Friday, April 29, 2011

Learning To Rest

Learning to "rest" is not quickly learned.
Experience will tell us it slowly is earned.
"Resting" is all about learning to trust,
For God's perfect timing we cannot adjust.

Oh, what sweet blessing to rest in His peace
And feel anxiety's misery cease.
God brings tranquility... this is the place
Where we can relax and learn of His pace.

We are not meant to stand all alone
And manage our struggles and fears on our own.
To lean on our God and be wrapped in His peace
Is Heaven's sweet gift to bring us release.

"Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him..."
Psalm 37:7 KJV

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, April 28, 2011

No Condemnation

The enemy seeks to rob and destroy.
Condemnation is his favorite ploy.
All the time he calls us names.
With our well-being he plays games.

We need not listen to his "noise"
Or let him rob from us our poise.
Jesus offers us His peace,
Which will offset the devil's fleece.

When Jesus takes away our sin
He cleanses us from all chagrin.
Rejoice in new-found confidence.
The Lord Himself is our defense!

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
Romans 8:1 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

I Shall Not Want

Does God hear when we call out to Him? Does He know our needs? The answer to this is a resounding "YES"!

A friend of mine, after paying her taxes, did not have enough money left to pay some of her smaller bills. She prayed and asked the Lord to help her find a way to pay them.

Later that day she visited a thrift store in search of a picture frame. She found a nice one and bought it to use for a photo she wanted to mount. When she got home she started to remove the "velvet" backing on it so she could insert the photo, and she found an envelope tucked in behind the backing. She opened the envelope and found $71.00 inside.

God had answered her prayer in a very unexpected way! He is so faithful to us... and cares so much!

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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

New Every Morning

The blessings of God for me and for you
Are as refreshing as soft, morning dew.
His love and mercy are new ev'ry morn,
Ready to heal "the weary and worn".

He pours out goodness in plenteous supply,
More than enough to meet every sigh.
He is not broke when worldly goods fail.
He is the answer whenever we ail.

If you are down, in Him there is hope.
He will bring gladness to help you to cope.
Remember His goodness and know He is able
To raise you up strong and make your path stable.

"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God."

"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. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him."
Lamentations 3:22-24 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, April 25, 2011

Wisdom And Understanding

If a man should hear a word which is good
And not act upon it as he really should,
He makes no gain, for the impact is lost.
He has not grown, for which there is cost

When understanding has raised up it's voice,
Rejecting it's wisdom is not a good choice.
Wisdom and truth pave a path which is right.
Following there will bring increase of light.

Our God is faithful man's footsteps to guide,
But man must lay down his plans and his pride.
Choosing to hear and choosing to learn
Much understanding and wisdom will earn.

"Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee."
Proverbs 4:5-6 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Easter Morn

Oh, that glorious Easter morn
When Jesus triumphed o'er the grave!
He arose in victory
O'er sin and death our souls to save!

What a Savior! What a Friend!
The awesome sacrifice He made
Has covered all our sin and error.
Our sin-debt has been fully paid!

The joy we have in Jesus Christ
All Heav'n and earth will ne'er contain.
As King of Kings and Lord of Lords
Through eternity He'll reign!

"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

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Saved By Grace

Every knee shall bow before Him,
Every tongue confess His name...
Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Let all men His love proclaim!

No one else could die for us
And cleanse us from sin's ugly stain.
Out of His great love for us
His sacrifice became our gain.

Bow in reverence, give Him laud,
Jesus Christ, the Son of God...
He Who saved us by His grace.
Our lives are sealed in His embrace.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."
Ephesians 2:8 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, April 22, 2011

A Season Of Promise

A season of promise, a season of hope,
A season of breathtaking, heavenly scope!
Christ broke the barriers and opened the door
To eternity's glory with Him evermore.

Jesus became the path and the key
By His blood outpoured on Calvary's tree.
He made provision that none should be lost.
By His sacrifice He paid for sin's cost.

This is God's promise of hope for this day.
Eternity's welcome in front of us lay.
We have all reason to sing and rejoice,
To lift up high praise with most jubilant voice!

"And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world."
I John 2:2 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwqrtzkopf

Thursday, April 21, 2011

An Answer Today

If you carry scars and have been betrayed,
The price for your pain has already been paid.
The wounds which you suffered were borne on the cross
So you might be healed from your pain and your loss.

God's great compassion for you and for me
Moved Him to offer His Son on the tree.
The blood that was shed brought redemption from sin
And healing from illness or wounding within.

The cross offers help for your problems today
As a sweet healing balm... God's love to convey.
How great is our God, Who opened His heart,
His great lovingkindness and joy to impart.

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's."
Psalm 103:2-5 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

In Remembrance Of The Cross

It's good to have remembrance
Of the cross and He Who died,
Who gave His life that we with Him
Forever might abide.

The cross for Him was heavy,
And the road He trod was long
As He became redemptiion
For our sin and for our wrong.

It's good to bow in reverence
And contemplate the cross,
To realize how great His love
So we would not have loss.

Blessed Savior of Mankind,
We offer sweet oblation
Of glory, laud and honor
To express our adoration.

"Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever."
Psalm 145:2 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Peace In The Storm

How will we keep balance
In a topsy-turvy world?
How do we have peace
When fiery darts at us are hurled?

Burdens which we carry,
And an overload of stress,
Combine to make us weary...
These are cares we must address.

If we have Salvation
And are covered by Christ's blood,
We can walk in perfect peace
Through fire-storm and flood.

When we lay our burdens down
The Lord will give us rest.
We will find tranquility
Through every trial and test.

"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee: and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord, thy God, the Holy One of Israel, the Saviour."
Isaiah 43:2-3 KJV

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, April 18, 2011

More Than Enough

They who give the Lord full sway
Will never falter in their way.
Blessings which they cannot buy
To all their footsteps will draw nigh...

Lots of laughter, lots of cheer,
Free from bondage, free from fear,
Lots of wisdom, lots of hope
To offset error and give them scope.

Benefits from Heaven's store
Are like a mighty reservoir.
Never will God's "wealth" run dry.
His love and kindness satisfy.

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits."
Psalm 103:2 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Bless The Little Children

Our children are God's gentle folks
Who grow to be majestic oaks.
Children nurtured in the Lord
Will bring their parents blessed reward.

Oh, how beautiful to see
A little child's simplicity.
They are filled with life and light
And cause our lives to be so bright.

Let their eyes be trained on You
And every day learn something new,
Growing in Your strength and light
And learning of Your power and might.

"But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 19:14 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Light For Others

Let all my actions bring glory to You, God.
Let those who may watch know this isn't "facade".
Help me be "real"... transparent clear through,
That always my life will draw others to You.

Help me be strong when others are weak.
Let me bring light to lives that are bleak.
For loving and caring will bring Your sweet touch
To those who are lost and need You so much.

I want to shine where there is no light
And cause others' lives to be cheery and bright.
In You I can be a beacon of hope...
To others the door of salvation to ope.

"How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!"
Romans 10:15 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, April 15, 2011

Keeping Our Anchor Strong

My living room has a cathedral ceiling with two large skylights and a combination ceiling fan/light fixture, which is mounted between the skylights. Around each skylight is a heavy, wood frame. Over time the vibration of the fan caused one of the wood frames to loosen up, and it was hanging loose on three sides, ready to fall. The nails holding the frame were too short and needed to be replaced by longer nails.

As I watched this being repaired, something began to stir in my spirit. This was a picture of what can happen to us in our relationship with the Lord. The everyday wear and tear of life (the subtle, small shakings) can begin to loosen our anchor points in Him without our really being aware. Yesterday's "points of anchor" may not be sufficient to hold up the weight of today's demands or tomorrow's challenges. What seemed to be a household repair suddenly became a call to awareness.

- What are we doing to strengthen our anchor points in Him? Have we even checked them lately?
- Is the amount of time we spend in the Word, in prayer and in quiet times with Him equal to present and future situations?
- As pressures and demands increase, so even more must our time with Him increase.
- Do we trust Him to make the repairs we need? (Ouch! Sometimes repairs are painful and we know they may be painful, so we procrastinate in addressing the issues.)
- Are we willing to be "updated" - made ready for service? (Will we rearrange our priorities so that He may prepare us?)

In the days to come the safest place to be will be in the hands of the Master Carpenter. He is trying to get our attention. He wants to strengthen, guide and encourage us. He is able to rebuild, repair, restore, and renew.

"The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me."
Psalm 138:8 KJV

www.keys2music.com

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Wisdom's Riches

A dwelling filled with wisdom
Is a dwelling rich in treasure.
The grace and goodness of our Lord
Becomes it's daily measure.

Wisdom's gift will heal and bless,
Refreshing all who dwell within,
Covering with peace and joy
Against life's "noise" and daily din.

Wisdom holds life's "answer store",
Is always willing to share more.
Help us, Lord, to comprehend
How much Your wisdom is our friend.

"There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise,,,"
Proverbs 21:20 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Healing Balm

Busyness can rob our peace.
Hurriedness makes calmness cease.
As folks get caught up in this,
Things of import they will miss.

If our schedules keep us busy,
All worn out and "in a tizzy",
How will we hear wisdom's voice?
It's time to make a better choice!

Times of stillness, peace and calm
Before the Lord are healing balm.
He will help us see HIS view
Of just how much we need to do.

"Seek peace, and pursue it."
Psalm 34:14 KJV

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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

A Touch Of Caring

Will you be a friendly voice
To help a lonely soul rejoice...
Loneliness is hard to bear
And needs some friendship and some prayer.

Lonely souls don't often laugh,
So lend some joy in their behalf.
Hidden treasure may be there,
Of which you maybe weren't aware.

Just a touch of caring matters
And "the blues" will quickly scatter.
You may make a treasured friend
Who, to YOU, much joy would send.

"A friend loveth at all times..."
Proverbs 17:17 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, April 11, 2011

Precious Peace

Peace of mind is a precious commodity,
But folks with much stress may think it an oddity.
Peace is a fruit of the Spirit of God,
Not just a thought or a pleasant facade.

Much to be sought after, studied and found,
Peace is God's gift to those who are bound
By lifestyles of conflict and unneeded stress...
To lift them above life's daily duress.

Listening to God we learn to be still,
To lay down our weights and discover His will.
Stress falls away and problems decrease,
And there in His presence we find His deep peace.

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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Gossips And Grubworms

Gossips are like grubworms
That live down in the dirt
And look for "roots" to chew upon.
For gossips, be alert!

"Grubworms" like to chew and chew.
Beware that they not chew on you!
What they do is undetected
Till a plant is sore affected.

The gossip thrives on others' news
And like the grubworm chews and chews.
When gossips from the truth meander
Sometimes gossip becomes slander.

Gossip is a friendship-spoiler,
Of peace... a robber and a foiler.
Wisdom says to not tell much
To those inclined toward "news" and such.

"The words of a whisperer or slanderer are like dainty morsels or words of sport (to some, but to others are like deadly wounds); and they go down into the innermost parts of the body (or of the victim's nature)."
Proverbs 26:22 Amplified Bible

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf