Love, Power, self-control

 

Haiku responding to 2 Tim 1:1-14

The writer opens:

Timothy, beloved child,

Grace, mercy and peace.

The letter proceeds:

I give thanks to God for you;

praying night and day.

Recalling your tears,

I long to see you, that I

may be filled with joy!

Profound faith, learned from

your mother and grandmother

lives strongly in you.

Rekindle the gift

that you received from God, when

hands were laid on you.

God did not give us

a spirit of fear, but love

power, self control.

Join me in suff'ring

for the gospel; trust in God,

the power God gives.

God's power saves us,

our calling is holy, we're

saved by grace, not works.

Grace was always here,

is now revealed in Jesus

through the gospel's light.

Suff'ring for Christ's sake

brings no shame. I put my trust

in him; he guards me.

I taught you soundly,

hold to that standard; in faith,

love, through the Spirit.

Ken Rookes 2025

Sing a song of grace surprising

 I was looking for a hymn about grace, but none encompassed the breadth of grace, or, so it seemed to me, its surprising nature. So I had a go at writing one. Well known tune. I hope others might find it useful. Please feel free to offer feedback.

The good fight

Haiku responding to 1 Tim 6:6-19

Godliness brings gain

and contentment. Accepting

the life God gives you.

We can bring nothing

with us into the world, take

nothing out of it.

Food, shelter, clothing,

these we need; if we have these

we should be content.

Those who want riches

are trapped by harmful desires

that will ruin them.

The love of money

is the root of all evil;

leading them astray.

Pursue righteousness,

godliness, faith, endurance

gentleness and love.

The good fight of faith

must be fought. Eternal life

is yours; grasp it well.

Those who are rich now

need to put their trust in God,

who truly provides.

Be rich in good works,

generous, sharing; building

a strong foundation.

Like the rest of us,

the rich must find their true life

in God, not in wealth.

© Ken Rookes 2025

Quiet and peaceable

 Haiku responding to 1 Timothy 2:1-7

Supplications, prayers

intercessions; we make them

for those who rule us.

We would live quiet

and peaceable lives; godly,

and with dignity.

It is right to live

godly lives, demonstrating

faith in our Saviour.

God wants ev'ryone

to be saved, to come to know

the truth. God is one.

God is one. Jesus,

himself human, mediates

between God and us.

I'm an apostle,

called by God to those outside,

teaching faith and truth.

© Ken Rookes 2025

It's all about grace

Haiku responding to 1 Timothy 1:12-17

It's all about grace.

The writer shows gratitude

for new life in Christ.

Listing his failures,

which are many, the writer

expresses wonder.

He called me to serve;

I, who had blasphemed, a man

of violence. What grace!

The grace of our Lord

overflowed for me, pouring

out Christ's faith and love.

The saying is sure:

Christ Jesus came among us

to save the sinful.

First among sinners,

I received mercy, showing

the patience of Christ.

If I can receive,

by faith, Christ's eternal life,

so can anyone!

To the ageless King

immortal, be honour and

glory, forever!

© Ken Rookes 2025

A brother in Christ

 

Haiku responding to the letter to Philemon

Paul pens a letter

to his old mate, Philemon

and to his house church.

Expresses his love

and gratitude; a good start

when seeking favour.

A runaway slave,

Onesimus has helped Paul

while held in prison.

Paul has sent him back

Requesting friend Philemon

to set his slave free.

He who was useless

became useful to us both;

helping in your stead.

I would have kept him,

but I want your consent. Do

this freely for me.

Your slave ran away,

now receive him back as a

brother in Jesus.

Welcome him as you

would welcome me; I'll repay

anything he owes.

Do this for me, Paul.

I'll not mention that you owe

me even your life.

Grant me this, brother.

I am confident that you,

will refresh my heart!

© Ken Rookes 2025