I’m Thankful for My Wife

Michael E. Wood

November 26, 2014

“Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.  Proverbs 31:29-31

Any true minister of the gospel desires above all else to see God glorified through the transformation of souls to the praise of His glory. We long to see Christ formed by the power of the Spirit in the hearts of those whom we have the privilege to preach to on a regular basis. Over the course of time we find that we rejoice when we see what appears to be fruit formed from the Vine and yet we grieve when we see what appears to be something less than good fruit.

In recent days Dianna and I have had the opportunity to rejoice in some situations while becoming very concerned about another. While praying and searching the scriptures as how to respond to this particular circumstance, Dianna was able to give insight into an area which had not come to my mind and thus provided wisdom with which to go forward in a manner we believe to be pleasing to the Lord. With all the things I have to be thankful for during this season of life the Lord has given me, I am so very thankful for my wife.

I’m thankful for the wisdom

God has given you, my wife,

Which helps to keep me humble

As we journey through this life,

Together for the cause of Christ

That we might make Him known,

With steadfast love and faithfulness

That He to us has shown.

Oh, help us love with patience,

Holy Father, God, and Friend

In such a way that Christ may be

Exalted to this end

That others come to know You

By the Spirit which You gave

To birth them into life as

Christ’s own blood for us was paid

To save us from our sin that

Your own glory may be known

Which raised us to behold

All of Your beauty as Your own. 

Gifts to His Eternal Praise

Michael E. Wood

November 3, 2014

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:5-8

While some may judge the contemplation of the incarnation of Christ to be observed only at certain seasons, methinks that those who think that way may not truly contemplate the incarnation at all but rather have a view likened unto, “What’s in it for me?” As we search the scriptures we find that our salvation is NOT primarily about us. Yes, God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Likewise, all that the Father gave to the Son shall come to Him, and He shall in nowise cast us out. Therefore, as believers and followers of Christ, we are gifts from the Father, to the Son, by the Spirit, to the praise of His glory.

This lowly babe though born a King

Did live His life; an offering.

The spotless Son of God and man

Was given by the Father’s plan

To show such love amidst the tide

Of human sin and fallen pride

And none could fathom on their own

But God the Spirit, He has shone

Into the hearts of those prepared

By grace to see the glory shared

Through death with Him; the crucified

And live with Him as justified

As sons and daughters He did raise,

As gifts to His eternal praise.

Holiness in Which to View

Michael E. Wood

October 10, 2014

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:14-16

Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14

“Holiness is the habit of being of one mind with God, according as we find His mind described in scripture. It is the habit of agreeing in God’s judgment – hating what He hates – loving what He loves – and measuring everything in this world by the standard of His Word.” (p. 64, Holiness, J.C. Ryle)

“… true holiness is a great reality. It is something in a man that can be seen, and known, and marked, and felt by all around him. It is light: if it exists, it will show itself. It is salt: if it exists, its savour will be perceived. It is precious ointment: if it exists, its presence can not be hid.” (p. 69, Holiness, J.C. Ryle)

“Habitual lively faith in Christ’s presence and readiness to help is the secret of the Christian soldier fighting successfully.

  It must never be forgotten that faith admits of degrees. All men do not believe alike, and even the same person has his ebbs and flows of faith, and believes more heartily at one time than another.” (p. 91, Holiness, J.C. Ryle)

I am often amazed at the provision of God in meeting us as His children right in the place of our need. Recently I had the privilege of attending one session of a men’s conference focusing on “godliness” at Grace Bible Church in Fair Oaks, California. I was given the choice of four books to take with me. If you have never read “Holiness” by J.C. Ryle, I would highly recommend it. You can find it here http://www.epbooks.org/index.php?app=gbu0&ns=prodshow&ref=9781783970162

Oh, help me now, as I pursue

The holiness in which to view

The face of Him who took my place

And died to save me by Your grace.

So freely now I come to You

Who raised me up to walk anew

And ask that You would make me know

Each step that You would have me go.

For as I think and contemplate

Of all You’ve spoken here of late,

It seems I have so far to go

To honor You by how I grow.

And though I know it makes You smile

When I just sit with You awhile

And listen to all You have said.

Oh, Christ, my living, worthy head

Help me show forth by righteous deeds

That others see that grace proceeds

To change us for Your glory now

By each degree until we bow

Before Your throne and give the praise

For all You’ve done through all our days

And see in perfect love, Your face,

Oh God of glory; God of grace.

Jesus Only, Be My Portion

Michael E. Wood

February 20, 2014

When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart, I was brutish and ignorant;
I was like a beast toward you. Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.  Psalm 73:23-26

And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, that they may walk in my statutes and keep my rules and obey them. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God.   Ezekiel 11:19-20

Thankfully God does not save us through the sacrifice of Christ and then leave us to our own devices. He has given to us a new heart by the work of His Spirit and leads us into all truth as revealed through the scriptures. A part of the truth that He teaches us is that though our objective position before Him is secure in Christ, the struggle with remaining sin is a reality we must take responsibility for. We are freely given all things that pertain to life and godliness both for our own personal sanctification and for the furtherance of His kingdom.

Not the heart that You have given

But the flesh that yet remains

Gives me fits and blinds my vision

To the truth that Jesus reigns.

Help me walk then circumspectly

With discernment knowing then

You uphold me by the power

Of Your loving own right hand.

Jesus only, be my portion

Who sustains with confidence

To draw near You, God our Father

And to rest in His defense.

For all judgment You committed

Unto Him, who is my peace

And gives guidance by the Spirit

That Your kingdom may increase.

So with joy we sing Your praises

As we sojourn in the way

Which is best and to You pleasing

Till with You at end of day.

Eye to Eye

Michael E. Wood

January 21, 2014

  For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.  Romans 2:28-29

As the great apostle Paul was carried along by the Spirit to pen these words, a number of principles were set forth. It is not enough to say a prayer, profess Christianity and live according to the dictates of scripture in an outward display for the praise of men: i.e., baptism, church membership, attendance, etc. There must be the work of the Spirit, translating us out of the kingdom of darkness and into the kingdom of God’s dear Son. Not by works of righteousness that we have done, but according to His mercy, He has saved us, by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, to the praise of His glory!

Because of the redemption that is found through the sacrifice of Christ alone we are made to be the children of God, and though it does not yet appear what we shall be, we know that when we see Him; that is Jesus, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. Thus we give up ourselves in total dependence upon God’s free grace to empower us to continue in the work of sanctification that we might hear from Him, “Well done, though good and faithful servant. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord!”

Oh to hear, “Well done” from You

That day you bring all things to view,

As by Your Spirit, made anew

We bow in awe and reverence to

The One through whom You did supply

The energy to thus rely

On all He is to draw us nigh,

Till then we see Him, eye to eye.

He Lifts me by His Word

Michael E. Wood

August 8, 2014

Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart

Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:1, 25-26

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8

What an encouraging word that our Great God, and Savior Jesus Christ speaks to the hearts He has made new through the sacrifice of Himself. What a wonder it is that God takes that which by nature is deceitful and desperately wicked and replaces it with a heart that is receptive and responsive to the purity that comes through Christ alone. And though it does not yet appear what we shall be, we know that when we see Jesus, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is!

Do you find the encouragement He gives, as He speaks through the Word by His Spirit to your own heart?

He lifts me by His Word within

This frame of dust I live

And brings such great delight in

Knowing he alone doth give

The passion for His excellence

So others will then see

Reflections of His glory

Emanating then through me.

And Oh, what expectations He

Doth build as we resign

Together for the gospel He has

Shown by His design,

To show Himself all glorious

Within the church He bought

With Christ’s own blood, as angels

Watch o’er all that He has sought.

So cry to Him, Oh pure in heart,

Add quickness to the pace,

Endure with joy and patience till

We see His smiling face.

And as that day approaches,

Holy Father, God, and Friend,

Fulfill our one desire to see

Your glory as our end.

Remembering All You Are (New Song)

Michael E. Wood

July 26, 2014

And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. Luke 22:19-20

Partaking of the Lord’s Table is not only a command given by Christ to the church until He comes, it is likewise a privilege. On an individual basis, we are admonished that if we would draw close to God then He will draw close to us. How much more true, as we gather together as a body of believers to proclaim our Lord’s death until He comes.

On that day when you had borne

Our sins amidst those shouts of scorn

The wrath of God came crashing down upon You.

And yet in anguish bearing pain,

You looked beyond that cross of shame;

For judgment brought forth peace there. Hallelujah!

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Bless, Lord Jesus, as we feast

Upon the bread, both great and least,

Remembering all You are and honor due You.

For what we need, You did provide,

The righteousness in which we hide,

Til all we are is like You. Hallelujah!

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Your blood now cleanses every stain.

Your Spirit sent, brings every gain

To grow in grace and humbly bow before You.

Receiving all through what You teach,

The words You gave until we reach

That place prepared to see You. Hallelujah!

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

On that day we’re glorified

With every nation, tongue, and tribe

Our praise perfected will bring honor through You

Unto the Father of the host,

Empowered by the Holy Ghost,

Eternal for all time then. Hallelujah!

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Clothed Now I with Righteousness

Michael E. Wood

March 30, 2014

Awake, awake, put on your strength, O Zion; put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city; for there shall no more come into you the uncircumcised and the unclean. Shake yourself from the dust and arise; be seated, O Jerusalem; loose the bonds from your neck, O captive daughter of Zion. For thus says the Lord: “You were sold for nothing, and you shall be redeemed without money.” Isaiah 52:1-3

One of the ways of which we awake and shake ourselves is by learning to preach the gospel to ourselves on a regular basis. The boldness to approach the throne of grace to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need comes from God the Father, through Christ the Son, as we are enabled by the Holy Spirit to see with ever increasing clarity that we have been clothed with the righteousness of Christ and thereby empowered to glorify Him both now and forevermore. Amen!

He heard my cry for mercy

When undone in my distress.

Twas His grace that taught me

I was lost in sin and nakedness.

In need of clothing, I could

Not obtain by works I do,

And yet He bid me come and buy

Through Christ who paid my due.

So clothed now I with righteousness

Though wretched yet within,

I now approach with confidence

He will save to this end;

That Christ alone be magnified

And glorified at last

When all will see, from east to west

Our sins through Him were cast.

Oh, Happy Day

Michael E. Wood

March 30, 2014

Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul.
  Psalm 66:16

What a wonderful thing it is to be able to look back on the day that we as individuals were brought into a saving relationship with Christ by the Spirit of the living God. As adopted children of God the Father, ransomed from the slave market of sin, we grow in our understanding of what He has done for our souls and rejoice in the opportunities He gives to articulate those truths to others whether it be by spoken word or written word. Our Lord Jesus Christ is indeed the Savior of the world and especially to those that believe.

In songs of praise I lift my voice

And join with all who have by choice

Cried out to Him who has revealed

Our pardon through the cross was sealed.

Oh, Happy Day, when God the Son

Arose to show what God had done,

As Father when by His decree

The blood of Christ would ransom me.

The Spirit came and opened eyes

By grace through faith to see the Prize

Of Christ, our Hope, to earth was sent;

God’s love in us is now present.

Oh, more than words could ever tell

That God in us has come to dwell,

Whose faithfulness and love shall keep,

His called and chosen, human sheep.

So help us, Father, now to gain

The ground You give to thus proclaim

The glory that in You is found

To be the joy for which we’re bound!

I AM HE!

Michael E. Wood

June 2, 2014

 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.”  John 4:23-26

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.  John 5:24-25

How often do we who have the privilege to read the scriptures in our own language miss out on the fact that as we read, God speaks to us through Christ by the Spirit?  We can become so immersed in reading as an accomplishment of a particular goal that we have set for ourselves and miss the sweetness of the communion, or the wisdom that we could be given, or the understanding for correction needed, or the blessed assurance that we have indeed heard Him for whom all praise is due.

While reading the passage where Jesus was confronting the woman at the well, my heart was stirred afresh in the realization that the words of eternal life of which He spoke to her, He likewise spoke to me. He has borne my judgment and has brought me from death into life.

Have you heard from Him today?

I speak to you from heaven

By the Spirit that I give

Who immersed you in the love

Of God the Father now to live

As a child whom He adopted

When we brought you forth to birth

As a part of the eternal plan

Prepared before the earth;

In the counsel now revealed in truth

Through Holy Scripture taught

By the Spirit who is in you

And my blood by which you’re brought

Into union with the body

As the virgin bride to be

When the consummation comes

And all will know that I AM HE!

Happy Anniversary, ‘Wifey’!

May 18, 2014

Can two walk together, except they be agreed? Amos 3:3

Four years now and nothing I’d change

As God has seen fit our life to arrange

As a platform for love which comes from the heart

Of Christ who is pure and has made us a part

Of His body as one o’er which He does sing

And walks in our midst by grace now to bring

The honor that’s due, Oh, Father above.

There’s no One like You that together we love.

I Love You Dianna Lynne Wood!!!!

Thank you for walking together with me,

To the praise of His glory,

Michael

The Bread of The Presence

Michael E. Wood

May 13, 2014

So the priest gave him the holy bread, for there was no bread there but the bread of the Presence, which is removed from before the Lord, to be replaced by hot bread on the day it is taken away.         1 Samuel 21:6

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 1 Peter 2:9-11

Do you remember that old saying, “You are what you eat”?  As members of the body of Christ we have each been given the privilege of partaking of the bread of the presence of Christ through the Word of His grace that we might become more like Him from one degree of glory to another until we are with Him and like Him in glory

The bread of the presence of Christ we partake

Who strengthens our hearts and our minds to forsake

The sin which remains so that Like Him we’ll be

When with Him in glory His face we will see.

No sin will be seen then as all God forgot

When Christ in our place crushed that serpents own plot

To rob and to steal and to kill and destroy

The glory that God only wise can employ

When all He will bring to that consummate end

Revealing in splendor the Son He did send

Whose greatness and power then fully displayed

Will fill all our joy then forever amazed.

So feast on Him there in the Word of His grace

As He quickens our step in His patience of pace

For He knows of our weakness to stumble and fall

Yet He answers in mercy when on Him we call.

The Sure Foundation

Michael E. Wood

May 12, 2014

Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 2 Peter 1:1-2

“Now this is surely a message for us at the present time. The first thing we have to do is make certain of the foundations. We need not to labour this point. We all must be ready to agree that the main effect of the various movements in the realm of thought and in the realm of religion (alas!) during the last hundred years has been to query and to question the foundation. The trouble still in the church is a matter of foundations.” October 6, 1946, from a message preached by DM Lloyd Jones in Westminster Chapel, London.

While contemplating thoughts that came to mind upon beginning a new book of expository sermons on 2 Peter I was reminded that we need to preach the gospel to ourselves every day.

The gospel call is what I know

And need to hear most, every day.

For Jesus set His love within

My heart, to speak along the way.

The narrow gate, He brought me in

By blessed holy union

And through His blood I now enjoy

The Father’s sweet communion.

The Holy Spirit leadeth me

And shows to me my teachers,

Confirming truth by scriptures

As they’re taught by His own preachers

Appointed and anointed

To instruct by wisdom given

To live each day by faith in Him

Who in me is now livin’.

How subtly our enemy

Attacks the sure foundation

On which we have been built

Upon in each new generation.

But Christ who has accomplished

Our salvation to the end

Will glorify Himself

In each new battle that we win.

So courage take, by righteousness

Through Christ within the veil

As we as bones and flesh of His

Are strengthened to prevail

O’er all that is now present

In this worldly evil haze

Till all the glory of His light

Shines through all of our days.

Imputed and Imparted

Michael E. Wood

April 22, 2014

 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, Ephesians 6:10-14

“Before I can stand in the presence of God I must be positively holy, I must be positively righteous. God is just and holy. ‘God is light and in Him is no darkness at all’. To stand in His presence I need to be positively righteous. And this is how it happens. As I believe on God’s Son and His perfect work for me, He ‘imputes’ His righteousness, His perfect observance of the law to me. I have not kept the law; Christ has kept it perfectly and He is righteous before the law. God puts that to my account, imputes to me, the righteousness of His own Son. He clothes me with it. So, as I stand in the presence of God, God does not see me, He sees the righteousness of His Son covering me completely.”

“That is the beginning; that is what makes me a Christian; that is the foundation. But God does not stop at that, He now begins to work in me the righteousness of His own Son. He ‘imparts’ it to me, He makes it a part of me, He puts it into me. This happens of necessity as the result of the rebirth, regeneration, the new life. There is a seed of life ‘implanted’ in me.”  

Quotations from: “The Christian Soldier", D. Martyn Lloyd Jones, p. 229, 230

Imputed and imparted is the righteousness alone

Which comes by faith in Jesus Christ who did for us atone

To give us such a standing that we in the presence of

God the Father, know Him and are known as His Beloved!

And no inherent goodness or integrity of ours

Could ever stand the torments of the darkest cosmic powers

But grace so freely given helps us learn that we can stand,

Receiving strength by promise in obedience to command

Of God breathed words provided through the text of Holy writ,

Empowered by the Spirit, working in our inner wit

To grow us and sustain us for the purpose we were born

Anew and thus prepared as Christ’s own bride, He did adorn.

His Sheep

Michael E. Wood
April 20, 2014


“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. John 15:18-19

It appears that our life is getting back to some similitude of being normal once again. We still have a few things which would be good to have finished in our little humble abode, like having air conditioners installed before the Summer heat comes, but living here in Rancho Cordova has become a reality.

As mentioned in the previous post, Dianna has been writing about the events of our transition and found another sight to post the transformation process of the 1964 mobile home we have moved into. http://www.hometalk.com/ Most of the response has been very positive and encouraging to others to venture out in do it yourself projects for home improvement, but one individual was put off with the fact that "Christ is in every room" and used the word sheep as a derogatory description in their response. While thinking on these things the following came to mind.

His sheep indeed we humans are
Who know the sweetest voice
Has called us each by name to know
Our Shepherd made the choice
To give His life as payment
For our great offence toward God
And suffered in our place when struck
With judgments mighty rod.

And as He rose victoriously
O'er sin and death and hell,
His righteousness provided us
With entry through the veil,
To praise the One who is our King
With joy, no words describe,
Who ransomed all the church
From every nation, tongue, and tribe.

Fulfilled Then in Your Presence

Michael E. Wood

February 21 & March 16, 2014

 Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.

 1 John 3:2

Having been much distracted over the past month and a half with researching, purchasing, and now in the process of remodeling an older mobile home (Dianna has written more of the details on http://thewoodssecretgarden.blogspot.com/); it seems that time for writing on this blog has become less of a priority for a season. With maintaining “the old school method” of writing out poetry and songs by hand and then transferring everything to the blog with introductory remarks requires more time than one might think. I smile as I look back when going through a season of writing profusely and some one remarked, “You must have a whole lot of time on your hands”. Well now I can more readily appreciate what they were saying. It’s not the writing of the poems but the contemplation and writing of the introductions that seem to take up the most time.

Sometimes I get the sense that though my writing comes from the heart that God has and is transforming in me, the intent of the writing is meant more for the benefit of others..

Oh may my final breath

When that day comes be to Your praise

With joyful expectation

That this body You will raise.

Resulting in the glory

That belongs alone to You

When Christ in all His beauty

Is than seen in every hue

Of transformation that takes place

Begun while here on earth

As by the sacrifice of Christ

You gave me second birth.

Fulfilled then in Your presence

Holy Father, as Your son;

Rejoicing in the Spirit,

Who through Christ

Has made us one.

BLESSED BE THE NAME! (Shorter Version)

Michael E. Wood

June 21, 2011

Upon the completion of the new song as mentioned in the previous post I was asked if I could make a shorter version, and the following was the end result.

Holy Father, God of all,

Hallowed be Thy Name!

So Mighty, Powerful,

Words ne’er can proclaim.

You are Awesome

And so Beautiful!

(Chorus)

So I say,

Blessed be the Name!

Blessed be the Name!

Blessed be the Name,

Of our God and Father,

Son and Savior,

Holy Spirit, in One.

God Your mercy came to us

In form of a man.

In love You did the work,

The cross by Your hand.

Christ was slain;

With Him we are raised,

(Chorus)

Holy Spirit, Comforter,

God’s Presence within.

We ask You expectantly,

Your help to the end.

In our weakness,

Glorify the Lamb!

(Chorus)

BLESSED BE THE NAME! (New Song)

Michael E. Wood

March 22- April 19, 2011

I will sing a new song to you, O God; upon a ten-stringed harp I will play to you, Psalm 144:9

Several months ago I was given a book by our good friend Denise McCool entitled, "Then Sings My Soul" by Robert J Morgan. I have found this book to be a great encouragement to my soul as it relates the stories behind 150 of the world's greatest hymns. Each account is different in it's own way, but usually gives some background about both the writers of the lyrics and that of the authors of the music if it was known. In many cases the songs or hymns did not become well known for many years and in some instances not until after the death of the author.

In my own journey as it relates to writing songs and hymns over the last few years, I have not found what might be deemed by many as success as men count success. Whereas we all tend to be bent toward instant gratification I would have to admit that there have been moments when I have felt discouraged in the process. And yet I know that my Redeemer lives. He is Sovereign over the affairs of men and works all things together for our good and His infinite glory. Christ is the head of the church and He has given gifts to men to show forth His glory.

In March of 2011 I was asked to see if I could write some lyrics for a tune of which Paul Vossen of Immanuel Baptist Church in Sacramento, California had devised with a guitar. With much prayer I set out to discover what the Lord would give me for this occasion as this was something that I had never attempted to do before. While Paul was recording the music to send via internet, he closed the session with singing a few words of praise that were not intended to be a part of the song, nevertheless they stuck in my mind and became the bulk of the chorus posted after each verse.

As with everything we are and everything we have, we commend all to the grace of God to use as He sees fit.

Holy Father, God of all,

Hallowed be Thy Name!

So Mighty, Powerful,

Words ne’er can proclaim.

You are Awesome

And so Beautiful!

Greater than

All our minds can think,

Or our hearts perceive,

Yet Your grace You give us,

And You cause to believe

Your love, everlasting love

Poured into our hearts.

Your Spirit now given us,

Shall never depart.

Though we

Are so wretched

Yet You gave us Your Son!

So I say,

Blessed be the Name!

Blessed be the Name!

Blessed be the Name,

Of our God and Father,

Son and Savior,

Holy Spirit, in One.

God Your mercy came to us

In form of a man.

In love You did the work,

The cross by Your hand.

Humble servant,

Christ was slain.

With Him we are raised,

For Your glory LORD!

And we offer praise!

Fruit of lips give thanks

To Your glorious Name!

And now we will worship You,

With reverence and awe.

With hearts in humility,

Now prostrate we fall.

For alone

You are worthy

Of all glory and might!

So I say,

Blessed be the Name!

Blessed be the Name!

Blessed be the Name,

Of our God and Father,

Son and Savior,

Holy Spirit, in One.

Holy Spirit, Comforter,

God’s Presence within.

We ask You expectantly,

Your help to the end.

In our weakness,

Glorify the Lamb!

For we

Dare not trust ourselves,

But will glory in

Our infirmities,

Christ alone seek to win.

Teacher of God’s Holy Word, *

We bid You to come.

Breathe life through the light of men,

Christ Jesus, the Son!

For alone,

He is worthy

Of all glory and praise!

So I say,

Blessed be the Name!

Blessed be the Name!

Blessed be the Name,

Of our God and Father,

Son and Savior,

Holy Spirit, in One.

* (Options)

(1)You are now our guide and strength,

(2)You are now our guarantee,

     We bid You to come.

     Give life through the light of men,

     Christ Jesus, the Son

Through Disappointments

Michael E. Wood

January 28, 2014

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.  For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. Romans 8:28-30

What a wonderful thing it is to see God at work in the midst of our circumstances as He carries us to heights perhaps never dreamed of in this life. And yet it is perhaps in the midst of some of our greatest disappointments in which we are not given to see in our own time continuum what it is that He is doing, that His most gracious and wonderful work is taking place. He is not bound by time and all of His purposes for us as His children may not always be apparent. Therefore, let us trust in the LORD with all our hearts and lean not unto our own understanding, acknowledging Him in all our ways knowing that He will direct our paths for our good and His infinite glory!

Through disappointments God doth reach

Into the soul that He may teach

That He in faithfulness will share

Our every burden and every care.

Though transcendent beyond all thought

His immanence through Christ Jesus brought

The knowledge of His presence to

Our hearts as children; not a few.

While in Him as a new creation

Each in our own generation

Are given to see beyond our time

He was before and yet behind

Each circumstance to bring about

His glory which we sing and shout

To praise Him as our strength and song

With joy that to Him we belong.

And naught of earth shall ever compare

With Him whose glory we will share.

Hear my cry, O God (Additional Verses)

Michael E. Wood

January 18, 2014

 On October 12, 2011 I was given the grace to write a new song in the midst of undergoing a time of testing entitled, “Hear My Cry, O God”. The song begins with the words coming from Psalm 61:1-3. Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.

After having sung the song on numerous occasions during various services I have been entrusted with, I was contemplating singing it again. As I came to the end of the third verse, new words came to mind that I did not write immediately and were therefore lost in those moments. While thinking of these things at a later time and singing afresh to the Lord, I was given two additional verses which can be used together with the original or may be used as alternatives for a fourth verse.

Alternative #1

Till that day does come

With one voice as one

We praise You God and Father of the Son.

Our Lord Jesus Christ

Who is Holy thrice,

We wait upon You, counting the great price.

That was paid in full

On the cross that day.

Showing all the world

Your great love displayed.

Him, You did condemn,

Rod of Jesse’s stem,

To save all those who put their trust in Him.

Alternative #2

Till that day does come

May our sentence from

Your presence, conveyed by Thine own Holy One

Give to us as meek

Waiting at Your feet

Thine own words to fill the soul indeed with meat;

Which gives strength to all

Who before You fall

As we hear Your call

And worship You in awe.

Knowing You are here

Counting every tear

That flows from hearts as broken by Your fear.

Words from the Original Song:

Hear my cry, O God,

Listen to my prayer;

From the end of the earth I call to Thee.

When my heart is faint

To the rock lead me,

A strong tower from the enemy.

For when arrows fly

I will run to You

And I’ll stand by faith

For Your glory too.

You alone are God

And my refuge been

And through Christ You covered all my sin.

You have given me

The heritage

Of all those who fear Your Name.

For the blood of Christ

Removes my shame

That Your glory may be all my aim.

For the King enthroned

Now before Your face

Has redeemed me by

Such amazing grace

That my heart cannot

Help but sing to You

And forever give all the praises due.

All Your promises

Are fulfilled O God,

In Christ. We now can freely worship Thee.

He, the curse for us

When upon the tree

As He paid sins debt to set the captives free

That were written in

Your eternal book

As the Lamb was slain;

You forever look

With a smile upon

All in Him as one

Who will reign forever in the kingdom come.

Brought Afresh to See the Wounds

Michael E. Wood

January 7, 2014

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 

Ephesians 2:1-3

Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:11-13

It is good to be reminded from time to time of the condition we were in by nature; separated from Christ, having no hope, and without God in the world. This truth, by the Spirit, gives us a far greater appreciation for the abundance of grace that has been lavished upon us in Christ Jesus.

There are occasions that I am brought to tears by the remembrance of consequences of past sins, but I am so thankful that we have a God and Father who has not left us to ourselves and has given us great and precious promises that He will indeed work all things together for our good and His infinite glory. In Christ, we have become a new creation. We have been translated out of the kingdom of darkness and into the kingdom of God’s dear Son. He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Therefore we can find encouragement to forget those things which are behind and reach forth to those things which are before us; pressing toward the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

About the time I have in mind

I've made some progress here

I’m brought to see afresh the wounds

I caused through veil of tears.

And though my great offenses

Were indeed against some men,

It’s You, Oh God, my Father

Who alone I did offend.

Psalm 51:3-4

I thank You for forgiveness which

You wrought through Your own Son

And ask that You enable me

To magnify the One

To whom I owe allegiance

For the mercy You have shown

As through Him I am pardoned

And released to be Your own.

So help me to obey You

By forgetting what is past

And focus on eternal things

You give which ever last.

And now with time redeemed

Oh help me use it for Your glory

To show and tell the greatness

Of my Savior’s wondrous story.

Ephesians 5:8-10, 15

That Which Toucheth You

Michael E. Wood

December 30, 2013

For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” Ephesians 5:29-31

For the holidays the city had given Dianna six days off, so she decided to take an additional four days which would give her two full weeks before returning to work. This would allow her to come with me to the various facilities of which the Lord has opened opportunities for ministering the Word and allow her to help finish a number of projects that have been on the back burner for some time.

Shortly into this time she developed severe back pains. By doing a little research she determined that it was sciatica. Providentially she had also decided to go on a new diet, of which during her research found to be helpful for treatment for the sciatic condition. Her pain subsided over the course of the two weeks, but she felt discouraged over not being able to do all the things she had planned.

In many ways I felt helpless to be much comfort and sometimes selfish for my own perceived loses during this time and yet these are the thoughts which came to mind to bring some level of comfort to my beloved wife.

Upon reading this to her, I said, “You can always tell when I have been hanging out with the Puritans by the way I write can’t you?”

Perhaps thy God will come

And take the burden from thy breast

Or stoke the fires, refining faith

Like gold to stand the test

To prove by His own presence

He indeed knew what was best

To make thee like Himself in

Thine own heart’s true treasure chest.

For that which trills the soul

Amidst a bitter providence

Is the sweetness God brings forth

To show His love and faithfulness

In all He has appointed

To produce the fruit remaining

When the winter turns to spring

And we with Him rejoice in gleaning

From the benefits received

Which He alone could e’er produce

Through this trial He brought us through

To make us meet for His own use.

For you see now that which toucheth you

Now also toucheth me.

So together let us bold approach

God’s only mercy tree.

Which provideth all the healing

For the nations from its leaves

And has given us true shelter

By His righteousness which cleaves

To each soul of which He’s humbled

By His grace to thus proclaim

He alone is God eternal

And His glory is our aim!

This Time of Year

Michael E. Wood

December 31, 2013

They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” Luke 24:32

Dianna and I began a tradition of audibly reading the Bible through together which actually started before we were married.  Today will mark the third year we have chosen to use “The Discipleship Journal Plan”.  It is designed for consecutive reading in four different parts of the Bible for each day and allows for one day of rest per week.  We have found that it is an easy way to be disciplined in reading through without necessarily following the plan punctiliously.  We have likewise found that since we do not know what a day may bring forth we can skip some days, make up for them on other days, and still accomplish the desired goal of reading the Bible through in a year in addition to personal readings individually.  Using this particular method has thus far allowed us to complete the desired goal and finish out the year reading our own selection of additional passages.

With several good motivations our desire was to close out the year reading through the Gospel of Luke once again. Though we did not finish together by December 31, enough progress was made to bring forth additional thanksgiving to Jesus our Lord, the Son of Man.

Thank You for this time of year

To ponder now anew

Things You did while You were here

To show that which is true

Of which we as Your children

Celebrate rejoicing,

Looking to that one day when

All creation voicing

Praise and honor and glory

As God’s sons are revealed

Consummating the story

How by Your stripes we’re healed.