Refining Words

A HOPE

Day is long, laborers few.

Who will complete the work

begun in promise,

commit to present task

whether to plant or harvest

in anonymity

obedient to the call alone?

Each step unfolds, affirms hope.

John 4

Refining Words

WELL

From within comes the

worship flowing like a

spring of water restoring

dry lips, parched body.

When the well is clear.

Otherwise brackish liquid

ekes through brambles,

seeps through stones one

drop at a time keeping

a semblance of life while

building a dam.

When the well is clogged.

John 4

Refining Words

MESSAGE

Each word a message

to speak whether

from heaven or earth

needs be told in honesty

to spread hope that all

may hear truth lived

in obedience, in action,

in trust. No time for

jealous comparisons. Eternal

life the cost, the charge.

Sent to prepare.

John 3

Refining Words

Dark Covers

Like a vehement toddler

ducking, twisting, to

avoid the bath.

Or a vigilant stare

from a youth

under question.

We vigorously avoid

light’s ray ready to

pierce sin, selfishness.

Prefer our dark

familiar covers

hide the smell

of decay.

John 3

Refining Words

CONFUSION

When the marketplace

moved within the Temple

confusing silence

with cattle cries,

skittish sheep, clanging

coins—worship became broken—

secondary.

Where were the leaders,

Pharisees whose life’s

goal to protect

the Word. Not read?

Not understood? Only

of power, identity

a symbol.

Without heart an empty

posture extinguishes

true hope, manipulates

scripture for personal gain.

Clean out debris. Restore

awe so Glory may again fill

sanctuary.

John 2

Refining Words

INVITATION

Drawn by heart hunger

one by one came to see

respond to invitation.

Struck by recognition

certainty within

reached to kindred souls

Listened. Hoped

for promises. Answered-

call ‘Follow Me’.

John 1:29-51

Refining Words

REFUSAL

Grace, Truth

now a person

walks, talks, eats

sleeps. Outer

form familiar—a man

inner bewildering.

Could not grasp

light. Liked shadows,

ignorance.

Grace, Truth

illuminates emptiness.

World still refuses gift.

John 1:6-28