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.

9-9-15 Flee Youthful Lusts

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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6-28-15 The Children of Wrath

Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Ephesians 2:3 KJV

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The world is filled with sin up to the brim

And we think we are outside looking in.

I tell you, brother, things are looking grim,

But don’t pretend you’re perfect in your win!

Instead of pointing fingers at the rest,

Remember you were where they are right now.

Right now it is God’s grace that has you blessed;

Without it you’d have hell to pay, and how!

You may have been a step from reprobate

When you chose to accept the Savior’s hand.

Each day such people cross right by your gate.

Please give them love, it may be their last stand!

Don’t be judgmental, be compassionate.

Without Christ’s cleansing blood you’d be unfit.

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sonnet #401

3-16-15 No Longer Slave to Sin

Before you came to Christ you were a slave,

So hopelessly involved in sin and shame,

A victim to desire that bodies crave;

The passions of the flesh are all the same.

And then convicted by the Holy Ghost,

You fell before the cross as Spirit slain,

Declaring Christ your Lord, the final host

You rose a son of God no sin to stain.

Your flesh was crucified: the lust, the thirst,

No longer slave to sin and all its ways,

You now have conscious choice as Spirit nursed

To fall to such temptations and malaise.

Call out to Jesus when seduced by sin;

Have faith in Christ and love will always win.

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And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh

with the affections and lusts.

Galatians 5:24 KJV