Christmas Story Retold by Looking Back

By Brenda Drake

I see by faith Mary large with child
Assuring Joseph she was all right…trying to smile
Surely she was uncomfortable for she knew the time was here
I can almost hear her sigh as the inn drew near
But no, it was not to be the place Christ would be born
There was no room available with a bed comfortable and warm
In a manger lined with hay
The head of the Son of God would lay
While the world was busy doing their own thing
In a stable was born the Savior King
The Angels could not contain their excitement… their voices sang clear
So loud the shepherds in the field could hear
“The peace on earth” will one day surely be
Because now looking back I know what He did to set us free
He that was born in a manger prepares for me a place as He said
I see by looking back the wonderful future that lies ahead

John 14:3
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

 

 

Love is the best gift we have been given and it is the best gift we can give.

 

Motivated by Love

Obligation motivates – guilt does too
But the best motivation for good is love in you
When you see a need in another’s life
And you know you have ability to make their burden light
If you grudgingly do it with a halting step
The good deed may be appreciated but its motivation isn’t the best
Love rushes in to help without much thought sometimes
You are reaching out to help before the solution comes to mind
Love is like the perfume of the rose
It is like deep thought within the word of prose
Its beauty is recognized right away
Healing comes even if you do not know what to say
A listening ear, a silent prayer
A simple card or a loving word shared
When motivated by love the world’s problems still exist
But there harsh reality has been sweetened by motivation such as this

Ephesians 5:2
And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

 

            Our dreams are like seeds. We need to look ahead in faith to see the fruit of our planted seed of hope.  At times I clearly see ahead but when I get impatient my vision of harvest disappears from my sight.

Far Reach into Tomorrow

A far reach into my future by faith I see,
The reality of what now is only a dream to me.
I see the results of hard work and prayers have paid well.
I see all the potential future successful stories I can tell.
As I gaze ahead looking in eyes faith filled,
I see the profit of new souls who are in God’s will.
Each step that I take
Led by my God each step of the way.
Finds a certain progress I cannot see.
Building toward the exalted future prepared for me.
I love my Lord and how I marvel in His ways
At His faithfulness I will sing praise.
A far reach into tomorrow by faith I see,
The reality of all that is now only a dream to me.
My God is with me now and He walks ahead too,
So I will enjoy today and watch to see my dreams come true.

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

 

We are fearfully and wonderfully made.  In God’s eyes we are beautiful.  We are even more beautiful as we reflect the beauty of Jesus.  Let us value each other as he values us.   

Jewel of Love

Way down in a secret place
Where no man can show his face
There is the jewel precious for the crown
That the redeemed will willingly throw down
Man guards and protects it from sight
But in heaven it shines bright
What is this jewel that is hidden so well?
Of its value no one can tell.
The seed of existence …the essence of your soul;
Fashioned to reflect Christ when He is in control.
The light is holy, so beautiful …so fine
That it’s for God’s eyes alone designed.
Beautiful, pure and undefiled
That causes the Bridegroom to smile.
Do not search for it …just know it is there.
Dedicate your life to with your God share.
The overcomer will all praise sing
As their life is laid before the King of Kings.

Zechariah 9:16
And the LORD their God shall save them in that day as the flock of his people: for they shall be as the stones of a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon his land.

Psalms 139:14
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:
marvellous are thy works;
and that my soul knoweth right well.

Psalms 139:17
How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God!
how great is the sum of them!

 

This is a poem to be published in new book to be published.

            Is there anything sadder than a wasted day feeling sorry for ourselves?  Yes. It is sadder still to remain in this depressing place of bitterness.  I am thankful our Lord is faithful to forgive us our sins.

A Wasted Day

I am sad I have wasted this day.
I have allowed bitterness to steal my joy away.
I don’t know why I did not call out in Jesus’ name.
That I did not run to You, I am so ashamed.
I know all things You clearly see.
I am sorry for my sins please forgive me.
I foolishly allowed self-pity to rule my day.
I turn about now and go the other way.
Lord, mend my heart while yielded and still,
I submit my life to do God’s will.
Help me forgive the one that injured me so.
Help me pray for Him.  Lord, make him new and whole.
I pray I do not allow another day like this to go by.
Change my ways to God glorify.
Help me to renounce depression’s power.
So it does not cause another day to sour.
All praise and glory belongs to Lord Jesus Christ,
For the remainder of my days, help me to live as a living sacrifice.

Ephesians 5:15-16
See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

 

Our Lord requests us to do some seemingly very hard things; but He is  always available to be our help and our strength to do as He asks.  It may seem impossible but with our Lord all things are possible.  To God belongs all the glory.

To Walk the Extra Mile

To walk the extra mile; turn the other cheek,
Help the poor man downtrodden on the street.
Care for the hungry, clothe the poor,
Stop speaking in a way unpleasing to the Lord.
Lay down anger, lift up another’s need,
Give as unto the Lord and renounce all greed.
Rejoice with others when your heart is heavy in pain.
Be sensitive to unspoken requests and in peace remain.
Walk the high road, but do not forget where you’ve been.
Behold the one on the low road and pray for him.
Lift your heart to heaven and give thanks each day,
Trust in God’s mercy and lift words of praise.
Bow down in worship in self-sacrifice,
Lift up the needs of another’s life.
Remember so many people need God’s touch,
And by your service you prove His love.
Be a steady walker that talks like Christ
Showing He is present and that He is your heart’s delight.
You need to place self aside to allow God to perform His way.
Becoming a vessel that truly lives what God’s Word relays.
You will indeed walk the extra mile and more within
For you are a Child of God that is filled with Him

Matthew 5:41
And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

Roman 12:1
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

 

 

 

 

 

I am amazed at the way almost everything is able to show the ways of the Lord. Lord help me be hard at your kingdom work.

The Little Witness
There is a little witness that shows you,
Can do more than you think you can do.
In this little witness you see clear,
In unity there is strength with little need to fear,
Steady and diligent is this little witness in his ways;
Hard work with purpose pays.
In service he will give his life.
In his commitment his own will is sacrificed.
He works for the future generation’s best.
He takes little time to rest.
Have you guessed who the witness is my friend?
Even from a little ant …you can learn from him.
My children are able to do great things,
As they are in service to Christ the King.
They also sacrifice self-will for the lost.
They toil so others find rebirth at the cross.
Steady, and committed to finish Jesus’ work,
They set their face as they walk the earth.
But unlike the ant…their life shines bright,
Their steady walk leads to the Light.
Their strength is renewed day to day,
When, they are faithful to pray.
My witnesses sing praises to God above,
As they offer to others His love.
One day when the Lord returns for His bride,
His faithful witness will rule at His side,
Never again to feel fear or pain,
For the burden of sin does not remain,
When you weary recall this word of rhyme.
Remember the small witness and how you are designed.
Lift up your prayers and you will see you too,
Are able to do much more than you ever thought you could do.

Proverbs 6:6
Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways

 

 

     

      I owe everything to the One that made everything. He is my everything,  It is all because of His love and provision that I am able to know the truth and it is because of His call am I able to testify of such a love as this.

All Because

 All because on the tree upon the hill
The Son of God died in my behalf I am fulfilled.
All because of a Father’s love is mankind saved by grace.
All because of His obedient Son are our sins erased.
All because of a prayer uttered in behalf of my soul,
And because ears were opened from the Almighty’s throne,
All because the Spirit wooed and urged my heart to believe.
And all because of the angels toil to help me receive,
All because of Jesus am I now able to write this word of rhyme.
It is all because of God’s mercy and grace am I with Him aligned.
Only because He chose me and has helped me change,
Am I free to live without bondage and chains.
I seek always to serve and do all I can for Him,
For it is all because of His great love am I made new within.

 Isaiah 43:10
Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.