Author: parasbovolos

We’re inspired in many ways

And this brings joy to our lives;

When a genuine soul touches our heart

And by good example makes us wise.

We can read, we can travel

But only one book will transform…

It’s the bible with the words of life

With answers as to why we’re born.

It’s to know that something deeper

Is on the horizon indeed,

When our character is challenged

By those who take the lead.

A true leader will encourage

But never with manipulation,

As he has the best interests at heart

Without control or intimidation.

We’re inspired to reach new levels

When a loving caring soul,

Puts the interests of others above his own

So much fruit will unfold.

The most inspiring human being

Was Jesus Christ our Lord,

And His pure example and inspired teachings

Came to earth to bring a sword.

A sword to divide right from wrong

And to challenge false perceptions;

To cut the roots that don’t bear fruit

And to expose lies and deception.

A brilliant example of purity

And of everything that’s right,

But done with a humble spirit

To reveal God’s genuine light.

He was obedient to the Father

With a steadfast plan and vision,

To reconcile us back to God

As He understood His mission.

He was firm and bold when required

Yet gentle as a lamb;

Was gracious and very merciful

And followed God’s commands.

He took the nails and was crucified

So from sin we are set free;

He was resurrected unto eternal life

So God’s promises we see.

Jesus should be our inspiration

Since we know He lives forever,

And has promised us eternity

Where the second death we’ll see never.

But it is for those who sincerely repent

To understand their sinful ways,

And when Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior

Where in our heart and soul will stay.

(C) P.B. 2020

“For the word of God is living and powerful and sharper that any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

“And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.” Luke 13:9

“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” John 17:3

“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name….and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11

“…shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8

A storm may come to clear our path

And to wash debris away;

To pave the way for new beginnings

Where the sun can shine its rays.

The heavy precipitation

Can take our breath away,

When the winds of life and stormy patches

Bring anxiety to our days.

But the wind, rain and hail

Is part of the journey of life,

And when the sun beams through those pristine clouds

Our darkness turns to light.

The episodes of thunder

Are loud and clangy indeed,

And the strikes of lightning in our lives

Can drive us to our knees.

The snowstorms can lead to a cold callous heart

With a cyclone in our mind,

But unless we repent of bitterness

We’ll never leave our past behind.

Our storms are only temporary

But they can bring lasting change,

When through the battle we trust in God

And when faith and hope remains.

When Joseph’s brothers sold him as a slave

It was a disturbed state indeed,

But God had magnificent plans ahead

And through him a nation He’d feed.

When Jonah’s rebellion shook the boat

A solution was required,

And the waves were calmed when he was thrown overboard

Where into the mouth of a fish transpired.

What mankind has meant for harm

God turns it around for good,

When God’s mercy and grace is revealed

And His love clearly understood.

Jesus took the storms of our lives

To bring calm within our souls;

To settle the disturbed and raging patterns

So the sun in us unfolds.

(C) P.B. 2020

“Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brings them out of their distresses. He calms the storm, so that its waves are still.” Psalm 107:28-29

“So when all the land of Egypt was famished the people cried to Pharaoh for bread. Then Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, ‘Go to Joseph, whatever he says to you do’…and Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold to the Egyptians.” Genesis 41:55-56

“So they picked up Johan and threw him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging.” Jonah 1:15

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purposes.” Romans 8:28

When a garment of heaviness drapes our soul

And when ashes leave a heap;

When the pain of mourning envelops our heart

The wounds can cut quite deep.

When ruins become desolations

And when poverty strikes our soul;

When we hit rock bottom we crumble indeed

When shattered dreams unfold.

When our mornings feel like evenings

And our mind is foggy and overcast;

When the cloud of depression overtakes

How long can this torment last?

But the cries to God with vehement tears

Will reach His ears indeed;

With a humble heart and a contrite spirit

He is moved to intercede.

The ashes bring forth new beginnings

As the former things pass away;

It’s where brand new seed can grow and flourish

It’s where hope will pave the way.

The oil of joy replaces mourning

Along with the garment of praise,

That substitutes a heavy spirit

And where hopes are renewed and raised.

