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

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

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

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

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

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

WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT

When the time is right
All our prayers are not in vain,
Interceding for our loved ones;
For God’s mercy to remain.

God orchestrates the situations
And circumstances in our lives,
So every test and trial
Our character it will refine.

When the time is perfect
The Lord will open the right door,
So our mission is completed
And where those tears are no more.

Because when the time is right
It will not be premature,
But where wholeness and fulfilment
Will replace what we’ve endured.

When the time is right
We will know deep in our heart,
That we’re ready for the chapter;
To facilitate a brand new start.

When the time is right
It will align with God’s will,
Where our patience and long-suffering
Our next story will fulfil.

Because when the time is right
No person or any enemy,
Can interrupt God’s plan for us
Where God’s redemptive ways we see.

And when the time is right
Certain doors need to be sealed,
So we can move forward with our mission
Where God’s glory is revealed.

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.”
Proverbs 13:12

“Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” Galatians 5:22

“And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:11-12

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

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever thing are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:8

THE ART OF LISTENING

In a world filled with noise
It’s so important to unwind;
To clear our soul from every voice
And with God to spend some time.

It’s so important that we listen
When we are spoken to,
So we comprehend the meaning
And to be perceptive in all we do.

It’s important to be discerning
And to understand the times,
Because we can easily be deceived
Very often over time.

To listen is to have respect
With what’s articulated to us,
But most times we listen to respond
When our opinion becomes a must.

When we listen and do understand
It can be a matter of life and death,
And it’s important to be attentive
So we do not have regrets.

The art of listening is crucial
So we can respond accordingly,
When the entire message is presented
So no assumptions can be seen.

When we listen to God’s voice
Through His precious sacred word,
It will equip us for all battles
When we apply what we have heard.

Jesus listened to the Father
And was obedient to the end,
He bore the fruit of the Spirit in every way;
He was truly heaven sent!

“For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.” Proverbs 1:32-33

“Then Paul stood up and motioning with his hand said, ‘Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen: The God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He brought them out of it.’ … ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.’ ‘From this man’s seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior – Jesus – after John had first preached, before His coming, the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.’” Acts 13:16-24

“Jesus said to them, ‘If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word.’” John 8:42-43

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” Galatians 5:22

FOUNTAIN OR A DRAIN?

A fountain is refreshing
And continues in its spring;
It is effervescent and a giver of life
With many blessings it so brings.

A drain is a receiver
Of the water that’s dispersed;
Quick to swallow or regurgitate
And for leftovers it will thirst.

Are we a fountain or a drain
With our words and actions too?
Do we give more than we receive
And are our motives true?

A fountain is prolific;
It’s a visual delight as well,
It’s a reminder of new beginnings
And where beauty wants to dwell.

A drain receives in circles
Like a vortex in our midst,
And will swallow all things second-hand
With a dirty comprehensive list.

A fountain is a giver of life;
It is pure, sweet and calm;
It is cleansing and is healing
And will never wish us harm.

A drain will eliminate
With not enough it may seem;
Never satisfied or ever content
Causing blockages between.

Are our words a fountain
Or do they drain the soul within?
Do they encourage with inspiring love
Or do they cause much sin?

Jesus’ words are like a fountain;
Refreshing and life giving too,
And when His heart is dispersed in us
We should become wholesome, pure and true.

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

“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like..that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23

“Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” Galatians 5:26

ONE DAY AT A TIME

One day at a time
As we’re grateful for every breath,
And where our faith is firmly anchored
During trials and our tests.

One day at a time
As we continue to trust in Him,
Our dear Lord and Savior Jesus
Who saves our soul within.

One day at a time
And although the pain may stay,
We are held tightly in God’s palm
Where His sovereignty remains.

Because one day at a time
Is where our focus it should be,
Since we do not know the moment
We will step into eternity.

Like a leaf we all will fade
But our spirit will live on,
And it’s important that we’re ready
And to Jesus we belong.

One day at a time
As we grow in love and peace,
And forgive from the heart
Where our burdens are released.

One day at a time
As we repent from our heart,
And believe in God’s promises
That won’t keep Him and us apart.

And one day at a time;
In God’s love and grace we stand,
And upheld by His mercy
And safely nestled in His hand.

Because it took that one day
When Jesus was crucified on the cross,
For those who will believe
When He rose and paid the cost.

“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

“We all fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” Isaiah 64:6

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:34

“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 He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5

“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13-14