10-20-15 Unclean Spirits

²³ And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,

²⁴ Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.

²⁵ And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.

²⁶ And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.

²⁷ And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.

Mark 1:23-27 KJV

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An unclean spirit likes to sow discord

And seeks to own the weakest mind around.

Such fights and arguments are their reward;

Where trouble’s stirred this spirit can be found.

Unless the Holy Spirit fills your heart

Ask Christ to guard your soul or you’ll be next.

They spot a child of God and then will start

To try to tear you down and leave you vexed.

The Savior lives within so call His name!

The Holy Ghost will lead you through this scene.

He might have you rebuke it out in shame

Or lead the man possessed to Christ to clean.

You’re led to where you’re needed most of all.

Let Christ stay in control and heed His call.

10-10-15 Bittersweet

⁸ But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

⁹ Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.

¹⁰ Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

¹¹ Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?

James 3:8-11 KJV

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It’s easier for man to tame a rock

Than teach his tongue to stop its reckless ways.

A stone can learn to sit and stay and balk,

But not the tongue; it runs for days and days.

How many times have words jumped from your mouth

That you regret the instant it is done?

A friendly conversation’s headed south

With just an unplanned phrase or bawdy pun.

If you can hesitate to choose your words,

The tongue might find some worse to say instead.

Best cut it out and feed it to the birds

Or keep a clean, blank slate within your head.

The mind of Christ is possible to gain:

It takes complete surrender to attain.

6-27-15 Hypocrisy

²⁷ Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.

²⁸ Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

Matthew 23:27-28 KJV

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Hypocrisy is practiced more than not,

And chances are you practice every day,

Pretending you are wise and know a lot

When really you’re an ass that loves to bray.

That suit you wear on Sunday, crisp and clean,

Is like a coat of paint on rust and rot.

That Bible in your hand on Sunday seen

Back home is tucked away behind your pot.

Remember, were it not for God’s good Grace,

You would be bound for Hell for all you’ve done.

Get humble now and fall upon your face;

Repent and follow Christ, the perfect one.

If you don’t think you are a hypocrite,

You’re worse along than you care to admit.

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sonnet #400

1-17-15 On Tongue Watching

Instead of pointing at the more profane,

Police that brazen mouth that’s strapped to you.

If you can’t watch your tongue, your faith is vain,

And those who hear you speak will think so, too.

There’s nothing wrong with humor if it’s clean;

Before you tell a joke, share first with Christ.

If you can make Him laugh it’s not obscene,

But if the Spirit tugs, it should be iced.

Beware of what you say, you’re being watched;

You represent religion to the crowd.

A vulgar tongue leaves testimonies botched;

The message that you send is clear and loud.

Your tawdry speech can so deceive your heart.

It’s better to be silent than be tart.

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If any man among you seem to be religious,

and bridleth not his tongue,

but deceiveth his own heart,

this man’s religion is vain.

James 1:26 KJV

12-29-14 With Just a Touch

If you believe that Jesus is your Lord,

Don’t hesitate to call upon His name.

You must let go your will, you must be floored;

Believe with all your heart He’ll cure your shame.

Be like the leper, fall upon your face:

The door to Heaven’s shaped like one in prayer.

You must surrender everything to grace;

Put all your faith in Christ, your soul laid bare.

Confess your sins to God; He will forgive.

God’s mercy heals contrite and broken hearts.

You must prepare to die before you live;

 When Jesus touches you, your sins depart.

O Lord, if it’s Your will, then make us clean.

Our sins keep us from You, please intervene!

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¹² And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city,

behold a man full of leprosy:

who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him,

saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

¹³ And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying,

I will: be thou clean.

And immediately the leprosy departed from him.

Luke 5:12-13 KJV

11-24-14 Create in Me

Forgive me, Lord, the sins I’ve held onto;

Create in me a heart that’s pure and clean;

I’ve lost my way, but You know what do do;

I need Your grace, on only You I lean.

O God, I am not worthy of Your love,

But Jesus said if I believe in Him

I’ve everlasting life with You above,

And I believe without Christ my light’s dim.

Renew my spirit, Lord, please make it right;

On You I wait and pray all through the day;

Your mercy fills my soul and shines so bright,

I thank You for Your Son who shows the way.

Lord, hear my voice, I’m down here on my knees;

God, make me whole, it’s You I long to please.

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Create in me a clean heart, O God;

and renew a right spirit within me.

Psalm 51:10 KJV