the old anthem I can’t find
(but used to sing)
an old anthem
leads from Ecclesiastes
into James
a strange splicing
though it indicates progression
beginning with a celebration
and a caution
for youth to find joy
in being
youth
and also concern
since
one day there is judgment
James
then goes further
asking youth or anyone
really
to consider
the wrong aspects of desire
when we ask
we ask awry and even
kill
thinking to satisfy our wants
yet
there is the claim of the perfect law of liberty
that
whoever lives into this law
shall be blessed
and this law
what shall we say
what it
might be
if more context is required
the commandments
then
those
that Jesus cites
above all
and so a good place to begin
not only a life of faith
but that is satisfied
for through
these we know how to ask
aright and even get what we really
want
since
wanting is fine and it’s the twisting of want
that ruins it and
everything around it
I wish I could find that song
I used to sing it when a youth
and
as an anthem
it was loud
harmonious
and
true
c l couch
Ecclesiastes 11:9
James 1:25
James 2:4
(KJV)
Matthew 22:36-40
photo by Md Mahdi on Unsplash
(x = space)
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Eligibility Requirements
James 1:22-27
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What does the Lord
Ask of us?
Many things, I think
That Noah build an ark
That Abraham sacrifice
His son upon an altar
Made for animals
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That Rahab should save
The spies of Israel
In Canaan
That Mary should conceive
Without her affianced
And then give birth
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That Cain should confess
That sinners should confess
That we should be
Doers and not hearers only
Of the word
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That we should seek justice
And do justice
That we should love God
And each other
Be generous with enemies
With material and with prayer
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I’d like to say it’s easy
As salvation is
Through grace
And belief
But frankly it’s the start
Of a grown-up life of faith
In which there should be joy
And humor, too,
And if there isn’t
Then we have been told
In someone’s catechism
Something wrong
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C L Couch
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James is a brief, epistolary work in the Christian New Testament.
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Photo by Taras Chernus on Unsplash
“I am from Ukraine, there is a war going on in my country now. Your help is more important than ever.”
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clcouch123 
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