12-25-15 Peace and Good Will

⁸ And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. ¹⁰ And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. ¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. ¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ¹⁴ Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Luke 2:8-14 KJV

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As lowly shepherds watched their flocks by night

The angel of the Lord shown suddenly,

And glory shined about the shepherds bright,

And they were so afraid from all that they did see.

“Fear not,” the angel said to calm their fright,

“Good tidings do I bring, great joy to all!

The Savior Christ the Lord was born tonight!

He’s swaddled in a manger plain and small.”

Then there appeared a multitude forthright,

A host from heaven praising God to say

“To God’s the glory, all to Him outright,

And peace on earth, good will toward men to stay!”

Those shepherds were the first to hear the news.

Such humble men in spirit Christ pursues.

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REMEMBER: God took on a human body to bring peace and good will to the world through His inevitable sacrifice.

6-5-15 Age With Grace

² That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate,

sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

³ The aged women likewise,

that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness,

not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things

Titus 2:2-3 KJV

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As much as you despise it you must age,

Until one day you feel the weight of years,

But with the wrinkles brings the knowing sage,

Experienced in laughter, calm and tears.

If you should ever act your age it’s now,

For younger eyes are looking up to you.

Let sober living shine upon your brow,

And all the words you say be sound and true.

You have a grave responsibility

To be the light of Christ in faith and love.

Endure the world each day more patiently,

And show us how to pray to God above.

To all the aged men and women saints,

Spend all your time in praise and not complaints.

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sonnet #380

5-26-15 Great Gain

Peaceful place

But godliness with contentment is great gain.

1 Timothy 6:6 KJV

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A Godly soul is really hard to find

Unless you go where Godly folk abide.

The place where these great ones are so inclined

Is where the Lord has told them to reside.

You cannot find them on a simple plat;

No GPS can lead you to their side.

You’ll find them so content just where they’re at

Because they are attune with Christ their guide.

A man can be content and not know God,

But deep in his contentment he must hide,

For only Jesus leaves you calm and awed;

Without the Savior peace can’t be applied.

Contentment in the Lord will bring great gain

No matter where you go His Grace will reign.

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sonnet #371

11-28-14 Courage Under Fire

No weapon used against me shall I fear,

No enemy the strength to break my will,

For Jesus is my shield, He is my spear,

He’s with me in the valley, on the hill.

The Lord is my salvation, He’s my light.

Why be afraid with Jesus by my side?

He gives my spirit power with His might

And brings me victory, for He’s my guide.

He gives me life, so I’ve no fear of death;

I can’t complain; He suffered for my soul.

I’ll live for Him until my dying breath

And die for Him, for He has made me whole.

Though missiles fly around me I am calm,

For Jesus shelters me within His palm.

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The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?

the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 27:1 KJV

9-3-14 The Quietness of Soul

Man’s righteousness can only go so far,

Yet forged by God it lives eternally,

And worked through Jesus Christ’s atonement are

Now found in peace and pure tranqulity.

The consequence of righteousness is shown

By yielding all to Jesus, then made whole,

Assured by faith man’s peace is fin’lly known

In calmest mind and quietness of soul.

Calamities abound the whole world through

And shake the weak foundation of the lost,

But by the righteousness of Christ so true

Those saved through Grace by faith are boldly crossed.

            The work of righteousness is always peace

            And its effect, His love, will never cease.

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And the work of righteousness shall be peace;

and the effect of righteousness quietness

and assurance for ever.

Isaiah 32:17 KJV

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8-22-14 Brokenhearted

This world is filled with sorrow, death and pain,

And it will break your heart ten thousand times.

You suffer grief and tears fall down like rain;

Such agony and torments seem like crimes.

These are the times when Christ is close to you;

He bears such love to heal your broken heart.

He knows exactly what you’re going through;

Unlike the others He will not depart.

The mean and cruel can crush your spirit down;

You feel so poor and mean in your own eyes.

Reach out your weary arms, He’s all around.

The Saviour mends your soul and soothes your cries.

            You’re not alone, just feel His presence near;

            Lean into Jesus, He will calm your fear.

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The LORD is close to the brokenhearted

and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:18 NIV

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