If you are in “a briar patch”
God will help you “start from scratch”.
Offer up your “untilled” ground.
Let treasures hidden there be found.
God multiplies a sincere start
And many blessings will impart.
You may think you just have naught
In Him you’ll find more than you thought.
Let your life be fertile ground.
In your heart let love abound.
When in God you have deep root
You will blossom and bear fruit.
“He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
Psalm 1:3 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, July 31, 2015
Thursday, July 30, 2015
A Gift Of Gold
When children hear their parents pray
And hear them praise God every day,
Their perspective will be bright
Because example has been right.
When they learn to know the Lord
And His goodness have explored,
You have helped them find pure gold,
Which they will treasure, even when old.
"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
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And hear them praise God every day,
Their perspective will be bright
Because example has been right.
When they learn to know the Lord
And His goodness have explored,
You have helped them find pure gold,
Which they will treasure, even when old.
"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
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Discerning Truth
"Shadows" hover everywhere,
Our Godly thinking to ensnare.
But if in truth we always center,
Shadowed thoughts just cannot enter.
The Word of God is our best tool
The world's untruths to overrule.
Our perception will be clear
If to the Word we're always near.
"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
Hebrews 4:12 KJV
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Our Godly thinking to ensnare.
But if in truth we always center,
Shadowed thoughts just cannot enter.
The Word of God is our best tool
The world's untruths to overrule.
Our perception will be clear
If to the Word we're always near.
"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
Hebrews 4:12 KJV
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Healing For The Heart
If you are weary and you have been broken
By hurtful events or words which were spoken.
God in His kindness can bring you sweet healing
From whatever circumstance has left you "reeling".
He'll cushion you gently with love and with grace.
He'll bring you perspective, your pain to erase.
When you are ready to once again "stand",
Rejoice in the healing from His loving hand.
"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
By hurtful events or words which were spoken.
God in His kindness can bring you sweet healing
From whatever circumstance has left you "reeling".
He'll cushion you gently with love and with grace.
He'll bring you perspective, your pain to erase.
When you are ready to once again "stand",
Rejoice in the healing from His loving hand.
"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
Monday, July 27, 2015
Faith And Hope
In God there always is new hope
Of unimagined size and scope.
We should practice to think big...
From total faith should not renege.
Let our faith in Him increase
And confidence He gives not cease.
As His promptings we explore
He'll cause us to rise up and soar!
"For You are my hope; O Lord God, You are my trust from my youth and the source of my confidence."
Psalm 71:5 Amplified Bible
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Of unimagined size and scope.
We should practice to think big...
From total faith should not renege.
Let our faith in Him increase
And confidence He gives not cease.
As His promptings we explore
He'll cause us to rise up and soar!
"For You are my hope; O Lord God, You are my trust from my youth and the source of my confidence."
Psalm 71:5 Amplified Bible
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, July 26, 2015
Our Holy God
Honor the Lord and show Him respect.
Pause to bow down and on Him reflect.
Remember His goodness, offer up praise.
Heartfelt thanksgiving to Him we should raise.
Honor the Lord, know He is holy.
He looks on the humble, those who are lowly.
When we seek God and quietly wait,
Then we will know His power is great.
As we walk humbly with reverence and awe,
And from unholiness choose to withdraw,
He will defend us and cover our way.
He will provide all our need day-to-day.
“The Angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him (who revere and worship Him with awe) and each of them He delivers. O taste and see that the Lord (our God) is good! Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who trusts and takes refuge in Him. O fear the Lord, you His saints (revere and worship Him)! For there is no want to those who truly revere and worship Him with godly fear.”
Psalm 34:7-9 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Pause to bow down and on Him reflect.
Remember His goodness, offer up praise.
Heartfelt thanksgiving to Him we should raise.
Honor the Lord, know He is holy.
He looks on the humble, those who are lowly.
When we seek God and quietly wait,
Then we will know His power is great.
As we walk humbly with reverence and awe,
And from unholiness choose to withdraw,
He will defend us and cover our way.
He will provide all our need day-to-day.
“The Angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him (who revere and worship Him with awe) and each of them He delivers. O taste and see that the Lord (our God) is good! Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who trusts and takes refuge in Him. O fear the Lord, you His saints (revere and worship Him)! For there is no want to those who truly revere and worship Him with godly fear.”