The heap of ruin is restored

Where a masterpiece will abound,

Like precious silver that’s refined

And where shackles no longer bound.

Beauty for ashes is revealed

When salvation crowns our head;

When God rejoices over His own

And where obedience is Spirit led.

When our old nature is crucified

And new life is birthed within,

God promises us beauty for ashes

Through Christ who died for our sins.

(C) P.B. 2020

“To give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…and they shall rebuild the old ruins, they shall raise up the former desolations and they shall repair the ruined cities.” Isaiah 61:3-4

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart. These O God, You will not despise.” Psalm 51:17

“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord. My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation.”  Isaiah 61:10

“And as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.” Isaiah 62:5

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

Infused by a brilliant mind

When a sperm and egg collide;

It’s the miracle of miracles

And such wonder we can’t undermine.

Every cell so meticulously designed

And deposited in our body;

Infused by the hand of God

Each person with a unique story.

Everything is infused with colour

And created so beautifully;

It is perfect in it’s design and shape

And with love has come to be.

Burst of flavours from every fruit

And all distinct in taste;

A tantalising sensation indeed

And wonderfully interlaced.

Harmonious and lovely melodies

Are infused with His divine Spirit;

They calm the soul and rejuvenate

With everything pleasant within it.

When a tea bag is infused

It reveals the contents within;

Similarly when we’re placed under pressure

Do we exhibit frustrations and sin?

When the word of God permeates

It instils in our soul qualities,

And transforms and renews our mind

So more godly we can be.

Infused with love when our spiritual birth

Does take place indeed;

When we’re born again unto salvation

By His incorruptible seed.

Soaked entirely by His mercy

When through faith repentance takes place;

Infused by His Holy Spirit

And accepted by His grace.

Infused with His forgiveness

When with a humble and contrite heart,

We acknowledge our sinful and fallen state

With the need for a brand new start.

(C) P.B. 2020

“For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalm 139:13-14

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord. The fruit of the womb is a reward.” Psalm 127:3

“and renewing of the Holy Spirit whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior.”” Titus 3:5-6

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace.” Ephesians 1:7

We’re quick to point the finger

When things don’t go our way,

And to shift the blame and responsibility

So a price we do not pay.

We’re quick to judge externals

When appearances aren’t right,

But we don’t know what’s in the heart

And what’s hidden from our sight.

We’re quick to believe we’re better

And to deserve more respect,

But we’re all sinners in God’s eyes

And self-righteousness we can reflect.

If someone sins externally

It’s no different from our sin,

As it’s our sins of omission

That can harm our soul within.

We’re all in need of redemption

Every single one…

And when we repent God will forgive

As though no sins we’ve done.

Let’s not become self-righteous

As it’s a dangerous place to be,

Since the Pharisees thought they were saved

By their self-appointed deeds.

There’s holiness under Christ

But we need to be covered indeed,

To walk in humble and merciful ways

Whilst we plant God’s eternal seed.

Nobody is too lost to be saved

As the most wonderful transformations,

Are the ones who committed repulsive sins

But now love without hesitation.

The only time we should look down

Is when we extend a helping hand;

To rise someone from the miry clay

And to help our fellow man.

King David was an adulterer

And lusted for another’s wife,

And although he repented and was forgiven

The sword in his household caused strife.

Moses was a murderer

But when God took hold of him

He shepherded the Israelites

So the Promised Land they could enter in.

Peter denied Christ bitterly

When the test did arrive,

But when God’s power transformed his heart

The gospel he couldn’t hide.

The woman caught in adultery

Was about to be stoned,

But Jesus said ‘Go and sin no more’

And the woman was condoned.

So next time we feel worthless

Let’s remember the biblical examples,

That God will transform the worst in us

Through His grace and mercy that’s ample.

