Empty it All By Brenda Drake

We at times think we just need to buck up, grit our teeth, and take what life dishes out, but our Lord desires to help us in every situation we find our self in.  He wants to hear and answer our prayers.

Empty it all

Empty yourself of everything that holds you back.
Every burden carried is a hindrance- in fact;
Worry over loved ones steals away your peace;
As you carry it, its weight will increase.
Fear of the future, even seemingly small weights of unrest,
Will cause you to fall short of God’s best.
Things that occupy your mind, that you do not share,
Causes you some harm, that as yet you are unaware.
Empty it all; place your whole life in Jesus’ hands;
Then you will experience the peace meant for man.
Place your heavy heart on the altar as a sacrifice
Any encumbrances quickly push aside.
God’s approval will shine bright on your life;
For great is the love between the bride and Christ.

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Fragrance of Life or Death By Brenda Drake

I love the smell of flowers but dead flowers do not inspire my heart to sing.  God loves all of His creation, but He hates the stench of sin.  He made it possible for us to smell good again.  It is our choice to keep our life alive by obeying the Word and by repenting and by turning from our wicked ways.

Fragrance of Life or Death

There is no mistaking the difference, everyone can tell;
Life and death has different smells.
Look around at what you hear, taste, and see;
Are they life-giving things or do they stink?
Gossip may seem a tasty morsel but it brings death.
It has no life-giving promise to expect.
Hurtful words that hang heavy in heart and mind,
Have a terrible scent that is hard to take sometimes.
To God there is an aroma sweet to hear, taste, and see.
His affection is constant for those who His help receives.
Obedience along with honor and respect for others,
Is the perfume of Jesus, your soul-lover.
Jesus is life.  He gives life to the lost,
He draws from death to new life at the cross.
There is no mistaking the difference when you come,
The stench of death is replaced by the fragrance of God’s Son.

2 Corinthians 2:14-15
Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:

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.

Would the Sun Tell the Moon Not to Shine? By Brenda Drake

When you feel you are a dull and ordinary person with no great value, remember with Jesus on the inside there is no way you are of little significance.  It is impossible that you are not seen as a light to another with His love dwelling inside.   

Would the Sun tell the Moon Not to Shine?


Would the sun tell the moon not to shine?  How could this be?
The moon’s light is only because of the sun’s energy
So many in wonder gaze at the moon’s light
For it is indeed a beautiful sight
It reflects only a few of the rays of the sun
But it lights up the night for someone
God’s children are also a light on the earth that others can see
Their witness testifies that they are reflections of Divinity
Would the Son tell the Church to not shine?
If it does not draw by its light it is not Mine.
Be holy for I am holy; be merciful and full of grace.
Forgive as I have forgiven you and My light shines from your face.
Worry and fear surrounds with clouds of doubt
Throw them aside; trust God and your light reaches out.
Would the sun tell the moon not to shine? How could this be?
It would be foolish for it would be impossibility.
When the Church is complete it will fully know,
The profit that comes from the light they throw.
Until then, live right, live clean and pure before the Son
And your face will shine forever as the “Chosen One”

2 Corinthians 4:6
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Divine Shelter By Brenda Drake

I used to be petrified in storms.  But one day I discovered the One that is in control of the storm provides a safe place for those that place their trust in Him.  Place your trust in Jesus and the fear subsides and peace like a warm blanket will cover and protect your soul.

Divine Shelter

The storm rages ….the troubled sea tosses about;
The mind fills with fear, worry, and doubt.
Why?”  “Where are you?” “What can I do?”
Then…”I’m in trouble Lord I need help from you.”

<<<<>>>> 

Your call is always heard ….when in distress,
Your God lifts you to in His hand rest.
The storm may still blow but you are secure again;
You are at peace deep within.
Divine shelter is never withheld – it is always there.
It is reached at times of prayer.
Just a call is all it takes;
And the harsh winds I break.
Divine protection provides rest to regain strength;
So with God’s power you are able to face the stormy sea.
Never are you asked to travel all alone my friend.
Remember, even if the storm rages… the sun shines soon again.

Isaiah 25:4
For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall.

The World of Words By Brenda Drake

I remember as a child saying sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me.  It is not so.  I have been injured by words many times.  God’s Word heals.  Jesus the Word of God has healed my sin-sick soul.   

In a World of Words

In a world of words what do you hear?
Are they the kind of things that incite anger or fear?
Words that discourage or cause anxiety within,
Are not of value to be allowed in.
In a world of words one word true,
Causes faith to grow inside of you.
Rivers of peace and flowers of joy abound;
With sure direction leading to higher ground.
The word of truth stands tall and will not change direction;
Great is the Word of God’s provisions to prosper from them.
Jesus is the Word of God that spoke from the cross to man,
Directing the way to salvation the Father planned.
In the world of words of lie and deceit;
Where chaos and decisions increase;
Where the right way is painted wrong,
And what God says is evil now belongs.
Where hatred is hidden in cunning expressions,
And love is frivolously or fake in its confession,
Speak God’s Word, live the Word, love words kind and true.
Love Jesus the Word and He will shine through.
In the world of words the One who made all you see and do not see,
Becomes the world to you for all eternity.

Proverbs 15:4
A wholesome tongue is a tree of life:
but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.

John 1:1-4
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  The same was in the beginning with God.  All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.  In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

Follow Me By Brenda Drake

            The words Follow me is the greatest invitation we can get.  Jesus does not promise us a rose garden but He does promise us eternal life with Him.  He gives us all we need to arrive victorious.  What is of most importance is our answer when He says, follow me?

Follow Me

Follow me, says the Father in the footsteps of the Son.
To flow in the Spirit you arrive on time to get the good work done.
Be as trusting as a child as you obey,
Fully confident to on the right path stay.
With faith and trust in the One you adore,
Wear the armor provided; supplied by the Lord.
The way is cleared, the enemy takes flight,
When you are surrounded and covered with God’s favor and light.
Keep your eyes on the Truth; He is The Way, and Life.
No matter the surroundings keep God’s Word in sight.
Seek the Word, speak the Word, and draw the Word near,
In prayer and in deed; live-it loud and clear.
Come let us continue this journey of the heart.
Fully rest in the Savior, who has wooed you from the start.
There is a work to be done.  God is your strength within.
You must encourage others to their life-journey begin,
To draw others to the One who sets captives free,
So they too are able to hear God’s Spirit say, “Come, follow me.”

Matthew 4:19
And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

John 8;12
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Ephesians 6:13-17
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Easy to the Point Prayers By Brenda Drake

            Prayer is a time of placing our needs and the needs of others before a loving God.  It is a time of singing the praises of our Lord and Savior.  It is a time to rest in the loving ministrations of a most loving God.  Sometimes I spend a long time in God’s presence, and other times it is a very quick time making my requests.  Always it is a time of speaking and listening.  It is good no matter how long or how short the prayers are.  In fact there are times I don’t speak at all, and God still hears all I do not say. The bible tell us to pray for our leaders, and our Country, Jesus told us to pray “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Repentance, forgiveness and genuine love and concern for others gives us lots to pray about. Prayer needs not be as a chore to get done, but instead a constant ;oving conversation between us and the God that never tires of hearing our voice,

Easy To the Point Prayers

When time is at essence brevity of prayer is best
There is no need to form long, complicated requests.
God sees the problem you asking to be solved,
Your prayer invites Him to be involved.
Life was meant to be a sharing between God and man;
With a free flow always was the plan.
Free and easy and fully comfortable to do,
With no great maze of things needed to go through.
Like a child and their loving father upon the earth would ask.
They would climb up and rest upon their daddy’s lap,
Knowing full well they had his attention,
Knowing they could trust in his good intentions.
They are sure of his love and know he will do his best.
So they ask and believe they will receive, and then they put it to rest.
Their hugs and kisses seal the deal made between them.
Then they run off to play with their friends.
The child of God that knows he is loved is not afraid.
They do not need to practice what they must do or say.
They do not approach the throne with fearful attempts.
They know their God is for them not against.
Long repetitious prayers are a waste to hear.
Causing dishonor to the God that desires you to draw near.
When in worship and in praise and thanksgiving you will find
Heaven kisses your spirit with assurance and gives you peace of mind. 

Matthew 6:7-8
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.  Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

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

1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray without ceasing

Like Diamonds on God’s Crystal Sea By Brenda Drake

There is nothing as valuable as God’s favor.  The love poured upon us is precious and abundant: available in every situation and step we take.   By faith I walk on the waters to gather the diamonds God prepares for me. 

Like Diamonds on God’s Crystal Sea

Favor shines like diamonds on God’s sea;
It pours out His love as He abides in me.
He kindly observes all I say and do;
The Holy Spirit directs every move.
As a loving mother cares for her young each day,
Or as a devoted father that gently persuades to obey.
He is as big brother who walks ahead,
Leading safely the way the Father’s Word says.
God’s favor attends to every need along our path:
Arranging to keep healthy and on track,
Sweet loving whispers in the times of stress,
Thrills us with promise that assures all turn out as best.
He displays high-mountain views of His dream for our life;
With glorious-guarantee of a joyful future with Christ.
The living-testimony of His provisions for you and others,
Beckons in joyful invitation to the truth discover.
All shine like diamonds on God’s Crystal Sea;
So great is God’s favor upon His redeemed.

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.s

Help Hurting People By Brenda Drake

   I was a master at hiding my feelings.  Very few knew of my inner troubles and inner pain. I will be forever grateful for the prayers of God’s people that helped me learn to be honest with myself and with others.  I learned with God’s help how to forgive.  I am healed so now I am able to pray and reach out to help another.

Helping Hurting People

When a tender spot is touched in protest you draw back;
There is no doubt to others it hurts in fact,
They can easily see it registered by your expression.
They hardly need your words confessions,
But, some of the worst pains affecting lives,
Are buried deep down inside.
You may smile, pretending nothing hurts at all,
When wounded refusing to allow your face to fall.
You will struggle onward, the world as a whole unaware,
For very few people take time or are capable to really care.
Many are also wounded and also pretend,
That everything is just fine with them.
If everyone consider another’s hurt and needs
They would cause less pain indeed.
It is God’s plan for His children to help one another.
It is His plan to reach through you to your brother.
It is His plan for you to love your neighbor and also your enemy.
It is His plan for you to forgive those that have a sore spot touched,
Because He died so all could be healed set free to administer His love.
Remember this word given to thee.
Many about you are hurting; by prayer set them free.

1 Corinthians 1:3-4
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;  Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

Gone Fishing By Brenda Drake

 One day I heard the Lord ask me if I wanted to go fishing?  God knows I am not an outdoorsy girl so I know He meant fishing for souls.  The person that was heavy on my heart He showed me was a big fish I would one day catch.  This was a great comfort for my soul.  He still is out there but I believe he one day will be caught. Now I pray with confidence for him to be saved.

Gone Fishing

Many have gone fishing though they do not call it this.
They are casting out in the world’s sea for certain kind of fish.
Some seek to land a good job, or perhaps success is their game.
Some search for wealth and some for fame.
Certain individuals fish for complements as self is displayed.
Some are fishing for trouble each and every day.
Some seek excitement and toy with dangerous friends.
They cast their line and will be sorry the mess they find they are in.
There are fishers of lust and perversion, lies and deceit.
Where are the fishers that will fish the lost in life’s streams?
There is need for workers to follow after Christ,
To be fishers of men; they dedicate their life.
Come follow the example Jesus gave to thee,
Die to self-ambitions and follow after me.
I give you all things profitable to the soul.
You will be well fed, clean, sound, and whole.
Purpose in yourself to be as a sign for the world to behold;
A sign that says Gone Fishing in letters bright and bold.
A life that shouts, I am a fisherman in God’s employ,
My task is a pleasure and brings great joy.
It is time to go fishing; invite a friend to join you in your toil,
You will have a good catch that never spoils.

Matthew 14:19
And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.