Author: parasbovolos

When we walk through the valley

Of the shadow of death and pain,

We hope for a glimpse of sunshine

Amidst the despair and rain.

When we’re despondent and with little hope

We feel it will last forever,

But this period of darkness is just a phase

And on the horizon is better weather.

We’re all a little broken at times

But it’s a reminder to reflect,

Upon the more important issues of life

And all pettiness to forget.

Broken pieces can be restored

When we’re not quick to dispose of same;

When with a little love and creativity

New life can be obtained.

When mosaic pieces are glued together

They create a masterpiece;

An original and a unique work of art

Where new beginnings are released.

Only God can heal our broken heart

And instil new hope within,

When we humble ourselves and cry out indeed

And place our trust in Him.

When brokenness is fully restored

There’s a renewed hope, beauty and strength,

Where we can actually empathise with the broken

And on God’s promises we depend.

And when a situation appears rosy

But there’s a falseness that unites,

It’s God’s grace and mercy that will reveal

And expose evil with His light.

Some circumstances require breaking

So true restoration can then take place;

It’s a blessing in disguise indeed

And although painful it’s one to embrace.

There was a special beauty in brokenness

When Jesus hung on the cross,

As His blood was shed for our sins

So His sheep will not be lost.

(C) P.B. 2019

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for You are with me.” Psalm 23:4

“So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten.” Joel 2:25

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

“Take eat, this is My body which is broken for you, do this in remembrance of Me.” 1 Corinthians 11:24

It’s comforting to believe and know

That those nearest and dearest to us,

Have our very best intentions in mind

With integrity from the heart.

But ultimately God wants the best for us

When we fulfil His will and plan;

When we desire a life of holiness

As Christ’s followers and not just a fan.

There’s no competition in God’s kingdom

Since we all have unique qualities;

There’s no need to covet or be envious

Since it’s God not man we please.

To please God is to love His ways

His pure and righteous stance,

But when we please man to compromise

We cave to their humanistic demands.

Are we loving our friends sincerely

Or are we loving them to hell,

By refraining to share the gospel of reconciliation

So in deception they continue to dwell?

God has given us a second chance

So we’re reconciled to Him,

Through Jesus Christ who was sacrificed

So our soul is saved within.

God gave us His precious word

Since it’s a transformation we all need;

As He reveals His grace and mercy

Through His incorruptible seed.

It’s Gods best to always glorify

Him and Him only indeed,

As He’s worthy of all honor and praise

As He loves and sets us free.

The best is yet to come

When the harvest does take place;

When the seeds we once planted

Will blossom through God’s grace.

God reserved the best for you

By giving you His Son;

To be a propitiation for your sins

Extending eternal life to everyone.

The best is yet to come

And amidst all tribulations;

We’re all a breath away from eternal life

Where there should be a joyful anticipation.

(C) P.B. 2019

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:15

“Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!….Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” Psalm 150:2-6

“…that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:19

Love covers a multitude of sins

And although we’re all imperfect indeed;

When grace is extended coupled with love

We should be merciful in our deeds.

When we’re content and we’re in love

We overlook pettiness,

As we understand we all have foibles

Although we do our best.

When we can smile at imperfections

And laugh at whimsical things,

There’s a freedom and a joy that’s released

With much kindness that it brings.

Although we address sinful ways

When they’re blatantly in our face,

We’re reminded of God’s grace towards us

And with loving correction those embrace.

A loving rebuke is better

More special that love concealed,

As it presents necessary correction

And where good instruction is revealed.

And we shouldn’t point the finger

But instead for the situation pray,

That God’s Spirit brings conviction

So they’re set free and free remain.

When wisdom’s expressed instead of anger

Then miracles occur indeed,

When God’s Spirit ministers to the heart

As He plants the righteous seed.

Although there’s righteous anger

It should never be confused,

To express our desires in unwholesome ways

And be used as an excuse.

We’re all imperfect in many ways

But God creates a clean heart,

When we’re reconciled to Him through Christ

And when we’re truly set apart.

He loves us despite imperfections

But desires we seek His ways;

To be sanctified and made mature

And to worship Him in praise.

Despite our imperfections

When we’re transformed by His might,

And when our soul coincides with His Spirt

We being to walk in the light.

We’re to be presented as spotless

To the Heavenly Father above,

As a precious bride awaiting her husband

With an overwhelmingly pure love.

(C) P.B. 2019

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

“Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed.” Proverbs 27:5

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10

“First remove the plank from your own eye and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:5

“that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle…but that she should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:27

“For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:2

Dogs are marvellous creations

And perfect in all their ways,

And although their life span is very short

They enrich our every day.

Dog is god spelt backwards

And the resemblance is easy to see,

Since their characteristics are god-like

And can be a lesson to you and me.

They’re loyal, sweet and loving

And they have an unconditional love…

They would lay down their lives for us

And their playfulness is never enough.

