Hosanna in the Highest

Hosanna in the Highest

Hosanna in the highest the people.cried. 

As He entered the city riding on a donkey 

He made a triumphant entry to the city. 

And those who worshipped were many. 

They laid their palms on the ground in preparation 

They praised His name in celebration 

But many were those as well who hated Him

And were troubled by His effect  on so many men.

Unknown to many, what God was truly planning. 

No revolt, no war and no earthly standing. 

His Kingdom was not of this world as many thought.

But God's plan would be fulfilled and his son paid the cost

Yet as he wrote in on that donkey, the people exclaimed

Hosanna in the highest is what they proclaimed

Laying out their palms preparing the way

For the messiah's triumphant entry on that day. 

Many hearts questioned a few days later what transpired

Their hopes and dreams melted their hearts were tired

The Jews of the day robbed them of what they thought would be

The Messiah ruling as their King and changing destiny

It's been over 2,000 years since that triumphant entry

And we see and understand God's plan differently

He came in on a donkey and he Rules From Heaven now

And God's plan has not changed he knows the when and how

I see him on his donkey and the people yelling loud

Hosanna in the highest radiating through the crowd

And I sing it today too knowing he will come again

Set up his kingdom and God's time calling all back to Him

©2026 Sandra C. Johnson

A Man After God's Own Heart

This was written in 1996 and put in a newsletter I used to send out back then. This is my original I have rewritten it and put it into song form recently on my YouTube channel.

I remember very clearly what I was going through my mind when I wrote this.  I was very down on myself.  We were living in very tight quarters, and I sometimes just couldn't take it.  I would yell at my family and scream. and then feel so guilty, go to God begging Him for forgiveness.  He then reminded me of David, and together we spanned the life of David for a few minutes.  He showed me the heart of David, how David desired to please Him in every way.  Yet look at the mistakes he made along the way.  He committed adultery, He had terrible family problems, as his son Absalom conspired against him.  Still in it all, He was a man after God's own heart. (For further study, the life of David can be found in 1 Samuel 16-1Kings 2.)  The Lord reminded me that Christians, no matter how strong they think they are, still fall and still sin, and if we get to the point where we don't make mistakes then we have only deceived ourselves.   We all have been there.  Thought we were growing so strong, but then we get hit in the head with a dose of humility, as we see some sin in our lives that we've apparently overlooked.  Sometimes we may feel as if we have let everyone down.  We may feel as if we are not good enough to do the things God has called us to do.  We then fall to the ground in shame and humiliation, realizing we are nothing without the precious blood of Jesus.  Yet, through Jesus we can do all things, and only through Him.  That's where He wants us all every single day. Sometimes it takes getting hit in the head a few times as David was, but when I looked at the story of David, a King who also fell, I realized no matter who we are, we all still are the same in the eyes of God, and are all still learning to hear His voice and live in obedience to Him.  So from these thoughts came the following poem.   

A MAN AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART

He was a man after God's own heart. 

He ruled as King and left his mark. 

For many were inspired by the man. 

One led by God's mighty hand. 

He sinned just like you and I. 

And he struggled with emotions running high. 

His children rebelled and many must have said; 

He didn't raise his kids right, so it's falling on his head. 

For Absalom rebelled and many problems occurred 

Yes, David's family could be labeled "dysfunctional" for sure. 

Yes, and for the lust of a woman he gave in; 

Immorality gripped him, of all sins. 

Oh the guilt I'm sure he felt at times. 

Yet he repented and went on in life. 

He didn't let what others said get him down; 

But turned to God in prayer, where he knew the truth could be found.

You see, he knew his God and knew Him well.  

When he sinned on his face in rags he fell. 

Knowing he was unable to attain. 

So he was in need of God sitting in shame. 

Yet he was a man who sought God in all things. 

When he sinned, he repented and in God found grace. 

He never got discouraged or afraid to be wrong. 

No, he knew we must first be weak before becoming strong. 

Oh David, the man I admire today; 

For as I sin and fall in my way; 

I thank the Lord that His forgiveness is there; 

It draws me closer to my father in prayer. 

So even if you've failed your family and friends; 

Even if you feel you've committed the most horrible sin.

In repentance, remember David the man; 

And as you seek God's heart, His love you'll then understand. 

When we acknowledge our sin that's within;

God will raise us to new heights once again. 

Yes, he was a man after God's own heart. 

And what he had going, I want a part.

©1996 Sandra C. Johnson

He Remembers

He Remembers

He remembers His promises in His perfect time. 

Though every generation has looked diligently to find

The fulfillment of God's words spoken centuries ago.

He remembers and the entire world will know.

He remembers every word of His law 

He is the Alpha, Omega, the Almighty God. 

He is not slow, His timing has a perfect place. 

He moves not when we think, but in mercy and grace. 

He remembers His people, all creation. 

He intervenes in all situations.

He remembers His covenant of old

Fulfilling every promise that was foretold. 

He remembers and He does not delay. 

He knows the plans He has made and will not sway. 

So rest in Him and don't lose heart

He will finish everything that He did start

He remembers as we all shall soon see. 

As He unfolds His works on His sovereignty.

The world will stand in awe and be silenced then. 

As He fulfills His purpose in the hearts of men. 

©2026 Sandra C. Johnson

As a Child

As a Child 

As a child you must enter in

One who is humble before men

Who doesn't do anything Noble or grand

But still he is led by the Master's Hand

As a child when we teach others the truth

As one full of innocence and in their youth

By our example not just what we say

So others will receive the words we convey.

Children are trusting and accepting two

Their hearts are tender and their love true

Not yet exposed to the ugliness around

They smile when everyone frowns

As a child serve your fellow man

Stop and look and give a helping hand

It doesn't matter what others think

Your actions may be they're missing link

No one needs to see the good things you do

Because it's God's love that motivates you

As a child you reach out to a neighbor

Extend them God's loving favor

You listen to what they say

You look them in the eye and you pray

Serving them from a heart of humility

Not from a high place or hostility

You Don't Preach and turn them away

That's God's work as you love them and pray

As a child we look with exploration

Curiosity and not condemnation

We love others the way Jesus did

And we set an example of how to live

As a child is where our hearts need to be

As we follow the God's leading in humility

©1996 Sandra C. Johnson

Just another Addict

 Just another addict

We see them on the side of the road. 

We look away and don't see their heavy load.

We don't see who they are inside. 

We just see a junkie who society has denied. 

It's just another addict, the town's riff raff.

Many see them and scoff and laugh. 

Just another addict who remains unseen

And left on the side of the road unredeemed. 

They become a statistic without a name. 

Judged by society and put to shame. 

But God calls us to a higher place.

To extend forgiveness, mercy and grace. 

God always puts people across our path

Sometimes stopping us in our tracks.

Faced with our own bias and point of view

We lose sight of who God leads us to.

It's not another addict, it's a child of God.

Crying for mercy and freedom from battles fought.

Next time you see him, look in his eyes.

Listen to God's voice and extend His light. 

©2026 Sandra C. Johnson

 

He Intercedes

He Intercedes

When you're hurting so much that you cannot pray

And you're sitting still was nothing to say

Just let the spirit intercede as he does best

God intervenes and He does the rest

When someone comes to mind and you don't know why

Just pray for them to God who will hear their cry

Let the spirit and proceed in ways beyond comprehension

When we pray he comes to our Aid with his intervention

He makes intercession in our lives

So we don't always recognize

He comes down and intervenes

He hears every words, every silent scream.

We sometimes don't even know we need his touch

But he's still there he loves us so very much

When we're sitting on the edge crying so hard

He's there too holding our Broken Heart

So when you need God's touch but feel numb

Just rest in His presence and He will come

He will cry to our father with the right words

Your your hurt and your pain will be felt and heard

©2026 Sandra C. Johnson

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Romans 8:26

Under the Broom Tree

 Under the Broom Tree

Sometimes under the broom tree is where I go

To wait on my God when I do not know. 

When I get discouraged and cannot see

God's plan and the direction for me. 

When I believe I have heard His voice

But circumstances make me question my choice. 

When roadblocks appear in every direction

And all I feel is sadness and rejection 

Under the broom tree is where I return. 

That is where for open doors I yearn. 

I cry out to my Father and question my view

Seeking His will and that which is true. 

Under the Broom Tree is where Elijah rested. 

Discouraged over all the time he'd invested

The walls were closing in and he could not see. 

What to do and what was to be. 

God's angel appeared to him in his despair

When failure was his confession and prayer. 

Get up! He was told, I have plans for you

Go in my name and speak what is true.

Under the broom tree is where we all go at times

That is our safe harbor where we can hide. 

It's there where God sends his angels to attend. 

And gives us strength to go out again. 

Under the broom tree is where we can go

To rejuvenate and let God fill our soul. 

But the broom tree is not where we're meant to stay

We must rise up and let God lead the way.

©2026 Sandra C. Johnson

But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a [a]broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!”

Then as he lay and slept under a broom tree, suddenly an [b]angel touched him, and said to him, “Arise and eat.” Then he looked, and there by his head was a cake baked on [c]coals, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank, and lay down again.

1Kings 19:4-6

To Stand in the Gap

To Stand in the Gap

Is there anyone to stand in the Gap today?

Is there anyone full of Mercy to pray?

For the week and unloved of this land?

Is there anyone who in their heart truly can?

To pray for the beggar on the street.

Who is alone and just want something to eat.

To extend Mercy without condemnation,

Can we stand in the gap for their situation?

Is there anyone to stand in the gap with love?

To extend the hand of a Savior from above?

Do we pray for our enemies restoration?

Or do we rejoice in their condemnation?

God calls us to love all men and forgive.

To restore and teach truth as we live.

To stand in the gap providing a way

For those who are lost as we pray.

We have a world void of the truth.

And yes, some teach lies to our youth.

But instead of hatred over all that they do,

Can we pray for changed hearts and point of view?

It's a higher call for those of us who know him,

The Savior who died for all men.

It's not ours to condemn or scoff,

But to stand in the gap for the Lost.

To pray for each soul that we seem,

That we can share how to live free.

Going through the darkness with them,

Holding their hand with God's love within. 

Is there anyone out there willing to stand?

To be that bridge to extend God's hand?

To love others the way God does,

And stand in the gap with his unending love.

©1996 Sandra C. Johnson

To hear a song that was adapted from this poem visit my YouTube channel here:

https://youtu.be/s2nEe79V5t4?si=93ND6ZnEdjSQ0qaA