JUST BLOOM

A rose will not compete
With a Lily or Daffodil,
Since its beauty is unique
With a role it will fulfil.

They’re all created with tender care
Emanating from God’s touch,
With a uniqueness that’s divine
And adored so very much!

The colours represent them well
With clarity and vibrancy –
They will bloom where they are planted
And so wonderful to see.

When we blossom in our phases;
Whether it’s in joy or suffering,
There’s a growth that is unparalleled
With a blessing that is seen.

Because to bloom we simply are
Grafted into the pure vine,
Where the sunshine and the rain
Will ensure we do shine.

Our trials have an expiry date
Where the burden is blown away;
When we are grounded in God’s promises
And are steadfast when we pray.

Just bloom where you are planted
And receive the nourishment,
From the One who waters the seed
When from our core we do repent.

“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

“Having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, because 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 1:23-25

“And the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose; It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice,” Isaiah 35:1-2

“So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” Matthew 6:28-29

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

WHERE OUR TREASURE IS

When the treasure in our heart
Is to see God glorified,
There are rivers of living water
Where peace and joy will satisfy.

When we wish our neighbour well
And never hope for any harm,
God’s blessings they are numerous
Extending from His arm.

And the truth will always hurt
But when it’s expressed with gentle care,
It sets free from all delusions
When God’s Spirit it is there.

The treasure in one’s heart
Will always be revealed,
And when courage kisses kindness
It’s when the soul begins to heal.

When we focus on fleeting treasures
And where mammon takes the throne,
That God-shaped hole remains intact
With a fearful undertone.

And when the treasure it is stolen
It is deceptive through and through,
Covered with cobwebs and all darkness
When our words they are not true.

Because the treasure it is priceless
When the heart it is renewed,
Giving Christ the rightful honour –
And where motives they are true.

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

“You cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24

“Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.” Psalm 143:10

“Owe no-one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law…’You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ Love does no harm to a neighbour; therefore love is the fulfilment of the law.” Romans 13:8-10

“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

“And be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:24

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2

WORDS AGAINST WEAPONS

There comes a point in time
Where debate is resisted,
And where ears are dull of hearing
And when facts they become twisted.

But the truth can never hide
And will convict through and through,
To penetrate the hardest hearts
That detest logic and truth.

When words become weapons
They can pierce the heart and mind;
Since they challenge and they will correct
So the soul becomes refined.

And when words cannot be stifled
Other weapons will be used,
To kill, destroy and annihilate
With all physical abuse.

But this may instigate a boldness
And a renewal for the truth,
That emboldens the silent voices
As they produce much godly fruit.

It’s a travesty indeed
When healthy discussion is oppressed,
When it’s labelled as ‘extreme’
And when ideas are repressed.

But what we must remember
Is that the voice of truth will live,
And with courage and with boldness
Many blessings it will give.

And it can never be silenced
Because the light will always shine,
And as Jesus proved it resurrects –
Since the word will always rise.

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than 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

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16

“And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!” Luke 12:4-5

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” John 11:25

BY FAITH

It is the understanding
That all things have come to be,
And created by the hand of God
Which we simply cannot see.

Historical figures were moved by faith
And trusted that God would move,
Knowing that He is in total control
Where His faithful ways He proved.

Abel presented a sacrifice
More excellent that Cain’s,
And Noah was mocked for building an ark
For years before it rained.

Abraham obeyed the Lord
And in a foreign country he dwelt;
Moses forsook the pleasures of Egypt
But where his legacy was felt.

By faith Rahab hid the spies
And was awarded greatly indeed,
Becoming the great grandmother of David;
The greatest king that would be seen.

By faith they received promises
And delivered from the sword,
Yet others were stoned and sawn in two
But never renounced the Lord.

Because by faith they wholly knew
That eternal life is real,
And chose to suffer affliction
Knowing that their soul is healed.

By faith they chose to walk
Into the Promised Land,
Trusting in God’s promises
And all provision from His hand.

As we’re challenged by their stories
It’s a reminder to always trust,
That God’s love with hope will lead us home
And where faith becomes a must!

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

“By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain,” Hebrews 11:4

“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6

‘By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.” Hebrews 11:8

“By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.” Hebrews 11:31

“By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.” Hebrews 11:24-25

“Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed by the sword.” Hebrews 11:36-37

IT WAS NEVER MEANT TO BE…

It was never meant to be
And although we prayed earnestly for same,
Certain prayers will go unanswered
Where disappointments may remain.

And it was never meant to be
Because behind the scenes God saw,
The conversations that took place
And hence He firmly shut that door.

It was never meant to be
For us to be estranged from Him,
But it’s the choices that we make
When we prefer to love our sin.

God created paradise
From the very start,
But mankind wanted more
And did not have a grateful heart.

It was never meant to be
That souls end up in hell,
Since it was for the devil and his angels
Who through rebellion chose to dwell.

It was never meant to be
For war and chaos in our soul,
But when free-will worships the flesh
Unrighteousness it will unfold.

It was never meant to be
That unforgiveness cloaks our soul,
Since its tentacles will choke us
When it becomes a firm stronghold.

But it was always meant to be
That we are reconciled to Christ,
Through His sacrifice on the cross
And to have eternal life.

“But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:15

“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

“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:20-21

“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’” John 3:3

WHEN THE EYE IS NOT SATISFIED

One may have the best of things
In beauty or aesthetically,
But there may come a time when the eye
Isn’t satisfied with what it sees.

Because the heart may want bigger or better
And subsequently so much more,
But there’s heartache to live beyond our means
With things we can’t afford.

The eye that is not satisfied
Will covet what others have or do,
With hidden envy that becomes a plague
And where connections won’t be true.

When the eye is not satisfied
Whispered lies will grip the soul,
That try to convince us we deserve better –
Where frustrations will unfold.

But the soul that is satisfied
Will appreciate all with humility,
Knowing that it’s only by God’s mercy and grace
There’s blessings we already see.

When the eye is satisfied
It embraces things that are much better,
Where kindness and love is genuine
And where relationships do matter.

Everything that can be touched
Has a date that will expire,
Since all material things will perish and fade
With all temporary of desires.

When we appreciate God’s beauty
And the precious sights to behold,
It’s the natural wonders that will satisfy
Where God’s fingerprints unfold.

But when we take things for granted
Nothing good will satisfy,
Because when greed resides inside the soul
Unfulfilled will be the eye.

It’s the eternal ways that always last
Because we’re created to worship Him,
Where moth or rust will not destroy
And where there’s riches from within.

“The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.” Ecclesiastes 1:8

“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light.” Matthew 6:22

“Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.” Proverbs 27:20

“Wisdom is in the sight of him who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.” Proverbs 17:24

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…” Matthew 6:19-20

THERE COMES A TIME…

In life there may come a time
When we respond to a certain call;
A conviction to something deeper
That stems beyond the natural.

It is spiritual in nature
To the betterment of society,
Where any gifting and/or talents
For God’s glory can be seen.

There comes a time…
When God gets our attention,
And rearranges our circumstances;
To re-organise our affections.

Because we simply cannot stay the same
As different phases will ensure,
That in tests, trials and hardships
We overcome so we endure.

There comes a time…
When all pretences with games,
Require crucifixion
So our old nature won’t remain.

There should come a time
When the new nature is revealed,
As we surrender to the Lord
And by His Spirit we are sealed.

Because there will come a time
When our final breath we take,
As we stand to give account
When in eternity we awake.

“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

“And He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.” 2 Corinthians 5:15

“Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty.”
2 Corinthians 6:17-18

“For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.” 2 Corinthians 7:10

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” Ephesians 4:30

“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31-32

“He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.” Matthew 10:39

“To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” Revelation 2:7

OUR HOME IS OUR CASTLE

There’s something about a home
That makes it more than a house;
It’s where family, love and laughter
And where memories amount.

It’s a priceless type of living
And although money may be scarce,
There’s joy with hope combined
Where people show their love and care.

It’s the simplicity within
With their genuine type of ways,
That builds relationships
Where a legacy remains.

It’s the tests and the trials
With the frustrations as well,
But where character is built
And where sincerity will dwell.

It’s the uniqueness of each member
With the talents that they share;
It’s the coming to understand
That there are benefits so rare.

Our home is our castle
When we desire stability,
With the warmth that is combined
Where fruitful gatherings we see.

And although it’s temporary
We do know deep down within,
That it’s our eternal home we crave;
The one we desire to move in.

Our eternal home is our mansion
Where all strivings they will cease;
And where all sin is eliminated;
Where endless blessings are released.

It’s there that our permanent residence
By the Lord is guaranteed,
When He becomes our Lord and Savior
And where His promises we see.

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1

“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. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:2-3

“A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.” John 14:19-20

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” John 15:7

“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.” John 15:16

A SIMPLE ‘I DON’T KNOW’

We don’t have all the answers
And simply will not understand,
Why certain tragedies do happen
And where situations are unplanned.

A simple ‘I do not know’
Is the response that will suffice,
When we cannot comprehend
And do not have the right advice.

We hear of crises and calamities
Every single day,
And although we can’t perceive –
We just simply need to pray.

It can happen at any moment
And tomorrow’s not guaranteed,
So let’s be grateful for every breath
And that today we arose to see.

‘I don’t know’ is simply truthful
And not from a place of ignorance,
When we trust the Lord does have a plan
And in the end it will make sense.

But in the meantime when we’re hurting
And cannot see the road ahead,
In our heartache we whisper ‘I don’t know’
And leave it all to God instead.

It’s by His grace that we do live
And it’s a gift indeed,
As we worship Him through every trial
Where His grace and strength is seen.

Through death comes forth new life
And although the big picture we cannot see,
God’s sovereignty and mercy
And His glory is guaranteed.

“Can you search out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than heaven – what can you do? Deeper than Sheol – what can you know? Their measure is longer than the earth and broader than the sea.” Job 11:7-9

“He sets on high those who are lowly, and those who mourn are lifted to safety.” Job 5:11

“In a moment they die, in the middle of the night; the people are shaken and pass away; the mighty are taken away without a hand.’ Job 34:20

“Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, for Your judgements have been manifested.” Revelation 15:4

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

“Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” James 4:14

POOR YET RICH

Blessed are the poor in spirit
Who have come to realise,
That they’re wealthy in so many ways
And so precious in God’s eyes.

Blessed are those souls
Who won’t worship or idolise,
All the temporal material things
Or the devil’s whispered lies.

Because true riches are spiritual
And forever they will be,
Where no thief can ever steal
And where no loss is ever seen.

When we are content
With what God has blessed us with,
There’s no desire to have much better
Or to strive to become rich.

True riches are within
And they’re priceless through and through;
It’s treasure that’s not compromised;
So precious and so true.

Loyalty is strength
And true faith is rich indeed,
When God’s word is kept with reverence
And with hope it plants good seed.

Many temptations will exist
When the pockets they are lined,
With wealth that is abundant
But where morals are left behind.

Because wealth does not equate
To true success and happiness,
Since many times it becomes a facade
And hence cannot be truly blessed.

But when we come to realise
That kindness and servanthood,
Are riches beyond all measure –
Many things are understood.

Thank God for His word
That clarifies and does instil,
All the riches for the soul
So our heart will remain full.

“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24

“Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten.” James 5:1-2

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21