MAN'S IGNORANCE ASTOUNDING, BECAUSE WHO DOSEN'T MARVEL OVER CREATION, AND GIVEN THE PUNY ACHIEVEMENTS OF CIVILISATION?
WELL, IN COMPARISON, I MEAN MAN UNABLE TO OUTSHINE CREATION, AND MORE THE DESTROYER OF CREATION, AS IF IT'S HIS WORK, HIS RIGHT, THUS DISASTER IN SIGHT, AND ALL BECAUSE HE'S LOST SIGHT, CAN'T SEE THE WOOD FOR THE TREES, AND HOW THE TRUTH FROM HIS MIND FLEES.