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A Pilgrim's Perspective of Reality Reflected
I. A Voice of One Dying in the Bewilderedness
II. Unprofitable Servant Unworthy Am I
III. To Be Subdued
IV. That I May Know Him
V. Jesus Cares and Calls For You
VI. Crucified with Christ
VII. Reflections in my Window
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I. A Voice of One Dying in the Bewilderedness
"Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the Lord's hand double for all her sins. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it." Isaiah 40:1-5
To whosoever finds this voice of one dying in the fray This Pilgrim’s Journey is a choice we make from day to day
When tests and trials prove our patience as persecutions rage We sometimes lose our faith in practice when we react in un-Christ like ways
Yet as we learn from day to day to count the painful cost It’s in this dying that we find what it means to take up our cross
And though bewildered by the battles which ever seem to rage We must develop our faith and patience this is the way all Saints are trained
So if you’re dying in the bewilderedness take heart you’re not alone For you’ve found the voice of just one of many who are also dying to self, but are not alone. © 2005 Raymond Bolton Pena
"And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." Mark 8:34-38
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II. Unprofitable Servant Unworthy Am I
"And the apostles said unto the Lord, increase our faith. And the Lord said, if had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you. But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself , and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do." Luke 17:5-10
When the world shall begrudge thee for their own selfish desires And thy efforts to do right are sorely despised Say unprofitable servant, I am an unprofitable servant Unprofitable and unworthy surely am I
Then go thou quickly and wait again on thy Master For after thy labor He shall require of thee thy time Therefore ye shall say unprofitable servant, I am an unprofitable servant For I have only done that which was a duty of mine
Thus unprofitable servant, unprofitable servant when returning from the field thy own bidding do not But when thou returnest go wait again on thy Master To break him His daily bread for this is thy lot
Then say thou not: "I am now worthy to go do my own bidding After all these things I have yet done" But say: "I'm an unworthy and an unprofitable servant For it is not my will Lord but Thy will be done." © 2001 Raymond Bolton Pena
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III. To Be Subdued
"Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea." Micah 7:18-19
Born into this present world A realm of sin and death Foreordained unto a purpose Quickened by God’s breath
Dreams and Visions of Heavenly callings Expectations to be renewed Faithfully leading the way of the cross Our whole existence to subdue
Tested sorely in relation Unto the task at hand Refined and polished in the school of patience Until we comprehend
Earthen vessels made of clay Instruments finely tuned In oneness with God’s thought and purpose The flesh He can not use
Quickened by God’s breath - Our whole existence to subdue Until we comprehend - The flesh He can not use © 1992 Raymond Bolton Pena
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IV. That I May Know Him?
"But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:7-14
The silence screams but we hear not a sound Beneath the illusions of life which now so abound
Thus beyond the veil of this frail human clay We perceive not reality nor make truth our stay
Therefore we must be born from on high above Yet so many boast of a faith, hope and love
Yet could it really be that the mark is missed? For in the race before us what is our true quest?
That I may know Him is it really thus so? Enough to lose my life in this world here below?
For as it seems to me I can’t help but cry Unreality inundates and no one dares to ask why
Thus what is this slavery to this world down below? When so many are caught in the grip of its dark under toll?
Yet to see eternal glimpses and to be spiritually in tune Is a misunderstood blessing they call a mystical view
But still that I may know Him myself I must deny Losing my life in this world for His sake to find
To know His sufferings not many dare preach Yet to be washed in His blood that only I pray for and seek
Thus to take up my cross and to walk in His light Is to have fellowship with the Father in His Son Jesus Christ
For if we walk in the light the blood "...cleanseth us from all sin." For He is faithful and just "...to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Therefore it's not a salvation by works but a cleansing by faith Expressed in a genuine belief that is not compromised and fake
For a faith without works is a faith that is dead Thus gross darkness covers the earth just as God's Word has said
Let us climb higher to reach the prize of the call Because the land slides are becoming more likely and stronger to fall
They are silencing the truth have you but a clue? They rage against Sound Doctrine to deceive me and you
Yet that I may but know the true vital reality of God By His resurrection power and life not to fall in the flood. © 2005 Raymond Bolton Pena
"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." 1st John 1:1-10
"My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked." 1st John 2:1-6
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V. Jesus Cares and Calls for You
"Give ear to my prayer, Oh God; and hide not thyself from my supplication. Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise; Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me. My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me. Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me. And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest. Lo, then would I wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. Selah. I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest." Psalms 55:1-8
This thing called time it never sleeps And we march on daily to its beat Every day and in every way Its demands on us puts us in the sway
Thus sometimes I wish that I could fly So far beyond the cloudy skies Just to find a friend is my greatest cry Who could read between all my written lines
For I sometimes drift and fear I shall fall Into the void that ever calls I take one step forward then I take two back I'm so tired of living under the attack
I sometimes feel like I'm spinning out of control Yet time marches on and no one knows For they live in this same vortex without a clue Thus I sometimes just don't know what I can do
Because I sometimes fear I will lose my soul And I feel so lost though no one really knows After all I am just he Totally delusional they say that's me
But life goes on and I pretend Yet the pain I feel never seems to end Thus I so need a real true best kind of friend Who can also feel the pain I'm in
But on this earth I've found not one And if I have why then don't they come? Yet perhaps I'm wrong and should really ask Why don't I pray to my God like in times past?
