Archive for the ‘Backsliding’ Category

Stand firm

Monday, June 7th, 2010

Ephesians 6:10-20
Dear brothers, in the Saviour,
stand firmly, and take care -
you may not see the dangers,
temptations to beware;
for wealth and worldly standards,
and views against God’s Word
can influence you slyly
from faithfulness to God.

So, have I got complacent?
Get up, and stand to serve!
Or stubborn, and self-centred?
How easily we swerve.
Arise and stand committed
to witness of God’s Way
to those who do not know it:
stand firmly day by day.

And walk with faith in Jesus,
delighting now to learn
his words of light and blessing,
your feet secure and firm.
So, think, and pray, make effort
to persevere and grow
in righteousness, stand firmly,
empowering grace you’ll know.
Tune: 76 76 D

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Blown about

Monday, June 7th, 2010

Ephesians 4:14
The winds of false teaching, the cunning of men, –
the devil is prowling and lurking again –
he aims to deflect us from God’s narrow way:
unsettled by lies, and with ease puffed astray.

Reborn from our deadness, indifference to sin,
delighting in truth, now alive to begin
to study the Scriptures, and meditate, learn:
and so we’re equipped Satan’s lies to discern.

God’s wisdom you need to perceive what is wrong,
and stop being gullible, carried along;
for youngsters in faith can be tossed by each slight
unhappiness, error, or trivial delight.

Tune: 11 11 11 11 eg Montgomery by  S Jarvis

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Simon Peter:

Friday, October 23rd, 2009

Three times he denied,
three times he replied,
confessing his love,
– for though he was frail,
(no longer self-confident),
Christ’s grace would not fail.
Completely dependent,
desiring to serve
the loving and living,
forgiving Lord Jesus,
he’ll labour in love,
watch over and feed
Christ’s young new-born sheep
– who constantly need
God’s Word that will keep
them safe in his Way.

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Words

Sunday, October 11th, 2009

Hosea 6:4; 8:2;10:4,12; 14:2,5 Ephesians 5:1,4  Proverbs 25:11
Religious words and ways
can make us feel secure;
but thoughtful inward gaze
will shake, or reassure.
Words, words, words: words worthless or wise,
worthwhile or empty, words pondered, or lies?

Cheap passions soon have passed,
like dew-drops drift away,
for feelings that will last
don’t prattle as they pray:
Words, words, words, words gushing or weighed?
secretive? open? – backsliding displayed.

Is comfort now your goal?
are sacrifices few?
If satisfied of soul,
plough up the soil anew.
Words, words, words: words precious or vain?
rooted in faith, love, or rotting with shame?

Break up the fallow ground,
sow seeds of righteousness,
let kindnesses abound, –
like welcome dew, he’ll bless.
Worthy words, take words that are true;
praying, and praise with the well-chosen few.

Tune: 66 66 + iambic eg ‘Mine’ by R Frank Lehman

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Boasting?

Saturday, September 12th, 2009

1 Corinthians 1:31
Glory in Jesus, your Saviour from sin,
boast in your knowing a merciful King. –
This be the centre of thinking and speech;
this the profound, simple message we preach.

Subtly the devil will draw us to swerve, –
giving less thought to the One whom we serve,
boasting of eloquence, things we achieve; –
Satan will scheme to divert and deceive.

Do not place trust in your wealth, nor delight
only in seeing spectacular sight.
Do not seek honour, your trust do not place
anywhere other than Christ and his grace.

Christ, and him crucified: this be our theme,
boasting of Jesus who came to redeem,
talking of him and his justice and grace,
glorious fellowship, gospel embrace.
Tune: 10 10 10 10 dactylic eg Slane (Irish Traditional Melody)

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