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

Words With Grace

Careless words should have no place,
For they do not speak love or grace.
Life is hard enough for most.
With foolish words we should not boast.

If we could harness "good word" power
And implement it in this hour,
Love and healing could be spread
And negatives be left unsaid.

Thoughtful speech will pave the way
So conversation does not stray.
We should screen the words we use
And ill-natured words refuse.

"Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word, nor unwholesome or worthless talk (ever) come out of your mouth; but only such (speech) as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God's favor) to those who hear it."
Ephesians 4:29 Amplified Bible

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

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.

Circumstance 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

A Call To Prayer

Let us seek the Lord anew.
Let us pay Him reverence due.
Let us meek and solemn be.
Let us pray on bended knee.

For all of us have come up short
As to sin we've given court.
We have traveled far astray.
Let us heed God's voice today.

Let those folks who've turned away
Make return to Him today.
Let His urgent call be heard.
Let all hearts by Him be stirred.

"Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: and rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness..."
Joel 2:12-13 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Greater Treasure

People often do not know just how much "stuff" they really need,
So they collect whate'er they can and it becomes as greed.
Some become as hoarders, so they buy and buy and buy.
But "stuff" will never make them rich, nor will it satisfy.

Belongings are a shallow joy... of momentary pleasure,
But knowledge of the Word of God will be a greater treasure.
People need a balance and to realize what they most need.
Wisdom is the best choice... which will make them rich indeed.

Too much "stuff" gets in the way and takes up time when we could pray.
It's better to spend time with God and simply give the "stuff" away.
Wisdom can't be bought and sold but it will help us to succeed.
Wisdom is a symbol that we're very rich indeed.

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Matthew 6:19-21 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Raised Up In Him

Beware of getting too high up.
(The higher we are, the further we fall.)
But if the Lord should raise us up,
Then in Him we will stand tall.

Our temptation is to rush
Or fnd a shortcut to the top.
But if the shortcut is not right
It will be a failing prop.

By God's hand we reach high places.
Steps we take are learned down low.
He will raise us up on high.
In Him does our wisdom grow.

"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time."
I Peter 5:6 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Prayers Of A Friend

How sweet the prayers of a friend...
The peace and comfort which they send...
And knowing there are those who care
And take the time to say a prayer.

Whispered words of faith and hope
Become as strength to help me cope.
I know I do not stand alone.
I'm grateful for the love that's shown.

Thank you, All, for "covering" me.
May you be blessed abundantly.
The gentle prayer of a friend
My need for healing will transcend.

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Too Quickly Gone

Thanksgiving Day has come and gone,
But I'm not ready to move on.
I simply want to linger here,
Not let Thanksgiving disappear.

Too quickly is it pushed aside
In favor of the "holiday" tide.
It's truly sad that our great God
Sometimes barely gets a "nod".

I don't want to see it go.
I want more time my thanks to show,
To worship Him Who helps us stand.
All we have is from His hand!

So I'll complete my worship "season"
And will not rush... for very good reason.
I'll savor times of worship sweet.
Thanksgiving then will be complete.

"I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving."
Psalm 69:30 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

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

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

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 noise 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

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

Winds Of Change

Changing "seasons" make us think
As time slips by and makes us blink.
If we're sensitive we will know,
And our perception then must grow.

Alertness to the winds of change
May stir us up to rearrange
Priorities in how we live
And how much time to prayer we give.

Keeping watch and keeping pace
Are wisdom which we should embrace.
Don't stay back, but move ahead.
On "changing seasons" be well-read.

"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is."
Ephesians 5:15-17 KJV

© 2012 Arlene schwartzkopf

A Treasure

Godly wisdom is a treasure
To be sought in growing measure.
How much better life can be
When through wisdom's eye we see.

Wisdom is a faithful guide
And careful balance will provide.
We can lean on wisdom's arm,
For it will shield us from much harm.

Wisdom steers us through life's maze
And often simplifies our days.
What a blessing to be earned,
And it's merits to have learned!

"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

"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy."
James 3:17 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

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

Blessed Unity

Unity will bear good fruits.
Divisiveness has ugly roots.
Unity works "hand-in-hand".
Divisiveness just makes demand.

Unity will move ahead.
Divisiveness will fight instead.
Unity will get much done.
Divisiveness can show you none.

Blessed unity of thought
Shows love and patience as it ought
And seeks a goal of joy and peace,
Causing differences to cease.

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"
Psalm 133:1 KJV

"I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Ephesians 4:1-3 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Stable And Fixed

Should storm winds blow, should waters rise,
Are we "anchored?" Are we wise?
Should changing times our lives define,
Or circumstance around us twine?

Know that Jesus is well able
To protect and keep us stable.
We have hope and peace in Him.
Look up... our future is not dim.

When we fear, He is our buoy.
If we're down, He brings us joy.
All our needs He will provide
As in His covering we abide.

"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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Reach Higher

When my grandson was just a toddler, he found some plums on the ground which had fallen from a flowering plum tree. He knew what plums were and wanted to eat some. We told him, "No, these are the kind birds like to eat."

He stretched his little arms upward with his hands full of these small plums and called, "Here, birdie, birdie. Here, birdie, birdie." But the birds were high in the trees and did not hear him. Finally, with a big sigh, he dropped his little arms and said, "Can't reach. Can't reach."

As adults, I think sometimes we are as this little child. We may have a goal to reach, or a special calling. We give it a try, realize it's too hard to do, and we give up. But we shouldn't quit, because through the grace of God we can reach higher than we think. And through prayer we can overcome obstacles in our way. He will strengthen us to accomplish what we thought we could not do.

Believe in Him. Trust in Him. And in His timing, God will make a way...

"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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Seeing Loveliness

We sometimes miss the beauty
Which the Lord pours out each day,
But we'll perceive and see His best
If we'll take time to pray.

Many, many thoughts crowd in...
Not all of them are bad.
But when they crowd out "loveliness",
This is truly sad.

Taking time to meditate
And worship in the Lord
Opes our lives to loveliness...
A rich and blessed reward.

"Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
Philippians 4:8 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

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

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

Autumn Speaks

Autumn sings a lovely song
But knows she cannot linger long.
She will spread her autumn cheer.
She hurries, knowing Winter's near.

She wakes us up from summer laze
And says "Prepare" for Winter's ways,
Then paints her beauty everywhere
With glorious artistry and flair.

Feel the briskness of her breeze.
The beauty of her season seize.
She speaks her message loud and clear...
"Prepare, prepare", for Winter's near.

Savor the beauty of the season, but listen to her voice...

"And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice."
John 10:4 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Drifting

If we let our guard down, we'll find ourselves drifting.
We won't be alert and constantly sifting
The wheat from the chaff and the good from the bad.
We'll not know we're slipping, and that is so sad.

Little by little our sight becomes blurred.
The words of the Spirit may not e'en be heard.
In this late hour we must stay alert.
Issues today we just cannot skirt.

Let us bow before God and make our hearts right,
Repent of our sins, though ever so slight.
Our God is merciful, patient and kind.
Let the "bent" of our lives to Him be inclined.

"Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord. Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens."
Lamentations 3:40-42 KJV

"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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartyzkopf

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

A Healed Nation

Heart-to-heart and hand-in-hand,
For righteousness and peace we stand.
Faithful warriors, deep in prayer,
The weight of intercession bear...

Knowing God hears ev'ry cry.
Repentant hearts He won't deny.
When we walk away from sin
His healing power will begin.

God is able to repair
Those things in which we have made error.
Today in reverence we kneel
And ask the Lord our land to heal.

"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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Time To Give

A time to give, a time to share,
A time to pray, a time to care.
Many people have great need
For acts of kindness or good deed.

Holidays are coming soon.
The chance to give is opportune.
What we'd spend to buy a gift
Could give a needy one a lift.

Giving is a blessed state...
The way in which we orchestrate
The love of Jesus for another...
Neighbor, friend or needy brother.

"And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise."
Luke 6:31 KJV

"Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."
Philippians 2:4 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

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 acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer."
Psalm 19:14 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Watching

When autumn wind gusts start to blow
We know that soon they will bring snow.
So we prepare for winter's start
As we watch autumn's "warmth" depart.

These simple signs before our eyes
Awaken us and say, "Be wise".
As we answer wisdom's voice
We rest because we've made good choice.

Yet other "signs" we do not see
And aren't prepared... but need to be.
Discern the times and then respond.
The Lord will help us see beyond...

To sense this present urgency
And seek His face with fervency.
If we're attuned to know His voice
He'll guide us to make wisdom's choice.

"Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober."
I Thessalonians 5:6 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Fires Of Righteousness

Let mighty fires of righteousness
Break forth throughout our land.
Let folks be re-awakened
To the moving of God's hand.

We were never founded
On a base of shifting sand,
But through prayer and sacrifice
Upon the Rock we stand.

Let us seek the Lord in prayer,
Re-capturing a Godly stance.
Let freedom's cause be re-established...
Not just happenchance.

Let God's army march anew
With fire and fervor for this cause,
Re-affirming righteousness.
For this we stand... with much applause!

"Uprightness and right standing with God (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation) these elevate a nation..."
Proverbs 14:34 Amplified Bible

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Perfect Work

We don't grow in easy times.
We grow in times of testing.
Not much is accomplished
If we spend our time in "resting".

Problems solved and battles won
Bring insight and perspective,
Learned by labor and hard work
And reaching an objective.

Growing truly is hard work
And something which we should not shirk.
Do not run from times of testing.
In wisdom you will be investing.

"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."
James 1:2-4 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf