Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Heavenly Promise

The love of God can change a heart
And give a life a fresh new start,
Loosing bondage from the past
And bringing freedom which will last.

Sweet salvation is God's gift.
Oh, what joy when burdens lift!
Former sins are washed away.
Peace within the heart will stay.

Nothing else compares to this...
A special touch of heaven's bliss.
Salvation is God's guarantee...
His promise for eternity.

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life: and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."
John 10:27-28 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

The Greatest Gifts

The greatest gifts of myrrh and gold
May just be found within the old,
Or covered in a tender child
On whom the Lord has gently smiled.

Hidden in the simplest places
We'll find Jesus' love and graces.
Age or status will not count,
Neither wealth of great amount.

Only through humility
Will we have chance to ever see
The gold that lies before our eyes
And God's great wisdom realize.

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."
James 1:17 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, November 28, 2011

Contentment

Contentment and well-being each are signs of peace within...
Having deep tranquillity in spite of worldly din,
Knowing what has heavenly worth,
Being very down-to-earth.
In prosperity or need, contentment still will win.

Circumstancer may change or turn and peace within unsettle,
Or other folks around us sometimes irritate or "nettle".
Contentment rests within the heart,
A steadiness it will impart.
For when our trust is in the Lord He gives us quiet "mettle".

Over time we realize that things we have could scatter.
Contentment in the Lord is a more important matter.
Let peace rule within the heart.
Let the Lord His joy impart.
Let contentment overcome all worldly "noise and clatter".

"For I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."
Philippians 4:11 KJV

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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Peace And Rest

Many are the sick and ailing.
Many hearts with fear are failing.
Needs for prayer are everywhere,
But be encouraged... God hears prayer.

He will lift the weights we carry
As with Him we pray and tarry.
He is greater than our needs
And all our hopes He far exceeds.

In spite of challenge we can rest
In Him we can meet every test.
In our God we will find peace
And from our worries have release.

"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

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Our Nation In Prayer

Lord, we come on bended knee.
Hear Your people... hear our plea.
Grant us mercy, help us fight
Against those who would quench our light.

Save our nation, help us stand,
As we repent across the land.
Foil the evil plots of men,
That truth and peace might rule again.

You are able by Your power
To save us in this pressing hour.
Strengthen us and bring us through.
In prayer our hearts are turned to You.

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
II Chronicles 7:14 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, November 25, 2011

Remembering His Benefits

Remember God's great benefits
He brings to you each day.
Recount His many mercies
He has shared along the way.

Think about His faithfulness
Whene'er you feel alone.
Muse about His saving grace
And goodness He has shown.

Bless Him with whole-hearted praise.
And with joy bright anthems raise.
Worship Him... bring honor due
For blessings He has given you.

"O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms."
Psalm 95:1-2 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Thanksgiving Thoughts

Thanksgiving brings reminder of God's abundant blessing
And pilgrims coming from afar, their love of God expressing.
They did not quit or "give up ship" because of hardship's "press"
But stood for freedom valiantly, enduring constant stress.

The first few years were bleak and hard... they paid a very high cost,
And as they suffered in the cold, precious lives were lost.
They labored and stood firm in faith, believing in their cause,
Planting seeds for this great nation... we give them applause!

Thank You, God, for those dear folk who came upon our shore.
The memory of who they were we never should ignore.
They gave up all they had and knew to worship and be free.
Help us be as strong as they... help us, Lord, to see!

"Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms."
Psalm 95:2 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Thanksgiving Time

Thanksgiving is a wondrous time
Of praise and celebration...
A season when we bow our hearts
In joyful adoration...

For blessings poured into our lives,
More than we can number...
Even for the air we breathe,
For life and health and slumber.

All we have is from God's hand
Poured out in bounteous measure.
By His love and graciousness
Our lives are filled with treasure.

"By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name."
Hebrews 13:15 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Pilgrim's Story

Pilgrims came wanting freedom,
Ventured out far to roam,
Seeking for to worship Jesus,
Left their land and left their home.

Pilgrims came, torn and weary,
Suffering for freedom's cause.
Brave of heart and strong of conscience,
Blazing truth, changed history's course.

Do we stand, as the pilgrims?
Have we giv'n as much as they?
Can the coming generations
Look at us, thanksgiving pray?

