I have suffered many afflictions, trials, and hardships. Ultimately they have all served to make me stronger in my faith, and trust, in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for my life experiences. This is my testimony in this Poem. Written in the year 2002, entitled: No Cross No Crown! Inspired by the following KJV Bible Scriptures:
Romans 5: 1-5 “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
Romans 8:28-30 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.”
Philippians 3:10 “That I may know him (Lord Jesus Christ), and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;”
James 1:1-4 “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
James 1: 12 “ Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the CROWN OF LIFE, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”
BY: REV. DR. DONALD E. BATTLE
Dr. Donald E. Battle 