2-26-16 Seeking Riches

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

1 Timothy 6:9 KJV

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Too much can not be said about the sin

Of seeking to be rich above all else,

For when the lust for gold within begin,

The love of God and Christ most surely melts.

A strong foundation builds a sturdy house,

So let the Rock of Ages cleft for you,

But if you build on greed you then espouse

The love for worldly things you should eschew.

A foolish man will do some hurtful things

In order to obtain abundant wealth.

It’s hard to stem the selfishness this brings

And easy to forget supernal health.

           Put all your faith in Heaven’s Kingdom now

           Don’t let the love of riches strike your brow.

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REMEMBER: Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Matthew 6:19-21 KJV)

2-22-16 Currency

²⁰ The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? ²¹ Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. ²² But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. ²³ Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 19:20-23 KJV

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If you’re a good soul, keeping every law,

You love your fellow man and God as well,

If you don’t follow Christ, this fateful flaw

Will drag you to the hoary gates of hell.

Don’t think if you’ve got money all is lost,

It’s where you place your trust and confidence.

Take up your cross like Him at any cost; *

Put all your hope in Christ at life’s expense.

The question’s this: what’s your priority?

What currency do you spend all your time?

It’s more than being willing that’s the key;

It’s what control your life’s the paradigm.

What drives your soul is what’s been sacrificed.

There’s power in the blood of Jesus Christ.

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REMEMBER: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33 KJV)

* Matthew 16:24

2-17-16 Hidden Treasure

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.

Matthew 13:44 KJV

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Those blinded by the god of this world fail

To find the gospel set within their reach.

When you show them this treasure might the scale

At last with Spirit’s nudge fall from the breach.

And then to see the light shine from their eyes

As they begin to feel their soul set free,

And, O, the Holy Ghost within them rise

As they come to the cross and like Him dies!

Then nothing in the world could buy them back

For they have given Jesus all they’ve got.

The Savior paid the price; though sins were black,

He made them white as snow, both sought and bought.

There is a man and woman stumbling ’round,

Just waiting for the gospel to be found.

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REMEMBER: Commit to telling at least one person today about this greatest of all treasures, the gospel.

8-21-15 He Calls Your Name

And the LORD came, and stood,

and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel.

Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.

1 Samuel 3:10 KJV

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If Jesus called your name what would you do?

How could you know the voice was from the Lord?

There is a way to tell if this is true:

Consider where your treasure has been stored.

To follow Him you’ll learn your Shepherd’s voice ¹

For He has gone ahead to lead the way.

His words will bring you peace to then rejoice; ²

Hold fast to what is good without delay. ³

If you have faith in Jesus do not doubt; ⁴

For doubt will wave at every restless wind.

The Holy Spirit lets the truth ring out; ⁵

He won’t tell you something and then rescind.

If Jesus calls your name I hope you hear;

Incline your heart to Him, His words are dear. ⁶

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sonnet #443

1 John 10:4

2 1 Corinthians 14:33

3 1 Thessalonians 5:21

4 James 1:6

5 1 John 5:6

6 2 Timothy 3:16

5-14-15 Precious Indeed

⁶ For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

⁷ But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV

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How precious is the Word from God to man!

The light that shines from darkness dwells within,

Infused by Christ, the Holy Ghost did fan

Until it raised the dead once lost by sin.

So like a pearl within an oyster shell,

Or diamonds held inside a leather pouch,

This treasure in our earthen vessels dwell,

Too dear for any man to claim and vouch.

We all are blind from birth without the light,

But then the love of Jesus brushes by,

And if we do believe He gives us sight,

His light now in our hearts to then apply.

This light of knowledge cannot be undone:

The glory of the Father’s in the Son

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sonnet #360

3-20-15 A Matter of the Mind

Without the grace of God hate does increase;

The world around you clangs cacophany,

But you who share the mind of Christ have peace,

Conducting your affairs in harmony.

Don’t fool yourself in thinking you’re the best;

The least among the least walk with the Lord.

Associate with those who are oppressed

For this is where God’s treasure will be stored.

If you think you are wise then think again;

Most children have more wisdom in their toes.

Put all your faith in Christ and keep thoughts plain;

The answers that you seek the Savior knows.

Submit your mind to God and keep it there

The key to your success is kept in prayer.

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Be of the same mind one toward another.

Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate.

Be not wise in your own conceits.

Romans 12:16 KJV

12-5-14 Treasure

Of all the years the Lord has given you,

What have you spent your time preparing for?

Retirement and then an ocean view?

The time to then improve your golfing score?

Then when you have acquired stocks and gold,

A day will come when you’ll need it no more.

Prepare instead for things not bought or sold,

A treasure of the soul no vault can store.

Give love to all you meet, seek nothing back,

Pick up the Word of God and then explore;

Spend time in prayer, accept the Lord’s feedback,

And then tell all the gospel, let it pour.

What treasure will you store, what is your joy?

Will what you save can moth and rust destroy?

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19.“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,

where moth and rust destroy,

and where thieves break in and steal. 

20.“But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,

where neither moth nor rust destroys,

and where thieves do not break in or steal;…

Matthew 6:19,20 KJV