Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Seeing Clearly

Some things we don't want to see
And do not face reality.
So we just do not move ahead.
We simply hide from truth instead.

A bright new day will lie in wait
When we no longer hesitate
But spread our wings in bold new flight
And soar in faith with unmarred sight.

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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, June 29, 2015

Healing Oil

If we are caught up in life's daily toil,
We will have need for God's healing oil.
He is our wisdom and strength for each day.
In Him we find balance, our workload to weigh.

The oil of His healing is as a sweet balm
To relieve our weariness and bathe us with calm.
Draw nigh to God and drink of His peace
From toil and weariness to find release.

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
John 14:27 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, June 28, 2015

A Shining Light

Strive to be a beacon,
A light which can been seen,
For many walk in darkness
And they know not where to lean.

If Jesus’ love in you is bright
They will be drawn to His light.
His Light reflected from your life
May save them from the dark of night.

You may not know who’ll see your light,
But if just one begins to see,
Your light has rescued one who’s lost
And saved him for eternity.

“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

“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

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, June 27, 2015

Times Of Stillness

Stillness is a blessed state,
Escape from daily "noise" and din.
If we will make a time to pause
And seek, deep quietness within...

The Lord will bring to us His peace.
His refreshing will renew
And give perspective for each day.
In Him we gain a "rested" view.

We won't be pushed along by stress.
His quietness will keep us cool.
He'll become our constant buoy
And all our stress will overrule.

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, June 26, 2015

A Canopy Of Prayer

Much prayer is needed to cover our nation.
We must not lose track of Godly foundation.
Our strengths were rooted in faith and in prayer.
A mantle of Godliness we need to wear.

Let our hands be raised in honor to God.
Let our hearts with gratefulness to Him be shod.
In sincere humility and prayer let us stand
That God once again will honor our land.

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, 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

©2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, June 25, 2015

His Guiding Voice

Oftentimes when God says, “No”,
Or, “All the facts you do not know”,
He keeps us from what isn’t best
Because He wants us to be blessed.

We should thank Him for His “No’s”.
His voice we never should oppose.
He can see “around the bend”
And all our footsteps will defend.

By ourselves we go astray
And sometimes flounder on our way.
He wants to save us from such error
And help us be a wise wayfarer.

He gives us constant, loving cover.
Round about us angels hover.
Listen for His guiding voice.
In His covering rejoice!

“For He will give His angels (especial) charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways (of obedience and service).”
Psalm 9:11 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Discovering God's Purpose

Opportunity often may just not be seen,
But God gives us insights His timing to glean.
When we discover His purpose and plan,
We can step into what He once began.

When we catch sight of what He designed.
And the depths of His wisdom and "gold" we have mined,
Our lives are transformed from normal to bright,
Filled with His goodness and blessings and light.

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
Ephesians 2:10 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Careful Focus

We need to know just how to face
Too many battles in our day.
They can sometimes cause distraction
And make order go astray.

Simple order is the best.
Choose your battles carefully.
Lest confusion wear you down,
Make wise choices prayerfully.

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

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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, June 22, 2015

Encouragement

Encouragement is always needed.
By love and caring it is seeded.
Words of gladness and of cheer
Are all we sometimes need to hear.

Then we’re able to go on
And finish what was looking wan.
What a blessing when folks care
And maybe say a little prayer.

Encouragement will counter stress.
Weariness will be much less.
Share a smile or a blessing...
Sweet encouragement expressing.

“A man has joy in making an apt answer, and a word spoken at the right moment - how good it is!”
Proverbs 15:23 Amplified Bible

“A word fitly spoken and in due season is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”
Proverbs 25:11 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, June 21, 2015

A Blessed Gift

A Godly father is a gift,
His children's hearts to truly lift.
By example he is light
To guide their paths and make them bright.

His love for them is laced with prayer.
He takes time with them to share.
They are bonded... closely knit.
His children will have strength and grit.

"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man, so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them..."
Psalm 127:3-4 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Exciting Discoveries

When we study to know God better we make discovery, and our perspective is wonderfully changed. We will find a new order in everything we do. Things which we thought were important fade into the background in the light of our discoveries, and a new simplicity and refreshing will develop in the patterns of our lives. We are freed from myriad distractions which surround us every day, and will find beauty in this new simplicity which comes into place.

We should be careful to not have near-sightedness in these things, for there is always something deeper, higher, greater or more glorious and exciting to be learned...

When we see with singular purpose in Him, we are spurred on to learn and know yet more... always a delightful and rewarding experience. We have an awesome God!

“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God...”
Psalm 42:1-2 KJV

“Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.”
Psalm 25:4-5 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, June 19, 2015

God's Favor

What blessing we have when we walk in God’s favor,
All of His wisdom and goodness to savor!
We are surrounded by great lovngkindness,
Assured of His light so we won’t walk in blindness.

He is so worthy of honor and praise
We, with each breath, celebration should raise.
Rejoice in His love! His goodness proclaim!
All glory and tribute be raised in His name!

“Light is sown for the uncompromisingly righteous and strewn along their pathway, and for the upright in heart the irrepressible joy which comes from consciousness of His favor and protection.”
Psalm 97:11 Amplified Bible

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, June 18, 2015

Cheeriness For Dreariness

If you respond when called or asked
And even do the simplest task,
In God's sight that really counts.
Know God honors small amounts.

Walking as He daily leads,
Completing different kinds of deeds,
Will warm some hearts and bring some smiles
And cause you to forget your "trials".

In your day you will find joy
When you serve in God's employ.
As you carry His baton
He'll lift you up and spur you on.

"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men."
Colossians 3:22 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Answered Prayer

Our God is faithful... He answers prayer
And carries the weights which we cannot bear.
He gives us balance and helps us to stand
When life rushes at us and makes its demand.

He gives us calm in the midst of confusion
So all of our efforts have peaceful conclusion.
And when situations have need for repair,
He'll hear our prayers... He always is there!

"Be careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Each Day's Promise

We may not understand the promise
Given each and every day
If we are not alone with God
And glimpse a little of His way.

He will shine upon our thoughts
If in our day we give Him space.
We will see in His dimension
When we seek and give Him place.

Opening our minds to Him
Will turn our “darkness” into light.
Treasured rays of heavenly light
Will spur us on to “higher flight”.

We can soar into His promise,
Confident and strong of wing,
As we discover “higher learning”
And to His promise tightly cling.

“When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.”
Psalm 27:8 KJV

“Set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth.”
Colossians 3:2 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, June 15, 2015

Tread Out Gossip

Gossip is a creeping vine.
On others' business it will twine,
Shooting tendrils to and fro
And spreading where it should not go.

This "vine" can be a tangled mess.
Its growth we never should caress.
If we don't share the news we know
Gossip cannot start to grow!

If we're kind to one another
We'll douse tales about each other.
Love is kind and brings no hurt.
With gossip we should never flirt!

"And be ye kind to one another..."
Ephesians 4:32 KJV

"Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth."
Proverbs 26:20 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, June 14, 2015

Let Love Rule

People sometimes quickly judge
Because inside they hold a grudge.
Healing comes through love and prayer
And prevents this painful error.

To make an effort to converse
The grudge itself just may reverse.
To search one's heart is always wise.
Perspectives there might bring surprise.

Be slow to judge and slow to speak.
Let love rule, God,s wisdom seek.
Let all hate and judgment cease.
In understanding there is peace.

"Understand (this), my beloved brethren, let every man be quick to hear (a ready listener), slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry."
James 1:19 Amplified Bible

"Be honest in your judgment and do not decide at a glance (superficially and by appearances); but judge fairly and righteously."
John 7:24 Amplified Bible

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, June 13, 2015

A Call To Prayer For Our Nation

Warriors, rise up and pray
That we might see a brighter day,
That once again we’ll put God first
And for His wisdom we would thirst.

God’s tenets carried us this far
And once again can make us “star”.
Prayer is our strongest course...
A powerful and mighty force.

Let our nation bow its knee.
Let our prayers for wisdom be,
Repenting of our error and sin.
Let holiness be birthed within.

May God lead us in this hour.
We need His guidance and His power.
Prayer warriors, hear this cry
And to our God again draw nigh.

“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

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, June 12, 2015

Finding God's Pace

It sometimes is hard to keep your own pace
And not get run over by those in life's race.
When we know God, we’ll know what is best,
And. by His grace, will complete every "test".

As we find His rhythm and move as He leads,
The tensions of winning our race then recedes.
God knows our needs, but may hold us back.
In Him we will win, and never have lack!

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."
Psalm 23:1 KJV

" And when he putteth forth his own sheep he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice."
John 14:4 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, June 11, 2015

Faith In Unsure Times

I shall not fear darkness for You are my light.
My path is well-lit. In You it is bright.
Walking with You, I won't lose my way.
You are my strength and might for each day.

You are my joy and sure inspiration.
You give me peace when I have frustration.
I feel Your presence so near by my side.
In You I am covered, in You I'll 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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Sharing His Love

It really is fun to create a gift
And give it to one whose life needs a lift.
We may not know how much that gift meant
Or how much encouragement we may have sent.

It may be the difference between hope and despair
If we take the time to show that we care.
Giving is blessed and should be a goal...
To give of one’s self to help a “down” soul.

Giving to others enlarges perspective
And offers good will, which may be infective.
God gives us talents and giftings to use.
We are His hands to share love’s good news.

“Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not (merely) his own interests, but also each for the interests of others.”
Philippians 2:4 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, June 09, 2015

Being On Time

When we're running late, we may start to mumble.
When we can't find things, then we really grumble!
Some kind of order we need to create...
To rescue us from this frustrating state!

Planning ahead is a really good tool.
It makes things go well and helps us stay "cool"
Order will simplify all that we do
And save us from tensions we sometimes go through.

The minutes we spend to make this plan work
Will save us those moments which really do irk.
If we fail to plan because we forgot,
Again we may find myself in a tight spot!

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, June 08, 2015

A Finishing Touch

Some things we do in life are diminished
Because what we've done we never quite finished.
That finishing touch is a final “caress”,
Giving accomplishment class and finesse.

An exquisite painting would not issue joy
If the artist true diligence did not employ
And add that last brush stroke... that finishing touch.
In all that we do this is needed so much!

"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men."
Colossians 3:23 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, June 07, 2015

Acceptable In Thy Sight

That which dwells within the heart
Good or evil can impart.
What’s there will surface when we speak
In words which heal... or havoc wreak.

Let us speak with carefulness,
Measuring words with prayerfulness,
For careless words some problems net,
Often bringing deep regret.

Let our hearts be filled with good
And speak with kindness as we should.
Words of love are warm and bright,
Bringing friendship and delight!

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my (firm, impenetrable) rock and my redeemer.”
Psalm 19:14 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, June 06, 2015

Knowing God's Word

May the words of the Lord find rest in my heart,
Wisdom and knowledge and love to impart,
That I might see clearly and walk in His will,
His purpose and calling to always fulfill.

His inspiration is higher than mine.
I want to discover His heavenly design.
His Word is a guide to life's ultimate best.
As I know His calling, then my life will rest.

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Psalm 119:105 Amplified Bible

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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, June 05, 2015

Knowing God's Direction

When we follow God our direction is new.
He is our covering each new path to hew.
He gives us fervor and zest in our day,
And deep inspiration which patterns our way...

Spring in our step and joy in our heart,
And deep peace within which sets us apart.
Our walk is cushioned each step of the way
And we have sweet rest at the end of each day.

"Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live."
Psalm 63:3-4 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, June 04, 2015

Let Joy Come In

Though troubles swirl all around,
Grace in God will more abound.
We don’t have to sit and “grump”
Because we may have hit a “bump”.

Joy in Him will overcome
And help us not to be “ho-hum”.
We have reason to look up,
Believing God will fill our cup.

God brings “newness” every morn,
Our days with gladness to adorn.
His joy becomes a much-prized gift,
From trying times our hearts to lift.

“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

“In thy presence is fulness of joy.”
Psalm 16:11 KJV

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, June 03, 2015

Best Friends Forever

The strength of a marriage is true-blue commitment...
A pledge and a promise, a lifetime together,
Growing and learning, in sync side-by-side,
Bonded and strong through all kinds of "weather",

It will not consider "options" or "out",
But will seek the best for that chosen mate...
Having integrity, showing much grace,
A wonderful life to build and create.

"Best friends forever" will be its true goal...
Hand-in-hand working to meet every test.
Prizing the joy which they've found together.
By their deep commitment they truly are blessed.

"Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything (without weakening)."
I Corinthians 13:7 Amplified Bible

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, June 02, 2015

Healing Waters

When we release control of all
And answer God's redemptive call,
Inward tensions soon will cease
And we will find deep, healing peace.

God's healing waters start to spill
Into our lives and make us "still".
In quietness we hear His voice
And with deep joy we will rejoice!

As healing waters freely flow
Our lives will change more than we know.
In Him we have a new beginning.
Over the past we will be winning.

"He leadeth me beside the still waters."
Psalm 23:2 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, June 01, 2015

Heaven's Promise

Time is rushing on so fast.
We cannot hang onto the past.
Do you know where you are going?
With a peaceful inner knowing?

If you’ve answered Jesus’ call
You will have deep peace in all.
Hope of Heaven lies ahead...
Freedom from all fear and dread.

When we complete our earthly race
We’ll see Jesus face to face.
What a glorious reward...
Eternity with our dear Lord!

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear
my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him,
and will sup with him, and he with me.”
Revelation 3:20 KJV

“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

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf