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.

Run to God By Brenda Drake

It is crucial to trust God.   There are times when our world is seemingly turned upside down and out of control. When we settle in our heart that God loves us and that He is in control, we in confidence are able to rely on the promises in the Word. We will not run away from Him but will run to Him for help.

Run to God

Do not be afraid, when God is your friend.
Because of Jesus you can run to Him.
Jesus’ life paved the way,
So, on His path you are able to stay.
When distressed with all kinds of woe,
Run to Him; share with Him what He already knows.
When you are angry or bitter with another,
Run to God and you will discover,
The heart willing to forgive finds release.
Hearts fly free to rest in peace,
Are you feeling alone all by yourself?
God is always near and always willing to help.
Are you weary in your toil? Do you feel weak?
Turn to God and His assistance seek.
He is willing to carry you until strength returns again.
So, in the next issue faced you are able to again run to Him.
Come when you are happy and full of joy too.
For God rejoices as He runs with you.

Psalms 37:39-40
But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble.
 And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked,
and save them, because they trust in him.

In the Care of the Lord By Brenda Drake

            The Lord once showed me a vision of me looking at was seemingly a mountain impossible to get around.   I fearfully worried, and strategized how I could solve the problem; then in frustration I began to wonder what I could have or should have done to have avoided the situation I was in. Then He revealed it was like an apple very close right in front of my face.  My perspective was not God’s perspective.  I then picked up the apple (problem) and lifted it up to the One that could successfully take care of it for me. Every once and a while He reminds me of the silliness of letting an apple upset me.

In the Care of the Lord

God walks with you through every situation you face.
In difficulty, His presence embrace.
The high, rough-road traveled, or the place deep, dark, and low;
God is with you to light the way and to strengthen the soul.
Hopelessness and despair is pushed aside,
When hearts are awaken to God’s promise that abides.
Joy and peace rush in to restore to heal the broken place;
All is provided by God’s mercy, love and grace.
Train to purpose thoughts and emotions to God’s Word in troubling times.
Dedicate your circumstances to at His feet recline.
Allow the One you love and serve to your burdens bear.
His love and dedication will carry the largest share.
Lean unto the sovereign had of the One you adore.
Rest your thoughts and emotions in the care of Jesus; Lord of Lords.

1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

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.

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;

At Rest By Brenda Drake

        I clearly remember a day when I never felt at peace.  I was anxious and worried all the time.  I really did not know such confidence and assurance was even possible.  The more I have learned of Jesus and His work in my behalf the more I am at rest in His care.  Peace is priceless, money cannot buy it, and it cannot be earned, it is God’s gift in His package of salvation.

At Rest

I am at peace, the waters are calm,
As I rest in my God I lean upon.
My destination I already know, He told me about it,
I trust in His Word and I will not doubt it.
He says He leads and guides the way ahead,
I believe what the Word of God says.
When storms arise He provides protection,
He is my rescue, in trouble I expect Him.
My heart has opened wide,
I desire His light inside.
The perfume of praise fills the air within,
I desire to keep its rooms pleasant for Him.
I have full access to His presence; this I know,
Abundantly upon me love is bestowed.
I am refreshed with pure water when I thirst;
Encouraging me when I feel my worst.
He lifts me up when I am down;
Delivering His wisdom, good and sound.
He gives me a glimpse of what lie ahead,
Reminding me I have nothing to dread.
He wraps me in His affection secure;
With everlasting compassion pure.
Because I am at peace with God, my best friend;
I will dedicate today to live it for Him.

Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

He Will Carry You By Brenda Drake

       Do you feel a little tired and run down?  I do.  It’s time to take a rest and let God carry us so we can gain strength to carry on to do the next task on hand.  Just as the poem we all remember of the footsteps in the sand, He will also carry us through our troubled times. 

He Will Carry You

When life becomes a struggle and you put up quite a fight,
When it threatens to take away the remaining joy in your life,
When one step more is almost too much to do;
Know your God will carry you.
When the sun in your world has warmed you from within,
And your blessings are so numerous the list never ends,
When the heart is so filled with thanks and praises too,
At this time also God carries you.
You will fly like and eagle with a heart that sings.
You are lovingly carried on Spirit wings.
In the high place or the low place God is there.
He is your joy and strength in your times of prayer.
So rejoice in the knowledge there is no place you must travel alone;
For, God delights in His mission to carry His own.

Isaiah 40:11
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

Isaiah 46:4
And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.

Keep Going By Brenda Drake

People cannot easily persuade us we are mistaken when we are convinced we heard a mission from God.  The sure guide of the Word of God and the sweet inner witness will steady our step.  Trust and faith in God’s love and ability helps us set our gaze to reach the goal ahead.     

Keep Going

Set your gaze do not look right or left,
Be steady in your gait; do not slow your step.
The fixed eye will not fail to see obstacles in the path,
Knowing they have access to God’s workers to clear the tracks.
They that are in prayer communication will barely need to pause.
For they have the advantage of the ear and arm of God.
If God directs, no one is able to stop them from going through.
There is no limit to His ability to His mission do.
So when you set yourself in motion to obey God’s command.
Do not listen to those that discourage your God-given plan.
God does not send unfavorable helpers to cause distress.
Instead He sends an encouraging word such as this.
A heartening word that assures you are right on track.         
So keep going, Go forth do not in fear turn back.

Isaiah 41:10
Fear thou not; for I am with thee:be not dismayed; for I am thy God:
I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness

Psalms 27:1-3
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear:

Calm Your Troubled Sea By Brenda Drake

In tipsy-turvy-times, because of the churning in our spirit we sometimes feel we are unable to effectively pray.  It is simple to get back the peace previously enjoyed.  It takes a humble repented heart to admit self-assured ways and inability to go it alone.  When we trust God and pray in the name of Jesus, even if we still do not have all the answers, we are able to rest.

Calm Your Troubled Sea

A storm rages, there is a troubled sea,
Within, you are not calm or at peace,
Wrong emotions are bottled up within.
Thoughts are uncertain; blowing with the wind;
Tossed to one side, then to another,
Like in a rocking vessel but still seeking cover,
It is not a pleasant journey at all,
As 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 the trouble within?
Admit your attitude is indeed sin.
Admit your faith needs working on;
That you are weak – but God is strong.
As for the troubled waters about you;
Something can be done about that too.
He breaks the chains and bondages of sin,
Jesus’ love provides victorious restoration.
He deposits new authority to your new inner man.
He offers the use of His name to make your demands.
n Jesus name, declare troubled waters peace be still;
Perfectly fitting in the Father’s will.
The enemy surely continues to torment hearts that allow him too.
This need not be; heed the wisdom 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.

Mark 4:39
And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm