Love’s Light By Brenda Drake

          The world as we know it has been turned upside down.  What God said is dark is called light. What
God detests the world has declared good, Things once held dear are now cast aside as no longer valuable. Many churches are lukewarm, and fit in with the world system. The teachings and the presence of the power and authority of the Lord have been stripped from the lives of those who attend. Children of God need to stand and boldly profess the Word of God as they live a life that agrees with the Word of God. 

       The Church is at a cross-road; are we as Christians going to lay down our armor and give in to the pressures and the threats of evil control? Or are we going to get busy and pick up our armor? We need to be ready to follow our Lord to fight the forces that are taking our Country and our world into a place of no return. 

      I for one will say with God on my side what have I to lose?  I say I am not weak in God I am strong.  I stand and say I believe and will testify what the Word of God says is right is right.  What the Word of God says is wrong is wrong.  In my stand for right, I also admit God has given every man, woman, and child the free choice to do right or to choose the way of evil.  What is your choice?  If it is for God then stand for Him and boldly say so.  

Love’s Light

In the Light of Love darkness flees.
In His presence the heart receives.
Like a tree planted at the rivers side;
Full and filled vitally alive.
When rain clouds come and they still do,
God becomes a shelter too.
When you feel cold or in a storm,
God’s in control and your heart warms.
There is no place you go,
That your God does not know.
In the low times when you feel dry,
Your God becomes your supply.
As you lift up every problem, trial, and pain,
It is all covered in Jesus’ name.
Sadness, anxiety, worry or fear,
In Love’s Light has to disappear.
Love’s Light is health to heart, mind and soul.
It heals and in you overflows.
The wise abides in the Light of the Son,
As they are revived they also a light becomes.

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.

The Sounds of Prayer By Brenda Drake

I love to enter into the presence of my Lord.  In my times of prayer I know He hears every word I say.  I admit at times I really do not know always how to pray..  Some sound even to my ears more of a complaint.  I am glad God loves to hear my voice, and I am thrilled when in the silence I not only feel His presence but hear the still small voice that brings comfort or peace within.

The Sounds of Prayer

Prayer of some to the listening ear,
Sounds like music…. pleasant to hear.
The words flow like honey sweet;
Full of hope to the situation meet.
Some utter requests haltingly… not quite clear,
Uncertain of the correct words for desires most dear.
Some speak without much flair,
In simple sentences they state their prayers.
Some are prayer warriors… fluent when all alone,
In the privacy of their own home.
Some send up mini-prayers the day throughout,
Commenting on whatever they are feeling or thinking about.
Some ask with a rush of feelings overcome with great emotion.
Some pray automatically with great devotion.
It does not really matter…. do not let it cause concern within.
What matters is Jesus, your Savior, now calls you friend.
He hears every word…and even inspires some words you speak.
But it is hearts words that He really seeks.

Romans 8:26-27
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

Heart of a Hero By Brenda Drake

We to impress others can put on an outward show of goodness, but God sees our inner man and knows our every motive. It is much better to emulate Jesus the One that is truly good. With His help we become His ambassadors in a dark world; able to show the way to the cross that rescues the lost by the Father’s provision of salvation.

Heart of a Hero

The heart of a hero to the outward eye,
May look the same as a coward on the outside.
It’s the inner place where only God sees clear;
The hero’s heart is touched as God draws near.
Who are God’s heroes? They may surprise you when shown.
They may seem a little strange and stand alone.
Heroes in God’s kingdom look different than what the world proclaims.
By the world’s standards they may be called different names.
True heroes are those that do what is right.
Without thought they are a light.
God’s hero is steadfast in faith.
They are the ones that are on call to in an instant pray.
They are the ones that turn the cheek and refuse to fight;
Unless it is to stand up tall for what is good and right.
A hero in God’s kingdom may be portrayed as humble or weak;
But it is strength and truth heard when they speak.
The heart of God’s hero beats to the tune of Christ.
They are His workmanship and the bride of His delight.

Matthew 5:3-11
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter
all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.

By Faith I Pray by Brenda Drake

Perhaps what we think prayer is; is different than what God considers our prayer.  There are times when I am so frustrated, angry, and confused that when I bow my head I do not even have words to pray.  In these trying times I have experience all of the emotions I have listed above almost at the same time.  All I truly know is our God cares.  He is trustworthy, and He sees and understands what we are feeling and hears even the silent words that are weeping and are screaming in our hearts.

By Faith I Pray

By faith I pray.
I know You hear what I say.
By faith I in Your strength stand,
As You chase the enemy from my land.
I proclaim by faith victory,
As I fulfill my destiny.
Way down deep inside,
I know God’s Word abides.
As I walk the paths of life
I know I’m led by Jesus Christ.
By His stripes I am healed…by faith I see,
That He has already done His work for me.
His Word is sure …His promises true,
In assurance ahead I will move.
Under the blood I am pure and white;
By faith I see I am His delight.
Under His watchful, jealous eye,
My faith is restored and daily supplied.
He that loved me loves me still.
By faith I will His purpose fulfill
I rejoice to seek His face each day.
And I wholeheartedly His instructions obey;
But if I fail, falter, or fall,
I will in faith shout out a repenting call.
I know He forgives me and again
Draws me to again to have faith in Him.

Psalms 112:7
He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.

The Healing Aroma By Brenda Drake

            The greatest day of my life was when I accepted Jesus.  The flowers looked and smelled sweeter and more colorful.  My heart felt free; soaring over every care of life.  I have had many encounters where God healed a hurt, a worry, and even bad attitudes.  I cannot imagine a world without the secret place of prayer where I am daily touched by His love.

The Healing Aroma

The healing aroma upon a life sore,
Delivers flowers of hope and peace from the Lord.
Where there was darkness and inner pain,
And accusations and heavy chains,
There is a now glimmer of light,
Free from torment and filled with inner delight.
The air smells like love and breath unrestrained,
Joyful anticipation has dulled life’s pain.
It is a beautiful place prepared for each soul;
 A lovely, healthy-place for the wise to go.
Angels strain to see how the change takes place;
How the strain of life’s problems are erased.
How faces shine and love words freely flow,
From very grateful, God-loving souls.
God’s healing touch is not just a onetime thing.
It is His gift He will daily bring.
So come and enjoy the place of health prepared for your soul;
Into the loving presence of the One that your heart holds.

Isaiah 57:18-19
I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners.  I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the Lord; and I will heal him.

Heart Talks By Brenda Drake

      I experience some of the greatest relief when I just blurt out without thought of preparation my feelings to God.  They do not always sound especially holy or eloquent; for at times I am confused, sick, or frustrated.  Then there are the other heart-talks that are almost like a song too beautiful for words.  God is pleased at sound of our voice, but He loves the sounds of our hearts.

Heart Talk

Expressions of deep that overflows;
Precious nuggets revealed of the soul.
Sweet sounds of yearning, burning desire,
Brought to and from God’s loving fires.
Digging deep into hidden places to find,
The selected sacrifice at appointed times.
Heart talk speaks in different dialects,
To the intended listener selected as best.
Love is the language that all understands;
It is felt more than heard in all the lands.
Expressions, impressions, and confessions all the same;
Preciously conveyed messages the heart proclaims.
Come rest at the feet of the One you adore;
Heart-to-heart, in touch with the living, loving, Lord.
At worship in work, in play, and at rest;
Whole, happy and free; as His you are truly blessed.
In trouble, in trial, in sickness, and in pain,
Heart talks with the Master breaks the chains.
Jesus is the Word of God and He speaks clear.
Come closer with hearts in tune the world can love’s language hear.

John 4:24
God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Roman 12:24
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Ephesians 1:16-18
I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

Free to Fly By Brenda Drake

            One of the very first Psalms that spoke loud to me was Psalms 91.  I love the way it speaks to bring faith and comfort of my Fathers promised care and love.  This poem explains exactly how and why I love to cozy up with God in my secret place.

Free to Fly

Nesting under the wings of love secure and safe,
Born to flourish in a world tainted with sin and hate,
Soft thoughts calm heart, soul, and mind,
With a deep knowing you are with God aligned.
The winds and hard rains of life swirl around,
With loud, hurtful, threatening sounds.
But the voice you listen to speaks,
Songs of Salvation that instills sweet peace.
Under God’s wing you are nourished by the Word.
The more you eat the more growth occurs.
You are not always anxious to try your wings and fly,
For you are comfortably secure, safe and dry.
But there is something you need to see.
You are able to fly because I am inside of thee.
Never are you out of My shelter and out from My cover.
I am your world, your Savior, Father and soul lover.
You are free to fly as the Spirit gives you wing;
As you go know I give you a heart that sings.

Psalms 91:1-2
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress:
my God; in him will I trust.

Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary;
and they shall walk, and not faint.

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
o 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.   

Are You Grass or a Tree By Brenda Drake

            After we become Christians we desire to rush out and save the world but it’s wise to take time to grow-up. We are strengthened for service by spending time in prayer and by ingesting the Word of God.  The fruits of a well-nourished life will accomplish much for God’s kingdom.

Are You Grass or a Tree?

Seeds need to rest in the soil prepared,
Before they are able to their inner abundance share.
Some seeds sprout and grow up fast.
But like grass their profit does not long last.
When a sprout pokes its head for all to see,
It is still a long way from a promised tree.
When truth’s seed is sown by God above,
He nourishes it to grow tall, watered in His love.
This story is shared to ask, are you as grass or a tree?
Be patient with your progress; place your trust in me.
I have a divine plan for every kernel sown,
Every planting is by God well known.
Be patient with your growth and with others growth as well.
You will one day you all will have a great story to tell.|
God will do much with your fruit.
So your life will spread healthy seeds too,
With each days growth; fruit becomes ripe to touch.
One day because of you another fruitful tree has grown up+                                                                               
Come often to God’s table to sup on the Word.
Roots grow deeper still and even more growth occurs.

Jeremiah 17:7-8
Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

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.