Defensive Living

A Defensive Christian I must be,
Living my life for all to see.

Staying out of the line of fire,
Keeping my eyes on Christ every hour.

Temptations linger, shadows cast,
Only through God’s strength will I last.

Sin not removed from the path I tread,
But through His grace, I am led.

With faith as my shield, I stand secure,
God’s guidance keeps my spirit pure.

Each step I take, each choice I make,
Is for His glory, for His sake.

So, defensive in faith, I press ahead,
Trusting in the words my Savior said.

Though trials come and darkness falls,
His mighty love will conquer all.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

Silence

How would I pray if silence stole my voice today,
Would my heart and eyes find another way to say?
God listens to my soul, not words that fill the air,
For prayer is more than sounds; it’s the love I share.

If He knows my past, my future, and my day,
Why then must I kneel, why do I still pray?
It’s not my needs that draw His ear so near,
But the love I give, the faith sincere.

God’s Light shines bright, forever strong,
In silence or speech, it carries me along.
My love for others, through Him, will extend,
Bringing Grace and Mercy, blessing every friend.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

Free as a Bird

Just as free as a bird
He soars through the sky, unheard
Wings wide, chasing the light
Guided by stars in the night

Just as good as his word
A promise that never gets blurred
In his heart, truth holds reign
Through joy, through sorrow, and pain

He lives with a spirit untamed
A life of honor, unashamed
With grace in each step that he’s stirred
Just as free as a bird.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

The Path That Never Sways

Have the courage to your conventions,
Bolstered by the strength of your faith,
Stand firm in your heart’s convictions,
Even when the winds berate.

For faith is a fire that burns inside,
A steady flame in the darkest night,
Guiding your soul where truth resides,
Through shadows and doubt’s heavy fight.

Let no storm shake your foundation,
Let no fear tear you apart,
For the strength of your faith’s salvation
Will embolden the depths of your heart.

Walk the path you know is right,
With courage that never sways,
For in your faith, there shines a light,
That will lead you through all days.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

He is With You

             He is With You

Remember Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego,
In the flames of trial where faith would grow.
God didn’t put out the fire that day,
But sent His Son to light the way.

The heat was fierce, the flames so high,
Yet they stood firm, trusting the sky.
For it wasn’t the fire He sought to tame,
But to show His presence, to call His name.

It's not about the fire being dimmed,
But knowing who walks with you within.
In every trial, in every flame,
It’s Jesus beside you, just the same.

So when the heat of life draws near,
Remember, you’ve nothing to fear.
For it’s not the fire that defines your path,
But the Savior with you, through the wrath.

In Jesus' name, Amen, we pray,
He is with you, come what may.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

Ring the Bell for Me

When I die, ring the bell for me,  
I've completed my journey, now I'm free.
Free from the cancer of this weary world,
No more sorrow, no more pain unfurled.

I've left behind the struggle, the strain,
And found the peace where joy will reign.
Forever free, in eternity's embrace,
Living again, by His boundless grace.

So when you hear that final chime,
Know I've entered a life sublime.
Ring the bell, and do not grieve—
I'm home at last, with no need to leave.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

Be Careful What You Say

Be careful what you say today,  
For when you're gone, there’ll come a day,
When words are spoken 'round your name,
Don’t make the preacher speak in vain.

Live with truth, walk the narrow way,
Let your actions, not just words, portray
The life you lived with honor and grace,
So at your end, there’s no disguise to place.

For when that time arrives, my friend,
And we all gather at the end,
Let the preacher’s words be just and true—
A reflection of the real you.

So guard your tongue and actions well,
For stories told, your life will tell.
Don't make the preacher need to try,
To cover truth or preach a lie.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

Be careful what you say don’t make the preacher lie at your funeral.

2Ch 6:27  then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of your servants, your people Israel. Teach them the right way to live, and send rain on the land you gave your people for an inheritance.

And Then it is Winter

Snow capped Pikes Peak soaring over Garden of the Gods Park after a fresh snowfall near Colorado Springs, Colorado
Time, it moves like a fleeting breeze,  
Quietly stealing the years with ease.
It seems just yesterday, I was young,
With dreams of life, just begun.

I was newlywed, with hope in my heart,
A future to build, a life to start.
But now, it feels like eons away,
And I wonder how I got to today.

I know I lived each moment, each year,
Yet somehow, winter caught me here.
Where did my youth, my strength all go?
How did I age before I could know?

I saw the old folks in my past,
Thinking their winter would never last.
But now, I see it’s come for me,
A season I never thought I'd see.

My friends are grey, and moving slow,
We are the elders now, this I know.
The vibrant faces I used to see,
Are marked by time, just like me.

The days grow long, the tasks grow small,
A shower now seems like a mountain tall.
And naps, they’re no longer a simple delight,
But a necessity before the night.

And yet, though winter’s chill is here,
There’s something I hold near and dear.
For when this season’s end is due,
A new adventure will ensue.

Regrets, I have, both big and small,
For things I didn’t do at all.
But joy and love have filled my days,
In countless, beautiful, quiet ways.

So if you’re not yet in your coldest year,
Live with passion, free of fear.
Do what you love, don’t delay,
For winter may come any day.

Life is a gift, this much is true,
And your life’s gift will shine through you.
Scatter joy, not wealth or fame,
For love and laughter win the game.

And as I enter this final stage,
I smile at the wisdom of age.
For old friends, old songs, and memories sweet,
Are the treasures that make life complete.

So live it well, and live it bright,
For winter may come with morning light.
But even in its quiet cold,
A life well-lived is purest gold.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

Don’t Quit

If you don’t quit, God won’t quit,  
Through storm and fire, He walks with it.
When doubt and fear rise like the tide,
God’s steady hand stays by your side.

In darkest nights, when hope seems thin,
He whispers, "Child, just trust, begin."
For every tear and every fall,
God’s love will lift you through it all.

So press on strong, don’t turn away,
God’s grace renews you every day.
If you don’t quit, God never will,
His faithful promise stands fulfilled.

Through every trial, every test,
Hold on—He knows what’s truly best.
For in His strength, you will endure,
If you don’t quit, His love is sure.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

Spiritual Disciplines

In quiet prayer, I bow my head,  
To seek the path where I've been led,
A whispered word, a gentle plea,
Lord, guide my steps, set my spirit free.

Through the study of Your sacred Word,
In every verse, Your voice is heard.
I meditate on truth so pure,
Your promises steadfast, ever sure.

In worship’s song, my soul takes flight,
In Christian fellowship, hearts unite.
Together we praise, our voices rise,
Lifting glory to the endless skies.

The Great Commission calls us near,
To share Your love, and spread no fear.
Focused now, we move ahead,
With every step, Your gospel spread.

To every heart, in every place,
We bear the light of heaven's grace.
In word and deed, we boldly stand,
Sharing Your love with every hand.

These disciplines, our faithful guide,
In Christ alone, we shall abide.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

5 Spiritual Disciplines
Prayer
Study of Gods Word
Worship/Christian Fellowship
The Great Commission
Focused redelivery/sharing

By Reverend Jim W Hollis
https://proactive-ministries.org/
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