Garden of His Delight

Unlock the golden gate

And make Your way

Into the garden of my heart.

None but You 

Possess the key

That gains You sacred access.

I hear Your gentle steps

Upon the rustling brush—

The rush of foxes chased away,

So we may have undisturbed communion—

Fellowship that drips with the sweetness

Of the honey of Your wisdom

That You impart to me. 

We walk together

Hand in hand

Through glistening dew.

The Spirit’s Wind

Envelops us,

Delights You with 

The fragrance of the flowers

Growing just for Your enjoyment.

Budding love has yielded fruit,

The Fruit of Love--

Obedience.

Endless pleasure greets You

In this golden, peaceful haven.

Petal-laden pathways,

Branches bursting blossoms,

A footbridge spanning bubbling brooks

Sparkling streams to dip our toes in.

Angelic aids have laid

A meal of heaven’s finest foods.

Beloved, let me hear

The secrets of Your heart

And know You

As I’m fully known. 

-- Charity Lacroix

"You are a garden locked up, my sister, my bride; you are a spring enclosed, a sealed fountain." (Son 4:12 NIV)

"I have come into my garden, my sister, my bride; I have gathered my myrrh with my spice. I have eaten my honeycomb and my honey; I have drunk my wine and my milk. Eat, friends, and drink; drink your fill of love." (Son 5:1 NIV)

"Awake, north wind, and come, south wind! Blow on my garden, that its fragrance may spread everywhere. Let my beloved come into his garden and taste its choice fruits." (Son 4:16 NIV)

Attribution notice: Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible NIV, copyright Zondervan, used by permission.

Image credit: The Bloom of Spring artwork on this post was created by my daughter, Charity Lacroix.

Author's note:  The poems in this blog were written by my children, ages thirteen through twenty-three. The Why This Blog post explains how the Lord inspired these poems in answer to a prayer during illness.  I also recommend visiting my children's blog, A Brush with Life, where you will also find beautiful art they have drawn for the glory of God. You can access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master. Now I'd like to ask a very important question.

Do You Want to Know Jesus?
“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International . He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

Betrothed

I gladly accepted the day You proposed. 

I’m wearing Your ring so that everyone knows

I belong to Another, my soul is betrothed

To the Man of my dreams, the King of all kings. 

Your kisses are sweet and yet quietly sudden. 

I love all Your kisses, can’t get enough of them!

How long till Your royal procession is summoned?

O, to lay eyes on You may be too much to bear. 

Your Bride is awakened, donned in her gown,

Breathlessly awaiting a whisper, a sound. 

The Day is upon her to lift off the ground.

What joy could be greater than marriage to Christ?

The ultimate wish of all women’s hearts

Is to marry a prince and not once be apart,

To be cherished and loved for the person we are. 

The One I will marry is matchless by far!

-- Charity Lacroix

"For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin." (2Co 11:2 NASB)

"Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come." (2Co 1:21-22 NIV)

"If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Gal 3:29 NIV)

"My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." (Joh 14:2-3 NIV)

""Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready." It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints." (Rev 19:7-8 NASB)

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless." (Eph 5:25-27 NASB)

"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body." (1Co 6:19-20 NASB)

Attribution notice: Wherever noted, Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible NIV, copyright Zondervan, used by permission. Wherever noted, other quotations taken from the NASB, copyright Lockman Foundation, used by permission.

Photo credit: Image by Charity Lacroix is taken from my children's blog, A Brush with Life,

Author's note:  The poems in this blog were written by my children, ages twelve through nineteen . The Why This Blog post explains how the Lord inspired these poems in answer to a prayer during illness.  I also recommend visiting my children's blog, A Brush with Life, where you will also find beautiful art they have drawn for the glory of God. You can access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master. Now I'd like to ask a very important question.

Do You Want to Know Jesus?
“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International . He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

Wash Your Robes

Has not my Word shown
Your body's a member of Christ?
It’s not your own.
You’ve been bought with a price.

Take your evil deeds
Out of My sight.
Stop doing wrong;
Learn to do right.

With a heart that is torn,
In repentance, now seek Me.
For sin you must mourn.
Wash your hands off completely.

Though your sins are as scarlet,
I’ll cleanse you completely,
Make your heart white as snow
If you humbly entreat Me. 

-- Anonymous

Scriptural Basis:

“Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take away the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? May it never be!” (1Co 6:15)

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” (1Co 6:19-20)

“Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” (Isa 1:16-17, NIV)

“But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, 'God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.' Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you." (Jas 4:6-10)

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." (Mat 5:3-4)

“’Come now, and let us reason together,’ Says the LORD, "Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool.’” (Isa 1:18)

Poems by Our Children

Don’t Run from God

Vessel for the Master 

Saved Through Sacrifice 

God's Eternal Ways 

Cross Bearing

Related Articles:

Drifting Away

Holy Living in a Perverted World 

The Cost of Discipleship

Clean Hands and a Pure Heart
Keeping Your Body Pure and Holy

Is Obedience Optional?

Avoid Becoming a Corrupted Christian  

The Difference Between a Disciple and a Believer
God Forgives and Forgets

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Most other Scriptures taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, unless otherwise noted.  The "Washed by the Blood" painting © 2012 is by Danny Hahlbohm, all rights reserved by the artist. 

Author's note:  The poems in this blog were written by my children, ages seven through fourteen. The "Why This Blog" post explains how the Lord inspired these poems in answer to a prayer during illness.  I also recommend visiting my children's blog, A Brush with Life, where you will also find beautiful art they have drawn for the glory of God. You can access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master."  

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org

Compassion for the Lost

Sorrow for the Perishing

Our hearts are so hard
That we can’t shed one tear
For the masses plunging toward hell.
Our feelings have grown to be
So numb and so dry
That we only care for ourselves.

While Jesus is weeping for multitudes falling
Like sand to eternal destruction,
How could we be void
Of that same intense love,
Passing sinners without preaching salvation.

Lord, give me compassion
Deep down in my heart
That when I am passing them by,
I’d reach out to a soul
That’s so precious, You cry.

-- Charity, girl, age 17
(with contributions from family members)

Scriptural basis:
"I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit— I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race." (Ro 9:1-3)

"Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience...For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died." (2 Cor 5:11-14)

Related blogs:
Give Me Children or I'll Die!
Rescue Souls!
Compelled by Love
Here I Am, Send Me
Being a Witness for Christ
Confrontational Evangelism
The Love of Jesus

Author's note:  The poems in this blog were written by my children, ages ten through seventeen. The "Why This Blog" post explains how the Lord inspired these poems in answer to a prayer during illness. I also recommend visiting my children's blog, A Brush with Life, where you will also find beautiful art they have drawn for the glory of God. You can access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master." Now I'd like to ask a very important question.

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

Heaven's Dweller

Who may ascend the hill of the Lord?
Who may abide in His House?
He with a heart that is pure,
Who has no deceit in his mouth.

One who does not worship idols,
Who is careful to keep vows begun
Who despises the ones who are vile,
Who does not slander men with his tongue.

The one who is righteous in deed,
Who casts not a slur on his neighbor,
Surely in Zion he’ll be,
Dwelling beneath the Lord’s favor.

The person who lives such a way
Will be fit for the blessing of God.
He will stand on that Glorious Day.
His ways haven’t need of the Rod.

-- Charity, girl, age 16

Adapted from parts of Psalms 15 and 24

Author's note:  The poems in this blog were written by my children, ages seven through sixteen. The "Why This Blog" post explains how the Lord inspired these poems in answer to a prayer during illness. I also recommend visiting my children's blog, A Brush with Life, where you will also find beautiful art they have drawn for the glory of God. You can access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master."

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

A Pleasing Sacrifice

Jesus is moved by the ones who repent
Who see where they’ve sinned and for it lament.
He desires a heart that is broken, contrite,
A person who sees that they haven’t done right.

True tears of repentance poured out like water
Means much more to Him than a calf that is slaughtered.
Nothing compares to a person sincere.
He’s filled with compassion at one single tear.

-- Charity, girl, age 16

Scriptural basis:
“For You do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it; You are not pleased with burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise." (Psa 51:16-17)

Attribution notice: Scripture quotation taken from the NASB.

Author's note:  The poems in this blog were written by my children, ages seven through sixteen. The "Why This Blog" post explains how the Lord inspired these poems in answer to a prayer during illness. I also recommend visiting my children's blog, A Brush with Life, where you will also find beautiful art they have drawn for the glory of God. You can access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master."

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.

You Fill Me Up

You fill me up

I never run dry

You brim my cup

With grace from on high

You pour out your love

And complete my heart

You descend like a dove

Holy Spirit You are

Saturated I flow

With living springs

Staying in Christ

I mount up with wings

The more that I do

Your will each day

Your love flows through

All I do and say

Deep from my heart

Streams a living cascade

The River of God

Through this vessel of clay

-- Charity, girl, age 14

After my daughter brought me her finished poem, I could see that it was very good, so I suggested some changes to it, which she incorporated into it.  I hope this poem blesses you.  Here is the Scriptural basis for it:

Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus was also baptized, and while He was praying, heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven, "You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased." (Luk 3:21-22)

"Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit in the wilderness." (Luk 4:1)

"And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit," (Eph 5:18)

Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'"  (Joh 7:37-38)

"And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance." (Act 2:4)

"And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness." (Act 4:31)

"And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit."  (Act 13:52)

"But being full of the Holy Spirit, [Stephen] gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God;" (Act 7:55)

"For [Barnabas] was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord." (Act 11:24)

Related article:
Filled Up to All the Fullness of God

More children's poems:
My Anchor

Mirror of Christ
Open Line to God
The River of Life
Saved Through Sacrifice
Praise Him
Reward for the Overcomer
Don't Run from God
Make Your Bride Ready
Preparation

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.

Author's note:  The poems in this blog were written by my children, ages seven through fourteen. The "Why This Blog" post explains how the Lord inspired these poems in answer to a prayer during illness. Also see my blog called "Fullness." Poems on this site may be copied and used for non-commercial purposes, as long as proper credit and backlink to this blog is given.  No commercial use allowed without express permission from author.  I also recommend visiting my children's blog, A Brush with Life, where you will also find beautiful art they have drawn for the glory of God. You can access my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master." Now I'd like to ask a very important question. 

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"

_________________________________________________

Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.