Psalm 34:7-9 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, July 25, 2015
Complete In Him
In the Lord I am complete.
I shall not want, nor have defeat.
In Him I can have confidence
And master goals of consequence.
If I sometimes am not “able”
He is there to keep me stable.
If I think I “am not ready”
He will make me “fixed” and steady.
He is strength when I am weak.
He gives joy when things look bleak.
In times which are a little rough
His grace is much more than enough.
If in me I may have “lack”
Or hesitate and then draw back...
I can still be sure of foot
Because in Him I find strong root.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
Psalm 23:1 KJV
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
II Corinthians 12:9 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
I shall not want, nor have defeat.
In Him I can have confidence
And master goals of consequence.
If I sometimes am not “able”
He is there to keep me stable.
If I think I “am not ready”
He will make me “fixed” and steady.
He is strength when I am weak.
He gives joy when things look bleak.
In times which are a little rough
His grace is much more than enough.
If in me I may have “lack”
Or hesitate and then draw back...
I can still be sure of foot
Because in Him I find strong root.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
Psalm 23:1 KJV
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
II Corinthians 12:9 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, July 24, 2015
Choose Joy
Light-heartedness can be a choice.
It makes cheer shine through in your voice.
Laughter brings a healing balm
Which lifts life's load and brings in calm.
Trust in God, for He gives peace.
Joy in Him brings sweet release
From all those things which bow us down.
The joy He gives repairs a frown!
"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
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
It makes cheer shine through in your voice.
Laughter brings a healing balm
Which lifts life's load and brings in calm.
Trust in God, for He gives peace.
Joy in Him brings sweet release
From all those things which bow us down.
The joy He gives repairs a frown!
"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
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Gather Wisdom
Wisdom is a wondrous shield
To always keep us even-keeled.
With it balance is precise,
And in it we find good advice.
Gather wisdom from God's Word,
Your ways to safely undergird.
Let your store of wisdom grow.
In all your thinking let it flow.
"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
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding."
Proverbs 9:10 KJV
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
To always keep us even-keeled.
With it balance is precise,
And in it we find good advice.
Gather wisdom from God's Word,
Your ways to safely undergird.
Let your store of wisdom grow.
In all your thinking let it flow.
"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
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding."
Proverbs 9:10 KJV
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
God Is With Us
When sometimes I feel that I’m all alone,
I’ll recount my blessings and care God has shown.
So many times I did not feel strong,
But in hindsight I know that I was just wrong.
God was right with me, spilling out grace,
Offering love, my fears to erase.
When I had need He always was there.
He helped me carry what I could not bear.
Our God is faithful, His mercy to show.
He is here with me... this truth I know.
I must remember I’m not all alone.
I will rejoice in the love He has shown.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”
Psalm 103:2 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
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
I’ll recount my blessings and care God has shown.
So many times I did not feel strong,
But in hindsight I know that I was just wrong.
God was right with me, spilling out grace,
Offering love, my fears to erase.
When I had need He always was there.
He helped me carry what I could not bear.
Our God is faithful, His mercy to show.
He is here with me... this truth I know.
I must remember I’m not all alone.
I will rejoice in the love He has shown.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”
Psalm 103:2 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
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
A Special Rhythm
What is the pulse of your life and your walk...
Is it in rhythm with God's own design?
He made a rhythm especially for you.
What blessing there is when with this you align.
His rhythm and plans for you are unique...
A wealth of expression for you to explore.
When you discover His giftings and pace
You'll have excitement and blessing and more.
"Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves."
Psalm 100:3 KJV
"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
Is it in rhythm with God's own design?
He made a rhythm especially for you.
What blessing there is when with this you align.
His rhythm and plans for you are unique...
A wealth of expression for you to explore.
When you discover His giftings and pace
You'll have excitement and blessing and more.
"Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves."
Psalm 100:3 KJV
"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
Monday, July 20, 2015
LORD, Forgive Us
Let us cease running to seek our own ways.
Let us take pause and pray on bent knee.
For we've gone astray too long and too far.
We must turn back, from our sins to be free.
Let hearts be turned upward and eyes be on You.
Let all sinful ways and pride be erased.
You are our God. We repent of our sins,
Lest all You have given just be turned to waste.
"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 3:40-41 KJV
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Let us take pause and pray on bent knee.
For we've gone astray too long and too far.
We must turn back, from our sins to be free.
Let hearts be turned upward and eyes be on You.
Let all sinful ways and pride be erased.
You are our God. We repent of our sins,
Lest all You have given just be turned to waste.
"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 3:40-41 KJV
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, July 19, 2015
Treasures In Heaven
When we are young we think we need
A lot of things so we’ll succeed.
But what we have won’t make us grow
Or more important things to know.
Some folks pile up too much stuff
And never seem to have enough.
“Excess” clutters up their “view”,
And they don’t see what they should do.
Things and stuff become a weight,
And over time are not so great.
It’s better then to “travel light”
And not let “excess” block our “sight”.
“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
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
A lot of things so we’ll succeed.
But what we have won’t make us grow
Or more important things to know.
Some folks pile up too much stuff
And never seem to have enough.
“Excess” clutters up their “view”,
And they don’t see what they should do.
Things and stuff become a weight,
And over time are not so great.
It’s better then to “travel light”
And not let “excess” block our “sight”.
“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
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, July 18, 2015
Be Hidden In Him
When we see tumult whirling all around us it is easy to slip into anxiety. But do not fear. Be steady. The Lord leads us in quiet places for the restoration of our soul. It is in Him that we can stand, unafraid, and have sure footing. We need not tremble nor waver as we observe the times but can be steady and immovable in Him.
The Lord leads us beside still waters. Be at peace. He is the author of peace. Rest. Rest in Him.
Be not afraid this day. The Lord is near to all who believe and trust in His name. Be hidden in Him.
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside still waters."
Psalm 23:1-2 KJV
"What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee."
Psalm 56:3 KJV
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
The Lord leads us beside still waters. Be at peace. He is the author of peace. Rest. Rest in Him.
Be not afraid this day. The Lord is near to all who believe and trust in His name. Be hidden in Him.
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside still waters."
Psalm 23:1-2 KJV
"What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee."
Psalm 56:3 KJV
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, July 17, 2015
Abundant Grace
No matter what the trials we face
Or just how hard our daily race,
God is near
Our prayers to hear.
We're covered by His wondrous grace.
In Him we do not walk alone.
He gives watchcare for His own.
His grace is real,
Our lives to heal.
In our behalf His grace is sown.
"For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly."
Psalm 84:11 KJV
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Or just how hard our daily race,
God is near
Our prayers to hear.
We're covered by His wondrous grace.
In Him we do not walk alone.
He gives watchcare for His own.
His grace is real,
Our lives to heal.
In our behalf His grace is sown.
"For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly."
Psalm 84:11 KJV
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, July 16, 2015
More Than I Can Be
Some things I’m not sure I can do.
Then God gives me a “talking-to”.
He shows me I must stretch a bit,
To have more faith and show some grit.
If I trust, He’ll give me skill.
I cannot balk or just sit still.
This is how He helps me grow.
With Him I’m able... this I know.
In Him I can be confident
And all my “worries” circumvent.
He sees potential I don’t see
And makes me more than I can be.
“And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ (right up to the time of His return), developing (that good work) and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.”
Philippians 1:6 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Then God gives me a “talking-to”.
He shows me I must stretch a bit,
To have more faith and show some grit.
If I trust, He’ll give me skill.
I cannot balk or just sit still.
This is how He helps me grow.
With Him I’m able... this I know.
In Him I can be confident
And all my “worries” circumvent.
He sees potential I don’t see
And makes me more than I can be.
“And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ (right up to the time of His return), developing (that good work) and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.”
Philippians 1:6 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
God Is Greater
Be aware and be alert
Of changing tides that would divert
The course our nation should be on
And scatter freedoms hither and yon.
Birthed in faith and bathed in prayer
With freedom God's love to declare,
To Godliness we must return.
For righteousness our hearts should yearn.
Awake, O people! Bow and pray
That we again might find our way
Through darkness, trampling evil's ploy,
And once again may know Your joy!
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance."
Psalm 33:12 KJV
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Of changing tides that would divert
The course our nation should be on
And scatter freedoms hither and yon.
Birthed in faith and bathed in prayer
With freedom God's love to declare,
To Godliness we must return.
For righteousness our hearts should yearn.
Awake, O people! Bow and pray
That we again might find our way
Through darkness, trampling evil's ploy,
And once again may know Your joy!
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance."
Psalm 33:12 KJV
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Believe For The Best
When praying to God, expect only the best!
If He just gives a little at first, don't be sad.
For great things often will start out quite small
And, in His timing, more He will add.
He maybe will plant the tiniest seed,
Which you must water and nurture and tend.
In prayer the seed will prosper and grow
And your expectations and promise transcend.
"Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them."
Mark 11:24 KJV
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
If He just gives a little at first, don't be sad.
For great things often will start out quite small
And, in His timing, more He will add.
He maybe will plant the tiniest seed,
Which you must water and nurture and tend.
In prayer the seed will prosper and grow
And your expectations and promise transcend.
"Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them."
Mark 11:24 KJV
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, July 13, 2015
Refreshing
In the stillness of the morn,
Lord, I long to hear Your voice.
When I hear that gentle sound
You cause my spirit to rejoice.
Your presence is a sweet oasis,
Set apart and so profound,
A place of peace and deep retreat
Where perfect love and joy abound.
Stir within My heart, O Lord.
Let me be refreshed in You.
Change me deep within, I pray,
My heart and spirit to renew.
You make me to be “complete”
As I choose to wait on You.
You’re my joy and inspiration.
You give me a fresh new view.
“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
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Lord, I long to hear Your voice.
When I hear that gentle sound
You cause my spirit to rejoice.
Your presence is a sweet oasis,
Set apart and so profound,
A place of peace and deep retreat
Where perfect love and joy abound.
Stir within My heart, O Lord.
Let me be refreshed in You.
Change me deep within, I pray,
My heart and spirit to renew.
You make me to be “complete”
As I choose to wait on You.
You’re my joy and inspiration.
You give me a fresh new view.
“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
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, July 12, 2015
Timeless Truth
The Word of God will never change.
Its truths man cannot rearrange.
Its wisdom stands, men's lives to guide,
And cannot just be cast aside.
The Word provides our safest course.
It truly is our best resource.
Its countless riches are as gold,
Our lives to mold and to enfold.
"For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven."
Psalm 119:89 KJV
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
Psalm 119:105 KJV
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Its truths man cannot rearrange.
Its wisdom stands, men's lives to guide,
And cannot just be cast aside.
The Word provides our safest course.
It truly is our best resource.
Its countless riches are as gold,
Our lives to mold and to enfold.
"For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven."
Psalm 119:89 KJV
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
Psalm 119:105 KJV
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, July 11, 2015
New Seasons
The Lord gives us "seasons", in which we will rest.
But when the Lord speaks, then we must move on.
He may give a season for learning or labors
Or being made ready, a new mantle to don.
As we're in His timing and trust in His reasons
We may discover and have a new "birth",
Making us ready for all of our seasons
And filling our lives with heavenly worth.
"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
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
But when the Lord speaks, then we must move on.
He may give a season for learning or labors
Or being made ready, a new mantle to don.
As we're in His timing and trust in His reasons
We may discover and have a new "birth",
Making us ready for all of our seasons
And filling our lives with heavenly worth.
"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
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, July 10, 2015
God's Gift Of Beauty
Are you contented with simple things..
Like the sweet, warbling song a little bird sings?
Blossoms with dewdrops which sparkle and shine?
A butterfly visiting flowers on a vine?
The beauty around us is more than enough,
Just so much better than “pile-up” of stuff.
Our “view” can get clogged so we simply don’t see
The beauty God gives us... so rich and yet free.
Take time to pause... linger and look.
God’s beauty is written as a lovely book.
The beauty He gives us we just cannot measure.
All that He gives is a very rich treasure.
“Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.”
Psalm 63:3-4 KJV
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”
I Timothy 6:6 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Like the sweet, warbling song a little bird sings?
Blossoms with dewdrops which sparkle and shine?
A butterfly visiting flowers on a vine?
The beauty around us is more than enough,
Just so much better than “pile-up” of stuff.
Our “view” can get clogged so we simply don’t see
The beauty God gives us... so rich and yet free.
Take time to pause... linger and look.
God’s beauty is written as a lovely book.
The beauty He gives us we just cannot measure.
All that He gives is a very rich treasure.
“Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.”
Psalm 63:3-4 KJV
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”
I Timothy 6:6 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, July 09, 2015
Measured Words
Do you give thought before you speak?
Sometimes words can bring offense.
Careful answers are worth gold,
Often saving some "expense".
Unwise words can bring high cost...
Confusion, doubt or even pain.
But measured words will show respect
And good will likely ascertain.
"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer."
Psalms 19:14 KJV
"The heart of the righteous studieth to answer..."
Proverbs 15:28 KJV
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sometimes words can bring offense.
Careful answers are worth gold,
Often saving some "expense".
Unwise words can bring high cost...
Confusion, doubt or even pain.
But measured words will show respect
And good will likely ascertain.
"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer."
Psalms 19:14 KJV
"The heart of the righteous studieth to answer..."
Proverbs 15:28 KJV
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, July 08, 2015
A Perfect Path
Travel lightly as you go
So all the thoughts of God you'll know.
Let Him speak into your heart,
For wise direction He'll impart.
Do not rush ahead of Him
Or wander off on sudden whim.
Timing should be in His hands
So you're not caught on shifting sands.
Let Him lead, in Him abide.
All your trust in Him confide.
You'll find a pathway which is straight,
Which, in Him, will be first-rate.
( A prized one you will celebrate!)
"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
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
So all the thoughts of God you'll know.
Let Him speak into your heart,
For wise direction He'll impart.
Do not rush ahead of Him
Or wander off on sudden whim.
Timing should be in His hands
So you're not caught on shifting sands.
Let Him lead, in Him abide.
All your trust in Him confide.
You'll find a pathway which is straight,
Which, in Him, will be first-rate.
( A prized one you will celebrate!)
"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
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, July 07, 2015
Chaff In The Wind
Is the substance of our lives
Made up of wheat, or is there chaff?
Would we be free of worthless “husks”
Which make our substance half-and-half?
If we ask God to heal and cleanse us
By His Holy Spirit “wind”,
To show us how much chaff we have,
We probably would be chagrined.
For daily life is full of chaff
We should not want and do not need.
But when God’s Spirit cleanses us
We will be worthy and be freed.
Blow on us today, O God,
And by the power of Your wind
Remove from us all worthless chaff
And our unworthiness rescind.
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be ike him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”
I John 3:2-3 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Made up of wheat, or is there chaff?
Would we be free of worthless “husks”
Which make our substance half-and-half?
If we ask God to heal and cleanse us
By His Holy Spirit “wind”,
To show us how much chaff we have,
We probably would be chagrined.
For daily life is full of chaff
We should not want and do not need.
But when God’s Spirit cleanses us
We will be worthy and be freed.
Blow on us today, O God,
And by the power of Your wind
Remove from us all worthless chaff
And our unworthiness rescind.
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be ike him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”
I John 3:2-3 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, July 06, 2015
Light In Darkness
Lord, You make us light in darkness
Where life for some has utter starkness.
As we walk with trust in You,
Darkened lives may follow too.
To help a soul who has been lost,
One whose life has been storm-tossed,
May be to discover "gold",
Even in one who is quite old.
Each life has a sweet potential,
And our "light" may be essential
To help that person start to see
Just who God made him to be.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Matthew 5:6 KJV
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Where life for some has utter starkness.
As we walk with trust in You,
Darkened lives may follow too.
To help a soul who has been lost,
One whose life has been storm-tossed,
May be to discover "gold",
Even in one who is quite old.
Each life has a sweet potential,
And our "light" may be essential
To help that person start to see
Just who God made him to be.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Matthew 5:6 KJV
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, July 05, 2015
A Heavenly "Plane"
Accomplishing God's highest plane
Is the worthiest of goals.
You should want to reach His heights
By fulfilling all His roles.
They may differ or be varied
In each season you walk through.
But all combine to reach that plane
Which He created just for you.
He made only one like you.
His gold in you is quite unique.
Seek to find your hidden "gift"
And let His treasures in you "speak".
