Why is it, that the vilest of temptations
seek to violate my mind, during moments…
of weakness, solitude and prayer time?
Is it not enough that my inner person
has been consumed with the filth of my flesh?
How much longer must I wait for the body
of incorruption that will suit me in eternity?
Though I can’t seem to stop sinning,
is it wrong to want to curb its unwanted flow?
These temptations appeal to my carnality,
but I find their continuing stream tiresome.
Spiritual perfection is an ideal, that cannot…
be achieved in today’s earthly journey.
And yet, to utterly give up and intentionally sin,
will never be an improvement of my fallen condition.
How much training is required to reject ungodliness?
O, Lord, please strengthen my spirit to capture
and discard these thought contaminations…
by making my flesh permanently dead to their allure
and by always drawing me ever closer to You!


Author Notes:

Loosely based on:
Rom 3:23; *** 2:11-14; Col 3:1-11

Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://www.squidoo.com/book-isbn-1419650513/

By Joseph J. Breunig 3rd, © 2012, All rights reserved.

Can you spot those wild zebras,
trotting across noisy plains of green?
Can you spy them with binoculars,
huddling together in familiar scenes?

Can you observe these wild zebras,
emblazoned with their traditional stripes?
Can you recognize distinctive patterns
of opposing colors of black and white?

Can you form an opinion regarding
the thoughts of wild zebras at play?
Can any semblance of ‘Fashion Sense’
force a duality of stripes to rule the day?

Can you number the size of the herd
or even call out specific zebras by name?
See their necks encircled by dangling whistles,
as they continue… to officiate the football game.



-Joe Breunig,
Poet/Author, Reaching Towards His Unbounded Glory

Have times really changed that much,
since the crucifixion of The Christ?
People still discuss personal opinions,
looking to find meanings within life –
with some reference point, relative to Him.

Are we any different than Cleopas,
when we latch onto Christ’s name,
desiring our prayers to be answered,
hoping never to be spiritually the same?
Are we able to sing new songs and hymns?

How are we occupying the time of our lives?
Are we on the road, speaking with strangers,
expecting to bump into a hidden Christ or…
angels that keep us from unforeseen dangers?
Are we just waiting for life to wear thin?

How much longer will denominational tenets
keep us from the necessary work at hand?
When will we fully focus on the coming Kingdom
and stop searching for the “Promised Land”?
When will we stop - gossiping about Him?

Are we on the outskirts of a similar town,
unknowingly headed in the wrong direction,
arguing the debate of what faith is,
without reaching a level of maturation?
Will we continue to remain - estranged from Him?



Author Notes:

Loosely based on:
Luke 24:13-35

Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://www.squidoo.com/book-isbn-1419650513/

By Joseph J. Breunig 3rd, © 2012, All rights reserved.

Spiked to pair of wooden, interlocking beams,
He hung bleeding, after being severely whipped.
There Christ experienced for the first time,
what it really meant to be like us -
bruised, ***** and covered by a legacy of sin
that clamors for our eventual death.
On that fateful day of His crucifixion,
our Lord felt the agony of separation,
as Jehovah turned His back towards earth,
being unable to gaze lovingly at The Son.
In Christ’s final hours of suffering,
God’s presence had departed from Him;
He was subjected to physical pain,
the shame from emotional wounds of rejection,
the ridicule concerning His destiny
and divine, heavenly authority.
Today He wears the disfiguring reminders,
permanently in His holy and glorified body,
while His eyes drip with tears of forgiveness;
it’s an unending testament of His Love for us,
having been… forever scarred.



Author Notes:

Loosely based on:
Rom 6:23; Isa 53:5; Matt 27:27-56; Mark 15:21-38;
Luke 23:26-49; John 19:16-37

Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://www.squidoo.com/book-isbn-1419650513/

By Joseph J. Breunig 3rd, © 2012, All rights reserved.

There’s an uneasy emptiness…
which has been experienced by all of us;
it’s an inner void, that hungers,
that pushes us towards a spiritual search.
Our physical eyes tend to glaze over,
from not knowing: what is really needed.
Yet, we strain to see something tangible,
but may be unable to fully articulate
the unknown yearning that nudges
our restless, agitated spirits.
Seekers of hidden, sacred signs
face troublesome frustrations
of niggling and nagging doubts
from failed, divine connections.
To emerge from an encompassing darkness,
one is still required to move…
towards the ethereal, eternal Light.
With boldness, Christ announced…
that He is the Way, Truth, Life and Light.
Today His Love continues to reach out,
in an enduring, unending summons
for all of the remaining… lost souls.



Author Notes:

Loosely based on:
John 14:6, 1:6-13, 9:1-11, 12:44-50; Prov 4:23;
Psa 23; Matt 11:28-29

Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://www.squidoo.com/book-isbn-1419650513/

By Joseph J. Breunig 3rd, © 2012, All rights reserved.

Give me O Lord, the patience needed,
regarding the daily choices before me;
help me to use Your divine wisdom
in handling all issues of adversity.

Keep me focused on Your priorities,
as I strive to “walk in Love” continually.
Insure that I reach out to those in need,
serving as a humble representative of thee.

With joyous anticipation and expectation,
I happily receive Your new mercies this day;
praises to You Lord, I boastfully sing, since…
Your everlasting Love is flowing my way.

Thank You for Your daily Words of encouragement,
as I faithfully yearn to fulfill my poetic role;
please accept my obedience as an act of worship;
for You alone Lord, are solely in control.



Author Notes:

Loosely based on:
Lam 3:22-24; Deu 30:15-16; 1 Cor 1:26-31; Psa 34

Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://www.squidoo.com/book-isbn-1419650513/

By Joseph J. Breunig 3rd, © 2012, All rights reserved.

O Lord, I know that You really care;
therefore, I continue to offer prayers.
In You, my faith will not waiver,
since I’m blessed with Your favor.
My heart remains replete with praise,
to honor You, the remainder of my days.
For I’ve decided to give You my trust
and my life to You, I solely entrust.
Let the fruit of Your Love be evident
and proof that it’s heaven sent,
as I desire joy, peace, patience, kindness,
self-control, gentleness and faithfulness.
For in Christ, my soul has been freed,
and is forever standing firm…
against every yoke of slavery!





Author Notes:

Loosely based on:
Psa 4; Gal 5:1, 22-23; Rom 12:3

Learn more about me and my poetry at:
http://www.squidoo.com/book-isbn-1419650513/

By Joseph J. Breunig 3rd, © 2012, All rights reserved.