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.

We Do Not Battle Alone By Brenda Drake

Putting on the Armor of God

The world weighs heavy on the heart.  There is so much going on that I do not like.  When it is overwhelming and I begin to get depressed and discouraged, I know it is past the time I should have brought each troubling situation to the Lord in prayer.  When I pray I am strengthened to continue doing all I am able to do while I trust God to do what needs to be done in the very best way.

We Do Not Battle Alone

Things are sometimes hard to understand.
Some people are so tormented that walk the land.
They are surrounded with circumstances not good;
They are taken for granted and misunderstood.
Children are born in family’s evil in every way;
Who mistreat and misuse them each day.
There are some cruel and make life very hard to bear.
People suffer unspeakable things and feel no one cares.
Countless crimes are committed, so senseless in their attacks.
Fear and anxiety too many are everyday facts.
What can I do or to say in such a despairing times?
I need life-giving words to speak that are not mine.
Who is able to help their terrible plight escape?
Who will assist them before it is too late?
Does prayer help without a helping hand?
Father, allow me to know what to do when I can.
Give me Your wisdom to the battle fight.
Give me ability to make a difference in another’s life.
Jesus I need eyes to see and ears to hear their plea,
Then provide me courage to reach out for You to help in their need.
The main thing needed is to fully know.
We do not go into battle alone ….You are in control.

Ephesian 6:11-12
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Faith Filled Prayers By Brenda Drake

I give thanks for all your prayers. Seemingly impossible situations feel like a weight within.   Even when nothing has outwardly changed our hearts are relieved from heaviness when we lift them up in prayer.  Our faith is rewarded as we trust and give thanks.   It is impossible to please God without faith.

Faith Filled Prayers

When circumstances stand large in silent threat,
Do not despair, good from God expect.
In a moment, in a twinkling of an eye, things can change,
It is not a hard thing for God to arrange.
Take one day at a time, do what you know to do.
Walk with steady step following the one leading you.
Myriads of activity surround your life,
In the spiritual realm there is a fight.
Pray for God’s will, but do not worry about it.
Trust and rely on God’s Word choose to never to doubt it.
Life is beautiful, simple things enjoy.
Seek ye first God’s kingdom and added is extra joy.
Your heart’s desire is as plain as day to God above.
He is the dream planter, He is God of love.
God is not by your circumstances caught unaware,
Believe His love, lift up faith-filled prayers.

Galatians 5:5
For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.

Jeremiah 29:11-13
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.  Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.  And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

Easy to the Point Prayers By Brenda Drake

            Prayer is a time of placing our needs and the needs of others before a loving God.  It is a time of singing the praises of our Lord and Savior.  It is a time to rest in the loving ministrations of a most loving God.  Sometimes I spend a long time in God’s presence, and other times it is a very quick time making my requests.  Always it is a time of speaking and listening.  It is good no matter how long or how short the prayers are.  In fact there are times I don’t speak at all, and God still hears all I do not say. The bible tell us to pray for our leaders, and our Country, Jesus told us to pray “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Repentance, forgiveness and genuine love and concern for others gives us lots to pray about. Prayer needs not be as a chore to get done, but instead a constant ;oving conversation between us and the God that never tires of hearing our voice,

Easy To the Point Prayers

When time is at essence brevity of prayer is best
There is no need to form long, complicated requests.
God sees the problem you asking to be solved,
Your prayer invites Him to be involved.
Life was meant to be a sharing between God and man;
With a free flow always was the plan.
Free and easy and fully comfortable to do,
With no great maze of things needed to go through.
Like a child and their loving father upon the earth would ask.
They would climb up and rest upon their daddy’s lap,
Knowing full well they had his attention,
Knowing they could trust in his good intentions.
They are sure of his love and know he will do his best.
So they ask and believe they will receive, and then they put it to rest.
Their hugs and kisses seal the deal made between them.
Then they run off to play with their friends.
The child of God that knows he is loved is not afraid.
They do not need to practice what they must do or say.
They do not approach the throne with fearful attempts.
They know their God is for them not against.
Long repetitious prayers are a waste to hear.
Causing dishonor to the God that desires you to draw near.
When in worship and in praise and thanksgiving you will find
Heaven kisses your spirit with assurance and gives you peace of mind. 

Matthew 6:7-8
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.  Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

Philippians 4:6
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray without ceasing

Come Soar With Me By Brenda Drake

We get so busy in our everyday life almost before we realize it we are piled high with the many things that cause heaviness within.   Jesus is always available to lift our load as we lift up our prayer requests. This poem invites us to share every concern with Him. He promises to not only listen to us but to answer with His assurance, comfort, and joy. 

Come Soar with Me

Soar with me over obstacles in the way.
You are lifted over them when you pray.
The dream that illusively seems out of reach,
The answer to the question you refuse to speak,
The doubt and even the fears,
That clouds thoughts with unshed tears;
Come let us examine these things.
Bring them one by one to Christ the King.
Your vision inspired by God above;
Are delivered on His wings of love.
The accusations that taunt sure failure within,
Bring them too; they are answered by Him.
With God on your side and with His rule within,
Is there a chance of failure my friend?
With joy, peace and salvations sure hold,
How is it possible you do not walk on streets of gold?
How could the bride of heaven with garments pure in Christ,
Not be comforted by the joy of God’s presence in their life.
Soar with the lover of your heart and soul;
Rest confident in His sure hold.

Psalms 27:5
For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion:
in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me;
he shall set me up upon a rock.

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

Come Soar with Me By Brenda Drake

We get so busy in our everyday life almost before we realize it we are piled high with the many things that cause heaviness within.   Jesus is always available to lift our load as we lift up our prayer requests. This poem invites us to share every concern with Him. He promises to not only listen to us but to answer with His assurance, comfort, and joy. 

Come Soar with Me

Soar with me over obstacles in the way.
You are lifted over them when you pray.
The dream that illusively seems out of reach,
The answer to the question you refuse to speak.
The doubt and even the fears,
That clouds thoughts with unshed tears.
Come let us examine these things;
Bring them one by one to Christ the King.
Your vision inspired by God above;
Will be delivered, on His wings of love.
The accusations that taunt sure failure within,
Bring them too, they are answered by Him.
With God on your side and with His rule within,
Is there a chance of failure my friend?
With joy, peace and salvations sure hold,
How is it possible you do not walk on streets of gold?
How could the bride of heaven with garments pure in Christ,
Not be comforted by the joy of God’s presence in their life.
Soar with the lover of your heart and soul;
Rest confident in His sure hold.

Psalms 27:5
For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion:
in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me;
he shall set me up upon a rock.

By Faith I Pray By Brenda Drake

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 almost at the same time.  All I truly know is that 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.
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.