1-28-16 The Need for Thorns

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

2 Corinthians 12:7 KJV

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Thank God for all the troubles you must bear:

Infirmities that keep you from your pride,

The weaknesses that drive you to despair,

That thorn within your flesh that won’t subside.

There’s not much worse within than arrogance,

For it takes your attention off of Christ.

It makes you boast of your great competence,

Some dollar souvenir way overpriced.

And but for your affliction you’d be lost,

Your halo bound so tight to make you dumb.

Be grateful to be saved at any cost,

For weakness makes you strongly overcome.

If Satan buffets you with trials enticed,

God may be telling you His grace sufficed.

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REMEMBER: Thorns humbles the rose.

7-4-15 The Balm of Gilead

http://www.volpeypir.com/

Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak:

O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.

Psalm 6:2

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If you are in the ocean you are wet;

Sin’s in your DNA, the worst disease.

The balm of Gilead will cure you yet;

Beg mercy from the Lord, that healing breeze.

You do not have the strength to overcome

The constant draw of sin that weights your soul.

Cry out your helplessness – God’s will be done,

Christ holds you up to Heaven, light and whole.

A broken bone reminds you constantly,

To take it to a doctor to be set.

Seek Christ: the Great Physician set you free;

He conquered hell and death without regret.

Let go and let the Savior give relief

Depend upon Him always in your grief.

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sonnet #405

10-24-14 Overcome

The closer you become to Christ the King

The more the world will persecute and hate,

And yet you’ll find these tribulations bring

A sense your sufferings are worth the wait.

With boldness share the gospel far and wide;

Tell all the world what Jesus came to do,

And worry not, He’s always by your side;

He’s overcome the world, and you will, too.

The Savior proved that He had conquered death;

He’ll be there with you when it comes your time,

And all your pain will leave with that last breath;

Eternity awaits – it’s so sublime!

No matter what you you go through in this place,

The faith you have in Christ will bring such grace.

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In the world ye shall have tribulation:

but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

John 16:33 KJV

8-23-14 Overcome

Resist the evil one who stirs up hate,

Who seeks revenge and works to so divide.

He uses men and nations small and great

And even your own nature’s sin inside.

The armor of the Lord is yours to use,

So clothe yourself each day with faith and love.

Then overcome all evil and abuse

With good in word and deed from Christ above.

Returning evil of all kind with good

Makes you the conquerer conclusively.

Then Satan cannot touch you if he could

If you fight evil with integrity.

            The grace and strength of Jesus dwells in you;

            Use this to thwart the evil that men do.

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Be not overcome of evil,

but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:21 KJV

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