Monday, August 31, 2015

Our Faithful God

I talk to God throughout my day
Listening along the way.
What a joy to hear His voice...
Always reason to rejoice!

He spurs me on or holds me back.
For good insight I have no lack.
He fills my day with joy and song
And lifts me up when days are long.

He walks with me through every test.
When day is done I have sweet rest
And know that with tomorrow's dawn
He'll be there to spur me on.

"Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits."
Psalm 103:1-2 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Prayer With Insight

Praying for our precious nation
Is deep matter for concern.
We must “sort out” what we hear
And truth or falsities discern.

News on radio and TV
Will bring distraction every day.
But as we’re focused in the Lord
We will know just how to pray.

The enemy tries to break our focus
With distractions and much noise,
But as we spend time in deep prayer
We will recognize His ploys.

God will hear our heartfelt prayers
And guide us in this midnight hour.
If we will come on bended knee
We’ll see Him move with might and power.

“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

Saturday, August 29, 2015

God's Way vs Our Way

He who thinks that he knows best
May "slip and fall" when facing test.
Self-confidence can bring a snare,
Of pride's assertiveness, beware!

Paying heed to wisdom's way
Will intercept pride's disarray
And help us find a measured pace
In which to run life's path with grace.

"He who leans on, trusts in, and is confident of his own mind and heart is a (self-confident) fool, but he who walks in skillful and godly Wisdom shall be delivered."
Proverbs 28:26 Amplified Bible

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, August 28, 2015

Hand In Hand

"Love one another"... the Lord's great command.
When we're hand-in-hand we're able to stand.
Division births weakness, anger and sorrow,
Leaving deep shadows of pain for the morrow.

Unity heals and will bring a new dawn
As love is in place and angst is bygone.
Love shows respect and sponsors great healing,
Avoiding disputes which oft leave us reeling.

"Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking."
I Corinthians 13:5 Amplified Bible

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Being On The Cutting Edge

We sometimes need a “wake-up call”
To jar us from our present state.
If we’re not listening to the Lord
Our thinking may be out-of-date.

The Lord will intercept our ways
And bring attention to this need.
By His mercy He may “shake” us
Just to bring us “up to speed”.

He is gracious, He is kind...
To save us out of selfish ways
Or lift us out of lifestyle patterns
Which cause lethargy’s malaise.

How we need to hear His voice
And have perspectives He will give.
When we’re on “the cutting edge”
We’ll prayerfully and wisely live.

“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

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

The Best Knowledge

Worldly knowledge lights a fire
And spurs man on in his desire.
He runs with fervor, much to get,
But yet may have a deep regret.

Until he sees from God's dimension
He won't have right comprehension.
He just needs to know God's Son.
His knowledge then will have begun.

"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

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

God's Designs

God designs our footsteps
To walk on chosen ground.
When we find His special path
We won't flounder all around.

His path will be an avenue
To grow and reach up higher.
He sets forth possibility
To which we can aspire.

If we will follow and respond
He will spur us far beyond
Goals to which we are inclined.
His goals are gloriously designed.

"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, August 24, 2015

Lovely Days

I praise the Lord for summer days,
For myriad flowers and sunshine rays,
But know the summer soon will rest
As autumn enters in with zest.

We’ve been blessed by summer’s ease,
Her fragrance and her gentle breeze,
With memories of fun-filled days
And all her lovely, sun-filled ways.

With gratefulness and joyful praise
I thank the Lord for summer days
But now await sweet autumn’s hues.
Her brilliance brings its own bright “news”!

“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.”
Psalm 98:4 KJV

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, August 23, 2015

Peace And Rest

Our God gives us peace and rest
For every challenge, every test.
He will be our trusted guide
Where we may turn and may abide.

In Him our pathways are made smooth.
His love and joy our hearts will soothe.
He keeps us on an even keel.
His covering is very real.

"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

Saturday, August 22, 2015

Busyness

When we get too busy, time races by.
We may have bypassed when to us God drew nigh.
How much we may miss if we don't give Him pause,
For when we don't listen, He sometimes withdraws.

Busyness crowds out God's dewdrops of joy,
His blessings each day which we could employ.
When we look back, and much time has flown,
How sad, if the blessings of God we've not known.

"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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, August 21, 2015

Contemplate The Ways Of God

Impulsiveness is never wise.
God’s wisdom it won’t recognize.
It bypasses all common sense
And rushes toward poor consequence.

Contemplate... don’t rush ahead
Where even angels fear to tread.
Meditate... take time to weigh,
Lest you make error and go astray.

