The Cautionary Counsel Against Casting Sacred Pearls to Unheeding Swine by Debbie Harris

11 Friday Apr 2025

Posted by in Bible Centered Poetry, Christ Centered Devotionals, Christ-centered poetry, Christian Poetry, Exalting Jesus Christ, Holy Bible, Inspirational, Jesus Christ, King of Kings

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , ,

The sonnet The Cautionary Counsel Against Casting Sacred Pearls to Unheeding Swine draws from Matthew 7:6 to warn against sharing sacred truths or heartfelt treasures with those who would thoughtlessly disregard or harm them. It portrays personal thoughts and faith as precious pearls, easily trampled by the unappreciative, likened to swine. The poem urges discernment in offering such gifts, ensuring they’re given to hearts that honor their worth. Guided by Christ’s wisdom, who loved all yet taught prudence, it calls for sharing with care, protecting the holy from scorn while fostering trust in those who dwell in truth and grace.

Do not cast pearls where heedless feet will tread,
Nor spill your heart’s own wealth to callous hands.
The sacred truths, by gentle spirits bred,
Lie marred when flung to cold, unyielding lands.
Each thought you share, a gem of priceless worth,
Deserves a soul who sees its holy light.
Yet swine, unmindful, trample in the earth
What gleams with grace beneath the heavens’ sight.

O Christ, who spoke of pearls with wisdom’s care,
You bid us guard the gifts we hold in trust.
Your servant heart, though pierced, still sought to share
With love for all, yet warned of scorn’s unjust.
Discern the hour, let prudence be your guide—
Share pearls where hearts in truth and grace abide.

The Tragedy Of Betrayed Confidence by Debbie Harris

11 Friday Apr 2025

Posted by in Bible Centered Poetry, Christ Centered Devotionals, Christ-centered poetry, Christian Poetry, Exalting Jesus Christ, Holy Bible, Inspirational, Jesus Christ, King of Kings

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , ,

The sonnet “The Tragedy of Betrayed Confidence” portrays the profound pain of trust violated when a shared confidence is exposed. It depicts the sacred act of opening one’s heart as a tender gift, shattered by betrayal’s deceit, which spreads shame and isolates the betrayed. Contrasting this, Christ’s servant heart exemplifies perfect guardianship of trust, urging all to protect the vulnerable space where hearts are bared. The poem concludes by calling everyone to honor the trust placed in them, preventing the retreat of wounded hearts and upholding the sanctity of human connection.

A whispered truth, in tender trust bestowed,
Enfolds the heart where sacred thoughts dwell.
Yet when that bond, by careless lips, is mowed,
It casts the soul where bitter sorrows swell.
No blade cuts deeper than the friend’s deceit,
Who trades a confidence for fleeting gain.
The wound of words, once private, now replete,
Spreads shame abroad and leaves a lasting stain.

O Christ, who bore our griefs in silent grace,
Your servant heart kept every trust secure.
You call us still to shield the fragile space
Where souls unveil the heart’s most sacred core.
When confidence is broken, hearts retreat—
Lead all to honor hearts that trust complete.

The Tragedy Of Misused Power by Debbie Harris

11 Friday Apr 2025

Posted by in Bible Centered Poetry, Christ Centered Devotionals, Christian Poetry, Holy Bible, Inspirational, Jesus Christ, King of Kings, Royally Redeemed

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

The sonnet “The Tragedy of Misused Power” explores the harm caused when people misuse their influence for selfish ends, betraying trust and hurting others. It highlights how power, meant for good, can sow pain when misdirected, yet contrasts this with Christ’s example of servant leadership. Through His selfless love and sacrifice, He shows the ideal of using power to uplift others. The sonnet concludes by challenging all to embrace this model, leading with a servant’s heart to avoid the tragedy of misused power.

When mortal hands seize power’s fleeting sway,
They bend its force to self, and trust betray.
No tyrant’s throne, yet still the heart’s own greed
Can wound the souls that cry in silent need.
A whispered choice, a strength to harm or mend,
May break the weak or bid the lonely mend.
What might have bloomed to bless, when turned astray,
Sows bitter tears where love should light the way.

Yet Christ, the servant, shows the truer call—
His power knelt to lift the low, not fall.
No pride He sought, but gave Himself to bear
The cross of care for all who linger there.
O fleeting might, misused, we drift apart—
Rise, all, to lead with Christ’s own servant heart.

Triad of Praise: Sonnets Celebrating Jesus Christ, King of Kings and Lord of Lords by Debbie Harris

11 Friday Apr 2025

Posted by in Bible Centered Poetry, Christ Centered Devotionals, Christ-centered poetry, Christian Poetry, Exalting Jesus Christ, Holy Bible, Inspirational, Jesus Christ, King of Kings, Royally Redeemed

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , ,

This series of three sonnets—Shakespearean, Petrarchan, and Spenserian—celebrates the Christian calling to live in devotion to Jesus Christ, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Each poem reflects the joyful purpose of Christians to honor Jesus through praise, worship, and faithful living, inspired by His boundless grace and eternal reign. United as a “Triad of Praise,” the sonnets weave distinct poetic forms to express one truth: that Jesus’ name, sacrifice, and lordship ignite hearts to sing His glory forever. From triumphant proclamation to reflective adoration and enduring anthem, these verses invite readers to join the ceaseless celebration of the Savior who guides and redeems.

The Triumph of Christ (Shakespearean)

This Shakespearean sonnet proclaims that Christians live to celebrate Jesus, whose grace and resurrection inspire unending praise.

O Jesus Christ, whose name doth hearts inspire,
Thy boundless grace restores the soul’s lost way.
No storm can quench thy everlasting fire,
Nor night obscure the brilliance of thy day.
From manger low to cross of bitter pain,
Thy love did bear the weight of mortal sin.
Yet death could not thy holy might restrain,
For thou didst rise, eternal life to win.
Thy mercy flows where human hopes may fade,
In every tear, thy comfort softly lies.
Thy Word, a lamp, through darkness doth invade,
To guide the weary unto paradise.
So let us sing, with voices lifted high,
Thy name alone shall reign till earth and sky.

The Heart of Praise (Petrarchan)

This Petrarchan sonnet reflects on Christians’ calling to celebrate Jesus, finding joy in His mercy and eternal promise.

The Christian soul doth ever seek to raise,
Sweet Jesus’ name in songs of fervent love.
No earthly woe can still the heart’s true praise,
That soars to Him who reigns in light above.
His cross, His grace, our spirits’ constant guide,
Doth bid us live to glorify His throne.
In every deed, His truth shall e’er abide,
For Christ’s own heart hath claimed us as His own.
Yet deeper still, His mercy calls us near,
To celebrate with faith that never wanes.
Through trials sore, His love casts out all fear,
And binds our lives to worship’s sacred chains.
So Christians sing, their purpose ever clear,
To laud their Lord through all their earthly years.

The Life of Worship (Spenserian)

This Spenserian sonnet weaves a vision of Christians living to celebrate Jesus, their devotion flowing through time.


All Christians live to celebrate their King,
Whose holy name doth spark the soul’s delight.
With joyful hearts, His praises they do sing,
And walk by faith within His radiant light.
No darkness quells the fire of their sight,
For Jesus’ love doth ever lead them on.
Through every age, they lift His name in might,
Proclaiming grace from dawn to setting sun.
His cross’s truth shall never be undone,
It calls the faithful to a life of song.
In word and deed, their worship is begun,
To honor Him whose mercy makes them strong.
So let their lives forever testify,
That Christ alone is praised till earth and sky.

Sin Against The Soul’s Splendour by Debbie Harris

11 Friday Apr 2025

Posted by in Bible Centered Poetry, Christ Centered Devotionals, Christ-centered poetry, Christian Poetry, Exalting Jesus Christ, Holy Bible, Inspirational, Jesus Christ, King of Kings

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , ,

The quatrain, titled Sin Against the Soul’s Splendor, declares that scorning a soul redeemed by Christ’s sacred love is the gravest sin. It emphasizes the soul’s divine worth, crafted in God’s image and radiant with His light, asserting that each heart mirrors the eternal splendor of His name.

To scorn a soul, by sacred love restored,
Is vilest sin, defiling heaven’s aim;
In God’s own image, by His light adorned,
Each heart reflects the splendor of His name.

Sonnet: Christ’s Love Undeterred by Debbie Harris

10 Thursday Apr 2025

Posted by in Bible Centered Poetry, Christ Centered Devotionals, Christ-centered poetry, Christian Poetry, Exalting Jesus Christ, Holy Bible, Inspirational, Jesus Christ, King of Kings

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The majestic sonnet exalts Christ’s love as an invincible, divine force, unyielding against tempests, sin, or despair. With regal imagery, it portrays His mercy as a boundless river, the cross as a throne of glory, and His grace as a celestial light. No power can thwart this sovereign love, and the final line proclaims that through Christ’s salvation, all souls find love.

No tempest dares to quell Christ’s holy flame,
Its radiance gilds the blackest void with might.
Though sin’s grim hosts in shadowed fury claim,
His sovereign grace ascends, eternal light.

No fetter forged can bind His boundless heart,
No mortal dread can veil His sacred vow.
When earthly thrones in ruin fall apart,
His love prevails, a crown that none can bow.

The cross, a throne of glory’s sacrifice,
Defies the tides of anguish and despair.
From wounds divine, His mercy’s rivers rise,
To cleanse the soul and rend the dark asunder.

O love supreme, no power can disprove,
In Christ’s salvation, all souls find love.

A Majestic Ode to Psalm 91’s Sovereign Lord, Whose Eternal Protection and Triumph Crown the Faithful by Debbie Harris

10 Thursday Apr 2025

Posted by in Bible Centered Poetry, Christ Centered Devotionals, Christ-centered poetry, Christian Poetry, Exalting Jesus Christ, Holy Bible, Inspirational, Jesus Christ, King of Kings, Royally Redeemed

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

This sonnet, a majestic ode inspired by Psalm 91, exalts God as a sovereign King whose radiant power and eternal glory protect the faithful. Portrayed as enthroned in fiery splendor, God’s unassailable authority repels all threats—storms, plagues, and chaos—rendering them powerless before His royal command. His angelic legions joyfully guard His chosen, ensuring their safety through darkness and turmoil. While worldly empires crumble, the faithful rise unscathed, fortified by God’s truth and soaring in spirit. The sonnet culminates in a triumphant proclamation of God’s unending reign, celebrating His victory that shields the soul from all strife and crowns it with everlasting life. Its regal, victorious tone mirrors Psalm 91’s assurance of divine refuge and deliverance for those who trust in the Almighty.

Great King of Heaven, crowned in endless fire,
Thy throne of glory gilds the starry skies;
No foe can breach the ramparts of Thy spire,
Where faithful hearts in radiant splendor rise.

The tempest kneels before Thy royal decree,
No plague endures Thy scepter’s holy might;
Thy legions, clad in light, proclaim Thy glee,
To shield Thy flock through chaos and the night.

Though empires quake and mortal glories fade,
Thy chosen stand, their spirits soaring high,
By truth’s great shield eternally arrayed.

All laud the Lord who reigns o’er vast empire!
His triumph guards the soul through every strife,
Forever crowned in everlasting life.

Following Jesus Through the Narrow Gate to Rest in Divine Applause by Debbie Harris

10 Thursday Apr 2025

Posted by in Bible Centered Poetry, Christ-centered poetry, Christian Poetry, Exalting Jesus Christ, Holy Bible, Inspirational, Jesus Christ, King of Kings

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , ,

The sonnet explores the spiritual journey of walking the narrow path guided by Jesus, choosing integrity and faith over worldly success. It portrays this path as challenging, devoid of earthly rewards like wealth or fame, yet rich in divine truth and peace. Despite closed doors and societal scorn, the speaker finds strength in Christ’s love, which sustains hope and joy. The poem culminates in the assurance that following Jesus leads to an eternal reward, symbolized by resting in “heaven’s acclaim”—divine approval far surpassing temporal gains. Written in traditional sonnet form (14 lines, iambic pentameter, with a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG), it weaves biblical imagery and emotional resonance to affirm the value of a faithful life.

