12-8-15 The Strait and Narrow

hayward-narrow-way

13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Matthew 7:13-14 KJV

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THE STRAIT AND NARROW

The path to Heaven’s like a razors edge,

‘Twill shred your flesh to ribbons on the way.

Too few will walk this fine and narrow ledge,

This sacrifice of self, no room to sway.

Then strait ahead is Jesus; He’s the gate.

There is no other way to get inside.

His blood will cover you, your sins negate

As you walk through the Door to then abide.

But many choose the wide and easy road;

The company is gay and jubilant

But leads to sinful ruin and Hell’s abode

Where all you hear is weeping and lament.

Eternal life is found through Christ alone.

You must go through the gate to reach the throne.

111015 Well Done!

icanonlyimagine

His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Matthew 25:21 KJV

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When we have fin’lly crossed the finish line,

When we at last this mortal race has run,

No greater words could meet us then so fine

Than when we see the Lord and hear “Well done!”

Good servants have the grace of God within,

The faithful few know Jesus Christ, God’s Son.

The few things we are faithful to therein

Will be revealed when Jesus says “Well done!”

Then though the things we rule is God’s reward,

And though eternity has long begun,

Though we’ve embraced the full joy of the Lord,

No sweeter words will we hear but “Well done!”

When we take our last breath the race is won;

The Lord will meet us first and say “Well done!”

9-30-15 What He Has Done

gods touch

Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.

Isaiah 12:5 KJV

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Behold the many things the Lord has done:

He made the universe and all within;

He came to earth the essence of the Son;

He’s offered us salvation from our sin;

He had the prophets write His holy word;

He gave us with His love such blessed grace;

He promised us He’d come back undeterred;

He’s gifted us the Spirit to embrace;

He loves us more than we will ever know;

He formed us in His image from the start;

He carries us with Him and won’t let go;

He’s conquered death and hell; He’s done His part.

The things the Lord has done are excellent!

The earth and all that’s in it give assent!

8-29-15 Treacherous Times

betrayal

And then many will be offended,

and shall betray one another,

and shall hate one another.

Matthew 24:10 KJV

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These are the latter days which Christ foretold

When brethren are offended by the Word,

And even those who used to be quite bold

Will turn their backs on those the Gospel stirred.

Though many fall away these shall be worse,

Who once did follow Jesus in the day

But now will stumble back to point and curse

The Christians they once loved yet now betray.

Such hatred shall arise from those thought saved,

With vehemence they’ll trample on the flock.

The lies apostates spread are so depraved

To make the world lash out in fear and shock.

Hold fast in Christ; your faith will long endure.

When they knock down your door His love’s secure.

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sonnet #451

5-31-15 All For One – Part One

painting by Janet McKensie

8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:8-12 KJV

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When you are saved by Christ’s atoning blood,

You then become much more than family;

The Spirit enters you just like a flood

And works on you uniquely by degree.

Just as the body is comprised of parts,

Each part designed to function for the whole,

Yet none can long survive when pulled apart

But thrives with all the others in their role.

The Holy Spirit knows your aptitude

And fashions you to serve in harmony.

It may not always be what you pursued

Before you came to Christ and was set free.

The gift the Spirit lays upon your heart

You’ll find in time was perfect from the start.

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sonnet #375

3-10-15 One Spirit One Body

body-of-christ

When you let Jesus rule your heart and mind,

Accepting Him as Savior, King and Lord,

And so in faith believe His Love defined,

His blood was shed for you, your sins deplored.

The Holy Spirit washes over you,

And who you used to be is dead and gone;

You’re born again, regenerating new,

Now one within His Spirit to live on.

The body’s compromised of many parts,

Each doing what is needed for the whole;

The blood of Jesus beats within our hearts,

Enabling us to seek the unsaved soul.

Oh friend, believe that Jesus died for you

And drink the Spirit’s cup – be born anew!

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13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body,

whether we be Jews or Gentiles,

whether we be bond or free;

and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

14 For the body is not one member, but many.

1 Corinthians 12:13-14 KJV