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Collected Thoughts By Brenda Drake

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Collected Thoughts is a 365-day journey of inspiration, reflection, and Scripture-filled poetry designed to help you draw closer to God each day.
In the midst of life’s noise, these gentle, faith-centered poems invite you to pause, listen, and focus on what truly matters—the presence and promises of God.

Each daily devotion pairs a heartfelt poem with a relevant Bible verse to bring peace, joy, and encouragement to your spirit. Whether read in quiet morning moments or before rest at night, Collected Thoughts reminds you that God’s Word is living, active, and ever near. A perfect companion for personal reflection or gift for someone needing comfort and hope, this devotional celebrates the beauty of walking with Jesus—day by day, thought by thought

A sample of one of the 365 daily readings.

Heaven’s Window

I wonder was the window of heaven closed up tight,
So they could not see the terrible sight?
Did the angels cry at the loss;
Of the precious Son of God hanging on the cross?
Did the flowers close their bloom on the day,
The Son of God was sacrificed and put on display?
Birds must have stopped singing; Heaven’s Song was stilled;
When He submitted willingly to do the Father’s will.
The rivers and streams surely did not desire to flow,
For the River of Life was poured out for every living soul.
I know the mountains protested in sad display,
For God’s Word says there was a mighty quake that day.
But, oh how my heart rejoices as I also can by faith see,
The angels, and the heavens cheering on golden streets,
When the tomb burst open and Jesus was alive and well.
Hope and peace, in the redeemed a victorious story now would tell.

Luke 15:10
Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

Revelation 1:18
I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

Love Makes a Way Book -Oh Wayward Heart by Brenda Drake

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Version 1.0.0

A page out of my Christian Poetry Book Love Makes a Way Available on Amazon for $2.99 Kindle $8.99 Paperback $16.99 Hardcover.

Love Makes a Way is a poetic devotional that explores instances of God’s unwavering presence, guidance, and love. Each poem and biblical passage showcases how God provides solutions to problems and is constantly available for support. Love Makes a Way celebrates and particularly emphasizes His sacrifice for our salvation and His profound love demonstrated through Jesus’s death and resurrection that offers hope of eternal life with Him.  

We are not always obedient nor are we always diligent to study God’s Word.  We are rarely consistently faithful or humble. We have wayward hearts. God is always lovingly calling us to repent and trust in His provision and to depend on His help in every situation.

Oh Wayward Heart

Oh wayward heart why do you stray?
Why is it you from your Lord’s love turn away?
Why is it you do not hunger and thirst for more,
Of the nourishment, provided by your Lord?
You are much too comfortable in the circumstance you dwell,
Come and allow your God to lead you for He knows you well.
When trial or temptation gets you down,
Allow your God to lift you to higher ground.
Oh weary heart when you are weak
Will you find enough faith to God’s Word speak?
Can you admit your lack and ask for assistance?
Why oh proud heart do you show resistance?
Do you not know God only desires for your good?
That is why He died in your place on the piece of wood.
If, oh hearing heart, you can but see,
Joy will flow out from thee.
The peace of Jesus will sooth and mend
So you will not be wayward again.

James 3:17
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

Take of the Wrappers By Brenda Drake

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This is a sample poem from my Christian Inspirational Poetry book In His Embrace available on Amazon in Kindle, $2.99 Paperback $8.99 and Hardcover. $14.99

Before Jesus I was proud to wear the mantle of pride. In ignorance I wore attitudes of selfishness, bitterness, and self-confidence. I was much more interested in primping my body’s attributes than care for the inner beauty of the spirit. Now I know what is on the inside is of more importance than what is on the outside.

Take off the Wrappers

When you pick a piece of candy out of a jar at the store;
The removed wrapper is not needed anymore.
The candy is deposited in its appointed place,
And the wrapper is tossed away.
Just so are unneeded coverings of earth.
The body is the wrap; the spirit within is of greater worth.
Discarded wrappers are not missed.
They have their purpose accomplished.
Your body is the temple; treat it well;
It houses the Spirit that will have a greater story to tell.
The flesh protects the treasure within placed
So the sweetness of the Savior another too may taste.
There are many coverings removed for God’s glory to shine.
Blankets of self-sufficiency are not in His design.
Layers of worry, anger, bitterness, and fear,
Need to be removed so God’s Word and presence appears.
Take off the wraps of pride and insecurity the same.
Don the robe of righteousness and God’s armor in Jesus name.

Hebrews 12:1
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

1 Corinthians 3:16
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

Calm Your Troubled Sea by Brenda Drake

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New sample from my newest devotional book of Christian poetry. Available on Amazon books in kindle, paperback, and hardcover.

In one of my tipsy-turvy times trying to figure out things on my own; I was not even able to pray because of the churning in my spirit.  The Lord revealed how really simple it is to get the peace back that I once enjoyed in His presence.  All it really takes is a humble heart that fully admits its inability to go it alone, and that truly repents of its self-assured ways.

Calm Your Troubled Sea

When within you it is not calm or at peace,
A storm rages, there is a troubled sea,
Your thoughts are uncertain; blowing with the wind,
Some wrong emotions are bottled up within.
Tossed to one side, then to another,
Rocking in a vessel but seeking cover,
But it is not a pleasant journey at all,
If you attempt to stand you stumble and fall.|
This is not a word of rebuke as you might suppose,
It is a word to assure you, all things God knows.
What can be done about this trouble within?
Admit your attitude is indeed sin.
Admit your faith needs working on,
And that you are weak not all that strong.
As for the troubled waters about you;
Something can be done for that too.
Jesus’ love provided your redemption.
He broke the chains and bondage of sin,
He deposited new authority to your new man.
He offers His name to make your demands.
In Jesus name, declare to the raging water, peace be still;
Perfectly fitting in the Father’s will.
The enemy will surely torment the heart that allows him too.
This need not be, heed this word is delivered to you.

John 16:23
Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

The Perfume of Prayer By Brenda Drake

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Sample of poem in my newest book on Amazon. I have a promotion for only one more day for free on Kindle.

I used to worry that I was not praying correctly, but I am reassured by the Spirit there is no right or wrong way to pray.  I find I pray best when I just talk to the Lord about whatever and whoever comes to mind.  When I see a need for myself or for another a simple heartfelt request for God to intervene is my prayer.  As I have grown more in the Lord, I am able to pray the will of God by praying the Word of God in my prayer requests.

The Perfume of Prayer

The value of sincere prayer,
Is so great, you are as yet unaware.
The lasting impressions are recorded to stay.
The time is not wasted; its effort will not fade away.
Freely pray, do not hold back the flow,
For there is healing within to restore and make whole.
Pray openly no matter where you are.
It matters not if the people you pray for are near or far.
The ear of God is always willing to hear.
You are selected by Him, He draws near.
He knew from the beginning, who would pray,
Faithfully, earnestly, each day.
Unspoken requests in hearts are sweeter still,
When they agree with the Fathers will.
Time is not wasted if there has been,
An earnest plea stated for foe or friend.
Your life touches another even if you cannot see,|
So continue on in prayer’s ministry.
Great is the intercession of words and deeds given,
While pleasing God in your daily living;
Offering time and energy to His work do;|
Dying to self-will, to allow the Holy Spirit to move.
Prayer is as the perfume that was poured out on Jesus’ head;
A great sacrifice proving profit from the work He did.

Ephesians 5:18
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Time Flies By By Brenda Drake

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The older I get it seems the faster time travels. The things I thought I would do I no longer am able to do.  But, with God’s strength within, I am able to accomplish what I once thought I was unable to. With His very present help and comfort as time flies I am able to look ahead not with fear or regret but with joyful expectation.

