i saw a coin in heaven
made of purest gold
like faith perfected
on one side, love was sealed
upon the other, obedience
since loveless service is slavery
and heedless love reaps sorrow
in barrenness and lack
when Truth himself looks today
at the mirror of my heart
let the joy of wisdom's gentle grace
be ever gazing back

on the second golden coin i saw
a loving father embrace his son
and a bride held by her groom
written about the circumference
was righteousness and holiness
for these two love each other
with flames of jealous fire
which time and space cannot consume
since faith in such eternal love
is every man's best endeavour
we seek the holy and righteous one
to know his peace and joy forever

on the third coin i saw
a fountain and a river
like the joy of generosity
rising free from greed's restraint
like the streams of heaven's purity
removing sin and every taint
which seeks to stem the gracious flow
of every blessing stored up for us
who walk by faith, the kingdom first
who taste and see, then quench our thirst
with God's own spirit, free for all
who listen well and obey his call

on the fourth heavenly coin i saw
an ancient gateway and its city
upon its width in royal script
profound in depth and surpassing beauty
were gratitude and peace
for all must enter Jerusalem
by giving thanks to God alone
to walk her streets without envy
enjoying all her pleasant ways
as strangers to the sons of rage
the perfect rest of our salvation
has exiled these to a distant nation

on the fifth coin i saw
a mountain and a mighty sword
around the rim was written
patience and truth
since patient love endures all
and triumphs over restless strife
while many prosper through deceit
self deceived by worldly lies
who builds his house on the sands of time
will suffer present and eternal loss
who stands forever on the rock of Christ
surrenders to the wisest choice

upon the sixth coin i saw
a silver cup and a city wall
the chalice filled to overbrimming
with the joy of forgiveness found in him
should we ever repent and let Christ in
to liberate our hearts from malice
guarding our souls from desolation
with self control and wise discretion
the discipline of his faithful ones
is to pass this precious vessel on
forgiven as they have truly believed
costly to Him but freely received

on the seventh heavenly coin i saw
an open hearth and a candle flame
inscribed about its outer edge
encourage and revere
by drawing near to Christ in faith
to impart strength and comfort loss
in reverence we can worship him
who loving all endured the cross
and having ascended to the highest place
poured out his spirit of infinite grace
to open our eyes for truth's adoration
to shine with the light of His inspiration

on the eighth coin i saw
a nursing child and fertile valley
like the gentleness of godliness
the tender sweetness of wisdom's kiss
the rain of mercy on unbelief
a breath of love on the softest breeze
and the fruitfulness of humility
in bowing down to be lifted up
in sowing seed to yield a crop
he suffered death for prideful men
submitting in faith to a just command
to raise in love a number like sand

on the ninth coin i saw
a waterfall and a leaping stag
and flowing about its circle
selflessness and joy
ever in motion with purity
freely cascading, rejoicing to be
running in truth to our destiny
bouncing over the boastful rocks
churning a pool for drinking deep
filled with the Spirit to overflowing
to laugh and dance, to roar and leap
without shame on the arduous length
the joy of the Lord imparting His strength

on the tenth heavenly coin i saw
a golden crown and soaring eagle
and sealed upon its edge
honour and discernment
since learning to esteem each other
lets unity and blessings flow
from the gifted to the humble spirit
from heaven's heights to the ground below
we plough and sow with wisdom's seed
to gain a more discerning heart
to advance in love and in His sight
to join with eagles in their flight

on the eleventh coin i saw
a wedding ring and falling rain
upon its width in golden script
were faithfulness and compassion
through all the storms that life can fashion
an unbroken chain in every season
the choice of love when there's no reason
but faithlessness to tear apart
and the bitter curse of a hardened heart
heaven blesses the sister and brother
who abandon themselves to find in each other
Christ Jesus the healer, redeemer and lover

on the twelfth heavenly coin i saw
the rising sun and a blazing torch
like the graciousness of mercies new
the kindness of his ardent desire
undoing every work of evil
with the presence of his zeal
the burning of his holy fire
the promise of his Spirit's seal
in each of us who seek his glory
to play our part in the saviour's story
knowing him to reveal his name
the perfection of love i cannot contain