Category: Poems

There’s a beauty in simplicity

When we’re content with all our blessings,

And to appreciate their intrinsic value

That can teach us many lessons.

We should never be ashamed

To live a simple and humble life,

When we’re thrifty yet considerate

But where our burdens are kept light.

It’s to put our loved ones first

Rather than to impress those who don’t care;

It’s to shift our mindset from selfish ways

And from entanglements and tares.

As society keeps changing

With all technological advances,

There’s no need to increase our desires

Where covetousness most times this enhances.

There’s no need to desire what others do

Or to follow the peer pressure,

Since the spiritually blind will lead the blind

With consequences beyond measure.

There’s no need to maintain an image

Where our name can be lifted up,

Since our ego and our prideful ways

Most times will never be enough.

Since the carnal nature is never satisfied

And it simply never will be,

Unless it appreciates the beauty of basics

Where with a simple heart it sees.

Let’s inspire one another

To appreciate the beauty in simplicity,

Where we halt to absorb the smell of a rose

And where God’s creation we clearly see.

It’s an opportune time as well

To discover the wonders of natural aids,

And their effective use in health and beauty

With an authenticity that will stay.

When we’re content with all we have

There’s no need for competition,

Since when we’re happy we’re happy to give

As we’re on a special mission.

It’s the attitude of the heart

That will lead us back to basics,

As we stop to focus on important issues

Rather than caught up in this matrix.

(C) P.B. 2020

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all this is in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it, but he who does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:15-17

“that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business..” 1 Thessalonians 4:11

“For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18

What constitutes normality

And by what standards does it exist?

Is it simply familiarity

Or does it entail a formal list?

Because ‘normal’ to one is simply not to another

Since the lenses through whom we see,

Paint a different picture with a differing perspective

According to whom we choose to be.

To be normal is to conform to a type

A regular pattern with a standard;

A natural way of observation

A typical way of being branded.

But normality can be construed

Or misused through ideologies;

Particularly once laws are enacted

So through mainstream eyes we see.

It’s not normal to be greedy

Or to hate and envy too;

It’s not normal to be selfish

Or to covet what others do.

It’s not normal to hoard possessions

Whilst our neighbour cries in pain;

It’s not normal to close our ears

Whilst the poor and needy complain.

It’s not normal to live a hurried life

Or absorbed to be entertained;

It’s not normal to abuse the environment

Or where resources are drained.

So when we speak of ‘normal’

What does it really constitute?

Since there are differing opinions

And ones we must refute.

To be normal is to love our neighbour

And to not harm in any way;

It’s to respect our family members

Where parental honor will remain.

To be normal is to care

To extend a loving hand;

With a gentleness and goodness

That every language understands.

It’s to love God with our heart

And to trust in His plan;

To revere His holy word

And to follow His commands.

Back to normal needs to change its face

And all that it was accustomed to,

With renewed morals and timeless values

And a new heart in all we do.

(C) P.B. 2020

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your might, and your neighbour as yourself.” Luke 10:27

“If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself’ you do well.” James 2:8

It’s always behind the scenes

Where our strength is renewed;

On wings like eagles to be mounted

With a new perspective and a view.

It’s where everything it happens

Deep in the chamber of our heart;

It’s where seeds are planted and nourished

To foster a new start.

It’s behind the scenes

Where God works in our heart and soul,

In truly miraculous ways;

In mysterious ways to uphold.

It’s behind the precious scenes

Where a baby is knitted together;

Safely nestled in the mother’s womb

With a blueprint that lasts forever.

It’s behind the scenes

Where hearts are knitted together;

To make a holy commitment

That will bind two hearts forever.

It’s beneath the scenes that seeds are planted

Where a forest will be grown…

A harvest indeed where birds can nest

And with every fruit we’ve known.

Behind the scenes there’s power

As the caterpillar becomes a butterfly;

It’s where the old it fades and all is renewed

Where new beginnings will abide.

It’s behind the scenes in a manger

Where our Savior was gently placed,

And visited by the three wise men

With gifts and blessings interlaced.

Behind the scenes in the wilderness

By evil our Jesus was tempted,

But the Lord stood firm and quoted scripture

When several times the devil attempted.

It’s behind the scenes

In the realm invisible,

Where His love is deposited

Where we can remain calm and still.

It’s behind that curtain

Where the sweat and tears remain;

It’s where God prepares us

So we’re never truly the same.

It’s the struggles, the pain and frustration

All behind the scenes…

It’s when doubt, fear and anxiety

Will try to rob our treasured dreams.

God works behind the scenes

When we’re used as mere vessels,

And moved when prompted in obedience

When our faith is safely nestled.

The stage is being set

And the curtain is to fade;

The spotlight is on His children

But will He find faith that remains?

The preparation room

Is always behind the scenes;

Where the battle is enraged

And where the fire makes all pristine.

Embrace our time behind the scenes

It is precious and valuable,

As it chisels our character in numerous ways

So our heart and soul become full.

Behind the scenes also lies corruption

By those who practice a lie,

But God Almighty in His control

Will bring to light all that’s disguised.

Behind the scenes God knocks on our heart

So we can dine with Him,

As we feast on all His promises

Where reconciliation this will bring.

(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. Marvelous are Your work, and that my soul knows very well.” Psalm 139:13-14

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties, and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24

“Lord I cry out to You; Make haste to me! Give ear to my voice when I cry out to You.” Psalm 141:1

“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

“It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'” Matthew 4:4

“Then Jesus said to him, ‘Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.'” Matthew 4:10

“Then He said, ‘What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and put in his garden; and it grew and became a large tree and the birds of the air nested in its branches.'” Luke 13:18-19

Our help in time of need Is effectively dispatched by the Lord; Where seemingly impossible situations Are miraculously restored. Do we believe that God hears us When our petitions are sent to Him? Or do we doubt and wonder if He’s real When our cup is filled to the brim? As our head rests on our pillow Do we ponder the meaning of life? Are we in wonder and awe or are we frightened In case there is an after-life? Do we lie awake at night And think about the injustice? Or are we content with our lot in life Where peace and joy is in our midst? Do we have a void inside And wonder what life is about? Are we overwhelmed with situations With feelings of self-pity and doubt? As we implode with our frustrations We can easily blame God indeed, But it’s wiser to cry out for mercy So He can truly intercede. It’s normal to have doubt and fear But abnormal to dwell with same, Since we’re given the faith and the hope So these strongholds do not remain. Fear is debilitating Along with unbelief, And unless we use the tools God provides We’ll never find true relief. God is truly our best friend Our comforter, rock and refuge, But we forfeit His blessings and His promises When our stubborn hearts refuse. When biblical truth is rejected We naturally turn to philosophies, Or religions based on good deeds and merit So our conscience can be appeased. But our pride levels are dangerous And we’re truly unaware of same, When we pretend that all is merry When from biblical truths we refrain. God adores us and gave us Christ To appease His wrathful way, And the fact that Jesus died a horrific death Shows the extent of the price that was paid. God listens to our prayers; Our supplications and to our pain, And although sometimes it appears He doesn’t The facts will still remain. Only a holy God can eradicate our sins And it’s something we desperately need, As our soul requires a regeneration Where only God can intercede. Let’s rejoice that He’s a loving Father And let’s surrender all to Him, And exercise our spiritual muscles With all the promises this brings. (C) P.B. 2020 “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 “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 “May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble.” Psalm 20:1 “For You are my rock and my fortress; Therefore for You name’s sake lead me and guide me.” Psalm 31:3 “in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:14 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear.” Psalm 46:1 “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

How many times have we whispered a prayer

And there’s been a helping hand?

And in how many moments in despair

Lies an answer that we demand?

How many times have we looked up

With a hope for a solution?

How many times have we been answered

Where the matter has faced conclusion?

Invisible helping hands they are

Healing the turmoil in our soul;

When God touches our heart and fills it with hope

When situations take their toll.

Helping hands extend from above

As there’s always an answer indeed;

An opening where we can move forward

Once the Lord will intercede.

He’s always faithful and always there

We just need to ask to receive,

As He’ll never leave us nor forsake us

As He heals us from all grief.

He heals our broken soul

And understands what we’ve been through,

But when we compare it to Christ’s sufferings

There should be no complaining from me and you.

Our prideful ways will not reach out

Nor cry to God Almighty,

Since we’re ferocious in our independence

And God’s ways we take so lightly.

But God’s word does carry weight

As it’s a treasure chest with might;

An inspired promise with a delightful ending

With blessings forever in sight.

God will help us…

We just merely need to ask,

And when it’s according to His will

There’s no limit to His task.

It could be the most dire circumstance

A horrendous one indeed,

But His desire is to deliver us

When we invite Him to intercede.

Our answer lies in humility

When we bend our feeble knees,

And ask for His forgiveness

To do with us as He would please.

It’s a broken spirit and a contrite heart

That receives all of His blessings;

The spiritual ones that count indeed

As we learn through many lessons.

His helping hands are available

But we merely need to request,

And thank Him in advance for our answer

As we know His ways are always best.

(C) P.B. 2020

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7

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

“But on this one I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word.” Isaiah 66:2

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

“O Israel, trust in the Lord, He is their help and their shield.” Psalm 115:9

“Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 124:8

“Lord, I believe, help my unbelief!” Mark 9:24

“..be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'”  Hebrews 13:5

 

There’s a fountain for the soul

Where refreshing waters spring,

And renew all stagnant remnants

With a beauty that it brings.

It’s a rejuvenating flow

Energising all that is within;

As we rejoice with the hope

That eternal life this brings.

It is music to our soul

Where the melody is sweet;

With a love and a joy

That is played on repeat.

It’s a purifying touch

As new life is birthed within;

It’s knowing without doubt

That we’ve received incorruptible seed.

It’s the confidence that we’re refreshed

And made alive forevermore;

It’s to trust in His promises

That with God’s ways we are restored.

It’s the power to overcome

As the Spirit comes to dwell,

To give us rest with much peace

So our soul we never sell.

It’s to quench those fiery darts

As the warfare takes its aim;

It’s to cast down all that’s diabolical

And never surrender to its game.

It’s to know that we’re His

When He becomes our first love;

When our thoughts and our vision

Are fixed firmly on above.

To be refreshed is to be renewed

With His sovereign power;

Knowing that He’s truly in control

And so required for this hour.

As we cast aside man-made traditions

And all new-age philosophies…

We are humbled as we realise

That situations are not as they seem.

We can try to find satisfaction

In many different ways,

But it’s temporary and unless God reigns

Much frustration can remain.

We’re weak in stature but He is strong

And it’s only by His might,

That we’re refreshed to enter His kingdom

When we finally see the light.

(C) P.B. 2020

“Jesus answered and said to her, ‘Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”‘ John 4:14

“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

“casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5

There’s something about humility

That’s a sweet smelling fragrance;

When we’re aware of our shortcomings

With the absence of arrogance.

Humility is submissive

Since they both go hand in hand;

It’s to believe we’re not important

And thus freed from our demands.

To be humble is the opposite

Of a proud and haughty spirit;

It is modest and it is meek

With no presumptious ways in it.

Humility is not self-seeking

Since it respects the needs of others;

It won’t broadcast transgressions but show love

And a multitude of sins will cover.

It’s not conceited or egocentric

But has deeper roots indeed;

It’s to trust in God for our provision

And to provide our every need.

To have a low estimate of self

Doesn’t mean it’s inferior;

It simply reiterates the wonderful fact

That there’s no need to act superior.

To be truly humble is to acknowledge

That without God we are nothing,

And that He alone is sovereign

And through His grace good things He brings.

But those who are haughty

Are spreading a net for themselves;

When pride and arrogance is their necklace

And where everything false does dwell.

All knowledge, facts and ideas

Can inflate our mind indeed;

It’s where all arrogance and superiority

And entitlement can breed.

Those who exalt themselves

Will not doubt be humbled,

Since the ladder eventually does come down

And all lofty thoughts do crumble.

God resists the proud

But always gives grace to the humble,

Since the proud are blinded by deceptions

And eventually will stumble.

We are all fallible

And subject to many falls;

Only God and His word are infallible

And worthy of applause.

(C) P.B. 2020

“God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.”  1 Peter 5:5

“And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Matthew 23:12

“Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up.” James 4:10

“to speak evil of no-one to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.” Titus 3:2

“Do not set your mind on high things but associate with the humble..” Romans 12:16

“…He does not forget the cry of the humble.” Psalm 9:12

“A great man is always willing to be little.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

There’s something majestic indeed

When we leave it in God’s hands;

When we come to the undestanding

That only His promises can stand.

When we’re tempted to worry

And when fear grips our heart,

We can either entertain them both

Or boldly tell them to depart.

Both the spirit of fear and worry

Should have no place in our soul,

But they can come to take residence

With firm and fixed strongholds.

Unfortunately it’s easy to allow them in

And most times we’re unaware,

As we believe they’re a natural part of us

But they’re simply a deceptive pair.

God has not given us a spirit of fear

And never plans to torment us;

He desires we have a sound mind

Without the confusion, drama and fuss.

Worrying does not add a stature

But gives us heartaches instead;

Especially when situations are out of our control

And when lies our mind is fed.

When we leave it in God’s hand

There’s a peace that floods our soul;

With a trust and a knowing

That our future He does hold.

When we leave it in God’s hand

We understand the brevity of our life,

And the fact we’re just a vapour

And that His security will suffice.

We worry when we hold onto things

That are transient and temporary,

But the only worry we should have indeed

Is meeting God and as to whether we’re ready.

Worry, fear and depression

Are real and we’re subject to same,

But we’re to lay them at the cross and surrender

Where they simply cannot remain.

Life can be challenging indeed

But when we know He holds our hand;

He wipes our tears and all our fears

With a renewed mind to understand.

When we leave it in His hands

There’s a burden that’s released,

As He opens doors and closes others

And it’s where all strivings and stress has ceased.

(C) P.B. 2020

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

“Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?” Matthew 6:27

“Now if God clothes the grass…will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” Matthew 6:30

“But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord. I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in Your hand.” Psalm 31:14-15

Although an ugly duckling

May be living in the soul…

There’s a stunning swan to be revealed

One that’s been hidden all along.

The ugly duckling is a reproach

And unsightly to everyone,

But once transformed it’s a testimony

Of what God has truly done.

The swan is the epitome

Of the soul’s transformation,

With a new beginning and a new adventure

Where it overcomes temptations.

The swan is like a pure fragrance

A white and sweet delight;

It reveals God’s special glory

With His power and His might.

It is pleasing to God’s eye

As it’s a true masterpiece;

It’s the queen of the lake

With a beauty that won’t cease.

She dances with the King of Kings

And washed by rivers of living water;

She’s a bride prepared for her bridegroom

She is indeed a daughter.

The swan is inside us all

When we encounter God’s special touch;

To reveal same for His glory

To show He loves us very much.

The caterpillar is unsightly

But there’s a treasure to be revealed,

And once inside the cocoon it changes

Where it’s fate is ultimately sealed.

It becomes a stunning butterfly

One of the most beautiful creatures indeed;

It is gracious and so delicate

It’s where God did intercede.

Let’s not be discouraged

Of the duckling in our soul,

Or the caterpillar awaiting change

When our beauty is yet to unfold.

But we simply cannot change ourselves

As it requires a supernatural touch,

Since we can only modify our behaviour

But with no true transformation as such.

God’s transformation is always best

When we leave it in His hand,

Since a new birth is required

One that He truly does command.

(C) P.B. 2020

“unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.” John 1:12

“But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.” Hebrews 10:39

“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” John 7:38

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, old things have passed away, behold all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

Although we can be fence sitters

With one foot on either side;

There comes a point in life

Where we’re challenged to decide.

A fence sitter is nonchalant

And is not passionate about a plea,

Because there can be confusion from his viewpoint

And the bigger picture he cannot see.

Until we receive a revelation

That there will always be a fight,

We will never truly support a cause

Or become successful in our plight.

But how can we know

Whether we’re on the right side?

Unless a conviction does take place

When scales fall and open our eyes.

God is not a God of confusion

And He hates lukewarmness too;

He prefers we’re either hot or cold

But where convictions they are true.

It depends what side of fence we’re on

In our beliefs indeed;

That either everything is a miracle

Or it’s not, although one is deceived.

Fence sitters are mere man pleasers

And never rock the boat,

But to please man is to disobey God

And to be considered as a goat.

A fence sitter doesn’t care

And won’t take responsibility,

To outline and express his cause

Since no clear direction he can see.

Fences do eventually come down

When a renovation does take place,

And we’re forced to make a decision

Where reality we must face.

The fenceline may seem comfortable

But it’s never the solution,

Because to sit on same it eventually hurts

As it becomes an obvious protrusion.

We’re either with God or we’re not

And it’s something we must ponder,

As we all so desperately need a Savior

And the beauty of His wonder.

There’s only two sides and always will be

But it’s never too late to swap;

Let’s ensure we’re all in God’s pasture indeed

And to the devil’s lies put a stop.

(C) P.B. 2020

“I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing, therefore choose life that both you and your descendants may live.” Deuteronomy 30:19

“Then the King will say to those on His right hand ‘Come you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.'” Matthew 25:34

“Then He will also say to those on the left hand. Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.” Matthew 25:41

“So then because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:16

“And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left.” Matthew 25:33