Enraptured by His Precious love;
I feel my love so small.
And yet He bids me grace and peace,
His Patience doth enthrall.
Oh, for a heart to give to Him
With every single breath,
The glory due His Precious Name,
The LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
I dare not trust one single thought
Of all that I might give,
For nothing LORD compares to You,
In love with You, we live.
What great affections You doth stir,
In this poor faltering mind,
Through blessed servants of Your grace,
In love with You we find;
All hail the Pow'r of Jesus Name,
We at Your feet doth fall,
And humbled by Your matchless love
With strength from You we call.
Oh, give to us more love For Thee,
In every word and deed,
To walk in every grace You give,
To meet our every need.
With joy we press more upward still,
In light and love we stand;
Provoke to all Your Immanence,
To dwell in Canaan's land.
(Jer.23:23,24 ; Col. 1:17)
Michael E. Wood April 21, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Psalm 27:8
When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek. Psalm 27:8
How oft we feel the weight of all
The frailties of our flesh;
The need for God to come and take
The burden from our breast.
We feel the smallness of our own
Puny, paltry, quest;
Those things that once did satisfy—
No longer tops our list.
We're drawn to things that are above;
The quiet, peace, and rest.
We struggle through our own hearts lust
By grace, we're given this.
Secured by sovereign mercy still;
With bands of love He calls;
Our Father's everlasting love,
Recalls us to the Cross.
Humbled by the death He died—
Our strength for flight renewed;
Encouraged by our Saviors blood,
His face we seek anew.
Remove from us all selfish thought,
Your Glory only seek;
Your vision, through your Word, we ask—
Your Holy Spirit keep,
Our gaze upon the Risen One—
Who intercedes for all;
Redeemed from all the nations still
The ransom from the Fall.
Return we plead, “Oh, Righteous ONE
Oh make us one with You—
That we may praise your Holy Name,
As You make all things new.
Michael E. Wood - April 7, 2009
How oft we feel the weight of all
The frailties of our flesh;
The need for God to come and take
The burden from our breast.
We feel the smallness of our own
Puny, paltry, quest;
Those things that once did satisfy—
No longer tops our list.
We're drawn to things that are above;
The quiet, peace, and rest.
We struggle through our own hearts lust
By grace, we're given this.
Secured by sovereign mercy still;
With bands of love He calls;
Our Father's everlasting love,
Recalls us to the Cross.
Humbled by the death He died—
Our strength for flight renewed;
Encouraged by our Saviors blood,
His face we seek anew.
Remove from us all selfish thought,
Your Glory only seek;
Your vision, through your Word, we ask—
Your Holy Spirit keep,
Our gaze upon the Risen One—
Who intercedes for all;
Redeemed from all the nations still
The ransom from the Fall.
Return we plead, “Oh, Righteous ONE
Oh make us one with You—
That we may praise your Holy Name,
As You make all things new.
Michael E. Wood - April 7, 2009
The Passing of a Brother
As I stood outside this morning and my eyes beheld the two large oak trees next to Grandma’s--standing in their winter nakedness before the sunrise—I thought of the acorns that lay on the ground below (which had fallen below) providing food for the creatures of God and quite possibly the deer which come near the house from time-to-time.
My mind went to a question asked of me by Pastor Grant, months ago; when he was still in good health. As he is physically blind, and we had not much opportunity to speak—I approached him while he sat in one of the chairs at the welcome center at Beacon. Laying my right hand on his right hand, I introduced myself as Michael Wood. Being a little witty, and making reference to my last name, he asked me, “What kind of tree are you?”
My mind went to Psalm 1 (and especially versus 2 and 3) and the immediate answer that came out of my mouth was, “I am an evergreen”. Psalm 1:2, 3 “…His delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
As I glory in the thought of the blessing of God upon my life, and upon all of His chosen, intricately designed by Him to bring glory to Himself, I grow also in my appreciation of His design of all His "trees" (Isaiah 55:12); which bring forth fruit in their season—providing food for all, and especially for the household of faith. And most especially, for those who are like the deer, which panteth by the waters; whose souls longeth after Him. He alone is our hearts desire and we long to worship Him.
You alone are my strength, my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my hearts desire
And I long to worship You.
I want you more than gold or silver
Only You can satisfy
You alone are the real joy giver
And the apple of my eye.
You alone are my strength, my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my hearts desire
And I long to worship You.
You're my friend and You're my brother
Even though you are a King
I love You more than any other
So much more than anything.
Father, we would ask you today to strengthen us and to cause us to desire you alone above every earthly desire that we may have. We commit our hearts, our souls, our minds—our very being; and every aspect of our lives to You. We lay our all before You, and trust that You will do good; that You are who You are; and You will give grace for Your Glory. In Jesus name. Amen.
William Grant , at the age of 93 ; having kept the faith , having finished his course ; was received into the joy of the LORD AT 2:30 A.M. / 2-11-09. Unknown to billions in this world, but well know to our Father which is in heaven. A countless multitude will stand before our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ because of the work of His grace through the life of this humble servant who was a faithful husband, father, missionary and pastor.
Michael E. Wood - February 12, 2009
My mind went to a question asked of me by Pastor Grant, months ago; when he was still in good health. As he is physically blind, and we had not much opportunity to speak—I approached him while he sat in one of the chairs at the welcome center at Beacon. Laying my right hand on his right hand, I introduced myself as Michael Wood. Being a little witty, and making reference to my last name, he asked me, “What kind of tree are you?”
My mind went to Psalm 1 (and especially versus 2 and 3) and the immediate answer that came out of my mouth was, “I am an evergreen”. Psalm 1:2, 3 “…His delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
As I glory in the thought of the blessing of God upon my life, and upon all of His chosen, intricately designed by Him to bring glory to Himself, I grow also in my appreciation of His design of all His "trees" (Isaiah 55:12); which bring forth fruit in their season—providing food for all, and especially for the household of faith. And most especially, for those who are like the deer, which panteth by the waters; whose souls longeth after Him. He alone is our hearts desire and we long to worship Him.
You alone are my strength, my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my hearts desire
And I long to worship You.
I want you more than gold or silver
Only You can satisfy
You alone are the real joy giver
And the apple of my eye.
You alone are my strength, my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my hearts desire
And I long to worship You.
You're my friend and You're my brother
Even though you are a King
I love You more than any other
So much more than anything.
Father, we would ask you today to strengthen us and to cause us to desire you alone above every earthly desire that we may have. We commit our hearts, our souls, our minds—our very being; and every aspect of our lives to You. We lay our all before You, and trust that You will do good; that You are who You are; and You will give grace for Your Glory. In Jesus name. Amen.
William Grant , at the age of 93 ; having kept the faith , having finished his course ; was received into the joy of the LORD AT 2:30 A.M. / 2-11-09. Unknown to billions in this world, but well know to our Father which is in heaven. A countless multitude will stand before our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ because of the work of His grace through the life of this humble servant who was a faithful husband, father, missionary and pastor.
Michael E. Wood - February 12, 2009
A Psalm of David
“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.” Psalm 103:1-5
As I pondered the realm of this portion of this Psalm, the question came to mind: Are we not given a reminder of our need to remember, on a regular basis, all of that which has been provided us through and in the Name of the LORD our GOD?
One of the multitude of blessings we have received, as a gift from our Lord and our God, is a heart which has been enabled and activated to respond to Him in the midst of the frailty of the flesh and the body in which we live. One of the impairments of the finite minds that we possess, and as a result of the fall of which we are all partakers, is the inability to recall instantly ALL OF THE BENEFITS of which we have been blessed with. Therefore we are called to bring to remembrance, TO FORGET NOT.
O, how easily we forget. Even the very disciples and followers of Christ Himself, as He lived and walked in all perfection before them, struggled with this plague of forgetfulness, and had need to be reminded of the power of God; as demonstrated through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Thank God that we are not left to ourselves to remember; but, are gently reminded to remember, as He knows our frame, that we, in our flesh, are but as dust before Him, in which dwelleth no good thing and would not of ourselves desire anything to do with Him. He knows that our thoughts end in a day, and of our need for Him, far better than we can comprehend. It is He Who has and does remember the covenant of which He has made with us, and has given Himself to keep with us.Tis not that I did choose thee, for Lord that could not be. This heart would still refuse thee, hadst thou not chosen me. (Josiah Conder 1789-1855)
Father, we thank You that you have chosen us and called us to Yourself. Through Your Sovereign mercy, You have delighted in us and caused us to delight in You. Cause us to behold all that we possess in You. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Michael E. Wood - February 5, 2009
As I pondered the realm of this portion of this Psalm, the question came to mind: Are we not given a reminder of our need to remember, on a regular basis, all of that which has been provided us through and in the Name of the LORD our GOD?
One of the multitude of blessings we have received, as a gift from our Lord and our God, is a heart which has been enabled and activated to respond to Him in the midst of the frailty of the flesh and the body in which we live. One of the impairments of the finite minds that we possess, and as a result of the fall of which we are all partakers, is the inability to recall instantly ALL OF THE BENEFITS of which we have been blessed with. Therefore we are called to bring to remembrance, TO FORGET NOT.
O, how easily we forget. Even the very disciples and followers of Christ Himself, as He lived and walked in all perfection before them, struggled with this plague of forgetfulness, and had need to be reminded of the power of God; as demonstrated through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Thank God that we are not left to ourselves to remember; but, are gently reminded to remember, as He knows our frame, that we, in our flesh, are but as dust before Him, in which dwelleth no good thing and would not of ourselves desire anything to do with Him. He knows that our thoughts end in a day, and of our need for Him, far better than we can comprehend. It is He Who has and does remember the covenant of which He has made with us, and has given Himself to keep with us.Tis not that I did choose thee, for Lord that could not be. This heart would still refuse thee, hadst thou not chosen me. (Josiah Conder 1789-1855)
Father, we thank You that you have chosen us and called us to Yourself. Through Your Sovereign mercy, You have delighted in us and caused us to delight in You. Cause us to behold all that we possess in You. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Michael E. Wood - February 5, 2009
The GREAT "TRANS-PARENT"
January 9, 2009
As I was reading yesterday morning, I came to 1st Tim.5:24 , "Some men's sins are open beforehand going before to judgement ...." With the understanding that all our sin, and all our sins, have been and are open before God having been judged before in Christ, we are now made free to be who He has made us to be in Him!
So then the idea of becoming (as we already are) "transparent" came to mind: Transparent before God and man. As we are enabled to draw nigh to God by faith in His Word (1JN.5:8 .. "there are three that bear witness in earth , the Spirit , and the water , and the blood : and these three agree in one"), He graciously and mercifully exposes to us our sins , for the purpose that we might see Christ more precious than ever before. For where sin abounds, grace does much more abound.
This brings us back to the word TRANSPARENT - When we think of the word transparent, we think of something you can see through (Rev.21:21 " ... AND THE STREET OF THE CITY was PURE GOLD, AS IT WERE TRANSPARENT(clear)GLASS").Oh , that our faith would be of such a quality that Christ would be seen more clearly through us every single day of our earthly pilgrimage.
That His beauty would be so vivid, that all we come in contact with would be so absolutely overwhelmed; that their focus would no longer be on the window (being us) but on Him who reveals Himself through us. He reveals Himself first to us and then through us. (1st Tim. 1:12-16 "As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, He sends us forth") The brighter the Light, the more evident become the spots of that which remains of indwelling sin
Father, we come before You In confidence, that confidence that has come as a gift from You and is returned to You by way of confession, as You have given us Your Word that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin. .
As I was reading yesterday morning, I came to 1st Tim.5:24 , "Some men's sins are open beforehand going before to judgement ...." With the understanding that all our sin, and all our sins, have been and are open before God having been judged before in Christ, we are now made free to be who He has made us to be in Him!
So then the idea of becoming (as we already are) "transparent" came to mind: Transparent before God and man. As we are enabled to draw nigh to God by faith in His Word (1JN.5:8 .. "there are three that bear witness in earth , the Spirit , and the water , and the blood : and these three agree in one"), He graciously and mercifully exposes to us our sins , for the purpose that we might see Christ more precious than ever before. For where sin abounds, grace does much more abound.
This brings us back to the word TRANSPARENT - When we think of the word transparent, we think of something you can see through (Rev.21:21 " ... AND THE STREET OF THE CITY was PURE GOLD, AS IT WERE TRANSPARENT(clear)GLASS").Oh , that our faith would be of such a quality that Christ would be seen more clearly through us every single day of our earthly pilgrimage.
That His beauty would be so vivid, that all we come in contact with would be so absolutely overwhelmed; that their focus would no longer be on the window (being us) but on Him who reveals Himself through us. He reveals Himself first to us and then through us. (1st Tim. 1:12-16 "As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, He sends us forth") The brighter the Light, the more evident become the spots of that which remains of indwelling sin
Father, we come before You In confidence, that confidence that has come as a gift from You and is returned to You by way of confession, as You have given us Your Word that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin. .
Oh , help us that we might approach You, as You have commanded, and have therefore declared unto us in such a personal way , that we may obtain mercy , and find grace to help in time of need. Oh, that You would continue to transform us by the renewing of our minds with Your Word, that we would become more transparent, that You would use us as vessels of Your mercy, whereby You would translate Your children out of the kingdom of darkness and into the Kingdom of Light for Your glory, in Jesus Name. AMEN
Christ Jesus is THE GREAT "TRANS-PARENT"; who takes us unto Himself and nourishes us and washes us with the washing of the Water of His Word. Through His mercy He gives to us life , as we are birthed into His Kingdom. He clothes us with His Righteousness; He arms us with faith, and He grows us into responsible adults, and uses us to become little trans- parents ourselves, to bring to birth and to care for His children.
Father, we ask that You would deliver us from every element and sub-particle of pride that remains in us as we lay this and our very being before you today; that Christ would be magnified in our bodies as You Give us the strength to be yielded to all You have for us and freely give to us for Your glory in Jesus name. Amen!
The words to this song by Chris Tomlin come to mind:
He became sin Who knew no sin
That we might become His Righteousness
He humbled himself and carried the cross
Love so amazing
Love so amazing
Jesus Messiah
Name above all names
Blessed Redeemer
Emmanuel
The rescue for sinners
The ransom from Heaven
Jesus Messiah
Lord of all
His body the bread
His blood the wine
Broken and poured out
all for love
The whole earth trembled
And the veil was torn
Love so amazing
Love so amazing, yeah
Lord of all
All our hope is in You
All our hope is in You
All the glory to You
God The light of the world.... and HIS SONG continues to go forth in us and through us as we live and breathe and have our being in Him.
Michael E. Wood
Christ Jesus is THE GREAT "TRANS-PARENT"; who takes us unto Himself and nourishes us and washes us with the washing of the Water of His Word. Through His mercy He gives to us life , as we are birthed into His Kingdom. He clothes us with His Righteousness; He arms us with faith, and He grows us into responsible adults, and uses us to become little trans- parents ourselves, to bring to birth and to care for His children.
Father, we ask that You would deliver us from every element and sub-particle of pride that remains in us as we lay this and our very being before you today; that Christ would be magnified in our bodies as You Give us the strength to be yielded to all You have for us and freely give to us for Your glory in Jesus name. Amen!
The words to this song by Chris Tomlin come to mind:
He became sin Who knew no sin
That we might become His Righteousness
He humbled himself and carried the cross
Love so amazing
Love so amazing
Jesus Messiah
Name above all names
Blessed Redeemer
Emmanuel
The rescue for sinners
The ransom from Heaven
Jesus Messiah
Lord of all
His body the bread
His blood the wine
Broken and poured out
all for love
The whole earth trembled
And the veil was torn
Love so amazing
Love so amazing, yeah
Lord of all
All our hope is in You
All our hope is in You
All the glory to You
God The light of the world.... and HIS SONG continues to go forth in us and through us as we live and breathe and have our being in Him.
Michael E. Wood
The Glory of His Grace
Oh, the beauty of His precious love;
The splendor of His grace.
As He by sovereign mercy
Has led us to this place.
This place, secured by Him with whom,
No mortal man can touch;
This place of hope within the veil
Where angels dwell and such.
Our eyes are made to see the One,
Who died to set us free.
Our ears are made to hear His call,
And follow joyfully.
Our hearts are made to yearn for Him,
And seek Him through His Word.
Fulfill the plan, designed by Him,
Proclaim His glory heard.
Throughout our time on earth and more,
Throughout eternity.
To magnify His precious name,
Who sets the captives free.
Oh, with a burning heart for Him,
With eagles wings we soar,
Above the world of sin and strife;
This land of wanting more.
None other is so loving,
None other is so kind.
To carry us above the dust,
And leave this world behind.
So with me now, let’s venture on
Behold Him face-to-face;
Exalt the glory of His cross;
The glory of His grace.
Michael E. Wood 12/31/2008
The splendor of His grace.
As He by sovereign mercy
Has led us to this place.
This place, secured by Him with whom,
No mortal man can touch;
This place of hope within the veil
Where angels dwell and such.
Our eyes are made to see the One,
Who died to set us free.
Our ears are made to hear His call,
And follow joyfully.
Our hearts are made to yearn for Him,
And seek Him through His Word.
Fulfill the plan, designed by Him,
Proclaim His glory heard.
Throughout our time on earth and more,
Throughout eternity.
To magnify His precious name,
Who sets the captives free.
Oh, with a burning heart for Him,
With eagles wings we soar,
Above the world of sin and strife;
This land of wanting more.
None other is so loving,
None other is so kind.
To carry us above the dust,
And leave this world behind.
So with me now, let’s venture on
Behold Him face-to-face;
Exalt the glory of His cross;
The glory of His grace.
Michael E. Wood 12/31/2008
The "Perfect" Gift
December 23, 2008
As I awoke this morning and saw the time was 5:38 a.m. my first thought was to go back to bed; but, then my mind went back to when I was a kid; finding it hard to sleep on Christmas Eve--because of the excitement of what Christmas morning held.
I couldn't go back to sleep because of the excitement of seeing the unwrapped gifts under the tree, and the prospect of unwrapping the one's that were yet wrapped concealing the gift's in particular that had my name on them which seemed to have been calling out to me for days.
I can remember the overwhelming joy of receiving those things of which I had hoped for, and I recall the memory of those things of which (at that time) did not strike me as being of great value; or, the disappointment of not receiving that which was expected.
My, how some things change over the years; and, how our appreciation of the things we valued at one time lose their allurement and the things we saw little value in become prized possessions.
How we learn the lesson that it is truly more blessed to give than to receive, and are still learning, by the way, and will continue to learn as long as there lies within us any speck of selfish pride hidden from our view at the present.
Thank you Jesus, that all our expectation is in You as You continue to conform us into your image through the washing of the water of the Word. We thank You for another day and for the desire You have placed within us for You. Help us that we would, with all of our being, be transformed by the renewing of our minds that we might prove that which is good and acceptable and perfect in Your sight.
We ask for the grace to remove the logs from our eyes which have blurred our vision; that we might see clearly to remove the splinters lodged in the eyes of our brothers and sisters in Christ; That we might be used of you, for the advancement of Your kingdom and for the cause of Christ. We thank You for the cross whereby You have not only made possible the probability of these things; but, have in fact secured the reality of these things as we wait upon You, knowing that You shall fulfill all Your Word unto Your glory in Jesus name. AMEN
Michael E. Wood 12/23/2008
As I awoke this morning and saw the time was 5:38 a.m. my first thought was to go back to bed; but, then my mind went back to when I was a kid; finding it hard to sleep on Christmas Eve--because of the excitement of what Christmas morning held.
I couldn't go back to sleep because of the excitement of seeing the unwrapped gifts under the tree, and the prospect of unwrapping the one's that were yet wrapped concealing the gift's in particular that had my name on them which seemed to have been calling out to me for days.
I can remember the overwhelming joy of receiving those things of which I had hoped for, and I recall the memory of those things of which (at that time) did not strike me as being of great value; or, the disappointment of not receiving that which was expected.
My, how some things change over the years; and, how our appreciation of the things we valued at one time lose their allurement and the things we saw little value in become prized possessions.
How we learn the lesson that it is truly more blessed to give than to receive, and are still learning, by the way, and will continue to learn as long as there lies within us any speck of selfish pride hidden from our view at the present.
Thank you Jesus, that all our expectation is in You as You continue to conform us into your image through the washing of the water of the Word. We thank You for another day and for the desire You have placed within us for You. Help us that we would, with all of our being, be transformed by the renewing of our minds that we might prove that which is good and acceptable and perfect in Your sight.
We ask for the grace to remove the logs from our eyes which have blurred our vision; that we might see clearly to remove the splinters lodged in the eyes of our brothers and sisters in Christ; That we might be used of you, for the advancement of Your kingdom and for the cause of Christ. We thank You for the cross whereby You have not only made possible the probability of these things; but, have in fact secured the reality of these things as we wait upon You, knowing that You shall fulfill all Your Word unto Your glory in Jesus name. AMEN
Michael E. Wood 12/23/2008
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Content in Him
God woke me to Himself this morn,
It was His choice for me.
Through all my sin and muddled thoughts
His cross has set me free.
As thoughts and dreams of days gone by
Came rushing to my mind,
Of those who walked this pilgrim way
God's glory they did find.
Of Ruth and Jacob, Joseph too,
Their stories all declared
His grace sufficient for each day
Their cross for Him they bared.
It was His word that led them through
Their tragedies and loss,
That gave them strength and comfort too,
To bare this mighty cross.
Of death to self and suffering
His grace caused them to stand.
To run their race and see His face,
Led forth by His right hand.
Content in Him is where I am,
My heart is in His hand;
To do with me as He sees fit,
Fulfilled by His command.
Oh, for the grace to trust Him more,
This song He sings for me;
His Spirit guides and strength provides
For all my liberty.
Michael - November 30, 2008
It was His choice for me.
Through all my sin and muddled thoughts
His cross has set me free.
As thoughts and dreams of days gone by
Came rushing to my mind,
Of those who walked this pilgrim way
God's glory they did find.
Of Ruth and Jacob, Joseph too,
Their stories all declared
His grace sufficient for each day
Their cross for Him they bared.
It was His word that led them through
Their tragedies and loss,
That gave them strength and comfort too,
To bare this mighty cross.
Of death to self and suffering
His grace caused them to stand.
To run their race and see His face,
Led forth by His right hand.
Content in Him is where I am,
My heart is in His hand;
To do with me as He sees fit,
Fulfilled by His command.
Oh, for the grace to trust Him more,
This song He sings for me;
His Spirit guides and strength provides
For all my liberty.
Michael - November 30, 2008
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