When Love Blooms Perfectly By Brenda Drake

Father teach me how to love like Jesus.

When Love Blooms Perfectly

Once in a time past Love bloomed perfectly.
Man, woman and God as was meant to be.
There was a terrible split that caused separation to occur.
The lovely atmosphere was broken by infraction of God’s Word.
Love is celebrated by many in the modern day,
As well it should be as it is displayed.
With cards, flowers, candy, and such;
With words, attitudes and kind actions to lift each other up. 
But remember the perfect couple is not two and no more.
Love blooms sweeter when it is one with the Lord.
As you walk in union with your God and spouse,
Peace will rule and reign in your house.
For each will prefer the other as they go;
As together they allow God full control.
One day there is a wedding where again you will see,
Love has truly blossomed to perfection for all eternity.

 Revelation 19:9
And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

Unfailing Love By Brenda Drake

Romans 8:38-39
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Unfailing Love

His unfailing love fills the earth; it is displayed for all to see.
From the mountains to the plains reveal His majesty.
His sunrises and sunsets beautifully paint the sky;
Causing pleasures to the watchful eye.
The bird’s song, gentle breezes that caress the brow,
The flight of the eagle, the waving palms that bow,
The mighty cedars, the tiny seed that grows,
The cross of Calvary provided to save sinful souls.
His gentle prodding’s encourage all to come,
With fierce intense flooding soulS with His love is overcome.
His love fills the earth and enters and surrounds.
The receptive heart that has opened, self will lay down.
His joy, His praise, His strength and His power becomes,
All a part of the life of His chosen one.
Opened eyes begin to see His glory on every side;
And His unfailing love without measure for His bride.

I will give thanks to the God of heaven.  His love endures forever.

He Loves the Sinner By Brenda Drake

I am very thankful we did not need to clean up before we could accept Jesus as our Savior; but we did need to admit we were unclean and unable to save our self.  I can easily relate to the woman that knelt at the foot Jesus to adore the One that made her aware of a holy love she did not deserve.

He Loved the Sinner

He died for even those who spat and slapped His face.
He chose to wrap them in mercy and grace.
He died for the one that His name denied,
And in His mercy another name supplied.|
He died for the sinners on both sides of His cross.
One accepted His gift the other remained lost.
He died for harlots that cry on the streets.
He died for the one that chose to lie at His feet.
He died for those that push wisdom out the door;
But then later choose again to follow the Lord.
From the beginning of time and man’s introduction to sin,
The God of Heaven made provision for them.
But there are some that refuse to see,
They harden their heart to not believe.
But the truth is still the truth; for every man Jesus died.
He is and was and ever will be their supply.
But still there are those that would spit on and slap God’s face.
There are still those that reject His mercy and grace.
Still  some choose evil over the way good and right.
Many still choose darkness over light.
But there is no hatred in God’s heart for them.
He loves the sinner but He will always hate sin.

John 3:16-17
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Flowers From a Hopeful Heart By Brenda Drake

I love flowers.  I am not a gardener.  My love of flowers does not come from my efforts.  God is the gardener of our soul.  He is the beauty that flowers from within us.  Oh how sweet is the love of God, He deserves all the praise and glory.

Flowers from a Hopeful Heart

Like the sweet aroma of a willing rose,
Is the praise of a heart that God’s Word knows.
Hopeful hearts see the sun shine ahead on a rainy day.
Though cloudy on the outside they are warmed by inner rays.
Another flower that comes from the heart of hope,
Is the sure knowledge God is in control.
The sweet assurance of His love and care,
Is another flower of hope with another to share.
Flowers from a hopeful heart walk at a steady pace,
Under the sure covering of God’s mercy and grace.
They live in His anointing and of His nourishment partakes.
Lights in the dark world all the difference makes.
An encouraging word, a loving timely rebuke,
A helping hand in time of need; are all flowers delivered too.
There is sweet aroma of a life whose hope is in God above.
They bloom in the land; seeds planted in the garden of love.

Ephesians 5:1-2
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 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.

Allow God to Love You By Brenda Drake

            I remember well the first day I allowed God to love me. After a hard day, alone with children tucked in bed, relaxed in recliner with no remote at hand, the evangelist came on television.  I was too lazy to get up and change the channel.  What a great day it turned out to be. For the first time I learned of the sad, hopeless condition of my soul. I became aware of the wonderful love of God and His provision in my behalf.  The amazingly beautiful gift of salvation through Jesus’ work on the cross becomes crystal clear each time I spend time in His presence in praise, worship, and prayer

Allow God to Love You

Allow God to love you, listen to this word of rhyme.
Give Him your attention, share with Him your time.
Rest your weary mind, enjoy the encouragement He gives.
Allow the Spirit to soothe your soul, so without fear you can live.
Take the peace of the Savior; let it sing to you its sweet song.
Let joy flow forth inside you to make you strong.
Tear down the walls of bitterness, and the towers of pride.
Allow the forgiving Spirit to reign inside.
Rest in the Holy Scriptures, learn it promises and believe in them.
Allow the love of Christ to warm you from within.
Bring the sins that the enemy piles high on your back,
And allow God to throw them in the sea intact.
Trust in the One that loves you more than words can say.
Give Him your life and your problems and fears dissolve away.

Acts 16:31
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

If you have never asked Jesus to be your Lord, this is the perfect time. It is so very simple, first, admit you are a sinner, and are in need of a Savior. Believe and accept what He did for you, and ask Jesus to enter your heart and to live His life in you. He is faithful; you will never be sorry for your decision!

In the Lap of Love By Brenda Drake

When we practice the presence of God the dark world and its problems, fade in the light of His love.  What a lovely, wonderful place, its value is more than all the worlds riches!

In the Lap of Love

When you struggle to your feet, and each step is slowed;
There is something that you need to know.
Your burden is too heavy, get on your knees within,
And I will lift you up into the lap of love again.
When you are hurting and your armor has been misplaced,
And you feel weak, come I’ll lift you into My embrace.
Confess yours sin of unforgiveness and you will be,
Lifted within as My strength you receive.
When drained and discouraged in your toil,
And your garments of praise have become soiled,
Come, I’ll refresh you with a new supply.
I’ll lift you up and fill you with fresh joy so you are not dry.
Perhaps you feel lonely and need a friend to speak to;
Come, I’ll lift you up in my lap of love – I will listen to you.
The love of God calls out “Come, I will fill you up”
“It is My desire to show you love”
“Just come and rest – come at any time”
“You do not need a reason when you are Mine”
When a small child appears and simply lays upon your chest,
There is great comfort to your soul as they rest.
Just so the Father’s heart yearns for you to draw near;
Come at any time child, never approach in fear.
When lifted to the lap of love peace will satisfy your soul.
For in this place of luxury, you know beyond a doubt who is in control!

Matthew 11:28-30
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

The Destination of Two Paths By Brenda Drake

The sad truth is we are always traveling the wrong way before we find Jesus, (The Way).  We often are ignorant of the terrible destination of our soul as we live our self-pleasing, self-satisfying, sinful life.  I will be forever grateful for the hard truth that moved me from the road of destruction and placed on the path of the Lord.

The Destination of Two Paths

There is a wide path marked with excess along the way;
With easy access no hard rules to obey.
If there is a regulation, they swerve to the right,
Any infringement of self-satisfaction is grounds for a fight.
The road is not lonely for many on its lane move,
It becomes uncomfortable when asked to go another route.
This is not the way right, choose instead the way of Christ,
Follow the example He lived, follow after His life.
Accept His work in your behalf – renounce your sin,
And travel the straight and narrow road after Him.
There are rules, but He gives you the ability to stand,
Strong and accountable even through hostile land.
He will give you joy unspeakable as He walks by your side.
Filling with glory as you are formed as His bride.
Two paths: one filled with God’s grace,
And the other leads to terrible waste.
There are two paths: one wayward all the way through,
And the other devoted to in God’s Spirit move.

Psalms 119:133
Order my steps in thy word:
and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

Matthew 10:38
And he that taketh not his cross,
and followeth after me, is not worthy of me

Practical Love By Brenda Drake

child poverty

        It is nice to hear a word of encouragement in a time of need.  But it is much more memorable when there is a practical effort to help in the need along with the encouraging words. Our Lord will show us practical ways that prove we care for others.

Practical Love

There are many practical ways to bless another
Practical, down- to- earth- ways to serve others
A phone call, a card, or a letter;
To express you are praying for them to feel better.
Do you know someone that is stressed?
Out of sorts with little time to rest?
Show love and concern as a friend;
Treat them to dinner prepared for them.
 Do you know a child with shoes out-grown or overused?
Take them to a new pair choose.
Practical-love works; opportunities are endless.
The profit from involvement is you also are blessed.
With smiles, praises, and blessings, to many to count,
Along with a profit in your heavenly bank account.
Visit those that love you and call those who miss your voice.
When you do your hearts in tune with God will rejoice.
God touches in practical ways as He reaches out to save souls;
When you testify to the lost by your actions He is also made known.

Psalms 143:10
Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

.  Lord, help us to be sensitive to another’s trials and to be
willing and able to assist, thus sharing Your love with them.

Loved by Every Drop of Blood By Brenda Drake

When I think of all Jesus endured in the days before and on the cross to pay for the debt of my sin there are no words to describe my gratitude, for such an unspeakable gift of grace.  The love of God for His creation is more than we can fully comprehend. 

Loved by Every Drop of Blood

We were loved by every drop of blood shed upon the tree.
Loved by the Holy Sacrifice offered to set captives free.
Loved by every heartfelt pain
Jesus endured to break our every chain.
Every stripe upon His back; opened wide and raw,
Was to heal every lash, caused by evil since the fall.
The heavy weight of the curse of death was felt by God’s Son.
Every sin’s penalty was paid when His work was done.
In agony He felt the final separation.
His very essence of life was given to free the Nations,
“My God, why have you forsaken me,” in His last breaths
“Father forgive them” He cried, “It is finished”
Evil celebrated for they killed God’s Son,
But, for them it was not finished; God was not done.
His weeping followers would weep no more.
With great joy they were astonished at the sight of their risen Lord.
Jesus is alive, and is seated at the Father’s side,
Soon to return, for His blood-washed, without spot or wrinkle bride.
We were loved by every drop of His precious blood that flowed,
So, He that formed all we see, could our life forever hold.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

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: