1-20-16 Be Not Afraid

⁴⁸ And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. ⁴⁹ But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: ⁵⁰ For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. ⁵¹ And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.

Mark 6:48-51 KJV

~~~~~~~~~~~

When troubles come to push you off your path,

And if it seems you’re rowing ‘gainst the wind,

The struggle that you face in all its wrath

Might leave your efforts moot and you chagrined.

Look through the dark of night and see Me there!

I am not just a thought inside your head,

Not just some passing need when you despair,

Nor ghostly spirit filling you with dread.

Be of good cheer! Have courage! It is I!

Be not afraid, I’ve come to bring you peace.

I’ve been here all along, I won’t pass by.

I’m right beside you now; the wind will cease.

In life when conflict blows with its attack,

Be not afraid, my child, I’ve got your back.

~~~~~~~~~~~

REMEMBER: Even in the darkest of nights you will see Him near.

8-11-15 Repent!

And herein do I exercise myself,

to have always a conscience

void of offence toward God,

and toward men.

Acts 24:16 KJV

~~~~~~~~~~~~

The key to healthy living in the flesh

Includes avoiding sickness at all cost,

But if it does arise attack it fresh

Lest sickness turn to death then all is lost.

The Holy Spirit guides us on to God,

Convicting us if we should start to sin,

And when we sin, repent from what is flawed

Lest sin evolve and apathy begin.

Repent! Assault offence at every turn.

Admit it right away to God and man.

The fire of your repentance makes you burn;

You won’t touch it again, not if you can.

Stay honest with the Lord: repent and pray,

To keep your conscience clear from day to day.

~~~~~~~~~~~

sonnet #433

5-1-15 Forgive

Forgive the ones who do you wrong today;

Forgive the ones who know not what they do.

Forgive each time you raise your eyes to pray;

Forgive them though they know they’re hurting you.

Forgive the ones who fill their hearts with hate;

Forgive the ones who want you hateful, too.

Forgive offenses both the small and great;

Forgive them though their words are all untrue.

Forgive the ones who won’t forgive you back;

Forgive the ones who go to court and sue.

Forgive although your honor they attack;

Forgive them though they break your back in two.

And when you so forgive your Father will

Forgive your trespasses and love you still.

~~~~~~~~~~~

And when ye stand praying, forgive,

if ye have ought against any:

that your Father also which is in heaven

may forgive you your trespasses.

Mark 11:25 KJV

 

sonnet #347

12-18-14 Fear Not

My God! We need Your help this stormy night!

The wolves of evil howl outside our door!

We’ve got nowhere to run so we must fight!

O Father! We are weary, scared and sore.

The enemy attacks all night and day

With claws to snatch our friends and family!

The time grows short! My Lord, we pray

That You will strengthen us to set them free!

Uphold us with Your righteousness, O King,

And give us courage as we face the beast!

Our faith is great! God, You are everything!

Your Word upon our hearts and fear’s decreased!

The armies of the enemy are here,

But You are with us now, no need to fear!

~~~~~~~~~~~

Fear thou not; for I am with thee:

be not dismayed; for I am thy God:

I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee;

yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Isaiah 41:10 KJV

11-13-14 Peaceful Sleep

Your enemies surround me all the day,

Attacking both my body and my mind,

But I’ve no fear amid the constant fray,

For Your protective love has me entwined.

Great evil stalks the land like hungry beast,

Devouring the truth with hate and lies,

But though it lays beside me with its feast,

I share the gospel without compromise.

The past and future rob most men of sleep;

Their troubles run unchecked all through the night,

But Your serenity makes slumber deep;

There is no need to worry in Your sight.

Rest safely in the shelter of the Lord;

Find comfort in His Word, the great reward.

~~~~~~~~~~~

I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep:

for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

Psalm 4:8 KJV

9-30-14 God’s Got Your Back

God knows the trials you face from day to day;

His spirit dwells within you all the time.

Be confident in all you do and say,

For God is always with you so sublime.

No need to fear, no need to run and hide,

The Lord has gone ahead to light your path.

No matter what transpires he’s by your side;

Whatever interferes will face His wrath.

The God of Israel has got your back,

So speak in confidence with truth and fire.

Don’t worry that your foes will soon attack;

God knows who is the thief, the thug, the liar.

Don’t worry, God is with you in your trial;

His presence makes your trouble all worthwhile.

~~~~~

For ye shall not go out with haste,

nor go by flight: for the LORD will go before you;

and the God of Israel will be your rereward.

Isaiah 52:12 KJV