Saturday, October 31, 2015

Wisdom's Riches

Wisdom truly is our guard
To help us through that which is hard.
When it is sought
It shapes our thought.
Its values we must not discard.

When we pause before we speak
And from the Lord His wisdom seek,
We will find gold
Which grows not old.
All our statements will be unique.

"O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God."
Romans 11:33 KJV

"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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, October 30, 2015

The Coming Season

The Wind of the Spirit is stirring, encouraging us to be able to move ahead....

This will be a season of preparation... a time of gathering up of loose ends, of making order, of putting things in place, of rethinking the way we do things, of simplifying, of freeing ourselves of cumbersome baggage (anything that holds us back), of streamlining all that we do... that we might be able to freely move on into the coming seasons.

Step into this new season with head held high, knowing that God is directing us out of His great love and caring. For we know not what might lie ahead. The winds of change are blowing hard, but it is the Wind of the Holy Spirit to which we should be sensitive and on which we can depend.

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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, October 29, 2015

A Song Of Praise

Autumn’s personality
Bursts with warmth for all to see!
Her bright beauty treats the eye
With vibrancy which is not shy!

Tints and hues extraordinaire
She spreads generously with flair.
She brings loveliness and cheer
Before to winter we draw near...

Causing hearts to fill with praise
And many “hallelujahs” raise.
We have seen the hand of God
When earth with autumn’s hues are shod.

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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Learning To Rest

The weight of daily burdens which we carry is too much.
We sometimes limp beneath the load and wonder if we need a crutch!
There is an answer for this plight which daily seems to overwhelm.
Place all your cares before the Lord and enter “rest”... a whole new realm.

Step out from ‘neath the weariness and trust the Lord with all your cares.
He will sort out endless thoughts and answer all your simplest prayers.
He is greater than your needs and isn’t overwhelmed at all.
Compared to God’s great might and power, your problems really are quite small.

To rest in Him brings healing balm... so needed in a complex day.
You will have release within, as He lifts tensions far away.
You can walk in peacefulness with deep tranquillity within.
When you fully trust in Him, from too much stress He’ll help you win.

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. (I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.) Take my yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good - not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.”
Matthew 11:28-30 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Practice Kindness

We should practice kindness
For so many need it much.
To a person who is down
Kindness brings a healing touch.

Its softness and its gentleness
Will help to soothe away a "trial",
Lifting up a weary soul
So they can walk another mile.

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

"In her tongue is the law of kindness."
Proverbs 31:26 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, October 26, 2015

Serving With Joy

Blessed is he who is steady and untiring.
His faithful work is truly inspiring.
For he knows that diligence will bear much good fruit.
Of excellence he always will be in pursuit.

His work may be simple, but he has a vision.
And so he will work with joyous precision.
Some may not notice, but not so the Lord.
He sees the heart and brings rich reward.

Blessed is he who serves with the heart.
He has an excellence which sets him apart.
With joy and perfection will his work be done.
By true-hearted service will honors be won.

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

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, October 25, 2015

The Wondrous Grace Of God

When circumstances sometimes bind
And cause us to be flying blind,
It's then in God we need to trust.
Our circumstance He will adjust.

We can't see 'round every bend,
But know our footsteps He will tend.
When we're unsure just what we face,
He leads us forward by His grace.

And then in Him we are complete,
Never challenged by defeat.
In Him we always rise up new,
Enabled then His work to do.

"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

Saturday, October 24, 2015

A Healed Heart

Let us search within ourself
And ask the Lord to heal our heart,
Making space for Him to work
And His goodness to impart.

When our heart is a clean slate
Upon which He can freely write,
We are able to receive
His wisdom, which will bring insight.

His perspective will be new
Fresh thoughts in us He will ignite.
The more we seek to know His will,
The more our life will have His light.

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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, October 23, 2015

Heaven's Touch

It’s very important each day to take pause,
Our lives to consider and give God applause.
We’ll find good perspective by which we should live,
And we’ll have the confidence which He will give.

It never is wise to step out in haste.
Without some good wisdom we may just have waste.
Achievement will happen through wisdom and prayer.
Let those plans we make have “Heavenly “flair”.

When we use our talents with Godly intent
Results of our labors will be “Heaven-sent”.
The work which we do will have His own touch.
With God’s precious leading we can achieve much.

“For we are God’s (own) handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, (born anew) that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us (taking paths which He prepared ahead of time), that we should walk in them (living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live).”
Ephesians 2:10 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, October 22, 2015

The Oil Of Joy

When we're in the Lord's "employ"
We will have the oil of joy
To spur us on through every day
And lift us up in every way.

We can serve Him in our home
Or anyplace where we may roam
With prayer or encouragement
For those whose joy is worn or spent.

When we serve Him we bring light
To offset weariness or blight.
Oh, what privilege we have
To share God's precious, healing salve.

"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."
Colossians 3:17 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Healing Peace

Whenever we are feeling stressed
God offers us His soothing rest,
A gentle, healing sense of ease,
Refreshing as a cooling breeze.

We are freed from weight of worry,
Released from stress and needless flurry.
Deep within we have His peace
And of sereneness have increase.

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you."
John 14:27 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

A Bright Story

Our lives become a very bright story
When we live to give God glory.
Who better should we serve and praise?
With joy He sets our lives ablaze!

Godly purpose reaches high
As our lives to Him draw nigh.
When we seek His hand-signed roles
We will achieve His highest goals.

"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."
Colossians 3:17 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, October 19, 2015

Praising God

As I was paging through an old Bible this morning I discovered a "word" God gave me years ago, written down in the back of it, as follows...

"As you stand in the mountain-tops of praise, I will take away the valleys of frustration and make green the plateaus of endurance."

This is more profound to me today than it was years ago when I received it. We have an all-caring God. And as we praise Him from a grateful heart, His blessings flow freely around us and fill all our days with His goodness.

All praise be unto His name!

"Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God, for He is gracious and lovely; praise is becoming and appropriate."
Psalm 147:1 Amplified Bible

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, October 18, 2015

Hope For This Day

You are a tower of hope for this day.
We will not falter nor suffer dismay.
In You we're strong, our footing well-fixed,
Stable and steady and with much faith mixed.

We need not fear, nor worry and fret.
You are our light, all fear to offset.
You are our refuge, and our God Most High.
In You we will trust and always draw nigh.

"I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I (confidently) trust!"
Psalm 91:2 Amplified Bible

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, October 17, 2015

A Wonderful Neighbor

I live in a mobile home community, and I often saw a young woman out walking dogs... sometimes one, sometimes two... and not always the same ones. Even in very cold weather she did this.

One day I had the pleasure of meeting her. I found her to be very friendly and outgoing, and I learned that she had been walking dogs for other people who needed help with that.

Then one day I saw her raking leaves... large piles of leaves, for some neighbors who were on an out-of-town trip. And one day she came and rolled my garbage can out to the street when I couldn’t do it myself. A few days later she came and brought her phone number to me, offering help with whatever I needed, saying, “I love to help. And I don’t take any pay. We’re all family.” I was so touched by this. How many neighbors would be that willing to help or make that offer?

I have since learned that this petite little lady is physically challenged. She has just one kidney, and it is not fully functioning. I was stunned! She is small in size, but her life has great impact. She has a heart of gold and is full of love and old-fashioned goodness. What an inspiration she is!

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

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, October 16, 2015

A Perfected Work Of Art

The artistry of God is exquisite, rich and rare.
All that He creates has a worth beyond compare.
His handiwork in us is beyond our comprehension.
When we seek His face, we'll have Heavenly dimension.

As we enter in we'll find beauty overflowing
And have new understanding of the riches He is sowing.
Our lives are growing works of art in which He brings perfection.
Of His loving artistry may we bring reflection.

"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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Sowing Good Seeds

By the very words we speak
We can shape the atmosphere,
Changing it from negative
To one of love and peace and cheer.

When we choose to speak in love
Our words will carry healing power
Which sows the seeds of loveliness
And blossoms as a fragrant flower.

"The tongue of the wise brings healing."
Proverbs 12:18 Amplified bible

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Heaven's Glory

We can’t begin to fathom just how glorious Heaven will be.
Our best imaginations aren’t enough to help us see.
On earth we’ve not experienced perfect harmony and peace.
Of holiness and peace with man we first must have increase.

Our life styles need a second look to fine-tune everything we do,
To seek to heal relationships and then God’s presence to pursue
Heaven is life’s most treasured prize... it truly is God’s greatest gift
To which we all should hope to rise... God’s great reward, our hopes to lift.

We don’t yet know the beauty or the sound of Heaven’s praise.
Of worshipping around the Throne with myriad voices raised.
The glorious gifts God has for us are just so many more
And beyond our comprehension, awaiting us at Heaven’s door.

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.”
Hebrews 12:15 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

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Mirrors

What is mirrored in your life?
What reflection can be seen?
Does it offer love and hope
Which others watching you can glean?

What is in you will shine forth,
Your reflection may bring light
To cut through darkness in a life...
A whole new brightness to ignite.

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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, October 12, 2015

A Healed Land

Let righteousness spring forth and resound across our land.
On our strong foundation let us rise up tall and stand.
Many voices heard in prayer can become a powerful force,
Spreading good across the land to steer us on a Godly course.

Let rejoicing in our God blow as winds across the land.
Encourage one another to rise up and pray and stand.
Pray for what is right and and persist in being heard.
Let confidence and hope be restored and truly stirred.

"Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good."
I Thessalonians 5:16-21 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, October 11, 2015

Take Joy In Him

Though dangers are many, and toil may be hard,
And everyday news our thoughts will bombard,
Remember God’s blessings and goodness to you.
Be joyful! Each day His mercies are new.

His joy is your strength... you need not “bog down”.
With peace and well-being your days He will crown.
Our God is greater than all the world’s woes.
Take time to recount the joys He bestows.

