The Confort Of God

In times of sadness, loss or sorrow,
God helps us to face tomorrow.
When our eyes with tears are blurred
He is there to undergird.

For He is able to sustain,
To take away our fear and pain.
He brings comfort, rest and peace
And from sorrow brings release.

He is strong when we are weak.
His love and friendship gently speak.
He will hide us 'neath His wing
Till we again can laugh and sing.

"Blessed are they who mourn, for they shalll be comforted."
Matthew 5:4 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Impact We Make

Lord, You determine the path we will take
And the everyday impact that our lives will make.
When we're obedient and walk in Your will,
Our "walk" will not be just "run-of-the-mill".

If we are sensitive we leave a trail
Of blessing and love on a heavenly "scale".
If we're not sensitive we leave a path
Of "crushing" and sadness, anger and wrath.

We cannot know the impact we'll have,
So it's good to "walk softly" and be healing salve.
The quietest things we do every day
In the Lord's mighty hands will not go astray.

"He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"
Micah 6:8 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God Bless America

May all of our leaders before our God bow.
Reverence and holiness may they avow.
For God's ways are high... above all we know...
And will keep us from wavering to and fro.

We were established on firmest foundation
And need to respect it's Godly creation.
Surely God's favor has brought us this far.
He is our help... our bright, Shining Star!

May all who lead be found on their knees,
Seeking God's face for His expertise.
Therein lies promise for bright days ahead,
That through prayer and wisdom we may safely tread.

"The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance."
Psalm 33:11-12 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Mighty Tower

Jesus' name is our strong tower,
A place of refuge in this hour,
Filled with strength and filled with might,
A bulwark... safe against the "night".

We are sheltered from the storm,
To fear and doubt will not conform.
We will "hide" in Jesus' name
And to the world His power proclaim!

Jesus' name brings hope and peace
And from our worries brings release.
Jesus' name will be our tower,
A place of "resting" in this hour!

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe."
Proverbs 18:10 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Time Well Used

The precious hours of each day
Continually will tick away.
There's opportunity in each
A deed to do or goal to reach.

We cannot keep or get them back,
But certainly can try to pack
Some good things into every hour,
Maybe even plant a flower.

When that flower starts to bloom
And issues forth it's sweet perfume,
Share it... just to bring a smile
To one who needs to feel worthwhile.

If we use our time this way
And give to brighten someone's day,
God will honor what we do
And multiply our time anew.

"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil."
Ephesians 5:15-16 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

An Unwelcome Guest

We have a great destroyer in our midst. Sometimes it simmers unnoticed, but often it isn't controlled and upsets everything it gets near by it's actions. It's manifestations are most unpleasant. What is it? Anger.

Look out for this destoyer. Sometimes it is subtle and lies hidden within. If it is allowed to rest there, undealt with, over time it will sap energy, affect health, cause prayers to be unanswered and hinder relationship with God and with others. God does not want us to live this way. "Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath." (Ephesians 4:26 NKJ).
The enemy will stir this flame to divide and conquer. He will plant seeds of mistrust and doubt. He will use intimidation and sarcasm and haughtiness in others to spark flames of offense, bitterness, grudges and unforgiveness. But God gives us solutions. We can choose to repond in love and to not react to the enemy's barbs. This way the enemy has no door of entrance for the purpose of destruction. This is a good door to keep closed.

"Love does not behave rudely, does not seek it's own, is not provoked, thinks no evil..."
I Corinthians 13:5 NKJ

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Words Which Linger

Let your speech be sweetly graced
And with God's love and peace be laced.
Words can be a healing balm
And foster lovingcare and calm.

E'en as sunshine shares it's light,
Your words may be as neon bright.
Laughter in your voice can bring
Some hope to which a soul may cling.

A voice as soothing as a shower
Is almost like a fragrant flower.
It's memory lingers on awhile
And, by it's beauty, brings a smile.

