God In The Workplace

My brother is an engineer who, in years past, worked for a large power company. At times his job included some interesting challenges...

His company had built a large power generator in another state, and when they started it up it began to overheat. If the problem couldn't be corrected within twenty-four hours the generator would burn itself up, at a cost of half a million dollars. So the company sent my brother there to trouble-shoot the problem (already losing valuable time as he travelled.).

He worked with the men on site, going over the schematics for the generator and checking every possible trouble point, but they could not find the problem. So he went back to his room to get a little rest and weigh what to do next. He prayed that God would show him what was needed. In that time of rest, God told him that a light switch had been wired backward, and He showed him precisely where it was.

When he went back and checked it out, he found exactly what the Lord had shown him and was able to correct the error. With God's help the generator was saved!

God is so gracious to help when we call upon Him!

"He shall call upon me, and I will answer him."
Psalm 91:15 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

His Burden Is Light

The weights which we carry are sometimes too much.
We need Jesus' help and His tender touch.
With Him at our side our burdens are light.
He helps us to rest and not be uptight.

He doesn't want us to stand all alone
Or tremble in fear of what is unknown.
He gives us joy and makes worries cease.
He is our strength... in Him we have peace.

When we're o'erwhelmed He hears all our prayers.
We have this hope... that He really cares.
He is our friend through every trial.
He gives us strength to "go the next mile."

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and over burdened, and I will cause you to rest... I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest... relief, ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet... for your souls. For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good)... not harsh, hard, sharp or pressing, but comfortable, gracious and pleasant; and my burden is light and easy to be borne."
Matthew 11:28 Amplified Bible

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A New Course

Events in our lives will bring about change
And cause us to re-think our purpose long-range.
A single event can jar us awake
And cause us to see... or maybe to quake.

When God intercepts the path we are on
It may be the start of a bright new dawn.
We may not quite see what He has in mind,
For at first His whole plan may not be defined.

Waiting and trusting and letting Him lead
Is part of the growth that helps us succeed.
The change that He brings will re-set our course.
He gives us great wisdom... He is our Source.

"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

Come Home

The voice of the Lord is calling today
To all who have wandered and gone astray,
"Sinners, come home. It's time to release
All worldly folly so you may find peace."

You may have success on worldly planes...
Don't forfeit your soul for these kinds of gains.
The cost is too high to lose your reward...
Heavenly riches and peace with the Lord.

Jesus stands ready to welcome you home.
Return to the fold from where'er you roam.
He will forgive you, and Heav'n will rejoice
On the joyous occasion when you make this choice.

"I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance."
Luke 15:7 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Worshipping God

I do not need a "title"to tell folks who I am,
For titles matter little and sometimes are a sham.
If all I do exalts our God, then I have reached my goal.
My purpose is to worship Him...my most important role.

Maybe I could play a song, or write a simple rhyme,
But what is in my heart to do is praise Him all the time.
Then my life may bring some light to others who pass by.
As I praise through song or pen, to Him they might draw nigh.

My praise shall be continuially of thee."
Psalm 71:6 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Read The Instructions

We sometimes don't read the needed instructions,
Which causes us then to make wrong deductions.
When we buy a phone or maybe a tool,
The instructions become as a mini-home school.

If we read the "how-tos" we then will not err,
Avoiding some problems or maybe a snare.
This will be true with people as well.
The Bible will help us in this to excel.

The Word gives instructions for how we should live...
To love and be kind and freely forgive.
It's when we ignore instructions at will
That we come up short and do not have "skill".

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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Reflections

The Lord will give us beauty which increases over time
As we pursue His wisdom and desire high mounts to climb.
Walking in His wisdom will create a blessed story
Which reaches out to others and will bring God praise and glory.

Reflections of the past then become a lovely book
Which we can visit often and enjoy a second look.
The book will be "oasis" when we're tired or need a lift,
Authored by the hand of God and given as a gift.

Reflections of His handiwork are precious and unique,
Written in our lives, great encouragement to speak.
What the Lord has done with us cannot be robbed away
But stands for all eternity, it's story to replay.

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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Excuses And Denial

Excuses just are not good reasons
Not to fix what may be broke.
Denial won't admit the truth
And hides behind a well-planned cloak.

These two cousins hold us back
From joys and blessings God would give.
These are not good choices
For the way we're really meant to live.

God wants us to prosper...
To avoid these stumbling blocks...
So we always might be ready
If upon our door He knocks.

He has good things in store for us
(If we do not fall behind).
Excuses and denial block the truth
And, sadly, make us blind.

"He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich."
Proverbs 10:4 KJV

"The substance of a diligent man is precious."
Proverbs 12:27 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Voice Of The Spirit

The Holy Spirit hovers near.
The whispers of His voice I hear.
How I long to know Him more
And with Him in my spirit soar.

The Spirit brings me calm and rest
Through every struggle, fear and test.
His guidance helps me stay on track
So I don't err or suffer lack.

Holy Spirit, fill my day
With Your gentle voice, I pray.
Help my mind and heart be still.
Lead me in the Father's will.

"When he, the spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me; for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you."
John 16:13-14 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Order Is Golden

When living for God, there is order to life.
His wisdom and tenets will guard us from strife.
His Word gives us balance and helps us to stay
Away from those things which would cause us to stray.

Keep the doors closed to all conflict and sin.
These two intruders cause turmoil within,
Robbing our time and disrupting our peace.
Order demands that confusion must cease.

We must clean house if disorder rules.
Prayer and obedience are really good tools.
When we are diligent, God will respond
And give us reward... above and beyond.

"For God is not the author of confusion..."
I Corinthians 14:33 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Godly Leaders

We need Godly men who pray
To lead us, Lord, and truth obey,
Who will by Your wisdom lead
And by Your guidance will proceed...

Showing honor and respect,
Who Your Word will not neglect,
That our government will be
A framework for folks to be free.

Freedom has a serious price,
Paid for through men's sacrifice.
We need men who honor You,
Who'll lead as You would have them do.

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance."
Psalm 33:12 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Winning Race

The real winner may not be
The one who can run fast,
For wisdom's wealth along the way
He quickly may run past.

He who sets a steady pace
May likely have more gain.
Though he never wins a race,
His steps won't be in vain.

For he with diligence will run
And gather riches on his way.
Growing in perception,
From his path he will not stray.

Knowing he has done his best
And knowing God will bring reward,
By running faithfully his race
A winning race he will have scored.

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Hebrews 12:1-2 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

People Who Inspire - Toni

Toni met Jesus as her personal Savior while living in Saudi Arabia. One night she was praying, and the Lord came and met her in that lonely, faraway place. He filled her with the fullness of His Spirit and His love. The most striking thing about her was her love for Jesus. She knew Him and knew His heart in a very tender way. She would spend long hours praying, waiting on Him, listening to Him, talking with Him, singing and dancing before Him. She had a heart of worship toward Him.

She had an intense fervor and gifting to tell others about Him, and she did it in the supermarket, the restaurant, the dentist's office, the auto mechanic's shop, in her neighborhood, over the telephone, at the gym where she worked out, at the butcher's, at the bakery... Jesus was her best friend! She prayed and ministered to hurting people with great compassion and sensitivity, always encouraging and lifting up others. Always she would challenge and spur you on to good works, causing you to stretch, and then helping you to laugh at yourself if the stretching time was clumsy or difficult. Her spirit of joy was unquenchable and irresistible and contagious. To be around her always was fun. This all sounds so happy and almost easy, but it is only part of her story...

She was utterly reliant on God's grace in her health and circumstance, because she suffered from Addison's disease. Some days she would really struggle with lack of energy and would call for prayer. She dealt graciously and fought valiantly with difficult family issues, caring for her grancdhildren while often not feeling well.

In the last year of her life her strength seemed to wane, and in May 2001 she was diagnosed as having pancreatic cancer. She believed God would heal her, and she proceeded to witness to every doctor and nurse she met, praying with a number of them, right up until the end. She never doubted and she complained little... As she slipped away to be with Jesus her ten-year-old grandson was in the next room singing a song called, "Like An Eagle".

Toni was a great woman of God. Her name was not famous, but her life was a lesson which needed to be recorded for others. Perhaps in memory the impact of her life will be even greater than when she was here as others follow in her footsteps.

"Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all."
Proverbs 31:29 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Healing Salve

Unforgiveness builds a wall
And hinders good relationship.
Wounds and scars just will not heal
When folks are on an "ego-trip".

Forgiveness needs a humble heart
Which says, "I will not take offense,
Even though I do not see
A single shred of recompense."

Forgiveness is a healing salve
Which soothes the impact of offense,
Releasing new-found love inside
And bringing blessed consequence.

Joy springs forth from deep inside
As a fountain of great worth,
Refreshing "sore and tender spots"
And to healing giving birth.

"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
Ephesians 4:32 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

An Important Moment

Every morning when I get up there is a moment when I must choose my focus for the day... I can let my mind set off running with thoughts of everything I have to do that day, or I can enter into worship and focus on the goodness of God. In that defining moment when I make choice to spend time with the Lord, He will totally change the complexion of the day. I can enter in with peace and joy and confidence that I will indeed see the goodness of God in everything I do.

He gives me balance. He helps me to stay calm. He redeems my time for me and helps me to keep order in my day. He walks with me... I can feel His encouragement.

That first choice of the day... to spend time with Him... determines the rest of my day... and it is good.

"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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

True Beauty

True beauty comes from deep within
And shines through on one's face,
Radiating warmth and light,
And showing forth God's grace.

God's beauty in the heart of man
Reflects in how we look
And speaks a lovely message,
Even as a treasured book.

God's pure light comes forth with love
And joy and peace and glory,
Coupled with serenity,
Which speaks a lovely story.

"Ye are the light of the world..."
Matthew 5:14 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Keeping Our Word

When commitments are broken, purpose is scattered,
And that which God planned gets wasted or shattered.
Pledges and promises carry much weight,
And when they're not honored confusion is great.

Families are broken and people get hurt.
Keeping one's word this pain might avert.
Wisdom and counsel oft heal one's perspective
And offer up help to find new directive.

Commitment and promise and keeping one's word
Should always be clear and not beccome "blurred".
Whenever we pledge to do a good thing,
Following through much blessing will bring.

"The righteous man walks in his integrity..."
Proverbs 20:7 Amplified Bible

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Strength In Prayer

Prayer brings stability...
In our lives and in our land.
Prayer is the solid ground
On which we build and where we stand.

Those within the place of prayer
Are sheltered from surprise and storm,
Keeping balance, finding rest,
Having peace God gives as norm.

Prayer brings us inner strength...
Endurance to meet daily test.
Prayer meets our lack and need
In times when we are sorely pressed.

Times of prayer bring steadiness...
So much needed every day,
Girding us with power and might
To meet whatever comes our way.

"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).
Psalm 91:1 Amplified Bible

"Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything by prayer and petition (definite requests) with thanksgiving continue to make your wants known to God. And God's peace (be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace) which transcends all understanding, shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7 Amplified Bible

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sharing With Others

We may have ease... and even excess...
So if we try, we can live on less.
Then we can share or give a good gift,
Which then will bring a much-needed lift.

God brings return when we choose to give.
And sharing is surely a blessed way to live.
When we reach out we bring hope and cheer,
Encouraging others whose lives may be drear.

Keeping things simple and living with less
Will help us have "extra"... some others to bless.
When we decide to share we will find
It is so joyous to give and be kind!

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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Today Is A Gift

Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow is not yet.
Today is right before us with ideals to be met.
We can make the most of it or let it slip away,
But this day will not come again... it simply cannot stay.

Each day is a gift from God, and we can make it count
If we take a step or two His work for us to mount.
"Busyness" may not have worth but simply fill up time.
If we are in tune with God, every hour is prime.

We can change the world a bit... right here, right now, today,
By walking in God's plan for us and takiing time to pray.
We can live withut regret that some days were a waste
If we've kept our eyes on Him and His goals have embraced.

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

"See that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil."
Ephesians 5:15-16 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Instruments Of Peace

Using wisdom when we speak can save us lots of trouble.
Measured words can "stop a train" of discord which might double.
Thoughtfulness and gentleness will douse the flames of ire
And bring a gentle context before there is a "fire".

We can't predict what might be said to us in times of stress,
But we can bring a balance by kindness and finesse.
We must practice first to listen, and pause before we speak.
We may need to be silent, or turn the other cheek.

Problems maybe then can be averted or defused
If kindness and diplomacy are present and are used.
As we study how we can be instruments of peace
The Lord will help us to be calm and give us expertise.

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath."
James 1:19 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wise Counsel

Be careful of counsel and who it comes from.
Some "counsel" can lead us to days that are glum.
It may sound okay be still not be right.
Wise counsel will lead us to days that are bright.

To be in a hurry can lead us astray.
Decisions we always should carefully weigh
And not push ahead until we are sure
The path we are on is not a detour.

If counsel we get aligns with God's Word,
Of peace and strong footing we are assured.
Prayer and counsel become as a treasure
When we have a challenge to carefully measure.

"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly..."
Psalm 1:1 KJV

"Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety."
Proverbs 11:14 KJV

"Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end."
Proverbs 19:20 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Our God Is Greater

The enemy wants to silence the voice
Of those who love God and in Him rejoice.
When he rises up and tries to make trouble,
Our praises to God will rise and be double!

We can "out-talk" him through worship and prayer.
God's power and majesty we will declare.
He is a God of power and might.
No enemy can douse His great light.

God is our fortress... His truth will be known.
He is our refuge... we are not alone.
He is our strength... in Him we rejoice.
To Him we bring glory... we raise up our voice!

"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.)"
Psalm 91:1 Amplified Bible

"Little children, you are of God - you belong to Him - and have already) defeated and overcome them (the agents of antichrist), because He Who lives in you is greater (mightier) than he who is in the world."
I John 4:4 Amplified Bible

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Jealousy

Jealous folks just are not happy,
And sometimes they become quite "snappy".
They seem to want what is not theirs.
Their attitude sends up big flares.

They never seem to have enough.
Their envy covets others' stuff.
They are really not content.
Until they "win", they will lament.

Sometimes they will run roughshod
O'er others to gain accolade.
If they're to be satisfied
They must set selfishness aside.

This mindset needs some overhaul,
For in God's time He blesses all.
Rejoice with those who have the best!
Be glad for those whom God has blessed!

"You shall not covet your neighbor's house, your neighbor's wife, or his manservant, or his maidservant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's."
Exodus 20:17 Amplified Bible

"(Share others' joy), rejoicing with those who rejoice; and (share others' grief), weeping with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty (snobbish, high-minded, exclusive), but readily adjust yourself to (people, things) and give yourselves to humble tasks. Never overestimate yourself or be wise in your own conceits."
Romans 12:15-16 Amplified Bible

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Portrait Of God's Love

Rejoice in God's great artistry and lovely handiwork,
His excellence and beauty in array for all to see,
For mountains, plains and shining seas, for waterfalls and streams,
For trees which tower toward the heav'ns and flowers which are wee...

For light He gives us in the day and starshine through the night,
For the very air we breathe and wildflower's fragrant scent,
For dew upon the grass at dawn and wind to cool the heat of day,
For birds who warble, sing and call when day is almost spent.

Creation's endless beauty is a portrait of God's caring,
Reminder of His lovingkindness all throughout the land.
Pause and take a moment to reflect and sing God's praises.
Everything we see is created by His hand.

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

"I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High."
Psalm 9:1-2 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Nuggets Of Gold

We cannot buy wisdom, nor will it be sold.
It's nuggets of gold, which never grow old,
Are learned from experience and reading the Word.
Without it life's issues may sadly get blurred.

Young folks may wonder why old folks are "staid".
The old folks remember mistakes they have made.
They have learned well that wisdom and prayer
Save many a headache and many an error.

When we have wisdom we won't go astray.
Wisdom will guard us and keep us each day.
Wisdom is gold which never grows old...
A standard to cherish, to live by and hold.

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding."
Proverbs 9:10-11 KJV

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."
James 1:5 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Holy Spirit, Come

We need a blessing from God's hand
To bring refreshing in our land.
Many lives are caught in "drought",
Suffering from fear and doubt.

Holy Spirit, come and rest
On those who need to be refreshed.
Let Your healing waters flow,
New life and blessing to bestow.

Let Your floodgates open up.
Come and fill this empty cup,
Washing o'er our land today.
"Holy Spirit, come", we pray.

"So too the (Holy) Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance."
Romans 8:26 Amplified Bible

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God's Faithfulness

God's mercies are new ev'ry morn,
Our lives with His joy to adorn.
Each day is a gift with good news,
His blessings on which we should muse.

No matter the bad news we hear,
The news of our God gives us cheer.
We can rise up and hold our heads high
As we hear His voice and to Him draw nigh.

As we're in worship, the world "fades away",
And we are aware of His goodness each day.
He is our focus and joy and delight.
Because of His faithfulness, our days are bright.

"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."
Lamentations 3:22-23 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Hands Of Healing

Anyone who ever knew my mom would probably say that she was a very giving person. She always had compassion for those who were hurting or had need.

In one of her jobs she had a co-worker named Louise who became ill. Louise could no longer work because she had developed bone cancer. Mom learned that Louise was in the hospital in a lot of pain, so she went to see her. Louise's pain was such that she couldn't stand even the weight of a sheet over her body.

I do not know what Mom shared with her, but while she was there she prayed for Louise.

We later learned that Louise only lived another three days after Mom visited her, but she was totally pain-free from the time Mom prayed for her.

Mom had a giving heart and helped many...

"She stretcheth out her hand to the poor: yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy."
Proverbs 31:20 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Brighter Side

If your life is not exciting
And some problems you are fighting,
Let your eyes be opened wide
And look upon the brighter side.

Thank the Lord for what you have.
Receive His joy as healing salve.
Praise Him for His precious grace
Which "carries" us from place to place.

He will change your present view
And give perspective which is new.
If in Him you will abide
You'll always see the brighter side.

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

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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf