2-3-16 Reflections

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

Proverbs 15:13 KJV

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A joyful heart will make a joyful face,

The countenance is etched where there’s a smile,

And such a glow invites a warm embrace.

To be midst such a soul makes life worthwhile.

But too much sorrow draws such diff’rent lines

Creating there a mask that’s thin and drawn,

And soon the body shows unhealthy signs

To shorten life with nothing to hang on.

Reflect upon the love God has for you,

And know that by His grace you’ve been set free.

The comfort of the Savior sees you through

The darkest night the soul will ever see.

Love makes the homely beautiful and bright.

With gratitude you’ll shine both day and night.

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REMEMBER: The face reflects the spirit that dwells within.

12-26-15 Do It For Him

With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men

Ephesians 6:7 KJV

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Whatever service you are tasked to do,

Your attitude reflects its quality.

If you work as for man your point of view

Will be to please a transient degree.

But if you act as if it were the Lord

Who will receive the fruit of your employ,

You’ll strive for excellence to one adored,

With love, devotion, gratitude and joy.

To be just good enough’s not good enough.

You represent the Lord of Lords today.

Your work now demonstrates more noble stuff

Than what can be produced then cast away.

With good will do your work as to the Lord,

And not to men, who seek their own reward.

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REMEMBER: Whatever you do in the name of Christ, in the spirit of His love, He will sanctify. It doesn’t get any better than that!

11-27-15 Return Unto Your Rest

Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.

Psalm 116:7 KJV

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When all the work and play of day is done,

The dishes washed, the children laid in bed,

Reflect upon the struggles and the fun,

The things you didn’t do or done instead,

Return unto your rest, my weary soul:

The Lord has dealt so bountifully with you.

His grace has carried you from role to role,

His love a shining light the whole day through.

Despite your tribulation He’s been here

Within the very center of your heart.

You’ll never be alone, no need to fear;

Relax, my soul: the Savior won’t depart.

Tomorrow comes too soon; for now just rest.

The stars are bright tonight and you are blessed.

8-18-15 On Scripture

¹⁶ All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

¹⁷ That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV

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The scriptures are a God inspired work,

It’s meant to bring salvation to the soul.

Within each page the Holy Spirit lurks

To break the heart and with God’s grace make whole.

The Bible is alive and breathes the Word,

The perfect source for teaching doctrine truth.

The way to righteousness is thus conferred,

And well designed to train us from our youth.

To those who go astray it brings reproof,

To prick the soul and cut sin to the quick.

Good works reflect on those who find the proof

That Jesus is the Savior of the sick.

This is the map to those who seek the Way,

A compass sent from God for all who stray.

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sonnet #440

2-8-15 Parable of the Flea

Recall the flea that landed on the wheel

And kicked up grains of dust beneath his feet;

How proud he was and shouted in his zeal:

“How powerful I am upon this street!”

Now were it not for God you would not be.

His Grace has carried you this very day,

So when you’re all puffed up think of the flea;

Perspective crushes ego gone astray.

Don’t think yourself more highly than you are,

But soberly reflect with gratitude.

God gave you everything to get this far;

The gifts you have He graciously imbued.

The measure of your faith was granted you,

So love with all you’ve got; He’ll see you through.

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For I say, through the grace given unto me,

to every man that is among you,

not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think;

but to think soberly,

according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Romans 12:3 KJV