Author: parasbovolos

Blessings come in many ways

They’re a bestowed gift or favour;

An approval that promotes happiness

With special mercy that does not waiver.

They encourage well-being and prosperity

Good wishes and divine aid,

With benefits of protection

Since with integrity they’re made.

Blessings are a delight to the soul

They bring sunshine amidst the rain;

They instil hope and joy in abundance

Overriding all our pain.

To be blessed is a divine favour

It is God’s approval and kiss;

His stamp of authenticity

Where mercy combines with bliss.

Sometimes we are mistaken

As to what we label blessings to be,

When we ask amiss for our pleasures

And where the fullness we fail to see.

Because true blessings are spiritual

And ones that pertain to the soul;

Particularly when we’re forgiven

And where God’s revelation unfolds.

The warmth that’s inside our chamber

The one so close to our heart,

Is God’s blessing and favour and honour

And one that sets us apart.

True blessings are hidden within

As they transform the soul indeed;

They’re like sparkling treasures and precious gems

When good seed our heart they feed.

God’s word is a blessing

To be revered as a treasure,

Where good fruit is cultivated

And where every storm it will weather.

The storms and troubles will come

And as uncomfortable as they are,

When the roots are deeply established

All cyclones are seen from afar.

God will gently hold our hand

So the hurricane can pass…

He’s there in the midst of all our pain

With a steadfastness that will last.

God Almighty is our greatest blessing

And when we’re established on His rock,

All blessings will overflow in our lives

When to the true shepherd we do flock.

(C) P.B. 2020

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.”  Ephesians 1:3

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”  Philippians 4:6

“You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss that you may spend it on your pleasures.”  James 4:3

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

“For the word of God is living and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword.”  Hebrews 4:12

“I am the good shepherd.  The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.”  John 10:11

It is truly honourable

When we do the right thing;

When we act with sincerity

And where much fruit this will bring.

It’s always welcomed

When we’re faithful in our deeds;

In those tedious and boring tasks

And where patience is shown indeed.

It is the right thing

To be kind and loving as well;

Understanding and compassionate

Where with peace and joy we dwell.

It is the correct way

To be humble in all we do,

And not presumptuous or proud

Or not selfish and greedy too.

It’s a beautiful thing

To be hospitable and kind,

When the motive is correct

Not for rewards that we can find.

But do we really know

That we can do all the above,

And still be cast from God’s presence

Where we’ll never feel His love?

Because to be self-righteous is a sin

When we attribute all those ways,

To our own goodness and our kindness

Rather than the price that Jesus paid.

God wants to know us intimately

Where we share our every thought,

And ask for His forgiveness

Knowing with Christ’s sacrifice we’re bought.

We all fall short in many ways

And can never atone for our sin,

That’s why we need Jesus Christ

Who was spotless and pristine within.

He paid the price for our soul

By hanging on the cross;

He shed His blood to set us free

From God’s inevitable wrath.

Because Jesus sets us free

From our failures and depression;

He calms our soul within

As His word teaches us great lessons.

God is the one who transforms us

To give us a joy and hope within;

All else is truly temporary

With frustrations they can bring.

When we believe we are ‘good’

God shows that good in only One,

The Heavenly Father who is pure in all His ways

And who gave His only Son.

So next time we are tempted

To be puffed up in our ways,

Let’s remember the ultimate price

And be repentant as we pray.

(C) P.B. 2020

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

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”  Romans 3:23

“The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility.”  Proverbs 15:33

“Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a fatted calf with hatred.”  Proverbs 15:17

“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

There’s no end to His brilliance

As He’s eternal in all His ways;

The creator of Heaven and Earth

Who’s appointed our every day.

There’s no end to His majesty

The Lord of Lord and King of Kings;

Who as a gift gave us His Son

So eternal life He brings.

There’s no end to His wonder

As we’re in awe with what we see;

The perfection in creation

And how it all has come to be.

There’s no end to His grace

As He gives us a second chance;

So we understand His mercy

Throughout every circumstance.

We may think there’s no end

To all the wickedness we see,

But His justice will be firm and swift

When they’re cast into eternity.

There’s no end to His long-suffering

And desires none are lost,

But there does come a point

Where their rejection it will cost.

There’s no end to His beauty

Or the depths of His riches too,

And the simple scent of a rose

Reveals His brilliance through and through.

When we stop to think and meditate

On how wonderful He really is,

And when we marvel at His goodness

It’s a comprehensive list.

There’s no end to God

As He’s the beginning and the end;

The Alpha and the Omega

With all blessings heaven sent.

It’s mind blowing to think

That He bottles every tear,

And sees our pain and suffering

But will deliver us from fear.

There simply is no end

To all He is and does;

He exposes evil and His justice prevails

From His pure throne above.

(C) P.B. 2020

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” Psalm 136:1

“Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves.” Psalm 100:3

“The Lord executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.”  Psalm 103:6

“For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.”  For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more.”  Psalm 37:9-10

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End! Says the Lord, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8

When we’re sad and we’re despondent

And surrounded by much gloom,

Let’s pray for one another

To be lifted from all doom.

When life becomes a maze

And our thoughts a tangled mess,

Let’s lift each other up in prayer

To receive from God what’s best.

When the web inside our mind

Becomes a matrix with no end,

Let’s bow our knees in prayer

So heavenly help the Lord will send.

We’re blessed in many ways

And when we count our blessings indeed,

There’s no need to be jealous or covetous

Or for greed our heart to feed.

Imagine those children tormented

Kidnapped and used as slaves;

For sexual exploitation

Where not much hope will remain.

Imagine those in households

Where violence is on the agenda;

Both physical and verbal as well

And much oppression from the offender.

There will always be someone

In a worse situation than us,

And when we look at the bigger picture

In God we learn to trust.

Regardless of circumstances

Let’s encourage one another;

To never give up or quit the race

Whilst we seek our Heavenly Father.

God knows and sees our suffering

And although He understands same,

He can turn situations around for good

When our faith in Him remains.

Never give up and let’s be encouraged

That the worst of storms will pass,

When we’re hidden under God’s shadow indeed

Where all harm can never last.

This life is filled with troubles

And challenges regularly,

But when we trust in God Almighty

His deliverance we always see.

(C) P.B. 2020

Proverbs 12:25

Romans 8:28

Hebrews 12:12

They will lift and they will carry

Through many storms and winds;

When we soar away to progress

As we’re carried by these wings.

When we’re attached to the main structure

And when an affiliation does take place,

We are mentored when He gives wing to

By providing impetus by grace.

As our walk with Him progresses

We take wing in many ways,

As we look up and lift our hands and voice

In worship and in praise.

When we are under His wing

We’re protected in special ways;

Taken care of as we’re covered

And where hope will lead our days.

Where there’s factions there’s no peace

In all opposing views,

Whether it’s conservative or liberal wings

As all dissenting ways cause feuds.

When there’s many wing remarks

There’s no preparation in what we say,

And it’s best to think before we speak

To have clarity in our ways.

But when we wing it and we improvise

And pray for God’s direction;

He gives the wisdom and the knowledge

Although we lack the preparation.

Are we in the wings

Close by in times of need,

In the background and ready to help

When at short notice we take heed?

Many things make themselves wings

And they certainly fly away…

Particularly riches and all material gain

When they can lead our soul astray.

When we abide under His wings

There’s no need for fear or anxiety,

Since His guidance and protection

Is what our soul so yearns to see.

(C) P.B. 2020

“How precious is Your lovingkindness O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings..” Psalm 36:3

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

“But to you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings..” Malachi 4:2

“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”  Isaiah 40:31

“Do not overwork to be rich; because of your own understanding cease! Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away like an eagle toward heaven.”  Proverbs 23:4-5

“God will make a way

Where there seems to be no way,

He works in ways we cannot see

He will make a way for me.” *

Although the path appears blocked

Sometimes it’s His protection;

He waits for the danger to pass indeed

As He protects with His affection.

His delays are not His denials

When He teaches us patience too;

To trust in His timing and in His plan

So He gets glory in all we do.

No-one can stop God’s blessings

Since when He opens a door,

Irrespective of jealousy or ill-wishers

He will bless us forevermore.

He is in total control

And knows the best timing as well,

Because we don’t want to receive prematurely

As problems this may spell.

God wants a relationship

So we intimately know His voice;

To be guided by His holy word

And to make the sensible choice.

God will pave the way

When it’s in His will indeed,

And will close the door if required

From impending evil He’ll intercede.

He knows our every thought

And He sees what’s in everyone’s heart,

So we shouldn’t be too discouraged

When from certain  circles He sets us apart.

He hears things that we simply cannot

And knows what’s deep within;

He hears conversations behind our back

And sees the problems they may bring.

He will make a way out

When we trust in His guidance,

As we remember that He knows what’s best

And it’s not always HIs denial or hindrance.

Proper timing is imperative

And when it fulfils our heart’s desire,

We can bless others and praise the Lord

When many blessings are acquired.

(C) P.B. 2020

* Lyrics from Don Moen – ‘God will make a way”

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”  Isaiah 41:10

“I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”  Isaiah 43:19

“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” Psalm 27:14

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”  2 Corinthians 4:18

“And my God shall supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:19

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Jeremiah 29:11

The proof is in the pudding

When the truth is established,

And the evidence is clear

When it’s produced on the dish.

Similarly it will be at the end

When everything will be exposed,

As to whether we are children of God

Of whether it was all for show.

Because the result of the pudding

Is pending a final outcome,

As to whether it’s been baked and cooked

To perfection when it’s done.

We know the delectable experience

When the perfect dessert we taste…

Particularly with cream on top

Where none will go to waste.

There are many counterfeit puddings

Underbaked, burnt or overcooked,

Likewise has our zeal for God been genuine

Or were there things conveniently overlooked.

Our pride will bring us down

As will our inability to accept correction,

As it will retain stubborn strongholds

And it will sink all expectations.

Have we been put through the fire

And have we been tested with trials?

Or have we chosen the sweeter path

And continue to be defiled?

Have we produced fruit

And has our branch been grafted in,

To the One who is life sustaining

And who nourishes within?

The quality is always seen

At the end of a process…

The veracity of a recipe

Where integrity is possessed.

Is there proof in our pudding

And have we had our temperature check,

To see whether the process will produce

A wholeness and Christ reflect?

(C) P.B. 2020

Matthew 7:21-23

Matthew 24:11-12

It’s to ignite the soul with hope

With words that do bring life;

It’s to correct in a loving manner

And to instruct in what is right.

Life and death is in the power

Of the little tiny tongue,

That’s designed to encourage and to love

Bringing peace to everyone.

At times it’s never easy

Particularly when there’s struggle and pain,

But a soft and gentle outreach

In their memory will remain.

Encouragement gives life

It adds years to the soul,

Because it builds up and does not tear down

Where blessings it unfolds.

Encouragement is uplifting

It inspires us to learn from mistakes,

To pick ourselves up and to try again

And to do whatever it takes.

We all fail and make mistakes

But it’s not the final sentence,

Because these failures teach us lessons

And with progression it all makes sense.

Let our words be kind indeed

But with the right spirit and also sincere,

Because the hardest of hearts have repented

When with love our words they hear.

Encouragement will always build

A bridge that leads to hope;

It lifts us up from all dark places

And it teaches us to cope.

The heart of God is encouraging

As His mercy is extended to all,

But He’s very displeased with all our sin

That’s contributed by the fall.

He wants to restore our soul

Through forgiveness and His grace;

His desire is that none perish

And to yearn to seek His face.

Encouragement is inspiring

When it’s sincere and faithful indeed,

When the outcome is genuine for the soul

To progress and to succeed.

(C) P.B. 2020

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”  Proverbs 18:21

“Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.”  Proverbs 19:1

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.”  Proverbs 25:11

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits without partiality and without hypocrisy.”  James 3:17

“Do not be embarrassed by your failures, learn from them and start again.”  Portugese proverb.

When we look in the mirror

What do we actually see?

It’s a reflection of God’s grace

And who He’s created us to be.

When we gaze into the mirror

Are we truly aware?

That we’ve been created so beautifully

When we really look and stare.

The mirror tells a story

Of a life filled with hope;

Of trials and of tragedies

But one that’s learnt to cope.

The mirror will never lie

As it reveals all our scars,

But each one will share a story

Of who we really are.

The mirror is a reflection

Of the miracle that’s exposed,

As all features work in harmony

From our head to our toes.

The mirror is beautiful

And when we’re truly peaceful within,

It radiates a glow and warmth

With the joy that it so brings.

The mirror reveals testimonials

As we gaze deep into our eyes,

As we awaken and are enlightened

And are set free from all our lies.

The mirror reveals God’s glory

When all masks are removed;

An unveiled heart with integrity

That’s been truly changed and moved.

The mirror is true

And will reveal everything,

As a reminder that we cannot hide

But to face what life will bring.

The mirror is our friend

True and honest will always be,

As we reflect upon our lives

So we really are set free.

(C) P.B. 2020

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 13:12

“For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in the mirror, for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was.”  James 1:23-24

“As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects man.”  Proverbs 27:19

Promises are honourable

Particularly when they are kept;

When the result sees lasting fruit

With an outcome we won’t forget.

God’s promises are faithful indeed

And will always come to pass,

For His love for us exceeds expectations

It is pure and it will last.

He promises to wipe our sins

And although they’re scarlet in nature,

They shall be made white as snow

To place us in right stature.

Although our transgressions are like crimson

They shall become as wool,

So we’re washed and sanctified indeed

And no longer considered a fool.

It’s a monumental promise

When we reason with the Lord,

And we understand His saving grace

Through His sacred precious word.

Our sins are red like crimson

But through repentance and obedience,

The moral law is stamped in our heart

To deal with all lies and all pretence.

Our sins required Christ’s precious blood

As it’s the only shade of red,

That’s accepted in this equation

So we’re resurrected from the dead.

Resurrected to new life

Evident of a new start;

With the sacrifice of a broken spirit

In conjunction with a contrite heart.

Along with the incorruptible beauty

Of a gentle and quiet spirit,

That’s discerning and is wise

With no corruptive motives in it.

Not perfect but certainly growing in grace

And in maturity too,

As we walk in holiness and in reverence

And in our convictions to be true.

Covered by Christ and His purity

Is what God requires to see;

To appease His anger and His wrath

When from sin we are set free.

Both snow and wool are pristine

They’re pure in all their ways;

It’s the way God wants to see our soul

As we commune with Him each day.

(C) P.B. 2020

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