Author: parasbovolos

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WHATEVER THINGS ARE NOBLE



Whatever things are noble
And whatever things are good,
Should be embedded in our soul
To be properly understood.

The brilliance of creation
And the hand that governs same;
When pure ways are chosen
And there’s reverence for His name.

The simplicity of nature
And the beauty that’s within;
The patterns of all flowers
And the wonder this does bring.

The sweetness of a gentle heart
That is kind and loving too;
The precious ways of loyalty
That are sincere and are true.

A smile that is genuine
And reflected through the eyes;
A humble spirit with a contrite heart
God truly won’t despise.

The devil wants us to focus
On all negative of ways,
Where fear and anxieties
In our heart and mind will stay.

But when there’s trust in Jesus
There’s a peace that’s unsurpassed,
With a joy that’s everlasting
And where love will truly last.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Psalm 23:6

“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13

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

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

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Proverbs 14:12

“One thing I have desired of the LORD, that will I seek; That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD.” Psalm 27:4

“And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.”
1 John 5:20

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

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THE GREATEST LOVE STORY

It’s the epitome of love
In the most heartfelt of ways,
When Christ’s sacrifice was made
As our eternal debt was paid.

Pure love did set us free
When God’s wisdom was instilled,
As He sacrificed His only Son
When His mission was fulfilled.

It’s profound and it’s poignant
And indeed it needs to be,
To appease the Father’s wrath
When God’s Son did intercede.

It’s the greatest love story ever
Throughout all of history,
When Jesus died and rose again
To set our stained soul free.

But when there’s no understanding
Of the entire necessity,
It’s where it’s considered foolish
When eternal ways cannot be seen.

And His sacrifice may appear
To be too violent and extreme,
But it’s where there’s no concept of God’s holiness
That required Christ to intervene.

Our steadfast faith is needed
With the hope of eternal life,
To set our mind on things above;
And to focus on His light.

True love will never doubt
Because there’s a price to always pay,
And Jesus satisfied the requirement
So enemies we won’t remain.

No more enemies of God
When in the finished work we trust,
And receive Christ as Lord and Saviour
Respecting what He did for us.

And this is the greatest story
Of what love should really be,
When our friend laid His life down for ours
And considered our eternity.

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

“In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:10

“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…”
Colossians 1:21-23

“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

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,” Romans 1:18

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WHEN WE DIE…

It won’t matter what we worshipped
Since all has come to its demise;
The only thing that matters
Is what is precious in God’s eyes.

And it won’t matter what we owned
Since many times it did own us,
But rather what our heart encompassed
And in Whom we placed our trust.

Our friends’ opinions will not matter
Since many times weren’t verified,
And sometimes with hidden motives
Perhaps with jealousy or lies.

And it really will not matter
If technology reached the sky,
Or whether planets were inhabited…
Now that we have died.

But the finish line will matter
And whether our marathon was true,
As we raced to the author of our faith
And were thoroughly renewed.

Our struggles will not matter –
And we’ve had our share of same,
Since this new chapter and beginning
Will bring glory to His name.

And when the time will come
All our knowledge is stripped bare,
As our naked soul before Him stands
Without the worldly cares.

It won’t matter how rich or poor
In the end we really are,
But whether Jesus Christ was worshipped
From the heart – not from afar.

“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

“So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.” Romans 14:12

“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’” John 3:3

“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

“Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.” 1 Corinthians 8:1

“…and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Hebrews 12:1

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OUR FORMER ADDRESS

Our former address is old
And we have since moved on from there,
As there’s a season for everything
With expired desires and cares.

Our former address has a history
And has served its purpose well,
But the time has come for things to change;
In new pastures we’re to dwell.

We shouldn’t choose to return
To our former address indeed,
Since it’s occupied by someone else
With different wants and needs.

And it’s where every piece of mail
To sender will be returned,
Because the old address is made redundant;
No longer wanted nor yearned.

Our former address has resigned
From all apparent needs,
And has paved the way for new adventures
Where with renewed vision we’ll see.

Our former address holds memories
Along with the bad and the good,
Where there’s lessons now that need to be learned
And perhaps better understood.

Because our old address has created
A redirection too,
Where new beginnings with faith and hope
Along with peace become true.

And we don’t return to a swept old house
Because the rooms will be occupied,
By insecurities and deceptive ways
Along with every lie.

Our new address has an identity
That is different and so true;
It has crucified its old avenues
And now there’s a love that is renewed.

“That you put off concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24

“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

“When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came,’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first.” Matthew 12:43-45

“My tabernacle also shall be with them; indeed I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” Ezekiel 37:27

‘Therefore, we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16

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THE SECRET GARDEN

In Your secret garden
Is where our heart it yearns to be;
Protected under Your shadow
Where many blessings we shall see.

Your garden is our fortress;
It’s our refuge and safe place,
Where Your tenderness and beauty
Is all we wish to face.

In Your garden You deliver
From the arrow and the snare,
As we surrender all to You
Knowing that You truly care.

Under Your wings is our safe haven
Where no plague is to come near,
And where no pestilence shall dwell
When Your voice we clearly hear.

In Your garden there are treasures;
It’s Your secret place as well,
Where You refresh us and restore us
So much peace and love can dwell.

Your garden is immaculate
Because it’s where Your Spirit lives;
Where Your restorative ways
Come from a heart that always gives.

Your garden is our palace;
It’s the castle in our heart,
When we bloom in our uniqueness
And are truly set apart.

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1

“I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.’” Psalm 91:2

“He shall cover you with His feathers and under His wings you shall take refuge;” Psalm 91:4

“Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name.” Psalm 91:14

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WE WILL NEVER REALLY KNOW…

We will never really know
What’s deep inside our heart,
Until the Lord reveals it
And exposes every part.

We will never really know
Who is truly in our midst,
Until a situation will occur
To reveal what we have missed.

And we never really know
What surrounds us all the time,
When we’re too occupied and busy
Or where clutter’s on our mind.

We never really know
When His return will be,
But when signs reveal the times –
We must be ready to take heed.

And we will never really know
Until we’re in eternity,
Of all the time we wasted
With the missed opportunities.

But there is One who knows it all
And when we place our trust in Him,
Although He knows all our shortcomings
He’ll remember not our sins.

Because His mercy will extend
As it marries His grace too,
When with a humble and repentant heart
We acknowledge He is true!

He sent His only Son
To take our place upon that cross;
To pay the heavy price
Since there was a required cost.

The eternal crowns are real
And we’ll never really know,
Of the impact we had made on earth
Until it’s time for us to go.

“Many sorrows shall be to the wicked; but he who trusts in the LORD, mercy shall surround him.”
Psalm 32:10

“Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times.” Matthew 16:3

“But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14

“So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near – at the doors!…But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.” Matthew 24:33-36

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NEVER GIVE UP HOPE

We all journey though many seasons
Where the weather may be rough;
When the wind and waves will stir our mind;
Where we’ve simply had enough!

And confusion may be present
In the circumstances we are in,
Where hope may be diminished
And there’s great sadness from within.

Perhaps our shoulders feel the burden
Like a heavy blanket in our midst,
When the pressure it amounts
With our comprehensive list.

And the reality is this:
That we may have all experienced,
Many moments filled with problems
Where the burden is immense.

But in these moments of our darkness
There’s a ray of hope indeed,
That situations will get better
When to the voice of God we heed.

He has promised to not leave us
And will not forsake our soul,
Since His promises are steadfast
When His word in us unfolds.

There’s a season for everything
And although our prayers may not be answered,
If it’s in God’s will and in His timing
Our petitions will be heard.

Never give up hope
Because the sun is always there,
And will spring forth through our clouds
To wipe away despair.

As we come to the Lord for mercy
He will wipe away our sins,
And forgive and heal our land
As we’re washed and cleansed within.

“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast…” Hebrews 6:18

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

“I will bless the LORD who has given me counsel; My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.” Psalm 16:7

“Remember now Your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, ‘I have no pleasure in them.’” Ecclesiastes 12:1

“Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” Titus 2:13

“Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:5

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WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT

When the time is right
All our prayers are not in vain,
Interceding for our loved ones;
For God’s mercy to remain.

God orchestrates the situations
And circumstances in our lives,
So every test and trial
Our character it will refine.

When the time is perfect
The Lord will open the right door,
So our mission is completed
And where those tears are no more.

Because when the time is right
It will not be premature,
But where wholeness and fulfilment
Will replace what we’ve endured.

When the time is right
We will know deep in our heart,
That we’re ready for the chapter;
To facilitate a brand new start.

When the time is right
It will align with God’s will,
Where our patience and long-suffering
Our next story will fulfil.

Because when the time is right
No person or any enemy,
Can interrupt God’s plan for us
Where God’s redemptive ways we see.

And when the time is right
Certain doors need to be sealed,
So we can move forward with our mission
Where God’s glory is revealed.

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.”
Proverbs 13:12

“Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4

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

“And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:11-12

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

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever thing 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

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THE ART OF LISTENING

In a world filled with noise
It’s so important to unwind;
To clear our soul from every voice
And with God to spend some time.

It’s so important that we listen
When we are spoken to,
So we comprehend the meaning
And to be perceptive in all we do.

It’s important to be discerning
And to understand the times,
Because we can easily be deceived
Very often over time.

To listen is to have respect
With what’s articulated to us,
But most times we listen to respond
When our opinion becomes a must.

When we listen and do understand
It can be a matter of life and death,
And it’s important to be attentive
So we do not have regrets.

The art of listening is crucial
So we can respond accordingly,
When the entire message is presented
So no assumptions can be seen.

When we listen to God’s voice
Through His precious sacred word,
It will equip us for all battles
When we apply what we have heard.

Jesus listened to the Father
And was obedient to the end,
He bore the fruit of the Spirit in every way;
He was truly heaven sent!

“For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:32-33

“Then Paul stood up and motioning with his hand said, ‘Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen: The God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He brought them out of it.’ … ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’ ‘From this man’s seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior – Jesus – after John had first preached, before His coming, the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.’” Acts 13:16-24

“Jesus said to them, ‘If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word.’” John 8:42-43

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

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FOUNTAIN OR A DRAIN?

A fountain is refreshing
And continues in its spring;
It is effervescent and a giver of life
With many blessings it so brings.

A drain is a receiver
Of the water that’s dispersed;
Quick to swallow or regurgitate
And for leftovers it will thirst.

Are we a fountain or a drain
With our words and actions too?
Do we give more than we receive
And are our motives true?

A fountain is prolific;
It’s a visual delight as well,
It’s a reminder of new beginnings
And where beauty wants to dwell.

A drain receives in circles
Like a vortex in our midst,
And will swallow all things second-hand
With a dirty comprehensive list.

A fountain is a giver of life;
It is pure, sweet and calm;
It is cleansing and is healing
And will never wish us harm.

A drain will eliminate
With not enough it may seem;
Never satisfied or ever content
Causing blockages between.

Are our words a fountain
Or do they drain the soul within?
Do they encourage with inspiring love
Or do they cause much sin?

Jesus’ words are like a fountain;
Refreshing and life giving too,
And when His heart is dispersed in us
We should become wholesome, pure and true.

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

“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like..that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21

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

“Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” Galatians 5:26