When you focus “Upward” your days will be brightened.
Perspective and outlook will also be lightened.
God’s joy keeps us balanced and helps us look up
With joy overflowing He refills our cup.

“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

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, October 10, 2015

Always Believe

God helps us to accomplish what we think we cannot do.
He takes us to new levels, giving visions to pursue.
Never quit believing you can reach a higher plane.
He will spur you on in faith, those victories to attain.

Though you do not see the way or think you are not skilled,
God will give you circumstance, new giftedness to build.
He will never let you down but always build you up
To bring you bright new blessings and with joy to fill your cup.

"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

Friday, October 09, 2015

Covered In Him

The Lord is so faithful to walk by our side
If we desire in Him to abide.
In time of need we can know He is near,
Our deepest concerns and prayers to hear.

He is our covering, a safe place to be.
He gives perspective, our pathway to see.
He is our confidence, courage and hope.
In Him our lives will have much greater scope.

"He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation."
Psalm 91:15-16 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, October 08, 2015

The Measure Of A Life

Our life will be measured by that which we give...
The wisdom we share and example we live.
Riches and trappings have little to say
When kindness and wisdom and love are just “nay”.

Purposeful blindness will shield us from “needs”,
And we will miss doing some much-needed deeds.
We need not be rich to spur others on.
We just need to carry compassion’s baton.

A word or a smile, a pat on the back,
Cheering on one whose confidence has lack...
These are examples of how we can give.
This is the measure of how we should live.

“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

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, October 07, 2015

Goodness Works Wonders

When problems arise and send up a flare,
Of retaliation and conflict beware.
Tackle the problem with kindness and "good"
To heal whatever is misunderstood.

If "feathers are ruffled" or someone is mad,
"Good" is the balancing factor to add.
When we use wisdom, as we truly should,
Then we will overcome evil with good.

"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness."
Proverbs 15:1-2 KJV

"Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."
Romans 12:21 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, October 06, 2015

Guarding Our Thoughts

An idle mind is such a waste
And with good purpose is not graced.
Productivity gets blurred
And from God's calling is deterred.

It's wise to harness every thought
And learn God's wisdom as we ought.
In Him our lives will count for much
As all our thoughts receive His touch.

"Wherefore, gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
I Peter 1:13 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, October 05, 2015

Now Is The Time

This is a wise time to “get things in place”,
To be well prepared for any new “pace”.
We do not know what tomorrow will bring.
To all of God’s leading we tightly should cling...

Paying attention to things still undone,
Finishing jobs which we have begun...
He calls us to order in all we need do.
We then can move forward without much ado.

“Now is the time” is not just a thought
But wisdom’s direction in times which are taut.
The Lord will direct us and keep us on track.
As we trust in Him, we shall not have lack.

“The Lord is my Shepherd (to feed, guide and shield me). I shall not lack. He makes me lie down in (fresh, tender) green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters. He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness (uprightness and right standing with Him - not for my earning it, but) for His name’s sake.”
Psalm 23:1-3 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, October 04, 2015

Saved By Grace

Do you know Jesus Christ as Lord?
In Him is heavenly reward...
He'll set you free from stain and sin
And give you peace and joy within.

You will have life's clear direction
When with Him you make connection.
He will save you by His grace,
And all your life will fall in place.

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God, being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."
Romans 3:23-24 KJV

"In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace."
Ephesians 1:7 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, October 03, 2015

Doors

When a door closes, and we have a void,
We must lean on God to face the unknown.
He will not leave us to dangle or fret
But bring new beginnings from seeds He has sown.

He may open doors we have not pursued
And bring about change we did not expect.
As we trust in Him, He brings new delight,
New giftings and skills in us to perfect.

"The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy and lovingkindness, O Lord, endure for ever; forsake not the works of Your own hands."
Psalm 138:8 Amplified Bible

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, October 02, 2015

Autumn's Gift Of Joy

As remnants of Summer are almost gone
And Autumn prepares us for Winter’s new dawn,
I ponder the seasons and what each will bring.
In each there is beauty about which to sing.

Autumn speaks loudly with jovial voice.
Of all the year’s goodness she will rejoice.
With color she’ll set all the landscape ablaze
And crown her own season with Thanksgiving praise.

She brings a vibrancy... her joy lifts us up,
Reminding us always... “How full is our cup!”
Sing and rejoice with Autumn’s bright song.
Be filled with her joy and come sing along.

“Rejoice in the Lord always (delight, gladden yourselves in Him); again I say, Rejoice!”
Philippians 4:4 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, October 01, 2015

Possibility

God brings possibility.
By grace He helps you move ahead,
Even when you cannot "reach"
Or may be "hanging by a thread".

Never underestimate
His lovingkindness and His power
To create a new way forward.
He'll be your refuge and your tower.

"For with God nothing is ever impossible and no word from God shall be without power or impossible of fulfillment."
Luke 1:37 Amplified Bible

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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf