9-1-15 On Speaking in Tongues

² For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

³ But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

⁴ He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

1 Corinthians 14:2-4 KJV

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There’s nothing wrong with speaking unknown tongues,

Unless you’re teaching Sunday School in church.

God gave you vocal chords and also lungs

To worship Him, not leave us in the lurch.

The Spirit speaks the truth into the heart,

And sometimes whispers secrets unrevealed.

Such mysteries remain so from the start

Unless a translator is there to yield. ¹

If you’re to lead your brethren into war

It’s so important they know what you mean.

An unknown call in battle they’ll ignore, ²

So speak commands that’s understood and keen. ³

An unknown tongue’s for you and you alone.

If you’re to prophesy, let it be known.

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1 1 Corinthians 14:13

2 1 Corinthians 14:8

3 1 Corinthians 14:15

4-15-15 Abstain

Once newly into Christ you don’t belong,

For Christ is into you: Home isn’t here,

And where you go the light will shine so strong

A pilgrim’s path shall form to drive sin clear.

Abstain from fleshy lusts, which fight the soul,

For they can drive a wedge ‘tween God and you;

They turn your vision from its Holy goal

And cause a stumbled fall to tarry, too.

The worldly world of lust is sensual,

Tempts sight and touch and sound and taste and smell.

It bids you come and join the festival,

Then pins you to the wall of death and hell.

Abstain from lust, my sister newly saved

You have a choice: be free or be enslaved.

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Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims,

abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

1 Peter 2:11 KJV

12-1-14 If God Be For Us

A war is raging right outside your door;

It may be even in your own abode,

Or further nigh within your very core.

It’s Satan fighting hard to be unbowed.

He has the souls of most within his grip,

And we as soldiers of the living Son

Do battle for them all with gospel scrip

Redeemed upon the cross already won.

If God is on our side, who dare oppose?

He sacrificed His Son that we might live

And victory is gained for those who chose

To follow Christ with all His love to give.

Be brave, my brother, what is there to fear?

Now share the Good News boldly, loud and clear!

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 If God be for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8:31

11-23-14 On Patience

As Christ begins to change your heart and mind,

The light of Spirit shines for all to see,

And this attracts more than those of your kind:

It draws the wolves who love to disagree.

They may be souls within themselves at war,

Or those who want to snuff the Christ-light out,

But they will want to drag you down and more

To prove you wrong or fill you full of doubt.

Rejoice, for these temptations help you grow!

The mind of Christ brings patience and restraint,

And born by much compassion you will know

Another soul the gospel can acquaint.

            The acid of adversity makes strong

            Dependence on the Savior all along.

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My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

James 1:2-3 KJV