The narrow way, where Jesus leads with grace,
Winds far from gilded halls of earthly praise.
Its steps, though steep, bid honest hearts embrace
A path unmoved by wealth’s alluring blaze.
No crowns of gold await the faithful stride,
No fleeting fame to soothe the weary soul,
Yet in His truth, where humble steps abide,
The spirit finds a peace that makes it whole.
When doors of worldly gain by faith are closed,
And scornful eyes deride the righteous choice,
His love sustains where mortal hope erodes,
A whispered strength that bids the heart rejoice.
Though narrow roads no earthly riches claim,
In Christ’s own steps, we rest in heaven’s acclaim.

A Sonnet Reflecting on How a Society’s Drift from God Correlates with a Decline in the Beauty of Its Architecture, Poetry, Apparel, and Music by Debbie Harris

10 Thursday Apr 2025

Posted by in Bible Centered Poetry, Christ Centered Devotionals, Christ-centered poetry, Christian Poetry, Holy Bible, Inspirational, Jesus Christ, King of Kings, Royally Redeemed

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

This Petrarchan sonnet explores the spiritual and cultural decay resulting from a society’s drift from God, contrasted with the redemptive restoration of beauty through salvation’s gift. The octave depicts a bleak decline: as souls abandon divine truth, architecture’s sacred forms turn cold and gloomy, poetry loses its grace, apparel dims without holy hues, and music’s anthems fade into discord, mirroring a broader loss of beauty when faith wanes. The sestet shifts to hope, proclaiming that salvation, freely given through Christ’s indwelling presence, revives the arts. Spires and psalms rise in sacred splendor, renewed forms restore God’s beauty across all creative expressions, songs glorify Him with rapturous praise, and truth takes root in hearts eternally. Structured with an ABBAABBA CDEDDD rhyme scheme, the sonnet uses vivid imagery—mire, cold arches, soaring spires, and roaring songs—to weave a narrative of loss and triumph, illustrating how society’s rejection of God dulls its arts, while His grace rekindles their biblical splendor.

When souls from God’s eternal truth depart,
The mire engulfs where once His beauty shone,
And sacred forms in stone to gloom are gone,
Their arches cold, unlovely to the heart.
No poet’s verse with heaven’s grace does start,
Nor garments gleam where holy hues belong,
But music wanes, its anthems lost to wrong,
And beauty fades where faith should play its part.
Yet salvation’s gift, so freely giv’n, restores,
Because of Christ within, the arts soar,
Where spires and psalms in sacred splendor soar,
In forms renewed, God’s beauty now restores,
And songs glorify God in rapturous roar,
To plant His truth in hearts forevermore.

Looking unto Jesus, Whose Beauty Diminishes All Earthly Sights by Debbie Harris

10 Thursday Apr 2025

Posted by in Bible Centered Poetry, Christ-centered poetry, Christian Poetry, Exalting Jesus Christ, Holy Bible, Inspirational, Jesus Christ, King of Kings

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , ,

The sonnet is a devotional meditation on the transformative power of focusing on Jesus Christ. It begins with the imagery of morning light warming the soul, symbolizing spiritual awakening through a gaze toward Christ. This act of looking to Him stirs joy, banishes fear, and seals a sense of wholeness through grace. The poem presents Christ as the ultimate refuge and goal, whose name inspires unwavering reverence and strength, enabling the soul to soar toward eternal hope and love. Contrasting fleeting worldly rewards with Christ’s redemptive love, it emphasizes that no earthly prize can compare to the glory of His sacrifice, which sets the soul free. The poem culminates in a call to live inspired by His grace, offering deep worship and celebrating His victory through eternal praise. Structured as a Petrarchan sonnet (ABBAABBA CDDCDC), it weaves light, glory, and grace to convey how Christ’s beauty overshadows all earthly distractions, aligning perfectly with the title’s theme of diminishing lesser sights in His presence.

When morning breaks with light that warms the soul,
A gaze to Christ, the heart’s eternal song,
Awakes a joy where fears no more belong,
A triumph sealed where grace has made us whole.
His name alone, our refuge and our goal,
Bestows a reverence steadfast, pure, and strong,
A strength to soar where hope and love prolong,
And calls the spirit toward its heav’nly goal.
No fleeting prize, no crown the world may give,
Can match the love that bled to set us free,
The Son whose wounds eternal glory weave.
His grace alone inspires the life we live,
In worship deep, we claim His victory,
To laud His grace in anthems of His glory.