THE FIRE NEXT TIME

Why is it that men often
call them “scoundrels”
who use the name of God?

“Because they seldom practise
what they preach”

--So, therefore, take heed
that men do not find you at fault

--in your manners, in your speech,
in your going out, in your coming in,
in your actions, in your thoughts,
in your interactions with others, even
in your looks – but be prudent
and discerning in all that you do

God forbid that you should
indulge in prattle, babble or pranks --
but be purposeful in your speech --
neither more nor less --
but weigh your words as in a balance

For a man who uses too many words
Can easily go to ruin
for he will be judged
according to his words
and they may be held against him.

Beware of gossip and the lying tongue
--Flee from them.
It pays to be honest –
atleast with God.

The Lord shall provide all your needs
but be diligent and prudent
and observe all these things
– do not be led astray.

He watches over all that you do,
He hears all that you say,
He listens to all your thoughts.

Take heed that ye be not punished
-- but be watchful
for it shall be
the fire next time.

-- a poem in His praise, for His faithful, by His most humble servant, Simon J. Daniel, written at 1:15am., 25 September, 2005

© 2007 Simon J. Daniel
All rights reserved

Peace, be still

Misty Ways

Just as everybody does
Every once in a while
As we as make our way through
Our own queer vicissitudes of life
Trying our best to grasp
At the Omniscient

Even I am compelled to ask
The question “why?”
W o n d e r why
Just wonder w h y!

And then it seems like its all clear.
All of a sudden
You see the path all paved
Even the milestones along the way

Till the next hurdle, that is
The next stumbling block
Looming large over the horizon

The closer you draw
The more bewildering it gets
Till you’re in the very thick of it

And then after a while
The mist clears
The path seems clear again
S E E M S

© 2007 Simon J. Daniel
All rights reserved

When the sun shines...

When the sun shines
The wind blows
The clouds wither away as thin wafers
The waters of the oceans recede

The stars glow
The moon wanes away
Its then when I feel a Presence
Near at hand, close, comforting
With a voice as gentle as nothing else

There’s nothing can come between me and Him
‘Coz I am His
And to Him I belong
Oh, the comfort of knowing
He’s there always
With His multitudes of angels

Oh, the joy of feeling the love He’s got for me
To be loved, to be really loved
Inspite of me
To be loved so so dearly
With a passion that knows no bounds
All for simple me

Ah, my Lord, my King, my All!

-- A Poem of Adoration

© 2007 Simon J. Daniel
All rights reserved

Words To A Man Who Does His Daily Work -- As Much As Words Can Say

A man who seeks God’s blessings
Before he starts his daily work
He shall be blessed.

He who starts early in the morning
Puts his trust
In the One who gives him breath
Will receive His love, power and wisdom
To go on and on --
Like the engine of a TGV or a jet plane.
Only some by-standers may feel
Like confused bogies of a steam-powered goods train
But the man of God powered by the Holy Spirit will endure
And success and peace shall be his
In the next world and in this.

There will always be a few small men who squat by the sides
Jeering from the pavement
Raising a din – they are those
Who cannot control their own lives.

It takes faith to start with God
And to abide in Him.
It takes determination to do His Will.

The man who has his faith in God and -- works
For faith without works is -- dead
His is the living faith.

He stands by God
And God stays with him.

© 2007 Simon J. Daniel
All rights reserved

As for me, the buck stops here!

It's happened the third time
And it's got to stop now.
Never take your burdens
Over to anybody else.

Carry them bravely,
March on alone --
Even when you’re tempted,
Asked to report – never let them down.
When you’re held in spite,
In contempt and derided --
Smile and softly go on

Be still, the day will come
When wisdom dawns
And base humanity
Finally reach the scope
For what they’re made.

Till then, cry with them,
Feel their pain,
If possible, try and wipe their tears
-- Even when they hurt you.
Yes, -- like good old Mom!

The buck stops here!
Never pass it on. Beware!
If you do --
With double force
Or like a multi-headed hydra,
It boomerangs back on you.

-- written on a September morning

© 2007 Simon J. Daniel
Photo © 2007 J. R. Daniel
All rights reserved