| INTRODUCTION |
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The 14 poems in this group were all written by Laurence J. Twinam of Sevenoaks, Kent.
After being put in touch by another brother – George Milne of Birmingham – who exchanged letters with me,
Though we have never met face to face, we shared many similar concerns arising out of the exercises of that troubled time and the preceding years.
Laurie wrote recently – 1998 – "It's encouraging to hear that you remember 'Single Eye' and the various poems that were included. Certainly I have no objection to your circulating the poems".
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Gordon Rainbow.
Windows in heaven! the tidings came true! Windows in heaven – what do you mean? Windows in heaven – fashioned by God – Windows in heaven – relief for mankind, Windows in heaven – shuttered up tight, Windows in heaven – flung open wide! Windows in heaven – open for you! Windows in heaven – Jesus we see
And as he lay there helpless
A priest and then a levite
Their valued reputation
So had they not a judgment
But soon there came a Stranger,
That Stranger on a journey had
'Take care of him' he pleaded,
So when you find some casualty What doest thou, Elijah, here? What doest thou, Elijah, here? What doest thou, Elijah, here? What doest thou, Elijah, here? What doest thou, believer, here?
"and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they drank of a spiritual rock which followed [them]: The cloudy, fiery pillar led, For forty long and bitter years, Unchanged amid the shifting sands, So courage take, dear Christian friend, That Rock alone which never fails O Rock of Ages, Thou alone I heard the voice of Jesus cry I hear the voice of Jesus now I hear the voice of Jesus still
Masterpiece of bold deception! 'Out of her, My people, hasten!' God Himself provides a Refuge: Scorned by twentieth-cent'ry builders, Vision of God's holy city, He towered above the people's heads, In house of Dagon, Dagon stood, All glory to our Saviour-King, Exodus 25:18-20 2 Chronicles 3:13 Luke 15:20-24 A Jew of course who chanced to be The High priest only, once a year But now God's glorious gospel's preached, The work of Jesus is complete! And by this New and Living Way The sweetness of that grace Full garnered fruits of time With Thee, released at last Apostles of the Lamb, No more Thy scattered sheep, Of faithful grace the fruit, Thy reign 'a thousand years' Each ransomed heart is filled Each part in perfect blend, 'Twas even then, in winter time, 'Twas Jesu's voice which Mary heard The bitt'rest blasts bring sweetest fruit, The stormy waves and thunderflash, The heart of the Almighty God Oh yes, He is a powerful God, David declares God's gentleness He suffered for our sinfulness, And so we learn it's often best Whose hand is this, which holds the depths of space His handiwork's on every side displayed – He made us too, we're creatures of His hand, Whose Word is this, which with unerring skill Whose touch is this that calms my troubled sea,Windows in Heaven
A scoffer exclaimed incredulously –
Flour at a shekel while death's at the door
Nothing for Israel but famine and war!
Heaven's relief for the needy came through!
Thousands by bountiful mercy were stirred
(Trampling the captain who scoffed at God's word!).
Astronauts tell us that none can be seen:
Limitless wonders in fathomless space,
But windows in heaven no science can trace.
Gazed at the path that the Saviour trod;
Myriads of angels rejoiced at His birth,
Heaven delighted in Jesus on earth.
Strength for the cripples and sight for the blind,
Healing for lepers, release for the slave,
Even the dead were reclaimed from the grave!
Even the noon-sun was shrouded by night;
Three hours' abandonment Jesus endured,
Died that our sorrows might ever be cured.
Risen, ascended, the Saviour who died!
Come as you are for His mercy is free,
Saving for time and eternity.
Savour God's mercy and start life anew!
Judgment on scoffers must fall in the end;
Glory for those who on mercy depend.
Crownèd with honour and high majesty;
Foes will be crushed in His judgment role,
But if He's your Saviour, He'll fill your soul!Casualty (1975)
Half-naked in the mud,
His tragic course was ending,
His stab-wounds oozing blood;
He'd had a bright beginning,
At life he'd made a try,
But ruthless crooks had robbed him
And left him there to die.
In agonising pain,
He sorrowed that he'd never
His life and strength regain;
He bitterly regretted
The downward path he'd trod,
His natural bent that led him
To turn away from God.
Arrived upon the spot,
With care they kept their distance
For fear their robes they'd blot;
Involve themselves – not likely!
In such a sordid case,
For such unpleasant problems
They'd never had to face.
Would certainly abate …
Yes, better far to leave him
To his pathetic fate …
'Besides, these reckless youngsters
Deserve to pay the price,
And even when they're older
They don't ask our advice …'
Of such a course of sin?
His carcase was defiling,
They'd better save their skin!
Sure, through their tender mercies
The victim would have died;
Deliberately they passed him by
Upon the other side!
Samaritan, despised;
Immediately attentive,
That ebbing life he prized;
And kneeling in the roadway
Close to the victim's side,
His skill and his resources
He tenderly applied.
The whole world on his mind,
And yet as top priority
Was to his neighbour kind;
Those wounds he bound securely,
Then for a gentle ride
He laid him on his donkey
And trudged along beside.
'Just soothe away his pain,
And feed and clothe and nurse him
Until I come again;
And then my dear innkeeper,
However long he's stayed,
I'll guarantee your outlay
Is handsomely repaid'.
Is tempting to ignore,
Recall the words of Jesus,
That parable of yore;
Remember he's your neighbour
Although you weren't to blame;
Obey those words of Jesus,
'Go thou, and do the same'.Elijah's Conversion
O mighty man, yet pressed with fear,
O challenger of Jezebel,
With name well known in heav'n and hell,
Yet now with sorry tale to tell!
Why downcast thou, with visage drear?
The Mighty Questioner gives ear:
Elijah tells his heart's deep pain;
'Thy prophets by the sword are slain,
And I, I only, now remain,
My future's anything but clear!'
At turning point in thy career,
By mighty wind the rocks are rent,
An earthquake then its force gives vent,
And fire is by Jehovah sent;
Jehovah's not in these we hear.
Soft, gentle voice remains so clear:
It penetrates thy chastened heart;
Face covered, deeply moved thou art,
With God in grace afresh to start;
Subdued, Elijah the austere!
Thy stern assessment's too severe!
Reply divine of grace unswerved
That seven thousand God's reserved
Whom Baal never once have served;
God's gracious answer, full of cheer!
(To slip your name in do not fear)
God teaches us through discipline,
Though firm our faith and tough our skin,
That grace alone the heart can win;
Our spirits else are out of gear!The Rock that Followed
(now the rock was the Christ;)", 1 Corinthians 10: 4
The rock was struck by Moses rod;
Its sparkling flow refreshed those souls
Redeemed from Egypt by their God;
And then, when they had drunk their fill,
The Rock once smitten followed still.
While trumpet pealed its silver sound;
The golden Ark, three days ahead,
Their resting-places sought and found;
And patiently, through good and ill,
The Rock once smitten followed still.
The people wandered in the waste;
How grievously they tempted God!
They wearied of the manna's taste;
Yet bearing with their rebel will,
That Rock once smitten followed still.
Despite their many failures sore,
Unnoticed came that smitten Rock,
Obscure, behind them not before,
Until secure in Canaan's land
Complete the work of Mercy's hand.
When trumpet's blast you cannot hear,
Nor cloud, nor fiery sign discern;
Your eye too dim, too dull your ear;
Discover then with holy thrill –
The Rock once smitten follows still!
Through time and to eternity;
That smitten Rock refreshment brings
And shelter and security;
The more we feel our frailty,
We prove that Rock, O Lord, in Thee!
Consolest in extremity!
O Refuge Thou for broken hearts,
Our all-sufficient Remedy!
Thou Rearguard-Rock, with shepherd's skill,
Who gav'st Thy life, yet followest still.The Voice of Jesus
Across the scenes of time,
The voice of the Man who suffered here
In patience so sublime,
The voice of the Man who died and rose
Reached even unto me –
A guilty and God-forgetful lad
Of the twentieth century –
He had staked His claim on my sinful heart
When He died at Calvary.
As he suffered there for me,
The Victim of religious pride
And wanton cruelty.
The fiery blast of the judgment of God
He bore for our guilty race;
'Tis finished!' His cry rang out to the skies!
His work is my faith's sure base;
He clave asunder my doubts and fears
With His gleaming shaft of grace.
If I get off the track;
He pleads with me so tenderly
If e'er I turn my back.
O why ever should One so high so great,
Concern Himself with me,
And in spite of all my weaknesses
Prove still my Friend to be!
The volume of His unspeakable grace
Is like the boundless sea!
As I go on my way,
He's sent His Holy Spirit down
To teach me not to stray.
No voice for me like the Shepherd's voice
Who gave His life for me;
He gives His sheep eternal life,
From death He's set them free,
And for ever we'll hear those matchless tones
In His own blest company!The City
Buildings, culture, skyward soaring,
Fair and free its bold appearance,
Flourishing and independent,
Widest admiration drawing.