Although they cannot speak

They communicate with their eyes,

And their silence is loud indeed

They’re clever and very wise.

They guard and protect us

And always give a warning,

Of potential intruders or thieves indeed

And they greet us with licks each morning.

A dog is man’s best friend

And it’s plain and clear to see;

They’re attentive, smart and teachable

And all they’re created to be.

Although their life span is short

We can all learn so much,

And the memories they create will always stay

Along with their tender touch.

Be very aware if a dog doesn’t like

A particular person indeed,

Since they’re sensitive to the spiritual realm

And can see what we can’t see.

They’re a treasured gift from God

And they are unlike any other;

Created to be a comfort indeed

It’s so easy to be a dog lover.

They’re an epitome of love wrapped in fluff

And they always give us more;

Let’s rejoice for being blessed with them

As they are certainly to be adored.

(C) P.B. 2019

Thank you God for the gift of dogs in our lives.

When we stretch our wings and fly

There’s a freedom that’s released;

Tt’s when we’ve learnt to let go

To discover ultimate peace.

An eagle is majestic

And reaches heights like no other;

It is bold, fierce and confident

And new levels it will discover.

An eagle will always fight a snake

When it’s in mid air,

Since the snake is most vulnerable

And where its power is not there.

An eagle renews its strength

And with patience achieves its mission;

It mounts up and takes the challenge

With keen spiritual insight and vision.

When we’re tempted to be chickens

And where we flap our wings around,

God helps us and encourages us

To take a leap from the fallow ground.

An eagle is an allegory

Of God’s faithful saints and church,

Where on the rock, the spiritual rock

Its faith and mission is birthed.

The eagle will always seek the ‘prey’

That is far off indeed,

Which is the Kingdom of God and His righteousness

And by example take the lead.

Jesus’ body was the ‘carcass’

As He was pierced and bled to death,

But the faithful eagles were by His side

As He paid the price for their debt.

Unfortunately, there will be carnage and carcasses

With the reign of the antichrist,

And the vultures will feast on that tribulation

With an insatiable delight.

However, our Jesus is the ‘body’

Where the eagles do congregate,

And when Jesus returns to rule over the nations

It will certainly be worth the wait.

(C) P.B. 2019

“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

“wherever the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together.” Luke 17:37

“from there it spies out the prey; its eyes observe from afar.” Job 39:29

“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 23:5

There are three things which are too wonderful for me, Yes, four, which I do not understand: The way of an eagle in the air, the way of a serpent on a rock..” Proverbs 30:18-19

“…saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven ‘Come and gather together for the supper of the great God.'” Revelation 19:17

“And the Lord shall be King over all the earth. In that day it shall be ‘The Lord is One’ and His name one.” Zechariah 14:9

Like an ocean deep and wide

And like a pond so crystal clear…

Is God’s love for His creation

With a depth that He holds dear.

Like a roaring crashing wave

Is His wrath that doesn’t last;

It’s like a calm gentle river

When He forgets our sinful past.

The cleansing waters are refreshing

With a tinge of mineral salt;

The ocean is His masterpiece

And it’s perfect without a fault.

We are surrounded by the ocean

And its fierce winds as well,

But He restores our soul and calms its waves

When in His loving palm we dwell.

The ocean is majestic

With hidden treasures that are deep;

With innumerable and immeasurable

Timeless gems we ought to seek.

The harvest is plentiful

And many fish abound,

As wise fishermen we cast our nets

To bless and turn many lives around.

But if we’re caught in a rip

And we’re helpless and afraid,

We lift our hands to heaven

And to the Lord we cry and pray.

When we’re drowning and we cannot cope

We must remember this…

That our lifeguard walks on water

And all fear and torment He will dismiss.

(C) P.B. 2019

“Ho! Everyone who thirsts come to the water.” Isaiah 55:1

“Though its waters roar and be troubled..there is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God.” Psalm 46:3-4

“He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul.” Psalm 23:2-3

“You are the salt of the earth.” Matthew 5:13

“Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19

“And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea they were troubled…but immediately Jesus spoke to them saying ‘Be of good cheer, it is I, do not be afraid.'” Matthew 14:26-27

When an achievement is acknowledged

And where praise is followed through,

There’s an excitement that flows in our soul

With warm and sweet feelings too.

But we shouldn’t get sidetracked

Or too proud in all we do,

Since the kudos can be shallow

And so fickle or not true.

Since one day you can be praised

But slandered the very next,

And irrespective of your motives

There will always be a test.

When we focus on God’s kudos

We can be steadfast and so true,

That our reward is solid like a rock

When we trust Him in all we do.

Kudos are very temporary

In this fallen and sin stricken land,

And the fame with its achievements

More temptations will demand.

Our acceptance and our identity

Shall come from the Lord,

As He has fruitful plans for us

With many blessings stored.

When our good works flow from salvation

We come to really understand,

That it’s all about Jesus Christ

And His divine and heavenly plan.

Although there’s much goodness and kindness

With caring works performed,

Do we give ourselves the credit

Or glorify God whom we should adore?

When God is in our picture

And we receive many compliments,

All kudos go to His majesty

Since His ways are always best.

(C) P.B. 2020

“Thus says God the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread forth the earth and that which comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it…I am the Lord, that is my name, and My glory I will not give to another.” Isaiah 42:5-8

“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10:15

“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 1:24-25

It is something we all desire

And so desperately all need…

It’s peace that emanates from God

Which is wise and calm indeed.

We may try different methods

To attain its very essence,

But it’s a temporary condition

Coupled with a transient presence.

Philosophies, religions and traditions

May act as a substitute,

But head knowledge without the Spirit of God

Can never produce lasting fruit.

When we know Jesus we know true peace

And nothing will compare;

When we discover His goodness and pure kindness

And His tender loving care.

And where there’s no Jesus there’s no real peace

As God cannot compromise,

And will never give His precious jewel

Where its feigned or in disguise.

A worldly peace may exist

With a solution temporary,

But the moment chaos enters our life

We’re not so sure and steady.

To know Jesus is to understand

His holy and pure ways,

When peace is His divine gift to us

Where in our heart remains.

It’s a peace that eliminates fear

And will mend a troubled heart;

It’s a tranquility that is steadfast

And instigates a brand new start.

Let’s not be deceived by counterfeits

As there’s so much more to receive,

When we sincerely humble our dear souls

To trust in Jesus and to believe.

To know Jesus is to know pure peace

That’s bestowed from God above;

It’s His guarantee to deliver us

Through our trials with His love.

(C) P.B. 2020

“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you, not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27

“and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus,” Philippians 4:7

“For He Himself is our peace.” Ephesians 2:14

“Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38

The most precious things in life

Are actually not things at all,

But rather created from the touch of God

And particularly when our name He calls.

It’s the precious infallible word of God

That enriches and enlightens our soul,

As the words that are divinely inspired

Much peace and love unfold.

We’re enriched when we give with kind gentle ways

That puts a smile on someone’s heart;

It’s to pray God’s will upon their life

With many blessings to impart.

It’s our loved ones who enrich our lives

With their gracious and honest ways,

When with wisdom, correction and understanding

Bring peace to our every day.

It’s our household pets that bring us joy

With their sweet unconditional love,

And their sensitivity towards our feelings

They’re a treasure from above.

It’s the flowers amidst our gardens

That furnish our backyards;

It’s the precious scent of a rose

That excels in beauty by far.

It’s the music that’s inside our soul

And the song within our heart;

It’s the melody that enriches us

That is truly a work of art.

It’s the intangible ability

To paint a picture with accuracy;

It’s to create a brilliant masterpiece

Where the eyes of our heart can see.

It’s the gifts that God ordains

When we’re called to do His will;

It’s the talents combined with obedience

With rich blessings our soul it fills.

Much materialism gives us a temporary fix

With a comfort that pleases the eye,

But the stress to maintain and to upkeep

Can sometimes kiss our peace goodbye.

It’s the miracles that do enrich

Our lives in so many ways,

When the author of life, God the Father

Showers His blessings on us each day.

(C) P.B. 2020

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16

“Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.” 1 Timothy 6:17

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

“that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:7

“He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like foliage.” Proverbs 11:28

“Riches do not profit in the day of wrath but righteousness delivers from death.” Proverbs 11:4

It’s the words that tickle our ears

And ones we desire to hear…

But flattery stems from an insincere heart

And are words we ought to fear.

It’s so easy to be fooled

Particularly when words are sweet,

And we should always be on guard

So we avoid heartache and deceit.

Flattery has a connotation

With the words fake and insincere,

Since it’s excessive in its praise indeed

Where the gullible lend an ear.

Great swelling words can take advantage

When flattery is used,

To disguise the true intention

And where hidden motives are pursued.

Although we’re to be at peace with all

Rebukes are required sometimes,

As a necessary correction to the soul

So we grow and are refined.

A rebuke is a sincere concern

When actions can lead to trouble,

And the boldness required is sincere

So the person will not stumble.

Let’s not be fooled by flattery

As only God really deserves all praise,

And any achievements we do accomplish

Should be humble where egos aren’t raised.

It’s honorable to encourage each other

And to edify indeed,

When it’s fruitful and when it’s sincere

So we can see each other succeed.

But flattery has a seed of envy

Since its root is not pure or right,

So when we receive or give out compliments

It should flow from a heart of pure delight.

(C) P.B. 2020

“He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward that he who flatters with the tongue.” Proverbs 28:23

“Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.” Daniel 11:32

“and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.” Romans 16:18

‘and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage.” Jude 16

“A man who flatters his neighbour spreads a net for his feet.” Proverbs 29:5

“Nevertheless they flattered Him with their mouth, and they lied to Him with their tongue.” Psalm 78:36

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11