9-1-15 On Speaking in Tongues

² For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

³ But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

⁴ He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

1 Corinthians 14:2-4 KJV

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There’s nothing wrong with speaking unknown tongues,

Unless you’re teaching Sunday School in church.

God gave you vocal chords and also lungs

To worship Him, not leave us in the lurch.

The Spirit speaks the truth into the heart,

And sometimes whispers secrets unrevealed.

Such mysteries remain so from the start

Unless a translator is there to yield. ¹

If you’re to lead your brethren into war

It’s so important they know what you mean.

An unknown call in battle they’ll ignore, ²

So speak commands that’s understood and keen. ³

An unknown tongue’s for you and you alone.

If you’re to prophesy, let it be known.

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1 1 Corinthians 14:13

2 1 Corinthians 14:8

3 1 Corinthians 14:15

8-27-15 An Exhortation

Now we exhort you, brethren,

warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded,

support the weak, be patient toward all men.

1 Thessalonians 5:14 KJV

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We have our own responsibilities,

And that includes a call to help the poor:

The poor in heart, in mind, in strength are these

That need some extra care we can’t ignore.

Admonish those that step across the line:

The busybody, troublemaking sort.

Teach discipline and selfless service fine;

These diamonds in the rough, do not sell short.

Uplift the ones who struggle with the cross:

The simple and the slow to understand.

The weak need love who cannot bear a loss;

Please help them with their faith and to withstand.

Have patience with the souls who trip and fall;

Be one to help them up. See Christ in all.

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sonnet #449

8-9-15 Be Not Ashamed

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:

for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth;

to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Romans 1:16 KJV

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Too many times we’ve put our tongue in check,

But only when we’re sharing The good news.

We stumble in our thoughts, our mind’s a wreck,

Afraid that we’d offend some lady’s views.

Don’t be ashamed to talk about the Lord,

He saved your life; without Him you’d be dead.

If you’re attacked, assailed, or just ignored,

They must be told there’s glory just ahead.

You are a rebel in a hostile land.

The battle’s being fought most everywhere.

You sabotage the Devil’s grand command

Each time you share the gospel anywhere.

Salvation comes to all who do believe

That Jesus is their Savior, ne’er to leave.

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sonnet #431

6-24-15 First to Last

So the last shall be first, and the first last:

for many be called, but few chosen.

Matthew 20:16 KJV

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The souls who are forgotten by the crowd:

The meek, the low, the bullied and the plain,

Are lost among the ego-driven proud

And last to find a post they can attain.

The Lord will not ignore the seventh son,

The shepherd boy who one day would be king.

The manger-born became the perfect One

To save a sinful world who hopeless cling.

We all are called to come unto the cross,

Invited to the wedding feast by Christ;

The proud will all be counted as a loss,

The chosen ones are those who’ve paid the price.

Down here we choose the leader of the pack;

If you would follow Christ, then serve in back.

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sonnet #397

6-7-15 SHOUT!

⁴⁷ And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

⁴⁸ And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

⁴⁹ And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they called the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.

⁵⁰ And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.

⁵¹ And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.

⁵² And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.

Mark 10:47-52 KJV

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The Son of David passes by you now,

And though you cannot see you know it’s Him.

The crowd’s as thick as nature can allow.

Would you still call His name, though chance is slim?

You know that you’re not worthy of His time,

And even if you yelled He’d never hear.

So here you sit amid your sin and slime;

Would you still shout His name and persevere?

Then SHOUT and beg for mercy! SHOUT His name!

You may not ever get another try!

Ignore the crowd’s rebuke and SHOUT the same!

If Christ is all you need He’ll hear your cry.

He calls – you throw your cloak of sin away;

Put all your faith in Christ – you’ll see today.

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sonnet #382