Poetry

The Battlefield

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2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 (NASB)

On the battlefield of my mind
where the sounds and sights and smells
of this old world unwind.
Well, the battle won for God would sure be fine,
on the battlefield of my mind.

There’s no question what artillery
this soldier should employ,
cause Jesus fought Satan with
the firepower of scripture,
on the battlefield.

Let’s give the Lord the high ground
Let Him command the field
This day and the ones to follow
let us see what they may yield.
This holy war is fought on battlefields
in the hearts and minds of men
Raise the flag of our God
and sound the call
of victory.
© Joel Tipple

New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation

Male Chauvinist Eidetic Reprobate

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Anyone doubting the fall of man,
or the monkey wrench that Adam
tossed into God’s plan
need only spend time in the brain
of a guy.

Any guy,
just any average bloke,
beyond the age of puberty,
that’s when we are smote.
Brought low we all are,
though desire is natural,
enough being enough
just doesn’t seem quite factual.

At some point all men
act the part of male chauvinists
so objectification becomes ordinariness.
Our eidetic brains compile images
of female parts
and rate them as though for
elaborate charts.

Reprobates all, constant prayer and focus
on God’s will for our minds must be our locus.
It’s not easy, challenging habits ingrained,
not impossible, but worthwhile, taking some pains.
Viewing all women,
at all times
as not objects,
but our sisters, mothers,
aunts, and friends,
worthy of love in its highest form…
and respect.

© Joel Tipple

(Note: Dictionary roulette words are entirely chosen at random, really!)

In the Midst of the Storm

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22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, 24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
29 “Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Matthew 14:22-33 NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®

In the middle of my storms Lord
I’ve called to You
and asked You to calm the weather
But Your plans for me turned out to be
something so much better.
You gave me courage and strengthened my faith
so I could ride it through,
plus You promised You would never leave
so I could walk with You.
There’s no storm that I will ever face
that will defeat me with You by my side.
With each one that blows, my faith also
grows. I can endure with You by my side.

© Joel Tipple

This is a Recording

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The recording that’s playing,
running in your mind,
that condemns at every turn,
only to rewind,
is not correction or direction
unless you count the blind alleys.
This voice makes it difficult
to rebound or to rally.
It’s not an encouraging voice
to bring you to the fold.
It’s purpose is to bludgeon,
criticize and scold.
Its name is Self-Talk,
and if this sounds like your own,
record new material, call yourself
on the phone. Read what God
says about you
apply some of that.
Let His voice redeem yours;
set your mind to this task.

© Joel Tipple

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

light

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Light brakes
hard
striking the earth at its speed

revealing a million surfaces
clothed in a revelation
too bright
this glittering sight

inside I carefully replace the blind
but some light leaks in
where the corner bends
and the room’s transformed
from the night

then brighter bright
multi-hued
faceted light
moves quickly left and right

day begins
where night has been
the sun’s great sight
moves dark aside

till memory is light
and recedes to night
to hold warm tight
under covers till light
comes again

© Joel Tipple

(Originally published 8:03 7-18-13 Edited 15:08)

Your Tears

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Your tears weren’t meant to fall that way
sideways to the sheet
I much prefer the way they trace
lines of joy upon your face
round where those groups of freckles meet

Your tears weren’t meant to fall that way
frightened in alarm
I’d really rather see them well
to see a child saved from harm

Your tears weren’t meant to fall that way
trying to bear the pain
I think I’d like to see them mix
with a refreshing summer rain

Your tears weren’t meant to fall that way
so if a mere man has any say
if God wills no more days of sadness play
please tears of joy fill her days
and make the rest of those tears fall that way

© Joel Tipple

Dance

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(D)reams are placed by God
deep within us…

(A)spirations born,
to be nurtured or left.

(N)one of us can say
we are bereft
of vision.

(C)alled we all are,
though buried deep
in our chest.

(E)ndings come too soon,
our lives are but a blink.
We can choose to dance in heaven,
or trip over the brink.

© Joel Tipple

To Read

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As a child
it amazed me
that people
could write things
almost as incredible
as the stuff in my mind.

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Do you mean
you can write those things down,
and people will read them,
adding their own sounds?

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It’s hard to find words
to describe
how much words
mean to me.
It’s like living in a city
that grows
new streets every day.

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I hope growing up
doesn’t mean
I stop loving
the words in the books…
the stories in the books…
the adventures in those books…
that I read today.

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© Joel Tipple

Not so fast

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Wait,
when you’re tired and you just want it over.
Wait,
when the words will be harsh.
Wait,
when your mind screams how unfair it is,
and you want a re-counting or re-slicing or
re-whatever.
It’s not about
whether
someone
has it
worse,
better,
or even the same.
This is between
God and you
whether you ever
get the sun or the rain.
Well done good and faithful servant
are the words you’re waiting to hear,
and then you won’t remember the pain.

This you know, my beloved brethren. But let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20

Stake your claim

Life’s too short
to save it
for the fourth.
Don’t wait till July
to let your rockets fly.
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Declare independence
from the rut you’re in
and stake your claim,
the time to begin…
is now.
Once in your life
you have to stake your claim
take stock
of the junk
that is holding you down.
God doesn’t doesn’t bring anyone
into this world
without a purpose
so ask Him,
expect an answer,
He won’t let you down.