The Drift of Progressive Christianity: Forsaking Biblical Truth for the Altar of Cultural Relevance by Debbie Harris

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The poem, titled “The Drift of Progressive Christianity: Forsaking Biblical Truth for the Altar of Cultural Relevance”, critiques liberal progressive Christianity’s shift from biblical authority to cultural conformity. Structured in five stanzas with a consistent ABAB rhyme scheme, it uses nautical and spiritual imagery to depict a church straying from Scripture’s anchor to chase fleeting cultural approval. The poem highlights the softening of the cross’s message, the dilution of biblical truth, and the sorrow of Christ (“Our Savior weeps”) as the church prioritizes relevance over divine authority. Despite this, a faithful remnant holds fast to unchanging truth. The poem laments the compromise of faith while affirming the enduring power of God’s Word.

A ship once sailed where truth’s deep waters lay,
Its course held firm by Scripture’s guiding hand.
But culture’s winds enticed it far astray,
To chase the fleeting praise of shifting sand.

The Word, a rock, once anchored heart and mind,
Now bends beneath the world’s unyielding call.
Its truths, once sharp, are softened and redefined,
To fit the mold where relevance holds thrall.

The cross, a sign of scandal and of grace,
Is polished smooth to soothe the modern eye.
Its blood and wrath fade from their rightful place,
As compromise obscures the Savior’s cry.

Our Savior weeps, His voice now faintly heard,
His sacred Word by culture’s tide defaced.
The church, unmoored, clings not to holy Word,
But bows to trends that time will soon erase.

Yet still a remnant holds the ancient creed,
Their anchor fixed where truth will never wane.
Through storms of relevance, they shall not cede,
For God’s own Word forever will remain.

Blossoms of Hope in Righteous Fields: Surpassing Fleeting Treasures with Eternal Brightness by Debbie Harris

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The sonnet vividly illustrates the biblical principle from Proverbs 16:8—”Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice” (ASV)—through rich natural and spiritual imagery. It portrays a humble, faithful life under whispering leaves and emerald grasses, where hope blooms like roses and Christ’s warm glow outshines worldly riches like ivory spires or gem-filled rivers. Amid storms and crumbling fortunes, the righteous heart endures like a rooted oak nourished by living waters, affirming that a modest existence in purity and light surpasses shadowed hoards in endless night.

Beneath a canopy of whispering leaves,
Where emerald grasses cradle dawn’s first light,
A humble soul in righteousness believes,
And hope, like blooming roses, claims the night.
No towering spires of ivory and gold,
Nor rivers rich with gems that coldly gleam,
Can rival Christ’s warm glow, a fire untold,
That dances through the veins like sunlit stream.
Though tempests lash with fury, dark and wild,
And fortunes crumble into ashen heaps,
The faithful heart, like oak in storm beguiled,
Stands rooted deep, where living waters seep.
For better is a little, pure and bright,
Than shadowed hoards eclipsed in endless night.

A Sonnet on the Divine Love and Atoning Sacrifice of God’s Son (1 John 4:10) by Debbie Harris

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The sonnet, titled “A Sonnet on the Divine Love and Atoning Sacrifice of God’s Son (1 John 4:10)”, reflects the core message of 1 John 4:10: God’s unmerited love for humanity, demonstrated through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It emphasizes that love originates not from human efforts but from God, who sent His Son to bear the burden of sin, break the chains of death, and offer redemption. The poem celebrates this divine, transformative love that lifts the fallen, washes away guilt, and invites humanity to abide in Christ’s eternal grace.

1 John 4:10, which reads (in the NIV):
“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”

In boundless grace, where mortal hearts fall short,
God’s love descends, a radiant, holy flame.
Not ours the spark, nor ours the will to court,
But His the gift, unearned, that bears His name.
He sent His Son, the Lamb of sacrifice,
To bear the weight of sin’s unyielding chain,
To break the bonds of death, to pay the price,
That we, redeemed, might rise and live again.
Oh, love divine, unmerited, profound,
That stoops to lift the fallen to His side!
In Christ, the Father’s mercy is unbound,
His blood the tide where guilt and shame subside.
This love, eternal, calls us to abide,
In Him whose heart for us was crucified.

The Adventure Of Prayer by Debbie Harris

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The poem, The Adventure of Prayer, portrays a spiritual journey of relying solely on prayer to God for all needs. It emphasizes trusting in God’s abundant provision, turning away from worldly sources to seek His sustaining guidance and boundless love. Through challenges and doubts, faith in God’s unwavering supply brings clarity and purpose, framing prayer as a grand adventure rooted in complete dependence on His divine provision.

In the stillness of their soul’s deep plea,
They lift their needs to God alone, to Thee.
No other ear, no mortal hand they seek,
Only God’s voice, God’s strength, God’s peak.

Through shadowed vales where doubts reside,
They tread with faith, with God their guide.
Each whispered want, each silent cry,
God hears, God holds, God amplifies.

No idol forged, no fleeting trust they chase,
God’s boundless love, their heart’s true place.
In prayer, they find the path unfold,
An adventure grand, with God, their hold.

From the Hills to Heaven’s Throne: Our Help from the Alpha and Omega by Debbie Harris

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The poem, inspired by Psalm 121:1-2, depicts a person looking to the hills for help but finding true aid from the divine Alpha and Omega, not earthly sources. Through vivid imagery, it contrasts the silent, powerless hills with the eternal, omnipotent reign of God, who provides strength, guidance, and hope. The gender-neutral perspective emphasizes universal reliance on divine glory, culminating in the assurance that the King of kings fulfills humanity’s deepest aspirations.

Psalm 121:1-2 (KJV): “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.

They lift their eyes to hills afar,
Where earth and sky in silence spar.
From rugged peaks, no strength is sent,
Yet hope ascends, their heart unbent.

Through shadows deep, they gaze and seek,
Where fears and doubts in secret creep.
The hills stand firm, yet cannot save,
Their silent crests no power gave.

But lo, their help comes not from stone,
Nor earthly might, nor flesh and bone.
The Alpha and Omega reigns,
The First, the Last, o’er stars and plains.

The voice divine bids dawn arise,
Their path is lit by holy skies.
Their refuge sure, their shield sublime,
In God’s vast reign, their souls align.

The hills may stand, but Heaven’s gaze,
Delivers strength through endless days.
Our help, our hope, from glory streams,
The King of kings fulfills our dreams.

When Christ Returns and Millions Are Raptured Away by Debbie Harris

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The poem depicts the aftermath of the Rapture, a Christian belief where millions of faithful are suddenly taken to heaven, leaving others behind. It portrays a world struck silent—empty streets, abandoned homes, and a profound sense of loss and confusion for those remaining. The Rapture, described as a swift, divine event, separates the ready from the unready, leaving the “left behind” grappling with questions and a sense of isolation. Yet, amidst the desolation, the poem offers hope, suggesting that through repentance and seeking Jesus Christ’s embrace, those left behind can find salvation through His boundless grace.

May all find Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour and Lord!

The Plan of Salvation through Jesus Christ is God’s provision for humanity’s redemption from sin and restoration to eternal life. All people are born in sin, separated from God (Romans 3:23). God sent Jesus Christ, His Son, to live a sinless life, die on the cross, and rise again, paying the penalty for sin (1 Peter 2:24). Salvation is received through faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord (John 3:16), repentance from sin (Acts 3:19), and confessing Jesus’ lordship (Romans 10:9). Through Christ’s sacrifice, believers are forgiven, receive the Holy Spirit, and gain eternal life in heaven (Ephesians 1:7; John 10:28). At Christ’s return, all will be judged: those who accepted Him will live eternally with God, while those who rejected Him face eternal separation (Matthew 25:31-46).

In a blink, the world grew still,
Millions vanished—gone, until—
Silent streets, where echoes roam,
Empty houses, once called home.

The Rapture came, a thief in light,
Swept the faithful out of sight.
No warning bell, no final call,
Just absence vast, a sudden fall.

For those who stay, the left behind,
A weight of questions grips the mind.
Where did they go? Why not me?
A truth too vast for eyes to see.

The air feels thin, the heart’s adrift,
A chasm wide, a divine shift.
Yet in the quiet, hope may stir—
A chance to seek what once was blurred.

The Rapture, swift, divides the day,
Takes the ready, leaves the stray.
Repent of sins, seek Christ’s embrace,
His mercy saves through boundless grace.

With Jesus in Our Hearts, Come What May, We Hold the Hope of Eternal Glory by Debbie Harris

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The sonnet, titled “With Jesus in Our Hearts, Come What May, We Hold the Hope of Eternal Glory,” explores the theme of unwavering faith in Jesus as a source of hope and divine glory. It portrays Jesus’ presence in the heart as a radiant light that remains unshaken by life’s trials, such as storms, pain, or doubt. This indwelling love serves as a steadfast anchor, guiding the soul toward eternal life and providing strength to overcome challenges. The poem emphasizes that with Christ within, one possesses an enduring hope that transcends all earthly struggles, ultimately leading to spiritual fulfillment and glory.

When Jesus dwells within our hearts’ embrace,
A light divine illuminates the soul,
No storm can shake, no trial can displace
The hope of glory, making broken whole.
Come what may, through tempest, pain, or strife,
His love remains, an anchor ever sure,
A beacon bright that guides us into life,
Eternal promise, steadfast and secure.
Though shadows fall and doubts may cloud the mind,
His presence burns, a flame that never fades,
In every heart where grace and truth entwined,
We find the strength to face all fleeting shades.
With Christ within, we rise above the fall,
For in His hope, we truly have it all.

Glory to the Lamb: Salvation’s Triumph in Jesus Christ, King of Kings and Lord Of Lords by Debbie Harris

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Glory to the Lamb: Salvation’s Triumph in Jesus Christ, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The sonnet joyously celebrates the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. It begins with a vibrant call to the soul to sing with fervent joy, proclaiming Christ’s victory over sin through His cross, portrayed as a radiant beacon of love. The poem highlights the freedom and triumph of salvation, using vivid imagery of shattered chains, a shining morning sun, and a defeated grave. It expresses boundless gratitude for Christ’s mercy and power, culminating in a triumphant declaration of His eternal reign and the soul’s ecstatic praise. The tone is exuberant and jubilant, perfectly echoing the title’s celebratory spirit.

Arise, my soul, and sing with fervent glee,
For Jesus Christ, our Lord, has set us free!
His cross, a blazing beacon of His love,
Secures our place in heav’nly courts above.

No chains can bind the hearts His blood has won,
The Lamb’s great triumph shines like morning sun!
With shouts of joy, we hail salvation’s grace,
His boundless mercy lights the human race.

Death’s shadow flees before His mighty pow’r,
The grave is vanquished in that holy hour!
Our Savior reigns, His victory complete,
In Him, our souls find ecstasy replete.

O glory to the Lamb, our hearts proclaim,
Forever we exalt His holy name!

The Prodigal’s Return: A Sonnet of Divine Love and Forgiveness by Debbie Harris

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The sonnet “The Prodigal’s Return: A Sonnet of Divine Love and Forgiveness” explores the theme of redemption through the lens of the biblical parable of the prodigal son. It depicts a soul wandering far under a “sable sky,” burdened by a “tattered heart” from an “errant way,” yet guided back by the Father’s compassionate gaze and graceful “silken lifeline.” Despite deep flaws and vast distances, the Father’s love, symbolized by “zephyrs pure and art” and a “cascade of mercy,” eagerly embraces the repentant. Drawing from Luke’s parable, the poem portrays the father’s joyful reunion, mending pain with “tender beams” and offering absolution and peace. The closing lines encourage turning to Him despite heavy sins, promising that repentance brings forth an abundant display of grace.

When far you wander ‘neath a sable sky,
With heart in tatters from your errant way,
The Father’s eyes, a beacon soft and high,
His grace a silken lifeline through your pain.

No flaw can quench the splendor of His heart,
No abyss deep enough to bar His stride,
He glides to you on zephyrs pure and art,
A cascade of mercy in a hallowed tide.

As Luke’s dear parable the lost redeems,
The father spies, his spirit fiercely glows,
With arms flung wide, he mends with tender beams,
With love he absolves and harmony bestows.

So turn to Him, though deep your sins may lay,
If you repent, His grace will brightly display.

Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus, the Author of Our Faith by Debbie Harris

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The poem, “Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus, the Author of Our Faith” (Hebrews 12:2, KJV), celebrates the spiritual benefits of focusing on Jesus. It describes how looking to Him brings joy, strength, courage, wisdom, purpose, grace, peace, and love, transforming the believer’s life. Each stanza highlights a specific blessing, portraying Jesus as the source of hope, guidance, and sustenance through trials. The poem concludes with a challenge to steadfastly fix one’s gaze on Jesus, emphasizing His role as the unwavering source of righteousness and life.

“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” —Hebrews 12:2 (KJV)

When we lift our eyes to Jesus,
Author of our faith and rest,
Joy within our spirits surges,
Filling hearts with hope’s sweet zest.

Strength is kindled in our frailty,
Through His might, we rise and stand,
Courage flows to face the tempest,
Held secure by His strong hand.

Wisdom lights our path with clarity,
Guiding choices, pure and true,
In His counsel, we find purpose,
Every step He leads us through.

Grace, unmerited, embraces,
Cleansing wounds and setting free,
Peace, transcendent, calms our chaos,
Anchored in eternity.

Love, unending, wraps around us,
Drawing us to seek His face,
Faith grows bolder, trust unbroken,
As we run this holy race.

Oh, the challenge lies before us,
Fix your gaze, though trials press,
Look to Jesus, ever steadfast,
Source of life and righteousness.