The poem, titled “Exalted by Grace: The Redeemed, Born-Again Rise in Christ’s Victory”, is a triumphant celebration of the hope and victory found by the redeemed and born-again when they feel insignificant or dismissed by worldly powers. Written in the third person with gender-neutral language, it portrays “they” (the redeemed, born-again) as overcoming scorn and rejection through the grace and love of Jesus, the eternal King. The poem emphasizes their radiant worth, unshaken hope, and exalted status in Christ’s victory over death, which redeems and renews them. Inspired by John 18:36-37, it underscores Jesus’ divine kingdom and purpose, affirming that His sacrifice gives eternal value to every soul, far beyond human recognition.

Bible Reference: John 18:36-37 (ESV)

36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”
37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.”

Connection to the Poem

The poem draws directly from John 18:36 (“My kingdom is not of this world”) to highlight Jesus’ transcendent kingship, which surpasses the earthly powers that may reject or devalue individuals. The passage’s focus on Christ’s purpose—bearing witness to the truth and calling those who hear Him—mirrors the poem’s depiction of the redeemed, born-again finding their identity, worth, and victory in His love and sacrifice, independent of worldly validation.

Though shadows loom and voices scorn,
When earthly powers cast them aside,
They rise with eyes to glory born—
The King of Kings exalts their stride.

No mortal crown can dim their light,
No fleeting slight can break their soul.
In Christ’s great love, they shine so bright,
His victory makes them whole.

“My kingdom is not of this world,” He spoke,
Yet for this world, He conquered death.
Each soul He claims, each chain He broke,
In His embrace, they find their breath.

No longer lost, unseen, or small,
They stand where earthly rulers fade.
The eternal King has crowned them all,
Their hope in Jesus never sways.

The sonnet based on Isaiah 1:18 reflects God’s invitation to reason and seek forgiveness. It portrays sin as scarlet and crimson stains that God promises to cleanse, making the soul pure and white as snow. The poem emphasizes divine mercy, the transformative power of grace, and the call to turn from darkness to God’s light through repentance and faith.

“Come now, let us reason,” speaks the Lord,
His voice a balm to hearts in sin’s embrace.
Though scarlet stains your soul, His sacred word
Proclaims a path to purity and grace.
Your crimson guilt, like blood upon the snow,
He offers to make white as winter’s gleam.
Through mercy’s might, His love shall overflow,
And wash away the shadows of your dream.
No deed too dark, no fault beyond His reach,
His reasoned call invites the soul to turn.
In humble steps, His righteousness beseech,
And find the fire of His compassion burn.
O hear His plea, let reason guide your way,
For grace transforms the night to endless day.

The poem for the trend “Overcoming Profanity with Divine Praise: Jesus Christ, Eternal King of Kings and Lord of Lords” addresses the misuse of Jesus Christ’s name through blasphemy or swearing. It calls for reversing such profanity by proclaiming His divine glory. The poem highlights the power of His holy name, undimmed by curses, and affirms His eternal sovereignty with the declaration: “Yes, Jesus Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords!”

When blasphemous words dare to profane,
Or swears misuse our Savior’s name,
Reverse the curse, let truth be heard,
Proclaim His glory, undeterred:
Yes, Jesus Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

The poem, titled “Hallelujah to Jesus Christ: His Blood Redeems Our Souls with Forgiveness and Eternal Salvation”, inspired by Colossians 1:13-14 (KJV), joyfully celebrates the triumphant redemption and forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ’s sacrificial blood. It depicts God’s powerful deliverance of humanity from the darkness of sin into the kingdom of His beloved Son, highlighting Christ’s love and mercy as the source of eternal salvation. With a victorious and hope-filled tone, the poem exalts Jesus as the Redeemer, proclaiming His glory and the freedom found in His cross. It concludes with heartfelt praise and unwavering hope in Christ, affirming His eternal reign as the Savior.

Colossians 1:13-14 (KJV): “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

From darkness’ grip, from sin’s cruel chain,
He broke our bonds, He crushed our pain!
The Father’s grace, in power divine,
Has brought us to His Son’s design.

O Jesus Christ, our glorious Lord,
Your blood has won our soul’s reward!
Through sacrifice, our guilt is gone,
Forgiveness flows where love has shone.

No shadow stands where light prevails,
Your cross, O Christ, forever hails!
Redeemed, we rise, by mercy free,
All glory to our King shall be!

With joyful hearts, we sing Your praise,
Exalt Your name through endless days.
In You, our hope shall never dim,
Jesus, our Redeemer’s hymn!

The sonnet, titled “A Sonnet on Psalm 16:8: ‘I Keep My Eyes Always on the Lord. With Him at My Right Hand, I Will Not Be Shaken’”, captures the themes of steadfast trust and divine guidance from Psalm 16:8 (NIV). Written in Shakespearean form (14 lines, iambic pentameter, ABAB CDCD EFEF GG rhyme scheme), it depicts a soul whose unwavering focus on God ensures resilience against fear and adversity. The soul remains unshaken, bolstered by God’s constant presence, strength, and love, even through trials. Key imagery includes firm steps (“their steps are firm”), a divine shield, and a sacred path, leading to eternal joy and hope.

The soul’s fixed gaze on God shall never stray,
With heaven’s presence constant at its side.
No fear can dim the peace that hope arrays,
For in divine embrace the soul abides.
Though tempests roar and shadows veil the light,
Their steps are firm, the spirit stands secure.
God’s might upholds the soul through fiercest fight,
A shield of grace, eternal and pure.
No doubt can shake the trust the soul holds dear,
For God, its refuge, kindles sacred flame.
Joy fills the heart where faith forever clears,
And lifts all burdens to a holy name.
With eyes on God, the soul treads sacred way,
Unshaken, held by love that none can sway.