Pilgrims we? Are we ready
To be brave, to be strong?
Are we building roads for Jesus,
Making strides against all wrong?

Oh, that we would all be pilgrims,
Standing for what we believe,
Sacrificing even a little
That our country might stay free.

"Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth."
Psalm 60:4 KJV

© 2003 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, November 21, 2011

A Thanksgiving Memory

At Thanksgivivg I always think of Margie...

Margie was a senior citizen in my neighborhood. I knew she didn't have much, but always when I saw her she was cheerful. She fixed her hair, had her make-up on, dressed in bright, pretty colors, and she was very pleasant to talk with. One day she mentioned to me that every night for dinner she had two tacos. It was all she could afford, but she felt that tacos had protein, vegetables and starch, so that was her best choice.

When time drew near to Thanksgiving I inquired of her, "Are you going to have dinner with your children?"

She replied, "No, they didn't invite me. But if I could, I would cook a turkey breast and invite my girl friend to come have dinner. We have such a good time together!"

As I went home and thought this over, I knew I wanted to surprise her. I went to the store and bought a turkey breast, potatoes, stuffing mix, yams and everything she would need for her meal with her friend. I took my full grocery sacks to her door and knocked. When I told her the bags were for her she peeked in, and then her face filled with joy. She was very excited... and showed it.

She didn't need to speak a word. "Thank you" was written all over her face.

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, November 20, 2011

A Time Of Plenty

Thanksgiving time is drawing nigh...
The season when we glorify
The God of plenty and provision,
Praising Him for what He's given.

A time to give, a time to share,
A time for others' needs to bear.
For many lives have been displaced
As circumstance has laid them waste.

A time for kindness and compassion,
Reaching out in prayerful fashion,
Truly caring from the heart
For those who need a fresh, new start.

A time to give, a time to share,
A time for us to show we care...
By reaching out in Jesus' Name
We to them God's love proclaim!

"For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in... Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me."
Matthew 25:35, 40 NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, November 19, 2011

A Song Of Thanksgiving

For abundance and for plenty
Let Thanksgiving songs be raised.
In expression from the heart
Let our God be warmly praised.

All we have is from His hand.
Let our worship freely flow.
Acknowledging His rich supply,
Let robust celebration grow.

He has poured out wondrous blessing.
Let us glorify His name
For His love and faithfulness,
Let us bring Him all acclaim!

"O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods."
Psalm 95:1-3 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, November 18, 2011

A Season Of Thankfulness

October is over, November is here...
Season's reminder Thanksgiving is near,
A time to remember what Thanksgiving means,
Other than "holidays" and "cuisines".

This day was birthed in the hearts of a few
Who came "oh so far" from all that they knew,
Seeking to worship their God and their King,
Searching for freedom His praises to sing.

Suff'ring severely, they did not give up,
Believing each day God would fill their cup.
Thanksgiving then was a time to rejoice.
In glory to God they praised and gave voice.

Let us remember these brave, humble folk.
Their faith and example in us should evoke
Prayers and thanksgiving that freedom still rings
And for all of the bounty which God daily brings.

"Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noice unto him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods."
Psalm 95:2-3 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, November 17, 2011

The Foot Of The Cross

If we are hurting or suffered some loss,
Our burdens are lifted away at the cross.
Provision is there through Christ's sacrifice.
For all of our "weights" He has paid the price.

The foot of the cross is a place of renewal.
When we are "worn" it is there we "refuel".
All of our weeping and shed tears will cease.
From all our tensions we'll find His deep peace.

This is the place Christ poured out His love,
Becoming our "door" to the Father's great love.
Pilgrimage daily to rest at the cross
Brings new life and healing for all of our loss.

"For the story and message of the cross is... the manifestation of the power of God."
I Corinthians 1:18 Amplified Bible

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

God Watching Over Us

At one point in my life I had no money coming in. I was low on oil for my furnace and didn't know how I was going to keep warm. My mom gave me fifty dollars to put a little oil in the tank so I wouldn't run out, but winter was coming and I knew that fifty dollars worth of oil wouldn't last long.

While the oil company was there putting the oil in the tank, a neighbor walked over to me and asked, "How much oil are you getting?"

I answered him, "However much fifty dollars will get for me."

