A Rich Life

There's gold within the Word of God...
Treasure hidden in each page.
Wisdom stored there is God's gift
For living which we should engage.

Man's ideas will not stand.
Without the Word he'll go astray,
Building his own kingdom's worth.
He'll not know he needs to pray.

If he only owns one thing,
The Word of God will fill his need.
It will bring great wealth to him
And all his hopes it will exceed.

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."
II Timothy 3:16 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

When Storms Come

In our times of deepest trouble
When our problems seem to double,
Only God can raise us up...
Only He can "fill" our cup.

When storms and upsets cause alarm,
The greatest threats God can disarm.
When we turn to Him in prayer
He will keep us in His care.

Lean on Him to show the way.
When He speaks, His words obey.
God is able in this hour
To "head off" storms with might and power.

"And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm."
Mark 4:39 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Let Prayer Break Forth

Let prayer break forth... let prayers be many.
Let freedom ring... for all and for any,
For freedom to worship, to sing and to praise,
To honor our God and voices to raise.

Let streams of truth flow forth every day.
Let worldly "bindings" all fall away.
Righteousness says to us, "Let there be light!"
Thus should we pray with all of our might.

If we will pray for freedom's great cause,
If we will worship and give God applause,
If we will stand and do what is right,
We are assured of a future that's bright.

"He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
Psalm 23:3 KJV

"The effectual fervent prayer of a rightous man availeth much.:"
James 5:16 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Unfailing Love

Though our lives have spot and stain,
Our God doesn't show disdain.
Patiently He loves us still...
Until His purpose we fulfill.

By ourselves we are not able
To have wisdom or be stable.
In our weakness He is strong
And helps us stand against all wrong.

We are able by His grace
Bigger challenges to face.
His great love will never fail
But always o'er our lives prevail.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
John 3:16 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Days Well-Lived

Some days seem so ordinary.
Others are "ho-hum".
But I can still rejoice and sing
And not be down... as some.

I know God is working
To perfect that which concerns me.
My life rests within His hand.
From needless worry I am free.

In simple things I'll be alert
So I don't miss what He might say.
All that He would teach me
Will prepare me for another day.

I will rest and be content
Until He says to make some change.
But I won't "move" until He speaks,
Lest His timing I shortchange.

"The Lord will perfect that which concerns me."
Psalm 138:8 Amplified Bible

"I will cry to God Most High, Who performs on my behalf and rewards me - Who brings to pass (His purposes) for me and surely completes them!"
Psalm 57:2 Amplified Bible

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Built Upon The Rock

Whatever we build, when built on the Rock,
Has sturdy foundation which no foe can mock.
The labors we spend in serving the Lord
Cannot be shaken, but bring rich reward.

"Towers" we build, in which we place hope,
May not bring answers or help us to cope.
Aside from the Lord our "towers" will crumble,
Creating confusion and leaving a jumble.

When God helps us build, it may be unseen,
But substance is there, on which we can lean.
Wisdom would tell us to "build on the Rock"...
A sturdy foundation which no foe can mock.

"And he said, The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer: The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence."
II Samuel 22:2-3 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Mercy Wins

Dare we quickly judge another...
Neighbor, friend, son or brother?
Dare we give some up for lost...
Those whose paths we may have crossed?

We are sometimes much too "jaded"
'Gainst some folks we might have aided.
Judgment shows we do not care
And causes us to make sad error.

Mercy does not point a finger.
With compassion it will linger,
Praying out of love and caring,
Hope and inspiration sharing.

"The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works."
Psalm 145:8-9 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Beautiful Language

What has happened to verbal expression?
Folks do not seem to use much discretion.
Beautiful language becomes as an art
And shows the condition of one's mind and heart.

We must let good thoughts crowd out the bad
And fill our minds full of thoughts which are glad.
Let us tune out the language that's coarse
In TV or magazines... whate'er the source.

The fruit of the Spirit, working in us,
Will soften our speech and be a real plus.
Beautiful words are laden with treasure
And add to the hearers blessings and pleasure.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
Galatians 5:22 KJV

"Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report: if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
Philippians 4:8 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Honesty

An honest man has naught to hide.
No shadows or untruths abide.
He can look you in the eye
And "tricks" or fibs" will never try.

Honesty bears much good fruit.
It's loveliness we should salute!
How much simpler life can be
When honesty has set us free.

Untruths make a tangled web,
Causing honesty to ebb.
Beauty fades and much is lost.
Untruths carry long-term cost.

"These are the things that ye shall do; speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates."
Zechariah 8:16 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Faithfulness

Faithfulness plants fruitful seeds
And serves with blessings and good deeds.
Faithfulness has open eyes...
Others' needs to recognize.

Faithfulness will never tire
But by willingness inspire.
Her rewards o'er time accrue,
And God will bring her honor due.

Faithfulness within the heart
Shares many seeds to grow and start.
She is generous and kind
And to much giving s inclined.

"O love the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful..."
Psalm 31:23 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Repentance

Repentance is a healing point
Which says, "I'll turn from what I've done.
I will change my attitudes.
A brand new life I have begun."

Repentance cleanses us from sin,
Releasing us from shame and guilt.
What a blessing to be free
And know your life can be rebuilt.

Jesus calls us e'en today
And urges us to change our ways.
When we answer His sweet call
We're "transformed" and filled with praise.

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness: but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."
II Peter 3:9 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Peace On Earth, Good Will To Men

Let our cities smile brightly.
Let our streets be filled with peace.
Let our people work together.
Let all hate and anger cease.

Let "agendas" not be prime
But purposes of God have rule.
Let Scripture and the Ten Commandments
Be our standard and our "school".

Let us have good will toward men.
Let this always be our goal.
Being instruments of peace
Is a very blessed role.

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Quick Responders

Quick responders are alert
And many problems will avert.
They have practiced "readiness",
In times of need have steadiness.

They are on the cutting edge,
So "tuned in" they will not hedge.
Moving forth with ease and speed,
Responding to God's call or need.

Quick responders aren't held back
By "baggage" or by "order's lack".
They are as a polished arrow,
Piercing through when time is "narrow".

These are they who know God's heart.
When He calls they make quick start.
They have made important choice
To always listen for His voice.

"Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then said I, 'Here am I; send me.' "
Isaiah 6:8 KJV

"And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice."
John 10:4 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Soft As Dew

The touch of the Lord is like dew on a petal.
With each new dawn it's softness will settle.
He brings refreshing and promise each morn,
Your day with rich blessing and joy to adorn.

Be as a petal and welcome the dew,
God's mini-oasis which says, "I love you".
He is so faithful to meet all our needs.
All of our hopes and dreams He exceeds.

Rest then in knowing that He cares for you.
His gentle healing comes down as the dew.
Quietly, tenderly, dew drops appear
As loving reminder to say He is near.

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Two In Agreement

Sometimes we need to lay down our "rights",
For often these "rights" dissension ignites.
We may complain, "It just is not fair.
I'm misunderstood and I did not err."

"Claiming our rights" can have a sharp edge,
Building a fence or driving a wedge.
The more vital issue is living in peace,
Working together and letting strife cease.

"Rights" build a "block" in us toward another.
Just lay them down and work with that brother.
Two in agreement will get a lot done.
Don't think of "self"... agree to have fun!

"And be at peace among yourselves..."
I Thessalonians 5:13 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

As Chaff In The Wind

Boasters make a foolish crowd
Who brag and bluster long and loud
They appear to be upbeat
But have the wind beneath their feet.

Their pride will blow away as chaff.
Then they'll grieve and will not laugh.
"Ego" has no real worth
Nor footing which will give them "berth".

Bragging maybe gives them joy,
Yet words are but a sinking buoy.
Boasting is not solid ground.
In Christ sure footing will be found.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast."
Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Gather Wisdom

Gather wisdom for the winter.
Store it's harvest in your heart.
Even tiny gleanings store,
For "covering" they will impart.

Let fires of God burn deep within you,
Warming you in times of cold,
Causing you to move in strength
And in your spirit to be bold.

Traverse safely through the "winter".
Draw upon your wisdom's store.
Stoke the fires of God within you.
He'll give strength and might to soar.

"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."
Psalm 119:11 KJV

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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Jesus Changes Lives

He makes good folks out of bad
And downhearted people glad.
He will fill an empty soul
With His love and make him whole.

He will heal a wounded child
Whose aching heart has never smiled,
Or give courage to the fearful
And sweet laughter to th tearful.

His compassion is a gift
To those who dearly need a lift.
His faithfulness is truly great...
His goodness we should celebrate!

"Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shalll praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips."
Psalm 63:3-5 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Faith

When threat of darkness:closes in
It is faith that helps us win.
Faith brings courage, strength and might
And will break forth into light.

Faith will stand and not let go
Nor be bandied to and fro.
It takes up a strong position
Till it's hopes come to fruition.

Choosing always to be glad,
Rejoicing in good times and bad,
Faith will bring us through long night
And fill us with God's peace and light.

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
Hebrews 11:1 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Heart Full Of Peace

A gentle heart is full of calm,
Joy and peace and healing balm.
But when anxiety comes in
The heart experiences "chagrin".

The answer is to "practice peace".
This will take some expertise.
No matter what the circumstance,
Pray, and do not "take a chance".

Let your peace push back the stress.
Don't allow it to oppress.
God will give you inner rest,
And by His peace you will be blessed.

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee."
Isaiah 26:3 KJV

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts..."
Colossians 3:15 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Longing To Hear Church Bells

How I long to hear church bells
Ringing out across the land,
Reminding us of holiness
And that for which we stand.

Our beginnings, birthed in prayer,
We siimply can't forget.
We must change the path we're on,
Lest we have deep regret.

Let us honor our foundation.
Let us bow to thank our God,
Take a look at whence we've come
And prayerful footsteps we have trod.

Let those footsteps not be wasted.
Let our past not be discarded.
Let our focus be renewed
And Godly format be regarded.

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance."
Psalm 33:12 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Fences

Fences are a helpful choice
To keep things in or keep things out.
Beware of "sitting on the fence".
That leaves room for too much doubt.

It' a slippery place to be,
Not a healthy place to rest.
As you tarry on the fence
You could face unwelcome test.

Sitting too long on the fence
Because you do not want to move
Shows a lack of wisdom, and
Your lethargy and pride may prove.

Ask the Lord to give you wisdom
On which side you should abide.
Then be honest with yourself
And hasten to get on His side.

"Choose you this day whom ye will serve..."
Joshua 24:15 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Being Light

As Christians we should be as light...
In times of darkness shining bright.
Our love and joy will clearly speak
And strengthen others who are weak.

Jesus working in our hearts
A warming, healing light imparts.
But if at times we tend to grumble,
Then our light may fade or crumble.

Let His joy spill out of you.
To grumbling quickly bid "adieu".
Let your brightness be a sign
So others too will want to "shine".

"Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining (against God) and questioning and doubting (among yourselves), that you may show yourselves to be blameless and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish (faultless, unrebukable) in the midst of a crooked and wicked generation - (spiritually) perverted and perverse, among whom you are seen as bright lights - stars or beacons shining out clearly - in the (dark) world."
Philippians 2:14-15 Amplified Bible

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Peace In The Storm

Though trials come and storm winds blow,
Though troubling waters overflow,
Jesus speaks, "I am your peace.
I will make the storm to cease."

"When I am there to keep you steady
You won't fail... in Me you're ready
To o'ercome your stormy test.
I will give you calm and rest."

"Trust in Me... do not have fear.
When you call, I will be near.
I will speak into your 'storm'
And all your circumstance transform."

"And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waters: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. and he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm."
Matthew 8:23-26 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Fidelity

A life with fidelity is genuine clear through.
It never will swerve from that which is true.
Pure and sincere in all of it's ways,
It doesn't complain but always obeys.

It's trueness is "fixed" and rests deep within,
Guiding that life away from all sin.
Faithful of heart, with love which is real,
It wears a bright badge with loyalty's seal.

Fidelity's song is flawless and pure.
The tune which it sings will grow and endure.
Fidelity's purpose will always be clear,
Unchanging in beauty, a gift to revere.

"Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
Philippians 4:8 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzopf

Joyful Worship

Worship has a lovely voice
And causes Heaven to rejoice.
God is worthy of our praise...
Every song and every phrase.

Glorify His name on high.
With gratitude to Him draw nigh.
Come into His holy presence.
Honor Him with heartfelt reverence.

Oh, what joy in Heaven awaits
When we come near those pearly gates.
Our hearts will swell, our voices soar
To worship Him forevermore.

"I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together."
Psalm 34:1-3 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Our Children Need Prayer

Everywhere I look I see the "scattering" of children... as the result of divorce or broken relationships where the mom and dad were not married; children of parents who realize that they don't really want to step up to the responsibility of raising children, so they leave; children being raised by relatives or foster parents; and, children removed from the home because of lack of care or abuse...

Today many children do not feel secure, are not being emotionally nurtured, maybe don't have sufficient nutrition, etc., If they don't have a solid foundation, how can they be anything but confused as they mature and try to find solid guidelines for their own lives? How will they learn to love and be kind if they are rejected or just "get lost in the shuffle" some way.

I knew a couple whose six-year old daughter had no expression in her eyes. Her eyes looked totally blank. She and her brother played with my children, but this girl was different. I later learned that her mother didn't like children. Now this story had a peculiar twist. The mother and dad had some friends who didn't have any children, but this woman really cared for the girl and boy. So these two couples decided to exchange partners. Both couples divorced and then remarried each others' mates.

The end of this story is that the children blossomed because their new mother loved and nurtured them. And it was then that the girl began to have expression in her eyes. The blankness previously in the girl's eyes was from total lack of love.

Also, there was a young boy in our mobile park who had lost one of his parents, and the other parent didn't want him. So he came to live with his grandparents. But then he got in a little trouble in our park, and management said he had to leave. But the grandparents couldn't afford to sell their home and move. I have wondered many times what happened to that young boy.

We surely need to pray for today's children and treat them kindly wherever we see them... it may be the only kindness they will know, and it might be a saving grace for them at some point in their lives...

"But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 19:14 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Treasure In Heaven

Extravagance is such a waste
When too much excess is embraced.
Often it becomes a weight
And then creates a too-full plate.

Maintenance may have high cost,
And time for urgent things is lost.
Folks are often more content
When money is more wisely spent.

"Wealth" is best when shared with others...
Charity or needy brothers.
Worldly goods have little worth,
But when shared, to love give birth.

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Matthew 6:19-21 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Change Is Coming

God is speaking to His people...be alert to hear His voice. When we are in tune with Him, we have reason to rejoice!

Sometimes we are so "planted" right where we are that "change" is not a word we want to hear. But we are in a new and different season, and maybe the old "comfort zone" will not be the best place to be.

Be ready. Be in a mindset of readiness so you don't feel off guard when change approaches. Be flexible... don't fight it... flow with it... and it will be so much easier.

God goes before us and graciously prepares our way. He guides our footsteps so that we do not stumble. We are safe in His leading.

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Times Of Healing

Brokenness is not all bad,
For when we reach the "healed" side
We'll look back and we'll realize
We're safe when we in Christ abide.

He is able to bring joy,
Give us hope and chase our fear.
In these times He nurtures us,
Lifts us up and brings us cheer.

As we move past brokenness
And out of "darkness" into light,
We will move past weariness
Into new days which are bright.

"But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill."
Psalm 3:3 KJV

"Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing; thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness."
Psalm 30:11 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Draw Nigh Unto God

Draw nigh unto God in times of great fear.
He is our refuge should "panic" come near.
Oh, what great comfort, to be in His shelter
When things all around us become helter-skelter.

Take time to pray... breathe in His deep peace
Until His tranquillity brings sweet release.
Rest in His shelter... don't let fear return.
Give to the Lord your every concern.

His hand is steady when we're feeling weak.
He is our strength when outlook seems bleak.
Should we feel panic, remember He's able
To keep us in peace and quietly stable.

"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters."
Psalm 23:3 KJV

"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty, (Whose power no foe can withstand)."
Psalm 91:1 Amplified Bible

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf