Set Apart, Set Aside By Brenda Drake

We used to sing a song that stated when we keep our eyes on Jesus the world becomes strangely dim. When we practice the presence of Jesus it is easier and easier to be at our Father’s business.  We may not see ourselves as holy, set apart vessels but that is exactly what we are in our Father’s sight.

Set Apart, Set Aside

Holy and set apart in the world of sin and shame.
The old man is crucified, you are born again.
Set apart to carry on the Father’s will,
Set apart but a part of the world still.
In the world alive to God’s touch,
But subject to the world’s storms adjust.
With God’s strength within and with Scripture as guide;
The one set apart is in God’s realm alive.
A realm of faith and trust with God’s love at rule within;
Set aside to pull aside another to learn of Him.
Ever in the presence of the One they adore,
Much time is spent in praise, prayer, and worship to the Lord.
Making and taking time to their destiny fulfill,
Always conscious and seeking to do their Father’s will.
One day the set-aside is pulled-aside to rule and reign,
At Jesus’ side to in His presence remain.
Holy, holy, holy is the song they sing,
Now, forever One with Christ, Savior, and King of Kings.

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

Ephesians 2:6-10
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:  That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Back on Track By Brenda Drake

We all see the flaws within ourselves.  When we get too uptight with our performance we are on a path that takes us into self-works.  The truth is we are not perfect but Jesus by His work in our behalf makes us perfected in the Father‘s sight. Jesus is our example, all we need to do is do our best and repent and change our way when off track.

Back on Track

Do you think you need to be perfect, and fear when you fail?
Are you worried what people think? It is like a boat without sail.
Jesus walked on soil He created yet He walked in humility.
You only need to do your best to God please
Jesus’ body was bruised, pierced, and scared to one day heal you.
He suffered dirty feet and achy muscles too;
He prayed earnestly night and day,
With purpose He set to the Father’s will obey.
He did not seek approval of those who claimed to be in control.
He lived only to the will of God show;
He is the example of perfection in every way to see.
When you trust His provision from perfection’s-burden you are set free.
Because He has settled the debt of sin’s blight,
The man redeemed is now seen as perfect in the Father’s sight.
Though still you may see and feel your lack.
Instead of trying on your own; faith in God work gets you back on track.

Hebrews 10:14
For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

The Name Most Celebrated By Brenda Drake

We have placed much honor on the rich and famous.  The name of Jesus is used and abused by many of them.  One day we will get a glimpse of our messed up culture that celebrates many unworthy of such honor and ignorantly passes by the true hero in our midst..

The Name Most Celebrated

The name of the rich or famous great value is placed;
They are highlighted and celebrated and embraced.
When one well-known knows your name,
A new high-status is claimed.
The world has things upside-down.
Those well-known in heaven are in strange places found,
They too know your name and lift it up in prayer.
They not only know who you are but they truly care.
There are some well-known warriors kept out of sight.
They are ready, willing, and able to your battle fight.
You will find God’s celebrities look all the same.
They look like Jesus and His name claims.
Jesus knows every name, every hope, dream and plan.
Jesus’ name is above all names. He is King of Kings and Son of man.
When He whispers your name no other voice is as sweet and clear.
He is the One to look up too, and the One to draw near.

Colossians 1:27
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

Philippians 2:9-11
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Restful Waters By Brenda Drake

I used to be afraid in times of storm; I would cower under a blanket until it was over.  Then I met Jesus and I now know who is in control.  The Word of God tells of the time Jesus demanded the storm to cease.  There are storms in the spirit where it feels I will be destroyed; but I keep my eyes on Jesus – He takes care of those storms too.

