IN OTHER WAYS…

Do we sometimes feel forgotten
Or overlooked as well,
Perhaps not loved for all we do
Or where discouragement does dwell?

Leah felt rejected
Since Jacob’s affection was elsewhere,
And the loneliness and solitude
Was at times too much to bear.

But it was in these darkest moments
The Lord’s hand was planting seed,
When Leah’s lineage produced a harvest
Where God’s heart did intercede.

When we feel insignificant;
Omitted or neglected too,
It’s in these humble moments
That God does what He can only do.

It is in other ways…
And behind the scenes as well,
Where faithfulness has its reward
When truth we buy and do not sell.

Because faith will yield dividends
When we trust He’s in control,
And all things work out for our good
With a richer story to be told.

Leah was blessed in other ways
With an everlasting legacy,
Where the treasures of her inheritance
Echoes into eternity.

Job refused to curse Almighty
And in long-suffering did trust;
He was restored tenfold indeed
Where his legacy did last.

If we remain steadfast
In the mundane routine of ways,
God honours this humility
Where His glory will remain.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

“When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren.” Genesis 29:31

“So Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben; for she said, ‘The LORD has surely looked on my affliction. Now therefore, my husband will love me.’” Genesis 29:32

“Now the LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning…in all the land were found no women so beautiful as the daughters of Job; and their father gave them an inheritance among their brothers.” Job 42:12-15

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

THERE WILL NEVER BE…

There will never be another you
Since you’re unique in every way,
With distinct characteristics
And with a blueprint that remains.

There can never be a different past
Since what’s done is not erased,
But the future path can now be written
With a renewed mind that’s sustained.

There will never be another Jesus
Never can be nor ever will,
Because His unique mission was accomplished
When God’s redemption was fulfilled.

There will never be a better time
To get right with God Almighty,
Since today is the day of salvation
And should not be taken lightly.

Because tomorrow is not guaranteed
And for granted should not be taken,
Since it’s in the blink of an eye the soul departs
When from the body it’s forsaken.

There will never be another chance
Once death knocks on our door,
Since it’s in the land of the living
That we’re pardoned and restored.

And there will never be a better day
Than when we see Christ face to face,
When He’s embedded in our heart and soul
With His forgiveness interlaced.

“And it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgement, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many.” Hebrews 9:27-28

“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

“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2

“And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses…” Colossians 2:13

“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:2-3

CREATION

If creation isn’t true
Then we must sincerely ask,
Many questions of what we have been taught –
Of our future and the past.

The soul is wired to create;
Piece by piece it will construct,
To blend a tapestry of beauty…
Our genesis is birthed from dust.

We love to create
Where splash of colours come alive,
Seamlessly and effortlessly;
A gift and talent so inspired.

We create skyscrapers to touch the sky
And yachts the sea they occupy,
Our creative brilliance is revealed
With potential far and wide.

We create patterns of thought
Shaped from our circumstances;
We philosophize our experiences
Erecting strongholds with firm stances.

But love will deconstruct
All faulty thoughts set in concrete;
It softens edges sharp and rough
Where tenderness and beauty meet.

Love creates beauty –
One fine moment at a time;
It focuses on quality
With a simplicity that will refine.

If God’s creation isn’t true
Then the light would fade within,
Where hope and faith no longer shine
And where love will never win.

Because creation paints a story
One of redemption, hope and peace,
Where the foundation of love is paramount
And where the heart of Jesus we clearly see.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1

“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:27

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

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

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

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

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

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

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