ONE DAY AT A TIME

One day at a time
As we’re grateful for every breath,
And where our faith is firmly anchored
During trials and our tests.

One day at a time
As we continue to trust in Him,
Our dear Lord and Savior Jesus
Who saves our soul within.

One day at a time
And although the pain may stay,
We are held tightly in God’s palm
Where His sovereignty remains.

Because one day at a time
Is where our focus it should be,
Since we do not know the moment
We will step into eternity.

Like a leaf we all will fade
But our spirit will live on,
And it’s important that we’re ready
And to Jesus we belong.

One day at a time
As we grow in love and peace,
And forgive from the heart
Where our burdens are released.

One day at a time
As we repent from our heart,
And believe in God’s promises
That won’t keep Him and us apart.

And one day at a time;
In God’s love and grace we stand,
And upheld by His mercy
And safely nestled in His hand.

Because it took that one day
When Jesus was crucified on the cross,
For those who will believe
When He rose and paid the cost.

“All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers and its flower falls away, but the word of the LORD endures forever.” 1 Peter 1:24

“We all fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” Isaiah 64:6

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:34

“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14-15

“For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5

“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13-14

JUST AN INGREDIENT

An ingredient is an addition
To anything that we will make;
To perhaps enhance the flavour
When we cook or when we bake.

But a little leaven leavens the lump
As it enlarges what is there,
And the integrity of the mixture
Can become more like a tare.

Because the tares do look like wheat
Until the harvest time,
Since all along they all looked fine
Until the integrity did shine.

When our mind is filled and cluttered
With head knowledge and philosophies,
When we add Jesus as just an ingredient
Much confusion we will see.

Because Jesus is pure and unleavened
And His Spirit is not compromised,
And cannot be blended with other doctrines
Or ideologies and lies.

If Jesus is just an ingredient
Because it suits us to think this way,
Then the sincerity of the gospel
Along with faithfulness can’t stay.

Jesus needs to be our all in all
In the spiritual realm so true,
And anything else that grips our heart
Will compromise everything we do.

If Jesus is just an ingredient
Then we really should not complain,
When circumstances bring us down
And where despondency remains.

Jesus needs to be the main meal
With His wholesome teachings so true,
So we swallow His ways with nourishment
To produce fruit of the Spirit too.

His strength will help us to overcome
And to be victorious in trials,
To trust in our deliverance
And to go the extra mile.

If Jesus is just an ingredient
To what we already know,
We shouldn’t blame others when situations
Do reap what we will sow.

Jesus is worthy of all our respect
Because He paid the price for us,
And we should love and honour Him everyday
And in His salvation we should trust.

“A little leaven leavens the whole lump.” Galatians 5:9

“And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.” Matthew 10:38-39

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

“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 13:30

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” Galatians 6: 7

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

“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

WHEN OUR LOVE IS ANAEMIC

When our love is anaemic
It’s a version that’s watered down,
Where its nutrients are lacking
When the doctrine is not sound.

There’s a standard in the word of God
With God’s wisdom in its midst,
Inspired by Him, written by man
Where a fortified flow is established.

It represents true love
And the meaning of the word,
Through the epitome of same
As displayed by our Lord.

It is sacrificial and is patient;
Does not rejoice in iniquity;
Not self-seeking nor for self glory
But where kindness it is seen.

It is bold and courageous
And will not compromise its stance;
It is sealed with integrity
And where conviction is enhanced.

But when we become man-pleasers
To appease the culture of the day,
It’s where compromise sets in
And where dishonesty remains.

And it’s where cognitive dissonance
Will churn inside our soul,
Where insincerity takes a bow
With all deceptions to behold.

When we love we are being honest
So God’s ways they can be seen,
When we’re courageous to share the gospel;
Undiluted to set them free.

When we compromise we are lying
To ourselves first and foremost,
And don’t realise the extent
Of insincerity and its cost.

Jesus’ blood was shed on the cross
To pay for all our sins,
So let’s be bold, brave and faithful
So God’s kingdom they may win.

“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

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16

“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…
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.”
1 John 4:10 – 1 John 5:3

WHEN WE PERSIST…

When we persist in little ways
But do so consistently,
We gain traction if we don’t give up
Where victory is seen.

Persistence in prayer avails much
As God is not deaf to our cries,
And we insist until an answer is found
As we continue to trust and become wise.

When we persist in our pursuit
We are steadfast and unwavering,
With a plan and purpose on our heart
Where satisfaction this will bring.

We are tenacious when we persist
Because we will not stop until,
We see the change that is required
And when our goals will be fulfilled.

When we insist and we persist
But not out of arrogance or pride,
There’s a blessing in obtaining justice
That is righteous in God’s eyes.

When we persist and do not quit
It’s because we have a goal in mind,
And know that with sacrifice and hard work too
Many benefits we find.

When we persist and run the race
And swim against the flow,
Our persistence eventually will succeed
As we’ll reap what we do sow.

Jesus persisted until the end
As He walked to Calvary,
And bore the greatest pain of all
So with God we all could be.

“There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’” Luke 18:2-5

“I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs.” Luke 11:8

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” Galatians 6:7

“Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith,” Hebrews 12:1-2

“A river runs through rock, not because of its power, but because of its persistence.” Miyamoto Musashi

WHEN THINGS DON’T GO OUR WAY

Sometimes when things don’t go our way
It’s not that God is being mean,
It’s perhaps because there’s something better
That we simply cannot see.

When things don’t go our way
There’s a hidden blessing in disguise,
That could have probably intervened
And possibly saved our lives.

When things don’t go our way
There’s a lesson we need to learn,
Because the best things come to those who wait
When it simply is our turn.

When things don’t go our way
And there’s a perceived stumbling block,
The correct timing and the blessings
Have not simply been unlocked.

Because when the flood of blessings
Will be poured from above,
It’s when our fruit of hope and patience
And our joy is filled with love.

It may appear much too late
To start new endeavours in our lives,
But when wisdom combines with knowledge
True discernment will arrive.

God’s blessings are never early
And they’re simply not too late,
And the finest ones will be distributed
To the faithful ones who wait.

When Jesus was crucified,
It appeared things didn’t go His way,
But the most significant event it did occur
When for our souls the price He paid.

So next time we are despondent
Or wonder why it takes so long,
Let’s remember the greatest gift is our salvation
When to God the Father we belong.

“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

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:3-4

“Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;” Romans 12:12

THERE’S POWER IN THAT NAME

There’s power in that name
Because every tongue shall confess,
And every knee shall bow
To the Son of God who’s blessed.

There’s something special in His title
Since when they blaspheme same,
It’s a confirmation He’s the genuine One
Since there’s power in that name.

Because there’s no reason to blaspheme other gods
Since they’re dead as dead can be,
And Jesus is a threat to them
When darkness is all they see.

There’s power in that name
And in His healing touch,
When we walk by faith and authority
That is given unto us.

And there is tremendous power
Because His word does tell us so,
With integrity and sincerity
To teach us all we need to know.

The power resides in Jesus
Because He holds the key to life,
To unlock all His treasures
With His wonder and His might.

There’s power in that name
Because it will always resurrect,
And make all things new
When new life will manifest.

And that name cannot be erased
Throughout all of history,
Because there’s power that resides in Him
For now and in eternity.

Thank God that there is power
In that precious sacred name,
Where death could not hold Him
Because the light in Him remains.

“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:10-11

“Knowing that Christ having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him.” Romans 6:9

“O God, how long will the adversary reproach? Will the enemy blaspheme Your name forever?” Psalm 74:10

“In flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,” 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9

“And Peter said to him, ‘Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.’ Then he arose immediately.” Acts 9:34

NEVER HATE ANYONE

Never hate anyone
Because although it may be justified,
It’s not wise to harbour venom
That is toxic in God’s eyes.

Never hate anyone
Because although they’ve caused you pain,
A time of judgement will be imminent
Where an account to God remains.

Never hate anyone
Because it will rob your peace and joy,
When seeds of bitterness and anger
And unforgiveness is employed.

Because hate instigates jealousy
And all unrighteous seeds;
It strips the heart of logic
And commits the darkest of all deeds.

And never wish them harm
Because vengeance belongs to the Lord,
When in due time it’s executed
As promised in His word.

Never hate anyone
Because eternity does exist,
And God’s judgement is forever
When hate and unforgiveness kiss.

Never ever hate them
Because it is a stumbling block,
To your heart and soul where freedom
Can never be unlocked.

We all fall short of God’s glory
And there’s no one perfect indeed,
So let’s have grace and mercy
When with love we plant good seed.

God is angry with the wicked
Every single day,
And as ambassadors we’re required
To intercede and pray.

To pray that the dark situations
Will eventually see the light;
And to pray against all evil
With His power and His might.

Never hate anyone
Because the hate comes back to you,
With dividends and interest
In the ugliest of ways too.

Nothing is impossible
For God to deliver and to heal,
When we have faith and hope
And the situation to God we yield.

Jesus never hated them
But prayed for God to forgive,
Since they had absolutely no idea
When they crucified our King.

“Vengeance is Mine, and recompense; their foot shall slip in due time; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things to come hasten upon them.” Deuteronomy 32:35

“And God is a just judge, and God is angry with the wicked every day. If he does not turn back, He will sharpen His sword; He bends His bow and makes it ready.” Psalm 7:11-12

“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Mathew 6:14-15

“‘As I live, says the LORD, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God.’ So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.” Romans 14:11-12

“You who love the LORD, hate evil! He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked. Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.” Psalm 97:10-11

“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

“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:20-21

“Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.’” Luke 23:34

THE TITANIC

The Titanic was a ship of dreams
And unsinkable thought to be;
It represented the epitome of class and wealth
With the finest things to see.

It was majestic in so many ways
With a journey on its mind,
But there was misjudgement and incompetence
Where many lives were left behind.

The iceberg was the catalyst
That changed the entire course,
And ultimately responsible
For the calamity endorsed.

And the violinists were adamant
To continue with their song,
Perhaps living in denial
That there was a problem all along.

Is our ship slowly sinking
As we endeavour in our ways,
Or do we keep afloat
When God sustains our days?

Are we the captain of our soul
Where we think our ways are best,
Or have we surrendered unto Jesus
So our soul can know true rest?

Can the iceberg in our heart
Be a true stumbling block,
Or do we allow it to dissolve
When God’s treasure we unlock?

Because the waves and wind will come
To throw our soul astray,
But it’s in these desperate moments
That true faith and hope remain.

The Titanic was a ship of dreams
But where expectations they did sink,
And a reminder that our finest things
Can disappear in a blink.

Our soul should stay afloat
Irrespective of the floods,
When God becomes our anchor
With His unshakeable of love.

“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:26

“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil,” Hebrews 6:19

“For the waters have come up to my neck, I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing; I have come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. I am weary with my crying; My throat is dry; My eyes fail while I wait for my God.” Psalm 69:1-3

“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

“But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’” Matthew 14:30

KEEP IT SIMPLE

Keep it simple and although
The ones we may want we won’t attract,
But the right ones and the ones we need
Will always have our back.

Keep it simple in our approach
And don’t complicate the matter;
Instead use wisdom and discernment
As this approach will make things better.

Keep it simple and sincere
Because integrity volumes it speaks,
And honesty combined with kindness
Are treasures the heart should keep.

Keep it simple and keep it natural
Because true beauty lies within,
Particularly when we’re born again
And delivered from our sin.

And simplicity of heart is what matters
But not simplicity of mind,
Since there is a profound difference
When God’s wisdom we do find.

Keep it simple and don’t manipulate
Because what is yours will be yours,
If it’s ultimately meant to be
Since God will open and close the doors.

Keep it simple and keep it real
Because most people know deep inside,
Whether the smile on your lovely face
Deception it may hide.

And keep it plain and simple
Since it’s the basics we do yearn,
Where love and joy combined with peace
And where respect is truly earned.

Jesus is our example
In simplicity and grace,
Where every treasure of His heart
By His chosen are embraced.

“But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:3

“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” Psalm 19:7

“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

“He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens.” Revelation 3:7

BE LESS AND BE BLESSED

Be less and be blessed
In the way we view ourselves,
Knowing God is worthy of all praise
Where all glory it should dwell.

When we elevate ourselves
And in wanting to be seen,
It’s where we desire attention
But perhaps through insecurities.

Because it’s all behind the scenes
Where true greatness is attained,
On our knees and in fervent prayers
Where true riches are obtained.

Be less and be blessed
As God exalts the humble indeed,
And will work in the hearts
Where His promptings we don’t see.

Prayer is the most powerful
Weapon we can yield,
Because it opens doors and closes some
And it’s our protective shield.

Be less and be blessed
And understand God’s sovereignty,
As we serve with all gentleness
When not wanting to be seen.

God humbles the exalted
Perhaps not today but eventually,
And patiently waits for their repentance
So a revelation can be seen.

It’s always behind the scenes
Where foundations will reveal,
The type of structure we will build
And as to whether it will yield.

Be less and be blessed
Since a humble nature is admired,
With all faithfulness and loyalty
In ways it can inspire.

God’s ways are pure and gentle,
With love, peace and joy,
And where kindness and all goodness
Will always be deployed.

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

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30

“Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who curse you; bless and do not curse.” Romans 12:12-14

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

“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