Restful Waters

Jesus calms my troubled sea,
And feeds me in the presence of my enemies.
I am favored and well blessed;
Beside peaceful waters I rest.
Love flows to me and through me the same.
All glory and honor is attributed to Jesus’ name.
His hand of protection covers me by grace,
I am one with Him and firmly set in place,
At His side and deep with within His plan,
I am able to abide in His presence as I am.
Not perfect but perfected by the blood that atones.
Never will I need to stand alone.
The love of God has claimed me to be His bride,
To rule and reign at Jesus’ side.
Fully fixed by the river eternally at rest in every way.
As life and light and joy flood my being I proclaim,
He leads me through the shadows of death;
He is preparing me a place better than I can expect.

Psalms 4:8
I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.

Psalms 107:28-29
Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.
 He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.  Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.

Mammoth Power of the Seed By Brenda Drake

            There are great examples of the power in a seed.  In a mountain of almost all rocks stands a lone tree. In the paved sidewalk blooms a flower.  The Truth planted in a heart has potential for a whole family to be saved. A smile causes others to smile.  The list is never ending.

Mammoth Power of the Seed

Mammoth is the inner power of a seed;
It has the capability to multitudes feed.
From one seed the start of an orchard to grows.
Great is the potential within every soul.
One life planted for Christ,
May become a great nation of light.
Jesus is the seed of life within the redeemed,
In Him is the greatest wealth of untold riches still left unseen.
There is great power in a word spoken, it is buried deep.
Its harvest can be poor or as a treasure left to keep.
God’s Word is seed with greatest benefit.
It when prayed in Jesus name is counted as His.
Faith in Jesus name is the seed best,
When every problem, trouble, and trial with Him rests.
Seedtime and harvest; such a marvel to behold;
Plant the Good News for a great harvest of souls.
It takes time to see the results of your toil; but do not fear,
Soon comes the time when Jesus the Lord of Harvest appears.

Hosea 10:12
Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground:
for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

Matthew 13:23
But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

Like Sweet Perfume By Brenda Drake

The greatest place on earth is in the secret place of worship where Jesus, the Prince of Peace is.  It is a place of such beauty we never desire to depart. As much as we love the special time set aside; Jesus loves our time spent there even more.

Like a Sweet Perfume

Like a sweet perfume poured,
At the feet in honor to the Lord.
My heart’s songs are lifted in silent prayer;
Bowed down, transparent, and fully aware.
The Master is pleased with my gift displayed,
As I receive His answered kiss by faith.
weet is the atmosphere deep inside;
Restored, assured, and fully alive.
Oh heart, do not be stingy with offerings to the One you adore.
Lay every worry, fear, and anxiety at the foot of the Lord.
Allow His sweet acceptance to calm your troubled sea.
Allow His love and provisions to perfume your life sweet.
A sure example of a life blessed;
Fully, wholly, at peace; at rest.
Like sweet perfume in a world filled with rot and decay.
Like a shining bright gem put on display.
Like a jewel of heaven shiny bright;
One with Life, Truth, and The Way; Jesus the Christ.
Nothing more precious can there be,
Than the love displayed for and by His bride redeemed.

2 Corinthians 2:15
For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:

Song of Solomon 4:10
How fair is thy love, my sister, my spouse! how much better is thy love than wine!
and the smell of thine ointments than all spices!

You Fill My Day By Brenda Drake

            I used to feel very empty; I had little purpose and I had fears of every kind.  Then I found the Lord and He completely filled every part of me; heart, mind, body and soul. Each day is a new day I get to live with Him, in Him, and with Him within me. Oh yes Jesus now fills my day.

You Fill My Day

You fill my day with sunshine even in the rain.
You are a comfort to my soul that in trouble remains.
You take away fear that tries to overtake,
With Your strength within it all the difference makes.
Faith grows and flourishes when I plant Your Word within.
It covers like a shield to protect darts from entering in.
You provide my every need; all I need to do is ask.
Under Your covering in rest I bask.
My heart sings a tune that continues night and day,
A love song that changes in each prayer prayed.
I am led by Holy Spirit, who is steadfast and true,
Guiding me with persistent care to the right way choose.
Jesus You are the Way, the one way to love’s eternal touch.
I am overwhelmed with the prospect of such love.
You are all I need, everything else falls behind.
You are True-Love and I am thrilled You are mine.