Hastiness may just shortchange
God’s blessings you would have long-range.
Impulsiveness is a red flag.
Avoid it, lest you hit a “snag”.

“I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.”
Psalm 119:15 KJV

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, August 20, 2015

A Grateful Heart

Let there be moments in every day
When you give pause and words of thanks say.
This will bring balance and keep you on track.
Of proper perspective you will have no lack.

When we acknowledge the Lord as our Source,
He will draw near to keep us on course.
All of our days will be much more bright
As we give Him thanks and in Him delight.

"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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Our Strength And Our Hope

In times of disturbance or great fear within,
God is our help. To Him we must cling.
He is our strength and hope for each day.
We will have refuge under His wing.

We can walk safely in turbulent times.
His voice will guide us each step of the way.
With eyes fixed on Him, our steps will be sure.
We will know peace when near Him we stay.

"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

“Be still, and know that I am God.”
Psalm 46:10 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Stretching And Growing

When “lessons” are hard and we have to stretch,
In us these lessons new wisdom will etch.
The size and the scope of what we have learned
Will bring good reward and wisdom well-earned.

If lessons are easy, we may not learn much.
It’s better to stretch... to gain wisdom and such.
We are made larger in times which aren’t easy.
We’ll have made gain even though we were “queasy”.

Lessons God brings will cause us to grow,
Understanding and wisdom and insight to know.
Welcome His teachings and follow His lead.
You will find confidence to meet every need.

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Philippians 4:13 KJV

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, August 17, 2015

Priceless Treasure

The presence of God is a priceless treasure,
Beyond what mere man is able to measure.
When you have found it, do not let it go.
Don't let life scatter it to and fro.

Fit life around it, for you have found gold.
Let His deep riches your whole life enfold.
You will know joy "above and beyond"
When to His presence you bow and respond.

"Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."
Psalm 16:11 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, August 16, 2015

Peace In Times Of Waiting

We sometimes have issues which just aren't quite clear.
These are the times when to God we draw near.
We will be safe if on Him we will lean,
And He gives us peace in the times in between.

We can avoid a wrong step or an error
If we will hold back and spend time in prayer.
He will redeem the times when we wait.
In Him our timing will never be late.

"Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass."
Psalm 37:5 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, August 15, 2015

Guarding Our Thoughts

When thoughts are tempered by the Word
Then goodness in us will be stirred.
The Word of God makes peace to rule.
Strong health and calmness it will fuel.

Discord, worry or unrest
Will cause us to be tense or stressed.
Troubled thoughts can make us weary.
Of long-term stress we should be leery.

The Word of God will soothe and heal.
Our thoughts will be “on even keel”.
It’s wisdom filters every thought
And helps us not to be distraught.

“Know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee...”
I Chronicles 28:9 KJV

“Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established."
Proverbs 16:9 KJV

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, August 14, 2015

Too Much In A Hurry

When we move ahead in haste
We sometimes could end up with waste.
Then we grumble to the Lord
When basic facts were not explored.

Wisdom says we should not hurry
When facts we have are somewhat blurry.
Time and energies get spent.
Wisdom this loss could prevent.

Consider well the steps you’ll take.
Until you’re sure, put on the brake.
God can see “around the bend”.
To all your ways He will attend.

“The thoughts of the (steadily) diligent tend only to plenteousness, but everyone who is impatient and hasty hastens only to want.”
Proverbs 21:5 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, August 13, 2015

Diplomacy's Skill

Diplomacy... the art and skill
Of speaking without threat of scar,
Wisely using words to share
Which will not wound or hurt or jar.

Its thoughts are cushioned carefully,
Tempered with a peace and calm.
Even though its words are strong,
Its presence is a healing balm.

It causes barriers to come down
And builds relationships anew.
The tact and gentleness it wears
Are worthy tools we should pursue.

"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

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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

A Joyful Gift

Some folks have a special gift,
And many hearts they will uplift.
They will know just what to say,
And they are like a sunshine ray.

They have sensitivity
Which comes from time on bended knee.
They will go the second mile
To show they care and help you smile.

They’ll lift you up and cheer you on
Until your fears or qualms are gone.
They’ll add perspective in your day
And bring you joy by what they say.

“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but an encouraging word makes it glad.”
Proverbs 12:25 Amplified Bible

“A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing”
Proverbs 17:22 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Change Points

For a time we may rest in a certain position
With everything moving smoothly and well.
But then when we hit a "bump in the road",
In the pattern we had we can no longer dwell.

The Lord may be prompting a moment of change
In which things are different, in which we will grow.
While change is unsettling, we must start anew
And welcome ideas and thoughts He would sow.

