Ashes; Blown Away by the Wind By Brenda Drake

When I think of all the wonderful promises that lie ahead when my Lord Jesus returns; my heart soars with a great indescribable joy.  Then I am reminded by the Holy Spirit, He is always working right now in our everyday life. Several times I have experienced His delivered beauty instead some of my life’s discouraging ashes.

Ashes; Blown Away by the Wind

Yesterday’s ashes blow away in the wind; gathered no more to be kept;
For the flower of tomorrow has no room for any of it.
The deep lines of worry etched by time on the face,
Are blown away; they too are forever erased.
The heavy thoughts that fight to surface now and then;
They too are blown away by the wind.
Pain, and despair, fears and shame,
And every other discomfort that torments by any other name;
All are ashes.  All are discarded they are useless to keep.
Ashes are everything that causes the heart to weep.
Until this glorious day there is instruction wise,
Fill your mind with Jesus, look into His eyes.
Look into the promises in God’s Word.
When you practice daily a new truth occurs,
He indeed shares His beauty and places it within,
Ashes are not kept there they are blown away by the wind.

John 3:8
The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

Isaiah 61:3
To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord,
that he might be glorified.   

The Workings of the Spirit By Brenda Drake

      The most important, most precious day of my life was the day I first discovered the love of the Lord.  The smartest thing I do is yield to the work of the Spirit each day for He makes me more and more like Jesus. The most satisfying thing is to rest in His comfort. The most rewarding thing is to share His love with others.

The Workings of the Spirit

Precious are the ones that witness God in their midst,
And that the move of the Spirit does not resist.
They join ranks with Him when they join Him in prayer.
Of His workings in their lives they are aware.
They fill their minds with words of love,
And concentrate on good as they serve God above.
Precious are the ones that feel the Spirit’s touch;
That recognizes their emptiness as they lift their cup.
Conviction is not shrugged away they will instead repent.
They will accept the provision of God that was sent.
They flow in unison…. by God’s loving touch they are freed.
They’re filled to overflowing as from God they receive.
It is sad but there are some that will not respond.
They harden their heart; then the Spirit’s presence is gone.
They desire to keep their sin and anger at its release,
So they shun the move of the Spirit of peace.
They will stay in turmoil, and walk away with their sin,
But they cannot find peace or true joy without Him
They walk a dangerous path, and are placed in jeopardy;
They’ve opened up their lives to the enemy.
He will not be gentl.  He will destroy …take care to hear;
For all are precious to God.  He so desires to draw near.

John 16:7-8
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

Wishful Thinker or Man of Faith By Brenda Drake

I used to be a daydreamer.  I was rich, famous, and beautiful in my mind and I would have the world at my beck and call.  Now I have hopes and dreams that I have placed in my heavenly Father’s care.  I desire His will more than any of the things I use to think I wanted or needed; in fact the strange thing is I no longer desire most of my once sought dreams.

Wishful Thinker or Man of Faith

Wishful thinking, you have heard of this.
It usually means a hoped for something that does not exist.
A desire, a need, or a dream in the mind,
That fits into the plan of your own design.
There are some that live each day,
Day dreaming their lives was a different way.
Perhaps they dream they become rich or famous or very wise;
Anything to make them seem greater in their own eyes.
God changes a wishful thinker into a great man of faith,
Where hopes and dreams materialize to be embraced.
Faith is something hoped for that you cannot see.
But who you have faith in is the key.
Look in God’s Word; find what He desires for you to possess.
And then have faith you will receive what is for your best.
Do you want to be great? Learn to be least.
Do you want wisdom?  In the Word take feast.
Do you want to be helped” A helper become,
Do you want friends? Then be friendly to someone.
Are you in need of riches?  Give all and follow Christ,
And He truly will enrich your life.
A man of faith knows he will receive what he asks.
When he aligns his wishes with what God has already stated as facts.
Your dreams become reality;
All you have desired, one day you will be,
Claim God’s will for you, do not hesitate.
Do not settle for wishful thinking- be instead a man of faith.

1 Corinthians 2:5
That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

Peace Settles Deep By Brenda Drake

In the troubled times perceived ahead; in Christ we still can experience a peace that settles deep within our heart, mind and soul.  Circumstances may not change as rapidly as the change undergone within.  Instead of fear of the future we can have faith to face the future.  Instead of hoping and praying for things to change we are given the ability to make a change. Instead of being a victim we become in Christ a victor.  Rather than looking for outward sources to help in trying times we stand on and testify God is our help in times of trouble.   God equips us with ability and knowledge to successfully face the giant knowing He will for us and through us destroy our enemy and chase fear from our land.

Peace Settles Deep

Lovely and quiet moments; when turmoil is stilled;
When, your heart is raised in prayer ready to be filled.
In the strange silence……peace settles deep,
And even more strange it seems you are filled with new strength.
The problems are laid down and are firmly placed,
In the care of the One you trust; to be by joy replaced.
The circumstances may not yet be changed, but somehow you know,
The One you love and serve is in full control.
The air has been cleared of the stench within,
The atmosphere is filled with the sweet aroma of your Lord again.
Lovely, quiet ….sometimes when not a word is said,
You’ve been freed from every worry and every fear of dread.
You are emptied and filled almost in one breath it seems;
So great is this place prepared for the redeemed!

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

Not the Same By Brenda Drake

When we accept Jesus as our Savior we are a new creation. We need to always be willing to share our faith but we need to be wise for we may find if we are not careful the world is influencing us instead of us influencing it. God gave me this poem when I tried to help others by trying to fit in. I failed to fit in thank God!

Not the Same

Once a soaring eagle decided to be with the hens.
He thought he would see what it would be like to be like them.
He thought it would be interesting… to just peck about and relax.
(Obviously the eagle forgot all about the ax.)
He would be like a rooster and strut about as king.
He would just kick back and forget about everything.
So he readied himself and prepared to fit in the best he could;
But even his entrance was misunderstood.
He flew down and settled himself where all could see him clear,
And he raised his voice in greeting; loud enough so all could hear.
But all he saw was ruffled feathers and such a terrible din.
Everyone was in such a panic they did not listen to him.
He waited and he waited hoping they would settle down,
But soon he was aware they did not want him around!
For as much as he tried to with them remain,
He found his presence indeed caused to both of them pain.
He could not become a chicken – they were bound and he was free.
Why would an eagle desire to in this place be?
Perhaps he thinks he will change them – that he can change their mind;
But it is impossible for they are not the same kind.
Children of God are reborn they also fly free;
It’s strange that they visit the chickens and partake of their feed.
The wise eagle saw his folly and quickly changed his mind,
For he remembered how he was designed.

2 Corinthians 6:17
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

Confession is Good, Repentance Better By Brenda Drake

I always thought confession and repentance was the same thing.  Little did I know I was confessing my sins way before I ever really repented.  When I repented I changed my ways. This is true and wise with each individual , and for us collectively as a Nation.

Confession is Good, Repentance Better

Confession is good but it only a job half done.
It perhaps admits you have wronged someone.
Even with tears and feeling truly sorry for your wrongs,
You may continue walking the path you are on.
Take the next step repent and walk the other way.
Then you are choosing to God’s Word obey.
Many confess weakness and easily admit,
They have a temper and at times throw a fit.
They wear flaws like a trademark that self identifies;
But it is sinful before the Father’s eyes.
Some admit they are bitter with an added excuse;
For their continued sour attitudes.
Some say, I was born with this way; it is not my fault,
ts confession will not change things at all.
If you say you are a born worrier, remember you are now born anew.
Turn-about, and allow God’s way to rule.
Confession with repentance will change the course of your life.
Know you are given strength when you choose to follow after Christ.
I will lead and guide you to the place of victory.
Confess your sins and the in repentance you follow after me.

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Act 3:19
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord

Child-like in Faith By Brenda Drake

           I mistakenly used to think child-like faith was to unquestionably take life and its ups and downs without hesitantly and without question.  But, truly my children were always full of questions. When they were afraid they would run to me for an answer to help put their fears to rest.  They believed I was there to tell the truth, to assist, protect, and to comfort them.  We as God’s children should also know and trust He hears and answers prayer with our best interest at heart. When there is no immediate answer what then?  Stand in trust, have faith God will and does fight our battle.

Childlike in Faith

Childlike-faith faces the day without fear;
As long as the one that cares for them is near.
The healthy, well-loved child through faith sees,
A world that holds great promise and beauty.
But in times of trouble when winds of life blow strong,
Childlike-faith listens, and draws close to where they belong.
When an enemy or menacing stranger tries to pull them astray,
The wise, obedient child resists and turns the other way.
The follower of Jesus; the one that has faith to spare;
Will like a child his good news share.
Wise like His Master; his confidence in God above,
Helps him make wise decisions as he trusts in His love.
When the world darkens in its threatening stance,
Childlike; yet with God’s strength, they face circumstance.
Full trusting God hears their prayer and answers the way best;
With supernatural ability they stand, in spiritual armors dressed.
With heart prepared to the battle win,
And yet like the small child, at rest within.

Luke 18:17
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God
as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.

Ephesians 6:14-18
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: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Am I Living in the Light? By Brenda Drake

We live in a dark world with so many things that can and will pull us astray.  There are times when we wonder are we going the right direction?  Perhaps we begin to question ourselves in our confusing times.  Are we walking in the light?   The walk of faith trusts God to lead and guide us.  He is also the light within that shows the way of right is Jesus. When we follow Him we prove we are Christians by our love for one another.

Am I Living in the Light?

When choice comes for flesh to show its face,
Is it rejected to instead reveal grace?
If you fail do you quickly repent and direction change?
Or do you find it too difficult to your life rearrange?
To answer your question, Are you living in the light?
Do you walk ahead in faith or only by what is in sight?
To faith-walk you need God’s light within.
He shows the way as you follow after Him.
To walk in the light you need to in the Spirit rest.
In belief and trust that God’s way is best.
Living in the light will reveal inner stain.
When living in the light God breaks away the chains.
Self and selfish ways are put aside,
So in the light you are able to abide.
The light of love will take its rightful place,
So another will successfully find the way of grace.

Ephesians 5:8
For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

1 John 1:7
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Engraved in His Hand By Brenda Drake

I am at awe when I think about how majestic God is and so thankful for how much He has done to make me able to be one with Him for eternity.  There is no real reason for us to worry or be depressed.  He is the answer to every question and He is more than anything we could ever need.  He is in control; in faith remember, nothing can take us out of His loving care.

Engraved on His Hand

Your hurts, your pains,
Your bondage’s and your chains,
Your inability, your flaws inside,
The sins you’ve allowed to abide,
The evil thoughts, the hurtful plans,
The unkind words, the harsh demands,
Your fears, your heart’s cry,
Every untrue promise you’ve spoken, every lie,
Your greed, your lust, your shame,
Everything under the sun named,
Every sickness of body, soul, mind,
Every minute of wasted time,
Every hope or dream, every desire,
The secret place of inner fires,
Each thought, and unspoken request,
All kind deeds, every moment of needed rest.
All things I am acquainted with, for you see
I have experienced them already.
I suffered and felt the weight of them for you.
Know my friend this word is true.
Your remembrance is engraved in my hand.
When you have accepted my plan.
As you purpose to align with the Father’s will.
In you and through you His will is fulfilled.
So walk on I AM is in control of your life.
You are well known by your Lord Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 49:16
Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands;
thy walls are continually before me.

Psalms 31:15
My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies,
and from them that persecute me.

Bullied by the Accuser By Brenda Drake

Before I knew the grossness and the penalty of sin I had very little guilty feelings, but aftertruly desired to live right, I was harassed with feelings of inadequacy to measure up to God’s Word.   One day the Lord showed me the absurdity of this.  He loved and died for me before I loved Him. Why now when I love Him would He love me less?  He would never need the help of His enemy to tell me what I need to do. 

Bullied by the Accuser

The enemy points out small infractions and paints them,
Seemingly into large, gross, unforgivable sins.
He lays condemnation upon you as a burden to pack;
He keeps piling things heavy on your back.
He points out everything to cause you shame,
He loves to accuse and enjoys casting blame.
Critical, unloving, and judgmental without any grace,
He brings before you anything to disgrace.
The accuser has no right to blame you anymore;
For your every transgression is covered by the Lord.
Your worth is not measured by what you do or do not do.
Your worth is measured by who dwells inside of you.
If your own heart convicts thee;
Take heed but do not be bullied by the enemy.
He does not point out sin to those that he easily tempts,
He accuses the ones who desire to obey and repent.
For if he can persuade them they are still full of sin.
He causes great discouragement in them.
Walk each day doing the best you can.
Do the work of God the best you understand.
If you sin, quickly repent in prayer,
And know you are forgiven for your God truly cares.
When you hear a taunt that will not cease its noise in your ear,
Rebuke it and turn away from it and it will not stay near.
One day you will behold the one that caused your heart and mind so much strife.
And you will see how pitiful and how weak he is beside your Lord Jesus Christ.

Revelations 12:8
And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.