treatise 3

August 4, 2016 by Rick Stassi you

landscape-with-eucalyptus-trees-and-river-trees-in-front-of-a-river-1908

Henri Matisse

“But he
who looks into
the perfect law of liberty
and continues in it,
and is not a forgetful hearer
but a doer of the work,
this one will be blessed
in what he does”

James 1:25 NKJV

Yes.
There is a structure,
and a law.
That is not a constraint
by word –
or by rules
or list.
Yet still,
is a law that governs
all man.
To confine us
fully in the
wonderful outreach
of Jesus Christ
who fulfills
all prophecy,
and now exists
in the heart
of the beleiver.

To love God
and to Love
All man.

In this work,
We are blessed.

treatise

July 31, 2016 by Rick Stassi you

Peasants beneath Trees at Moret by Camille Pissarro

For God
so loved the world
that He gave
His only begotten
Son,
that whoever believes
in Him
should not perish
but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

return

November 24, 2013 by Rick Stassi you

Cezanne

Embittered notions
within and around;
Bolt in all directions –
Unmindful, not sound.

Forgetting the place
Where all things turned,
Returning to Jesus
Loving eyes yearned.

I never seem,
At least I ponder,
To live on a line
From which I shan’t wander.

For sine and cosine
Curves repeat their course.
And I endlessly follow,
Revisiting remorse.

Yet forget still I may
The place of rebirth.
Return, I, to Jesus,
God’s hand, such mirth.

rick

Listening, waiting…

July 22, 2013 by Rick Stassi you

Artist: Rick Stassi

Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.
Philemon 1:7

What do I hear, O Lord?
The voices of many and the ways they afford.
But it brings me strength and movement toward
Growing in Your family in one accord

What do others do, O God?
With a staff and a rod
Within Your kingdom
To those I laud.

What do others see, Father of all?
Obediently forward in their call.
With their eyes ever seeking truth and love.
Joining together, the enemy’s appall

What do others say, Father of Life?
Promoting joy amongst your children rife.
With their hearts in deepening love,
This their weapon – double-edged knife

So, I beg, give me Your word, Father of mine
That direction is heard toward the will of Thine!
That I would be blessed to share your work
As with my loving brethren, You give me that sign.

rick

scattered

June 21, 2013 by Rick Stassi you

artist: sean seal

“…he loved them unto the end” John 13:1 (KJV)

seeking the sweetness of true love.
bound to a series of feelings inside
my heart, as it breaks daily
allowing worldly collide.
for love is a dream – an idea of rare things:
gentle jonquils, sunsets, diamond rings.
holding someone dear, in my arms,
as scattered thoughts ignite alarm.
for true love is and shall always be
from God to us unto the end by way of a tree.

Feathers and Iron

June 14, 2013 by Rick Stassi you

Untitled Abstract 61-12
Artist: Sean Seal

“Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;”
Colossians 1:11

O the strength and all the might
Epic proportion never contrite
Power beyond iron will as
Iron will melt at His sight.

O to level mountains and drain the seas
Glorious God teach patience please
Enrich my soul with endurance long
Restless ardor, angst shall cease.

And the hand that wields
Shall joyfully adorn the fields
With peace and grains for the wild
All for down feathers and iron shields

the end

Regarding a Fowl

June 12, 2013 by Rick Stassi you

Artist: Sean Seal

“He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler”
Psalm 91:4 (NKJV)

“By natural instinct she not only protects them, but calls them under that protection when she sees them in danger, not only keeps them safe, but cherishes them and keeps them warm.” Matthew Henry – regarding a fowl.

Covering is ours indicating protection
Feathers defining His compassionate selection
Refuge is our fortress, our safety, our Rock
Truth being the pinnacle of our focus, the key to unlock
Shield is this truth fortified ’tis true
Buckler shall stand just as our shield shall too

God beckons us in a way that shows His deep care
And we come to Him when we are aware
Of danger thrown by the enemy’s sling
And God’s truth is His steadfast wing
This truth is His Word and impenetrable it is
But within the truth is soft down bliss.

So with the first sign of the enemy’s attack,
The Lord shouts our return to Him: Come back!
We learn to recognize these times aware
Of His presence and care
Thus is our anthem as a believer we ne’er flail
With our eyes ever seeking, His promises ne’er fail.

Compassion Born, Compassion Fulfilled

March 30, 2013 by Rick Stassi you

And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.
1 John 2:2 (NKJV)

Atonement

Born in man all ill of will,

Patience lost with reasoning unreal.

Transparent elixirs alluring call,

His face pressed against a wall.

Hear the siren’s tempting song,

Pressing darkness moves along.

He searches with desperate desire

Hopeless, lost, flailing, evil fire.

As all seems lost to man.

Reckless abandon, increasing span.

Farther from God does he move.

Needful heart cries reprove

Have Compassion for him…

Jesus walks, cross bears down,

Scourging pain, thorny crown.

Hilltop seen as all await,

Son of Man a certain fate.

But fulfill the words ancient and passed

As God’s plan unfolds eternally cast.

Nails to wood with hands in between,

Cries of pain, course stayed seen.

The hour comes the temple falls

And the Savior for all, Flesh palls.

But in three days miraculous rise

He defeats death, Satan’s demise

Compassion fulfilled.

2013 Rick Stassi

Guardian love will never cease

March 26, 2013 by Rick Stassi you

Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
1 John 4:11 (KJV)

The children of the world see in purity. Innocence abounds with cares untarnished with an outlook to green fields and cool pools of water. Bare feet and sweet laughter. There is reflection from the water. Safety and security peer back at the face of a child who looks now into the water rippling from a tossed stone. He looks thus into God’s eyes.

…and the eyes of God peer back with guardian love

The young men of the world see in optimism. Carefree and bold, conquering and fearless. Hearts in love and paths to cut through generations past. “It is mine!” He claims all as his own. He finds green fields as a respite for which to traverse to his next challenge. Fording deep pools taking a moment to peer at his reflection. “Who am I that claims all as my own?” The Lord allows as a Father who waits, watches.

…and the eyes of God peer back with guardian love

The old men of the world see in wisdom of time and age. Careful and aware not to succumb to moments of cynicism. “Where is the optimism of my youth and the fearlessness of days passed?” He sees green fields and stops to rest. A sip in the pool of water taking a brief glance at his reflection. Time passed so quickly. He shakes his head. The Lord sees him and now smiles to see His Son carry his returned child.

…and the eyes of God peer back with guardian love

So, we love as we are loved.
Compassion born from He above.
Quench not the thirst of youth
And the frolic of childish truth.
For wisdom comes from reverence
The eyes of God are not suspense.
But rather, in all times we reflect,
God’s eyes circumspect.
Love piercing all hearts
From One that shall never part.
We all savor this moment of peace
Guardian love will never cease.

© 2013 Rick Stassi