"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver."
Proverbs 25:11 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Fields Of Flowers

Lord, I want to sow some seeds
Of love and laughter, joy and grace,
That these seeds might multiply
And sorrow, fear and gloom displace.

Let my words go forth as seeds
And cause a field of "flowers" to grow,
With foliage, size and beauty rare
And fragrance wafting to and fro.

Let me seed a rich bouquet
To broadcast Your Good News about,
Bringing hope to many folk
Through times of trial or of doubt.

In the wind of Your sweet Spirit
May these seeds blow far and wide.
May they rest in fertile soil
And in hearts and lives abide.

"Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man."
Colossians 4:6 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Children In Need

Today's children are tomorrow's leaders. How will they lead? On what will they base their thinking and ideas?

Who (besides us, the parents - or in place of us) is mentoring our children? And what are they learning? Their "exposures" are many and varied: teachers, friends, neighbors, TV, movies, etc. Do we know what our children are thinking? How will they know the wisdom of God if we do not teach them? What then will be their foundation from which they determine right from wrong?

Children need the blessing of a Godly heritage, and they especially need our prayers. Our work is cut out for us. Our children need our help.

"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
Deuteronomy 6:5-7 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Almighty God

We do not know Your power, Your strength,
The size of Your love...the breadth or the length...
Until we are tested and reach out in prayer.
Then we will realize how much You care.

There is no valley too wide or too deep,
Nor is there mountain too high or too steep.
There is no challenge which You cannot meet,
Or battles and wars You cannot defeat.

When we're in need of the power of Your hand,
We then will trust that You'll help us stand.
Almighty God of power and might,
You are our strength, You are our light!

"Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save: neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear."
Isaiah 59:1 KJV

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe."
Proverbs 18:10 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Mountaintops

If we want to climb a mountain
We must learn to be sure-footed.
We cannot reach the top until
We're wise and deeply-rooted.

Footsteps taken hastily,
Without consideration,
Can lead us into problems
And be of short duration.

God keeps us in the valley
Until His perfect time,
And sets us in high places
Only when we've learned to climb.

He shapes us for the narrow ledge
By His awesome love and grace.
When we're on "the cutting edge".
We will reach the highest place.

"It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places."
Psalm 18:32-33 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Heavenly Net

Recently, as I was sitting in a doctor's waiting room, a woman I didn't know walked up to me and said, "You have great peace." I did feel peace, and the Lord allowed her to see that. We began to talk and had a wonderful conversation about the Lord. I knew God had orchestrated this meeting. While we were talking I glanced across the waiting room and another woman caught my attention. (I didn't know this one either). The glory of God was written all over her face. She was like a fountain of light. She sat with her eyes closed, and I felt that she was praying. After a few minutes she walked over to me and the first woman and handed each of us a piece of paper. She had torn the corner off of her bank deposit slips and gave one to each of us. Now we had her address and phone number and also a blessing which was printed there. She whispered to us, indicating she too was a Christian. Each of the three of us lives in an outlying region of a large metropolitan center. It is interesting to me that we were from three far-away corners outside the city. Surely God was putting something together, even though we live quite a distance from one another.

Recently I heard from a Christian friend whom I had lost track of approximately thirty-five years ago. This lady lives in yet another outlying corner of the larger metroplex area.

As I have pondered all this I was reminded of a vision I had sixteen years ago. It was this:

"I was looking down on the city. It was dark. I became aware that there were many homes that had light inside, and God showed me which ones they were. I saw a huge net (like a fishnet) draped across the roofs of the houses. The knots in the net were attached to the houses which had light, connecting those houses one to the other... the networking of the saints... today's real church. This all lay under the cover of darkness. There was no light in the vision, but God allowed me to see where the Light was."

Be encouraged. I believe the saints will see and know where other saints are. God will allow us to see and know one another, though we may never have met before, even as like what happened to me in the doctor's waiting room. We will not stand alone, though the hour be dark. God will always be with us and help us.

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sanctuary

Purify my heart, O Lord,
Every fiber, every niche.
Help me reach transparency,
Without a shadow or a glitch.

Stretch and change my heart to know
A greater depth of wisdom's gold.
Let me hasten and be quick
Your love and teachings to enfold.

In every recess of my heart,
In it's deepest sanctuary,
May I be a worthy vessel
Of Your love extraordinary.

"Search me, O god, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Psalm 139:23-24 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Happy Independence Day

A GREAT NATION

Could we turn back the pages of why we are great,
Could sit with our founders and time re-create,
We would hear prayer and reverence for God,
A standard of holiness without "facade".

We would meet men of wisdom and might
Who had long-range vision and desire to do right.
With heartfelt conviction they founded our nation.
To them we all owe a standing ovation!

They honored God in action and word.
By Scripture and holiness these men were stirred.
Our founders had a prayerful concern.
They set fine example. From them we should learn.

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord..."
Psalm 33:12 KJV

"Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand. Justice and judgement are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face."
Psalm 89:7 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

If I Could See Jesus

If I could see Jesus, what would I see...
Compassion and caring for one such as me,
Acceptance and love beyond all compare
And willingness always my burdens to bear.

His light and His glory could not be described,
Neither His warmth, in words, though one tried.
He is the Ruler o'er heaven and earth
And yet has deep interest to help us have worth.

Oh, how He cares for every soul,
To save and to heal and make each one whole.
His love is much more than we comprehend.
Though we can't see Him, He is our best friend.

"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 8:38-39 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God's Chessboard

July 2, 2009

God has a chessboard! And He has a "game plan" which He wishes to accomplish. When we become yielded to Him He will begin to prepare us for "service". And as we are molded and shaped in Him, He will set us in place on His "chessboard".

He is preparing many for service, and it is important to stand in position wherever He places us, for a game cannot be won if some of the pieces are missing. When He begins to "move" He will need each person for a specific part of His plan.

How exciting it is to be used of Him! However, of this we cannot boast, for this is a "quiet work". The "world" will not see the chessboard, but by the Spirit it will become very clear to those who love Him.

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Men Of Boldness

Thank You, Lord, for godly men
Who stand in place and are not moved,
Who work for righteousness and truth
Even when they're disapproved.

Evil loiters in the wings,
Watching, waiting to take o'er,
But men of boldness on alert
Drive these evils from our door.

These are those who toil and pray
That we might still hear freedom's ring.,
Mighty men who don't give up
But to God's righteousness will cling.

"Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies."
Psalm 60:12 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Tiny Child

A fresh new babe, a tiny light,
Filled with promise oh-h-h so bright.
A work of art, God's sweet creation,
Cause for joyous celebration.

What's more precious than a child
Upon whose life the Father smiled?
A little gift from Heaven above...
A portrait of the Father's love.

"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward."
Psalm 127:3 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A New Day's Promise

Lord, Here is my heart. Please fill it today
With insight and wisdom and courage, I pray.
Let me respond with worship and praise.
With newness of life let me be ablaze.

Each day has promise... a gift which You give...
A blessed opportunity for me to live.
Help me to grasp the greatness of this
So I will have victory and no portion miss.

You give me challenge, and You set my pace.
As I yield to You I'll rest in Your grace.
Let my day be measured with wisdom and skill,
That all of Your purpose I might fulfill.

"Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day."
Psalm 25:4-5 KJV

"This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."
Psalm 118:24 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Artistry Of God

I see heaven in a flower,
And in a bird's wing see God's power.
Everwhere God's love abounds
In painted beauty which astounds.

Only God could build a "mount"
Or cause a bubbling water fount,
Fill the oceans and the seas,
Or bless us with a gentle breeze.

His artistry in rich array
Blesses us in every way.
All worship be unto His name.
All glory to our God proclaim!

"O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!"
Psalm 8:9 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf