Author: parasbovolos

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A FREE GIFT

It’s a gift and it is priceless;
The best one we could receive;
One that unwraps eternal life
When God’s heart did intercede.

We wouldn’t want to miss it –
Not for the world, at all;
It’s too precious to surrender
And too worthy of a call.

It is something we could never give
Since we are not qualified,
Only stain-free, spotless Jesus
Was pure and sacred in God’s eyes.

He was perfect in all His ways
And an example for us to see,
That His sacrifice was a dear gift
That forgives and sets us free.

Why would we want to miss it –
Since an exchange it did take place,
And the price was paid in full
So God’s wrath we do not face.

To reject it will speak volumes
Of how we choose to be,
And the condition of our soul
And where the light it will not see.

The gift is free – receive it;
It’s not too late whilst we have breath;
It’s the richest form and presence
And certainly one we won’t regret!

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights…”. James 1:17

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.”
Ephesians 2:8

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TAKE UP OUR CROSS -v-PICK UP OUR TOOTHPICK

When the ear is dull of hearing
And self consumed with our own ways,
The word of God is compromised
Where deception may remain.

It took three nails and a cross
To crucify our evil deeds;
To remove the tares of doubt
And all wicked types of seeds.

To take up our cross
Requires sweat and humility,
As opposed to picking up a toothpick
Where light labor may be seen.

The toothpick clears debris
From leftovers in the teeth,
But the cross ensures victory
That is wholesome and complete.

The toothpick is like a splinter –
May be sore but once removed,
We’re back to our old ways
Where not much has been improved.

The toothpick is consumed
Where celebrations do exist,
But the cross requires sacrifice
And reconciliation in our midst.

And the cross demands a change;
It commands that we forgive,
And to confront the situations;
To choose life so we may live.

When Jesus carried His cross
It was for us – God’s enemies,
To reconcile us to the Father
So eternal life we see.

We have two pieces from wood
But so different in many ways,
Let’s ensure the cross is taken
Where God’s mercy will remain.

“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24

“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14-15

“For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:25-26

“For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” Romans 5:10

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FROM NOISE TO POISE

Many distractions will dictate
But we make the choice each day,
To choose peace instead of noise
In the smallest types of ways.

We reduce the loudest noise
Or the voices that condemn,
And tune in to God’s instruction
Where serenity will stem.

We remove the negativity
That the mainstream will present,
And choose to trust in God instead
With the promises He sent.

There’s a process that transpires
When a surrender will take place,
When the voices do subside
And where His blessings we do face.

And there’s peace within the noise
When the soul learns to be still,
When the heart it will be anchored
And where forgiveness is instilled.

Temporary is the approval
And validation from mankind,
But the gentle loving kindness
From God’s voice it will refine.

From the noise to much poise
Where transformation will occur,
When God’s Spirit with His grace
And His voice is clearly heard.

Because the noise it will confuse
And bring frustrations along the way,
But the rivers of living water
Will ensure that peace remains.

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

“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” Psalm 27:1

“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” John 7:38

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:15

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105

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IF WE THINK…

Our thought life is imperative
If we’re to produce any type of fruit,
Where love, joy and peace will reign –
With reverence for God’s truth.

God’s word is filled with clarity;
An example of how to be;
Most importantly how not to live
And where Jesus sets us free.

If we think we cannot be deceived
Then pride will have its way,
Because it’s only through humility
That God’s mercy will remain.

If we think we are superior
Much arrogance our soul will wear,
With pretences and all things fake
And no genuine of care.

If we think that we are useless
It’s a lie through and through,
Because we’re created in God’s image
To make a difference that is true.

If we think just like the crowd
Along the broad and wider gate,
There may come a time in life
Where it may just be too late!

Because the heart does become harder
With negativity or hate,
When our old nature is not crucified –
Remaining in that state.

If we believe in evolution
And we strongly think this way,
Then there’s a fearful expectation
When our soul departs one day.

But if our mind and heart is steadfast
On the true and living One,
He is our refuge and strong tower
Where all trials we overcome.

“God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

“The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2

“For thus says the LORD God: ‘Indeed, I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out.’”
Ezekiel 34:11

“For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” Romans 8:13

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THE JOY OF THE LORD IS OUR STRENGTH

How precious and so honourable
When the Lord’s presence it abounds;
Where love and peace it is combined
With a heart and mind that’s sound.

The joy of the Lord is our strength
As it echoes in our soul;
It endures as we overcome
With a power to behold.

And this joy surpasses happiness
Because it rings so deep within,
As a reminder that God is with us
And delivers us from sin.

He will never leave us
As He’s entrenched inside our heart,
And His Spirit it will guide us
So we are truly set apart.

The joy of the Lord is our strength
And will last for all eternity,
As our trials they are fleeting –
And God’s face we yearn to see.

Our strength it comes from God
And it’s by His grace and mercy too,
That His kindness and His goodness
Reveals a love that’s pure and true.

“Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands!” Psalm 100:1

“You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11

“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy.” 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20

“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” Matthew 25:21

“My brethren, count it all joy, when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience,” James 1:2-3

“But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves.” John 17:13

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JUST BLOOM

A rose will not compete
With a Lily or Daffodil,
Since its beauty is unique
With a role it will fulfil.

They’re all created with tender care
Emanating from God’s touch,
With a uniqueness that’s divine
And adored so very much!

The colours represent them well
With clarity and vibrancy –
They will bloom where they are planted
And so wonderful to see.

When we blossom in our phases;
Whether it’s in joy or suffering,
There’s a growth that is unparalleled
With a blessing that is seen.

Because to bloom we simply are
Grafted into the pure vine,
Where the sunshine and the rain
Will ensure we do shine.

Our trials have an expiry date
Where the burden is blown away;
When we are grounded in God’s promises
And are steadfast when we pray.

Just bloom where you are planted
And receive the nourishment,
From the One who waters the seed
When from our core we do repent.

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

“Having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, because all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the word of the LORD endures forever.” 1 Peter 1:23-25

“And the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose; It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice,” Isaiah 35:1-2

“So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” Matthew 6:28-29

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

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TOO MANY VOICES AND OPINIONS

The solution is always simple
Because it was never meant to be
A web of utter confusion
Where inconsistencies are seen.

Too many voices and opinions –
The outcome it may force,
But where uncertainty is present
And half-heartedness is endorsed.

When we ask God for the answer
It’s His still and calming voice,
That will speak in truth and clarity
So we make the correct choice.

It’s in the forest of our heart
Where the silence it will speak,
And His Word will be obeyed
When with integrity we seek.

Too many voices drain the soul
Where opinions are too bold,
And not verified or factual
Or where lies are bought and sold.

Because our soul it thirsts for truth
When the search for God is real,
Where decisions are made with wisdom
And not based on how we feel.

Too many voices and opinions
Are not necessary at all,
If we desire peace to reign within
And clearly hear when God calls.

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

“For God is not the author of confusion but of peace…” 1 Corinthians 14:33

“Buy the truth and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding.” Proverbs 23:23

“And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” John 7:38

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

“Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.’ Hebrews 3:15

“…and they will hear My voice, and there will be one flock and one shepherd.” John 10:16

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AS A FATHER…

There’s a burden in a father’s heart
To protect his offspring well;
To provide and to encourage
So in safety they will dwell.

As a father loves his children
Our Heavenly Father loves His own;
Those who believe and trust in Him;
Who know they’re not alone.

A father who pities his children
Their challenges will understand;
The heartaches and insecurities…
The mass confusion and demands.

The Lord pities those who fear Him
With compassion and mercy too,
And understands our frailty
In everything we do.

He understands our sufferings
And the weariness within,
He promises to give us strength
To overcome our sin.

Just like a vapour we exist
Before we’re swept away,
So it’s wise to show our gratitude
That engulfs our every day.

A father who knows The Father,
In truth will guide and lead,
With kindness and generosity
Where hungry souls he’ll feed.

As a father protects his own
Our dear Heavenly One will do,
But in a way that will protect our heart
So we discern what’s false or true.

“As a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.” Psalm 103:13-14

“As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes. For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.” Psalm 103:15-16

“But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him.” Psalm 103:17

“For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting, and urging you to live lives worthy of God.” 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him.” Psalm 127:3

“My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those He loves, as a father the son He delights in.” Proverbs 3:11-12

“In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.” Proverbs 14:26

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WHERE OUR TREASURE IS

When the treasure in our heart
Is to see God glorified,
There are rivers of living water
Where peace and joy will satisfy.

When we wish our neighbour well
And never hope for any harm,
God’s blessings they are numerous
Extending from His arm.

And the truth will always hurt
But when it’s expressed with gentle care,
It sets free from all delusions
When God’s Spirit it is there.

The treasure in one’s heart
Will always be revealed,
And when courage kisses kindness
It’s when the soul begins to heal.

When we focus on fleeting treasures
And where mammon takes the throne,
That God-shaped hole remains intact
With a fearful undertone.

And when the treasure it is stolen
It is deceptive through and through,
Covered with cobwebs and all darkness
When our words they are not true.

Because the treasure it is priceless
When the heart it is renewed,
Giving Christ the rightful honour –
And where motives they are true.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21

“You cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24

“Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.” Psalm 143:10

“Owe no-one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law…’You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ Love does no harm to a neighbour; therefore love is the fulfilment of the law.” Romans 13:8-10

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

“And be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:24

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

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THE LAST TIME

There will be a last time
When our glances they will meet;
When hands are clasped together
With a touch that is so sweet.

There’s a last time that we share –
The beauty that abounds,
Where the smiles and the laughter
Become a memory that’s found.

There is a final moment
If we get to say goodbye,
Before our breath is taken
When that time will come to die.

And many times we take for granted
Experiences we do share,
Thinking that they’ll last forever…
Until they are not there.

There’s a last time for everything
And we never really know,
So let’s treasure our encounters –
Before it’s time to go.

Because the last time will come;
It’s just a matter of how and when;
Let’s forgive and live in peace;
Be restored and make amends.

Just like a thief it comes
When the last time it will be;
Let’s ensure we’re forgiven
When our Saviour’s face we see.

“Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” James 4:14

“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Matthew 6:14-15

“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.”
Colossians 1:13-14

“All flesh is as grass and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the word of the LORD endures forever.”
1 Peter 1:24