Sunday, March 31, 2013

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

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Set Free

We cannot reverse the errors we have made,
But Christ on the cross for our errors has paid.
He laid down His life for sinners and such.
There is no other who loves us so much.

For those who have sinned and feel downtrod,
Whose aches may be hidden 'neath smiling facade,
Leave all your pain at the foot of the cross.
Christ already covered your sin and your loss.

In His redemption you'll find peace and joy,
Healing and hope as a much-present buoy.
Repent of your sins and rest in His peace.
In His forgiveness you'll find full release.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend."
John 15:13 KJV

"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."
John 8:36 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, March 29, 2013

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

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Grace Flowing

When you share an opinion, wrap it carefully in grace. Give it careful thought, and maybe then don't share it, lest your opinion may signal lack of acceptance. Most folks need acceptance and encouragement, which will bring healing. Your opinion, without grace, may bring cutting and wounding and intimidation.

Grace bridges the gap between good and better. Grace, artfully employed, will build confidence, spur another on to new ideas, and can turn a poor situation into something really good.

Guard your opinions, measure your words, and let grace flow abundantly.

"But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ."
Ephesians 4:7 KJV

"Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man."
Colossians 4:6 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Never Alone

If you love Jesus, you're never alone.
He watches over His very own.
Though you may walk a difficult road,
He will be there to carry your load.

When you feel weak, He will be strong.
When you can't sing, He'll be your song.
Though you feel lost and may have some fear,
He'll take your fear and fill you with cheer.

You will be able, with Him at your side,
To overcome problems, whatever betide.
Rejoice in His presence... you're never alone.
When you love Jesus, you are His own.

"I am the good shepherd and I know and recognize My own, and My own know and recognize Me."
John 10:14 Amplified Bible

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Well-Spent Time

Children gain confidence if they know you're there.
Spend time with your children... enjoy them a lot.
They will remember the times spent together
And probably not all the toys which you bought.

Children are lonely when parents don't care
Or just are too busy to sit down and talk.
Teach them a song, or read them a book.
They might just even enjoy a long walk.

Time spent with children will bring rich reward.
From you they will learn the way they should live.
And you will be blessed as you watch them grow up
And never regret all the time which you give.

"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
Proverbs 22:6 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, March 25, 2013

Finding Direction

Look up for your wisdom.
Look up for your counsel.
Look up for inspiration.
Look up for your goals.

When we don't look up
Then we may bog down
Or simply do not move
Or change for the better.

When we look up to God
We rise to new levels
Of thought and ideas.
We have forward movement.

We learn and discover
And explore new horizons.
As we look up to Him
All possibility lies in front of us.

"Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding."
Proverbs 3:132 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, March 24, 2013

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

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Many Seasons

Sometimes we "shine", and sometimes we rest.
Sometimes we're learning to meet the next "test".
Sometimes we're hidden and shut in with God,
Gaining new insight, awaiting His "nod".

In His right timing we surely will shine,
For then we're fulfilling His precious design.
When we have "rested" or learned some new skill,
Then we are able to walk in His will.

Don't disregard the seasons of rest
As some kind of failure or "less than the best".
We all like to shine but need wise perspective,
Birthed in our hearts when we are "reflective".

"All-the-time" shining will make us burn out.
And then we are caught in spiritual drought.
Seasons become as a tool of the Lord
Which add to us wisdom and bring good reward.

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven."
Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, March 22, 2013

Springtime Thoughts

I am always amazed and delighted in spring when I see dark, rough bark suddenly covered with pink fluffy blossoms. And I see sprouts springing up out of the ground from bulbs which are plain brown, and the sprouts produce lovely flowers in brilliant colors. Hidden in the bulbs and beneath the tree bark is potential from God which bursts forth into beauty and color and fragrance... expressions of His love and creativity.

If you see yourself as "plain", or wonder about who you are meant to be, know that God has also placed potential in YOU! Every life has potential. As you seek His goodness, the potential in your life will begin to sprout and grow and blossom. In Him you can flourish and have brilliance. All you do will have fragrance. You will be an expression of His endless creativity... an expression of His love and beauty.

"From His dwelling place He looks (intently) upon all the inhabitants of the earth, He Who fashions them all, Who considers all their doings."
Psalm 33:14-15 Amplified Bible

"And let the beauty and delightfulness and favor of the Lord our God be upon us..."
Psalm 90:17 Amplified Bible

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Being Teachable

The wise man will be teachable.
His wisdom makes him reachable.
There's always more that he can learn,
And deeper truths he may discern.

The levels of his comprehension
Grow to have increased dimension.
God will teach him how to live,
And many insights will He give.

The wise man has much finer vision
And He moves with keen precision.
Always he will watch and learn,
And wisdom's merits he will earn.

"Blessed is the man... whose delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."
Psalm 1:1-3 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

At Dawn's Early Light

At dawn's early light I look to the skies
To seek out Your face, that I may be wise.
For You are the Way, the Truth and the Light.
In You my day will be joyous and bright.

All through the day, with You I will walk
And gain inspiration as with You I talk.
Your voice is gentle and sweet to the ear...
Inspiring me upward with each word I hear.

You are my courage and strength for each day,
And when evening comes, to You I will pray.
As the day closes, I'm grateful to You.
For Your lovingcare over all that I do,

"Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul followeth hard after thee; thy right hand upholdeth me."
Psalm 63:7-8 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

God With Us

When we go through events which just leave us reeling,
It is then that we learn a new depth of feeling.
And that which we've suffered will not be all loss.
Our loss is redeemed by Christ's blood on the cross.

We gain understanding of how others suffer
And learn how God's love is our most-needed "buffer".
Life-changing events can turn our direction
And totally change our thoughts and perception.

New levels of healing are birthed from our pain.
Precious indeed are the insights we gain.
When events in our lives peace and joy overturn,
We are made richer by that which we learn.

"For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 8:38 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, March 18, 2013

Pure In Heart

The Holy Spirit pierces to the very core of our being, searching, identifying what resides there, cleansing and purifying us within. How much we need for the Spirit to do this for us because of the negative exposures all around us in society today. We are inundated with worldly thinking patterns on television, on the internet, in books and magazines and newspapers, in schools, in the workplace, etc. On TV some of the ads are worse than the shows. Afterwhile we don't realize how much our lives are permeated with today's trends.

The Holy Spirit is a discerner of our thoughts and the intent of our hearts. As we pray and ask the Lord to help us, the Spirit will come and cleanse us from all unrighteousness, so that our lives may be holy and acceptable before Him. He will remove the "blinders" off our eyes and help us to walk in righteousness.

Holy Spirit, come...

"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God."
Matthew 5:8 KJV

"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Psalm 139:23-24 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, March 17, 2013

By Example

If you wish to leave a heritage
Of silver and pure gold
To future generations,
Let the Bible's truth be told.

All the children of today
Will need God's light to lead them on.
Share with them the love of God.
Pass to them a "good" baton.

This is treasure beyond price...
The greatest gift which we can give.
By our lives and our example
We can teach them how to live.

"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shall talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
Deuteronomy 6:5-7 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, March 16, 2013

God's Hand Of Covering

March 14, 2013

This morning the Lord gave me this word...

"God is re-positioning His people in places with firm foundation. For those who have labored and served faithfully in difficult places, He will give honor and bring transition.

Listen for His voice. Watch for the movement of His hand. He is carefully watching over His flock. Do not fight the change He brings, even though at first you feel sense of loss. He knows best what your needs are, and He is faithful to complete His work in you and for you."

"The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him."
Lamentations 3:25 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, March 15, 2013

Humility Wins

When people do not get along
There is something really wrong.
Of love and kindness there is lack.
Ego often causes flack.

Patience sometimes wears too thin
And then frustration enters in.
In disagreement, time is lost.
Unhappiness then brings high cost.

Humility will get things done
And make relationships A-1.
It will break down every wall,
Whatever size... large or small.

"Love is not conceited - arrogant and inflated with pride; it is not rude (unmannerly), and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it - pays no attention to a suffered wrong."
I Corinthians 13:5 Amplified Bible

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Upward Bound

Blessed are those folks who've found...
With faith in God they're UPward bound!
They will climb to higher planes
And by the Spirit have rich gains.

Blessed are those folks who "soar"
And of the Lord crave more and more.
They overcome by looking up,
Knowing God will fill their cup.

These are richer than "the rich",
For they have found a heavenly niche.
Earthly woes beneath them lie,
'Cause to the Lord they've drawn nigh.

"But, as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God."
I Corinthians 2:9-10 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Heart Change

God is always changing me
Into the person I should be.
He will always help me make
The change which I should undertake.

He will tug on my heart-string
And show me things to which I cling.
As I discard that which is past
He'll teach me of the things that last.

The change I need may be unseen
And something I don't even glean.
If I yield and take His hand
I'll be blessed by all He's planned.

"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 6:20-21 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Peace Instead Of Fear

We don't need to walk in fear
Or wonder what is coming near.
We can walk in confidence,
Knowing God is our defense.

God will save us from destruction
If we hear His wise instruction.
There are pitfalls everywhere,
But we can miss them through our prayer.

When we walk in one accord
With the wisdom of the Lord,
We are covered 'neath His wing.
Peace comes as to Him we cling.

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

"He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler."
Psalm 91:4 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, March 11, 2013

For Righteousness' Sake

When facts aren't clear we need the Lord's light.
Gray areas "tarnish", though ever so slight.
We may not discern when "gray" first creeps in.
It may be so subtle, we don't call it sin.

Some may ignore it as "not all that bad".
Be careful of "gray"... it may be error-clad.
Test it beyond a hint of a doubt.
If you're not sure, then throw the "gray" out.

When "gray" is allowed, it opens a door
Which may rob your time, cause problems and more.
Stay with the facts of which you are sure,
For righteousness rests in that which is pure.

"He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
Psalm 23:3 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Encourage One Another

Encourage folks to reach their goal,
To have excitement in their soul.
Cheer them up or spur them on.
Help them a new smile to don.