Psalms 73:25-26
Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

A Love So Precious By Brenda Drake

At times we feel unloved and unappreciated.  The truth is we are loved more than we know.  Jesus loved us enough to enter our atmosphere as a man and to die to make us able to enter His sinless, eternal atmosphere.  The demonstration of His love is so amazing we will spend eternity praising Him.

A Love So Precious

Holy light precious at God’s side,
Free in service as His bride.
Every ounce of being is freely poured,
At the foot of the One they adore.
A love so precious the angels in awe stand amazed;
Beautifully adorned in worship and praise.
There is no love greater on display,
Undeniably special, magnificently portrayed.
A holy reminder of the greatness of God’s love for man;
Fully brought into the fold as Father planned.
Holy lights precious in the earth’s mire,
Free in service sharing their holy fire.
Loving and living in God’s favor to show,
The way provided to save lost souls.
With the Word in hand and in heart the same,
The ones called precious Jesus’ name proclaims.
Walking in the footsteps of Jesus as an extension of His hand,
Doing as He would do under His command.
Loving life and shining bright in the darkness for His glory,
One day soon to proclaim victory to their forever story.

1 Peter 2:9
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Rock and Strength of Our Heart By Brenda Drake

Jesus is the reason we are able to live the Word.  He is God’s Word that reigns in our life.  If we rely on His help and His wisdom we are living according to His will. Since all our strength comes from God all the glory goes to Him too. He is the rock and strength in our heart.

Rock and Strength of Our Heart

Strength comes to those that depend,
On Jesus the Rock and trust in Him.
Strength is by God supplied,
Each day a new portion comes from God on high.
Stand strong on God’s Word, it is forever true.
When you stand on the Word, He stands strong in you.
Feed upon Scriptures goodness it is good to taste,
Not one word will fail or cause you disgrace.
Speak the Word; allow the truth to reign strong.
Your heart will burst into praise and worship song.
Walk the Word, the world becomes a better place,
For it is covered with mercy and colored by grace.
Live the Word, in its holy atmosphere,
Jesus the Word in you is very near.
His strength is mighty; one breath of His favor causes increase.
He is Living Water, He is Prince of Peace.
Strength comes by digesting His goodness and living tall without fear.
With the God of Salvation; fear disappears.
He is Rock-solid in His redeemed eternally.
Jesus is indeed all you will ever need.

2 Samuel 22:2-3
And he said,The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; The God of my rock; in him will
I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge,

The True Gospel By Brenda Drake

            I remember hearing bits and pieces about Jesus.  But the day I heard the whole Gospel, it was as if a blinder was torn from my eyes and a shroud was removed from my heart.  I saw the truth of the condition of my soul.  I saw the great terrible need of my life, and the sure damnation and destination of my soul. I comprehended in a flash the great love of God the Father and the immense sacrifice of Jesus in my behalf.  I heard the True Gospel that leads to a real born-again relationship with God.

The True Gospel

When the true Gospel is preached clear,
The Word of God is drawn near.
God so loved the world He sent His Son,
To pay sin’s price so salvation comes.
If Jesus had not died upon the tree,
There was no other way to be reprieved.
If death’s penalty was not erased,
There would not be an extension of grace.
If the tomb was not emptied and bare,
There would be no Good News to share.
If life’s-promise had not been believed,
Fallen man has not God’s gift of new life received.
When the true-gospel is preached and the heart responds.
The rock-solid truth of Salvation is sure and strong.
Light invades the darkness and suddenly,
The dead-man-walking is able to see.
The true gospel is love laid down to die,
To be your eternal supply.
Jesus is the bridge across the chasm of sin,
He gives you the true gospel as He moves in.
He is the Word that becomes crystal clear;
All is well with the soul that the True Gospel hears.

Ephesians 1:13-14
n whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Romans 10:14-15
How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!