"Thy hands have made me and fashioned me..."
Psalm 119:73 KJV
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Is the worthiest of goals.
You should want to reach His heights
By fulfilling all His roles.
They may differ or be varied
In each season you walk through.
But all combine to reach that plane
Which He created just for you.
He made only one like you.
His gold in you is quite unique.
Seek to find your hidden "gift"
And let His treasures in you "speak".
"Thy hands have made me and fashioned me..."
Psalm 119:73 KJV
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, July 04, 2015
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
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
Friday, July 03, 2015
Gleaning God's Wisdom
In this time we surely need
The wisdom of our God to heed.
More than ever we must glean
His truths and strengths on which to lean.
How we need His might and power
To guide us in this crucial hour.
When evil throws its weight around,
Our foundation must be sound.
"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
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
The wisdom of our God to heed.
More than ever we must glean
His truths and strengths on which to lean.
How we need His might and power
To guide us in this crucial hour.
When evil throws its weight around,
Our foundation must be sound.
"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
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, July 02, 2015
Love Heals
Choose to love instead of hate.
Avoid temptation to berate.
If another angers you
Do not react or fuss or "stew".
Don't let others rob your peace.
Let love and kindness have increase.
It breaks down barriers and walls,
Avoiding arguments and squalls.
"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
"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful."
Colossians 3:15 KJV
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Avoid temptation to berate.
If another angers you
Do not react or fuss or "stew".
Don't let others rob your peace.
Let love and kindness have increase.
It breaks down barriers and walls,
Avoiding arguments and squalls.
"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
"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful."
Colossians 3:15 KJV
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, July 01, 2015
A Strong Ship
June 25, 2014
The times we are in are as uncharted waters. Does your “ship of life” have a strong rudder to steer through times of wind and storm, to turn your ship away from rocky areas and to keep you in safe channels? We must be skilled, even as a ship’s captain, to navigate what may be unknown in the days to come.
The captain knows that if the ship’s rudder isn’t strong the ship could be blown off course or be endangered. And he must be focused in overseeing the readiness of his ship.
In life, the “ship” may represent spiritual matters, home, family, marriage, finance... any or all of the above. Now is the time to review how ready your “ship of life” is to navigate the coming days; strengthen any weak places, “batten down the hatches”... don’t leave “open places”. Keep close surveillance on the ship’s readiness.
Hear what God is saying, and know that, should you encounter times of wind or storm, He will guide and bring you safely through.
“Look at the ships: though they are so great and are drivenby rough winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the impulse of the helmsman determines.”
James 3:4 Amplified Bible
“And after He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. And suddenly, behold, there arose a violent storm on the sea, so that the boat was being covered up by the waves; but He was sleeping. And they went and awakened Him, saying, Lord, rescue and preserve us! We are perishing! And He said to them, Why are you timid and afraid, O you of little faith? Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great and wonderful calm (a perfect peaceableness).”
Matthew 8:23-26 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
The times we are in are as uncharted waters. Does your “ship of life” have a strong rudder to steer through times of wind and storm, to turn your ship away from rocky areas and to keep you in safe channels? We must be skilled, even as a ship’s captain, to navigate what may be unknown in the days to come.
The captain knows that if the ship’s rudder isn’t strong the ship could be blown off course or be endangered. And he must be focused in overseeing the readiness of his ship.
In life, the “ship” may represent spiritual matters, home, family, marriage, finance... any or all of the above. Now is the time to review how ready your “ship of life” is to navigate the coming days; strengthen any weak places, “batten down the hatches”... don’t leave “open places”. Keep close surveillance on the ship’s readiness.
Hear what God is saying, and know that, should you encounter times of wind or storm, He will guide and bring you safely through.
“Look at the ships: though they are so great and are drivenby rough winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the impulse of the helmsman determines.”
James 3:4 Amplified Bible
“And after He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. And suddenly, behold, there arose a violent storm on the sea, so that the boat was being covered up by the waves; but He was sleeping. And they went and awakened Him, saying, Lord, rescue and preserve us! We are perishing! And He said to them, Why are you timid and afraid, O you of little faith? Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great and wonderful calm (a perfect peaceableness).”
Matthew 8:23-26 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
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