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“The Kiss Beyond Creations Reach” Written: May 14th, Thursday, 2026 By: Matthew Krogstad Thank you for listening to this special episode of Gospel Poetry. Matthew shares a live recording of a spoken word piece that reflects on what a true wedding ceremony ultimately points us to: the Triune love that has always existed, our rebellion against that great love, and the Redeemer’s kiss that restores our union with our Maker. Contact at [email protected]

"Meditation on Trees II" Written: March 11th, Wed, 2026 By: Matthew Krogstad I saw a tree in winter stand, bare branches stretched across the land. No leaf to clothe its withered frame, no fruit to glorify God's name. My heart resembling this root, for once was I, devoid of fruit. Like a tree both cold and dry, beneath a dark and silent sky. No living root beneath the sod, no rising praise that reached to God. Though form of life might still appear, no vital sap was bringing cheer. No hand of mine could make it live, no striving breath new life could give. Till sovereign wind from heaven above, awoke my heart to life and love. Then grace, like hidden sap, did rise, and faith looked up with newborn eyes. The barren limbs began to see, the buds of hope upon the tree. O Gardener wise, thy work fulfill, subdue my heart to do thy will. Just as the once dead barren tree, was made to bear living fruit for Thee. Thank you for listening! If you have questions or feedback please email us at [email protected].

Meditation on Trees Written: Monday, February 13th, 2023 By: Matthew Krogstad By testing Love, the arrow has been shot. Revealing a sin, uncovering its spot. Divine eyes has seen great harm, in a comfort that glows with elegant charm. Heavens bow upon my flesh will crush, all its pleasures, joys, and lush. The Infinite drawing the finite,making the world dim, and Heaven so bright. Will you lack peace, O my soul? When grace is telling you to let go, of that which many lives has stole? This arrow's intention is not to cause pain,but uncover the sin that which makes lame. Are you to be discontent of such love? Despond as it's lent from caring hands above? Rejoice, O my soul, and entrust all to God. Repent and with joy embrace the helping rod. If you have questions email us at [email protected].

"A Slave to Thee Forever!" Written: 01/26/2026 By: Matthew Krogstad I did not beg for silver, I spit at you in grief. Bent beneath a cruel yoke, bound in unbelief. I did not bargain for relief, stood with nothing in my hands. Under the promise of a thief, whose path is darkened lands. Sin my master, stealing years, my wages death would keep. Serving what never loved me back, oh, these chains drag deep. Then a clear voice came, "Bought with sinless blood." Still I spat at this claim, seeing its gain as loss. Fleeing love that holds my breath, spurned His call, despised His pain. Yet still the scars held fast my debt, when I would not remain. Grace moved first, then I learned, what You had truly done. That I was loved before I turned, and kept before I'd come. A simple plea and nothing more, all else I gladly sever. Hear my request, O Risen Lord, A slave to Thee forever! Please reach out to us at [email protected].

The Falling of the First Snow Written: December 21st, Sunday, 2025 By: Matthew Krogstad The falling of the first snow, when once I could not see. Sent in white shimmering glow, echoing His purity. The ringing of winter's bell, when once I could not hear. The story that it longs to tell, Immanuel drawn near. The choir's song, hear it playing loud, when once I could not savor. Words of He before whom angels bow, this child born, Christ the Savior. Meetings of glee on every street, when once I could not believe. There for me, a table and seat, where my soul is gently relieved. I heard the chimes this winter's eve, their silver peals now bright and merry. This heart of mine can now conceive, the King of Life the trough did carry. I see the season with eyes anew, winter's snow now quiets my mind. Its blanket whispers what is true, came, the Redeemer of mankind. Thank you for listening! If you have questions or feedback please reach us at [email protected]

"I Wish You Could've Known"Written: Saturday, December 6th, 2025 By: Matthew Krogstad 23 years of life before she took my name;When once she was your sweet little Cara Jane. I've seen the pictures of you holding that smiley girl;now it's the very smile that takes my heart each day. Yes, she's my whole world. I wish you could've known her joy in the smallest of delights;Going for a walk or waiting for that plane to take flight...Sitting on the couch close at night...Homemade decaf makes her grin so bright. I wish you could've heard her talk about her day...What she learned in the Word while she reads and prays...How in some things she may have lost her way...Grieving her past in living astray...But in thinking on Truth her countenance dresses in array...While shopping how she saw the most gorgeous of bouquets...Yes, you would've held on to every word she would say... I wish you could've seen her mature as a wife...Not knowing how to cook at first now a master with a knife...Nurturing her nest without a hint of strife...Making it rife with laughter and dance...The one who steals me with a single glance... I wish she could've known you as her first love...An example of tender care; reflecting the Father above...I wish she could've known the refuge only a dad could be...Protection from the monsters and unknown creatures at sea...To know this girl is to be full of glee...And I wish I could tell you she's everything to me... I wish you could've known my pursuit for her hand...Wanting to see her walk down the aisle while next to her you stand...With each step forward getting closer to, "I do."I wish you felt the pain of letting your girl go before all those in the pew... The exchange of our vows with the smiles on our face...I wish she could've known that day, your blessing and embrace... I wish you could've known her as a mother...Hearing your encouragements would have lifted her up like no other...Seeing her be a mom has been like a jewel I just discovered...To our daughter she is the best of lovers... In all these words are mixed sadness and bliss...For there is One who in all her days has never missed...No, not a single moment in watching her blossom and shine...For before I ever came along, this One told her;"I am yours, and you are mine." Thank you for listening! If you have questions or feedback, please email us at [email protected].

On today’s special episode, Matthew delivers his first-ever sermon at his local church. The sermon focuses on Malachi 3:1-1, highlighting Jesus Christ as the divine Refiner who patiently purifies His people through trials, much like a goldsmith refines metal through fire, skimming impurities, and repeating the process until perfection is achieved. At the end of the sermon, a poem is shared: “A Love That Unveiled My Eyes”Written: November 28th, Monday, 2022By: Matthew Krogstad A love that unveiled my eyes,I have only heard, but now I see;The work that told my soul to arise,Jesus Christ taking on Calvary’s Tree. Upon a people a Light has dawned,Dwelling among us, in a land so dim;Come to restore the most joyful bond,That hast been severed due to all my sin. Unnoticed as He walked in purity,Unknown by all the eyes of man;Yet, tis the One who is our Surety,He accomplished the Father’s plan. The plan to clear a boundless offense,Sinless He lived for the sake of the vile;Oh, this depth of love is so immense,The Holy God and sinners reconciled! See Him walk the road to wrath,The Father’s fury stowed for the guilty;In the crowd I mock and laugh,While Christ the Son is treated as filthy.Christ entered into the holy veil,as the Sacrifice and great High Priest;Wearing my sin, yes, taking its scale!That I may join the eternal feast.A love that unveiled my eyes,From the grave He rose and stands strong;In my place Thou hast lived and died,This shall forever be my song. Thank you for listening! If you have questions or feedback, please email us at [email protected].

"Pages Divine"Written: October 31st, Monday, 2022By: Matthew Krogstad Inscribed within the Pages Divine,speaks of One who was before all time.O, the perfect word of grace,is the place where Christ, I'll chase. See this book take its mighty stand,whilst every line has greatly fanned.A flame that burned the hearts of man,a deep so vast no mind can scan. Follow its path to the endless fount,the glory Moses sought on the mount.Uncovered inside all its pages,revealed is Him who paid sins wages, Led by the Holy Spirit I'll see,all about Jesus who is the Key.Unlocking the most valuable treasure,a height of beauty no one can measure.

A poem inspired by Psalm 10 in light of the assassination of Charlie Kirk.Written: September 11th, Thursday, 2025Song: Psalm 10 by Poor Bishop Hooper (used with permission) Why stand, O Lord, afar off? Troubles rise and help is hidden. Scheming, they laugh and scoff, in arrogance the poor are stricken. Boasting in their hearts desire, for gain they wallow in greed. Snare them by what they conspire, for cursing and hate is all they breed. Daring in their sinful courses, renouncing Your name in pride. Deceit and abuse unite forces, Your decree gone from their eyes. Lurking, their eyes set to pounce, in hiding they murder the pure. 'There is no God,' they announce, thus, the dark oppressions endure. Hiding deep in shadowed ways, mocking the cries of the weak. No secret stays beyond His gaze, the Lord observes all they seek. Arise, O Lord; lift up Your arm, for they say You do not see. Praising over death and harm, hear the afflicted's plea. O God our refuge, send forth care, we long for justice to soon release. Strengthen hearts in deep despair, by Your cross, bring the vile to peace.

"Why Did The Land Fall Dark?"Written: August 8th, Friday, 2025By: Matthew Krogstad Why did the land fall dark,when the beaten man was hung?No light; nay, not one spark,while praises of hell were sung. Why did the land grow dire?This man hanging midst the two.Reviled, yes, cast into the mire.Has this man received his due? Why did the land fill with dread?This man derided and mocked.Marred his body; frail it bled.Wagging their heads as they walked. Why did the darkness shadow the land,while 'forsaken' he cried loud?Will Elijah help by command?Then, in final breath, he bowed. Why in death did this darkness lift?'Truly, this man is the son of God.'The veil was rent; the earth did shift.Looking from afar, in silence awed. Why was the darkness so grim?No terror has ever been greater.Crushed, this man, with all my sin.It was I who killed my Creator.

Welcome to season 2 of Gospel Poetry! Today`s spoken word brings you into a journal entry written a year after I became a believer. I pray it would cause you to worship the Holy One whom the wind and seas obey. Share this with your friends, leave a review, and join us next time! In the next episode we will dive into a meditation based on the deep reality of Mark 15:33.

Welcome to Season 2 of Gospel Poetry! As we start a new season I wanted to share a spoken word poem that I recently wrote in the month of June, 2025. I may share more spoken words every so often. The title of this one is, 'Before the Alarm Clock,' which captures the reality of facing spiritual attacks even before the day begins. I pray it can serve as a reminder of the real battle that goes beyond the physical, and the response that can silence the treacherous voices. I am grateful to be back and I pray these episodes can enrich your devotion and love for the Lord Jesus. Please share this with your friends and join us next time.

A prayer written in a season of despair Written: January 5th, Thursday, 2023 By: Matthew Krogstad Whether I am in a dry land may I say, it is well for Christ is my river. If I be in great need for money may I say, it is well for Christ is my portion. If it be pain or sickness that overcomes my body may I say, it is well for Christ is my strength and my salvation. If I were to have the world against me all at once may I say, it is well for Christ the King is my rear guard. If it be the last moments when death will have its victory over my flesh may I look up and say, it is well for Christ awaits to welcome me home. If I am to remain on this earth and doubts pursue me on every side may I say, it is well for Christ is my surety. If the winds of trials try to take me off course may I say, it is well for Christ my wisdom keeps me level. If my heart grows dim and burns like a faint ember may I say, it is well for Christ my light can set it ablaze once more. As I wake up each day not knowing what my steps entail may I say, it is well for Christ is my wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption. Oh blessed loss you are most welcome at anytime for each visit of yours is a gain of mine. I have lost nothing of what I have in Christ.

A poem inspired by Psalm 103 Written: April 12th, Tuesday, 2022 By: Matthew Krogstad As high as the heavens reach, so great is Your steadfast love. With Your word, O Spirit, teach, that I may fear the Lord above. My soul shall bless Your name! All that is within, my life`s aim. The chords of my soul flow in motion, to You, whose mercy outweighs the ocean. As far as the east is from the west, my sin and guilt are no more. With my lips I will continually bless, He who took the veil and tore. All my iniquities forgiven in Him, satisfied with good all my days. Dealt not according to my sin, its memory no longer shall stay. Your compassion is on those who are dust, our days are like the fleeting grass. Fearing You in all our ways, we must. As You lead us to glory at last! Clothed with strength as we keep Your word, Your righteousness we now attain. Our vision is clear, no longer blurred, the world behind; heaven our gain! O bless the Lord, bless His name! Shout, O soul; your Redeemer came! His anger on you withheld so free, such infinite love, how can it be?

"A Simple Way to Pray"Written: October 27th. Thursday, 2022By: Matthew Krogstad Above the earth exalted high,tis the blessed place You reside.Hallowed be thy name, O Lord,deep within my heart adored. Let thy Kingdom hasten this day,drawing those who have gone astray.Your will be done on earth below,making us clean, yes, white as snow. Resting in You each day that is given.Nourish my soul; refine my vision.Our daily bread comes forth from You.You are true Life, yes, and true Food! As You have forgiven so shall we too,Your mercies each morning, ready and new.You the Judge have stayed Your hand,since Christ fulfilled the laws demand. Away from temptation lead us, O God,keeping our eyes off the way which is broad.Save us from affliction, preserve our souls,and with our lips Your name we extol! Your kingdom on high; O City to come,the light of our eyes; the Eternal Son.All power, all glory, forever ascribed.To You, Our Refuge, who shall soon arrive.