He was Lifted Up By Brenda Drake

He was Lifted Up

He lifted up the cross to go to the place,
Where His sacrifice could lift us to receive His grace.
Every sin and shame was piled upon His back,
So the death-penalty of your sin you need not pack.
He that is Light went into the dark, blight of sin,
So all in darkness could allow the light of truth to enter in;
He who was the Way became sin and lost,
So we would find the way to life and holiness by way of the cross.
He who was crucified, lifted up His life again.
For He who is Life could draw you to Him.
He is not dead, He is alive and well,
And you who are or were dead are able to a new story to tell.
You are when His, a living, breathing part,
Of the Father, Son, and Spirit very loving heart.
You who were dead is alive too.
Jesus, the Risen Lord now dwells in you.
Celebrate the glorious day when all men are able to see;
If they lift their heart, mind, and soul, they are able to believe and receive..

Mark 16:6
And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.

He Saw By Brenda Drake

He Saw

While looking over the city Jesus could see
That it would suffer because of apathy
How He longed to save it from such a fate
But the time was upon Him – the time was late
He know men’s hearts – the fickleness of man
He knew their great need and the Father’s plan
He saw as they lifted their voice in praise
That many would cry “Crucify Him” in just a few days
Heaven was watching as the multitude ushered in Jesus as King
They saw the little children dance and sing
Great was the expectation and excitement in the air
The streets were lined with Angels that were also there
Two realms were watching – one blind and one that could see
The eyes of man were hindered by sin and ideas preconceived|
They only saw their desire for a King to crown
They shouted praise as they waved palms and threw them down
But the heavens saw God’s great plan unfolding before them|
They could see man’s great need to be freed from sin
Indeed the rocks would have shouted if the children did not sing
For Greatly to be praised is Christ the King!

Luke 19:41-43|And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,

What to Keep in Mind By Brenda Drake

The world tells us all the things that are troubling, things that causes much fear and worry in our lives. But if we are wise we will keep our mind on Christ and the Word of God. 

What to Keep in Mind

A word of wisdom in a word of rhyme;
Let me tell you what to keep in mind.
The world grabs, shoves, and bullies the lost;
But My children entreat and invite to come to the cross.
With words of assurance, that warns and heals,
So a heart prepared God’s love feels.
Anger and fear of the times causes panic to rise,
But your urgent, earnest prayers, opens up eyes.
Jesus is the answer to every woe that comes,
Keep in mind, God’s will is done.
Whatever happens keep in mind Christ,
He is the stabilizing One in your life.
Harsh winds, and rains, and thunders that crash,
Attempt to take you off God’s tracks.
But the heart and mind that stays on Christ,
Is led to safety by the Light.
You may indeed be tempted but when God is in you strong,
You stay steady and sure, safe where you belong.
Your words that glorify Jesus will help you through.
As you follow after Me they will follow after you.

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Journey of the Heart By Brenda Drake

I remember as a little girl, wondering if there was a God why was He not speaking to me?  Little did I know that was the beginning of my journey to the Way to the cross.  I am sure it took many years and probably countless attempts of Holy Spirit to get and keep my attention. Little by little truth of my great need was filtering down and deposited within.  The day I asked Jesus to come into my life is the beginning of my journey where  I no longer traveled alone.

Journey of the Heart

The journey of the heart starts at the first thought of God above.
From that day forth you are pursued by love.
Love visits each time you marvel over a flower or butterfly.
Love smiles over you when you examine cloud formations in the sky.
Love wraps you tight in its embrace when you are sad;
You are carried by love when lost, overburdened, afraid, or mad.
Each day is opportunity to lead the way where your true journey starts,
When no longer are you travel alone for you Jesus is in your heart.
Jesus is in you, He holds you, and He is the way,
In love’s- presence you will forever stay.
Although there are still days of trouble and trial,
There are days of hours and that love helps you find reason to smile.
He becomes your constant companion, your lover, and your friend.
On Him you must lean, on Him you depend.
Life’s journey just begins for the believer for forever you will be,|
With love, and in love for eternity.
So come let us walk together as Father always planned.|
Rejoice along the way just because you can.

A man’s heart deviseth his way:
but the Lord directeth his steps.
Proverbs 16:9

When Stress Rises Prayers Should Too By Brenda Drake

We are instructed to pray without ceasing. When we are happy, if we are sad, when trouble and trial comes, when we are sick, and when all is well with our soul.  We at times get a little frazzled when we become stressed but truly this is when we really need to utilize the gift of our prayer time.

When Stress Rises Prayers Should Too

Pressures are mounting; there is so much to do.
When the stress level rises your prayers should too.
There is an order – things must be done on time,
When you pray – then God’s order you will find.
Days are numbered, people run to and fro,
Wise are the ones that seek to walk where the Spirit shows.
When God’s child rests in His divine favor they will see,
That they are on time, where He desires them to be.
Not one moment too late, nothing is needed to do to bring to pass,
What their God has ordained, in fact,
They seem always to be in the right place to receive,
Exactly what it is that they need.
Wise are the ones that daily ask for God’s best,
They receive what their God has as His Word is confessed.
The wise child will speak the Word as they pray,
Then they know they are praying God’s way.
God provides comfort and He protects from life’s storms,
He molds and shapes as He is in you formed.
His love is everlasting; He hears every plea;
He is all knowing; all things He sees.
So as the world’s tolls weigh upon your heart, remember this,
He is always willing and is always able to assist.

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Today’s Sunshine By Brenda Drake

I am learning that even on my off-days when I put my mind on God and all He has done for me, my spirit lifts and I again can see the sunshine in my day.

Today’s Sunshine

Even on a day when you are glum,
If you desire to seek, you will see the sun.
Today’s sunshine is there,
Its beauty will unfold if you are aware.
Every day has its sunshine; even amidst the pain,
When you look, it shines even in the rain.
Today’s sunshine has rays of hope – of a sunny future ahead,
It lights the truth of what God has said.
He walks ahead of us and covers our sin,
We have an eternal joy; all because of Him.
He calls us His beloved, with great abundance He provides,
He says no matter what we go through in Him we abide.
The cloudy day, the sorrowful, and the lonely are all the same;
If I choose, in its gloom I need not remain.
All I need to do is bow my head in prayer,
And I’ll see today’s sunshine is already there.
The joy of His countenance heals and restores my soul.
His peace and assurance floods and overflows.
Sweet rays of favor sent from heaven above;
Proving today God’s Son shines upon me His love.

But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head Psalms 3:3

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Do You Recognize Them Within? By Brenda Drake

Introducing with small sample of just a few of the many characters in my new book Do You Recognize Them Within?

Now available on Amazon. $2,99 kindle, $9.99Paoerback, Hardcover $ 22.99

Angry Andrew

Angry Andrew has some friends
And neighbors, not the best to hang about.
Strife and division are always
Nearby to help him out.

Anxious Andy

When Anxious Andy,
Sits he is ready to run
He may try to relax,
But it isn’t easily done

Bitter Betty

Sour, bitter Betty;
What a sight to see.
She is like a prune crossed with a lemon;
Not a nice place to be.

Back Biting Bertha

Backbiting Bertha waits,
Till you have turned your back.
And then she by her words attack.


Bossy FlossyBossy

Flossie like a Sargent barks;
Out orders from her very bossy heart.
She demands attention and
Takes charge wherever she goes.
She has a close friend,
And he is called Controlling Joe.

Complaining Carl

Confused June

Competitive Liz

Conniving Ivan

Controlling Joe

Critical Clair

Depressed Jess

Frustrated Freda (Do You Recognize Them Within?) By Brenda Drake

New book Do You Recognize Them Within? Divided into two powerful chapters: Are They Hiding? And  Good Friends to Keep Around.. Each poem offers a glimpse into how thoughts and behaviors affect our spiritual walk. Some characters challenge us to change, others inspire us to grow. All help you see yourself, and God’s transforming love, more clearly

Frustrated Freda

You may not recognize the name
But you have met her, I am sure.
She runs about trying to,
Fix and to make pure
Just when she thinks,
All is well, it’s not!
Right before her eyes,
She sees another spot.
Why can’t things stay clean?
It is such a waste;
It seems as if everywhere,
There is chaos disgrace.
She is tired and weary,
But what else can she do?
The whole world is a mess,
(You know it is true!)
So, anxious and upset
She continues, and she will stay,
So frustrated she does
Not enjoy her day.
But Jesus waits patiently for her
To admit defeat and her sin.
Then she is given a new name
As she rests in Him.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.(1 Peter 5:6-7)