Author: parasbovolos

We know the satisfying feeling

When we pull weeds at their roots,

Knowing there’s no more growth in that region

That refuses to produce good fruit.

It’s a wonderful sensation

When the entirety is removed,

To make room for greener pastures

So the landscape is improved.

But when the root system remains

We can get frustrated indeed,

As we sincerely try to remove the fragment

At its very seed.

And when they’re not entirely plucked

We know they will reappear,

So it’s necessary to dig a little deeper

So they will disappear.

Because weeds are unproductive

They sprout but aren’t required,

Causing a nuisance, if anything

And eventually thrown into the fire.

Like the tares amidst the wheat

They look identical indeed,

But the tares are a deception

And not grown from good seed.

Similarly when God uproots our sins;

Those weeds amidst our soul,

He untangles all those tentacles

That took a deep and firm stronghold.

He removes the splinters from our spirit

As we’re refreshed and are renewed,

When He plants His law upon our heart

With everything that’s true.

Because when the root system is deep

More troubles our soul can see,

When it’s ingrained in total darkness

Where the light it cannot see.

At the roots the weeds are pulled

So we’re finally set free,

And no longer soiled

When the powers of darkness flee.

But when we’re rooted and built in Him

We abound in thanksgiving,

And firmly established in the faith

That’s organic and is living.

At the roots is where the hand

Of God’s grace decides to be,

Where we flourish with the new birth

So eternal life we see.

(C) P.B. 2021

“And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees.  Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”  Matthew 3:10

“But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared.”  Matthew 13:26

“But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them.  Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, ‘First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.’”  Matthew 13:29-30

“And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”  John 3:19

“Rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.”  Colossians 2:7

“And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”  Galatians 3:29

“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

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.  I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.”  Ezekiel 36:26-27

“I am the root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.”  Revelation 22:16

They’ll only ever show you

What they want you to only see,

Where there’s a monumental cover up

That’s driven by vanity.

They will only reveal

What your ears want to hear,

With whatever tickles them

In a direction they will steer.

Their smiles are fake

Where there’s a hidden agenda too,

To promote their lies and heresy

With all they say and do.

They will definitely mislead

And they will make you go astray,

With every false doctrine

Or with any suggestions made.

They appear beautiful externally

But inside are filled with greed,

They’re white washed tombs filled with dead men’s bones

But as angels appear to be.

Because their message will appear

To be genuine indeed,

But unless we use discernment

It will plant wrong types of seed.

They are like a hireling

Not concerned for the sheep,

And focused on money and status instead

And deceive those who are asleep.

Because they’re not focused on the cross

Or the blood shed at Calvary,

They never mention sin

Or a hell for eternity.

They think they’re right with a holy God

And that they’re truly covered by grace,

But deception is their blanket

As they refuse to run the race.

They don’t speak with humility

Where there’s proof they have been broken,

But rely on charm and their prosperity

With every word that’s spoken.

False teachers are everywhere

And unless God’s word is the standard,

There will be philosophy and deceit

Where His truth is tampered.

But the true shepherd shares the gospel

And is not afraid of same,

But will lovingly warn with sincere love

So deception will not remain.

Unless repentance does take place

There are consequences for eternity,

Because true remorse will produce good fruit

That will be heard and seen.

It’s time to get right with God

As the days draw to a close,

And no more games or pretences

Because God truly sees and knows!

(C) P.B. 2021

“But all their works they do to be seen by men.”  Matthew 23:5

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!  For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.  Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.”  Matthew 23:27-28

“And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.”  2 Corinthians 11:14

“But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them.  The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep.”  John 10:12-13

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.”  2 Timothy 4:3-4

“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.”  Colossians 2:8

“Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.  And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.  But he who endures to the end shall be saved.”  Matthew 24:11

“My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.  ‘I and my Father are one.’”  John 10:29-30

Like a leaning wall and tottering fence

Is a soul that’s filled with lies;

Where deceit will pour and will be dispensed

To cast down those who will rise.

But it’s on the verge of collapse

When it’s not built on the rock;

It has no true cornerstone

And can fall with a mere knock.

A leaning wall is no comfort at all

With a shaky foundation indeed;

Unstable and unreliable

It’s like a soul that can’t be free.

Likewise is the mouth that will bless

But inwardly it will curse;

That delights in every secret lie

Where corruption it will birth.

When it slanders with the lips

And attacks in every way,

It’s like a leaning wall and tottering fence;

A soul that’s gone astray.

Like a spider’s web and a dead end route

Is the expectation of those who hate,

Like a tottering fence and a leaning wall

When envy and greed do mate.

But those who wait upon the Lord

Will not be shaken or moved,

When He’s our rock, our refuge and our defense

And where we are truly loved.

Our defense and our deliverer

Who consumes our enemies;

All those who rise against us

And our downfall hope to see.

The Lord of our salvation

Where our expectation is from Him;

Our strength and dear refuge

Who will calm our soul within.

(C) P.B. 2021

“Truly my soul silently waits for God; From Him comes my salvation.  He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.”  Psalm 62:1-2

“How long will you attack a man?  You shall be slain, all of you, like a leaning wall and a tottering fence.  They only consult to cast him down from his high position; They delight in lies; They bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly.”  Psalm 62:3-4

“My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him.”  Psalm 62:5

“Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.”  Psalm 62:8

“For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips…consume them in wrath, consume them, that they may not be; And let them know that God rules in Jacob to the ends of the earth.”  Psalm 59:12-13

“Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.  Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret – it only causes harm.”  Psalm 37:7-8

“For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.”  Psalm 37:9

“So are the paths of all who forget God; And the hope of the hypocrite shall perish, whose confidence shall be cut off, and whose trust is a spider’s web.  He leans on his house, but it does not stand. He holds it fast, but it does not endure.”  Job 8:13-15

There’s a beauty in all excellence

When it’s sincere from the heart;

Conducted with all diligence

With correct motives from the start.

We’re created to achieve much good

To be a blessing in all we do,

But sadly many times it’s obscured

When our desires are not true.

It’s the love of money and endless pursuits

That’s a stumbling block and snare,

When the focus is on mammon and status

And all the worldly cares.

It’s the covetousness and greedy spirit

Of wanting to have the best;

It’s that endless and insatiable appetite

That leaves no room for rest.

There’s no need to be jealous of others

Since this will bring unrest,

With a host of undesirable feelings

As we’re rendered disabled to do our best.

The Lord Jesus was never a showman

And his example was inspiring;

He focused on eternal treasures

And was never left desiring.

Let’s be content with all we have

As the spiritual wealth is what matters,

All else will perish on judgement day

Leaving our soul in tatters.

There’s a reason that a manger was used

To rest the King of kings,

Depicting His humble nature so pure

Where true joy and peace this brings.

Our pursuits should give the glory to God

As all things belong to Him,

As we repent sincerely and humble ourselves

So our soul is cleansed within.

(C) P.B. 2019

“But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” 1 Timothy 6:9-10

“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have.” Hebrews 13:5

“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5

“For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:10

“If there is someone great amongst you, may he be humble to acknowledge God’s strength and grace in his life, as he walks in meekness, giving God all the glory.”  PB

“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24

Have we had enough

Of the culture of the day,

That wants to dictate

As to what we think and say?

Have we had enough

Of insincere friends,

Who use and manipulate

Time and time again?

Have we had enough

Of mainstream media,

With one lie after another

And with all they do feed us?

Have we had enough

Of a corrupt society,

Where greed and control

Is mostly what we hear and see?

Have we had enough

Of the enemy of our soul,

Who comes to kill, steal and destroy

To leave an empty hole?

And have we had enough

Of all the vanity,

Where we think it gives us joy

But disappointments we do see?

