Category: Poems

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

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