He was Lifted Up By Brenda Drake

He is 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 pile 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 recieve..

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.

Life is Stronger By Brenda Drake

There was one thing I never wanted to talk about; Death: I was petrified of it.  I still am nor fond of it, and surely wish there was no such thing, but I am not now traumatized thinking of it anymore for my Lord promises never to leave me or forsake me.  He will be with me when I walk through that door. What a wonderful work Jesus did for us on the cross.  He not only paid our debt of sin but He showed us just how He would help us conquer death by the example of His victory on resurrection day.

Life is Stronger

Life is stronger than death when you belong to Christ.
Life lives on when in God you delight.
Eternal life with Jesus is as walking through the opened door.
Death’s fear has no threat anymore.
Jesus is Life and The Way,
He is Savior in every way.
He chose to take your place,
So you could His eternal life embrace.
The power of resurrection loosed death’s hold and the soul released.
Because of Jesus’ sacrifice there lies ahead perfect peace.
The power of Jesus over the grave,
Is life-giving truth you are from its 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 rest in His promises.
Those not acquainted with the truth that sets them free,
Are not able to 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 Jesus to die in our place.
Whosoever will believe will receive His amazing grace.
They too will be of God’s family a part.
Never to be separated again from the Father’s heart.

1 Corinthians 15:55-57
Death, where is your victory? Death, where is your sting?
Now the sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!

Hidden Truth Revealed By Brenda Drake

            The donkey has a natural cross on its back. It carried Jesus who would carry the cross to die for our sins. So many hidden truths are revealed. Now we carry Jesus inside, to light the way to show others the way to salvation by His work of the cross.

Hidden Truths Revealed

When the donkey carried Jesus the cheering crowd believed He was to be crowned King.
They threw down their cloaks as children would dance and sing.
The donkey the Master rode sported a cross on his back.
Jesus willingly placed Himself there; there was no turning back.
The people thought He was entering to cause profit for a better life.
They missed the timing; the truth was hidden from their sight.
Shortly after, Jesus carried the cross; beaten ragged and sore.
Many of the same crowd now cried “Crucify” to the Lord.
He was traveling to Golgotha to truly set them free.
Again the truth the real profit they did not see.
Upon the cross He was pinned to die,
Between two thieves the Son of God was crucified.
The earth quaked, devils danced and the heavens wept,
Still the people were blind and lost in confusion’s midst.
But into deaths door light enter in.
Jesus paid the price for new life to begin.
Death could not hold Him; He is light, and the way.
He is alive!  He is the light that shines truth for those who believe to this day.

Romans 6:6-7
 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed,
that henceforth we should not serve sin.  For he that is dead is freed from sin

John 8:32
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Diamonds in the Rough By Brenda Drake

            It is easy to observe our fellowman and comment on their rough behavior and appearance. As we practice the ways of God we will begin to envision a diamond-in-the-rough; just like God saw us!

Diamonds in the Rough

Diamonds in the rough, what a sight to see;
Not how they look now but what they can be.
On the outside the world sees their dull crusty side,
But the One that sees all beholds His bride.
The world tramples them unaware;
Of their great worth and do not acknowledge they are there.
The Holy Spirt hovers over them day and night.
They are plainly and clearly seen in God’s sight.
He woos them to the truth to His work begin,
He makes them new and draws to Him and moves within.
From the earths mire set free, made new chosen to become,
God’s own jewel; touched by the Son.
Look about see in each man your meet,
He is perhaps a diamond in the rough others pass on the street.
Because you are a precious jewel for God’s Son prepared,
Go out and the beauty of His holiness with others share.

Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works,
which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

2 Corinthians 5:17-18
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

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:

No Tree, No Lights By Brenda Drake

            We look forward to the Christmas season, with opportunity to celebrate the birth of our Lord and our Savior.  But we need to be aware that many are in great need and indeed have sorrow at this time of year.  Some choose not to put up a lighted tree, but some have no choice, they just cannot.

No Tree, No Lights
By Brenda Drake

No tree, no lights, no inner peace.
No love, no joy, but much in need.
The world passes by unaware,
But if they do see many do not care.
Tents are a popular gift received by some.
But it is a great need to some.
New bedding, new clothes, and new shoes to wear;
Add to their collection with little room to spare.
There are those who have desire for them too.
To some their greatest gift would be a pair of shoes.
They are the forgotten ones in a world that sparkles and shines.
They are those who cry at Christmas-time.
Jesus was born in a stable, and lie on a bed of hay.
He was even before He was born turned away.
The humble of heart heard the Angels sing;
The heavens were aware of the new-born King.
The star shined its light on the One to be nailed to the tree.
The wise men offered gifts and worshiped the One who would set them free.
Mary marveled at the beauty of God’s gift at her breast.
Surely the world would One day celebrate God’s gift.
There are many that celebrate with hearts in tune with God’s Son;
In thanks and praise they rejoice at all He has done.
But, many forget the reason
They are celebrating the Christmas season.
As you remember the birth of Jesus and give gifts to one another.
Just as The True Gift reached out to you, you should care for your brother.

1Timothy 6:18-19
That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

In Harmony By Brenda Drake

Have you ever been in a room with many different things going on at the same time? We probably all can agree it is hard to stay focused, let alone enjoy the experience.  Life also can be so complicated and stressful with so much taking place around us; filling the atmosphere with words, songs, and actions contrary to the Word of God.

In Harmony

In harmony with God are the ones,
That rest in His strength to get His work done.
Like a dance, together in accord;
Love and the lover of the Lord.
They make sweet music together in life;
The redeemed soul and the Anointed One together delight.
Within each man is the divider, it pulls out of step;
It ruins the tune of the Master, it is called the flesh.
Flesh is self-ruled and sings a different song;
At time its notes are jangling and strong.
Those skilled and obedient will quickly stop its sound.
By the Word of God flesh is put down.
The old-man must die for the new-man to live strong.
It is a choice, who will sing life’s song
The selfish, self-seeking, full of trouble and strife;
Or the one that allows God’s rule in their life.
In harmony the saved soul sings a love song sweet and true,
With peace and joy Jesus is singing with you.

1 Corinthians 6:17
But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.

Galatians 5:24-25
And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

A Life Set Aside to Give Thanks By Brenda Drake

We as a Nation set aside a day to give thanks, but our Nation needs to have a life set aside to give thanks to God. 

A Life Set Aside To Give Thanks
By Brenda drake

I am thankful for my life’s many seasons;
With privilege to express my thoughts with freedom.
I have great appreciation to God above.
Who has so blessed us with His love.
All thanks and praise to Him along with a prayer,
To daily have a thankful heart willing to share.
In our celebration with tables laden with much,
Let us be willing to reach out and touch,
The one that is alone or in need,
So they too give thanks as they receive.
Great is the life set aside to express,
The things that cause us happiness.
Like family, friends, and the peace inside;
For love and joy and the provisions that keep us alive.
The list continues and never ends,
In fact the heart thankful just begins…
I am thankful I am able to behold,
The beauty of creation and the colors in a rainbow;
And for a heart that will see,
God’s promise and believes.
I am so thankful for all God has done.
But most of all I am thankful for Jesus His Son.
He is the bread that feeds the soul,
With peace and joy left yet untold.
I am eternally thankful for the work of the cross,
That calls to repentance and saves the lost.
Thank you Father, I pray to again bless our land.
Lead and guide us to choose Your ways to understand.

Romans 12:1-2
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. 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.

Hold Out Things Worth Taking By Brenda Drake

Life is God’s gift that we can offer back to Him.

Hold out Things worth Taking
by Brenda Drake

Hold out things worth taking, give good things away.
If you hold out junk then it will with you stay.
By the world’s standards it may seem good,
But by God’s measure it may not be as it should.
Good advice is worth keeping – give it away;
A good word others will gladly receive each day.
In God’s kingdom to give is to receive
So give away what it is that you need.
Hold out kindness – you will find you are kinder too,
Hold out compassion and it is added unto you.
Sing praise and you will be praised for what you have done.
Hold out things worth taking and you are held by God’s Son.
Life is a struggle but do not hold on too tight,
Offer it to Jesus as a sacrifice.
A sacrifice worth keeping; well used by God above;
For your life is a testament of His love.
God offers life everlasting, gladly it receive.
He held out salvation; you saw and believed.
He came and drew you to His touch.
He offered you joy and peace and you opened up.
Hold out the invitation God held out to you,
And others will come to the wedding feast too.
Remember this word, and the Word will before you stand.
When you reach out He will take your hand.

Luke 8:38
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measur

Mystery By Brenda Drake

The wonder and glory of God boggles the mind.  We as His followers get just a glimpse of His majesty. He reveals Himself and the mystery of His plan through the Holy Word of God!  But oh so much more there is to experience ahead.

Mystery
by Brenda Drake

Who knows the mind of God? Who knows the way of the Wind?
Who else is called Master…only Him.
Wise and joyful are those who know,
By Faith, Who it is that so values the soul.
The wise are diligent to seek His face,
And hunger each day for His embrace.
How is it you love fervently One you cannot see?
Indeed it is a mystery.
How can you hear without a sound;
Words beautiful and profound?
How do you rest your mind in the confidence deep,
When the world and its ways threaten to sweep you off your feet?
How can the blind see and the deaf hear?
How is it they walk in a dark world without fear?
Much is the knowledge man has figured out.
But the evil one fills the lost with ignorance and doubt.
The found are finding they have only begun,
To learn the realms of Father, Spirit, and Son.
To be and to remain in the Spirit’s flow,
Do not lose the wonder and mystery of the One that saves souls.
Be ready and willing to take the steps of each day;
Knowing without knowing how Jesus leads the way.

Ephesians 1:7-9
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: