12-1-15 The Haves and Have-Nots

For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.

Mark 4:25 KJV

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THE HAVES AND HAVE–NOTS

The light of Christ distinctly shines from you,

And as He grows within it will shine more.

The means of grace and knowledge blessed to few

In time shall be much richer than before.

And O! the love that burns within your soul

Increases til that’s all you will become,

But those that lack the fire true and whole

Will smolder, growing colder, then succumb.

Like Judas they may seem at first one saved,

Yet one day be revealed for their facade.

They’re kind upon the surface, well behaved,

But with no real salvation just a fraud.

To those that have is given more and more;

To those that don’t there’s no accounting for.

8-7-15 Yet Believe

Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

John 20:29 KJV

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When Thomas needed proof that Jesus rose,

It did not mean he loved the Savior less.

His faith, though slow, with all its highs and lows

Arrived when he saw Christ to then assess.

Christ could have scolded Thomas mightily,

But in His love He showed His hands and side.

Yet blessed are they, He said, who could not see

But still believed He lived after He died.

If you have faith that Jesus conquered death

And lives within you now in truth and love,

You should not fear your final mortal breath,

For life will then begin for you above.

So blessed are those not seeing still believe;

Through grace by faith ’tis heaven they’ll achieve.

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sonnet #429

5-29-15 Serve

And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant

Matthew 20:27 KJV

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If you would be a servant of the Lord,

Then be a servant now to all you meet,

But don’t serve others for some great reward;

Expecting something back just spells defeat.

The greatest of you thinks that they’re the least

And does not know that they are great at all.

You will not find them sitting at the feast;

You’ll find them washing dishes down the hall.

Give up your vain ambitions now, my friend,

For Hell would be the thing that you deserve.

There’s feet to be washed now until the end,

So roll your sleeves, get on your knees and serve.

The chief among you, let him give the most.

The more he gives the less he’s bound to boast.

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sonnet #373

5-3-15 Consider Your Ways

Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts;

Consider your ways.

Haggai 1:5 KJV

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Observe your life and look at what you’ve wrought.

Now take another look just to be sure.

Consider all your ills as well you ought,

And then consider looking for a cure.

You plant but don’t have plans to yield a crop;

You eat, but you are still not satisfied;

You drink but don’t enjoy the final drop;

You’re cold but then you dress in just your pride.

You earn but put your cash in bags with holes;

The more you look, the less that you do find.

Now ask yourself who sits at the controls;

The temple burns but you don’t seem to mind.

If what you’re doing doesn’t seem to fly,

Put Jesus in control – don’t pass Him by.

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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

1-5-15 At the Door

We’ve all been told ‘Judge not, lest ye be judged,’

Yet here we are in church with jaundiced eye.

She’s too agreeable, He won’t be budged,

They’re whispering again, I wonder why?

O hypocrite! You think I write to them.

It’s always someone else who has the fault.

The judge is at the door yet you condemn.

It’s not enough to try; you have to halt.

Remember, were it not for God’s good grace

The flames of Hell would lick against your feet.

Be humble in your heart, not just your face;

Consider yourself less than all you meet.

If you complain against your brother now,

When you face Jesus, He will disavow.

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Grudge not one against another, brethren,

lest ye be condemned:

behold, the judge standeth before the door.

James 5:9 KJV