Monday, April 30, 2012

Love vs. Anger

Anger is a "sticky" mess.
It "separates" and causes stress!
If it rests within a soul
It will take a dreadful toll.

A needless wound we should not nurse.
It only will make things much worse.
Let love counter anger's flame.
Forgiveness it's intent will maim.

If you don't "receive" a dart
It cannot rest within your heart.
Quickly make a "healing" choice.
Love the person, not the "voice".

"Be gentls and forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference (a grievance or complaint) against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has freely forgiven you, so must you also (forgive). And above all these (put on) love and enfold yourselves with the bond of perfectness - which binds everything together completely in ideal harmony. And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from the Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts - deciding and settling with finality all questiions that arise in your minds - (in that peaceful state) to which (as members of Christ's) one body you were also called (to live). And be thankful - appreciative, giving praise to God always."
Colossians 3:13-15 Amplified Bible

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Healing Oil

A positive word is as oil on hinges
To stop noisy squeaks and everyday "twinges".
Being as oil can lubricate "squabbles"
And keep situations from having "the wobbles".

Oil makes smooth the working of "gears",
Bringing solutions for upsets and tears.
The gears of relationship often have need
For oil of healing to help them succeed.

If all our words are softened with oil,
"Wear and destruction" we often can foil.
Free-flowing oil will bring peace and calm.
Our positive words are truly sweet balm.

"A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season,, how good is it!"
Proverbs 15:23 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, April 28, 2012

A Holy Life

A holy life is set apart...
Is in tune with God's own heart,
Pays no heed to worldly norms
But to the call of God conforms.

Holiness will be a choice,
But one in which we will rejoice.
Godly standards lift us up
And are an "overflowing cup"...

Full of glory, full of praise,
High above the world's malaise.
When we seek God's holy face
We will find His holy place.

"But as the One Who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all your conduct and manner of living. For it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy."
Hebrews 1:15-16 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, April 27, 2012

Happy Days

Because I know the Lord, I have expectation.
My life was made new when I received salvation.
Goodness will surround me... God has His eye on me.
From former fears and worries I am completely free.

My life is in His hand. He will not let me fall
But lead me on a simple path through ventures great and small.
All my days are better and I have joy within.
He fills me with well-being, and I have cause to grin!

Every day is full of promise... He is by my side.
As I listen for His voice my footsteps He will guide.
Anticipation fills my heart... a joyous, growing zest.
By His faithful covering I am truly blessed.

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

"Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice."
Philippians 4:4 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, April 26, 2012

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 25, 2012

In Days To Come

Wisdom and knowledge are crucial today.
We need God's wisdom and we need to pray.
The Word is our road map... a trustworthy guide...
A very safe place in which to abide.

How will be know the best place to be?
Only through prayer will we find the key.
Walking with Jesus and knowing His voice
Will lead us to know what is the right choice.

This is a time when we can't be slack.
Carefully study to stay right on track.
As we're attuned and move as we're led,
Then we're prepared for what is ahead.

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

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
Psalm 119:105 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Burden-Free

Many folks have bondage...
Burdens which are hard to bear
Which we just don't talk about,
So a smile we wear.

Some have carrried weights
Which have been there much too long.
Jesus Christ can lift them off
So once again we will be strong.

Jesus' healing picks us up
And gives us grace to start anew,
Free of all encumbrances
Which we may have gone through.

As we pray, in faithfulness
He will answer all our cries.
He will carry all our load...
No matter what the weight or size.

When we pray and trust in Him,
Oh, what freedom there is found!
Oh, what peace and joy we have
When we are no longer bound!

"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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, April 23, 2012

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

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Guarding Our Time

In the neighborhood where I used to live there were a lot of squirrels, and we used to enjoy watching them jump and play in the large trees around our property. But then they started to get up on the telephone pole near us and chew through our telephone wires. After this happened several times the telephone company placed a steel plate up on the pole to protect the wires, but the squirrels chewed through that too. The squirrels were interrupting our communication lines...

It reminds me of how the enemy tries to rob our time with the Lord. He whittles away at our relationship with time delays and distractions, noise and interruptions, etc... the list is endless. And if we're not careful our lines of communication with the Lord become shortchanged or broken.

It is important that we guard our time with Him so that we do not grow weary or lose direction.

"The thief comes only in order that he may steal and may kill and may destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance - to the full, till it overflows."
John 10:10 Amplified Bible

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, April 21, 2012

The Beauty Of The Cross

On the cross at Calvary
Our precious Lord was slain.
We could never comprehend
His suffering and pain.

But He triumphed o'er the grave
And rose on Easter morn.
He became the avenue
For man to be reborn.

The cross is now a resting place,
Where man may come to heal...
Where God, in His great love for us,
Salvation will reveal.

How beautiful the cross of Christ,
The hope of all mankind,
The symbol of eternal life
Which our great God hand-signed.

"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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, April 20, 2012

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

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Spring's Promise

Spring is as a breath of fresh air
Awakening all from winter's cold fare.
Spring holds the promise of hope and good will,
A blossoming future for us to fulfill.

Welcome it's freshness and fragrance and flair.
Move in it's rhythm, it's happiness wear.
When flowers burst forth and birdsong is sweet,
Rejoice in your heart, for spring is a treat!

Only our God could create a flower.
When spring makes an entrance, we're seeing His power.
Give Him the glory, His goodness declare!
Without His great beauty, our lives would be bare!

"O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!"
Psalm 8:9 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Boundaries

"Boundaries" are a very good thing...
A wise set of borders to which we should cling.
Boundaries protect us from others' intent
And guard us lest time is unwisely spent.

Having a boundary becomes as a shield
And keeps us from getting too far afield.
When we abide by what God has shown,
To problems and "fuss" we'll be much less prone.

Changes we carefully need to define,
And sometimes we need to draw a new "line".
Clear definition may save a high cost.
With God's precious wisdom, naught shall be lost.

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
Psalm 119:105 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

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

Monday, April 16, 2012

The Wonderful Peace Of God

God's peace awaits us at the dawning of the day...

When it is still and quiet and morning dew covers all, it is good to come and drink of His peace. As it absorbs into our spirit we become "established" in Him, and we can rise above the day's events,. His peace is as a shelter and covering for our day.

Drink of His peace, breathe in His goodness...

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

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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Wisdom And Balance

When we are young and full of much zeal,
It's hard to contain the fervor we feel.
We must be tempered with wisdom and thought,
Willing to listen and then to be taught.

More "letting go" and "letting God do"
Is the quickest path to gaining God's view.
He'll "send us forth", or He'll "hold us back"
Until we are wise enough to stay on track.

Fervor is great, but wisdom is better.
Wisdom will be our trusted "pace-setter".
God gives us balance and helps us mature.
In Him our footsteps are wise and secure.

"Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding."
Proverbs 3:13 KJV

© 2012 Arlene schwartzkopf

Saturday, April 14, 2012

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

Friday, April 13, 2012

Hurdles

As we run our daily race
Surely we will need God's grace,
For sometimes hurdles we must jump
Will try to put us in a slump.

But God will help us overcome
And jump the hurdles with aplomb.
With His help we'll surely find
The hurdles will be left behind.

In our own strength we could fall
And maybe even miss our "call".
Hurdles should not hold us back,
Because in God we have no lack.

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Philippians 4:13 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Be Free

When we are "injured" we walk with a limp.
Beware, lest the problem your Spirit will crimp.
In difficult circumstance you can stay free.
The Spirit of God wll bring liberty.

If you let "injury" linger awhile,
It robs you of peace and dampens your smile.
Your spirit is hindered and loses it's zeal.
Because of your attitude it will not heal.

No matter the problem or how you've been treated,
With God's Holy Spirit you are not defeated.
Rest in the Spirit and let Him have sway.
You will find victory and not go astray.

"Now the Lord is that Spirit; and where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty."
II corinthians 3:17 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

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

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Balance In Times Of Change

When we are "settled", with peace where we are,
Should some change come, our "world" it could jar.
Change will bring factors which we must assess
And challenges which may cause us some stress.

Keeping good balance each step of the way
May not be that easy to do day-by-day.
But change may be good, for we must adjust
And lean on the Lord in absolute trust...

Learning new steps and growing in grace.
Grace brings us balance, whatever our "pace".
Each step is covered... He'll not let us fall,
For He is our strength and balance in all.

"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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, April 09, 2012

Young At Heart

"Young at heart" is a good way to be.
Let smiles and gladness fill you with glee.
Merriment, laughter and light-hearted fun
Are not just for kids, but for everyone.

Look at the bright side... refuse to look down.
Forget what it's like to wear a sad frown.
Make it a habit to always add cheer.
Be a bright blessing to those who are near.

Laughter is healing... good health it will sow,
Making light-heartedness blossom and grow.
Fun is contagious... it brightens the day
And causes "the blues" to just go away!

"A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing..."
Proverbs 17:22 Amplified Bible

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, April 08, 2012

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 07, 2012

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 Salvation's grace.

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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, April 06, 2012

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 redemption
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

Thursday, April 05, 2012

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...
He Who saved us by His grace.
Jesus Christ, the Son of God...
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

Wednesday, April 04, 2012

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

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, April 03, 2012

God's Greatest Miracle

God's greatest work is done in hearts
When His salvation He imparts.
Who else could bring a sinner home
When he determined just to roam?

Who could make such wondrous change,
A wasted life to re-arrange?
Who could bring a heart of stone
To kneel and pray, for sin atone?

He will reach into deep "sludge"
And save a sinner with a "nudge",
Pouring out His love and grace,
Offering His own embrace.

What an awesome God we serve.
His love is more than we deserve.
No one else could e'er compare
Nor give to us such lovingcare.

"Likewise I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth."
Luke 15:10 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, April 02, 2012

Happy Memories

Days hurry by and time marches on.
Some friends have moved, and some are now gone.
Memories of many good times in the past
Are treasures of joy which always will last.

As time moves on new memories will build
And "space" which was empty will soon be refilled.
Enjoy every moment and choose to have fun.
Savor new friendships which now have begun.

Memories are built over time... one-by-one
As we reminisce about things we have done.
People and faces and good times we've had
Will later bring smiles and make us feel glad!

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, April 01, 2012

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 Schwartzkopf