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Strange, Strange Woman

Well, she likes to get close, wants to live in your head.
Every night she dreams of fresh meat in her bed.
Yes, she flashes her smile, drinks you up with her eyes,
Wants to catch you all alone by surprise.
She says, "My husband's away, won't you come in with me?
I'm a churchgoing girl in need of sweet company."

She's a strange, strange woman!

"I've searched the whole wide world to find someone like you.
We'll light scented candles, I know just what to do.
We'll spoil ourselves all through the night;
You can slip on home before morning light."
Bewitched by the sound of her flattering mouth
He sheepishly follows her into her house!

She's a strange, strange woman!

Well, she might be thin or she may be fat,
But making you feel big is what she's good at.
Many strong men have known her well.
She cut 'em all down, and she sent 'em to hell!

She's a strange, strange woman!

Based on Proverbs 6:6-27
Copywrite 2023, Matthew D. Barber

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Grow in Grace

Grow In Grace

To the child who just got saved – Grow in Grace.
To the teen who won’t behave – Grow in Grace.

Christian man enslaved to sin – Grow in Grace.
Woman bound with fear within – Grow in Grace.

Zealous preacher full of fire – Grow in Grace.
Servant ready to expire – Grow in Grace.

Churches dead with apathy – Grow in Grace
Healthy churches strong and free – Grow in Grace.

In these dark and troubled days
God receives the greatest praise
As we know our Savior more, and Grow in Grace!

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

2 Peter 3:18
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A Quiet Revival

I want a quiet revival:
     
No news headlines or big fanfare,
     No electricity in the air,
No man or church receives the glory,
     No biographer to write the story.
Just quiet miracles of grace –
     A softened heart, a radiant face,
A step of faith no one will see,
     The joy of a sinner now set free.
God’s love flows from heart to heart
     And lives are given a brand-new start.

A quiet revival steady and strong
     Where ransomed souls break out in song,
The church is filled – each pew and chair –
     With folks who know that Christ is there.
God’s Word is preached, the Spirit stirs,
     No mighty rushing wind occurs,
But humble Christians bow in prayer,
     And stubborn hearts are conquered there.

A quiet revival, for this I plead,
     Where grace transforms a home in need.
Dads begin each day in prayer
     And guide their homes with tender care,
Mothers seek to know God’s Word
     And implement the truths they’ve heard.
Children learn to fear the Lord
     And dwell together in sweet accord.
As Christ is all to man and wife,
     Marriages come back to life.

Revival quietly will spread
     To hearts and homes that once were dead,
And one by one, as homes revive,
     The churches, too, become alive.
No stadium or conference hall,
     No big-name preacher or national call.
Just people finding Jesus lives!
     Receiving the help the Bible gives.
Learning to pray and boldly share
     The simple Gospel everywhere.

Churches growing, establishing more,
     Giving to missions like never before.
Standing for right, repenting of sin,
     Patiently seeking a loved one to win.
This is revival. It needn’t be loud.
     It won’t necessarily draw a big crowd.
But little by little, by God’s mighty hand,
     A quiet revival could cover the land.

When God sends revival down like a flood
     It’s oft marred by chaos and paid for in blood.
A fair price no doubt for the souls that are saved,
     But many backslide and again are enslaved.
In a quiet revival, the churches keep pace
     And teach young believers of growing in grace.
Christians established and churches made strong
     Give God much glory as they praise Him in song.

So, Lord, send revival! Your mercy we plead.
     Send a revival! You know what we need.

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The High Ground

Grace and Law prepared for war
Sharpened the weapons they’d used before.
With Scripture, logic and force of will
They’d fight to claim a rugged hill.

“The high ground must be ours!” they said,
“No matter how much blood is shed.”
Then up from their trenches both sides ran
Atop the hill clashing man to man.

Law said, “Grace, go rest at ease
You think you can do whatever you please.
A lame excuse for lawlessness,
Your wickedness God cannot bless.”

Grace fought back, “You hypocrite!
Faith in works won’t work one bit!
God sees your heart, God looks inside.
He knows the rotten things you hide.
God’s not impressed with your haughty face.
You can’t earn God’s amazing grace!”

Law said, “The Spirit helps me to obey.
I trust God’s commands and do what they say.”

Grace said, “The Spirit leads me differently.
He soothes, forgives and comforts me.”

Law asks, “Will the Spirit lead against His Word?
Such self-deception I’ve never heard!”

Grace responds, “He leads me in Christ’s law of love
Which fulfills the Law and far above.
And patiently He takes my hand
and leads me through the Promised Land.”

Law said, “The Spirit is Holy, don’t you know?
But by your life it doesn’t show.
Like Lot you love this world of sin.
You ditched your tent and now you’re in.
I wonder if you’re even saved.
You couldn’t tell by how Lot behaved.”

Said Grace, “‘Judge not, lest ye be judged!’
Some laws you’ve broken, some rules you’ve fudged.
If by the law you live or die
Then you can kiss salvation goodby!
The humble sinner Christ came to save.
The law condemns you beyond the grave!”

With bloody swords and weary feet
Both sides made another retreat.
But atop that hill of blood and loss
There stood a lone forgotten Cross.forgotten cross