(C) P.B. 2020

“Do not judge according to appearances but judge with righteous judgment.” John 7:24

“But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” Romans 14:10

“I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom. Preach the word! Be ready in and out of season.” 2 Timothy 4:1-2

“Peter then denied again and immediately a rooster crowed.” John 18:27

“If we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves.” 1 John 1:8

“Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you? She said, ‘No one Lord’. And Jesus said to her ‘Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more.”‘  John 8:10-11

 

It’s so special to be loved

By family and friends,

And to have sincere relationships

Where integrity doesn’t end.

But unfortunately in life

Things may not go our way,

When circumstances change abruptly

And where memories remain.

Our best friend may betray us

And slander us indeed,

When the seed of envy grasps the heart

And lies the heart it feeds.

Our spouse may suddenly die

And so unexpectedly,

Where all our hopes and all our dreams

Are just a memory.

Our siblings may move on

To a country far away…

And that dependency we once had

In our heart will now remain.

Although our parents age gracefully

They’re restricted in all they do,

And they will now depend on us

And to be a blessing too.

Ultimately only God

Can fill that void within…

Since He’ll never leave us nor forsake us

And understands the pain we’re in.

He will send the right people

When we have a desperate need,

He protects and orphan and the widow

And the hungry mouth He feeds.

Let’s not be afraid of trials

Since once we’ve overcome,

We have authority to speak and act

To be a blessing to someone.

Our dependency should be on God

As He’s the provider of our life,

And every good thing for us to enjoy

Our Creator is such a delight!

(C) P.B. 2020

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills – from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear.” Psalm 46:1-2

“Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this, to visit orphans and widows in their trouble..” James 1:27

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

We can run but we cannot hide

And no matter where we go…

From the eyes of the Lord we can’t escape

And from His presence we can’t forego.

Our soul is naked and bare indeed

As He knows our every thought,

And every intent of our heart and mind

From every known source.

We may think our soulish cobwebs

Are hidden from His sight,

But everything is registered

By His knowledge and His might.

Although we run, although we jump

And choose to ignore His presence,

His desire is to bring us home

Through every trial and lesson.

Let’s know that He is angry

With the wicked every day,

And His unconditional love is for His sheep

Who walk according to His ways.

We can run we can hide

But our frame is not hidden from His sight,

And when we humble ourselves to acknowledge this

We surrender the inevitable fight.

We should relent at the thought

That a holy God is pursuing us;

As at the end of the day His is the victory

And His sovereignty is enough.

But from certain things we need to run

As they vex our soul indeed;

Particulary when they drain us

And our soul they do not feed.

Let’s run from negativity

And from those who burden our soul,

Whose intentions are not sincere

And whose actions are crude and bold.

Let’s run from false religions

That focus on our good works,

Rather then the finished work of Christ on the cross

And His pure and utmost worth.

Today is the day of salvation

Let’s not harden our heart when God knocks,

Since its the very best gift we’ll ever receive

When the key to eternity unlocks.

Let’s run the race with endurance

Laying aside every weight and sin,

As we run to Jesus the finisher of our faith

So we run the race to win.

(C) P.B. 2020

“And there is no creature hidden from His sight but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4:13

“God is a just judge, and God is angry with the wicked every day.” Psalm 7:11

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith.” 1 John 5:4

“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2

“Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith..” Hebrews 12:1-2

It’s spiritual in nature

And cannot be earned through works;

It cannot be bought by money

And it has no worldly perks.

It’s not a man-made religion

And nothing of the sort,

Since it’s birthed from above by the Spirit of God

And with a sacrifice we’re bought.

As God’s incorruptible seed is sown

An exchange does take place,

And when the Holy Spirit is deposited

Satan’s grip on us is replaced.

It’s a change of heart with a new vision

And the things we once enjoyed,

Are now dull and dim in comparison

Along with the many sins we toyed.

It’s to glorify God in all we do

And to not live to receive credit;

It’s when pride no longer grips our heart

And our soul’s no longer in debit.

It opposes mainstream religion

Since the focus is on Christ,

And His finished work upon the cross

Rather than good works which entice.

Good works are mandatory

But should follow our salvation,

Since we cannot earn God’s favor

But rather called by God’s initiation.

His commandments are not burdensome

And indeed they set us free,

To fulfil God’s plan in our lives

And be all we’re created to be.

Do not allow society

Or the temporary opinions of friends,

To rob you of a glorious eternity

With their rebellion and pretence.

God’s favor is what matters

And nothing will compare,

But we need to humble ourselves indeed

And to be vigilant and aware.

It’s God who saves and is responsible

For our soul in eternity,

And all glory, honor and credit

To Him when our redemption we’ll see.

The new birth is imperative

And let’s never underestimate same,

Since the consequences are dire indeed

If in our sins we remain.

(C) P.B. 2020

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

“having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever.” 1 Peter 1:23

“And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.” Acts 19:6

“and they were filled with the Holy Spirit and they spoke the word of God with boldness.” Acts 4:31

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

“For by grace you have been saved through faith and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

“But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8

It’s as real as the air we breathe

And it is God’s precious promise;

It’s the New Jerusalem and its eternity

Where it comprises bliss.

It’s entered in by undeserved favor

And solely by God’s grace;

We are purchased at a dear price

Having run the race of faith.

It’s pristine and clear as crystal

And everything is so pure…

Streets of gold, colors of gems

With all sickness and disease cured.

Glorious light emanates from the Father

Who created us miraculously,

As we’re perfectly reconciled to Him

With vast treasures the eye can see.

Angels and their precious voices

Worshipping Him all day;

Saints washed by the blood of Christ

And pure in every way.

Jasper, topaz, beryl and sapphire

And all colors of the rainbow…

Names that are written in the Book of Life

Along with treasures He bestows.

Trees of fruit that yield forever

With the epitome of peace…

Glorified bodies gracing the kingdom

Where blessings never cease.

No more tears, no more sorrows

And no more hunger nor any pains,

As the former things have passed away

And where love and joy remains.

The Bride of Christ is prepared

Through humility and repentance,

And presented to God as spotless

When on the Lord she had placed dependence.

God’s reward is with Him

To give all according to our labour,

And blessed are those who keep His commands

And sanctified for eternal favor.

(C) P.B. 2020

THE BOOK OF REVELATION CHAPTERS 21 & 22

To make it big we should realise

That we first need to be small…

To acknowledge that Jesus Christ

Is King and Lord of lords.

Society’s ways are opposite

To our holy God indeed,

And what’s considered as successful

In God’s eyes is just a weed.

It’s a weed when it’s not watered

By the infallible Word to grow;

Where humility is our blanket

And where blessings we can bestow.

What does it profit a man

To gain the world but lose his soul,

When deceptive tactics grasp the heart

And where idolatrous lies are told?

Corruption, greed and mismanagement

Are part of the parcel as well,

When we eagerly crave fame and success

But pave our way to hell.

What’s the point in the end

When we’ll all stand before our judge?

Will it matter whether we had a mansion

And all good things that we once indulged?

Since it’s the character of our soul

That will pay high dividends,

And the treasures that are inside our heart

And if with God we made amends.

To make it big we need to understand

That there is a spiritual realm,

And that life on earth is short indeed

Where disruptions can overwhelm.

Our resting place is the same size

But what’s important is our soul;

As to whether it belongs to Jesus Christ

Or whether satan had strongholds.

To make it big we need humility

Since our God is majestic indeed;

He exalts the humble and humbles the exalted

And to this we should take heed.

Materialism is not sinful

But it’s the love of money that is…

It’s what we focus on and what’s in our heart

And our motives when we give.

It’s the simple things in life

That make the most impact of all;

It’s when we’re obedient to the Lord

When our name He calls.

And although we may have little skill

God can work in wonderful ways,

When we place our heart and soul in all

And give God the glory and praise.

As nothing will ever compare

To the eternal joy we’ll receive;

Let’s prioritise and put things into perspective

And do not be deceived.

(C) P.B. 2020

“Yet I indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish that I may gain Christ.” Philippians 3:8

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body.” Philippians 3:20-21

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

“For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 5:10

“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?” Matthew 16:26

“For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.” 1 Corinthians 3:19

“For you were bought at a price, therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:20

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21

“In my Father’s house are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2