Saturday, April 30, 2011

A Safe Niche

No matter our trials, no matter our storm,
No matter the testings which just are not norm,
Always in Jesus we have blessed hope.
If we just trust, new doors He will ope.

He brings refreshing when we're all worn out.
He'll make us strong, e'en though we have doubt.
In times of great need, He fills us with joy.
He is our peace... an uplifting buoy.

Those who have suffered will know this is true.
Our God is faithful to help us "come through".
Though we have nothing, in Him we're still rich.
Covered in Him we have a safe niche.

"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). I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; in Him I lean and rely, and in Him I (confidently) trust!"
Psalm 91:1-2 Aprlified Bible

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, April 29, 2011

Learning To Rest

Learning to "rest" is not quickly learned.
Experience will tell us it slowly is earned.
"Resting" is all about learning to trust,
For God's perfect timing we cannot adjust.

Oh, what sweet blessing to rest in His peace
And feel anxiety's misery cease.
God brings tranquility... this is the place
Where we can relax and learn of His pace.

We are not meant to stand all alone
And manage our struggles and fears on our own.
To lean on our God and be wrapped in His peace
Is Heaven's sweet gift to bring us release.

"Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him..."
Psalm 37:7 KJV

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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, April 28, 2011

No Condemnation

The enemy seeks to rob and destroy.
Condemnation is his favorite ploy.
All the time he calls us names.
With our well-being he plays games.

We need not listen to his "noise"
Or let him rob from us our poise.
Jesus offers us His peace,
Which will offset the devil's fleece.

When Jesus takes away our sin
He cleanses us from all chagrin.
Rejoice in new-found confidence.
The Lord Himself is our defense!

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
Romans 8:1 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

I Shall Not Want

Does God hear when we call out to Him? Does He know our needs? The answer to this is a resounding "YES"!

A friend of mine, after paying her taxes, did not have enough money left to pay some of her smaller bills. She prayed and asked the Lord to help her find a way to pay them.

Later that day she visited a thrift store in search of a picture frame. She found a nice one and bought it to use for a photo she wanted to mount. When she got home she started to remove the "velvet" backing on it so she could insert the photo, and she found an envelope tucked in behind the backing. She opened the envelope and found $71.00 inside.

God had answered her prayer in a very unexpected way! He is so faithful to us... and cares so much!

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."
Psalm 23:1 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

New Every Morning

The blessings of God for me and for you
Are as refreshing as soft, morning dew.
His love and mercy are new ev'ry morn,
Ready to heal "the weary and worn".

He pours out goodness in plenteous supply,
More than enough to meet every sigh.
He is not broke when worldly goods fail.
He is the answer whenever we ail.

If you are down, in Him there is hope.
He will bring gladness to help you to cope.
Remember His goodness and know He is able
To raise you up strong and make your path stable.

"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God."

"It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him."
Lamentations 3:22-24 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, April 25, 2011

Wisdom And Understanding

If a man should hear a word which is good
And not act upon it as he really should,
He makes no gain, for the impact is lost.
He has not grown, for which there is cost

When understanding has raised up it's voice,
Rejecting it's wisdom is not a good choice.
Wisdom and truth pave a path which is right.
Following there will bring increase of light.

Our God is faithful man's footsteps to guide,
But man must lay down his plans and his pride.
Choosing to hear and choosing to learn
Much understanding and wisdom will earn.

"Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee."
Proverbs 4:5-6 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Easter Morn

Oh, that glorious Easter morn
When Jesus triumphed o'er the grave!
He arose in victory
O'er sin and death our souls to save!

What a Savior! What a Friend!
The awesome sacrifice He made
Has covered all our sin and error.
Our sin-debt has been fully paid!

The joy we have in Jesus Christ
All Heav'n and earth will ne'er contain.
As King of Kings and Lord of Lords
Through eternity He'll reign!

"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

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Saved By Grace

Every knee shall bow before Him,
Every tongue confess His name...
Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Let all men His love proclaim!

No one else could die for us
And cleanse us from sin's ugly stain.
Out of His great love for us
His sacrifice became our gain.

Bow in reverence, give Him laud,
Jesus Christ, the Son of God...
He Who saved us by His grace.
Our lives are sealed in His embrace.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."
Ephesians 2:8 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, April 22, 2011

A Season Of Promise

A season of promise, a season of hope,
A season of breathtaking, heavenly scope!
Christ broke the barriers and opened the door
To eternity's glory with Him evermore.

Jesus became the path and the key
By His blood outpoured on Calvary's tree.
He made provision that none should be lost.
By His sacrifice He paid for sin's cost.

This is God's promise of hope for this day.
Eternity's welcome in front of us lay.
We have all reason to sing and rejoice,
To lift up high praise with most jubilant voice!

"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 Schwqrtzkopf

Thursday, April 21, 2011

An Answer Today

If you carry scars and have been betrayed,
The price for your pain has already been paid.
The wounds which you suffered were borne on the cross
So you might be healed from your pain and your loss.

God's great compassion for you and for me
Moved Him to offer His Son on the tree.
The blood that was shed brought redemption from sin
And healing from illness or wounding within.

The cross offers help for your problems today
As a sweet healing balm... God's love to convey.
How great is our God, Who opened His heart,
His great lovingkindness and joy to impart.

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's."
Psalm 103:2-5 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

In Remembrance Of The Cross

It's good to have remembrance
Of the cross and He Who died,
Who gave His life that we with Him
Forever might abide.

The cross for Him was heavy,
And the road He trod was long
As He became redemptiion
For our sin and for our wrong.

It's good to bow in reverence
And contemplate the cross,
To realize how great His love
So we would not have loss.

Blessed Savior of Mankind,
We offer sweet oblation
Of glory, laud and honor
To express our adoration.

"Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever."
Psalm 145:2 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Peace In The Storm

How will we keep balance
In a topsy-turvy world?
How do we have peace
When fiery darts at us are hurled?

Burdens which we carry,
And an overload of stress,
Combine to make us weary...
These are cares we must address.

If we have Salvation
And are covered by Christ's blood,
We can walk in perfect peace
Through fire-storm and flood.

When we lay our burdens down
The Lord will give us rest.
We will find tranquility
Through every trial and test.

"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee: and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord, thy God, the Holy One of Israel, the Saviour."
Isaiah 43:2-3 KJV

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, April 18, 2011

More Than Enough

They who give the Lord full sway
Will never falter in their way.
Blessings which they cannot buy
To all their footsteps will draw nigh...

Lots of laughter, lots of cheer,
Free from bondage, free from fear,
Lots of wisdom, lots of hope
To offset error and give them scope.

Benefits from Heaven's store
Are like a mighty reservoir.
Never will God's "wealth" run dry.
His love and kindness satisfy.

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits."
Psalm 103:2 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Bless The Little Children

Our children are God's gentle folks
Who grow to be majestic oaks.
Children nurtured in the Lord
Will bring their parents blessed reward.

Oh, how beautiful to see
A little child's simplicity.
They are filled with life and light
And cause our lives to be so bright.

Let their eyes be trained on You
And every day learn something new,
Growing in Your strength and light
And learning of Your power and might.

"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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Light For Others

Let all my actions bring glory to You, God.
Let those who may watch know this isn't "facade".
Help me be "real"... transparent clear through,
That always my life will draw others to You.

Help me be strong when others are weak.
Let me bring light to lives that are bleak.
For loving and caring will bring Your sweet touch
To those who are lost and need You so much.

I want to shine where there is no light
And cause others' lives to be cheery and bright.
In You I can be a beacon of hope...
To others the door of salvation to ope.

"How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!"
Romans 10:15 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, April 15, 2011

Keeping Our Anchor Strong

My living room has a cathedral ceiling with two large skylights and a combination ceiling fan/light fixture, which is mounted between the skylights. Around each skylight is a heavy, wood frame. Over time the vibration of the fan caused one of the wood frames to loosen up, and it was hanging loose on three sides, ready to fall. The nails holding the frame were too short and needed to be replaced by longer nails.

As I watched this being repaired, something began to stir in my spirit. This was a picture of what can happen to us in our relationship with the Lord. The everyday wear and tear of life (the subtle, small shakings) can begin to loosen our anchor points in Him without our really being aware. Yesterday's "points of anchor" may not be sufficient to hold up the weight of today's demands or tomorrow's challenges. What seemed to be a household repair suddenly became a call to awareness.

- What are we doing to strengthen our anchor points in Him? Have we even checked them lately?
- Is the amount of time we spend in the Word, in prayer and in quiet times with Him equal to present and future situations?
- As pressures and demands increase, so even more must our time with Him increase.
- Do we trust Him to make the repairs we need? (Ouch! Sometimes repairs are painful and we know they may be painful, so we procrastinate in addressing the issues.)
- Are we willing to be "updated" - made ready for service? (Will we rearrange our priorities so that He may prepare us?)

In the days to come the safest place to be will be in the hands of the Master Carpenter. He is trying to get our attention. He wants to strengthen, guide and encourage us. He is able to rebuild, repair, restore, and renew.

"The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me."
Psalm 138:8 KJV

www.keys2music.com

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Wisdom's Riches

A dwelling filled with wisdom
Is a dwelling rich in treasure.
The grace and goodness of our Lord
Becomes it's daily measure.

Wisdom's gift will heal and bless,
Refreshing all who dwell within,
Covering with peace and joy
Against life's "noise" and daily din.

Wisdom holds life's "answer store",
Is always willing to share more.
Help us, Lord, to comprehend
How much Your wisdom is our friend.

"There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise,,,"
Proverbs 21:20 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Healing Balm

Busyness can rob our peace.
Hurriedness makes calmness cease.
As folks get caught up in this,
Things of import they will miss.

If our schedules keep us busy,
All worn out and "in a tizzy",
How will we hear wisdom's voice?
It's time to make a better choice!

Times of stillness, peace and calm
Before the Lord are healing balm.
He will help us see HIS view
Of just how much we need to do.

"Seek peace, and pursue it."
Psalm 34:14 KJV

"Be still, and know that I am God..."
Psalm 46:10 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

A Touch Of Caring

Will you be a friendly voice
To help a lonely soul rejoice...
Loneliness is hard to bear
And needs some friendship and some prayer.

Lonely souls don't often laugh,
So lend some joy in their behalf.
Hidden treasure may be there,
Of which you maybe weren't aware.

Just a touch of caring matters
And "the blues" will quickly scatter.
You may make a treasured friend
Who, to YOU, much joy would send.

"A friend loveth at all times..."
Proverbs 17:17 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, April 11, 2011

Precious Peace

Peace of mind is a precious commodity,
But folks with much stress may think it an oddity.
Peace is a fruit of the Spirit of God,
Not just a thought or a pleasant facade.

Much to be sought after, studied and found,
Peace is God's gift to those who are bound
By lifestyles of conflict and unneeded stress...
To lift them above life's daily duress.

Listening to God we learn to be still,
To lay down our weights and discover His will.
Stress falls away and problems decrease,
And there in His presence we find His deep peace.

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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Gossips And Grubworms

Gossips are like grubworms
That live down in the dirt
And look for "roots" to chew upon.
For gossips, be alert!

"Grubworms" like to chew and chew.
Beware that they not chew on you!
What they do is undetected
Till a plant is sore affected.

The gossip thrives on others' news
And like the grubworm chews and chews.
When gossips from the truth meander
Sometimes gossip becomes slander.

Gossip is a friendship-spoiler,
Of peace... a robber and a foiler.
Wisdom says to not tell much
To those inclined toward "news" and such.

"The words of a whisperer or slanderer are like dainty morsels or words of sport (to some, but to others are like deadly wounds); and they go down into the innermost parts of the body (or of the victim's nature)."
Proverbs 26:22 Amplified Bible

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, April 09, 2011

In Troubled Times

This is a time to be focused in prayer.
The "news" isn't good, but do not despair.
Media causes our hearts to have fear,
But Jesus will give us His peace and good cheer.

His is the GOOD NEWS on which we depend.
Our "shaky" footings His joy will transcend.
We are not meant to withdraw in terror
But rise up with faith and offer much prayer.

He is our strength in times of great need.
He has the answers... our footsteps to lead.
"Caught up" with Him we're able to stand
And bring inspiration, whate'er the demand.

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof."
Psalm 46:1-3 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, April 08, 2011

With My Song I Will Praise Him

Let worship rise from the depth of my being
And be a sweet savor to my Lord and King.
Let adoration well up and burst forth
And cause a new song of praises to ring.

Let every footstep I take on my "walk"
Be pleasing to Jesus and answer His call.
Let me receive the light of His Word
And find strength in Him for things great and small.

He is my joy, inspiration and friend.
Let all my actions bring praise to His name.
He's my encouragement in all I do.
Let me His honor and glory proclaim.

"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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, April 07, 2011

As An Eagle

Lord, help me to soar as with wings of an eagle,
Graceful and strong, majestic and regal,
Mastering climbs into heavenly height
By wisdom and prayer and well-practiced flight.

I'll glide in wind currents and soar in the sky,
Discerning Your Wind with an eagle's keen eye,
Rising above all earth's bindings and woes,
Studying carefully where Your Wind blows.

"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
Isaiah 40:31 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, April 06, 2011

Much-Blessed

This is the day the Lord has made.
I will look up and not be afraid.
Gladness and joy will rule in my heart.
I will rejoice in Him from the start!

He is my strength... He orders my day.
He helps me each thing to carefully weigh.
He is my peace in all that I do
And helps me to have a bright overview.

I can go forth with calmness and poise,
Evading the enemy's conflicts and "noise".
He is my joy... in Him I will rest.
As I walk with Him my days are much-blessed.

"My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up."
Psalm 5:3 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, April 05, 2011

Drumbeats

What drumbeat are you hearing?
What song within you rings?
Is the rhythm which you hear
A beat which joy and laughter brings?

Choose your "drummers" carefully.
Don't listen to a woeful song.
Marching to a worldly beat
Could cause your footsteps to go wrong.

Listen for the heart of God
And hear the sound of His own drum,
Calling all to faith in Him,
Inviting all to hear and come.

"My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God."
Psalm 84:2 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, April 04, 2011

Springtime

My calendar tells me it is spring,
But showers are dampening everything!
Flowers droop and bow their heads,
And pools are in my flower beds.

All through March the rains have "squalled"
As pretty weather has been stalled.
My trees, like cotton candy spun,
Are more than ready for some sun!

Fluff and fragrance in the air
Are spring's bright signals to prepare,
For sunny days must follow soon
As springtime sings her happy tune.

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, April 03, 2011

Life's Best Key

The will of man is life's best key.
When tuned to God, how blessed is he!
All his footsteps will be right.
His life's pathway will be bright.

When he yields his will to learn,
Wisdom's merits he will earn.
God will guide through ev'ry "test"
And give him of His very best.

If man's will should turn away
Soon his path will go astray.
God has given him the key.
A yielded will will set him free.

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good. and acceptable, and perfect will of God."
Romans 12:2 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, April 02, 2011

Raindrops

There's sunshine in life's raindrops, reflecting Jesus' love,
A Heavenly refreshing which is promise from above.
His "rain" will wash away your tears
Till sunshine once again appears.
Cherish every raindrop as a symbol of His love.

A raindrop on a petal or a leaf which has been dry
Becomes much-needed moisture and the leaf will satisfy.
The leaf wll turn it's face to God
And gently in His wind will nod.
Heaven's raindrops bring new life... the leaf to beautify.

So raindrops are a special gift when we are worn and weary
To wash us and again to make us sparkle and be cheery.
Do not question, "Why this rain?"
For hidden in the rain is gain.
Raindrops filled with Jesus' light will change what has been dreary.

"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

Friday, April 01, 2011

Salvation's Grace

Jesus... No one knows the pain You felt
Or shared Your weeping as You knelt.
In Your walk You were alone
For our shortcomings to atone.

When we think we know, O Lord,
Sometimes we take up a sword
And further wound You by our pride.
Our sins were much for which You died.

Sometimes when WE stand alone
We have small glimpse of pain You've known.
It is then we realize
Your sufferings... the depth and size...

So much deeper, so much bigger
Than our thoughts and minds can figure.
You gave all and took our place
That we might know Salvations's grace.

"The Lord is my light and my salvation..."
Psalm 27:1 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf