[217]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM - PLACED IN PERILOUS TIMES
Placed in perilous times spells the conditions that often apply to Christians in all ages. The believers in Roman times could very well know that. The Huguenots certainly knew that when hunted down by incited mobs from the French Catholic priests. Christians today know this, those who face the satanic horrors of wicked Islam.
The bible is specific about the terrible times in the last days of the Church age. {{2 Timothy 3:1 “Realise this, that in the last days DIFFICULT times will come”}} The translation of the KJV uses “perilous” instead of “difficult”.
Maybe no one knew peril/danger in the New Testament more than Paul. {{2 Corinthians 11:26-27 “I have been on frequent journeys, in DANGERS from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren. I have been in labour and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.”}}
What this poem does is not focus on peril but on all the resources at hand, and the hope that lies ahead for us. In that regard it is a positive poem. I hope it will be an encouragement for fellow believers in Africa where you now know the hot dragon’s breath, and in other places in this world where persecution is spreading.
The Lord will never place us in a situation without equipping us with the resources. In trial, when persecution, and scheming against us become our lot, our God is always faithful! Hold on to the One who calms your waters telling them to be still.
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PLACED IN PERILOUS TIMES
An unfeigned love, the Scriptures say,
Is what we need through every day.
Man has ruined revelations
God gave him through dispensations.
This love grips well in God’s resource,
For there can be no other course.
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A sure foundation by God made,
Will never lessen, break or fade.
Through the blood of Christ’s salvation,
We do stand on this foundation.
When ruin comes, and all decays,
The Lord’s foundation ever stays.
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The holy Scriptures are God-breathed;
His words and thoughts to us bequeathed.
These are what will give instruction -
Keep His own from sin’s destruction.
The Scriptures do encourage all
Who heed them, to obey God’s call.
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Laid up, a crown of righteousness,
Is ours through our God’s blessedness.
Crowned are they, who wait His action;
Those who love with hope’s attraction.
This crown the Righteous Judge awards;
The faithful saints, the Lord rewards.
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Now times of peril have arrived
With many saints who are deprived.
Looking for their transformation;
Watching out with expectation.
A righteous crown and Scriptures too!
A sure foundation - faith that’s true!
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19, 21 May 1999 R E Ferguson 8-8-8-8-8-8 AABB etc.