Ten Words

 "The Ten Words"

He drew me out before he gave me law, 
No other god may stand before his face, 
No carved and hollow image fills his place, 
His Name the only word that holds my awe.

Remember, so the ancient word has said, 
The seventh silence calls me to be still, 
The stranger and the servant rest their fill, 
The world turns on by someone else's thread.

I give the weight of honor where it's due, 
No hand of mine shall take what is not mine, 
No borrowed love shall cross the covenant line, 
Yet in my wanting, every law breaks through.

Yet you who see the wanting, see me still,
Known to the bone, and held against my will.

Content based upon Exodus chapters 19-20; 24; 31-3

AI Summary by NotebookLM

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This poetic reflection explores the foundational commandments given to humanity, emphasizing a sacred relationship between a creator and the faithful. The verses reinterpret ancient laws as a guide for ethical living, focusing on exclusive devotion, the necessity of sabbath rest, and the integrity of human interactions. While the narrator strives to uphold these moral boundaries, the text acknowledges a deep internal struggle with personal desire and human frailty. Ultimately, the work portrays a deity who deeply understands the individual, offering a sense of being fully known despite one’s shortcomings. It transforms rigid legal codes into a meditative covenant defined by both divine authority and intimate grace.

Still

The sea stands cold before me, vast and deep.

The thunder of their chariots stands so clear.

My children clutch my robe and shake with fear.

The waves mock every hope I tried to keep.

Stand still, fear not, release your trembling hand.

The battle is not yours, so do not flee.

Trust what your eyes have not yet learned to see.

Be still and watch the Lord fight where you stand.

My knees go weak, my throat is tight with prayer,

Lift my eyes though everything seems undone,

And choose to stop when every nerve says run.

Something inside me breaks and gasps for air.

For in this stillness God begins to move.

The waters part and show what faith can prove.

Content based upon Exodus chapters 14-18

My wife Faby gave a talk today about this topic as well.  She shared this experience.   https://pachasfamilystories.blogspot.com/2026/04/a-sweet-promise-of-healings.html 

AI Summary of Poem   Listen to this AI audio discussion 

These sources explore the miraculous deliverance of the Israelites as they escaped Egyptian captivity and journeyed through the wilderness. Through scriptural commentary and poetry, the texts emphasize that relying on divine power can transform impossible obstacles, like the Red Sea, into paths of salvation. The materials provide practical applications for modern faith, suggesting that God offers daily spiritual sustenance and support during "bitter" life experiences. Readers are encouraged to find strength in Jesus Christ, who is symbolized as a protective rock and a source of living water. Ultimately, the collection highlights the importance of standing still in moments of fear to witness the Lord’s intervention in personal trials.

 "By His Hand Alone"

The river bled and Egypt's thirst went dry.
Cattle fell, yet in Goshen not a sound.
Brought in and sheltered from the stone-cold ground.
Framed by unseen hand beneath an angry sky.

Darkness touched and pressed Egypt to the floor.
The river turned to blood along its track.
Pharaoh's heart like stone would not give Israel back.
At night a nation's pride breaks even more.

Doors marked by blood so death may pass you by.
The angel trampled over Egypt's ground.
Israel's doors passed over without sound.
A pillar rose to guide beneath the sky.

So Israel rose and left their chains behind.
Led out by God, the promised land to find.

Content based upon Exodus chapters 7-13

Breakdown done by AI NotebookLM.  audio discussion of poem