If I lose heart then trip and fall, is there really any hope at all?
Yes, Salvation is not denied, ‘twas to save us He was crucified.
If I fall into dreadful sin, will I ever get up again?
Yes, if you but Faith regain, you’ll be released from sinful pain.
If I collapse into shapeless heap, will I get comforted when I weep?
Yes, the Savior is assurance that you can rise and have endurance.
If I founder there on yonder reef, will there be succor to give relief?
......
These heretical poems on the subjects of God, religion and Christianity explain why I “left” the Religious Right.
If one screams below,
what the hell is "Above"?
—Michael R. Burch
Religion is regarded by fools as true, by the wise as false, and by rulers as useful. — Seneca, loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch
Bible Libel
by Michael R. Burch
......
Myths and speculations of beauty today
Church girls and boys considered out of date
If I am average looking then I fit the description of 'church girl'.
Clothed in rags then my place is the temple.
But unlike our slay queens we slay with purpose
We break down territories and command strongholds.
We present this world a new definition of slayers
Beauty with prayer
Fashion with purpose
We leaving our marks everywhere we go
......
It was late in gorgeous springtime, and I was teaching my class,
A lesson in African history, and the events of time's hourglass.
My fourth graders were very attentive, as I recounted the glory,
Of tales such as Mansa Musa's, maybe the richest man in history!
Sultan of Mali was Mansa Musa, during the far off Middle Ages,
The world's largest gold producers maybe, say the history sages.
When Mali consisted of 400 cities, he was a patron of the arts.
......
It comes in waves, yet all waves stay.
No currents in this tub, her worries astray.
Swimming in thoughts and welcoming prayers.
Sitting chest-high, surrounded by raisers.
Eternality fine-printed, and she signed His waiver.
She grants her last breath, and submits to her Savior.
Plunged for five seconds, but too short and partitioned.
Immersed a bit longer, ‘cause six’s too wicked.
Seven is His, and now she’s forgiven.
......
Prayer is how we officially converse
with the majestic King of the universe.
From castle grand or house of sod,
Prayer lets us commune with our God.
To glorify Him Who loves us all;
thank Him for favors large and small.
To ask for patience and strength sustain
for trials ahead - to accept pain.
Prayers are used to seek support
......
The focus of the lesson today
is the manner in which we pray.
Some pray with lips that mouth each proper word;
others do good deeds, ‘though they’re seldom heard.
Some pray too loudly, as if God were unhearing;
many strut proudly, with manner overbearing.
Some criticize others who pray less stylishly,
but isn’t that just a form of unjust hypocrisy?
......
(couplets)
If I had the time, I could do much more;
if I had the time, I could all outscore.
I could work hard to improve everything;
given the time, I could do most anything.
Like pay more attention to my spouse;
and do those odd chores around the house.
......
I
What is Heaven really like? Dare we explore the question?
Or is it disrespectful to make such a suggestion?
Now, God has blessed mankind with insatiable curiosity,
and therefore ‘tis proper to examine the philosophy
of eternal just reward for whom countless people pray,
who yearn to be with their God
on that fateful Judgment Day.
II
......
(hymn)
“. . . If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place;
and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. . . .” Matthew 17
Nothing shall be impossible
‘though breakers crash ahead;
if trust in Him stay unshakable,
we have little here to dread.
My faith shall be the power source
......