Tiny Steps by Brenda Drake

We feel there is so much we need to give up and need to do to clean up to get to the place right with God.  The evil one lies to us; he does not want us to know Jesus took a large, painful, sacrificial step so we can take a tiny, humbling step to receive His provision for the eternal Salvation for our soul.

Tiny Steps

Tiny steps take you to the place,
Where mercy opens the door to enter grace.
The small step acknowledging sin has you hell bound,
Is the step that pulls to higher ground.
The tiny prayer that says yes to the Saviors call,
Is the biggest most important step of all.
This step takes you from death to life.
It takes you from way wrong to right.
This step has so much promise of success.
It takes from works to the place of rest.

Just as a small baby’s-steps are slow,
They learn to walk faster as they grow.
So too the born-again believer does the same;
They learn God’s ways in Jesus name.
One step at a time just as Father plans.
Small purposeful steps while holding God’s hands.

Just as the small tot’s first tiny steps parents applaud,
Even more pleased is each step you take to God.
Celebrate each day and every tiny step you take.
Be aware each step is closer to God’s prepared embrace.

John 8:12
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

The Spirit Shines Bright By Brenda Drake

Oh the darkness of the sin-riddled soul.  But as dark as sin is, Jesus conquered it by paying the debt of sin for all that will believe.  When He is our Savior, we are set free from sins terrible life- destroying grasp. Little do we comprehend the light that dwells within.

The Spirit Shines Bright

It is dark; sin runs rampant in the streets.
Hurt, pain, and despair grips hearts in defeat.|
The fleshly ways of man,
Has full reign in the land.
When one seeks to see,
With heart available and willing to believe,
In the dark place, in comes Christ.
In the body of a believer the Spirit shines light.
The Church is the body and Christ is the head;
Together they go forth as Spirit led.|
Jesus is the light and the way.
He is the truth relayed.
Jesus is the healer of sin-sickness and shame.
We the Church, freely pray in His name.
Jesus is Lord, He is life.
We as His body, leads others to the light
In the dark place of the heart where sin hides;
The Spirit reveals the darkness deep inside.
When the Church rises up and sets its face to win,
Their praise and worship lights the way for them.
Their flesh may struggle and put up a fight,
But a holy work is done when the Spirit shines bright.

1 Thessalonians 5:5
Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day:
we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

Through Glass Darkly By Brenda Drake

I am astounded my understanding is opened to see even more astounding things by faith.  What I once thought was hopeless by faith I believe is possible.  Things I thought was impossible become not only possible but by faith expected to be.  Still my eyes strain to see some of the wonderful things I have learned by the Word is to be.  I am sure one day what is blurred in my sight will become crystal clear.

Through Glass Darkly

Misty things are seen darkly as through a foggy glass;
The great and glorious day ahead is faintly seen as fact.
Clouded by the enemy and by mortal eyes that see,
Through the muddled lens of mortality.
God’s children see in faith God’s glory with limited sight,
They see glimpses with opened spiritual light.
Improved gaze is beheld by knowledge of the Word.
Their sight is better when the truth is heard.
Come, walk in precious faith to see more and more,
As the Spirit within reveals the glories of the Lord.

Ephesians 1:18-19
The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

1 Corinthians 13:12
For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

Life is Stronger By Brenda Drake

The Word of God gives assurance; Jesus is stronger than any threat of death.  I believe one day I will walk through death’s door into new eternal life.  Jesus has taken away the sin that separated me from the presence of God.  Now I am a part of life; for Jesus is Life, Truth and the Way from the threat of death.

Life is Stronger

Life is stronger than death when you belong to Christ.
Life lives on when God in you delights.
Eternal life with Jesus is as walking through an open door.
Death’s threat does not cause fear anymore.
Jesus is life; He is Savior in every way.
He took our place; so we could experience His eternal embrace.
Because of resurrection-power, death’s hold is loosed and the soul released.
Because of Jesus’ sacrifice there lies ahead perfect peace.
The power of Jesus over the grave,
Is life-giving truth; from sins hold saved.
Jesus died and rose again to rescue the lost.
All who believe and come by way of the cross,
Have the same hope in their final quest;
Because of Jesus they find eternal rest.
Those who are not acquainted with the truth that sets them free,
Will not His resurrection power receive.
They will die only to live without God in their life;
A hellish existence: forever without Christ.
God so loved the world He sent His Son to die in their place,
Who-so- ever will believe, will receive His amazing grace.
They too are of God’s family a part;
Never to be separated again from the Father’s heart.

Romans 15:13
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost

John 11:25-26
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:  And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

Gentle Breeze of God’s Care By Brenda Drake

#check out my new devotional God’s Whispers to the Heart by Brenda Drake on Amazon. $2.99 Kindle $17.00 paperback. A good time to start a New Year!

The love of God is everywhere.  There is not one thing that can touch our life that He does not desire to help us through.  His love is constant; all we need to do is to know this is so.  Jesus provided the way for us to have a forever-touch of His presence.

 Gentle Breeze of God’s Care

The sun rises and sets each day;
Clouds in the sky are on full display,
With colors bright, subtle, angry red to cool blue;
Great is the display of the world of worlds all around you.
From the world of tiny insects, to the hungry lion that prowls;
From the song of the smallest bird; to the loudest growl;
Every thought and every word is known; good and bad the same;
Every high and exulted name that is proclaimed;
Every deed in progress at any time of day,
Does not pass by: not anything is lost to God’s gaze.
All our opinions and theories of wrong and what is right;|
Everything is known by Him and is clear in His sight.
The truth is God is I AM.
There is nothing barred from Him in the land.
God chooses His limitations -He is in full control.
There is not anything that He does not know.
He gives us freedom to choose to love God above,
Or, to choose to reject His great love.
The gentle breeze of God’s care,
Is always available, it is continuously there.
He sent Jesus, His Son to die to save us from sin’s grasp.
He planned complete salvation and all He asks,
Is for us to believe and to trust in Him complete;
So we can know how truly beautiful life can be.

Psalms s 93:1
The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.

Gifts Accepted By Brenda Drake

Gifts Accepted

What would you think if someone received your gift,
And then attempted to pay for it?
You would think it silly and a waste,
If they insist, to the giver they cause disgrace.

God by Jesus’ sacrifice has offered you many things;
Countless gifts of promise He brings.
The greatest promise is Salvation for the soul.
Because of what Jesus did you are whole.
It is done, it is finished; you need only to believe.
Salvation is sure when it is received.

To give thanks and praise is all you need to do.
So great is this gift bestowed on you.
You cannot repay the Master for Salvation.
You cannot earn what He has done.
His love extended to die in your place.
Great is the gift of grace.

Under grace’s cover there are more gifts bestowed;
They are of much more valuable than silver or gold.
Gifts of guidance, provision, and care,
Gifts of His peace and joy are also with you shared.
The gift of accountability as He takes control,
Gifts of knowledge are shared to enrich and make you whole.
To worry or fear, at what lie ahead, is to try to a gift pay.
For it states God is unable to do as He says.
Accept His gift, rest in His love and care for thee,
Then you are walking in the gift of life with the spirit free.

Romans 3:24
Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Prayer
Forgive me when I worry, I know You are able to lead and guide my path.  Thank You for Your wonderful, generous gifts of love and provision. I will forever be grateful for the wonderful gift of Salvation!

The Tree of Celebration By Brenda Drake

            It is good to praise and celebrate the birth of the Lord.  A part of our celebration is the tree that we light and decorate. I celebrate every year the birth of Jesus the One that hung on a tree for the sins of us all.   

The Tree of Celebration by Brenda Drake

Once was the days of youth, when you searched for the tree;
Tromping through the snow with vigor and glee;
Laughing at each other’s choices,
Until “the one” chosen was proclaimed in jubilant voices.
Out came the treasured ornaments from the past and some new,
 A pretty angel or the star was placed on top too.
The dry fallen needles embedded in the cracks in the floor,
Were gladly endured to celebrate the birth of the Lord.
In later years came the tree that did not grow,
One that needed to be formed by a color code.
Beautiful still and still caused much pleasure;
Holding all your newest and oldest homemade treasures.
And now much later perhaps in your life,
The tree has shrunk down in your sight.
A tiny little tree that on a table sits;
But still your love and respect for Jesus represents.
With a tiny little tree, heart memories abound;
As you reminiscence tromping in snowy ground.
And you wonder at the change that has taken place within,
A you celebrate Christ’s birth watching palms blowing in the wind

Psalms 147:1
Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.

Have a Good Christmas By Brenda Drake

            Jesus is the greatest gift ever bestowed upon man.  We celebrate the Christ’s birth by giving gifts to one another.  With him dwelling inside we are able to become a gift delivered from God.

Have a good Christmas.

From the hand should come assistance, from the heart… concern
From the eyes… a light of love should burn
From the mouth…. praise and worship, and words that uplift
The life of the child of God is a gift
A gift worth more than they know
For they were bought by Love that God bestowed
Man is a gift to man if within is God’s Son
Because of his contents… he a gift becomes
Do not withhold kindness, always share your life
Give of yourself,  as you practice self-sacrifice
Always do the good work, never put the good thought aside
By actions you prove to the dying world Who lives inside
Your willing heart and hands can do great service for the King
Your kind words and singled eye will a great harvest bring
Reach out and touch someone in Jesus’ name
For by your faithful service, you’ve a gift became
A lovely gift valued both by man and God above
A lovely gift filled with God’s own sweet love

Jerimiah 17:10
I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

John 20:21
Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

When Christmas Hurts By Brenda Drake

#check out my new daily devotional God’s Whispers to the Heart now available on Amazon $2.99 kindle and $17.00 paperback.

This is truly a wonderful time of year; even strangers seem to have ready smiles and greetings of good cheer.  In our excitement and bustle we forget Christmas time is lonely for many around us; life-situations have caused hurts and heartaches that have stolen the beauty of their holiday. Lord, help us to be aware of the feelings of others and remind us to lift their spirits by our prayers, love, and concern.

When Christmas Time Hurts

When Christmas-time hurts and joy has fled far away,
And there is no magic left in this once-special day.
All the sweet songs that once cheered now cause sadness within.
Oh how you would love to find pleasure in them again.
The hurting heart remembers sadly its personal loss,
And refuses to be cheered so their mind is cross.
Held in a prison unable to look outside to see,
The gift of the Christmas story that sets them free.
When Christmas-time hurts there is remedy to heal;
Its power is sure, its touch is real.
Find another person that has a heart that is down,
Do something, anything that removes their frown.
Find a little child that has lack,
Provide for them and your joy comes back.
Get your mind in things good, right, pure and true;
Set yourself to motion to the good thing do.
Bring your aching heart to the Father for His healing touch.
Renew your faith as you to Him entrust;
All the hurts, pains of this time of year,
Little by little the sweet joy and peace of Christmas reappears.

Luke 2:13-14
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

The Wrappings By Brenda Drake

The Wrappings

Whatever is gift placed under the tree.
It is the wrapping I desire for you to see.

The fine meal that is prepared;
What is of most value, you may not even be aware.

The traditions and memories that visit from the past,
Is a remnant of this gift that lasts.

The tears that fill the eyes on this day
Is another precious reminder of the gift portrayed

The favorite songs that encourage Christmas cheer;
Pour from the heart that has the gift near.

This gift is passed mother to daughter and father to son,
This gift from the cross to man comes.

Because of love the Father gave His Son to man;
Because of love Jesus obeyed and did as the Father planned.
Because of love the Holy Spirit speaks.
And will show God is Love to all who seek.
Because of love the redeemed man offers themselves;
As a servant to help get God’s message of love out.
This message is in a word of hope and peace.
They that are nourished by love causes great increase.
At this season allow your eyes to see and behold,
All the little gifts lavished on thee wrapped in love’s clothes.