In retrospect we will know this was right...
A promotion of sorts which we then can view.
O Lord, keep us steady in moments of change
So we will not miss all that You would do.

"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from gloryto glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."
II Corinthians 3:18 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, August 10, 2015

Humility Brings Balance

It's good to have a servant's role.
Always this should be a goal.
No matter what our work or stance,
It's good to serve if given chance.

Serving opens "blinded" eyes,
Others' needs to realize.
Deeds or service which we do
Will help us keep an humble view.

"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."
Philippians 2:3-4 KJV

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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, August 09, 2015

Good Will Heals

When we reach out with good will
Defensiveness will then be “still”,
For good will is a soothing balm
And causes others to be calm.

Good will has a gentle touch
Which can heal and redeem much.
It bridges over brokenness
And warmly promotes openness.

It is like a pleasant breeze
Which causes all to be at ease.
When we choose to show good will
We’ll find it conquers many-an-ill.

“There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.”
Psalm 4:6 KJV

“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

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, August 08, 2015

Lives With Impact

Our lives will have impact when God's ways we court.
Wherever He leads, we can bring good report.
We are His light, shining in darkness.
We are encouragement for those facing starkness.

We are example for those who are weak,
And can bring hope by the words that we speak.
If God should move us, a new work to do,
We will be light in the place which is new.

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Matthew 5:14-16 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, August 07, 2015

Let Truth Be Known

A very grave danger is truth watered down.
When man "adjusts" truth, on this God will frown.
Truth is clear-cut... this fact man can't alter.
When he is this foolish, he surely will falter.

"Words" blur the edges of truth's sure foundation,
Giving sin leverage and power o'er our nation.
We must be alert and see through the "blur".
Let hunger for truth in our nation stir.

We can't say "ho-hum" and just be at ease,
Allowing deception our freedoms to seize.
Let discernment have increase and bring clear perception.
Let truth be known... to counter deception.

"Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom."
Psalm 51:6 KJV

"His truth shall be thy shield and buckler."
Psalm 91:4 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, August 06, 2015

Increasing Faith

When we have a need we cannot “think small”,
For our God is greater than any or all.
Our trust in Him must flourish and grow
So we will not miss what He would bestow.

His lovingkindness is greater by far
Than any new challenge when we’re “under par”.
He is our confidence, in which we find peace.
If we will believe, our faith will increase.

“For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass, he shall have whatsoever he saith.”
Mark 11:23-24 KJV

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, August 05, 2015

Heartfelt Praise

Being thankful heals a heart.
Joy and peace it will impart.
It brings a balance we so need
So grumbly thoughts we do not breed.

God is good! We can rejoice!
Praise Him with a happy voice!
From a grateful heart bring praise.
Heartfelt worship to Him raise!

"I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth."
Psalm 34:1 KJV

"Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God: for it is pleasant; and praise is comely."
Psalm 147:1 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, August 04, 2015

Righteousness

When righteousness rules, peace will abound.
It causes all things with light to be crowned.
Righteousness heals and brings forth good fruit.
All shadows of darkness it will refute.

Righteousness is a fortress and tower
Where we may reside and rest in this hour.
Righteousness calls for all to come near.
Partake of God's goodness, His tenets revere.

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe."
Proverbs 18:10 KJV

"And the works of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever."
Isaiah 32:17 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, August 03, 2015

The Gift Of Laughter

When we’re slow to start our day
Things get better if we’ll pray.
A cup of laughter early on
Will chase the blues until they’re gone!

Jesus wants us to have joy
And all His wisdom to employ.
We don’t need to battle gloom.
With His help our day can bloom.

Laughter is a happy choice...
One which makes us to rejoice!
No longer will we fear or fret.
When we choose joy we are “reset”.

Our joy in Him is such a plus.
We rise above life’s “fuss and muss”.
In the Lord we are so blessed.
He gives us joy... and we have rest.

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

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

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, August 02, 2015

A Focused Mind

When we're focused on God's purpose
Then our minds will have less clutter.
We will have more clarity,
Not be perplexed or all aflutter.

As our minds are filled with good,
Needless clutter falls away
Prosperity and health will follow,
Replacing former disarray.

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God."
Romans 12:2 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, August 01, 2015

Refreshing

On days when we have "overload"
It helps to be in prayerful mode.
God redeems our time for us
And helps us not to fret or fuss.

Prayer brings an inner calm,
Poise and balance, healing balm,
Refreshing, even as a breeze,
Which from tensions brings us ease.

"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