Any Christian surveying the current state of modern poetry could easily become discouraged, given that much of that poetry can only be categorized as nihilistic. At worst, such poems seemingly promote despair and violence-against society, the church, or even against oneself. At best, they consist of self-centered whining and overdramatic emotionalism, completely devoid of spiritual muscle and ethical backbone.

New author Joseph J. Breunig 3rd, in his fine debut collection Reaching Towards His Unbounded Glory, takes a fresh stride in the opposite direction, in a poetic compilation that should delight anyone who enjoys reading Christian literature as well as poetry. The book comprises over 100 poems of various lengths, although they generally do not exceed one page. In a slight concession to modern poetic style, some of the stanzas are unrhymed, yet all of them speak to Christian themes, such as faith and its testing, seeking a higher road, the state of grace, error and sin, biblical people and events, and personal redemption through God's word.

A common thread that runs throughout the majority of the poems is that individuals- regardless of any mistakes they may have made in the past-can still turn to Christ as their Savior and begin the slow, sometimes painful, but always positive process of redeeming themselves, in developing a new life filled with abundance and spiritual serenity. By reaching for this new and uplifting collection of Christian poems, readers can indeed begin reaching towards God's glory.

Pushing this flesh into alignment,
guided by The Word most holy and pure,
I'm striving to learn principles
for a sanctified life to endure.

My Lord loves me without hesitation
and allowed a part of Himself to die.
He's calling me homeward without reservation;
by His Spirit, to His side, I'll eventually fly.

Knowing I'm a child of His,
during trying times I find true encouragement.
I'm able to lean on His strength
while in search of heavenly ascent.

Stumbling forward with pained progress,
I've chosen to turn myself towards Thee.
On Your path, lit by spiritual Light, I'm hoping...
That You will still forgive... a sinner like me.

To Nature's old self I cling,
although I should be a new creation
and enjoy the blessings that it brings.

I'm bound as a passive prisoner
wholly contained within my soul,
while personal chains constrict even tighter.

Jacob Marley would have been proud,
as I've forged my own binding links
that strangle the life force, which is continually cast down.

The freedom that I crave
won't be obtained by my own strength,
for only the Cross' power does truly save.

The might of the Living Word
with its reproducing, Dunamis power
enlightens my spirit with Truth that's been heard.

As long as I continue to believe,
I'll stand victorious (for the battle's already won) ,
overcoming false doubts and having fears relieved.

In the quiet town of Bethany
lived two sisters and one brother;
they were Mary, Martha and Lazarus -
people deeply loved by Christ, as none other.

Unexpectedly, Lazarus fell terminally sick;
begging that He not tarry and be late,
multiple messages were urgently sent
forgetting that we upon the Lord must wait.

To justify feelings of utmost despair
the sisters individually met the Christ
with their piercing hollow stares
resulting from sincere, unanswered prayers.

Lazarus, covered in linen with burial spice,
was four days dead in the family tomb
until personally called out by name
and exiting from his cryptal womb.

Being the Way, the Truth and the Life
Christ demonstrated God's power on Earth;
not from Death did Christ's tears flow, but regarding...
People's attitudes surrounding Man's rebirth.

Yes, the goal is to reach souls;
but at what further cost?
Unacceptable is using fear as mind control
for reaching those considered 'lost'.

When not as an example of victorious living,
the principles of God appear to lose credibility.
If not demonstrating a God that's loving,
then appeal of the Kingdom lacks desirability.

To berate skeptical souls with Hell's threat
will deliberately cause immediate offense.
Salvation is not a game with souls to bet -
Offer encouragement to get off the lukewarm fence.

Our responsibility is to share Salvation's plan,
not forcing people to immediately decide.
We are to be God's vessel to reach Man
and not propagate the Eternal Divide.

Wellspring of spiritual water,
It's bubbling inside me.
Gently soothes my bruised soul -
Covering Life's pain of mystery.

Unseen surging river,
Courses through body mortal -
Renewing my energy,
Forced through this open portal.

