spiritual controversies

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of
comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge
and controversy.”―Martin Luther King, Jr.

[the dragon]
he warps wilful wastes
into woebegone wants; by
his cunning, he steals all my joy;
my troubles he hastes;
night and daytime he tries my
confidence―his shackles annoy.

he promises gain
if i fall down and worship
the beast in the place of the Lamb;
he brings only pain,
in his blasphemous “lordship,”
to those who reject the I Am,

[the Lamb]
Who blooms tiny seeds
into bountiful harvests.
clear water He woos into wine,
and springs me sweet reeds
in exuberant forests,
fills me with His Spirit Divine.

my broken composure
attracts His compassion;
my bones that are broken He heals.
He gives, in good measure,
His fervent affection,
frees me in His Court of Appeals.

© Copyright 2024 June 13
by Clyve A. Bowen♫