He walked over to the oil man and was talking with him, then went into his house.

When I went to pay the oil man my fifty dollars, he said that the neighbor had handed him one hundred dollars for more oil.

I had been really down that day, but God was right there to lift me up. We never know how He will provide for us or who He will use, but His hand is not shortened to help us!

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth."
Psalm 121:1-2 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Times Of Prayer

Times of prayer on bended knee
Are times of sweet simplicity,
Hearing what God has to say,
Finding guidance for each day.

He will cover and protect
The lives and times of His elect.
Those who love Him walk in joy
And all His counsel will employ.

He pours out His love and peace
And from His goodness gives increase.
When we listen to His voice
He gives reason to rejoice.

"I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved."
Psalm 16:7-8 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, November 14, 2011

The Whisper Of His Voice

The whisper of His voice in a quiet moment's pause
Cuts through what I'm doing and my attention draws.
Oh, what treasure, Oh, what joy... to realize and know
That He is always near to me, His blessings to bestow.

His caring never wavers and His presence is so real.
He is ever by my side, His guidance to reveal.
Should my footsteps weary or confusion cause alarm,
I can listen for His voice and lean upon His arm...

Trusting He will speak to me and cover me with peace.
The whisper of His voice brings such healing and release.
When I rest and give Him pause I know He will draw near.
In these times, as I am still, His voice is very clear.

"As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God."
Psalm 42:1 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Covering Our Children

Little children need God's "cover".
Over them let angels hover.
Let their footsteps guarded be,
And let their spirits remain free...

Never bound by sin's dark stain
Or bogging down in things mundane,
But reaching up to Godly goals
And soaring in their chosen roles.

Let them prosper and be strong
So they will stand against all wrong,
Looking up unto the Lord.
In Him they will find rich reward.

"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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Careful Footsteps

Things we do have consequence,
However small they be.
When we act with wisdom
A good result we'll see.

But if we move too quickly
We could maybe miss the mark.
The end result might not have worth
Or maybe could be "stark".

Consequence will follow us
In every step we take.
Everything we do each day
Our lives will make or break.

Consequence will bring reward,
If we're wise and think ahead,
Avoiding pitfalls on the way,
Reaping peace and joy instead.

"Great peace have they who love Your law; nothing shall offend them or make them stumble."
Psalm 119:165 Amplified Bible

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, November 11, 2011

Veteran's Day

A SPECIAL CLASS

Veterans are a special class
Who give of self and far surpass
Ordinary daily call.
To guard our land they give their all.

Today we pay them high esteem.
May the Lord their lives redeem
From weariness and battle scars.
In our sight they're truly stars!

They have given us their best.
Heroes all, they've stood the test.
Precious are the ones who serve.
Highest honors they deserve.

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, November 10, 2011

The Faithfulness Of God

I am so blessed at how God takes care of my needs. A few months ago my electric blanket quit functioning properly - the control was not working right. I didn't have money to buy another one, so I just decided to do without one.

Now that it is fall I missed having it, but because I was asking the Lord to help me with some larger needs I don't think I even prayed about having a new blanket.

This week I received a pretty new electric blanket from my son. Hallelujah! I won't have to get into a cold bed every night. Also, I received a monetary gift which wll cover some of the other larger needs I had been praying about.

I rejoice in the goodness of God! He DOES watch over us. He hears our prayers and sometimes answers before we even ask! He is so faithful!

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:9 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, November 09, 2011

Blessed Rest

Having battled times of test
There are times when we must rest.
God's rest is a safe cocoon.
We shouldn't leave that rest too soon.

He is able to restore
All we need and much, much more
We should not fret, fuss or fume
Or try our labors to resume.

Savor these sweet times with joy,
As God His own pace will employ.
When His healing work is o'er
With strong wings again we'll soar.

"But 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

Tuesday, November 08, 2011

Wondrous Healing Power

I call upon Your name for Your wondrous healing power,
For many folks are needy in this day and in this hour.
The promises within Your Word are vibrant, strong and real!
Should we not believe that You are able still to heal?

You are able to restore, refresh and make things new.
Many folks alive today are those whom You've brought through...
Folks who have been near death's door and simply could not cope,
But life itself is in Your hand, and where there's life, there's hope.

Miracles are near to us... we only need believe,
Leaning on Your promises... Your healing to receive.
You are strong and mighty. You're our refuge and strong tower...
The answer in our times of need... our God of love and power.

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: who forgiveth all thine iniquites; 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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, November 07, 2011

Sowing Good Seeds

What we sow is what we reap,
So it is wise good watch to keep
On careless words or attitude
Which sometimes darts or snares include.

Sowing peace and love and joy
Are worthy tools we can employ
To bring forth rich and blessed fruit...
Results which have good attribute.

Good seeds multiply and grow
And scatter more seeds to and fro.
Good seeds sown have bright reward
And bring much glory to the Lord.

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be aceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer."
Psalm 19:14 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, November 06, 2011

Reason To Rejoice

Lord, let my heart be tuned to You.
Let my heart be pure clear thrugh.
Let no shadow find a place.
Let holiness fill every space.

Cleanse me, Lord, from ev'ry thought
Which has no worth but is for naught.
Help me reach a higher plane,
Greater wisdom to attain.

Let my spirit "rise and fall"
In answer to Your every call.
My heart thrills to hear Your voice.
I have reason to rejoice!
In Jesus' Name, Amen.

"As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God."
Psalm 42:1 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, November 05, 2011

One Step At A Time

God will never lead us to take steps when we're not ready.
Lovingly He oversees our "walk" to keep us steady.
In His perfect timing He prepares a goodly course,
One where we will prosper and will never have remorse.

As He leads and guides us we may sometimes have to wait,
But He will not forsake us nor will cause us to be "late".
He will add His wisdom till we're able to step higher
And reach the next objective to which we would aspire.

Skipping over certain steps could cause our plans to fail,
For if we're not prepared, this could make our footsteps "ail".
Always it is best to take just one step at a time,
Relying on God's leading for a sure and steady "climb".

"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, November 04, 2011

The Hidden Place

Sometimes in life, when all is going well and we are settled in our direction or job or circle of friends or church... change happens. And suddenly, by circumstance, we find ourselves in "the hidden place".

We may feel lonely or out of touch, discouraged or lacking purpose. But what may seem like a time of loss may be a time of golden opportunity... the place where growth happens. In prayer we begin to re-evaluate what is really important and seek new direction. And when the slate of our life seems to be most blank, God will begin to write on it.

The hidden place may have been His very purpose so that He could re-set us in a new direction... something exciting which we may have never tried or even thought of before. As we come through it and out into the light on the other side, we will have new perspective and greater depth in the wisdom of God.

The hidden place will be a treasured place of great beauty... one-on-one with God... a birthing place for the purposes of God.

"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 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, November 03, 2011

Love And Peace

Respond in love and let peace rule.
Understanding this will "fuel".
It is wise to never spread
Words which should be left unsaid.

Words of blessing are received,
Causing peace to be achieved.
Humility will open doors
And discord quietly ignores.

Always love will be enough
To overcome whatever "guff".
Love will "neutralize" a dart,
Will soothe and heal a wounded heart.

"Put on love and enfold yourselves with the bond of perfectness - which bonds everything together completely in ideal harmony. And let peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts - deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds - (in that peaceful state) to which (as members of Christ's) one body you were also called (to live)."
Colossians 3:14-15 Amplified Bible

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, November 02, 2011

The Heartbeat Of God

Deep in your soul is God's heartbeat heard?
By His great love have you e'er been stirred?
His love is deeper than ocean or sea,
Boundless in scope for you and for me.

If you will listen, the sound will be clear,
Changing your life and drawing you near.
Then when His heartbeat becomes as your own,
No other sound will match what you've known.

His heart is tender toward those who will hear...
To those who listen and give Him their ear.
His awesome love, poured out from His heart,
Will change your whole world and new life impart.

"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God..."
I John 3:1 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, November 01, 2011

Hope For Today

Sing and rejoice and be glad!
Don't sit around and be sad.
Moping just isn't much fun.
Delight in what Jesus has done!

He brought us joy and salvation.
Give Him a standing ovation!
We have the answer to doom and despair,
A Friend and a Savior Who really does care.

He is our light and hope for today.
In Him our lives will not be blase'.
Praise Him with singing for what He has done.
Rejoice and give honor to God's Holy Son.

"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God."
Psalm 42:11 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf