Friday 30 December 2022

Poetry Bloopers 2022!


On the eve of the last day of 2022, it seems like a good time to share my Bloopers reel for this year!

Recording each poetry post certainly takes a lot of time and concentration and it doesn't go without it's trials! From overly zealous candles to the usual chaotic sound effects of London, to speeding auto cues, rumbling stomachs, unruly hair and a leaf blower that I thought was a drill, the challenges just never seem to stop. I even seemed to develop a couple of speech impediments this year! :)

I'm grateful that it keeps me on my toes though and I pray I have many more fun moments to share with you in 2023. For now, I hope this little 2022 bloopers compilation brings you a smile today. :)

Happy New Year when it comes and here's to 2023! Love Lucy x

Wednesday 28 December 2022

The Parables Of The Hidden Treasure And The Pearl Of Great Price


The Parables Of The Hidden Treasure And The Pearl Of Great Price

(A Teaching On The Value Of Each Individual Soul)

Matthew 13:44-46

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”

Monday 19 December 2022

Christmas Contemplation



With Christmas 2022 fast approaching, I was dwelling on the words found in Isaiah 9:6 one afternoon. The verse reads,

“For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

I thought this description of Jesus made a wonderful meditation all on it’s own and was like a spiritual shower for the soul! Contemplating each title given to our Saviour in this verse really encouraged and comforted my heart. I felt it would make a lovely little meditative poem and soon found myself writing down my thoughts.
I pray these words can be a blessing to you whether it’s Christmas or any other time of the year!

Wednesday 14 December 2022

You Are A Light For The World!


Last week we had a look at Jesus' statement in John 8:12 where He said, "I am the light of the world." This week, for our very last verses in my "You Are" series we focus on the wonderful and challenging truth that as Christians, we are a light FOR the world!

Sunday 4 December 2022

I Am The Light Of The World


John 8:12 reads,
“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.””

Saturday 19 November 2022

The Parable Of The Wheat And The Tares


The Parable Of The Wheat And The Tares

(A Teaching About True And False Believers In Christ)

Matthew 13:24-30

“Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way.  But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared.  So the servants of the owner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?’ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’  But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them.  Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.”"

Tuesday 8 November 2022

Welly Boots


I wrote this poem ages ago as one in my "Pointless Poems" category! Seeing as it's so rainy here in London just now, I thought it would be a suitable time to share it!

Monday 7 November 2022

You Are A New Creation


Last week we took a final look at John 14:6 and focused on Christ's statement, "I Am The Life."

As a parallel, this week we reflect on the beautiful truth that if we have accepted Jesus, The Life, as our Saviour then we have been given eternal life and are now a new creation!

Tuesday 1 November 2022

I Am The Life


John 14:6 reads,

"Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”"

Monday 24 October 2022

The Parable Of The Sower


The Parable Of The Sower

(A Teaching On Our Response To God's Word)

Matthew 13:1-9

“On the same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the sea. And great multitudes were gathered together to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.

Then He spoke many things to them in parables, saying: “Behold, a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them.  Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth.  But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away.  And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them.  But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.  He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”"

Sunday 9 October 2022

You Are Set Free!


Last week we took a look at truth which is mentioned in John 14:6. It reads,

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.””

The book of John also tells us in Chapter 8, verse 32,

“And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.”

If Jesus said He is the Truth then as a Christian, you are set free!

Monday 3 October 2022

I Am The Truth


John 14:6 reads,

"Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”"

Tuesday 27 September 2022

Evening Meditation



As a parallel to my “Morning Meditation” poem, I felt it would be lovely to be able to conclude the day with an “Evening Meditation” poem too! I hope these verses help us to close the day with grateful reflection and ready us to settle into a restful, peaceful sleep.

Sunday 25 September 2022

The Parable Of The Persistent Widow


The Parable Of The Persistent Widow

(A Teaching On Persistence In Prayer)

Luke 18:1-8

“Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man.  Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’  And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’” Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said.  And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”"

Sunday 11 September 2022

You Are Chosen By God


Last week we had a look at Jesus' statement in John 14:6 where He said,

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

This makes it very clear that there is only one way to Heaven and that's through Jesus Christ. Let's align this truth with His words in John 6:44 where He says,

“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.”

These words highlight the beautiful truth that those who DO come to Jesus, come because they have been called by God Himself. God's voice calls to all mankind, it's up to us if want to listen and respond.

In a parallel to last week's "I Am" verses, this week we take a look at September's "You Are" poem. If Jesus said, "I Am the way," then according to the Scriptures, as a Christian you are chosen by God!

Thursday 8 September 2022

Earth's Loss Is Heaven's Gain



On the 8th day of the 9th month in 2022, HM Queen Elizabeth II went to be with Jesus after a 70 year reign. The Queen served her people faithfully and as Britain’s longest reigning Monarch in history, she certainly left her mark in people’s hearts.

In the days that followed the Queen’s death, London was flooded with thousands of people, coming from all over the world to lay flowers and pay their respects to this highly valued and cherished lady. A lady who stood firm through seasons of all weather and every tribulation Britain faced in the span of 70 years.

Through various trials, both National and personal in nature, she always handled whatever life threw at her with admirable grace and poise. Many saw the Queen as a beacon of hope and a pillar of strength through the years and so her loss was felt by the public very sharply indeed.

I personally valued the Queen’s commitment to sharing the Scriptures and teachings of Jesus with the Nation. In her role as Queen, she would often give credit to the Lord and so I felt inspired to write a few words as a tribute to this inspirational woman.

I hope my poem, “Earth’s Loss Is Heaven’s Gain” can be enjoyed by many as we remember her in our hearts and I’m so thankful that God saved the Queen. One day, when I’m also dwelling in the courts of our King, I’ll enjoy meeting my sister in Christ, Elizabeth the Great.

Tuesday 6 September 2022

I Am The Way


John 14:6 reads,

"Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”"

Monday 5 September 2022

Morning Meditation



I had the pleasure of performing in a play during the renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August 2022. It was a brutally exhausting but colourful experience and one that I had never had in my performing career thus far.

After an arduous stint in the show, I was making my way back to London and had plonked myself down into my train seat at Edinburgh Waverley Station. I had only been en route for about fifteen minutes when I decided to utilise my four hour journey and see if I could get some writing done.

I began rolling some Scriptures around in my head as I watched the green fields of Scotland whizz by the window and was thinking about how faithful God had been during my time in Edinburgh.

As a Christian theatre company, we had faced several trials and a lot of spiritual warfare performing in a very secular realm and so I had really felt the Lord encouraging me and upholding me each morning as I went in to work. Knowing that I was going in to face high levels of animosity and vitriol, I found myself praying fervently each morning for God’s wisdom and that I might be a good witness to the lost souls I would encounter in the workplace.

Sunday 28 August 2022

The Parable Of The Old Wineskins


The Parable Of The Old Wineskins

(A Teaching On The Old And New Covenants)

Matthew 9:14-17

“Then the disciples of John came to Him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but Your disciples do not fast?” And Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.  No one puts a piece of un-shrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch pulls away from the garment, and the tear is made worse. Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins, or else the wineskins break, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But they put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”"

Sunday 7 August 2022

You Are...Fulfilled And Satisfied


Last week we had a look at Jesus' statement in John 6:35 when He said,

“I Am The Bread Of Life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.”

This week, as a parallel, my "You Are" verses focus on the fact that as a Christian you are fulfilled and satisfied!

I pray these thoughts can encourage us today and embolden us to share the goodness of Jesus with those who hunger and thirst for more than what the world has to offer.

Monday 1 August 2022

I Am The Bread Of Life


John 6:35 reads,

"And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst."

Sunday 24 July 2022

The Parable Of The Talents


The Parable Of The Talents

(A Teaching On Redeeming The Time)

Matthew 25:14-30

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.  Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents.  And likewise he who had received two gained two more also.  But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money.  After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.

