Well, poems have been few and far between at The Consolations of Writing recently, mostly because – I must admit – I’ve been slightly distracted by my recent engagement to an absolutely wonderful girl, Hannah. This week I have distractions of another kind: a week-long, short-term mission in my own city, Melbourne. Today’s poem isContinue reading “Hospitality”
Category Archives: Devotional
Catechism 36
What do we believe about the Holy Spirit? That he is God, coeternal with the Father and the Son, and that God grants him irrevocably to all who believe. (New City Catechism) God’s wind blows wherever it wills – blows and leads the soul to life. The Spirit draws the dying spirit, draws and enters,Continue reading “Catechism 36”
Catechism 35
Since we are redeemed by grace alone, through faith alone, where does this faith come from? All the gifts we receive from Christ we receive through the Holy Spirit, including faith itself. (New City Catechism) Even faith’s a gift: the thought that I can stretch out my hand and take free giftContinue reading “Catechism 35”
“August Sabbath”, and eight years of poetry
Eight years ago today, I began writing poetry. It was a beautiful spring day – the promise of things to come. But, as is so often the case at the end of a Melbourne winter, the spring was fragile. Cool weather could return at any moment and snap up the new growth. I was aboutContinue reading ““August Sabbath”, and eight years of poetry”
Catechism 34
Since we are redeemed by grace alone, through Christ alone, must we still do good works and obey God’s Word? Yes, because Christ, having redeemed us by his blood, also renews us by his Spirit; so that our lives may show love and gratitude to God; so that we may be assured of our faithContinue reading “Catechism 34”
Catechism 33
Should those who have faith in Christ seek their salvation through their own works, or anywhere else? No, they should not, as everything necessary to salvation is found in Christ. To seek salvation through good works is a denial that Christ is the only Redeemer and Savior. (New City Catechism) Continue reading “Catechism 33”
Catechism 32
What do justification and sanctification mean? Justification means our declared righteousness before God, made possible by Christ’s death and resurrection for us. Sanctification means our gradual, growing righteousness, made possible by the Spirit’s work in us. (New City Catechism) First, declared – altogether Continue reading “Catechism 32”
Catechism 31
What do we believe by true faith? Everything taught to us in the gospel. The Apostles’ Creed expresses what we believe in these words… (New City Catechism) We believe: Almighty Father – maker of all living things, all things sustaining, holding all. We believe: One Son, one Lord – JesusContinue reading “Catechism 31”
Kingdom
The teachers of the law deceive, devour; The humble king is quizzed on His own law. The pure in heart see God; the kingdom’s poor Inherit what the rich lose with their power. Great David’s greater Son knows that His hour Is soon to come; He knows the loving score Composed and tuned by Father’sContinue reading “Kingdom”
Catechism 30
What is faith in Jesus Christ? Faith in Jesus Christ is acknowledging the truth of everything that God has revealed in his Word, trusting in him, and also receiving and resting on him alone for salvation as he is offered to us in the gospel. (New City Catechism) Price paid – rest. Continue reading “Catechism 30”
The Consolations of Writing 