Because Jesus is that true friend I need And I've neglected Him though for me He pleads! Thus I now have a clue why Christians fall It's because they ignore their truest friend who cares enough to call. © 2003 Raymond Bolton Pena
"Seeing then we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:14-16
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VI. Crucified With Christ
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." Galatians 2:20-21
Crucified - Self Denied To trust no longer in a lie
Enlightened mind - No longer blind To take up my cross - true life to find
Reckoning the path of light To mortify the flesh to fight
Conquering in Victory In Jesus Christ I am free
Acknowledging the truth divine To face the response that now is mine
Submitting my life unto God Lest I reap what I've sown against the Father's love
The flesh of sin cast out can't be Resist the Devil and he shall flee
The nature of sin's not just a force within Self is the wicked - through the blood we're cleased
To walk in the light not by flesh power or might But by the Spirit of God - to stand for the right
The fear of God - Wisdom's beginning takes hold Of a heart once hard - under sin I'm not sold © 1994 Raymond Bolton Pena
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." Romans 8:1-14
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VII. Reflections In My Window
"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:18-28
Looking out a window I saw people passing by Going to and fro, here and there Yet all living in a lie
Just like a still life picture An artist has portrayed Not knowing what life really is So lost within a haze
Looking out another window I saw reflections in the dark Such empty spaces of such lonely places Of desolations of the heart
Hard and cold the winds did blow As desperation seemed to scream Still with not a sound I heard an echo And I saw passed the living dream
Summer heat and Winter cold Cascade in their own times Spring rains fall yet Autumn leaves drift And there is a sadness in the rhyme
The season's signs can be seen And creation's groaning can be felt We can hear them whisper in the silence From beyond the unseen veil
Screaming, pleading, crying and dying Eyes of pain reflect Fleeting glimpses of reality are calling Through such pain of deep regret
Without form and void creation returns So many live within a lie Yet the world gives them all that they need Their minds to nullify
Life has no meaning, when nothing is left But survival in the night Where there is no love, no trust, and no peace And the spirit longs to die
For we do not mourn, nor do we cry Though life is lived so vain We are a people spiritually suicidal For we are numb to all the pain
Come down latter rains upon my soul Let me feel this heart of mine Please make me whole and open my eyes So that I will not be blind
O Come Son Light and shine in me Let me feel Thy warm embrace Let Thy precious blood cleanse my soul So that I might look into Thy face
O Holy Spirit Thou Breath of God Breathe upon my soul Shall these bones live again? O Holy Ghost I plead to know
O Jesus Christ, I plead thy blood Shed upon thy cross Awaken me, and set me free So that I might not be lost
O Father God, hear my cries My love has waxed so cold Melt my heart and renew my spirit Please redeem my dying soul
The Spirit and the Bride say come As only you can and will Take us back to Thy bloody Cross Resurrect, Restore and Heal
Let the earth rejoice Let the people praise Yet give my soul to worship And let me give back to Thee my days
O latter rains fall down Precious true and free Liberate this prisoner Let thy glory my eyes see
Latter rains fall down Oh Thy kingdom come Let my prayer take wings of flight And let thy will be done. © 1997 Raymond Bolton Pena
"Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence. As when the melting fire burneth, the fire causeth the waters to boil, to make thy name known to thine adversaries, that the nations may tremble at thy presence! When thou didst terrible things which we looked not for, thou camest down, the mountains flowed down at thy presence. For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him. Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, those that remember thee in thy ways: behold, thou art wroth; for we have sinned: in those is continuance, and we shall be saved. But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities. But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. Be not wroth very sore, O LORD, neither remember iniquity for ever: behold, see, we beseech thee, we are all thy people. Thy holy cities are a wilderness, Zion is a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation. Our holy and our beautiful house, where our fathers praised thee, is burned up with fire: and all our pleasant things are laid waste. Wilt thou refrain thyself for these things, O LORD? wilt thou hold thy peace, and afflict us very sore?" Isaiah 64:1-12
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Though the Articles and Poetic Contemplations on this Website are copyrighted, you are most welcome to make printed copies for free distribution only as long as you copy them in their entirety, including the copyright notice at the end of each poem along with this notice of permission. Thank You.
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