9-9-15 Flee Youthful Lusts

Jack Sparrow running

Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

2 Timothy 2:22 KJV

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The lusts of youth don’t always mean the flesh,

But every one is meant to bring them down.

Their vanity and ego cannot mesh

With those who come to wear a humble crown.

There is a need to hear their peer’s applause,

But that lasts just a moment of their life.

Seek favor from the Lord in faith because

Unlike their friends God’s love remains through strife.

Contentions and contempt will mark their way

Unless they live in peace like Christ did show.

Abide with those whose righteousness won’t stray,

Whose charity defeats the biggest foe.

When youth resists the constant lustful lure,

They join the ranks of those whose hearts are pure.

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4-9-15 The Bond of Peace

Bond of Peace

The Holy Spirit binds us all as one

Who came unto the shadow of the cross

And gave our life to Christ, God’s first-born Son,

Now counted closer than a family’s gloss.

So here we are as one and Spirit led.

The things that caused contention surely cease,

For now the love of Christ’s the common thread

That brings so naturally a bond of peace.

Where there was once dissension we find grace,

No longer slave to sin and anger’s hook;

Forgiveness helps us run the longer race,

A stamina not gained by hook or crook.

When differences arise within the flock,

The key of Christ will open any lock.

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Endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit

in the bond of peace.

Ephesians 4:3 KJV

2-13-15 Rooftop Peace

Edinburgh rooftop

Be careful where you lay your weary head:

Contention makes the worst environment.

If it be church or work or even in your bed,

Diversion from the Lord leads to lament.

The corner of a roof is better than

A mansion wide where Satan has his way.

Discarded food within an old trash can

Is worthier than hate cooked steak all day.

Remember that you’ve got a job to do,

For God wants you to bring to Him the lost.

The Holy Spirit cannot breathe through you

If all that you inhale is foul exhaust.

A church would not endure a howling choir,

So do not tolerate another’s ire.

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It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop,

than with a brawling woman in a wide house.

Proverbs 21:9 KJV

1-1-15 Be Bold

defending your faith

A resolution you can surely keep:

With boldness speak the gospel every day,

Especially if others call you cheap

Or claim that you believe in shadow play.

So many people think that God’s a lie,

Religion just a fairy tale for fools.

Rely upon the Spirit to reply;

The Savior can, through you, take them to school.

Be bold and face the constant enemy,

For Christ will do the very same for you.

Don’t be afraid to say the truth, you see,

And speak with love; He died for these ones, too.

Now plant the gospel everywhere like seed,

There’s always those who nurse a deeper need.

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But even after that we had suffered before,

and were shamefully entreated …

we were bold in our God to speak unto you

the gospel of God with much contention.

1 Thessalonians 2:2 KJV