Those who study to be wise,
And those who gather common sense
Are armed for any challenges
And move through life with confidence.
Some folks may be very smart
And educated in fine schools,
But “wisdom” overshadows “smart”
And gives
us much more useful tools.
Common sense is practical,
And by experience it is earned.
Life will not be very easy
Until common sense is learned.
For wisdom we should make deep quest,
With common sense should be impressed.
These two things are basic tools
So we won’t fail and be as fools.
“Happy (blessed, fortunate, enviable) is the man who finds skillful and godly Wisdom, and the man who gets understanding (drawing it forth from God’s Word and life’s experiences).”
Proverbs 3:13 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, February 28, 2014
Thursday, February 27, 2014
God With Us
When we go through events which just leave us reeling,
It is then that we learn a new depth of feeling.
And that which we’ve suffered will not be all loss.
Our loss is redeemed by Christ’s blood on the cross.
We gain understanding of how others suffer
And learn how God’s love is our most-needed “buffer”.
Life-changing events can turn our direction
And totally change our thoughts and perception.
New levels of healing are birthed from our pain.
Precious indeed are the insights we gain.
When events in our lives peace ad joy overturn.
We are made richer by that which we learn.
“For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, 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 KJV
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
It is then that we learn a new depth of feeling.
And that which we’ve suffered will not be all loss.
Our loss is redeemed by Christ’s blood on the cross.
We gain understanding of how others suffer
And learn how God’s love is our most-needed “buffer”.
Life-changing events can turn our direction
And totally change our thoughts and perception.
New levels of healing are birthed from our pain.
Precious indeed are the insights we gain.
When events in our lives peace ad joy overturn.
We are made richer by that which we learn.
“For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, 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 KJV
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
A Banquet Table
The Word is our most precious source
So we don’t wander off our course.
There we find the “bread” we need...
God’s wisdom on which we may feed.
The Word is full of righteous fare.
When we dine there we won’t err.
God’s provision is replete.
From His banquet, come and eat.
The Word will satisfy your soul,
Lift you up and make you whole.
Read the Word... O taste and see,
And surely you will soon agree.
“How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!"
Psalm 119:103 KJV
“O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.”
Psalm 34:8 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
So we don’t wander off our course.
There we find the “bread” we need...
God’s wisdom on which we may feed.
The Word is full of righteous fare.
When we dine there we won’t err.
God’s provision is replete.
From His banquet, come and eat.
The Word will satisfy your soul,
Lift you up and make you whole.
Read the Word... O taste and see,
And surely you will soon agree.
“How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!"
Psalm 119:103 KJV
“O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.”
Psalm 34:8 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Words With Grace
Do the words of your mouth impart grace to the hearers?
Are words which you say to others as mirrors...
Reflecting the goodness of God as you speak,
Brightening and cheering up lives which are bleak?
Your words can pierce through much darkness and gloom,
Presenting a fresh hope where troubles would loom.
Words are as arrows of healing and light.
And when carefully “measured” are so very bright.
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
Ephesians 4:29 KJV
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
Colossians 3:16 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Are words which you say to others as mirrors...
Reflecting the goodness of God as you speak,
Brightening and cheering up lives which are bleak?
Your words can pierce through much darkness and gloom,
Presenting a fresh hope where troubles would loom.
Words are as arrows of healing and light.
And when carefully “measured” are so very bright.
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
Ephesians 4:29 KJV
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
Colossians 3:16 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, February 24, 2014
God's Love For Us
The wonders of God’s love amaze
(Worthy of unending praise!)
That He should care for lowly sinners
And help them to become as “winners”.
His love turns a life around
And causes blessings to abound.
All our sins He will erase
And cover us with boundless grace.
This is love from Heaven above.
How can we return such love
Except to always give Him glory
And let Him be our whole life’s story.
“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
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
(Worthy of unending praise!)
That He should care for lowly sinners
And help them to become as “winners”.
His love turns a life around
And causes blessings to abound.
All our sins He will erase
And cover us with boundless grace.
This is love from Heaven above.
How can we return such love
Except to always give Him glory
And let Him be our whole life’s story.
“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
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Joyful Days
Let joy be contagious, for it has great “wealth”.
It makes you feel good, and it’s good for your health.
Spread it around... let merriment flow
To offset all gloom, and happiness sow.
Choose to look up, though you may be down.
Joy can be “worn” instead of a frown.
Joy gives us balance and helps heal sorrow.
The joy of the Lord is our strength for the morrow.
Joy be unto you... now pass it around.
With happiness may your whole day be crowned.
Joy is as sunshine to brighten your day.
When you have joy you won’t feel blasé.
“For the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
It makes you feel good, and it’s good for your health.
Spread it around... let merriment flow
To offset all gloom, and happiness sow.
Choose to look up, though you may be down.
Joy can be “worn” instead of a frown.
Joy gives us balance and helps heal sorrow.
The joy of the Lord is our strength for the morrow.
Joy be unto you... now pass it around.
With happiness may your whole day be crowned.
Joy is as sunshine to brighten your day.
When you have joy you won’t feel blasé.
“For the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Prayers Of Faith
When loved ones travel a wrong track,
It’s prayer that will bring them back.
They may claim they “don’t believe”,
And words you speak they don’t receive...
But prayer bridges every gap
And negates any handicap
Which you may have in reaching them.
Stand in faith, but don’t condemn.
God is able to provide
And keep them from a downhill slide.
He will give you needed peace.
From worry you will find release.
God’s arm has a lengthy reach,
And He can heal a painful breach.
Your prayers He will always hear,
And to your loved one He’ll stay near.
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
It’s prayer that will bring them back.
They may claim they “don’t believe”,
And words you speak they don’t receive...
But prayer bridges every gap
And negates any handicap
Which you may have in reaching them.
Stand in faith, but don’t condemn.
God is able to provide
And keep them from a downhill slide.
He will give you needed peace.
From worry you will find release.
God’s arm has a lengthy reach,
And He can heal a painful breach.
Your prayers He will always hear,
And to your loved one He’ll stay near.
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, February 21, 2014
God's Calling
When God calls upon us, do we make excuse?
The reasons we give are sometimes profuse!
“I don’t have time”, or, “I am not ready”.
“This makes me nervous”, or, “I feel unsteady”.
If He is calling us, He has good reason.
He may want to take us into a new season!
If we’re lethargic or don’t want to “go”,
We may miss blessings He wants to bestow.
He goes before us, preparing the way.
We go in His strength as we trust and obey.
We should not question or keep asking “Why?”
His will is a blessing. On Him we rely.
“And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? Have not I the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.”
Exodus 4:10-12 KJV
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
The reasons we give are sometimes profuse!
“I don’t have time”, or, “I am not ready”.
“This makes me nervous”, or, “I feel unsteady”.
If He is calling us, He has good reason.
He may want to take us into a new season!
If we’re lethargic or don’t want to “go”,
We may miss blessings He wants to bestow.
He goes before us, preparing the way.
We go in His strength as we trust and obey.
We should not question or keep asking “Why?”
His will is a blessing. On Him we rely.
“And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? Have not I the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.”
Exodus 4:10-12 KJV
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, February 20, 2014
The Beauty Of Pruning
“Pruning” is a scary term,
But God does this so we excel.
He prunes and trims away those “twigs”
Which cause us to not function well.
When little “sprouts” and “suckers” grow
Our thinking simply isn’t clear.
God rescues us from too much “brush”.
His pruning we should never fear.
He prunes away what saps our strength,
Enabling us to bear good fruit.
Though pruning may not feel good
His care for us we should salute!
”Any branch in Me that does not bear fruit (that stops bearing) He cuts away (trims off, takes away); and He cleanses and repeatedly prunes every branch that continues to bear fruit, to make it bear more and richer and more excellent fruit.”
John 15:2 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
But God does this so we excel.
He prunes and trims away those “twigs”
Which cause us to not function well.
When little “sprouts” and “suckers” grow
Our thinking simply isn’t clear.
God rescues us from too much “brush”.
His pruning we should never fear.
He prunes away what saps our strength,
Enabling us to bear good fruit.
Though pruning may not feel good
His care for us we should salute!
”Any branch in Me that does not bear fruit (that stops bearing) He cuts away (trims off, takes away); and He cleanses and repeatedly prunes every branch that continues to bear fruit, to make it bear more and richer and more excellent fruit.”
John 15:2 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Abiding In Prayer
Worrying is just not wise...
Not a trait to exercise.
It simply will not help a thing
But always more stress it will bring.
Through prayer we can take things in stride,
For then in peace we can abide.
We’ll find the answers which we need
And learn how we should then proceed.
Prayers sometimes say to wait
While God is working to create
Solutions which are truly sound.
His wisdom always is profound
Prayer saves us so much trouble.
Without it problems sometimes double.
God will hear our plea or prayer
And help us so we do not err.
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you, Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
John 14:27 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Not a trait to exercise.
It simply will not help a thing
But always more stress it will bring.
Through prayer we can take things in stride,
For then in peace we can abide.
We’ll find the answers which we need
And learn how we should then proceed.
Prayers sometimes say to wait
While God is working to create
Solutions which are truly sound.
His wisdom always is profound
Prayer saves us so much trouble.
Without it problems sometimes double.
God will hear our plea or prayer
And help us so we do not err.
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you, Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
John 14:27 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Wisdom's Door
Always knock on Wisdom’s door,
For every day you will need more.
Rewards will come from wisdom’s quest.
It’s Heaven’s wealth. You should invest!
Those without face many “bumps”.
They will stumble and get “lumps”.
Wisdom is as oil in gears
For every problem which appears.
Wisdom is as polished gold,
But never will be bought or sold.
Find it in God’s precious Word.
From it let your heart be stirred.
“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.”
Proverbs 3:13-15 KJV
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
For every day you will need more.
Rewards will come from wisdom’s quest.
It’s Heaven’s wealth. You should invest!
Those without face many “bumps”.
They will stumble and get “lumps”.
Wisdom is as oil in gears
For every problem which appears.
Wisdom is as polished gold,
But never will be bought or sold.
Find it in God’s precious Word.
From it let your heart be stirred.
“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.”
Proverbs 3:13-15 KJV
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, February 17, 2014
Truth Is Our Friend
Truth will not falter..... it’s strength man can’t alter.
We should not ignore it..... we need to explore it!
Let truth be known..... within the heart sown.
Then we have a “base” which we can embrace.
When life makes demand, on truth we can stand.
It’s light we must savor, for it will bring favor.
God’s truths are a shield..... great blessings will yield.
On truth we depend..... His truth is our friend.
“Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.”
Psalm 51:6 KJV
“His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.”
Psalm 91:4 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
We should not ignore it..... we need to explore it!
Let truth be known..... within the heart sown.
Then we have a “base” which we can embrace.
When life makes demand, on truth we can stand.
It’s light we must savor, for it will bring favor.
God’s truths are a shield..... great blessings will yield.
On truth we depend..... His truth is our friend.
“Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.”
Psalm 51:6 KJV
“His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.”
Psalm 91:4 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Joy In The Valley
If you want to climb to the top of the mountain
‘Cause you’re weary of life in the valley below,
Climb up the mountain in prayer with the Lord.
Wisdom and insight to you He will show.
He’ll give perspective you now may not have,
And maybe the valley won’t seem all so bad.
If you will “reach up”, He’ll come down to meet you.
He’ll bring joy to you and make you feel glad.
The joy you will find may spread in the valley,
For as you are changed, you may wish to share.
Your light will draw others, and their lives will change
As they too will climb the mountain in prayer.
“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.”
Psalm 42:11 KJV
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
‘Cause you’re weary of life in the valley below,
Climb up the mountain in prayer with the Lord.
Wisdom and insight to you He will show.
He’ll give perspective you now may not have,
And maybe the valley won’t seem all so bad.
If you will “reach up”, He’ll come down to meet you.
He’ll bring joy to you and make you feel glad.
The joy you will find may spread in the valley,
For as you are changed, you may wish to share.
Your light will draw others, and their lives will change
As they too will climb the mountain in prayer.
“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.”
Psalm 42:11 KJV
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Winning The Race
The “now” generation is speeding ahead
Without enough thought to wisdom foresaid.
A rich heritage should not be ignored.
This is an error we cannot afford.
Good heritage brings the balance we need,
Instilling wise pace for how to proceed.
If we rush forward without wise perspective
We later may wish we’d been more reflective.
“A little bit slower” might be a good pace
To really win well, whatever the race!
Pausing to pray before we rush on,
Ensures we are ready to carry the baton.
“Where no counsel is, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.”
Proverbs 11:14 KJV
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Without enough thought to wisdom foresaid.
A rich heritage should not be ignored.
This is an error we cannot afford.
Good heritage brings the balance we need,
Instilling wise pace for how to proceed.
If we rush forward without wise perspective
We later may wish we’d been more reflective.
“A little bit slower” might be a good pace
To really win well, whatever the race!
Pausing to pray before we rush on,
Ensures we are ready to carry the baton.
“Where no counsel is, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.”
Proverbs 11:14 KJV
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, February 14, 2014
A Valentine Blessing
May you walk through fair fields with peace and with ease
And feel God’s presence in a soft breeze.
May sunshine by day and starlight by night
Fill your whole being with joy and delight.
May all your footsteps be cushioned by love,
Covered and blessed by the Father above.
May He lead you gently in all of your ways
And faithfully walk with you all of your days,
“The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: the Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: the Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And feel God’s presence in a soft breeze.
May sunshine by day and starlight by night
Fill your whole being with joy and delight.
May all your footsteps be cushioned by love,
Covered and blessed by the Father above.
May He lead you gently in all of your ways
And faithfully walk with you all of your days,
“The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: the Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: the Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Blessed Be The LORD
The Lord is our helper, defender and friend.
To all that concerns us He will attend.
We’re never alone... He covers us well.
Our fears and anxieties He will dispel.
He is our peace and He is our calm.
His caring is always a sweet, healing balm.
He lifts us up and fills us with light.
He comforts our hearts and makes our days bright.
When we are weak, He makes us feel strong.
When we are down, He fills us with song.
If we feel timid, He helps us be bold.
His benefits are more than can ever be told....
“Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation.”
Psalm 68:19 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
To all that concerns us He will attend.
We’re never alone... He covers us well.
Our fears and anxieties He will dispel.
He is our peace and He is our calm.
His caring is always a sweet, healing balm.
He lifts us up and fills us with light.
He comforts our hearts and makes our days bright.
When we are weak, He makes us feel strong.
When we are down, He fills us with song.
If we feel timid, He helps us be bold.
His benefits are more than can ever be told....
“Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation.”
Psalm 68:19 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
When Children Speak
If a child wants to talk, He needs to be heard.
Let him express himself. Catch every word.
As you show interest he’ll learn to express
His feelings and thoughts of joy or distress.
And when you listen he’ll start to feel worth.
He won’t be afraid new ideas to birth.
He’ll know you’re his friend... to you he will run.
In all his excitement you both will have fun!
“And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.”
Mark 9:36 KJV
“And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?”
Matthew 21:16 KJV
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Let him express himself. Catch every word.
As you show interest he’ll learn to express
His feelings and thoughts of joy or distress.
And when you listen he’ll start to feel worth.
He won’t be afraid new ideas to birth.
He’ll know you’re his friend... to you he will run.
In all his excitement you both will have fun!
“And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.”
Mark 9:36 KJV
“And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?”
Matthew 21:16 KJV
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Staying Focused
Irritations want attention
And will rob our precious time.
They sidetrack us from purpose
And those issues which we know are prime.
We must learn to persevere
And not allow a trivial thing
To vex us and to take a toll.
To our focus we must cling.
When we find the Lord’s direction
Our attention then is “fixed”.
By our focus on our goal
Irritations then are “nixed”.
“...But one thing I do (it is my one aspiration): forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the (supreme and heavenly) prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.”
Philippians 3:13-14 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And will rob our precious time.
They sidetrack us from purpose
And those issues which we know are prime.
We must learn to persevere
And not allow a trivial thing
To vex us and to take a toll.
To our focus we must cling.
When we find the Lord’s direction
Our attention then is “fixed”.
By our focus on our goal
Irritations then are “nixed”.
“...But one thing I do (it is my one aspiration): forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the (supreme and heavenly) prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.”
Philippians 3:13-14 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, February 10, 2014
A Wide-Open Book
Though we may have a pleasant facade,
We can’t hide a thing from the eyes of our God.
Our hearts are before Him as wide-open books.
Hearts which are faithful bring joy as He looks.
We are not perfect... we often may sin.
But our God will help us each battle to win.
He gives us strength to counter our weakness
And honors our stance of service and meekness.
The books of our lives will read very well
If in our hearts we invite Him to dwell.
We won’t have to think about things we must hide
When we follow Him and in Him abide.
”I, the Lord, search the mind, I try the heart, even to give to every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.”
Jeremiah 17:10 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
We can’t hide a thing from the eyes of our God.
Our hearts are before Him as wide-open books.
Hearts which are faithful bring joy as He looks.
We are not perfect... we often may sin.
But our God will help us each battle to win.
He gives us strength to counter our weakness
And honors our stance of service and meekness.
The books of our lives will read very well
If in our hearts we invite Him to dwell.
We won’t have to think about things we must hide
When we follow Him and in Him abide.
”I, the Lord, search the mind, I try the heart, even to give to every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.”
Jeremiah 17:10 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, February 09, 2014
Careful Footsteps
We cannot see around the bend
Or even know tomorrow’s trend.
On God the Father we must lean
And all our guidance from Him glean.
He prepares each step we take
So we don’t err or make mistake.
Our direction He may turn...
What we don’t see He will discern.
Steps we take may not make sense
But will have good consequence.
God can see around the bend.
All our steps He will attend.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Isaiah 55:8-9 KJV
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Or even know tomorrow’s trend.
On God the Father we must lean
And all our guidance from Him glean.
He prepares each step we take
So we don’t err or make mistake.
Our direction He may turn...
What we don’t see He will discern.
Steps we take may not make sense
But will have good consequence.
God can see around the bend.
All our steps He will attend.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Isaiah 55:8-9 KJV
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, February 08, 2014
Treasure
Man can’t boast about his wealth
And think that he is safe and sound.
It’s safer to draw nigh to God
Where heavenly riches may be found.
In Jesus’ name we have provision,
Even though we may be poor.
Earthly funds may fail in value
But Godly treasure will be sure.
Heavenly treasures multiply
When we lean upon the Lord,
In Him we truly are much safer.
His covering is our sure reward.
“The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as a high protecting wall, in his own imagination and conceit.”
Proverbs 18:11 Amplified Bible
“Gather and heap up and store for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust nor worm consume and destroy, and where thieves do not break through and steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Matthew 6:20-21 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And think that he is safe and sound.
It’s safer to draw nigh to God
Where heavenly riches may be found.
In Jesus’ name we have provision,
Even though we may be poor.
Earthly funds may fail in value
But Godly treasure will be sure.
Heavenly treasures multiply
When we lean upon the Lord,
In Him we truly are much safer.
His covering is our sure reward.
“The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and as a high protecting wall, in his own imagination and conceit.”
Proverbs 18:11 Amplified Bible
“Gather and heap up and store for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust nor worm consume and destroy, and where thieves do not break through and steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Matthew 6:20-21 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, February 07, 2014
Pursue Peace
To live in peace should be our goal.
In this we have a major role.
Peace is just not being calm.
It must be a healing balm.
The way that we relate to others,
Friends and neighbors, moms and brothers,
Must be birthed in love and kindness,
With deep thought and not in blindness.
When we live a righteous life,
Seeking peace against all strife,
Relationships will “turn around”,
And joy and peace will there abound.
“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.”
Romans 14:17-19 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
In this we have a major role.
Peace is just not being calm.
It must be a healing balm.
The way that we relate to others,
Friends and neighbors, moms and brothers,
Must be birthed in love and kindness,
With deep thought and not in blindness.
When we live a righteous life,
Seeking peace against all strife,
Relationships will “turn around”,
And joy and peace will there abound.
“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.”
Romans 14:17-19 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, February 06, 2014
Order
Let my life’s order be pleasing to You.
Let me be focused in all that I do.
Help me eliminate “din” and confusion
And discern the truth from “words” and illusion.
Order brings balance and deep peace of mind.
With wisdom our lives become well-defined.
We learn what is urgent and know what is best.
Sometimes we’re “pushed”, but know when to rest.
Ideas and trivia can sometimes blur fact.
They take up our time and tend to distract.
But order will save us the time we may spend...
And definitely is a very good friend!
“You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind (both its inclination and its character) is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You and hopes confidently in You.”
Isaiah 26:3 Amplified Bible
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Let me be focused in all that I do.
Help me eliminate “din” and confusion
And discern the truth from “words” and illusion.
Order brings balance and deep peace of mind.
With wisdom our lives become well-defined.
We learn what is urgent and know what is best.
Sometimes we’re “pushed”, but know when to rest.
Ideas and trivia can sometimes blur fact.
They take up our time and tend to distract.
But order will save us the time we may spend...
And definitely is a very good friend!
“You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind (both its inclination and its character) is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You and hopes confidently in You.”
Isaiah 26:3 Amplified Bible
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, February 05, 2014
One Stitch At A Time
A needlework masterpiece doesn’t happen quickly. It is slowly created... with careful precision... one stitch at a time.
With diligence and skill the worker tends her threads Many colors she will blend together, her subject to carefully define. She has learned to not hurry or rush, because perfection and beauty are her goals.
Stitching has taught her a lesson in life. She will study carefully to learn and always practice to do her very best. And by diligence her skills will cause her to excel in what she does.
A masterpiece doesn’t happen overnight but by long diligence... one stitch at a time.
“And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.”
Psalm 90:17 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
With diligence and skill the worker tends her threads Many colors she will blend together, her subject to carefully define. She has learned to not hurry or rush, because perfection and beauty are her goals.
Stitching has taught her a lesson in life. She will study carefully to learn and always practice to do her very best. And by diligence her skills will cause her to excel in what she does.
A masterpiece doesn’t happen overnight but by long diligence... one stitch at a time.
“And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.”
Psalm 90:17 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, February 04, 2014
Pride Is A Loser
Pride just marches to and fro.
Of its “merits” it will crow.
It doesn’t see and doesn’t hear
And simply doesn’t seem to fear.
It cuts one off from wisdom’s gold.
It’s empty, even though it’s bold.
Pride will never “know it all”.
It will always fail or fall.
Bow in reverence... make pride flee
Until with wisdom you agree.
To pride’s inroads close the door.
Reverence leads to wisdom’s store.
“When swelling and pride come, then emptiness and shame come also; but with the humble - those who are lowly, (who have been pruned or chiseled by trial) and renounce self - is skillful and godly Wisdom and soundness.”
Proverbs 11:2 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Of its “merits” it will crow.
It doesn’t see and doesn’t hear
And simply doesn’t seem to fear.
It cuts one off from wisdom’s gold.
It’s empty, even though it’s bold.
Pride will never “know it all”.
It will always fail or fall.
Bow in reverence... make pride flee
Until with wisdom you agree.
To pride’s inroads close the door.
Reverence leads to wisdom’s store.
“When swelling and pride come, then emptiness and shame come also; but with the humble - those who are lowly, (who have been pruned or chiseled by trial) and renounce self - is skillful and godly Wisdom and soundness.”
Proverbs 11:2 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, February 03, 2014
Making Good Choices
We cannot make good choices
Just by listening to “voices”.
God will show us what to do
And add ideas which are new.
As we seek to do His will
He will give us needed skill
He will show us what to choose,
Ensuring that we will not lose.
Choices made too quickly
Have results which may be “prickly”.
But when we make a Godly choice
We’ll have reason to rejoice!
“Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.”
Psalm 25:4 KJV
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Just by listening to “voices”.
God will show us what to do
And add ideas which are new.
As we seek to do His will
He will give us needed skill
He will show us what to choose,
Ensuring that we will not lose.
Choices made too quickly
Have results which may be “prickly”.
But when we make a Godly choice
We’ll have reason to rejoice!
“Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.”
Psalm 25:4 KJV
© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, February 02, 2014
A Life Well-Designed
God has made you quite unique,
And He will make your life to speak.
The message of your life will shine
As with God’s giftings you align.
Maybe you are meant to serve,
To worship, teach or to observe,
To lead, or pray or be a star...
God has made you who you are.
All you do will have a “glow”,
Because God’s goodness you will sow.
Used of Him, you will be rich
And much-blessed in your special niche.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
Ephesians 2:10 KJV
“Thy hands have made me and fashioned me...”
Psalm 119:73 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And He will make your life to speak.
The message of your life will shine
As with God’s giftings you align.
Maybe you are meant to serve,
To worship, teach or to observe,
To lead, or pray or be a star...
God has made you who you are.
All you do will have a “glow”,
Because God’s goodness you will sow.
Used of Him, you will be rich
And much-blessed in your special niche.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
Ephesians 2:10 KJV
“Thy hands have made me and fashioned me...”
Psalm 119:73 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, February 01, 2014
A Better Day
Some mornings when I wake up and am maybe still tired or are a little achy, I really don’t want to get up. But having a grumpy outlook is not a good way to start the day.
I have found that quoting Scripture will offset this problem and set a positive tone for my day. Some of the Scriptures I use are: Psalm 23, The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13), Isaiah 40:31 and Psalm 118:24 and sometimes Psalm 91. I have memorized these Scriptures and speak them before I get out of bed.
The power of the Word first thing in the morning re-sets my thinking patterns so that I am clear-headed and positive. Do I have problems to solve? Yes. Am I weary sometimes? Yes. But the Scripture helps me to get above the problems and find God’s perspective! He gives me a bigger picture! God’s Word is a treasure... a manual for joyous living!
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
Psalm 119:105 KJV
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.”
Psalm 28:7 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
I have found that quoting Scripture will offset this problem and set a positive tone for my day. Some of the Scriptures I use are: Psalm 23, The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13), Isaiah 40:31 and Psalm 118:24 and sometimes Psalm 91. I have memorized these Scriptures and speak them before I get out of bed.
The power of the Word first thing in the morning re-sets my thinking patterns so that I am clear-headed and positive. Do I have problems to solve? Yes. Am I weary sometimes? Yes. But the Scripture helps me to get above the problems and find God’s perspective! He gives me a bigger picture! God’s Word is a treasure... a manual for joyous living!
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
Psalm 119:105 KJV
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.”
Psalm 28:7 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
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