Time Flies By

Time flies by, weeks, months, years.
Every life has times of joy, worry, and fear.
Worldly cares and concerns take up much time it is true;
Places you need to go and things you need to do;
Dishes and laundry needed to be cleaned,
Teachers, doctors, perhaps lawyers that needs to be seen.
For many the Good-Book remains unread; and their spirit remains underfed,
Times of prayer are sporadic, and filled with regret;,
Or they are almost automatic like reading a shopping list.
Sleep frequently is disturbed or cut short in time.
Food is grabbed on the run or even forgotten sometimes.
Busy, too busy, time filled with many things.
It’s rare in a fast-spinning-world to hear a heart that sings.
When the body has lived many years at this steady pace,
Fine lines are by deep grooves replaced.
The eyes become dim and stamina disappears;
Then the world says, the time to retire is near.
But God says, treat the hours of your life with respect,
As you live each moment good things expect.
Bring every concern to the God that cares,
Spend time in the Word and in His strength you are able to share.
You will be able to reach out even in your busiest day,
To help another when you take time to live God’s way..

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

Masterpiece Created By Brenda Drake

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Page 3 in my poetry book Love Makes a Way. This book testifies and celebrates a love so great that He died to show us the way to an eternal life in His loving care and in His presence. Available on Amazon!

Chapter 1

The truth of Salvation is beautiful to comprehend; and it is life-changing when allowed to enter our heart. Love for our Creator and for our fellow man is proof we are indeed a part of His masterpiece the Church.  We know we are not made beautiful in the Father’s eyes by our own works but by Jesus’ work on the cross in our behalf.

Masterpiece Created

A masterpiece was created from a lump of clay;
All of heaven’s treasures within him displayed.
Perfect without flaw, beautiful in the Creators eye,
Lovely, without blemish, eternally with life supplied.
He was marked with Divinity in each and every line.
Forever indelibly with God’s signature signed.
Evil beheld the perfection and hated it so much,
It reached out its claw to such perfection touch.
Sin marred God’s masterpiece with the fatal blow;
To separate with death from the Creator of their soul.
The Master is master in every way.
He always knew His creation would His word disobey.
He provided the way for the damned to see,
Salvation for all who choose to believe.
He calls out for the lost to come,
Into the holy provision of God’s Son.
He paid the price so they could be forever assured,
The sacrifice of Jesus has the connection secured.
He shapes the born again as His masterpiece;
To be His forever from sins hold set free.

John 3:3
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Extravagant Love By Brenda Drake

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Page 2 of my book Love Makes a Way. This is a poetic celebration of the love that loved so much He chose to die in our place. This book is available on Amazon in kindle, paperback and hardcover.

Version 1.0.0

Chapter 1

It boggles the mind to think someone loves us enough to die for us.  But greater still is the mind-blowing realization the Creator of the universe loved us enough to not only die for us but also chooses to live in us.  His love is never ending.  It is indeed extravagantly elaborate; He is willing and able to provide for our every need.  He is truly our prince charming! He is Lord of lords and King of kings.

Extravagant Love

Love created – those created rebelled,
Evil entered to lead the way to hell.
Love had a perfect plan,
But it needed to help the blind to see His plan.
Love reveals Himself to those who will obey;
To tell others in need and to lead the way.
It is an extravagant love that never stopped its flow.
Only an extravagant love would choose to die to save every soul.
This love will not force His self upon those He desires to touch.
But He will never stop demonstrating His love.
The free choice to choose or reject Him is His first gift given to all.
But He will never stop wooing the one who will hear His call.
Extravagant love tasted death so death would lose its sting.
Extravagant love makes a pauper a child of the king.
Jesus is the love-word spoken from the cross of shame.
A love-proposal to offer His name;
An over-the-top expression of devotion to call His bride.
When He said it was finished, He for them died.
But this love could not in the tomb stay,
He arose conqueror, alive in every way.

Ephesians 2:4-5
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

Journey of the Heart By Brenda Drake

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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

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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