Miracle of Satan's genius!
Blood of Jesus Christ the Righteous
Stains the page of guilty hist'ry
Thin veneer hides sin most heinous.
City purposed for destruction,
Drunk with blood of saints and prophets,
Deadly den of evil spirits,
Climax of sin's introduction!
Jesus Christ, the Rock of Ages.
In the midst of dire confusion,
Pride, presumption, propaganda,
His intrinsic glory blazes!
Still remains God's firm foundation;
Labours yet His Holy Spirit,
Perfecting in separation
Mystery of Christ's assembly,
Baffling Hade's machination.
Glorious, from on high descending,
Framed by heavenly Designer.
Filled with trophies of redemption,
Fitted for response unending!Triple Victory
By head and shoulders higher,
Their boasted 'universal lead',
Fruit of their base desire.
No longer God their only king,
So wrath on Israel Saul must bring,
Though yet awhile Saul's praise they sing.
God wisely waits; His grace (unsought)
Surpasses all the people's thought,
For Zion's King is in reserve,
And all events God's counsels serve.
Six cubits and a span,
And Israel's armies, trembling,
Cried 'What a mighty man!'
The ranks of Philistinian lords,
Receivers of the giant's rewards,
Acclaimed him, sharpening their swords!
Then from obscurity appears,
Of beauteous form and tender years,
Deliverer from Satan's power;
He triumphs in the darkest hour!
Mere idol, reckoned wise,
Designed by hands of sinful men
Deceived by cunning lies.
Men even placed, in foolish pride,
The Ark of God by Dagon's side;
God's holy presence they defied!
Then swiftly, under judgment's frown,
The boastful god came crashing down,
His hands and head, both power and mind,
To everlasting shame consigned!
Man after God's own heart!
In Jesus Christ these types unite,
The shadows all depart;
His worth outshines man's boastful sway,
He died – and made death's might give way,
Yea, none in hell His arm can stay!
And now the victory is won,
We'll swell the praise of God's dear Son;
To Him alone be lasting fame!
All honour to His royal Name!Between the Cherubim
With flashing sword the Cherubim
Stood constantly on guard,
Lest one of Adam's guilty race,
Estranged from God his Maker's face,
Should eat of Eden's tree of life,
Begetting endless sin and strife!
To fallen Adam and his wife
God's government seemed hard.
But see! The golden Cherubim
Gaze down on Jesu's blood;
Hebrews 9:11-13
Their searching and judicial eyes
Romans 3:21-26
On all-sufficient sacrifice
For ever on God's mercy seat;
Such blood each holy claim can meet,
God's righteousness can sinner's greet,
Peace, joy and hope can bud!
The faces of the Cherubim
Look forth towards mankind,
Towards the house; their faces spell
God's boundless love, with men He'll dwell;
The blood of Christ God's heart sets free
For blessing universally,
For myriad men in liberty
Is what His love designed.
The Father's eye looks out afar
For prodigal's return;
For all the time his back was turned
God's pent-up love has constant burned;
So perfectly Christ's work is done,
The Father's feet can swiftly run,
Receiving him as long-lost son;
Between the Cherubim God dwells
Yet purest love His heart impels,
His greeting endless blessing tells
From heaven's deep exhaustless wells;
God's nature thus we learn!Through the Veil
Whose heart toward Jehovah drew
Had need to bring a sacrifice
For which he'd have to bear the price;
He'd not get far within the court
Although his God he truly sought,
Just to the entrance of the tent
To meet the priest, then home he went.
Born in the priestly family
Permitted was by special grace
To serve within the Holy Place;
But not the Holiest through the Veil,
To keep this law no priest would fail,
Nor e'er omit to wash his flesh;
The laver kept him clean and fresh.
Inside the Veil, in deepest fear
Must go with blood of bull and goat
Lest God both Priest and people smote!
To Israel God was unrevealed
As Light and Love; he stayed concealed,
The Holiest was dark as night,
Its beauties hid from human sight.
Creation's limits it has reached,
God's mercy-seat once hid from sight
Is now set forth in brightest light;
The Mercy-seat is Jesus Christ
Whose perfect life's been sacrificed
For sin, an Off'ring once for all,
So widely sounds the gospel's call!
A holy God can sinners meet,
And Jews and gentiles, black and white,
Can find acceptance in His sight;
For us Christ's gone within the Veil,
Our confidence need never fail,
And 'through the Veil' we now draw near;
What privilege! Love casts out fear!
Can enter Christians every day;
No need to wash our hands and feet;
The Fathers' love has made us meet!
To every challenge as to fitness
The blood and water are the witness,
So let us use all holy boldness
To overcome 'religious' coldness!Rapture
That every one of Thine
Thy voice shall hear, and rapt'rously,
Shall see Thy face divine?
Expent on sinners here,
Abiding still, expanded far
In all who've proved it dear!
Brought home to part no more,
From every age and tongue and clime,
Together to adore!
From age-long graves on earth,
Are martyrs, pilgrims of the past,
Ecstatic, holy mirth!
With myriad saints of yore
Unknown on earth, with heav'nly name,
How rich these faithful poor!
No trace of earthly woes;
Secured by Shepherd-love so deep,
Beyond the reach of foes.
Whate'er their lives had been,
Are all whose faith in Thee took root;
Thy blood has washed them clean.
Brings faithfulness' rewards;
Eternity still sweeter yields
Responsive worship's chords.
With sweet, sustained delight,
As harp at touch of minstrel thrilled
Vibrates with music bright.
Celestial music swells,
Its stimulation ne'er will end
For love divine it tells!Winter's Fruit
In Jewish porch of Solomon,
In temple with Jehovah's Name
But all its former glories gone;
With icy blast of callous pride
They mocked their own Messiah there,
Yet steadfast and unswervingly
He walked before their stony stare.
That Jesus told them of His sheep:
So deep His love, unchangeable,
Each one secure He'd surely keep;
The winter storms alone He'd brave
To give His sheep eternal life,
Alone He'd bear the cross and grave
And shelter them from all the strife.
That early resurrection-morn;
Her winter inconsolable,
She wept by empty grave, forlorn;
His voice addressed her tenderly,
'Twas Jesu's face which met her gaze
In endless life, a heavenly Man;
Then, by the warmth of summer's rays
Her winter figs' were mellowed fast,
So sweet to her Beloved's taste.
The winter figs for mellowing;
Adversity produces such
If we our Lord are following;
We'll hear His voice 'The winter's past,
The rain is over, it is gone!'
The time of song will come at last
When flowers appear to greet the Sun;
E'en now He warms our earthly days
How bright, undimmed, the heavenly blaze!Gentleness
impressive, hold our gaze,
But there is also gentleness
in the Almighty's ways;
We sense it in the summer breeze
and when the snowflakes fall,
In lapping wavelets, baby birds …
in spring buds, most of all.
is full of gentleness –
Creation's works on every hand
this tenderness express –
We see it in the Manger-Child,
and in His teaching too;
We hear His words ‘Forgive them,
for they know not what they do’.
for who could this deny
When we survey the sun and moon,
the wonders in the sky ?
But all God's greatest works are wrought
by gentle mystery –
By still small voice, through pitying glance,
by faithful constancy.
had truly made him great;
Proud Naaman through a gentle maid
was cleansed from leper-state;
And Peter by a loving glance
was brought his sin to own;
A gracious question from the Lord
brought Saul of Tarsus down.
He knows our greatest need;
Before the face of God above
He lives to intercede;
Still in untiring gentleness
He leads us day by day,
And when our way gets steep and rough,
He teaches us to pray.
to choose the gentle way –
Appeal, persuade in gentleness
the folk who go astray;
Our Saviour's our Example –
although supremely great –
Rather than force an entry,
He's prepared to knock and wait.It is the Lord!
With constellations vast on every side,
Which fashioned Sun, with blazing heat supplied
For little Planet Earth, and yet can guide
It faultlessly throughout its daily ride ?
It is the Lord!
With power unmatched, yet sets each atom's pace ?
Each particle supported in its race –
Invisible, we cannot see His face,
Yet clearly His vast handiwork we trace –
It is the Lord!
With humble mind survey the world He's made –
The flowers, birds, the woods with leafy shade,
The mighty ocean, fish of every grade,
Each one He fashioned, each His will obeyed –
It is the Lord!
One blood, one species, numerous as the sand,
But we are rebels, not as God had planned,
We spurn, ignore, despise, His works so grand,
Intelligent, yet fail to understand …
It is the Lord!
Declares our origins, our rebel will
Which crucified the Christ on Calvary's hill,
Displays a love which conquers every ill,
Unfolds God's mercy flowing to us still ?
It is the Lord!
Assuring me of full security,
Compassionate, with final mastery
Of every problem there could ever be,
Loving, redeeming, loosing, claiming me ?
It is the Lord!