4 sleeps until...

#TheWriteAngle challenge.
21 days, 21 poems, 1 book.

Watch this space!

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The Still Small Voice:

God was in the still small voice.
In my travels I have encountered worship styles that are so varied. Lately I have been thinking of the loud nature of much worship in contemporary churches (both preaching and song). Whilst not being opposed to this style I have found that at times it has been draining. It may be my inner introvert or it may simply just be that the season of loud is over for me at this time. Either way it seems that my heart yearns for the calm, the gentle, the peaceful. It reminds me of verses in Kings that speak of Elijah seeking God.

In summary:
The winds came.
God was not in that wind.
The earth shook.
God was not in that shaking.
The fire came.
God was not in that fire.
God was in the still small voice.

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Be Still:

Once there was an old man who took his grandson a walk in the countryside. The old man's face was creased with wrinkles. Like the rings inside an ancient log tree, each signified age and wisdom. The man, to the boys surprise stopped suddenly. He was calm, so calm the boy didn't feel it right to interrupt this moment of solititude. 'Listen', the old man said. The boy listened. At first he could hear nothing but his own racing thoughts. 'Truly listen', the man said sensing the boys difficulty. So he tried again. He closed his eyes, took a breath and opened them again. 'I hear it', he whispered. They both fell silent again and listened to the gentle winds and the birds in the trees, and further a field the beautiful sound of a babbling brook. Then they listened to silence itself. 'This my child is real worship.' 'To Jesus?' 'To Jesus.'

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One Thing:

Hiding the poor,
Killing the prophets,
Generation of vipers,
Trees that bear no fruit.
The grass withers and the leaf fades.
A puff of smoke, a vapour.
Empires crumble and fall.
One thing remains.
His name is LOVE.

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His Kingdom Come:

Where is Hope?
The Saviour:"Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand."
The Martyr: "Father forgive them for they know not what they do."
The Prophet: "The Kings of the earth are a vanity, the nations are as a drop in a bucket."
The Charlatan and Jester: "Make the mortal vanity and dust of empire great again. We are the greatest" wink, wink, nudge, nudge.
The Saints: "His kingdom come."
The Sinners: "All hail the wind", grasp, grasp, grasp.
The Philosopher: "Are we looking to earthly authorities and powers or above?"
The Saviour: "My kingdom is not of this world... all authority in heaven and in earth has been given to me...heaven and earth pass away, but my word is forever."
The Prophet: "Of the increase of His government there shall be no end."
There is Hope!

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Good Friday:

Scene 1 (The upper room): Take the bread. Take the cup. Be blessed. Foot washing. A final meal, a humble farewell.
Scene 2 (Betrayal): Watch with me! Bleeding tears. Anguish in prayer. Betrayed with a kiss.
Scene 3 (Peter and friends): Promises broken. Tearful regrets. Denial.
Scene 4 (The cross): A tear drop falls from the cross. A dying man's cry. The earth shakes. The temple trembles in the presence of God.
Scene 5 (Empty tomb): A king rises from the dark. The grave abandoned. Nature blooms in the presence of it's God. The victory accomplished!

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A Hallelujah kind of love!

Worthy Father,
You are graciously loving us.
Your love we must discuss.
A Hallelujah kind of love!
This is such a glorious thought.
You wash without blemish or spot.
A Hallelujah kind of love!
Show us love, love that commits.
Teach us love, to live in the light of it.
A Hallelujah kind of love!
To love others and to love you.
Your peace to pursue.
A Hallelujah kind of love!
Amen

(This piece won a prize at allpoetry.com).

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Life in Creation:

Life,
It's a journey.
Even better,
A pilgrimage.
We are born into the world needing love,
Needing peace.
One of the most basic human needs is to love and be loved.
Some may find that special someone,
Some may not.
Some may have the joy of children,
Some may not.
But, we can all seek and share love.
Wonderfully we can also all appreciate the love and peace of creation.
Birds chirping, flowers blooming, butterflies fluttering.
What a beautiful world it is.
This is life.

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A Stand:

The lone figure emerges from the mist, his long white beard blows in the wind. A peculiar sight for guard and prisoners alike. Soon more emerge as the old man advances. 7, 14, 21...soon a hundred unarmed saints. 'What do they want?' 'Who are they?' 'Are these the followers of Jesus?' 'Surely not, or they like others would sing louder as screams echo from death train.' 'No, no my brother it is them.' 'Why have they come?' The lone figure pushes gunmen aside. 'Can't go in there!' Guards cry. Heeding them not he stands in the midst of the prisoners. Eyes of surprised prisoners, Eyes of dumb struck guards, Eyes of bold congregation standing at the gate.'What will he do?' 'What can he do?' 'Tomorrow to death camp we go.' But then... Lifting up holy book he roars prophetically the words of Ruth 1:16, 17. A thunder of applause within and outwith the gates. Gates that will not prevail. Guards disband for the Word of the Lord has been spoken. Never again do they return, All because a few made A STAND to save children of the promised land.
(Based on a true story).

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Angelos:

You may not see me, but I am near.
Travel through time.
Travel through space.
Travel through eternity.
Some have entertained me, but were not aware.
The infants, ill, and dying see me most, as I bless them with the heavenly hosts.
You are not alone, we are around you, just as we stand before his throne.
I repeat, you are not alone.
Messengers of love and truth walk among mortal men.
You are not alone as we guide you home.

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