Full to overflowing,
Come stand next to me,
Let the excess splash on you -
To prime your own jubilee.

This internal source,
Never shall run dry;
For Hope springs eternal,
Keeping this flood in full supply.

In the quiet garden of Heaven,
one day I'll walk beneath the trees
with the coolness of God's Spirit
flowing more gently than an Earthly breeze.

In the royal kingdom of priests,
I'll run barefoot on streets of soft gold,
overwhelmed by the perfection of peace,
following where angels had previously strolled.

Before the awesome throne room,
I'll exude continual heartfelt praise
as part of God's familial host
safe and secure in everlasting days.

Gazing into a starry night,
I see a deep indigo sky
with perfect placement of twinkling light.
Stars reveal the expanse of time
from before the birth of humanity;
their existence came from dynamic energy
which was created by spoken word
that no man has ever heard.
Solitary spirit of awesome might
painted this heavenly canvas
with a flick of His hand and uttered thought.
Divine creation shared with you and me -
It's part of our heritage and His eternal legacy.

Experiencing God directly, is the way to go -
Be submerged in His Spirit, under His heavenly flow.
The lighted path to absolute freedom and peace
is accomplished from following Jehovah's method of release.
The keys to Life's issues are written in The Word;
open up your soul so the message can be heard.
God's plan for your life will be ultimately revealed,
provided to Him you submit and your life you yield.
Demonstrate unwavering faith and be His witness
and others through you shall see His greatness.

For just one day, I'd like to see
a tour of God's throne room and His glassy sea.
Or perhaps to take a leisurely stroll
among heavenly streets made from purest gold.
Maybe I'd glimpse the pearly gates,
to find out who is really standing in wait.
Another option would be to find
the stately mansion that's eventually mine.
But seeing the Savior from afar
and observing the glory of the Morning Star,
would focus my attention solely on Him
and stir my spirit to sing eternal hymns.
For just one day, I'd like a peek of Paradise -
For carrying those images would surely suffice.

We are wronged by people daily,
but to not forgive is unconscionable.
The Universal King had died for all;
for in eternity's view, we're pardonable.

He has given absolute amnesty
to everyone who has accepted Him.
Make no mistake about this unmerited immunity -
Grace's favor (over the course of Life) wears thin.

Death is inevitable, and our spirits
this mortal frame will leave;
so take advantage of God's condonation
to be granted a heavenly reprieve.

Human lives hang in limbo
under the penalty of death;
speak kindly of others and refrain...
From another wasted breath.

Written down is God's Word;
we are encouraged to be heavenly, joint heirs.
So examine His Word for Truth's proof,
for His wish is that 'we join Him there'.

Jehovah first gave of Himself,
breathing Life into Man's creation.
Now He is waiting patiently...
And anticipating a grand celebration.

Final merging of the family tree
are earthly souls and angelic beings;
hear the chorus of praise resound
from all of us eternally singing.

Among a nationality of rainbow races,
our palms are raised high -
In thankfulness for having been...
Invited to the Kingdom of the sky.

It's hard to extol the merits of mankind
and to lavish excessive praise is insane;
recognize the gamut of vain emotion
and treatment of our brothers that's inhumane.

The natural nature of man is hardly good -
Proof is found in our vocabulary;
despite incredible accomplishments of this world,
poor relationships of man to extremes are still carried.

Our literature and news is littered
with ugly views of crime and hate.
For brief review of the damage perpetuated,
let's take time to reiterate.

There's slavery, incest, murder, torture,
greed, rape, hatred, genocide, racism,
bigotry, fear, starvation, thievery,
lasciviousness and terrorism.

Uncaring predators have always existed,
unable to overcome the evil within.
Such conditions show our need for a loving God,
to triumph over the presence and affects of sin.

Forcing an alignment of corporate resources
for some theory of best fit correlation
doesn't work on Kingdom People
when using an unspoken method of tabulation.

If Life is about true spiritual growth,
then why do ministries attempt to pigeon-hole
not making any allowances for us
to develop, expand and break our current mold?

Despite multitudes of outcome possibilities
the Church seems to suffer bouts of paralysis
from the continued mashing of talents and gifts
resulting from unexplained Presbyterian analysis.

There are many ministry leaders who speak of vision -
Their tone indicates that the laity is completely blind and numb;
their message is clear - the Body is not interested
to reach the Earth before Kingdom Come.

We are souls with great, untapped potential
and not just elements of an array.
Despite our abilities and life experiences,
our dreams and desires we're not allowed to convey.

For a failure of Church motivational tricks
comes from cramming God's People into a human matrix.

If I were...
   truly illuminated, what would you see?
   Could the brightness of Christ fully shine
   and the persona of me disappear?

If I were...
   gifted, in other unknown ways.
   Would I be able to discover them
   or would I choose to deny them anyway?

If I were...
   blessed, beyond Earthly needs.
   How much of myself would I be willing to share,
   besides just money and possessions?

If I were...
   eloquent, in my verbose speech.
   Would I be able to teach anything
   and would anyone want to listen?

If I were...
   God, as Satan imagined.
   Would I give people choice
   and have them risk damnation?

My earthly desire is to have...
a woman comprised of softness,
both in flesh and soul.
Her presence offsets the hardness
of everyday living that bluntly smacks me.
To be with a spirit, overflowing with joy,
greeting me daily with unexpected sweetness,
soothes all internal bruises from
the day's accumulation of subtle brutality.
Rubies belie her value to me;
her natural radiance permeates my core,
allowing me to experience intimacy.

Why settle for a counterfeit
when you can have the genuine thing?
For the purpose of "new age" spirituality
is replacing God with the human being.

Working from a false assumption
that Man is essentially good
will lead us down Destruction's path
as History has taught us, as it would.

The fight for supremacy
of our human souls
is still being waged by the Devil
under his planetary control.

Humanism has its agenda
that's carefully worked under Satan's scope -
Our demise is his goal, but he settles for leaving us...
Without any hope.

Please forgive the simplicity of rhyme,
for I wish to be clear and take my time.

It's never been "pc" to be Christian in any century,
out of step with the World, in what ones does or sees.

Having ideals may make me seem pompous,
even though I have no desire to impress.

I'm attempting to follow a Heavenly Plan,
by being a godly steward and serving fellow Man.

What I write from the heart, for me is real;
although as a guy, I'm not supposed to feel.

For some, the Principles of God make no sense -
However, my Faith is... no elaborate pretense.

To be on your mountain top
with an elevated view,
could my chances increase
for getting a glimpse of you?

Standing barefoot in your presence
before a burning bush consumed,
would your glory envelop me
as a spiritual womb?

Moses saw your backside,
but show me instead your face and eyes.
Having direct interaction with you
should cause my faith to be revised.

Conquering obstacles of Life
via a mountainous climb,
while developing a personal relationship
help makes the upward trek sublime.

The essence of God is within,
looking to spring forth in your life.
You have been greatly blessed,
but may be unable to recognize it.
Learn to die to selfish desire
and enable His Spirit to be activated.
All that God requests is your adoration.
Giving praise and singing hymns to Yaweh
means He has captured your heart -
Therefore, your love for Him is... Genuine.

Those multitudes of sin are
variations on a theme -
A reflection of the heart's wickedness
and all the evil that Satan deems.

He himself, suffering from hatefulness and hurt,
does exploit physicality's weakness in Man.
For Satan's attacks continue from his being -
Eternally condemned and forever damned.

In a false semblance of our God,
the count of unique sins is three
in a twisted parallel of...
The sacred number of Trinity.

Opposing the Christ in wilderness' testing
he perceived the Lord's flesh failing,
but not the Spirit's strength in handling
a confrontation with the Kingdom without ending.

These concepts -the Earthly Pride of Life
coupled with the Lust of the Flesh and of the Eyes-
maintain our separation from God
as the Devil manipulates, through deceiving lies.

The boldness of the Savior's Truth
and the Christ's everlasting victory
(as demonstrated by Him at Calvary)
provide True Life, when you just believe.

Challenges in Life are meant to be,
assisting us to reach maturity.
For our reaction to circumstance
marks personal growth beyond luck and chance.
Proven is our ability to learn,
expanding mental constraints as hearts burn.
Walking in upright, godly perfection
complements Jehovah's desire for Man's compassion.
The lasting goal is surely not religious fervor,
but moving past our fallen state of being...
Prone to error.

At the end of yet another week,
weary soldiers are huddled behind church doors,
reminiscing about the recent past with outlook bleak -
Not knowing that Life can offer so much more.

Military plans for Earth's invasion
are held by the Kingdom priests,
trying to comprehend the message of scriptural persuasion
for bringing captive lives to Godly release.

Between berating and war counsel cries,
there are mixed signals being presented.
Separating truth from unintentional lies
is a real challenge to our minds and senses.

The battle is not ours to engage,
but we must employ a strategy of Love -
To reach souls without offending on Life's stage
by using wisdom that flows from Heaven above.

Preparations by the Groom have been completed;
He joyfully awaits the day
that marks the remainder of eternity
when the Church shall be swept away.

He has created a wondrous place
where rows of mansions are perfectly aligned.
Angels will sing beautiful songs
announcing souls' arrival; including yours and mine.

Despite imperfections of His bride,
the Lord daily intercedes with heartfelt prayer.
The celestial wedding feast shall take place -
Have you received your invitation, to be present there?

Visionless is no way to be:
having sight, yet unable to see.
Soul's blindness that's dark and deep
indicates your spirit is fast asleep.

Use the Word to ignite your inner spark
and awaken your slumber by the Lord's Light.
To have Life's purpose and meaning for self
promotes character and personal delight.

Having vision is intended for all,
so get fitted with some new glasses.
Accomplishments are attainable, provided you're
willing to use God's Word, while getting off your....

When floating in the sea of despair,
never give up hope, for the Lord is already there.
For in the time of your darkest hour,
you can tap into His Dunamis power.
Addressing Earth's challenges requires a key -
As a child of His, you must yourself see.
To assure that your earnest prayers are heard,
you need to hide in your heart His Holy Word.
For out of your mouth, His Word you should speak,
which demonstrates that Him you truly seek.
For God's desire is to help you through,
but He is still... waiting on you.

By Peter Dugas (Merrimack, NH, USA) -
I first read your poems while traveling to see a dear friend who is very sick and losing a battle with cancer. Your words calmed my soul and helped me to focus on God's great glory. I read some of these poems, after "dog-earing" about two-thirds of them to my friend, and she enjoyed the message as well. They are very comforting at any time, but especially so when times are tough and one is looking for a better understanding of "why", and that turning to Him all the time is the best way to live our lives.

By Matthew R. Harris (Pasadena, MD, USA) -
"Reaching Towards His Unbounded Glory" has truly blessed this reader with inspiration. After having just published a Christian book of poetry myself--"Poems On Some Parables Of Christ"--I can appreciate first hand this labor of love that Mr. Breunig has written. I am inspired to know that he is a Christian poet who is unafraid to remind his audience that "The message of Jesus' story didn't end atop Calvary, / as a rotting corpse, left among the ruins of human debris....Unbeknownst to man, the Earth's foundation suffered / a quaking groundswell, / while the Spirit of Christ descended into fiery depths / and snatched the keys of hell." The previous lines were quoted from a poem in Mr. Breunig's collection entitled "Buried." I hope these lines as well as the rest of "Reaching Towards His Unbounded Glory" will lift you up as they have me.

By David A. Buck (Keene, NH, USA) -
It's one thing to put pen to paper and write things, good or bad that move people in one way or another. This book moved me in a positive way. I find it hard to believe that the author wrote these words from his very own psyche. I'm not accusing plagiarism, but rather inspiration. Many of the thoughts put to paper had to be, in my mind, divinely inspired. So many things we all need to hear, especially in this point in time. I can only hope that someone will read this and have that "life changing" experience that we all crave. God's thoughts, using man's words. Outstanding !!!