Time to Leave

Paul joined a Jewish assembly

and for three months spoke there boldly

reasoning, persuading abroad

of things of the kingdom of God

Some of them refused to obey

and publicly maligned the Way

so Paul left, disciples and all

and they met in a lecture hall

A preacher may decide to leave

when there's nothing left to achieve

when slander and lies are too great

wipe off the dust and relocate

(Acts 19:8-9)

Rejected

Rejected for preaching that the Bible is true
Rejected for believing a different view
Rejected for just being hungry and thirsty
A stranger, naked, sick and in prison unfree

Rejected, slandered and lied about in a church
Rejected as they sought his good name to besmirch
Rejected by the world but to Jesus stayed true
And at His Second Coming the truth will come through

Romans 1

From heaven God's wrath is revealed
Against all godlessness afield
And the unrighteousness of men
Suppressing truth time and again

Since what can be known about God
Is plain, made obvious by God
For since the world was created
His power has been demonstrated
Clearly seen by all that He made
And excuses don't make the grade

Although they knew God they did not
Honor or thank Him as they ought
Futile thinking was just the start
As darkness soon entered their heart

They claimed to be wise but were fools
Worshiping idols made with tools
God left them to their shameful drives
Degrading their bodies and lives

Exchanging God's truth for a lie
To serve things not God they apply
Abandoned to vile affections
Women in shameful connections

Men lusting after each other
Men having men as a lover
Despising the knowledge of God
And depravity spread abroad

The Valley

Going through the valley of the shadow of death
Is such a concern that I'm just holding my breath
Yet, I can see that there's plenty of grass to eat
But high to the rocky mountains I won't retreat
Because right here the Lord has prepared me a feast
And He's here so I won't be afraid of the beast

And way up high in safety there's nothing to eat
So I will thumb my nose at the devil I meet
Because God is here and He's prepared me a feast
In the midst of my enemies my faith's increased
I'm not looking at the predators all around
I'm looking at Jesus Christ in whom life is found

God's Call

Philip, a man from Bethsaida
Came to Jesus, our Provider
He found Nathanael and told him
We found Him of whom it’s written
-
Jesus of Nazareth I share
Can anything good come from there!
Philip said to just come and see
Nathanael showed no falsity
-
Jesus saw him under a tree
He saw Jesus’ divinity
Of his belief he had spoken
And would soon see heaven open

-

Jesus' Baptism

In the wilderness John baptized
Those for whom repentance was prized
Judea and Jerusalem
Confessing sins, baptized by him

A coat of hair and leather belt
Locusts and honey for food dealt
One comes who is greater than I
Whose sandal I dare not untie

With water, I only baptize
His Spirit baptism you’ll prize
So from Nazareth Jesus came
For John’s baptism of acclaim

As the water He did depart
He saw the heavens torn apart
The Spirit falling like a dove
As a voice said from up above
You bring me great joy in my heart
And You are My Son whom I love