Author: parasbovolos

Like a pure dove and spotless lamb

Like flowers in a meadow;

With rolling hills and crisp fresh air

And the stillness of a shadow.

A mind at ease and uncluttered too

A heart filled with simplicity;

A humbleness with much contentment

It’s where we’d rather be.

Harmonious friendships with pure love

Where sincerity abounds;

Where words are filled with integrity

As pleasant musical sounds.

Peace is priceless and perfect indeed

To be bought it cannot be;

It’s the still and calmness of our soul

Where its fruit is clearly seen.

We are called to be peacemakers

To restore all circumstances;

To bring unity, love and compassion

When joy our heart enhances.

We can still have peace amidst the chaos

When we trust in God Almighty;

With a faith and a love unmovable

As we grasp materialism lightly.

Our silence can be loud indeed

When our soul is truly restless,

aAd although our mouths are mute

Our eyes can never hide distress.

Only God can give us pure true peace

When we’re reconciled to Him;

Where the debt is paid and our guilt washed away

And we’re born again within.

(C) P.B. 2019

“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

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1

“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

When we consider something to be lost

There’s no hope of its return…

It’s forever gone, forgotten or stolen

But for a miracle we do yearn.

When someone is lost it grieves our heart

In the physical realm or mental,

Since their absence leaves a void within

When circumstances are detrimental.

But when something is lost it can be found

When our hope is grounded indeed,

As we focus on God’s bigger picture and plan

And with faith our soul we feed.

We were once all lost but now we’re found

As our Creator interceded,

And called us out of the miry clay

So no longer are we defeated.

To acknowledge that we’re lost indeed

Reveals a deep humility,

And a hunger and thirst for God’s righteousness

Where the depth of our heart God sees.

Our pride will tell us otherwise

That we’ve never really been lost;

That we’re strong and independent

And to focus on self at any cost.

But God tells us clearly and plainly

That Jesus came for the lost,

For those who acknowledge their wretched ways

And for those who count the cost.

Unless we’ve been lost we can’t be found

Since we need to be adopted and saved,

And reconciled to Almighty God

Through Christ’s sacrifice that was made.

(C) P.B. 2019

“For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.” Matthew 18:11

“For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” Luke 15:24

“Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked. The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot.” Proverbs 10:6-7

“And my tongue shall speak of Your righteousness, and of Your praise all the day long.” Psalm 35:28

“For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out ‘Abba, Father’.” Romans 8:15

Every living creature

Is certainly destined to die,

And the question in our heart

And on our lips is ‘Why?’

From birth to grand old age

Every life tells a story…

But the chapter that really counts

Is whether we gave God His rightful glory.

We ultimately live to die

As it’s the natural inclination,

But when we die to live and be with God

It’s the ultimate destination.

The culture of society

Usually dictates how we should live,

But it’s God who should take the reign

So our heart pure love it gives.

Unless we’re prepared to die

To our self-centred and carnal ways,

We will continue to be deceived

And by societal norms be swayed.

Our old nature needs to be crucified

So new life can manifest,

As we’re raised with Jesus unto eternal life

To choose the road that’s best.

If we die with Christ we shall live with Him

And the life we now present,

Is hidden with Jesus Christ our Lord

At the point we all repent.

It’s through repentance and through faith

We are then baptised indeed,

As we recognise the importance

Of new beginnings with His seed.

When we die to live we understand

That eternal life awaits,

And when our soul departs from this earth forever

We will see Him face to face.

(C) P.B. 2019

“For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:3

“..buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead” . Colossians 2:12

“..even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ.” Ephesians 2:5

“Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.” Colossians 3:9-10

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