Sunday, January 31, 2010

The Size Of God's Grace

How will we know the size of God's grace
If we're not tested beyond our endurance?
How will we learn just how great it is
If we don't need His strength and assurance?

He fills the gap our shortcomings leave
By pouring out grace in sufficient amount.
His grace is greater than all of our need,
Constantly flowing... a Heavenly fount.

How we would fail, how bruised we would be,
If we did not have God's mercy and grace.
Grace is the bridge between weakness and strength
Which helps us to run a victorious race.

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."
II Corinthians 12:9 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Prayer For Our Nation

Let righteousness and truth prevail.
Let sin and greed and evil pale.
For those burdens which we bear,
We beseech You, Lord, in prayer.

Give us wisdom day and night.
Let our beacon e'er shine bright.
Lord, we need Your mighty power
To guard is in this crucial hour.

Guide our leaders, one and all.
Let them always hear Your "call".
Our great strength lies in Your hand.
By Your mercies we will stand!

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."
I Timothy 2:1-2 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, January 29, 2010

The Hidden Place

Lord, how we need Your healing balm
To soothe our fears and keep us calm.
For Your touch we deeply yearn,
As challenge lurks at every turn.

When we're anxious You bring peace.
In Your presence worries cease.
Hidden in Your secret place
We can find deep rest and grace.

You bring balance when we lean
And keep us safe from the unseen.
You know all our circumstance,
So we don't have to live "by chance".

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust."
Psalm 91:1-2 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Beauty Of The Lord

If you want to establish the work of your hands,
Follow the Lord and all His commands.
Seek to behold His beauty and light,
To dwell in His house through daytime and night.

Taste of His goodness and dine at His table.
Inquire of Him and He will enable
Your footsteps to walk the path He would show
And have all the blessings which He would bestow.

We can't outguess or outplan the Lord.
When we follow Him, we'll have great reward.
It is His beauty which blesses our hands
When we follow Him and all His commands.

"One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple."
Psalm 27:4 KJV

"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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Look For The Gold

Look for the "gold" in others you see,
Those who are quiet and serve faithfully,
Those who don't look for credits or fame
And oft don't receive reward or acclaim.

Some of these folks work so hard to please.
It's good to acknowledge their kind expertise...
Waitresses, janitors, clerks in a store,
Or parents who labor to give their kids more.

This kind of "gold" is tested and pure.
It has been "fired" and o'er time will endure.
These are the folks whose lives have deep worth
And quietly to inspiration give birth.

"Honour shall uphold the humble in spirit."
Proverbs 29:23 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Seniors, Hang In There

If you're feeling useless
Like a flat or limp balloon,
Or if you feel outdated
Like an old and wrinkled prune...

Don't despair... look up and shout!
Don't let your spirit get the gout!
Seniors should not groan and limp
Nor let old age their "style" crimp!

You know more than young 'uns do...
Could show them just a thing or two!
Have some fun... and please don't quit.
We need your wisdom, wit and grit.

By your knowledge and your spunk
You can see through "bunk" and junk.
How we need your common sense
To help us live with confidence!

"The glory of young men is their strength, and the beauty of old men
is their gray head (suggesting wisdom and experience)."
Proverbs 20:29 Amplified bible

"Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the
courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit
in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing."
Psalm 92:13-14 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, January 25, 2010

Castles In The Sand

People build things in the sand
And try to make a castle stand.
But with the wash of just one wave
Their well-formed castle they can't save.

Life is just a lot like that,
Sending "waves" we can't combat.
The waves of time will wash away
Those "towers" we build and hope will stay.

In Christ we build what cannot crumble
As before Him we are humble.
Do not build upon the sand.
What is built in Him will stand.

"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And everyone that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it."
Matthew 7:24-27 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, January 24, 2010

God's Light

Illumine my darkness, I pray.
Let there be light in my way.
Lest I may stumble,
Lord, help me stay humble.
Help me to not go astray.

Help me to always be kind
And to love and peace be inclined.
So much is gained
When peace is sustained.
In this let me never be blind.

Help me to reach up and out,
To have increased faith and not doubt.
For I want to grow,
Your wisdom to know,
And to spread Your love all about.

"For you cause my lamp to be lighted and to shine; the Lord my God illumines my darkness."
Psalm 18:28 Amplified Bible

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, January 23, 2010

A Hymn Of Praise

Let my life be as a hymn,
A song of worship and of praise,
Breaking forth as morning sun,
A tribute to my Lord to raise.

Let my melodies be bright
As my songs of blessing ring.
Let my music have increase
In adoration to the King.

Let my hymn find echo in
My family and in my kin.
Let this worship never stop
Bubbling up from deep within.

"Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing."
Psalm 100:2 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, January 22, 2010

His Gentle Presence

We are never left alone
To deal with problems, work and snares,
Because the Lord walks by our side
And answers even "tiny" prayers.

He will simplify our days
And look upon our every need,
Bring solutions which amaze
And gently through our problems lead.

He is there to lift us up
And lend an arm on which to lean.
His presence is a constant joy,
And deep within we feel serene.

"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

"In thy presence is fulness of joy..."
Psalm 17:11 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Heaven's Door

On that all-important date
When you stand at Heaven's gate,
Will the gate be open wide?
Or will you sadly be denied?

We don't know the time and place
When we shall see Him face-to-face,
But if you know our precious Lord
You'll receive a sure reward.

Jesus died to pay the cost...
That all mankind should not be lost.
To all who in His grace abide
Heaven's gates are open wide.

"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

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Remember His Benefits

If you're facing a high mountain
And you can't see o'er the top...
If you're needing "sunny weather"
And you want the "rain" to stop...
Remember, God has power.
He is a mighty tower.

If you're all stressed out
And new tensions start to rise...
When unexpected troubles hit
And come as a surprise...
Remember, God brings peace.
In Him, you'll find release.

He'll lift you up and give you grit
Beyond your own ability.
Remember all His benefits.
In Him you'll have a guarantee.
Remember, God is able
To guard and keep you stable.

"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation."
Psalm 68:19 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Needed Answers

People will have problems which technology can't solve.
It takes the love of Jesus "people" problems to resolve.
Equations and solutions may be basis for good work
But do not offer help when in hearts the problems lurk.

Cell phones and computers offer ease with which to chat,
But some things folks encounter only wisdom will combat.
Jesus Christ is able to re-program what is stuck.
He brings heart solutions for the problems folks can't buck.

Brilliant minds create great tools to speed and simplify.
But Jesus offers answers which these brilliant minds defy.
If we listen to His voice, solutions will evolve.
He gives tools the heart can use technology can't solve.

"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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, January 18, 2010

A Time To Consider

...A time to consider the needs all around us,
To share and to give to those who have less.
For something good happens way deep down inside us
Whenever we reach out and "caring" express.

Giving births hope and shows someone cares
To those who are hurting and may be hard-pressed.
We do not know how others may suffer,
But be reassured that they will be blessed.

God multiplies the resource we have
Each time we remember that some have it rough.
Helping another is good for the soul,
And always we'll find we have more than enough.

"(Charge them) to do good, to be rich in good works, to be liberal and generous of heart, ready to share (with others)."
I Timothy 6:18 Amplified Bible

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, January 17, 2010

In Him We Live

Have you ever noticed how
Some folks have good resilience,
Through thick-or-thin and challenge
They just have an inner "brilliance"?

They are never down for long.
They're like a perky jack-in-the-box.
They just have a buoyancy
No matter what their paradox.

They are not discouraged
By the failures of the past.
They put their faith in Jesus Christ
And to His Word hold fast...

Knowing He will lead them on
And cause them to excel.
These folks have chosen wisely
On a higher plane to dwell.

"For in him we live, and move, and have our being..."
Acts 17:28 KJV

"For the joy of the Lord is your strength."
Nehemiah 8:10 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Two Of A Kind

A person who meddles
Affects one like nettles.
They think they "belong",
But their actions are wrong!

Gossips are worse,
With tales to disburse.
They take what they hear
To spread far and near!

Both stir up tension,
Strife and dissension.
Neither is pretty,
Nor even is witty.

Of these two beware!
Your business don't share.
Without tales to weave
They soon will take leave.

"He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears."
Proverbs 26:17 KJV

"Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth."
Proverbs 26:20 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, January 15, 2010

God's Artistry

God has a palette of colors and hues,
Beautiful shades from which He will choose,
To color our lives with beauty and flair,
To bless us with riches, unusual and rare.

His are the colors, we are His art.
He "paints" us with beauty and sets us apart
For His special purpose and holy design.
It is HIS artwork that makes us to shine.

"Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture."
Psalm 100:3 KJV

"But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself..."
Psalm 4:3 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Think About Jesus

Think about God's precious Son.
Contemplate what He has done,
Giving self to clear our shame,
In our place assuming blame.

Think about the love He shared
And just about how much He cared...
How He suffered and endured
So our salvation was ensured.

Think about eternity,
Of which He brought us guarantee,
Of Heaven's wondrous open door
And praising Him forevermore.

"And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world."
I John 2:2 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Planning Ahead

Many people are "at risk"
Because they haven't given thought
To where they are and where they're going,
Using wisdom as they ought.

Time and resource flee away
When we're not diligent to plan.
How much progress have we made
Since the time when we began?

Prayer and forethought cover much
And save us from much wear and tear.
God will simplify our paths
When we seek His will in prayer.

"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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Angel Prayers

Prayers sent on angel wing
Peace and love will softly bring.
Gentle as the morning dew,
These sweet prayers make all things new.

Friendship prayers from the heart
Cause earthly problems to depart.
These are blessings flowing out
Like a healing waterspout...

To bring refreshing from above
And touch us with the Father's love.
I'm sure glad for friendship prayers.
It makes me know an "angel" cares.

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, January 11, 2010

Platforms And Service

The prideful one says, "Look at me.
I'm important, don't you see?
Platforms are my favorite place
Where I can prate and make my case."

Humble folks desire to serve
And quietly they will observe
The "goings on" of prideful folk,
But will avoid pride's ugly yoke.

Humble folks get much work done
(While prideful ones sometimes do none).
These kind folks say, "Thee, not me",
As they serve with love and glee.

"Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off."
Psalm 138:6 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, January 10, 2010

The Shadow Of The Almighty

As I dwell within Your shadow
I have covering for each day.
I find strength and comfort there
And know that I will be okay.

No matter what the challenge,
I will rest beneath Your wing
And find my hope and confidence
Within the peace You bring.

I'll not be alone nor
Dash my foot against a stone.
I will not look down
Or be in fear of the unknown.

You're my shield and buckler.
'Neath Your covering I'll reside.
I will draw my strength from You.
In You I will abide.

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone."
Psalm 91:1-2, 11-12 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, January 09, 2010

A Warm Touch

Neighbors come and neighbors go,
But some we never get to know.
We don't know the heavy cross
Which some may carry... or the loss.

But we can bless them by our prayers
And let them know that someone cares.
We can be a ray of hope
To those who cannot seem to cope.

Some may only need a smile
To help them go an extra mile,
Just to know they're not alone,
Because of friendship we have shown.

The world is harsh and cold for some,
But warmth we show may be the "crumb"
To perk them up and bring them joy...
A shining light and needed buoy.

"The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat."
Proverbs 15:30 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, January 08, 2010

Completing Each Race

When God presents a special task,
Trust... and questions do not ask.
His assignments help us grow
And greater depths in Him to know.

Persevere through think-and-thin
The battles and the race to win.
Never think to stop or quit.
Defeat or loss do not admit!

If you waver or give up
You will not have a brim-full cup,
Filled with blessings waiting there...
God's very best that He would share.

"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."
Philippians 1:6 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, January 07, 2010

Rejoice And Rest

Rejoice and rest in each new day.
Don't let worries your peace sway.
God can change and set you free
From the circumstance you see.

He will help you carry through
And will give you His own view,
For He knows and sees long-range
All those things which need to change.

Rejoice and rest in Him today.
Let Him wash your cares away.
He will make your burdens light,
And your worries will take flight!

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28 KJV

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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, January 06, 2010

The Song Of The Heart

Jesus gives a song in the heart...
The loveliest music it ever will know.
He is the melody, His are the lyrics
Of beautiful strains which echo and flow.

He is the Master of songs of the heart.
If we will listen, His songs we will hear.
He sings the tunes, He IS the song
Which wells up inside and plays in the ear.

His precious strains will change us within,
Linger in memory and cause us to sing.
We then will worship His marvelous name,
Rejoicing each day in the song He will bring.

"The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitaiton; my father's God, and I will exalt him."
Exodus 15:2 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, January 05, 2010

Rain, Rain, Rain

I should be grateful for the rain,
But EVERY DAY is quite a pain.
I hope the sun will just peek through
And lend a brighter, cheery hue!

I'm feeling rather water-logged.
My windows need to be de-fogged.
Humidity makes droopy hair.
I'm ready for some nice dry air!

My yard is grey and weather-beaten,
Much too wet to try to neaten.
I'm ready for a sunny day
To chase away this drippy grey.

I should not grumble or complain
When we get this needed rain.
But if we get a little sun,
To see a rainbow wouild be fun!

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, January 04, 2010

Walking In Peace

When people are happy and full of good will,
It's easy to love them, 'cause problems are nil.
But when conflict comes, then it is hard
To regain the peace which, sadly, was jarred.

When our responses are bathed in God's peace
We cause the enemy's onslaught to cease.
God's peace will douse the flames of offense
And heal situations which have become tense.

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful."
Colossians 3:15 KJV

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:7 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, January 03, 2010

The Size Of God's Love

How can we measure the size of God's love?
It's depth and it's width are simply beyond
That which our thinking can e'er hope to grasp.
We simply reach up and to Him respond.

All that we have is from His own hand.
He showers us daily with mercy and grace.
In all of our ways He guides and protects us.
We simply need rest in His mighty embrace.

"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

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, January 02, 2010

Joy Within

What can match the joy within
Which Jesus' love imparts?
Who can make us clean and new
And change our sin-stained hearts?

Who will take us by the hand
When we have gone astray
And gently lead us in His path
And lovingcare convey?

Jesus brings the greatest joy
Which man will ever know,
And as we walk beside Him
His blessings will bestow.

He will add His wisdom
And will take us to new height.
In Him we have our being...
Jesus is our Light.

"For in Him we live, and move, and have our being..."
Acts 17:28 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, January 01, 2010

A New Year

A new year with a fresh new face,
An open door, a waiting stage...
We may find a bright new path
And in our lives can "turn a page".

What new promise may just wait?
Something fresh we have not seen?
Maybe we should take a step
And break out of an old routine.

It's good to seek a higher plane
Or set a goal to make life better.
And though we stumble here and there,
This year just may become "red-letter"!

"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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf