Author: parasbovolos

A rock is sure and steady

It is solid with a foundation to trust;

A firmness that cannot be moved

As it forms the earth’s crust.

The formation of rocks are subjected to heat

Along with much pressure too,

To create a physical and chemical change

As they change in form and made new.

All mountains and cliffs are formed from rock

And stand the tallest they can be;

Unmoved and cannot be shaken

A wondrous formation to see.

When something is built on the rock

It’s unswayed and cemented indeed,

And irrespective of the winds and waves

No movement it will see.

Whoever comes to Jesus

To hear His sayings too,

Will progressively bear much fruit

When they listen and they do.

When one is obedient

It’s like building a house on the rock,

And although the floods rise with vehement winds

They cannot destroy when they knock.

But when one listens and chooses to ignore

It’s like building on the sand…

Without a sure and steady foundation

With ruins too great to understand.

A rock is a firm foundation

And when we dig deep to build,

There’s a steadfastness with a solid hope

Without any fear or guilt.

Jesus is a rock and strong fortress

And whoever grasps HIs words indeed,

Will form a solid base with an unshakeable faith

When they’re justified and redeemed.

(C) P.B. 2020

“Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like;  He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock.  And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock.  But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently and immediately it fell.  And the ruin of that house was great.”  Luke 6:47-49

“For You are my rock and my fortress; Therefore, for Your name’s sake, lead me and guide me.” Psalm 31:3

“When my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”  Psalm 61:2

“Because you have forgotten the God of your salvation, and have not been mindful of the Rock of your stronghold…the harvest will be a heap of ruins.”  Isaiah 17:10-11

When we understand why we do

The things that we do…

It’s refreshing and it’s liberating

With much focus and clarity too.

When we understand why we love

And the very source of same…

It all makes sense, the foundation of it

As we revere the Lord’s name.

When we understand why we act

We’re set free in many ways…

Since there’s a purpose and a reason

With a steadfastness that will stay.

Understanding the root of the problem

Will allow healing to take place,

As it digs deeper to discover the source

When the underlying issues we face.

Understanding will bring forth wisdom

When God reveals what needs to be unveiled;

With a transparency that lifts the heavy burden

Restoring the weak and frail.

Understanding the root of our beliefs

Will be a light to our feet,

When we fear the Lord with awe and wonder

Where respect and honour meets.

The question should be asked

As to why we do the things we do…

So we’re not the spiritually blind leading the blind

But rather sincere, honest and true.

When we receive a revelation

That we can be severely selfish indeed,

We understand that a change is required

In our words, actions and deeds.

Christ understood why He was nailed to the cross

As it was to set God’s children free;

Having a full understanding of the Father’s vision…

Eternal salvation for you and me.

(C) P.B. 2020

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”  Proverbs 9:10

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

“Who is wise and understanding among you?  Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.”  James 3:13

“And may the Lord give you understanding in all things.”  2 Timothy 2:7

“I will also pray with the understanding.  I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.”  1 Corinthians 14:15

“So Jesus said, ‘Are you also still without understanding?  Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated?  But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man.”  Matthew 15:17-18

“Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.”  Psalm 147:5

“He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good.”  Proverbs 19:8

Sincerity is a virtue

It is honest and genuine too,

When we act in accordance to our beliefs

And freed from hypocrisy in all we do.

It’s a combination of kindness and seriousness

As it’s loyal and simple as well;

Never deceitful or manipulative

And the truth it will always spell.

Although we like to be sincere

We may indeed be sincerely wrong,

When our views are grounded in philosophies

Where those values and morals are strong.

Sincerity is more than what we see

Since it’s the inner depth of the heart…

It’s to be steadfast amongst opposition

It’s a quality that sets apart.

It’s to remain strong in stature

Amidst all the persecution,

It is knowing to Whom we are loyal

And it’s to be honest in our convictions.

Although we falter in different ways

If we make sincerity a practice,

It strengthens our character and it gives us peace

And joy it brings in our midst.

Sincerity is a noble trait

As it allows others to feel secure;

To trust in those with sincere motives

And with a strength to endure.

To be sincere is loving indeed

Since it respects our neighbor too,

With a confidence to commence joint ventures

When we’re faithful in all we do.

When sincerity and faithfulness kiss

It’s a beautiful combination,

That will bless many people indeed

That leads to a fruitful destination.

Sincerity leads to trust

When we know one’s character is refined;

To have reverence for God and love for each other

When on our heart His Lordship is signed.

Sincerity is refreshing

Since it’s selfless in nature too;

It looks out for the interests of others

And desires they prosper in all they do.

The sincerity of Christ

Is an example to us all,

When He lay down His life for His friends

To redeem us from the fall.

(C) P.B. 2020

“Nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith.  Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith.”  1 Timothy 1:4-5

“For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.”  2 Corinthians 1:12

“Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”  Philippians 2:4

“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

“A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.”  Proverbs 28:20

Love is revealed in many ways

With much kindness and respect;

With gentleness and faithfulness

When in beautiful ways it manifests.

When we love thy neighbor

It’s to do them no harm,

To serve when there’s opportunities

And to extend a helping arm.

It’s to avoid foolish disputes

With all arrogance and pride;

It’s to be sincere in conversations

And in peace to abide.

In safety we shall dwell

Under the shadow of God’s wing,

When our language is love and kindness

With many blessings it so brings.

When we love our neighbor

We avoid backbiting and gossip too,

Having respect for the condition of their soul

With sincere intentions so true.

When we love our neighbor

There’s no racism or prejudice,

No hatred or wishing of any harm

But where we greet with a holy kiss.

To love thy neighbour is to serve

To be giving with a generous heart;

To bless in every opportunity

And to be graciously set apart.

God loves a cheerful giver

Not one who gives out of compulsion,

And He rewards those who are sincere

Who avoid troubles and commotion.

But unless there’s a regeneration

And a sincere birth from above,

We may do these things for selfish motives

To gain credit rather than through pure love.

When we truly love thy neighbour

It is well pleasing to the Lord,

Particularly when we share the gospel

And eternal salvation through His word.

(C) P.B. 2020

“You have heard that it was said ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.”  Matthew 5:43-45

“You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the Lord.”  Leviticus 19:18

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”  Luke 10:27

“Greet one another with a kiss of love.”  1 Peter 5:14

“..are all summed up in this saying, namely, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  Romans 13:9

“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”  2 Corinthians 9:7

“Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilment of the law.”  Romans 13:10

“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”  John 3:3

The greatest of love is rare

And it certainly is selfless in nature;

To lay down one’s life for his friends

It’s the most honourable in stature.

It’s to serve rather than to be served

With compassion and humility,

Having understood that nothing is owed to us

And as a result unexpected blessings we see.

To lay down our life simply means

That our identity is in Christ,

As children of God having received His promises

Whilst we learn to fight the good fight.

It’s to go the extra mile

And to be willing to turn the cheek;

To serve with all gentleness

To be humble and to be meek.

The greatest love is not puffed up

And will never parade itself;

It is kind, sincere and genuine

And not absorbed in self.

Because love is a commitment

Not just some romantic tale;

It is steadfast throughout all tests and trials

With the long-suffering it entails.

Jesus demonstrated the greatest love

To lay down His life for His friends,

For those who have received Him

Along with all promises heaven sent.

(C) P.B. 2020

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

“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.  Love never fails.”  1 Corinthians 13:4-8

“And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.”  Matthew 5:41

“For if you love those who love you, what reward have you?  Do not even the tax collectors do the same?  Matthew 5:46

You were a Carpenter by trade

But You had a special vision;

To reconcile us back to God

Through Your kind and loving mission.

You’d work and chisel to perfection

Every creation that You made;

The finished product would be seamless

As Your humble touch would be displayed.

You removed all the splinters

From the heart of every piece,

And You carved it with Your seal

And Your polish before release.

From the finished piece of wood

Which You crafted to perfection…

To that splintered wretched cross

As You suffered much rejection.

But as You hung whilst being in torment

And You faced such agony,

Your focus was set above

As our eternity You could see.

T’was God’s mercy upon mankind

When the cross was nailed to You;

When sinners crucified Your body

As to criminals they’d do.

From one wood to the other

Your timeless grace did so reveal,

That the latter was more special

So no more can Satan steal.

(C) P.B. 2017

“Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary…” Mark 6:3

“The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and the third day rise again.: Luke 24:7

“And He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves but for Him who died for them and rose again” 2 Corinthians 5:15

A root system is a means of support

Which is hidden from our sight,

But its an organ of absorption

To give any structure life.

It ensures the body will flourish

And acts as a storage for food;

It nourishes and it will feed

To ensure the system is good.

At the root of definition

There may be problems inherent,

When the root of a problem is deep

And when wrong messages therefore are sent.

When there’s greed ingrained in our soul

The love of money is a stumbling block,

That will lead to much covetousness

With other issues it unlocks.

When lies and deception become paramount

The root system is faulty indeed,

Because manipulation, control and intimidation

Become water for those seeds.

When the fruit is not wholesome

From the buds with its leaves;

It needs to be pulled out at the roots

To eliminate any bad seed.

The root of the problem is hidden

But will always manifest,

Because the issue needs to face the light

As God reveals and knows what’s best.

The love of money is a root

Of every type of evil…

As it fosters every type of sin

And controlled by the devil.

All bad seed needs to ultimately die

And ripped up from the roots;

To promote new beginnings with love and joy

And to eliminate all disputes.

All bitterness and hatred

Do emanate from bad seed,

Where the root system is decayed

And very unfruitful indeed.

A good root system is required

If there’s to be lasting fruit,

Since every tree is known by its fruit

As it provides the living proof.

(C) P.B. 2020

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”  1 Timothy 6:10

“Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit…every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  Therefore by their fruits you will know them.”  Matthew 7:17-20

“But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away.”  Matthew 13:6

“Lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled.”  Hebrews 12:15

“Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”  Luke 12:15

The crown of creation is mankind

Yet they say it has no designer;

No God who has created same

And no Creator or no refiner.

But shouldn’t this be of concern?

Since everything we create needs a brain,

With a heart and a logical sequence

So no fault or seam remains.

Surely our arrogance tells us otherwise

That God does not exist,

Have we forgotten the fundamentals?

As surely something we have missed.

The intricate detail of our bodies

Is a testament that God is true…

A perfect designer with a brilliant concept

To believe is the least we can do.

Our lymphatic and nervous system

All have a function to fulfil;

Our eyes are a majestic miracle

Where much delicate care is instilled.

Our heartbeat is alive and well

And our fingertips are furnished with nails;

Our eye lashes protect our eyes indeed

With every blink that they entail.

Look at the beauty in animals

Their eyes talk to us every day,

With a warmth and an unconditional love

With a beauty that remains.

Examine the wonder of flowers

And their distinct aroma as well,

Their perfect stem and structure too

God’s masterpiece they spell.

The clay doesn’t dictate to the Potter

Or neither clenches the fist,

Since there’s beauty in everything He makes

On His comprehensive list.

The crown of creation

Is the majestic design of us all;

With a gift from the Father, our Jesus

Who redeems us from the fall.

The crown of creation

Reflects God’s richness indeed,

To relate to us on a personal level

And as a Father to take the lead.

To inspire and to encourage us

And to see us through every trial,

To direct our steps in righteousness

To bring conviction if we’re defiled.

The majesty of God’s Son

Deserves the greatest crown of all,

Since the explicit nature of Jesus

Will intercede when the Father calls.

(C) P.B. 2020

“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

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”  1 Corinthians 2:9

“When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him?  For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honour.  You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet.”  Psalm 8:3-6

“Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat One like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown…”  Revelation 14:14

Although good works can never save

There’s a process of sanctification,

And a standard acceptable in God’s eyes

When we abide with dedication.

All our works are as filthy rags

As we gain all credit indeed;

Neglecting God and His plan of salvation

And allowing the lies our mind to feed.

Christ’s sacrifice on the cross

Was enough to set us free,

To save us from the second death

And all of our idolatry.

But when we receive Jesus

And accept the work on the cross,

A change is manifested in our spirit

With much love that is embossed.

Who may abide in God’s tabernacle?

And dwell in His holy hill?

It’s for those who are justified through the Lord

And accept to do His will.

It’s for those who walk uprightly

With righteousness in their heart;

Who speak the truth with integrity

And who is truly set apart.

It’s for those who do not backbite

Or cause feuds and troubles as well;

Nor does evil to his neighbour

But with peace and joy will dwell.

It’s for those who fear the Lord

Who will not accept lies and bribes;

It’s for those who display sincerity

That are honoured in God’s eyes.

The process of sanctification

Is mandatory if we’re to dwell,

In God’s tabernacle and holy hill

When we’re justified as well.

The character of mankind

Will determine our destiny,

When repentance becomes a lifestyle

So eternal life we’ll see.

(C) P.B. 2020

“Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill?  He who walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart; He who does not backbite with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbour, nor does he take up a reproach against his friend; In whose eyes a vile person is despised, but he honors those who fear the Lord; He who swears to his own hurt and does not change; He who does not put out his money at usury, nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.  He who does these things shall never be moved.”  Psalm 15

“In these ways we continue; And we need to be saved. But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags.”  Isaiah 64:5-6

“Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes.  Cease to do evil.  Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor, Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow.”  Isaiah 1:16-17

“But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.”  1 Corinthians 6:11

Humility is a noble trait

Since it frees us from arrogance;

When we are modest of our importance

And set free from a prideful stance.

True humility acknowledges

Our need to fear the Lord;

Trusting in HIs wisdom and salvation

And to be grounded in His word.

It’s to have a genuine gratitude

With the desire to serve others,

And being aware of our bad qualities

And where love many sins will cover.

The Father displays humility

When He outreaches to the needy and poor;

Those afflicted and tormented

Pouring His love forevermore.

The Incarnate Son revealed

Humility from birth to death;

He served in meekness of spirit

And humble ways He’d manifest.

When we lean on God’s understanding

We’re displaying humility indeed,

Trusting in His perfect timing

And knowing that He will intercede.

He will show us the righteous path

Through prayer and meditation;

Leaving the arrogance of our ego behind

To submit without hesitation.

God’s ways and timing are best indeed

And until we humble ourselves to accept,

We will be frustrated with our expectations

And even have many regrets.

Humility is a beautiful trait

It’s refreshing and gentle too,

When we accept God’s leading and path for us

With His plans for me and you.

(C) P.B. 2020

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.”  Proverbs 3:5

“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”  Philippians 2:8

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

“By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honour and life.”  Proverbs 22:4

“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 11:29

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.”  1 Peter 5:6

“And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins.'” 1 Peter 4:8

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.  Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.”  Jeremiah 29:11-12