Glory in Your Sovereign Grace.

Michael E. Wood

Feb. 2-March 24, 2016

He is not here; he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.

Matthew 28:6

And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. Colossians 1:18

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, Ephesians 2:4-6

I am not sure who the first person was to use the phrase “Better than I deserve” as a response to the common greeting “How are you doing?”, but I often feel compelled to use it. On some occasions it becomes the means through which an opportunity for the gospel is opened. When we understand we are sinners, and we deserve death, and eternal condemnation, and yet God in mercy causes us to see not only our need for Christ, but are in fact brought into a saving relationship with Himself by the power of His Spirit, then we are likewise brought into an increasing understanding that what ever we are called to undergo in this transient life is in fact better than what we deserve.

On February 2, 2016 the preceding thoughts were a part of what began to develop into a song with the music of “The Prayer” formulating how it would sound. After writing a couple of verses I found the third more difficult and laid it aside because of time restraints. While meditating on the resurrection of Christ over the past week, the tune came back to mind and two new verses came quickly and fit together nicely with the opening.

I know what I deserve and yet I seek Your face.

I have no other grounds, through Christ, You give me grace.

And though my heart would fail,

Your Spirit makes me soar

Above this world of shame

Your praises to proclaim,

Forever blessed be Your Name!

You came into this world, both Son of God and man.

There was no other way, to fulfill the Father’s plan.

And lowly You became,

The babe in Bethlehem.

God with us declared,

Emmanuel, the heir

Of glory with the Father shared

And when upon the cross, You took upon our sin,

And suffered in our place, that we might enter in,

As sons before the throne,

Your Spirit came within

To show the mystery

And give the victory

That to You all the glory be!

You rose up from the grave, as our eternal head.

Through union then with You, we’re raised up from the dead.

And though we see in part,

We’ve nothing now to dread.

Prepared for us a place,

That we may see Your face,

And glory in Your Sovereign grace.

Though Storm Clouds Arise

Michael E. Wood

March 15, 2016

 A few years back I began to notice signs on our highways here in California which read, “Severe Drought, Conserve Water”. This actually opened Gospel opportunities as I would ask individuals, why the signs don’t say “Severe Drought, Pray for Rain”. With the recent El Nino effect in our region we have had a recent abundance of rain, which led to posting the following excerpt.

“Drenched by 'March Miracle,' Northern California reservoirs inch toward capacity

Los Angeles Times Joseph Serna Contact Reporter March 14, 2016 6:38 PM

A series of storms pushed California’s biggest reservoir past its historical average for mid-March this weekend and put the second largest one on track for doing the same by Monday afternoon, officials said.

Together the Lake Shasta and Lake Oroville reservoirs have the capacity to hold more than 8 million acre feet of water and after a wet weekend in Northern California, they were 79% and 70% full, respectively, by Monday morning, according to the state Department of Water Resources.

Some people have referred to the recent series of powerful storms that have dumped rain and snow on the Sierra as the “March Miracle.”

The storms filled Lake Shasta above its average for this time of year and by 4 p.m. Monday; Lake Oroville surpassed its historic average, said DWR spokesman Doug Carlson. Lake Shasta is the state's largest reservoir.

“It’s happened a little quicker than I personally thought,” Carlson said. “It would appear the [seasonal storms] have really achieved what they historically do, which is deliver a lot of rainfall to the mountains.”

Neither reservoir has reached its historical average in nearly three years, data show.

“I don’t know if people here will be dancing in their cubicles when [Oroville] hits the historic average, but it will be the first time it’s done that for the duration of the drought. That is reason to be joyous,” Carlson said.”

Though the outcome in general is an occasion for celebration, there have likewise been a number of ill effects upon some due to mudslides, downed trees, etc. The day in and day out downpours have also had an impact on schedules for some and simple necessities of others. Some also have difficulty in comprehending the fact that the sun is still shining above the clouds.

These are reminders for us as followers of Christ that when we undergo personal storms in our journey through this life, God is always working all things for our good and His infinite glory.

Though storm clouds arise

And veils from our eyes

The beauty that shines from Your face,

Your witness within

Though we feel a chagrin*,

Gives promise; the reign of Your grace,

With abundant supplies

As Your Spirit applies

Beyond all we think or expect.

For more than we hope

With Your glory the scope,

In holiness, work to perfect

Your image in all,

As prostrate we fall;

Your church, to the praise of Your Name.

You are our strength

Oh, show in the length

Your love for the spread of Your Fame!

*chagrin: a feeling of vexation, marked by disappointment or humiliation (or rejection)