Unless we’ve had enough

We’ll never know our deepest need,

That nothing can ever satisfy

Unless the Lord will intercede.

There is One

Whom we can never have enough,

With His gentleness and kindness

And abundance of pure love.

‘Come to Me all you

Who labor and are heavy laden,’

He will calm and restore our soul

To provide His pure haven.

He will never disappoint us

Because the entire fruit of the Spirit,

Overwhelms Him and consumes Him

With all the beauty that’s within it.

Only God can satisfy 

The heart that He created,

When we worship and we give Him praise

And when upon the Lord we’ve waited.

Jesus will calm our every storm

When we confess to Him our sins,

As we sincerely desire a brand new start

And a life grafted in Him.

(C) P.B. 2021

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”  Matthew 11:28-29

“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

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”  Galatians 5:22-23

“Vanity of vanities,’ said the Preacher, ‘All is vanity.’”  Ecclesiastes 12:8

“Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them.  I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure…and indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind.  There was no profit under the sun.”  Ecclesiastes 2:10-11

“Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity, for they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.”  Psalm 37:1-2

“A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful ambassador brings health.”  Proverbs 13:17

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”  1 Peter 5:8

“But those who wait on the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.”  Psalm 37:9

“Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.  Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”  Psalm 37:3-4

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  1 John 1:9

It’s the most powerful of emotions

And for a purpose it is driven;

When it’s selfless it has most impact

As it’s immovable with a mission.

When it’s untainted and unconditional

It will never seek its own,

And without a motive or a reward

Since from pure seed it’s grown.

True love will fight the battles;

It will stand against evil too,

As it exposes the hidden agendas

But as a cost – since it is true.

When we fight the good fight

It’s sometimes painful but necessary too,

Since we love what is behind us

And it’s the reason for what we do.

But when fear supersedes

And replaces faith and love,

Our weapons of warfare are surrendered

And we’ve lost the battle before it’s begun.

The pain that Jesus endured

Was excruciating and overwhelming,

But it was born from pure love

As He was never found complaining.

It must have hurt the Heavenly Father

To afflict His precious Son,

But His love was too superior

As His sacred will was done.

It’s the epitome of love that hurts

And when the vision is pure and true,

It will accomplish far more than we could ever imagine

When it’s combined with integrity too.

But when it’s used to manipulate or to hurt

It is not love at all,

Because it’s deceitful and covered with violence

That will contribute to a fall.

When love hurts

It’s the reason we fight the fight,

Knowing the battle is in the spiritual realm

Where all will be brought to light.

Only by God’s strength and through prayer

We will overcome all things,

When we stand on His promises

With the peace that it so brings.

When love hurts

It’s the reason we exist,

To sacrificially serve without a reward;

When truth and righteousness have kissed.

(C) P.B. 2021

“The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.”  G.K Chesterton

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”  Ephesians 6:12

“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness.”  Ephesians 6:14

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”  1 Timothy 6:12

“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”  Ephesians 5:15-16

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.”  Ephesians 5:11

“But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.”  Ephesians 5:13

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments.  And His commandments are not burdensome.  For whatever is born of God overcomes the world.  And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith.  Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”  1 John 5:4-5

“Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”  John 15:13

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”  2 Timothy 1:7

“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”  1 Corinthians 13:4-7

To be steadfast is to stay the same

Not quickly changing or unexpectedly;

Unwavering and determined

Where loyalty and consistency is seen.

Hardly would anyone die for a cause

Yet the Apostles they were martyred;

They were steadfast in their faith and approach

And were always Spirit led.

They knew that what they believed was solid

And authentic and so true,

With an authoritative touch 

As they were bold and courageous too.

They knew their God has integrity

And that the Scriptures are valid as well,

Surrounded by eyewitness accounts

Where authenticity does dwell.

Stephen prayed for his perpetrators

As they were stoning him,

That God would not charge them with this sin;

Stephen truly honoured the King.

Because when we love our enemies

It is the epitome of faith,

That glorifies the King of kings

As His deliverance we await.

To be steadfast is to be loyal

And firm to the very end;

Standing strong against the enemy

And where God’s promises are sent.

Theirs was a genuine faith indeed

Because their focus was Jesus Christ;

The epitome of love, truth and grace

And worthy for the fight.

They challenged false religions

And every philosophy,

When people worshipped every false God

And the truth they couldn’t see.

They’re a perfect example

Where God’s strength does dwell within,

And where all things can be done in Christ

As they run the race to win. 

When the core reason is sound

And is healthy from all perspectives,

There’s no need to fear anything

When on Christ we are reflective.

Jesus is the focal point

And when we’re steadfast and courageous,

We trust in His promised return

As we eagerly wait with anticipation.

Jesus laid down His life for us

Because greater love He did display,

As His Spirit deposits courage and grace

So we stand firm as we worship and pray.

(C) P.B. 2021

“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast.”  Hebrews 6:19

“But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.”  1 Peter 5:10

“And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, ‘Lord, Jesus, receive my spirit.’  Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not charge them with this sin.’  And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”  Acts 7:59-60

“You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked.”  2 Peter 3:17

“Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.  Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you:  God who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands.’”  Acts 17:22-23

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”  1 Corinthians 15:58

“And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight – if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.”  Colossians 1:21-23

“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.”  Colossians 2:8

“For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end.”  Hebrews 3:14

“Behold, I am coming quickly!  Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.”  Revelation 22:7

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

Infused by a brilliant mind

When a sperm and egg collide;

It’s the miracle of miracles

And such wonder we can’t undermine.

Every cell so meticulously designed

And deposited in our body;

Infused by the hand of God

Each person with a unique story.

Everything is infused with colour

And created so beautifully;

It is perfect in its design and shape

And with love has come to be.

Burst of flavours from every fruit

And all distinct in taste;

A tantalising sensation indeed

And wonderfully interlaced.

Harmonious and lovely melodies

Are infused with His divine Spirit;

They calm the soul and rejuvenate

With everything pleasant within it.

When a tea bag is infused

It reveals the contents within,

Similarly when we’re placed under pressure

Do we exhibit frustrations and sin?

When the word of God permeates

It instils in our soul qualities,

And transforms and renews our mind

So more godly we can be.

Infused with love when our spiritual birth

Does take place indeed,

When we’re born again unto salvation

By His incorruptible seed.

Soaked entirely by His mercy

When through faith repentance takes place;

Infused by His Holy Spirit

And accepted by His grace.

Infused with His forgiveness

When with a humble and contrite heart,

We acknowledge our sinful and fallen state

With the need for a brand new start.

(C) P.B. 2020

“For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalm 139:13-14

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord. The fruit of the womb is a reward.” Psalm 127:3

“and renewing of the Holy Spirit whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior.”” Titus 3:5-6

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace.” Ephesians 1:7

“having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever.” 1 Peter 1:23

Relationships are special

When the core elements are there,

It’s when love, respect and honour

Are combined with tender care.

Their trademark is servanthood

When kindness is released,

Along with faithfulness and long suffering

With an abundance of joy and peace.

They see the need in others

And are prepared to sacrifice,

With a smile upon their heart

And a soul filled with delight.

It may sound idealistic

Of what a relationship should be,

But when it possesses those character traits

True fulfilment will be seen.

It’s unfortunate that these relationships

May not actually exist,

When self-centredness and greed

Are foremost on the list.

When jealousy abounds

It will cause a separation;

An invisible wall

With many hesitations.

There are disappointments and frustrations

In many relationships,

It’s when disrespect and unwholesome words

Will flow from the lips.

Because love is an action;

Not some romantic fantasy,

It is long-suffering and it is kind

Where true faithfulness we see.

There is one relationship

That cannot be surpassed,

It’s when Jesus becomes our Lord and Savior

To sanctify and to set apart.

This relationship will never disappoint

Because the Holy Spirit’s love and care,

Will embrace us and make us grow;

It is precious and it’s rare.

It’s the most fulfilling of them all

Because the warmth inside our soul,

Will not compare to any other

As it seals that empty hole.

When we truly walk by faith

And trust God wholeheartedly,

Our hope is everlasting

With spiritual riches we do see.

It reconciles us to the Father

As it redeems us and it heals;

This relationship is sacred

Where the Father’s mercy is revealed.

(C) P.B. 2021

“Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord.  Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; thought they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”  Isaiah 1:18

“For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is His name; And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel; He is called the God of the whole earth.”  Isaiah 54:5

“My heart is overflowing with a good theme; I recite my composition concerning the King; My tongue is the pen of a ready writer.”  Psalm 45:1

“For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but My kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord, who has mercy on you.”  Isaiah 54:10

“Incline your ear, and come to Me.  Hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you – The sure mercies of David.”  Isaiah 55:3

“Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.”  Isaiah 55:6

“Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.  And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”  Ecclesiastes 4:12

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”  Proverbs 17:17

“As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”  Proverbs 27:17

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”  Galatians 5:22

“Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”  Matthew 7:12

“Sanctify them by Your truth.  Your word is truth.”  John 17:17

“I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.”  John 17:23

When David was a shepherd boy

He would never have envisioned,

That he would one day become King of Israel

And to have a special mission.

He would never have foreseen

That his poetic literature,

Would be read by billions of souls

From countries from afar.

It was never on his mind

That the beautiful psalms he penned,

Would be included in many worship songs

With the blessings they would send.

Samuel the prophet waited for David

Although in the lineup he wasn’t included,

And when he arrived Samuel instantly knew

That David’s brothers would be excluded.

It was the Heavenly Father’s grandiose plan

To use a humble shepherd boy,

To reveal God’s glory and majestic ways

When as king – David was employed.

Moses was a shepherd boy

For forty years with his sheep,

In monotonous and repetitive ways

But his faithfulness he reaped.

He was chosen for a task to lead

The Israelites into the Promised Land,

To be a leader of God’s chosen ones

To see their deliverance by God’s hand.

It was training ground during these quiet times

With moments to reflect,

On God’s natural beauty and His wonder

Where His provision they wouldn’t forget.

The humble manger was tenderly used

To cradle the King of kings,

Surrounded by cattle and the twinkling stars

Since there was no room in the inn.

The Father had plans of greatness

For His humble Son – the Christ,

As He was used mightily to serve indeed

And to reveal God’s wondrous light.

He was the greatest man that ever existed

Yet He was nailed to a cross,

T’was the Father’s vision – poignant and profound

So His creation would not be lost.

There is greatness in humility

As it allows the many opportunities,

To reflect on God’s wonder and His majesty

When His creation we truly see.

There is greatness in simplicity

Particularly when we’re faithful and true,

Because it’s training ground for bigger things

Knowing God sees all we do.

So next time we feel insignificant

Let’s take these examples to see,

That God always uses the humble ones

So His plans are established indeed!

(C) P.B. 2021

“Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel.  And Samuel said to Jesse, ‘The Lord has not chosen these.’” 1 Samuel 16:10

“There remains yet the youngest, and there he is, keeping the sheep.  And Samuel said to Jesse, ‘Send and bring him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.’  So he sent and brought him in.  Now he was ruddy, with bright eyes, and good-looking.  And the Lord said, ‘Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!.’”  1 Samuel 16:11-12

“So I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and large land, to a land flowing with milk and honey.”  Exodus 3:8

“But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?’  So He said, ‘I will certainly be with you.’”  Exodus 3:11-12

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a Son and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, ‘God with us.’”  Matthew 1:23

‘And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”  Luke 2:7

“…but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.”  Matthew 20:26

“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”  John 10:14

“I have glorified You on the earth.  I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.  And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.”  John 17:4-5

“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 the lord.’”  Matthew 25:21