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Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning,

that they may follow strong drink;

that continue until night, till wine inflame them!

Isaiah 5:11 KJV

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Beware that cup of wine, that mug of beer;

It may well be the drink of no return.

Imbibing alcohol can bring you cheer,

But too much booze is cause for great concern.

You think you can control it, and you may,

Yet there will come a time it turns on you.

Addiction causes spiritual decay;

Your passion’s not of God, but of the brew.

It’s good to know your weaknesses today,

For that is where the devil burrows through.

Avoid them like the plague; just run away.

Temptation can’t compete if your faith’s true.

If it’s too late and you just cannot quit,

Turn quick to Christ and counselors submit.

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sonnet # 415

A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah:

O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee:

my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee

in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is

Psalm 63:1 KJV

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If you would seek the presence of the Lord,

You must be thirsty like a desert man,

Bereft and wandering, an empty gourd,

A single minded need without a plan.

When you awake, have God be your first thought,

So hungry He consumes you heart and soul

Until your neck is thin, your stomach taut,

Your tongue so thick with thirst and black as coal.

You cannot find the Lord while on your duff;

You must engage the world, but be aware:

When He is all you need, then sure enough,

You’ll find Him all around; He’s everywhere.

The intellect itself cannot find God;

You search with your whole life without facade.

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sonnet #408

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