Thoughts

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Phil. 4:8 - 9

The world is closing in around me, press-
    ing out all thoughts of God, and leaving me
    With hate.  The world is going crazy: see
The raging vengeance—all around the ugliness!
They rush around with forkéd tongues—speak "Yes"
    But mean "No"; look not but at one's Pedigree,
    And selfishly give to charity:
All so that they might further their success!

    But how?  Success to what, dear God and Lord?
        For theirs is but a fleeting joy of ease;
        For You have promised to give all my needs
    According to Your wealth, as in Your Word.

            So whatsoever things are lovely, just, and true,
            Think on them and the God of Peace shall be with you.

 - D. Benning


This poem from 1982 was written as a poetic expression of the fourth chapter of Philippians: "Christ our Adequacy."  Especially incorporating verses 19 and 8 - 9.

On Silverwind

The sunset set no more upon the land
   In twilight dimming at the end of day,
Because the Light did glitter and expand
   To fill the sky and drive the night away.
The air just shook with mighty chords of praise
   As saints and angels sang unto the KING;
In solemn righteousness He then did gaze
   Upon His Bride: His Love for Her—His suffereing!
  
     Dear Lord, Oh! this vision of beauty:
        I thank You for the promise of Home—
     Where the streets are of gold and of rubies—
        Vivid!  so vivid a land unknown!
     
   Take me O Morning Star on Silverwind to that Place far, far away
   Where You are the Lamp like a Sun—Giver of Eternal Day!

- D. Benning

This was written sometime in 1980 or 1981 when I was still in junior college and had just found the music of a group call Silverwind.  They were very '80s sounding and were a little bit early Euro-techno even though it wasn't called that yet.  One of the singers escaped from communist controlled Bulgaria and had an incredible story to tell how he came to believe in Jesus Christ. 

Long story made short: I bought a cassette tape of their album and was fascinated by this one line on the cover under their name, Silverwind:

Take me, O Morning Star, on Silverwind to that Place far, far away.

I was in the midst of my exploring sonnets and  the "sprung rhythm" of Gerald Manley Hopkins, so I suddenly, on a whim, decided that I should incorporate that line into a full-fledged poem.  The above is the result (with slight edits here some thirty-five years later).

In case you're curious what that group sounded like, here is their "Taking the Narrow Street."

The Apple of His Eye

"Touch not My people here,
   raise not your hand against them;
The apple of my eye endeared—
   They are My treasured dear gem."

Treasured possession! What honored place!
   Treasure possession! O, what love!
He watches o'er with infinite grace,
   And mercy cascading down thereof.

That God is treasured by His own
   Should cause no wondering eye to question;
But that He should bring us to His throne
   Is Love's highest joy and expression.

A Mighty God delights in us
   And holds us close to His own heart;
Remember though the trials be thus,
   Nothing can ever cause us part.

- D. Benning

1 Chr 16:22
Dt 32:10;    Zech. 2:8

A New Twenty-Third Psalm

My Lord, my God, my Shepherd Guide,
   My good maintains—He's at my side;
Through pastures green and gentle streams
   Such truth rests easy as our theme.

But when the way is choked with cares,
   When troubles come with fears, despairs,
When heartaches rock life's fragile boats,
   When prayers grow dry and stuck in throats,
You must recall His promise well:
   He came to earth to take your Hell,
That you might be a child of Heav'n—
   His presence everlasting giv'n.

Thus you may hold His hand, dear child,
   Though storms and waves may rock you wild;
Through Valleys of Death's Shadows trek,
   His loving hands upon you check
And quell all doubts, your qualms, your fears,
   His Word to you will bring you cheer.

Though thousands then might fall around,
   Your stores run low and foes confound;
Though death looms large and sounds its knell,
   He vows in Heav'n with Him you'll dwell.

- D. Benning

Based on a reflection upon Ps. 23

Keep Away From Wicked's House

Keep away from wicked's house and lair,
   from sin, from pride, from lust and hate,
   from everything that is not straight,
   from contrarian dare
        and evil flair
and following crowds through that wide gate.

For there that door is but a road to hell,
   though fun and bliss with joy and kicks
   are promised with the spice of tricks—
   with the pride of sell
        and the thrill of fell;
yet no satisfaction, peace or fix.

Soon your wealth and health will while away
   your heart, your joy, your toil and sweat,
   in utter ruin about you yet—
   then shall you pray
        with doleful bray,
"I foolishly ignored God's threat."

- D. Benning

Based on Proverbs 5:1 - 14