Monday 11 July 2022

You Are...A Disciple Of Christ


At the beginning of July we had a look at the words of Jesus in John 15:5 where He says,

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”

My "You Are" verses for July run in tandem and focus on the fact that when we are attached to Jesus, our Vine, we are called to be disciples of Christ!

Monday 4 July 2022

I Am The Vine (Part Two)


John 15:5 reads,

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”

God Of The Valley



I was listening to a sermon from my Pastor one day and the topic of the study was “unmet expectations.” We were looking at Matthew 11:1-11 when John the Baptist is in prison and has sent his disciples to speak to Jesus.
John’s disciples ask Jesus,

“Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?”

My Pastor explained that John would have been in a place of confusion and disillusionment at this point. He had thought that when the Messiah came along He would get John out of prison. This left John feeling unsure as to why Jesus wasn’t “coming to the rescue” if He was the Messiah they had all been waiting for. Jesus wasn’t acting in the way that John thought He would and so he was questioning who Jesus was and the power He had.

This got me thinking about the different times in our own lives when we question God within our circumstances. There can be some really painful experiences to go through in life and it’s inevitable that at some point in our walk with the Lord, we will find ourselves asking questions. We can come to a place of wondering if God is still good and how He could possibly be glorified through this heartache and sorrow.

Monday 27 June 2022

The Parable Of The Wise And Foolish Virgins


The Parable Of The Wise And Foolish Virgins

(A Teaching On Being Ready For Christ's Return)

Matthew 25:1-13

“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.  Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish.  Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.  But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
 
“And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’  Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.  And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’
But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’  And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.

“Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’  But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’
“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.”

Monday 6 June 2022

You Are...Victorious


Last week we had a look at the words of Jesus in John 15:1-4 where He says,

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”

My "You Are" verses for June run as a parallel to the truth that when we are rooted in Jesus, our vine and stay connected to Him, then through our Saviour we are victorious! As 1 Corinthians 15:57 tells us,

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Praises to our Saviour, the true vine who never runs out of strength and through whom we have the victory!

Wednesday 1 June 2022

I Am The Vine (Part One)


John 15:1-4 reads,

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.  You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”

Jesus is creating such a wonderful picture here! I pray these words can encourage us today.

Saturday 21 May 2022

The Parable Of The Good Samaritan


The Parable Of The Good Samaritan

(A Teaching On Sacrifical Love)

Luke 10:25-37

“And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

He said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?” So he answered and said, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbour as yourself.'”

And He said to him, “You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.”
But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbour?”
Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

Tuesday 10 May 2022

You Are...A Child Of God


For the month of May, my "You Are" verses take a look at yet another wonderful benefit of being a Christian. When we believe in Jesus as our personal Saviour, we are adopted into His family and become a child of God!

Eternal life is promised to those who believe in His name and have become children of God. What an incredible blessing and I pray this reminder can encourage our hearts today.

Sunday 1 May 2022

I Am The Resurrection And The Life (Part Two)


John 11:25 reads,

"Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.""

In April we had a look at the first part of this verse when Jesus said, "I Am the Resurrection." For May we focus on His statement, "I Am the Life."

It really was a profound statement from Jesus with profound effects! I pray these verses bless your heart today.

Wednesday 27 April 2022

Until His Return



My Father-in-law, who also happens to be my Pastor, came to me one day and asked if I had a poem that focused on the theme of Communion. I had a think about his request and realised that although many of my poems talk about Christ’s sacrifice, they weren’t specifically in the context of Communion.

I went on to ask what his inquiry was for and he explained that he thought it would be good to have an appropriate poem to share at our Church’s Communion service, taking place that coming Sunday. I love it when a gap is discovered within the topics that my poems cover so I suggested he leave it with me and decided I’d pray for inspiration!

As I researched the origins of Communion, I found myself reading the Bible verses that talk about the first Communion to take place which was led by Jesus at the Last Supper. One particular section of Scripture I was looking at was Luke 22:19-20 which reads,

“And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.”

