Hi All,

It has been quite awhile since I have posted here.  Some recent developments have reminded me that now more than ever the challenge of holding fast to our faith is nothing short of urgent.  However, the medium for answering that call can and will change, however slightly.  In addition to prose posts, I will sometimes get the message across through “Spoken Word,” which lies somewhere in between a poem and a rap.  Hopefully this results in some lines that are memorable, and a “live” version that carries a little more sway.  Please do give me your feedback.  Thanks.

Moral Compass – a spoken word

Christians know it’s important to be following Christ,
But we paint it to look easy, cushy, and nice.
To really be a Christian you had better think twice,
Because you’re entering a war zone – get ready for the fight!

Why do we expect that when we reflect our Savior,
The world will consider it a favor and savor the flavor
Of Jesus marinating in their hearts and minds?
Let me pause and remind that this taste is more refined.
The fullness of the gospel is an acquired taste.
Yes, it’s filled with grace,
But you can’t just cut and paste.
The world will react – and without much tact –
When it comes face to face smack dab to the fact
That the truth of the Bible doesn’t all go down smooth;
A lot of it will soothe, but some of it is crude
and honest and raw, complete with shock and awe.
[It] makes us want to hem and haw
Instead of standing tall and sharing it all
with candor and confidence and a healthy dose of love,
Pointing to the One above
Who designed this world, making all of us “of” Him,
[So we] can’t rely on our whims of what’s good and what’s sin.
You can’t put a spin on truth or base morality on polls.
We’re talking about souls – people who owe their lives to their Creator –
So choose now rather than later.  Don’t decide to wait or
you might forget to inspect what’s truly right.
It’s a morality check, and we’re wrecked
if we reject and objective standard,
Raise our own banner and give ourselves a hand
for thinking our morality is better than God’s.
Don’t wait to see if He applauds –
It’s time to pause and admit this is a lost cause.
It’s our faith or the world.  We can’t have both/and
Because it’s time to take a stand and decide where we land.
In our sin-filled, culture-soaked state of mind,
Can we honestly find that God’s behind the times
and propose a morality newly defined?
I decline.  I refuse to malign or quote/unquote “refine” the revelation
for every generation – each tribe, tongue, and nation –
Because I must know my station:  He’s the Creator; I’m His creation.

So the faith once and for all delivered to us deserves our complete trust,
No muss and no fuss, and I see this as a plus,
Because it’s our anchor that won’t rust.
Our sense of righteousness has got to be more grounded
in the One in whom its founded, so that we never drown
in the currents and swirls of this day and age,
So get in the Book and read page after page.
Embrace the truth that’s found in the Word.
Embrace what you’ve heard; don’t just follow the herd.
Abundant life is found in Jesus’ name.  Don’t let Him be ashamed.
Instead be willing to claim your stake for His goodness’ sake.
Don’t tremble, don’t quake, even if it leads to the stake –
On His face you’ll find a smile when in His arms you wake.
In this world because of faith this life they may take,
But that’s it and any other threats are completely fake.
The real threat should warn us and cause our hearts to ache:
Rejection of God leads to a fiery lake.