Author: parasbovolos

A tree is never barren

Although it may shed its leaves,

Because the season that it enters

Is preparation for all to see.

As the leaves tumble to the ground

They’re still beautiful to behold,

With majestic colours that they contain

Namely, Sienna, Brown and Gold.

Although the twigs and branches

Are exposed for all to see,

They create a beautiful landscape

Since unique is every tree.

A tree is known by its fruit

And the succulence of same,

As it produces the quality from within

When in good soil it remains.

Our lives may appear barren

And our leaves are no longer there,

But it’s an open canvas for new beginnings

In God’s tender love and care.

The tree in the midst of Winter

Stands solid, tall and strong;

It waves its branches as it sways

With roots so deep and long.

But it begins to really flourish

When the season turns to Spring,

Along with every pure and tender bud

And hope that it does bring.

In the midst of Summer

It provides comfort and shade,

With a refreshing and delightful peace

When its cover does remain.

The winds of life may shake us

But when the roots are very deep,

No storm, or hail or hurricane

Our downfall it will seek.

But when the tree is bad

And its period of grace has expired,

It is cursed and good for nothing

And no longer to be admired.

But the tree that’s planted by the water

And is nourished and prolific too,

Will continue to produce good fruit

That is genuine and true.

(C) P.B. 2021

“He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.”  Psalm 1:3

“You will know them by their fruits…Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.”  Matthew 7:16-17

“And seeing from afar a fig tree having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He would find something on it.  When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs.  In response Jesus said to it, ‘Let no one eat fruit from you ever again.’”  Mark 11:13-14

“Look at the fig tree and all the trees.  When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near.  So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near.”  Luke 21:29-31

A million reasons is not enough

To express our love to You,

Since You’re infinite with timeless value

And brilliant in all You do.

A million thanks cannot express

Our gratitude towards You,

When this feeble heart and soul of ours

Is inconsistent and fickle too.

If millions of stars could align themselves

To spell Your brilliance and majesty,

There still wouldn’t be enough

To span into eternity.

A million miles still falls short

If we were to travel to find You,

Since it’s the distance between our mind and heart

That will determine what is true.

A million friends can never fill

The void inside our soul,

Because it’s only You, the one true God

That can satisfy that hole.

A million dollars will not fulfil

Our temptations and desires too,

Because monetary value simply cannot buy 

The spiritual riches so true.

A million thanks will not suffice

Because You’re more worthy of same,

But at times it’s the best we can do

When our weakness it remains.

There’s still a million reasons 

For You to reject us all,

But Your tender grace and mercy

Forgives us when our name You call.

You’re our strong and mighty fortress

With millions of reasons to celebrate,

When our heart and soul is transformed within

And laden with love instead of hate.

There’s millions of reasons to thank You Lord

For the love You poured on us,

When You gave Your gift – Your only Son

That You loved so very much.

But it expresses Your grand love

And for this a million reasons will suffice,

Of our gratitude and thankful heart

Towards Jesus’ sacrifice.

(C) P.B. 2021

“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

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!  For His mercy endures forever.”  1 Chronicles 16:34

“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”  Ephesians 4:4-6

Abstract ideas are not material

As they are theoretical,

But they identify and understand

With moral dimensions that are practical.

Like logic which is abstract

And conceptual but true;

Is our identity in Jesus Christ

When our nature is renewed.

An invisible concept

But manifested outwardly,

Is faith when it’s administered

And acted upon accordingly.

God’s attributes are invisible

But so clearly we can see,

His hand in all creation

And how it all has come to be.

Love is an emotion

It is true but out of sight,

But felt by the heart and is in our actions

As it manifests God’s light.

Invisible are our emotions

And our intellect as well,

But they’re evident and based on reality

Since in our soul they dwell.

God is invisible

But He’s real as the air we breath;

Like the wind that gently strokes our skin

When the eyes of our heart believe.

(C) P.B. 2021

“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made…”. Romans 1:20

“O Lord my God, You are very great:  You are clothed with honour and majesty, Who cover Yourself with light as with a garment, Who stretch out the heavens like a curtain.”  Psalm 104:1-2

“You who laid the foundation of the earth, so that it should not be moved forever, You covered it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains..”  Psalm 104:5-6

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”  Hebrews 11:1

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”  Hebrews 11:6

“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love 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 13:4-6

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.  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 3:1-3

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”  Romans 8:1

If the gospel doesn’t offend us

Then the wrong Jesus they do teach,

As He brings a sword instead of peace

And repentance He does preach.

Hence He was crucified

As popular His message was not,

But the truth will always pierce

To remove debris and rot.

Granted He is loving

And granted He is kind,

But He came to deliver us

So we leave our old nature behind.

We prefer to dwell in sin

As it suits our carnal nature,

Whilst to not appear judgemental

But this contradicts God’s stature.

When judgement has its purpose;

To not condemn but to discern,

It’s to understand right from wrong

When God’s commandments we do learn.

Deliverance is mandatory

Since we all fall very short,

Of God’s glory and His purity

Where false doctrines we’ve been taught.

God’s love is pure and sweet

As it draws us near to Him,

As we acknowledge our reality

And a Savior for our sin.

He is a rock of offense

But this Rock we truly need,

To build a foundation of pure faith and trust

As God leads and intercedes.

This rock shatters pride

And brings stubborn traits to rubble,

To break down in order to raise us up;

To eliminate mountains of trouble.

A rock of offense

But so solid and faithful too,

That takes our yoke and heaviness

As we’re changed and are renewed.

(C) P.B. 2021

“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth.  I did not come to bring peace but a sword.”  Matthew 10:34

“From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’”  Matthew 4:17

“Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offence, and whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”  Romans 9:33

“Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, ‘The stone which the builders rejected has become our chief cornerstone, and a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.”’  1 Peter 2:7-8

“Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.”  Romans 6:6

“Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house..”  1 Peter 2:4-5

“For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness…”. 1 Corinthians 1:22-23

“And have put on the new man with his deeds, renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.”  Colossians 3:10

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”  Romans 3:23-24

“Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe Your commandments.”  Psalm 119:66

“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.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30

Before the foundation of the world

His beloved were found in Him;

Those chosen unto eternal life

And delivered from their sin.

In Him they have redemption

Through His precious sacrifice;

Through the blood that was shed on the cross

Where forgiveness and grace sufficed.

In Him is obtained an inheritance

Who works all things for His purpose,

According to His sovereign will

So His glory will shine and surface.

In Him they also trusted

When the word of truth was heard;

The gospel of salvation

With the promise in His word.

In Him is eternal life

With rivers of flowing water,

Where they never will thirst again;

His adopted sons and daughters.

In Him is the guarantee

When with the Holy Spirit they’re sealed,

Once they repent and are baptised

And through Him are spiritually healed.

In Him is life abundant

When they’re grafted in His vine,

And are nourished with truth and righteousness

Where at His wedding feast they’ll dine.

In Him they are grounded;

Once lost but now they’re found,

And rooted in wisdom and prudence

Where blessings they abound.

(C) P.B. 2021

“Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.”  Ephesians 1:4-6

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence..”  Ephesians 1:7-8

“In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.”  Ephesians 1:11-12

“In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.”  Ephesians 1:13-14

It’s a true and known fact

That the world’s bestseller,

Is God’s word the Holy Bible

And to us it’s His love letter.

Written over a span of 1600 years

And across 3 continents,

By over 40 authors in 3 languages

And by God inspired and sent.

It is Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth;

Portraying the beauty of His love,

With a plan to send the Messiah

To reconcile us to God above.

It’s transformational indeed

And will change our heart and soul,

Through His grace and sincere mercy

And His pure love behold!

It’s the world’s bestseller

And forever will always be,

Because it’s the only book that can save our soul

Where God’s eternity we can see.

It’s awe inspiring and convicting

But those words we sincerely need,

To give us peace as we learn to love genuinely

Where our spiritual nature it feeds.

It will never be surpassed

As God’s sovereignty remains,

And for those who desire truth

Will be inspired by His ways.

It’s pure and unadulterated

And will change our soul within,

As it pierces to the division of soul and spirit

And convicts us of our sin.

But the good news remains

That when we sincerely repent,

And understand our position before a holy God

It’s a decision we won’t regret.

When Jesus sits in the centre of our heart

His wisdom will prevail,

As we’re instructed in truth and righteousness

With peace that this entails.

Thank God for Jesus Christ

Who died for our sins,

And rose again to victory

To save our soul within.

(C) P.B. 2021

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  2 Timothy 3:16-17

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”  Hebrews 4:12-13

“And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, where they crucified Him, and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the centre.”  John 19:17-18

“He is not here, but is risen!  Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.’”  Luke 24:6-7

“Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”  Acts 2:38

When we marvel at His creation

It’s too beautiful to behold;

Masterpieces in every shape and size

As His wonder it unfolds.

The delicate petals of a flower

And the wonderful scent of same,

With the aesthetic beauty it upholds

His majesty it maintains.

The brilliance of all animals

And the variety of all,

The loyalty in every dog

As we marvel and are enthralled.

We marvel at every birth

As a babe enters the world;

We’re in awe with every jewel and gem

And inspired by loving words.

When we marvel at our every breath

It’s His miraculous touch indeed,

Along with the intricate nature of our frame;

With His healing provision when in need.

There’s no end to His magnificence

It’s eternal and forever;

With every seed begins new life

He’s so majestic and so clever.

We marvel at every sunset

And the thunderous applause,

Of every wave that hits the sand

As we meditate and pause.

To meditate on His brilliance

And the perfection of His touch,

In every aspect of creation

That He adores and loves so much.

He loves us immeasurably

To give His only Son,

Who died for our sins and rose again

To bring salvation to everyone.

But not everybody will receive

To accept His sacrifice,

To repent and be spiritually restored

Where Christ’s Lordship will suffice.

We marvel at His wonder;

At the beauty of His plan,

To redeem us and to heal our soul

With the brilliance of His hand.

(C) P.B. 2021

“This was the Lord’s doing; It is marvelous in our eyes.  This is the day the Lord has made;  We will rejoice and be glad in it.”  Psalm 119:23-24

“…whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.”  Philippians 4:8

“…that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.”  1 Corinthians 15:3-4

“Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.”  Psalm 139:14

The soul who desires life
Will keep its tongue from deceit;
It departs from evil and will pursue peace
And righteousness it seeks.

The Lord is near to those
Who have a broken heart indeed,
With a contrite and a humble spirit;
He will provide their needs.

He delivers those who fear Him;
Those souls who are meek,
And saves them out of all their troubles
When they cry out and Him they seek.

None shall be condemned
When they place their trust in Him,
But His face is against those souls
Who do evil at their whim.

His eyes are on the righteous
And He’s open to their cries;
To those who seek His ways
Who abandon pretences and lies.

Blessed are those who trust in God
To taste and see that He is good,
With a reverence and a holy respect
Where His majesty is understood.

God is our shield and buckler
The salvation of mankind,
Through Jesus Christ our Savior
When on our heart His Lordship is signed.

(C) P.B. 2021

“Who is the man who desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” Psalm 34:12-14

“The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry. The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.” Psalm 34:15-16

“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.” Psalm 34:17-18

“The Lord redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned.” Psalm 34:22

Your perfect knowledge of mankind

Is too wonderful to comprehend;

You know our thoughts before they’re formed

And our broken soul You mend.

Before a word proceeds from our mouth

You’re too familiar with same;

You comprehend our path as well

And You’re acquainted with all our ways.

Where can we hide from You?

There appears to be no place…

And where can we flee from You

Or try to conceal our face?

You are there in our darkness

Where Your hand it gently guides,

And leads us to Your glorious light

So in Your love we may abide.

You knitted us together

Inside our mother’s precious womb;

With miraculous and marvelous ways

Fashioned beautifully and groomed.

You truly are remarkable

And we praise You for Your works;

Our soul knows too well You created us

With purpose and with worth.

All our days are written

And You know our substance well,

Before we ever were made in secret

So Your glory we may spell.

How precious are Your thoughts

And more numerous than sand;

How wonderful is the sum of them

And too marvelous to understand.

Search us Lord and try us

To know our anxieties,

So we acknowledge and confess to You

So eternal life we see.

(C) P.B. 2021

“O Lord, You have searched me and known me.  You know my sitting down and my rising up;  You understand my thought afar off.  You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways.”  Psalm 139:1-3

“For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.”  Psalm 139:4

“Where can I go from Your Spirit?  Or where can I flee from Your presence?”  Psalm 139:7

“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;  Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.”  Psalm 139:13-14

“Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed, and in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.”  Psalm 139:16

“How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!  How great is the sum of them!  If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand.”  Psalm 139:17-18

“Search me, O God, and know my heart;  Try me, and know my anxieties;  And see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”  Psalm 139:23-24

Pure and unadulterated

Are the words of the Lord;

Like silver in the furnace

Is His holy precious word.

Like silver purified seven times

And brighter than any white,

Proceeds the sacredness of His voice

Projecting the purest of all light.

Not a speckle of imperfection

And without any fault or blame,

Is His reverent word, pristine and clean

As He calls us by our name.

His mercy extends far and wide

And sent His Son not to condemn,

But that the world may be saved through Him

When grace and love was sent.

Like purified silver

Are His judgments righteous and true;

Sweeter than honey and the honeycomb

Are His commandments and statutes too.

His testimony is sure and steady;

His law converts the soul,

Through the perfect law of liberty

Stamped on our heart, behold!

Like purified silver

With a hope and faith robust,

As His hand lifts us from the miry clay

And teaches us to trust.

To trust in His salvation

And promise of eternal life;

Through the crucifixion and resurrection

Of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

(C) P.B. 2021

“The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.” Psalm 12:6

“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul…The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether, more to be desired are they than gold… sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.”  Psalm 19:7-10

“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”  John 3:17

“But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”  James 1:25