Dear Reader,

Remember what you have received. Hold fast to it, and contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. The promises of God are yea and amen—not distant words on a page, but living fire given to the soul that believes. May that fire of faith be kindled in you again: not a passing warmth, but a steady flame that teaches you to treasure Scripture, to live it, to adore its beauty, and to walk the high places of gratitude and joy. Let it produce a fire in you, that all the world may see the light of Jesus Christ in you. Do not let go of what has been placed in your hands. Keep it. Guard it. Contend for it. Let it light a holy flame.

What follows is an English sonnet: fourteen lines in three quatrains and a closing couplet, rhymed ABAB CDCD EFEF GG.

The Poet

For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
—2 Corinthians 1:20

Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent.”
—Revelation 3:3

Beloved… it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
—Jude 1:3

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
—Hebrews 10:23

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
—Matthew 5:16

God’s promises are yea and amen still,
firm-spoken, sure, and sealed in Christ the Son;
believe this word, and you shall climb the hill
of gratitude, where joy and praise are one.

Not shadowed vales, nor long and weary plains,
but sunlit ridges, bright with grace bestowed,
where every step His living truth sustains
and gratitude itself becomes the road.

Hold fast the holy fire you have received;
let all the world look on and see its flame,
till Christ in you is known, seen, and believed,
and every promise answers to His name.

Keep what was given on this brief sojourn—
and let His beauty in you make them yearn.

**To God Be The Glory Always And Only!