Like the Only Bible Read
by Michael Doyle

Let's live lives like the only Bible read
Walking witnesses of Jesus raised from the dead
Easter and Christmas hold nothing over immersion
Our faithful testimony given in baptism

It symbolizes our public proclamation
And is not a simple act of association
This then sets the core of our foundation
Moving us forward while also acting in denunciation

Of our old selves, emerging into the new
With promises to Jesus and ourselves as we renew
Purging ourselves of our old sinful ways
To walk with found faith into our new days

Truth be told, it's the ultimate act of individual choice
Choosing how we'll live and speaking it with our own voice
Learning to live from God's love from the beginning
And turn a losing hand played out into true living

Tailor fit: there is nothing in us that escapes detection
As God loves us in our every ounce of perfected imperfection
The fullness of us is open to His revealing examination
Yet still, the story, our stories, is one of His fascination

In our view, baptism might be seen as if like a wedding ring
Stating our promise publicly with all that we bring
That the Bible is the center-cut diamond, shining bright
In it, Romans explains the law revealed as being right

God's grace is sufficient for our soul's blessed security
We know that our salvation is for all of heavenly eternity
And the world we walk in our steps closest to Hell
We will know, with our salvation, it is in Heaven we will dwell

Like all sinners caught in our errors, yet remaining proud
We live our lives in repentance as forgiveness is allowed
None of us walk without knowing we need to improve our caliber
Yet, knowing that Jesus is waiting to develop our character

Conversion comes first with God's love, and then we love others
Learning to walk in accord with Heaven's love for one another
God loves us enough to transform us through the Holy Spirit
If only we are truly willing to obey as we lovingly hear it

We struggle and sometimes find we come up short or wrong
We know we are justified in His holy name, and that we belong
Truly living in Christ, as our living shield and salvation
Our truth and purpose are found in living out our translation

Whatever troubles may come our way, there can be no disputation
That nothing that comes our way will bring our separation
Given our lives' treasured spaces, there no lasting traces
That can take us from God's loving and redemptive embraces

(c) January 28, 2024    Michael Doyle
All Rights Reserved