Sunday 24 April 2022

The Parable Of The Prodigal Son (Part Two)


The Parable Of The Prodigal Son (Part Two)

The Older Son

(A Teaching On How We Are Saved By Grace, Not Works)

Luke 15:11-32

“Then He said: “A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood.  And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living.
But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything.

But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!  I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’

Mr Robin


Here we have anther one of my "Capturing the moment" poems! This time, my inspiration came from a little robin who was visiting the garden one day.

Monday 18 April 2022

You Are...A Citizen Of Heaven


Working in tandem with this month's "I Am The Resurrection" statement, April's "You Are" verses take a look at the truth that as a Christian, you are a citizen of Heaven!

What an amazing fact we can rejoice in, in addition to Christ's resurrection! The Christian has so much to look forward to and it certainly makes the charms of this world look very dim indeed. Praises to the Risen King who has gone before us to prepare a place for us!

May our focus be on eternal things this week and sharing the Gospel with those who don't have the promise of Heaven yet.

Monday 4 April 2022

I Am The Resurrection And The Life (Part One)


The fourth instalment in my "I Am" poetry series takes a look at the words of Jesus in John 11:25. The verse reads,

"Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.""

For April I'm focusing on the first part of this statement, "I am the resurrection." What a fitting theme for Easter!

Saturday 26 March 2022

The Parable Of The Prodigal Son (Part One)


The Parable Of The Prodigal Son (Part One)

The Younger Son

(A Teaching On Man's Need For Repentance And God's Forgiveness)

Luke 15:11-32

“Then He said: “A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood.  And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living.
But when he had spent all, there arose a severe famine in that land, and he began to be in want. Then he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the swine ate, and no one gave him anything.

But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!  I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’

Monday 7 March 2022

You Are...Known And Seen


As a parallel to last week's "I Am" verses, inspired by John 10:14, this week we look at my "You Are" series. In John 10:14, Jesus said, "I am the Good Shepherd; and I know My sheep and am known by My own." Therefore as a Christian, you are known and seen by our Saviour!

In a world where so many people feel lost, unheard, unimportant, misunderstood and unseen, what a privilege it is to be a child of God!

As a son or daughter of the King, Scriptures tell us that Jesus knows us by name, sees us and loves us with all of His heart, we're safe in His care, He hears our prayers, understands all of our ways and He sees us as the apple of His eye. What an incredible list!

Do you know Jesus personally? If so, thank Him today for knowing you and seeing you in an up-close and personal way. If not, I'd like to encourage you to ask Him into your heart today! He's been waiting for you to come to Him and get to know Him personally. You won't be disappointed!

Tuesday 1 March 2022

I Am The Good Shepherd (Part Two)


In February, we took a look at the first time Jesus said "I am the good shepherd," which was in John 10:11-12. Jesus went on to say in those verses, "the good shepherd gives His life for the sheep" which was a wonderful truth we meditated on.

March's verses focus on the second time Jesus says "I am the good shepherd," which is in verse 14 of the same chapter in the book of John. This time, the Lord continues by saying, "I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep and am known by My own."

Let's take a couple of minutes to contemplate what it means to know the Good Shepherd and also to be known by Him personally, in return!

Tuesday 22 February 2022

Lament Over A Broken Mug


I'm sure many people will be able to relate to the woe of breaking a favourite item, in this case, it was my favourite mug for drinking tea!

Tea drinking is very serious business here in Britain and the vessel it comes in can make or break the experience! (Pun Intended.)

I've discovered it can be a varied topic though. I know some people are happy to drink tea no matter what it comes in! Big mug, small cup, standard bucket, old shoe etc. For most people however and certainly for me, there's a favourite cup to be had that heightens the enjoyment of the experience!

As the title would suggest, my favourite mug was broken recently. I hope these words can at least bring a smile from what was otherwise a very tragic event!

Wednesday 16 February 2022

The Parable Of The Lost Coin


The Parable Of The Lost Coin

(A Teaching On How The Church Must Shine The Light)

Luke 15:8-10

“Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbours together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!’  Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Tuesday 8 February 2022

You Are...Guarded And Protected


February's "You Are" verses focus on the truth that as Christians, we are guarded and protected by Jesus our Good Shepherd!

