Tag: faith

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BE GRATEFUL

Be grateful for God’s beauty –
Engraved in nature’s ways,
Where His fingerprints are clearly seen
With a wonder that remains.

Be grateful for the things we have
And for the things that don’t own us,
Where freedom it envelops truth
When in the Lord we trust.

Be grateful for the moments
That are only captured by the heart,
And engraved in our memories
With every sacred start.

Be grateful for unanswered prayers
That could have shipwrecked future ways,
Because deceptive ways are anchored
In the heart when lust remains.

Be grateful that a spotless lamb
Was slain on our behalf,
Who was worthy and so pure
And the only One to walk that path.

Because grateful ways are honoured
When God sees a heart content,
That is joyful with its portion
And abhors evil of intent.

Gratefulness will open doors
Where God’s key only unlocks,
To unleash the treasures evermore
And where Satan’s ways are blocked.

Be grateful that eternal life
Awaits those who wait for same,
Where Jesus is Lord and Saviour
And where there’s reverence for His name.

“You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11

“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have.” Hebrews 13:5

“I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:12-13

“That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:2-3

“I have set the LORD always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will rest in hope.” Psalm 16:8-9

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IN OTHER WAYS…

Do we sometimes feel forgotten
Or overlooked as well,
Perhaps not loved for all we do
Or where discouragement does dwell?

Leah felt rejected
Since Jacob’s affection was elsewhere,
And the loneliness and solitude
Was at times too much to bear.

But it was in these darkest moments
The Lord’s hand was planting seed,
When Leah’s lineage produced a harvest
Where God’s heart did intercede.

When we feel insignificant;
Omitted or neglected too,
It’s in these humble moments
That God does what He can only do.

It is in other ways…
And behind the scenes as well,
Where faithfulness has its reward
When truth we buy and do not sell.

Because faith will yield dividends
When we trust He’s in control,
And all things work out for our good
With a richer story to be told.

Leah was blessed in other ways
With an everlasting legacy,
Where the treasures of her inheritance
Echoes into eternity.

Job refused to curse Almighty
And in long-suffering did trust;
He was restored tenfold indeed
Where his legacy did last.

If we remain steadfast
In the mundane routine of ways,
God honours this humility
Where His glory will remain.

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

“When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren.” Genesis 29:31

“So Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben; for she said, ‘The LORD has surely looked on my affliction. Now therefore, my husband will love me.’” Genesis 29:32

“Now the LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning…in all the land were found no women so beautiful as the daughters of Job; and their father gave them an inheritance among their brothers.” Job 42:12-15

“Buy the truth and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding.” Proverbs 23:23

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THERE WILL NEVER BE…

There will never be another you
Since you’re unique in every way,
With distinct characteristics
And with a blueprint that remains.

There can never be a different past
Since what’s done is not erased,
But the future path can now be written
With a renewed mind that’s sustained.

There will never be another Jesus
Never can be nor ever will,
Because His unique mission was accomplished
When God’s redemption was fulfilled.

There will never be a better time
To get right with God Almighty,
Since today is the day of salvation
And should not be taken lightly.

Because tomorrow is not guaranteed
And for granted should not be taken,
Since it’s in the blink of an eye the soul departs
When from the body it’s forsaken.

There will never be another chance
Once death knocks on our door,
Since it’s in the land of the living
That we’re pardoned and restored.

And there will never be a better day
Than when we see Christ face to face,
When He’s embedded in our heart and soul
With His forgiveness interlaced.

“And it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgement, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many.” Hebrews 9:27-28

“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

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

“And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses…” Colossians 2:13

“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:2-3

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CREATION

If creation isn’t true
Then we must sincerely ask,
Many questions of what we have been taught –
Of our future and the past.

The soul is wired to create;
Piece by piece it will construct,
To blend a tapestry of beauty…
Our genesis is birthed from dust.

We love to create
Where splash of colours come alive,
Seamlessly and effortlessly;
A gift and talent so inspired.

We create skyscrapers to touch the sky
And yachts the sea they occupy,
Our creative brilliance is revealed
With potential far and wide.

We create patterns of thought
Shaped from our circumstances;
We philosophize our experiences
Erecting strongholds with firm stances.

But love will deconstruct
All faulty thoughts set in concrete;
It softens edges sharp and rough
Where tenderness and beauty meet.

Love creates beauty –
One fine moment at a time;
It focuses on quality
With a simplicity that will refine.

If God’s creation isn’t true
Then the light would fade within,
Where hope and faith no longer shine
And where love will never win.

Because creation paints a story
One of redemption, hope and peace,
Where the foundation of love is paramount
And where the heart of Jesus we clearly see.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1

“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:27

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TAKE UP OUR CROSS -v-PICK UP OUR TOOTHPICK

When the ear is dull of hearing
And self consumed with our own ways,
The word of God is compromised
Where deception may remain.

It took three nails and a cross
To crucify our evil deeds;
To remove the tares of doubt
And all wicked types of seeds.

To take up our cross
Requires sweat and humility,
As opposed to picking up a toothpick
Where light labor may be seen.

The toothpick clears debris
From leftovers in the teeth,
But the cross ensures victory
That is wholesome and complete.

The toothpick is like a splinter –
May be sore but once removed,
We’re back to our old ways
Where not much has been improved.

The toothpick is consumed
Where celebrations do exist,
But the cross requires sacrifice
And reconciliation in our midst.

And the cross demands a change;
It commands that we forgive,
And to confront the situations;
To choose life so we may live.

When Jesus carried His cross
It was for us – God’s enemies,
To reconcile us to the Father
So eternal life we see.

We have two pieces from wood
But so different in many ways,
Let’s ensure the cross is taken
Where God’s mercy will remain.

“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24

“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14-15

“For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:25-26

“For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.” Romans 5:10

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IF WE THINK…

Our thought life is imperative
If we’re to produce any type of fruit,
Where love, joy and peace will reign –
With reverence for God’s truth.

God’s word is filled with clarity;
An example of how to be;
Most importantly how not to live
And where Jesus sets us free.

If we think we cannot be deceived
Then pride will have its way,
Because it’s only through humility
That God’s mercy will remain.

If we think we are superior
Much arrogance our soul will wear,
With pretences and all things fake
And no genuine of care.

If we think that we are useless
It’s a lie through and through,
Because we’re created in God’s image
To make a difference that is true.

If we think just like the crowd
Along the broad and wider gate,
There may come a time in life
Where it may just be too late!

Because the heart does become harder
With negativity or hate,
When our old nature is not crucified –
Remaining in that state.

If we believe in evolution
And we strongly think this way,
Then there’s a fearful expectation
When our soul departs one day.

But if our mind and heart is steadfast
On the true and living One,
He is our refuge and strong tower
Where all trials we overcome.

“God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6

“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

“The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2

“For thus says the LORD God: ‘Indeed, I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out.’”
Ezekiel 34:11

“For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” Romans 8:13

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THE JOY OF THE LORD IS OUR STRENGTH

How precious and so honourable
When the Lord’s presence it abounds;
Where love and peace it is combined
With a heart and mind that’s sound.

The joy of the Lord is our strength
As it echoes in our soul;
It endures as we overcome
With a power to behold.

And this joy surpasses happiness
Because it rings so deep within,
As a reminder that God is with us
And delivers us from sin.

He will never leave us
As He’s entrenched inside our heart,
And His Spirit it will guide us
So we are truly set apart.

The joy of the Lord is our strength
And will last for all eternity,
As our trials they are fleeting –
And God’s face we yearn to see.

Our strength it comes from God
And it’s by His grace and mercy too,
That His kindness and His goodness
Reveals a love that’s pure and true.

“Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands!” Psalm 100:1

“You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11

“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy.” 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20

“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” Matthew 25:21

“My brethren, count it all joy, when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience,” James 1:2-3

“But now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves.” John 17:13

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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

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AS A FATHER…

There’s a burden in a father’s heart
To protect his offspring well;
To provide and to encourage
So in safety they will dwell.

As a father loves his children
Our Heavenly Father loves His own;
Those who believe and trust in Him;
Who know they’re not alone.

A father who pities his children
Their challenges will understand;
The heartaches and insecurities…
The mass confusion and demands.

The Lord pities those who fear Him
With compassion and mercy too,
And understands our frailty
In everything we do.

He understands our sufferings
And the weariness within,
He promises to give us strength
To overcome our sin.

Just like a vapour we exist
Before we’re swept away,
So it’s wise to show our gratitude
That engulfs our every day.

A father who knows The Father,
In truth will guide and lead,
With kindness and generosity
Where hungry souls he’ll feed.

As a father protects his own
Our dear Heavenly One will do,
But in a way that will protect our heart
So we discern what’s false or true.

“As a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.” Psalm 103:13-14

“As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes. For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.” Psalm 103:15-16

“But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him.” Psalm 103:17

“For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting, and urging you to live lives worthy of God.” 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him.” Psalm 127:3

“My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those He loves, as a father the son He delights in.” Proverbs 3:11-12

“In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge.” Proverbs 14:26

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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