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