My "You Are" verses are intended to run alongside my "I Am" series and February's excerpt co-ordinates with last week's post which focused on Jesus' statement in John 10:11-12. It reads,

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them.”

Sunday 6 February 2022

A Little Farther



This poem was inspired by Matthew 26:36-39 which reads,

“Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.”  And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed.  Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.”
He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”"

So much is said about what Jesus achieved for us on Good Friday when He went to the Cross and rightly so. It was a pivotal moment in time when God Himself endured the most excruciating death in order to pay for the sins of the world. Christ’s Crucifixion Day certainly deserves all the veneration and acclaim our hearts can express. We owe our salvation to what Jesus did that Day.

What we see from the verses in Matthew 26 however, is that the extreme emotional and physical pain Christ endured on our behalf, really began in the Garden of Gethsemane the day before.

Tuesday 1 February 2022

I Am The Good Shepherd (Part One)


For 2022, I felt inspired to write a series that focuses on the “I Am” statements of Jesus Christ. I gave myself two verses to express some key elements and truths found within the words of Jesus and what the message is for the listener.

We started the series with "I Am The Door" and now February's "I Am" verses take a look at John 10:11-12 where Jesus says, "I Am The Good Shepherd."

Tuesday 25 January 2022

The Parable Of The Lost Sheep


The Parable Of The Lost Sheep

(A Teaching On How God Pursues The Sinner)

Luke 15:1-7

“Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him.  And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.” So He spoke this parable to them, saying:

“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’
I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.”"

Monday 24 January 2022

"Poetry Through The Parables" Introduction


In the Autumn of 2021, I was preparing my different poetry series for 2022 when I felt the Holy Spirit prompt me to focus on some of the parables found in the Bible. I discovered that the meaning behind the word “parable,” is “to throw alongside of.” It seems that a parable is a story, thrown alongside the truth with the purpose of teaching the listener. Stories based on earthly scenarios but full of Heavenly meaning.

As a professional performer, I certainly know the power and impact that story-telling can have in relaying a message. As I delved into the depths of the purpose and meanings behind each parable, I was fascinated to discover how Jesus used this method to teach incredible points and principles. The pictures He created with the parables really help our minds remember the truths shared and the lessons being taught.

The purpose of the parable runs much deeper than just story-telling, however. Through my studies, I learned that the parables of Jesus were indeed intended to be listened to but also they acted as a challenge to the hearers. Their purpose wasn’t just to convey a message but also to place a personal challenge at each person’s doorstep.

Sunday 9 January 2022

You Are...Saved And Justified


The first part to my "You Are" series takes a look at the fact that the child of God is saved and justified by Jesus Christ.

My "You Are" verses are intended to run alongside my "I Am" series and this first excerpt co-ordinates with last week's post which focused on Jesus' statement in John 10:9-10. It reads,

“I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

Jesus Christ made it clear that He is the only way to salvation, therefore as a Christian, you are saved and justified. I hope these verses and this wonderful truth can bless your heart today.

Sunday 2 January 2022

"I Am The Door"


For 2022, I felt inspired to write a series that focuses on the “I Am” statements of Jesus Christ. I gave myself two verses to express some key elements and truths found within the words of Jesus and what the message is for the listener.

As a parallel series to run alongside my “I Am” verses, I felt led to write a series called “You Are.” These two-verse poems will focus on who “you are” as a child of God and draw attention to just some of the many benefits and blessings of being a Christian.

My third and final series for this year is called “Poetry Through The Parables” which has it’s own introduction. I’ve written each of these series slightly differently from the ones in the past and have structured them to have moments of reflection, questions to ponder or taking some time to expand upon the Scriptures with an afterword of insight.

I plan to record all of these poems as well as recording the afterwords and points for reflection, which is new for 2022! I pray my writing can bless your heart this year, whether taken as a short devotional or something that inspires further study into God’s amazing Word.