9-22-15 On Addiction

¹⁴ But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

¹⁵ Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

James 1:14-15 KJV

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We’ve all been tempted; still we’re tempted now

For Satan pays attention to our lusts.

Then when we fall and break most every vow,

His demons ride our shame, feed our disgust.

Then like a horror movie sin’s revived

As if it will not die by force or will,

Until your prayers seem wooden and contrived,

And then when you give up death has its fill.

Cry out unto the Lord though you feel dead,

And pray until your tears have soaked the ground.

He leads you to the help you need ahead;

Just trust in Jesus – grace much more abounds.

It seems like all is lost; don’t be deceived.

Salvation comes to those who first believed.

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.

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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

2-20-15 Take It Up With Him

To follow Jesus, be prepared to die,

And more than that, to suffer pain and hate,

To see both wealth and health then pass you by,

To live with disrespect from small and great.

You can’t come after Christ and think of you;

Both prayer and service must fill up your day,

And don’t just say you will, but see it through.

You can’t walk halfway there; go all the way.

If you think taking up your cross is less,

Then you must think that Jesus compromised.

When God says ‘Follow Me,’ don’t second guess;

Take up your cross and don’t look so surprised.

Remember in whose steps you’re following;

To have your fill of love, start swallowing.

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Then said Jesus unto his disciples,

If any man will come after me,

let him deny himself,

and take up his cross,

and follow me.

Matthew 16:24 KJV