“The Present-Tense ” (Joshua 23:14-27;Ezekiel 37:1-14; Matt.7:13-15; 35:31-46; Luke 6:37-38; John 1223-26; Phil.2:5-11; 4:10-13; James 3:1-12; 4:1-10)

“I use the present tense alone”, she said,
“That makes it hard, but life which I have led
Is good – and deep inside I have this hope;
Because He lives – His life expands my scope”.

When I first met that woman there in church,
She welcomed me, while I was in a lurch
With tension high in me – quite scared to death;
She said, “Hola”, and gave those dry bones breath.

Last night she said, “It’s always present tense
I use alone, for English is immense;
Quite busy, I, with living to survive,
But I am here – thank Jesus I’m alive …”

Yes, present tense – a gift, a “present” now
For me, despite my tension’s inner row;
You calmed the storm, said “Glad that you could come!”
Christ’s love poured out to me – indeed, what fun!

A work-around I read of long ago –
That “can” and “want”, and “need” – the future show;
Though not precise, it gets one down the road;
“Infinitive” plugged in removes the load.

So how’s that done in Spanish – could it work?
Or am I left with food spilled on my shirt,
I tried to eat but hit my chin instead?
Let’s check it out, and see what could be said.

*****

“Queiro” – I want – old friend back to my mom,
When world of “me” defined a world of fun;
While joy and tears rewarded, punished those
Who crossed “quiero”, by stepping on my toes –

For they “want” too; in world, “quiero” is king;
“Quiero” shows one’s desire, of it we sing –
“Queiro” brings wars, with conflict, and despair;
But Christ calls each, “Come up on Kingdom-layer.

“Necessito” – “I need”, that’s deeper yet,
For from the first, placenta was the best
For starting life, my need met, I could draw
Resource from mom, though little else I saw.

“Forgiveness daily, and deliverance from
The evil one, you’ll need (no need to run);
Ask daily bread; from tempter, quick relief –
Forget the rest, God gives to meet each need.”

“Puedo” – “I can”, am able to address
What future brings of quiet or distress;
“In Christ I can” Paul said so long ago,
The Spirit reigns, fulfills, that it be so. “Elijo” –

“I choose” – an early gift from God
In Adam’s day – an Apple – choice quite odd;
“Elijo” – I choose to go with Satan’s way;
Shortcut to hell on earth up to this day.

So, wants and needs, capacity and choice,
Reflect the future when we use our voice
In present tense – I want, I need, I can –
I choose to live my life in Christ, the man –

Who, being God, chose humbleness instead
Of grasping power and might, as we have read;
Apostle Paul and Christ said, enter in –
“I stand and knock, that new life can begin.”

So, need, and want, develop self to full;
Give gifts of love, acceptance, for they pull
All people into presence of the King,
Once we choose life, and of His glory sing.

“Infinitivo” – tack it to the end;
It will express the future, for it sends
A signal to each mind, attentive to
The road you choose, “to walk” with Christ there too.

Thanks Lord for this.

Navigation