Some need to be re-assured,
Or some have maybe been detoured.
And so they speculate or wait.
Because of fear they hesitate.

You may be the "spur" they need...
That which helps them to proceed.
Their confidence will grow and rise,
Enabling them to win their "prize".

"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."
Proverbs 27:17 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schweartzkopf

Saturday, March 09, 2013

A Canopy Of Words

Be careful of the words you speak.
Don't set in place what may be bleak.
Words create an atmosphere.
Let them speak of hope and cheer.

Words become a canopy
Which hovers over you or me.
Let them be of blessed intent,
The love of God to represent.

Especially for your family
Create a lovely canopy...
A covering of love and prayer
To show each one how much you care.

"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver."
Proverbs 25:11 KJV

"A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things."
Matthew 12:35 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, March 08, 2013

No Longer Lost

There are lost sheep, just wandering about
Without Godly focus, and having much doubt,
Not making progress but stumbling in error,
Who just need the Shepherd and time spent in prayer.

Time with the Shepherd will guide the lost sheep
To re-find their way and wisdom to keep.
For sheep need the Shepherd for watchcare and rest.
If they don't stray their lives will be blessed.

A sheep who draws near the Shepherd is well.
He's nurtured and has a bright future to tell.
When he regains the path he had lost
His life is redeemed, for Christ paid the cost.

"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

Thursday, March 07, 2013

Walking In Grace

Are you open to change...
To let God rearrange
Whatever you do
And start something new?

Will you lean on and trust
And learn to adjust
Whatever need be
And not want to flee?

When you hear His voice
Be glad and rejoice!
As His plans you heed,
He'll faithfully lead.

In Him you'll not lack,
For He is not slack.
When change you embrace
You'll be covered by grace.

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."
II Corinthians 12:9 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, March 06, 2013

Guarded Vision

What do you watch, or what are you seeing?
Does it promote your peace and well-being?
That which we see will impact our soul
And keep us from being unblemished and whole.

The "world" will make entry through unguarded vision,
So we must choose to have wisdom's precision
And monitor everything we see or view
To make sure it's something we should pursue.

Scanning the content of all that we view
May bring surprise when we think this through.
We can reject all that is unwise
And stop "worldly" ways which bombard our eyes.

"Let your eyes look right on (with fixed purpose), and let your gaze be straight before you."
Proverbs 4:25 Amplified Bible

"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God."
Matthew 5:8 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, March 05, 2013

Love And Peace

A man of peace will not get ruffled,
Though His plans are sometimes shuffled.
He will choose to stay above
Those things that try to "push and shove".

Wisely, he will not react
But answer all with poise and tact.
He responds with careful thought
And in dissension won't get caught

The peace he has is wrapped in love
And given from the Lord above.
He has learned that love will heal,
And so his peace is very real.

"A soft answer turneth away wrath..."
Proverbs 15:1 KJV

"Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them."
Psalm 119:165 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, March 04, 2013

God With Us

When we praise, our God draws nigh.
We can know He is nearby.
He surrounds us with His presence
As we worship and show reverence.

When we join our hands in prayer
He has said He would be there.
He will lend a listening ear
And every whispered word will hear.

God is with us every day.
He is never far away.
Praise Him for His constant care
And faithfulness to hear our prayer.

"But You are holy, Who inhabit the praises of Israel."
Psalm 22:3 NKJ

"Again, I tell you, if two of you on earth agree (harmonize together, together make a symphony) about - anything and everything - whatever they shall ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by My Father in heaven. For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I AM in the midst of them."
Matthew 18:19-20 Amplified Bible

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, March 03, 2013

A Life With Impact

The way we live our lives
Will leave heritage for others.
What do we desire to leave
Our children, friends or brothers?

What will folks remember then?
What will our endeavors speak?
Will our lives inspire some
For higher goals and truths to seek?

Let the impact of our lives
Be very rich in memory's store.
May those who have known us
Find great wisdom to explore.

May our lives have echo
Down through time in many others
To bring God's love and truth and light
To our children, friends and brothers!

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Matthew 5:16 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, March 02, 2013

Free And Full Of Joy

Many live their lives "in chains"
When they don't deal with sin and "pains".
Things pile up and make a "stack",
And soon their lives feel "out of whack".

Each day we should give review
And deal with issues we've gone through.
If we're hurting or made error
God will heal our lives through prayer.

If we let an issue slide
Or any heartache try to hide,
Deep within we are not free
And full of joy... as we should be.

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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, March 01, 2013

Reaching The Mountain Peak

Desire to reach "a mountain peak"
May seem quite hard or look quite bleak.
It may only be a dream...
But one which isn't too extreme.

If we really want to "climb",
Know that training will take time.
We must start way down below,
Learning skills which help us grow.

The valley is our testing ground
Where many lessons will abound.
We will only start to climb
When we are ready... in God's time.

Stepping-stones along the way
Will require us to pray.
And when God sees we are ready
He will make our footsteps steady.

"It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places."
Psalm 18:32-33 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf