Michael E. Wood
December 27-28, 2010
Four days after my Honda Accord was stolen, we received a call from the CHP that it had been located and we could pick it up at a tow station. Dianna wrote a poem concerning the recovery, which can be found on “The Wood’s Secret Garden” blog, dated 12/30/10, entitled, “The Rest of the Story”.
In the days between, and having no assurance that the car would be recovered, I received much comfort from the LORD through His Word, and the following poem and song was written. Many of the thoughts for the poem are derived from John chapter 10, and the song can be sung to the tune of, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman”, using the same chorus.
THE POEM
O Shepherd, of the one true flock,
How sweet Your voice we hear.
For when the thief comes forth to steal,
Tis only You we fear.
As life abundant now You give
And lead us by Your hand,
That murderer can only do
Exactly what You planned.
For You have called us all by name,
And lead us forth with joy,
And though the devil take all things,
Our soul he’ll not destroy.
With pastures rich You now provide
For us with nothing lost.
For all we need, we find in You,
Who paid with blood, the cost!
O Shepherd, You laid down Your life
For all Your Own, Your sheep,
That we may know, we are Your Own,
And all Your Own, You keep!
And thus our Father’s providence
In love for us ordained,
All things in life that He may bring
Forth faith, that is unfeigned.
And for His glory we shall proclaim,
As those who once were superfluous*
All things that happen only serve
To further the gospel through us.
O Shepherd make us much more bold
To speak the Word without fear,
With love to You, O Christ our King,
By Your Spirit, to all You endear.
For other sheep You have yet to call
Into our Father’s one fold,
Which spans all nation’s, tribes, and tongues,
Where Your glory forever unfolds.
THE CHRISTMAS SONG
We thank You for Your providence,
You brought on Christmas morn.
For by it, You remind us that
Our grief’s by Christ was borne.
When He for us upon the tree,
Paid for our sin and scorn.
(Chorus)
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy.
O tidings of comfort and joy!
O may we be such vessels
That to others they may see,
That to You God our Savior
May all glory ever be...
And may You use us to set forth
The truth with clarity.
(Chorus)
The Good News is our focus
And no matter what the cost,
Oh use us by Your Spirit
To convey to all the lost,
That all in You shall see
Your glory, we shall not exhaust!
(Chorus)
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Passing Fancy
Michael E. Wood
December 10, 2010
While reviewing the means of praise, and especially those in which He gives us in particular, whereby we are enabled to enjoy our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I was again reminded that His Work Is an Everlasting Work. The grace of our God is sufficient to meet our every need and thus in everything we give thanks as it Is He Who hears and answers, that in all things He may be glorified in the Son.
Tis not a passing fancy,
But grace You've given us.
To know You're ever present,
Through faith to be robust.
To fan to flame the gift You gave,
No longer now to sin a slave.
As sons made now to proffer
Through Christ, His Spirit offer
Up to You by praise and prayer
That all may see Your glory there.
So when all temp'ral things are finished
Not ought from You shall be diminished.
December 10, 2010
While reviewing the means of praise, and especially those in which He gives us in particular, whereby we are enabled to enjoy our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I was again reminded that His Work Is an Everlasting Work. The grace of our God is sufficient to meet our every need and thus in everything we give thanks as it Is He Who hears and answers, that in all things He may be glorified in the Son.
Tis not a passing fancy,
But grace You've given us.
To know You're ever present,
Through faith to be robust.
To fan to flame the gift You gave,
No longer now to sin a slave.
As sons made now to proffer
Through Christ, His Spirit offer
Up to You by praise and prayer
That all may see Your glory there.
So when all temp'ral things are finished
Not ought from You shall be diminished.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
What did you get for Christmas?
Dianna & Michael Wood
December 26, 2010
As many of you know, this was our first Christmas together as a married couple, and it is a Christmas we won't soon forget--not for the reasons one might think. Dianna sat down early Sunday morning, before getting ready for church, and wrote a poem to express her thoughts. After reading it to me, I took pen to paper and wrote the last seven stanzas. We will let the poem speak for itself:
What did you get for Christmas?
Some fudge, some socks, a cigar?
Or did you get something really neat
Like a vintage acoustic guitar?
When I return to work this week
That is a question they might ask.
They’ll want to know just what I got
And on what pleasures I did bask
I’ll have to answer honestly
It’s not about wrapped things.
It’s not about what we get
But what our Savior brings.
Our hearts are filled with joy this year
And nothing can change that fact
No matter what the world might do
To tempt, to entice, to detract.
From all we hold so great and true
In our minds, our souls and our heart.
If all our “things” were taken away
Our joy would not depart.
We did not exchange a THING this year--
No boxed gifts or wrapped guitar.
In fact, a thief, on Christmas Eve
Stole my husband’s car.
He had just spent tons of money
To get it registered and “smogged”
It cost him all his savings ‘cause
The catalytic converted was all clogged.
Once it passed all the tests
The plates cost even more.
Taking care of all the required things—
Became a costly chore.
But, one we had to take care of
So Michael could use his car.
He’s looking for work in the coming year
And most jobs are pretty far.
So there it was in the parking lot
With a brand new license plate.
We also got liability insurance
Before the expiration date.
We were covered for “Collision”
For that was all we could afford
“Comprehensive” might have allowed us--
To purchase a used Ford.
But, alas, we cannot complain.
You may wonder how we are.
We can still rejoice and thank The Lord
All they got was Michael’s car.
Imagine that, on Christmas Eve
A rainy, cold, dark night.
A thief broke into Michael’s car
And drove it out of sight.
Not only did he get the car,
This was auto theft first class!
His Christmas bonus for his crime?
We had just filled the tank with gas!
I wonder if he did exclaim
As he “drove it out of sight”,
Merry Christmas to myself this year—
It’s been a real good night!
But this is not the end of matters
We trust that God, with fear,
Will draw this thief unto Himself
And help him know true cheer!
He could not touch our joy or song
As God so good and gracious
Has chosen to secure for us
All things so efficacious.
That in His pleasure, we be found
To walk the narrow way,
And guardeth every step we take
Till blameless on that day—
When Jesus comes, whose love abounds
In us yet more and more;
With knowledge and discernment
As to Him we shall then soar.
And things that seemed at times
To weigh upon us as a loss;
Will be found, unto His praise
Who gave upon the Cross—
His all that we may apprehend
His love Whom in all things
Worketh for eternal good
As over us He sings.
Delighting in the goodness
And the mercy He has shown
That all through life He carried us—
That through Him, we are known.
Fond memories. My Honda Accord when it was safe and sound in North Carolina. "Welcome to California, Michael E. Wood!"
By the Way: Based on our research as to why old Honda's are one of the top ten stolen cars, it is highly likely that my little car will become an organ donor (parted out) or the six-million-dollar man (end up as a souped-up dragster)!
December 26, 2010
As many of you know, this was our first Christmas together as a married couple, and it is a Christmas we won't soon forget--not for the reasons one might think. Dianna sat down early Sunday morning, before getting ready for church, and wrote a poem to express her thoughts. After reading it to me, I took pen to paper and wrote the last seven stanzas. We will let the poem speak for itself:
What did you get for Christmas?
Some fudge, some socks, a cigar?
Or did you get something really neat
Like a vintage acoustic guitar?
When I return to work this week
That is a question they might ask.
They’ll want to know just what I got
And on what pleasures I did bask
I’ll have to answer honestly
It’s not about wrapped things.
It’s not about what we get
But what our Savior brings.
Our hearts are filled with joy this year
And nothing can change that fact
No matter what the world might do
To tempt, to entice, to detract.
From all we hold so great and true
In our minds, our souls and our heart.
If all our “things” were taken away
Our joy would not depart.
We did not exchange a THING this year--
No boxed gifts or wrapped guitar.
In fact, a thief, on Christmas Eve
Stole my husband’s car.
He had just spent tons of money
To get it registered and “smogged”
It cost him all his savings ‘cause
The catalytic converted was all clogged.
Once it passed all the tests
The plates cost even more.
Taking care of all the required things—
Became a costly chore.
But, one we had to take care of
So Michael could use his car.
He’s looking for work in the coming year
And most jobs are pretty far.
So there it was in the parking lot
With a brand new license plate.
We also got liability insurance
Before the expiration date.
We were covered for “Collision”
For that was all we could afford
“Comprehensive” might have allowed us--
To purchase a used Ford.
But, alas, we cannot complain.
You may wonder how we are.
We can still rejoice and thank The Lord
All they got was Michael’s car.
Imagine that, on Christmas Eve
A rainy, cold, dark night.
A thief broke into Michael’s car
And drove it out of sight.
Not only did he get the car,
This was auto theft first class!
His Christmas bonus for his crime?
We had just filled the tank with gas!
I wonder if he did exclaim
As he “drove it out of sight”,
Merry Christmas to myself this year—
It’s been a real good night!
But this is not the end of matters
We trust that God, with fear,
Will draw this thief unto Himself
And help him know true cheer!
He could not touch our joy or song
As God so good and gracious
Has chosen to secure for us
All things so efficacious.
That in His pleasure, we be found
To walk the narrow way,
And guardeth every step we take
Till blameless on that day—
When Jesus comes, whose love abounds
In us yet more and more;
With knowledge and discernment
As to Him we shall then soar.
And things that seemed at times
To weigh upon us as a loss;
Will be found, unto His praise
Who gave upon the Cross—
His all that we may apprehend
His love Whom in all things
Worketh for eternal good
As over us He sings.
Delighting in the goodness
And the mercy He has shown
That all through life He carried us—
That through Him, we are known.
Fond memories. My Honda Accord when it was safe and sound in North Carolina. "Welcome to California, Michael E. Wood!"
By the Way: Based on our research as to why old Honda's are one of the top ten stolen cars, it is highly likely that my little car will become an organ donor (parted out) or the six-million-dollar man (end up as a souped-up dragster)!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
O Lord Teach Us Your Rules
Michael E. Wood
December 7, 2010
Whereas the scriptures clearly teach us that it is not enough to have a form of godliness, denying the power thereof, we have need of God's mercies, which are new every day to provide for us grace in our hidden parts. For though our outer man perishes, our inner man is renewed day by day. All of grace, all for His glory, and all because of Christ Jesus our Lord!
As our Almighty Father has called us and caused us to be responsible, let us then continue to grow in the grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, by the means He has appointed. Let us take Him at His Word, lay hold of His promises, in joyful expectation that He will accomplish all He pleases.
While reading in Psalm 147 and Job 37, the following came to mind. On this occasion the music, which sounds more like an old Scottish hymn actually came to mind before the words were formulated.
O LORD teach us Your rules
In all our hidden parts
That for Your praise we do
All things with all our hearts.
As not all things now seen of men
Are pleasing in Your sight,
But only those clothed in the vestures
Of Your awesome might.
You send out Your command
For all the earth to hear.
You gather all Your Own
Who look to You in fear.
You heal the broken hearted
And our wounds You do bind up.
Through Jesus Christ, Your love displayed,
Who drank our bitter cup.
The humble You lift up
Our pride You have cast down,
That we may walk with You
Where grace through faith abounds.
You fill us with the finest wheat
And peace our borders make.
That all may know tis only You,
And pleased for Jesus sake.
Your justice has been served.
You will not violate.
The righteousness of Christ alone
Grants mercy to forsake
Our sins to show Your glory
In all those You cause to stand
Amidst the thunders of Your voice
We cannot comprehend.
You number all the stars
And give to all, their names.
You take delight and pleasure
In all those who fear Your Name.
You make the grass to grow,
Prepare the rain for all the earth,
And cause the blind to see through Christ,
When given second birth.
Your golden splendor there
And clothed in majesty
We'll see. Almighty Father help us
By Your Spirit's plea,
To proclaim Your beauty
And give all the glory due,
Til all the ransomed ones on earth
Are all home there with You.
December 7, 2010
Whereas the scriptures clearly teach us that it is not enough to have a form of godliness, denying the power thereof, we have need of God's mercies, which are new every day to provide for us grace in our hidden parts. For though our outer man perishes, our inner man is renewed day by day. All of grace, all for His glory, and all because of Christ Jesus our Lord!
As our Almighty Father has called us and caused us to be responsible, let us then continue to grow in the grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, by the means He has appointed. Let us take Him at His Word, lay hold of His promises, in joyful expectation that He will accomplish all He pleases.
While reading in Psalm 147 and Job 37, the following came to mind. On this occasion the music, which sounds more like an old Scottish hymn actually came to mind before the words were formulated.
O LORD teach us Your rules
In all our hidden parts
That for Your praise we do
All things with all our hearts.
As not all things now seen of men
Are pleasing in Your sight,
But only those clothed in the vestures
Of Your awesome might.
You send out Your command
For all the earth to hear.
You gather all Your Own
Who look to You in fear.
You heal the broken hearted
And our wounds You do bind up.
Through Jesus Christ, Your love displayed,
Who drank our bitter cup.
The humble You lift up
Our pride You have cast down,
That we may walk with You
Where grace through faith abounds.
You fill us with the finest wheat
And peace our borders make.
That all may know tis only You,
And pleased for Jesus sake.
Your justice has been served.
You will not violate.
The righteousness of Christ alone
Grants mercy to forsake
Our sins to show Your glory
In all those You cause to stand
Amidst the thunders of Your voice
We cannot comprehend.
You number all the stars
And give to all, their names.
You take delight and pleasure
In all those who fear Your Name.
You make the grass to grow,
Prepare the rain for all the earth,
And cause the blind to see through Christ,
When given second birth.
Your golden splendor there
And clothed in majesty
We'll see. Almighty Father help us
By Your Spirit's plea,
To proclaim Your beauty
And give all the glory due,
Til all the ransomed ones on earth
Are all home there with You.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
That Glorious Day!
Coming out of the week in which we Americans celebrate Thanksgiving as a national holiday, most of our country was enveloped by what is now called Black Friday and Cyber Monday. As buying and selling of goods in a somewhat frenzied manner is a predominant theme throughout the U.S. at this time of year, I am yet thankful for the freedom we have to rejoice in our Savior as our hearts are turned toward the time of His incarnation over two thousand years ago
While given the privilege to worship Him in spirit and in truth through the writing of poetry and songs, I continue to be amazed in Him and the unspeakable gift we have in Him as His people. He truly giveth, and giveth, and giveth again. That God would become flesh, and dwell among us, and in His humiliation give Himself as the one sacrifice to save us from our sins is beyond comprehension apart from His free gift of grace. Out of all the gifts He so freely gives, the greatest of these is Himself.
God Is Love, He never faileth, working all things together for our good and His infinite glory. Praise be to our Almighty God and Savior, Jesus our King!
While reading an article from the Desiring God blog on Monday (11/29/10), I was taken up by some of the words quoted from Jonathan Edwards Miscellanies #186, and then in continuance with the reading of 1st Timothy 3:16, the following came to mind.
Tis so congruous that it should be so
That God Himself, we would come to know.
That He as man would take on our form,
Through Jesus that His praise be the norm.
For when at birth--that glorious day;
Our King had come our sins to slay.
How great indeed we now confess,
This--the myst'ry of godliness.
As in the flesh God was revealed,
Justified in the Spirit, salvation then sealed.
Seen of angels, preached to gentiles.
Tis Jesus who brings upon us God's smile.
Believed on in the world, taken to glory
Up where the Father reveals us His story.
And by His Spirit we praise til the shout,
Then like Him we'll be--is how we'll turn out.
May you know His tender love by faith with a pure conscience this Christmas,
Michael & Dianna
While given the privilege to worship Him in spirit and in truth through the writing of poetry and songs, I continue to be amazed in Him and the unspeakable gift we have in Him as His people. He truly giveth, and giveth, and giveth again. That God would become flesh, and dwell among us, and in His humiliation give Himself as the one sacrifice to save us from our sins is beyond comprehension apart from His free gift of grace. Out of all the gifts He so freely gives, the greatest of these is Himself.
God Is Love, He never faileth, working all things together for our good and His infinite glory. Praise be to our Almighty God and Savior, Jesus our King!
While reading an article from the Desiring God blog on Monday (11/29/10), I was taken up by some of the words quoted from Jonathan Edwards Miscellanies #186, and then in continuance with the reading of 1st Timothy 3:16, the following came to mind.
Tis so congruous that it should be so
That God Himself, we would come to know.
That He as man would take on our form,
Through Jesus that His praise be the norm.
For when at birth--that glorious day;
Our King had come our sins to slay.
How great indeed we now confess,
This--the myst'ry of godliness.
As in the flesh God was revealed,
Justified in the Spirit, salvation then sealed.
Seen of angels, preached to gentiles.
Tis Jesus who brings upon us God's smile.
Believed on in the world, taken to glory
Up where the Father reveals us His story.
And by His Spirit we praise til the shout,
Then like Him we'll be--is how we'll turn out.
May you know His tender love by faith with a pure conscience this Christmas,
Michael & Dianna
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Lord We Want to Worship You
Michael E. Wood
December 8, 2010
While working on a personal song tract for my beloved wife Dianna, my thoughts were toward thanksgiving to our Lord for all the gifts of praise He has given in song and my thoughts were given up to Him in desire to worship Him. The following came over the course of the day as a result.
(Begins with Chorus)
Lord, I want to worship You.
Help me by Your Spirit to
Give You all the praise that's due.
Lord I want to worship You!
As one You chose with all before
Creation through the cross You bore
To show the Father's love in store
For all who bow and You adore.
(Chorus)
The One who by our sins was torn
The Lamb by whom we now are borne.
You saved us from our pride and scorn
When from the grave You rose that morn.
(Chorus)
The One on whom the angels gaze.
Cry Holy, Holy all their days.
When with them, we shall stand amazed,
And all perfected, worship raise.
(Chorus)
Til then, we'll look by grace in light,
By faith to walk now in Your sight.
Then clothed by You in purest white,
We'll worship You with all our might!
(Final Chorus)
Lord, we want to worship You.
Help us by Your Spirit to
Give You all the glory due.
Lord, we want to worship You!
December 8, 2010
While working on a personal song tract for my beloved wife Dianna, my thoughts were toward thanksgiving to our Lord for all the gifts of praise He has given in song and my thoughts were given up to Him in desire to worship Him. The following came over the course of the day as a result.
(Begins with Chorus)
Lord, I want to worship You.
Help me by Your Spirit to
Give You all the praise that's due.
Lord I want to worship You!
As one You chose with all before
Creation through the cross You bore
To show the Father's love in store
For all who bow and You adore.
(Chorus)
The One who by our sins was torn
The Lamb by whom we now are borne.
You saved us from our pride and scorn
When from the grave You rose that morn.
(Chorus)
The One on whom the angels gaze.
Cry Holy, Holy all their days.
When with them, we shall stand amazed,
And all perfected, worship raise.
(Chorus)
Til then, we'll look by grace in light,
By faith to walk now in Your sight.
Then clothed by You in purest white,
We'll worship You with all our might!
(Final Chorus)
Lord, we want to worship You.
Help us by Your Spirit to
Give You all the glory due.
Lord, we want to worship You!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Bow the Knee at Calvary
A New Song by Michael E. Wood
December 1, 2010
Proverbs 1 begins with the words, "The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel"
How amazing it is that God speaks His Word through men. The King of Glory, Jesus Himself, by the power of His Spirit speaks through sinners like us to bring many sons to glory. It is He who planted the ear that causes us to hear the voice of His Word, uniting our hearts as one unto His Own glory and praise. How oft I am amazed as He uses the members of His church, both local and universal, to build up one another in the faith to proclaim the glories of His grace in ways that we may not even be aware of at a given moment in time. Some times when I write, I can think of a number of people He has used to bring about the understanding of the things of which I write. Some are people of whom I have known for years, and could readily give credit to for the influence they have had; others are those of which I have met in a moment of time and cannot recall their names, while yet others have impacted my life of whom I may never or will never meet while here on earth. And then, of course, there are those who have impacted those whom God has and continues to use to direct me to Himself. And what about the countless number of those that have beforehand beheld the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ and are in His presence at this very moment.
No wonder Paul said, "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ by whom the world is crucified unto me and I unto the world." And thus, I will glory in my Redeemer and to His praise this new song is written!
Through words of men our God doth seek
The souls of men and to them speak.
As those who once His law had spurned,
And thought that glory could be earned.
And thought that glory could be earned.
(Chorus)
Oh bow the knee at Calvary.
Tis Christ who came to set us free.
To know His love and Majesty.
Redeemed; Proclaim His Victory!
Redeemed; Proclaim His Victory!
For though all men may speak of peace
It is His Word that gives increase
And He, His Word, He shall fulfill
As God alone Is Sovereign still!
As God alone Is Sovereign still!
(Chorus)
His Mighty Spirit now unfolds
His Word of grace through men of old
And breathes new life into those dead,
To hear the voice of Christ, our Head!
To hear the voice of Christ, our Head!
(Chorus)
His great compassion is our theme,
Who loosed our tongues, gave grace to sing.
For by His mercies we are told,
"Fear not! I'm with you! Now be bold!"
"Fear not! I'm with you! Now be bold!"
(Chorus)
Our Father gives instruction to,
And seeks His Own, though they be few.
Delivers from eternal loss.
Our dept was paid upon the cross!
Our debt was paid upon the cross!
(Chorus)
As God our Father wisdom gives,
That to His glory we may live,
That all may see His Majesty,
And bow the knee at Calvary!
And bow the knee at Calvary!
(Chorus)
Note from Dianna: This is a most beautiful song. One that I believe is timeless and will be song by generations upon generations. I wish those reading could hear the beautiful melody that accompanies these words.
December 1, 2010
Proverbs 1 begins with the words, "The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel"
How amazing it is that God speaks His Word through men. The King of Glory, Jesus Himself, by the power of His Spirit speaks through sinners like us to bring many sons to glory. It is He who planted the ear that causes us to hear the voice of His Word, uniting our hearts as one unto His Own glory and praise. How oft I am amazed as He uses the members of His church, both local and universal, to build up one another in the faith to proclaim the glories of His grace in ways that we may not even be aware of at a given moment in time. Some times when I write, I can think of a number of people He has used to bring about the understanding of the things of which I write. Some are people of whom I have known for years, and could readily give credit to for the influence they have had; others are those of which I have met in a moment of time and cannot recall their names, while yet others have impacted my life of whom I may never or will never meet while here on earth. And then, of course, there are those who have impacted those whom God has and continues to use to direct me to Himself. And what about the countless number of those that have beforehand beheld the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ and are in His presence at this very moment.
No wonder Paul said, "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ by whom the world is crucified unto me and I unto the world." And thus, I will glory in my Redeemer and to His praise this new song is written!
Through words of men our God doth seek
The souls of men and to them speak.
As those who once His law had spurned,
And thought that glory could be earned.
And thought that glory could be earned.
(Chorus)
Oh bow the knee at Calvary.
Tis Christ who came to set us free.
To know His love and Majesty.
Redeemed; Proclaim His Victory!
Redeemed; Proclaim His Victory!
For though all men may speak of peace
It is His Word that gives increase
And He, His Word, He shall fulfill
As God alone Is Sovereign still!
As God alone Is Sovereign still!
(Chorus)
His Mighty Spirit now unfolds
His Word of grace through men of old
And breathes new life into those dead,
To hear the voice of Christ, our Head!
To hear the voice of Christ, our Head!
(Chorus)
His great compassion is our theme,
Who loosed our tongues, gave grace to sing.
For by His mercies we are told,
"Fear not! I'm with you! Now be bold!"
"Fear not! I'm with you! Now be bold!"
(Chorus)
Our Father gives instruction to,
And seeks His Own, though they be few.
Delivers from eternal loss.
Our dept was paid upon the cross!
Our debt was paid upon the cross!
(Chorus)
As God our Father wisdom gives,
That to His glory we may live,
That all may see His Majesty,
And bow the knee at Calvary!
And bow the knee at Calvary!
(Chorus)
Note from Dianna: This is a most beautiful song. One that I believe is timeless and will be song by generations upon generations. I wish those reading could hear the beautiful melody that accompanies these words.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
By His Mighty Spirit
Michael E. Wood
November 17, 2010
While coming to a close in reading, "The Holy Spirit" by John Owen, the following words came to mind.
Oh what dangers are a lurking
If we think to kill a sin,
If by faith we're not abiding
In the truth of Christ within.
So beyond imaginations
Or emotional sense: Appeal
To the love of Christ shown for us
By His death upon the hill.
For by means of death He changed us
To pursue by faith His purpose
To bring honor to the Father
That extends beyond the surface
Of a life lived only outward
By His Mighty Spirit in
Hearts that know Him to be Holy
As He speaks now peace within.
Though my love now fails to offer
All unto His perfect will,
Yet I cling unto His promise
More like Christ He'll make me still.
Thus with courage I now grapple
Strengthened by His Spirit's might
That in all things I may seek Him
And be pleasing in His sight!
November 17, 2010
While coming to a close in reading, "The Holy Spirit" by John Owen, the following words came to mind.
Oh what dangers are a lurking
If we think to kill a sin,
If by faith we're not abiding
In the truth of Christ within.
So beyond imaginations
Or emotional sense: Appeal
To the love of Christ shown for us
By His death upon the hill.
For by means of death He changed us
To pursue by faith His purpose
To bring honor to the Father
That extends beyond the surface
Of a life lived only outward
By His Mighty Spirit in
Hearts that know Him to be Holy
As He speaks now peace within.
Though my love now fails to offer
All unto His perfect will,
Yet I cling unto His promise
More like Christ He'll make me still.
Thus with courage I now grapple
Strengthened by His Spirit's might
That in all things I may seek Him
And be pleasing in His sight!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
You Give Us the Faith
Michael E. Wood
November 19, 2010
It is of a surety that God leads His dear children by the continual washing of the water of His Word by the power of His indwelling Spirit uniting our hearts as one to fear His Name. The following poem comes from a culmination of expositional preaching from the Beacon Baptist pulpit through the book of 2nd Peter, a reminder from a Wednesday night Bible study at Immanuel Baptist (2nd Peter 1:5-7), a small group study led by an elder from Soaring Oaks through the book of Galatians (Galatians 3:11-18), along with thoughts by John Owen on The Work of The Holy Spirit.
Oh help us to know our propensities,
That we may know more the immensity
Of Your Almighty Sovereign grace
Which caused us to know and to seek Your face.
Being made righteous, it's now evident
You gave us the faith to believe and repent.
As this is the way of our life now anew,
Oh help by Your Spirit, in all to please You.
For Christ hath redeemed from the curse of the law,
Fulfilling all written for those You would call.
In Jesus to know and receive the great blessing
You promised to Abraham. Now we're confessing
We need You more daily, so humbly we plead
And trust through Christ Jesus, You'll meet every need.
As offspring we thank You for our inheritance.
Your Spirit through Christ gives more repentance--
That holy and righteous forever we'll be;
Conformed to His image as to Him we flee.
November 19, 2010
It is of a surety that God leads His dear children by the continual washing of the water of His Word by the power of His indwelling Spirit uniting our hearts as one to fear His Name. The following poem comes from a culmination of expositional preaching from the Beacon Baptist pulpit through the book of 2nd Peter, a reminder from a Wednesday night Bible study at Immanuel Baptist (2nd Peter 1:5-7), a small group study led by an elder from Soaring Oaks through the book of Galatians (Galatians 3:11-18), along with thoughts by John Owen on The Work of The Holy Spirit.
Oh help us to know our propensities,
That we may know more the immensity
Of Your Almighty Sovereign grace
Which caused us to know and to seek Your face.
Being made righteous, it's now evident
You gave us the faith to believe and repent.
As this is the way of our life now anew,
Oh help by Your Spirit, in all to please You.
For Christ hath redeemed from the curse of the law,
Fulfilling all written for those You would call.
In Jesus to know and receive the great blessing
You promised to Abraham. Now we're confessing
We need You more daily, so humbly we plead
And trust through Christ Jesus, You'll meet every need.
As offspring we thank You for our inheritance.
Your Spirit through Christ gives more repentance--
That holy and righteous forever we'll be;
Conformed to His image as to Him we flee.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
The Tests of Life--Our Soul Refines
Michael E. Wood
November 18, 2010
As Pastor Robert Briggs of Immanuel Baptist in Sacramento, California was closing out a message on "The Reality of Challenges with Spiritual Immaturity", he read from 2nd Peter 1:5-9.
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 2 Peter 1:5-9
This took me back in time while at Beacon Baptist as Pastor Barkman began preaching through this book of the Bible, and the following thoughts came to mind. The first stanza was written during the devotional message during prayer meeting with its conclusion finalized later at home.
Much easier now to say the words,
Than live them when the test occurs.
Which tempt us to remove our gaze,
From Him Who saved by grace amazed.
And thus our God in love reminds,
The tests of life our soul refines;
To cause us to dig deeper still
Into His Word to know His will.
For we are not made perfect yet.
So firmly let our minds be set
On all He shows that pleases Him.
Oh, Praise His Name with all of them
That He has chosen to behold
His face more precious than was told.
November 18, 2010
As Pastor Robert Briggs of Immanuel Baptist in Sacramento, California was closing out a message on "The Reality of Challenges with Spiritual Immaturity", he read from 2nd Peter 1:5-9.
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 2 Peter 1:5-9
This took me back in time while at Beacon Baptist as Pastor Barkman began preaching through this book of the Bible, and the following thoughts came to mind. The first stanza was written during the devotional message during prayer meeting with its conclusion finalized later at home.
Much easier now to say the words,
Than live them when the test occurs.
Which tempt us to remove our gaze,
From Him Who saved by grace amazed.
And thus our God in love reminds,
The tests of life our soul refines;
To cause us to dig deeper still
Into His Word to know His will.
For we are not made perfect yet.
So firmly let our minds be set
On all He shows that pleases Him.
Oh, Praise His Name with all of them
That He has chosen to behold
His face more precious than was told.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
The Savior is Singing o'er me
Michael E. Wood
November 17, 2010
"The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing." Zephaniah 3:17
Having pondered this passage from time to time, it occurred to me while listening to a message preached by Reddit Andrews that my Savior was singing o'er me through the preaching of His Word. I cannot recall the content of the message, and perhaps some of it has to do with God's particular design for me, but there in the midst of worship it was as though the sermon had taken on the sound of music as Christ was exalted in His Beauty, for He has put a new song in my heart, even praise unto our God, many shall see it and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
As I think back over the last few years of my own life, God has used many of His servants, here below and those who have gone before us, to sound His praise and to exalt the glory of Christ through the faithful preaching of His Word--of which I trust He has used not only to bring forth the fruit of a life that has been changed for His glory; but, continues to be manifest in new songs and poems.
The Savior is singing o'er me.
His Word being preached joyfully.
With reverence projecting His Great Majesty,
My Savior is singing o'er me.
With reverence projecting His Great Majesty,
My Savior is singing o'er me.
On now hear His voice,
Who has made you His choice.
This grace upon us He has showered.
For His life He did give,
For His glory we live,
By His Spirit we now are empowered.
The Savior is singing o'er me.
His Word being preached faithfully.
God in man as He sits at the Father's right hand,
Interceding for all He commands.
Sometimes with rebukes
And sometimes with reproofs,
He speaks as He knows all my heart.
And yet patiently
As His love sets me free,
And from Him I shall never depart.
The Savior is singing o'er me.
His Word being preached joyfully.
With reverence projecting His Great Majesty,
My Savior is singing o'er me.
With reverence projecting His Great Majesty,
My Savior is singing o'er me.
With those gone before
We shall never ignore.
His sweet counsel He speaks from above.
Because of His cross
We will count all else loss,
As He answers all things in His love.
The Savior is singing o'er me.
His Word being preached faithfully.
God in man as He sits at the Father's right hand,
Interceding for all He commands.
November 17, 2010
"The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing." Zephaniah 3:17
Having pondered this passage from time to time, it occurred to me while listening to a message preached by Reddit Andrews that my Savior was singing o'er me through the preaching of His Word. I cannot recall the content of the message, and perhaps some of it has to do with God's particular design for me, but there in the midst of worship it was as though the sermon had taken on the sound of music as Christ was exalted in His Beauty, for He has put a new song in my heart, even praise unto our God, many shall see it and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
As I think back over the last few years of my own life, God has used many of His servants, here below and those who have gone before us, to sound His praise and to exalt the glory of Christ through the faithful preaching of His Word--of which I trust He has used not only to bring forth the fruit of a life that has been changed for His glory; but, continues to be manifest in new songs and poems.
The Savior is singing o'er me.
His Word being preached joyfully.
With reverence projecting His Great Majesty,
My Savior is singing o'er me.
With reverence projecting His Great Majesty,
My Savior is singing o'er me.
On now hear His voice,
Who has made you His choice.
This grace upon us He has showered.
For His life He did give,
For His glory we live,
By His Spirit we now are empowered.
The Savior is singing o'er me.
His Word being preached faithfully.
God in man as He sits at the Father's right hand,
Interceding for all He commands.
Sometimes with rebukes
And sometimes with reproofs,
He speaks as He knows all my heart.
And yet patiently
As His love sets me free,
And from Him I shall never depart.
The Savior is singing o'er me.
His Word being preached joyfully.
With reverence projecting His Great Majesty,
My Savior is singing o'er me.
With reverence projecting His Great Majesty,
My Savior is singing o'er me.
With those gone before
We shall never ignore.
His sweet counsel He speaks from above.
Because of His cross
We will count all else loss,
As He answers all things in His love.
The Savior is singing o'er me.
His Word being preached faithfully.
God in man as He sits at the Father's right hand,
Interceding for all He commands.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
We Boast Not in Self
Michael E. Wood
November 19, 2010
While pondering 2nd Corinthians 5:4-21, and having concluded what I thought would be simply a couple of paragraphs was enlarged while in the process of typing, and thus by the enabling power of His Spirit may God be merciful to use the simplicity and weakness of my own words to magnify His power. For our sake he made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.
God gave us His Spirit--The Guarantee;
That all which is mortal may swallowed be--
Up by life, though now we still groan;
Yet always good courage God gives to His own.
Though while in the body we have not arrived--
We make it our aim to please with each stride;
He Who Is Just to Whom we'll appear;
Receiving of Him of Whom we now fear.
For what we now are, to God is known.
Our hope to your conscience He has shown.
We boast not in self or outward appearance;
But only of Christ and heart adherence.
His glory alone has made us new creatures.
His love now controlling to take on His features.
And His ambassadors we have become,
As God, through us, directs to the Son.
Oh, now unto God be reconciled.
For life in this world is just for a while.
All else will be found to be empty and vain--
If you come not to Him In Jesus Name.
November 19, 2010
While pondering 2nd Corinthians 5:4-21, and having concluded what I thought would be simply a couple of paragraphs was enlarged while in the process of typing, and thus by the enabling power of His Spirit may God be merciful to use the simplicity and weakness of my own words to magnify His power. For our sake he made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.
God gave us His Spirit--The Guarantee;
That all which is mortal may swallowed be--
Up by life, though now we still groan;
Yet always good courage God gives to His own.
Though while in the body we have not arrived--
We make it our aim to please with each stride;
He Who Is Just to Whom we'll appear;
Receiving of Him of Whom we now fear.
For what we now are, to God is known.
Our hope to your conscience He has shown.
We boast not in self or outward appearance;
But only of Christ and heart adherence.
His glory alone has made us new creatures.
His love now controlling to take on His features.
And His ambassadors we have become,
As God, through us, directs to the Son.
Oh, now unto God be reconciled.
For life in this world is just for a while.
All else will be found to be empty and vain--
If you come not to Him In Jesus Name.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
To Be More Like Jesus
Michael E. Wood
November 6, 2010
While pondering Romans :26,27 and 2nd Corinthians 3 the following poem came to mind.
Your Spirit, Your permanent glory unfolds
To give us such hope wherein we are made bold.
Removing the hardness of minds which were veiled
When all on the cross through our Savior was nailed.
With words now unuttered Your Spirit now groans
Interceding now perfect By Christ Who atoned
Transforming our members to know of Your mind,
To be more like Jesus, Whose glory we find
Exceeds all the glory when bound by the law
Which held us then captive, and by it were awed.
This freedom You gave us, removing the curse
As we in our Savior our sins were immersed.
And buried by mercy beholding Your face,
We praise You in awe of Your glorious grace.
Now raised by Your Holy omnipotent call
To life everlasting, redeemed from the fall.
Oh help us Dear Father pursue all Your truth
Made faithful to show by indelible proof,
Commending ourselves to the conscience of men
That only through Jesus, Do You save from sin.
November 6, 2010
While pondering Romans :26,27 and 2nd Corinthians 3 the following poem came to mind.
Your Spirit, Your permanent glory unfolds
To give us such hope wherein we are made bold.
Removing the hardness of minds which were veiled
When all on the cross through our Savior was nailed.
With words now unuttered Your Spirit now groans
Interceding now perfect By Christ Who atoned
Transforming our members to know of Your mind,
To be more like Jesus, Whose glory we find
Exceeds all the glory when bound by the law
Which held us then captive, and by it were awed.
This freedom You gave us, removing the curse
As we in our Savior our sins were immersed.
And buried by mercy beholding Your face,
We praise You in awe of Your glorious grace.
Now raised by Your Holy omnipotent call
To life everlasting, redeemed from the fall.
Oh help us Dear Father pursue all Your truth
Made faithful to show by indelible proof,
Commending ourselves to the conscience of men
That only through Jesus, Do You save from sin.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
To Him We May Fly!
Michael E. Wood
November 2, 2010
The following thoughts were written while contemplating my granddaughter's third birthday. With her name being Tatum, she is often called Tater-bug by her mother.
My prayer for you my Tater-bug;
One day you'll learn to fly.
On eagles wings
Where all will sing
With joy in Christ on high.
How can this be, for bugs don't sing,
Unless transformed in heart.
To save our life
From sin and strife
Revealed in hidden parts:
As God the Holy Spirit,
The Father sent in love
Shines forth the light
Of Jesus Christ
Who came down from above.
Our sinless holy Savior
Lived how we could not.
And He alone
For sin atoned
And spoiled the devil's plot.
For that liar and that thief,
Thinks only how to rob
The glory due
To Christ in few.
My Savior and my God!
And so I beg you listen
To this wisdom from a worm,
Who wickedly
And willingly,
God's love and Word I spurned.
But He in love unspeakable
Removed my stony heart.
In mercy gave
His life to save
No more now to depart.
God's wrath was satisfied that day
As Christ did count the cost,
And shed His blood,
Redeeming flood
For all His, through the cross.
By Christ alone our nature is changed
That to Him we may fly.
This world we leave
And to Him cleave,
As Abba, Father we cry.
As so as birthdays gifts will fade,
Received when three years old,
I pray the truth,
Like that of Ruth,
Will always be to you told.
For nothing less than holiness
Will bring unto God the glory,
That's due His Name,
Proclaiming His fame,
The Treasure of Christ with great joy!
November 2, 2010
The following thoughts were written while contemplating my granddaughter's third birthday. With her name being Tatum, she is often called Tater-bug by her mother.
My prayer for you my Tater-bug;
One day you'll learn to fly.
On eagles wings
Where all will sing
With joy in Christ on high.
How can this be, for bugs don't sing,
Unless transformed in heart.
To save our life
From sin and strife
Revealed in hidden parts:
As God the Holy Spirit,
The Father sent in love
Shines forth the light
Of Jesus Christ
Who came down from above.
Our sinless holy Savior
Lived how we could not.
And He alone
For sin atoned
And spoiled the devil's plot.
For that liar and that thief,
Thinks only how to rob
The glory due
To Christ in few.
My Savior and my God!
And so I beg you listen
To this wisdom from a worm,
Who wickedly
And willingly,
God's love and Word I spurned.
But He in love unspeakable
Removed my stony heart.
In mercy gave
His life to save
No more now to depart.
God's wrath was satisfied that day
As Christ did count the cost,
And shed His blood,
Redeeming flood
For all His, through the cross.
By Christ alone our nature is changed
That to Him we may fly.
This world we leave
And to Him cleave,
As Abba, Father we cry.
As so as birthdays gifts will fade,
Received when three years old,
I pray the truth,
Like that of Ruth,
Will always be to you told.
For nothing less than holiness
Will bring unto God the glory,
That's due His Name,
Proclaiming His fame,
The Treasure of Christ with great joy!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Every Blade of Grass!
Michael E. Wood
November 1, 2010
In "Lecture to My Students", Charles Spurgeon addresses an issue entitled "To Workers with Slender Apparatus". In this chapter he speaks to those which have a relatively small library from which to draw the wisdom that comes from God. Having been blessed beyond measure with more books than I will possibly ever read in this life time, I find great delight in these words which come from that chapter, as well.
"In having time for meditation, you will be even better off than your brethren with many books and little space for quiet contemplation."
November 1, 2010
In "Lecture to My Students", Charles Spurgeon addresses an issue entitled "To Workers with Slender Apparatus". In this chapter he speaks to those which have a relatively small library from which to draw the wisdom that comes from God. Having been blessed beyond measure with more books than I will possibly ever read in this life time, I find great delight in these words which come from that chapter, as well.
"In having time for meditation, you will be even better off than your brethren with many books and little space for quiet contemplation."
"Without books a man may learn much by keeping his eyes open."
"Every flower is waiting to teach you."
"Sermons glisten in the morning on every blade of grass, and homilies fly by you as the sere leaves fall from the trees."
"Go, thou who hast thine eyes opened, and find lessons of wisdom everywhere, in heaven above, in the earth beneath, and in the waters under the earth. Books are poor things compared with these."
While I am thankful for those who are far better than I in discipline and understanding to read, comprehend, and articulate the things which are given them from on high unto the praise and glory of our Most Awesome God , I continue to rejoice in the things He gives me in some of the simplicities of this life of which I trust He will use by the power of His Spirit to declare the truth of Who He Is to those He sends me.
How strange it seems that in October
Grass begins to grow,
Held back by the season of great drought
Californians have come to know,
To be the typical time of year
The rains begin to fall
And every tender blade comes forth
As from on high they're called
To show the temp'ral glory
Of all men born in their sin
And yet they bear the image of our God,
Creator of men.
And every blade cries forth the glory
Of our Almighty God
Who formed us for Himself like grass,
From dust, like earthen sod.
And many may produce in vain
Like splendid glorious flowers
While blessed by common grace from God
Sent down like wondrous showers.
But when the sun arises
With its scorching burning heat,
All grass will wither as before;
Flowers fall before the seat
Of Him Who Is The One True Judge
Of all the works of men,
And only those born from above
Through Christ, Who did condescend,
And took upon Himself our form
And bore the wrath due us.
Appointed by The Father,
A throng to join the chorus
Unto the glorious praise of Him
Who saves us by His grace,
As we through Sovereign mercy
See the light in Jesus' face.
And thus as all the seasons
Of this life are in God's hands
In faithfulness He sows His seed
Of Christ in all the lands,
Which will bring forth the fruit;
Eternal life, unto His praise,
Through Christ alone, Who by His Spirit
From the dead was raised.
Good news is shouted forth to all
He giveth ears to hear it
And eyes to see with hearts made new
By God , The Holy Spirit.
For as the grass springs forth
To show the promise of life anew.
The question is, "Do you know God?"
Far better, "Has He known you?"
(This was read aloud on November 12, 2010 at the "Open Mic" of the California Writer's Club held at Barnes and Nobles bookstore.)
Monday, November 22, 2010
Help Us Not To Trifle
Michael E. Wood
October 31, 2010
Having begun this Lord's day around 4:30a.m., visiting two churches, spending the afternoon with an elder and his family from one of them, Dianna and I found ourselves exhausted and spent the evening watching Word Pictures from Cross T.V. featuring Mark Keilar. Having fallen asleep while in the midst of watching, I awoke to Mark quoting Charles Spurgeon using the word "trifling". This word is defined as spending ones time idly or ineffectively. And thus the following words came to mind.
O help us not to trifle
With this life You've given us,
But seek You and be pleasing
In those things which are a must!
O help us to redeem the time
By spending all we can
By the power of Your Spirit
In Your Word, lest sinking sand
Be the stuff we build upon
Which will not stand the test,
But wholly trust in Jesus Name
By Whom You've given rest.
O help us live unto the honor
Of Your highest calling
And pursue with all our strength,
Tis You which keeps from falling.
With thankful hearts You've given us
And all before You lay
In humbleness our very best
Until the final day
In which You'll show the metal
By which all on earth was done
As only faith more precious
Than all gold, with vict'ry won,
Will manifest Your glory
As our all to You we owe
With all our praise perfected
As then You we'll fully know!
October 31, 2010
Having begun this Lord's day around 4:30a.m., visiting two churches, spending the afternoon with an elder and his family from one of them, Dianna and I found ourselves exhausted and spent the evening watching Word Pictures from Cross T.V. featuring Mark Keilar. Having fallen asleep while in the midst of watching, I awoke to Mark quoting Charles Spurgeon using the word "trifling". This word is defined as spending ones time idly or ineffectively. And thus the following words came to mind.
O help us not to trifle
With this life You've given us,
But seek You and be pleasing
In those things which are a must!
O help us to redeem the time
By spending all we can
By the power of Your Spirit
In Your Word, lest sinking sand
Be the stuff we build upon
Which will not stand the test,
But wholly trust in Jesus Name
By Whom You've given rest.
O help us live unto the honor
Of Your highest calling
And pursue with all our strength,
Tis You which keeps from falling.
With thankful hearts You've given us
And all before You lay
In humbleness our very best
Until the final day
In which You'll show the metal
By which all on earth was done
As only faith more precious
Than all gold, with vict'ry won,
Will manifest Your glory
As our all to You we owe
With all our praise perfected
As then You we'll fully know!
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Let Patience Have Her Full Effect!
Michael E. Wood
October 29, 2010
While contemplating the difficulty we have found in finding a church home in this place called California without compromising convictions of what we believe to be clear teaching of scripture on secondary issues of the faith, or having to sign documents which contain rather legalistic sounding requirements for membership, which appear to be on paper only; but not adhered to by the actual members of the church; the following came to mind.
My brothers count now all with joy
The trials of various kinds
You face as God will use them,
Testing faith and steadfast minds.
Let patience have her full effect.
Grow perfect and entire.
For Christ has raised you from the pit
With Him from deepest mire.
And if you lack the wisdom
That you need for each new day,
Then ask of God, Who liberally
Gives all through Christ, The Way!
For every good and perfect gift
Which comes down from above,
Our Father gives Who changes not
And answers out of love.
I'm starting to really feel like a missionary in a foreign land. Praising the Lord for a good home church (in North Carolina) and modern technology.
October 29, 2010
While contemplating the difficulty we have found in finding a church home in this place called California without compromising convictions of what we believe to be clear teaching of scripture on secondary issues of the faith, or having to sign documents which contain rather legalistic sounding requirements for membership, which appear to be on paper only; but not adhered to by the actual members of the church; the following came to mind.
My brothers count now all with joy
The trials of various kinds
You face as God will use them,
Testing faith and steadfast minds.
Let patience have her full effect.
Grow perfect and entire.
For Christ has raised you from the pit
With Him from deepest mire.
And if you lack the wisdom
That you need for each new day,
Then ask of God, Who liberally
Gives all through Christ, The Way!
For every good and perfect gift
Which comes down from above,
Our Father gives Who changes not
And answers out of love.
I'm starting to really feel like a missionary in a foreign land. Praising the Lord for a good home church (in North Carolina) and modern technology.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
What Joy We Shall Behold!
Being at times rebuked in my own heart and mind, by a lack of progress and desire that in all things Christ might have the preeminence, I find comfort in the words spoken by the apostle Paul as written to the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae. (Col.2:2) "that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ"
One of the means of comprehending what "full assurance" entails is to understand the doctrine of true repentance.
"Repentance is a continual spring, where the waters of godly sorrow are always flowing. A sound penitent is still a-turning nearer and nearer to God; he is still a-turning further and further from sin. This makes the penitent soul to sigh and mourn that he get no nearer to God, that he get no further from sin, The work of repentance is not the work of an hour, a day, a year, but the work of this life."
"Next to my being kept from sin, I count it the greatest mercy in the world to be still a-mourning over sin, says the penitent soul. The penitent soul never ceases repenting till he ceases living."
"If thy repentance do not work thee out with thy sins, and thy sins work thee out of love with thyself, thy repentance is not that repentance that accompanies salvation."
Thomas Brooks-Heaven on Earth
(Sung to the tune of How Deep the Father's Love for Us - with a slight variation in melody)
O Father how my heart doth cry,
My sin that doth offend Thee.
But Christ has died to satisfy
Thy wrath which would consume me.
For He has shed His precious blood,
Atoned to show Your promise.
Your Spirit sent to dwell within.
Without His robes upon us.
Now justified I come to You,
By grace through faith You gave me.
For Christ did rise to magnify
Thy love which apprehends Thee.
For greater love has no man shown,
This gift not one deserveth.
Your faithfulness for all to see,
Your mercy now preserveth.
Your patience now enthralls my heart,
Repentance gave to please Thee.
More love You speak through all Your words
By which Your power transforms me.
That I a living sacrifice
Be used to tell the story
Of Jesus and the cross He bore
Til with You then in glory.
When You shall wipe away all tears
What joy we shall behold then.
For Christ has conquered all our fears,
You've chosen out of all men.
What glory shall be then displayed
By all you have appointed,
To magnify the precious name
Of Christ, our Lord, Anointed!
Oh may I now with mortal tongue
And life show honor to Thee,
For all You Are, I want and need,
Tis grace by which You Own me.
Though none can show the magnitude
Your worth, by word or action
May You be pleased to show in me,
You Are my Satisfaction!
Michael E. Wood
October 20, 2010
"God is most glorified in us, when we are most satisfied in Him."
John Piper
One of the means of comprehending what "full assurance" entails is to understand the doctrine of true repentance.
"Repentance is a continual spring, where the waters of godly sorrow are always flowing. A sound penitent is still a-turning nearer and nearer to God; he is still a-turning further and further from sin. This makes the penitent soul to sigh and mourn that he get no nearer to God, that he get no further from sin, The work of repentance is not the work of an hour, a day, a year, but the work of this life."
"Next to my being kept from sin, I count it the greatest mercy in the world to be still a-mourning over sin, says the penitent soul. The penitent soul never ceases repenting till he ceases living."
"If thy repentance do not work thee out with thy sins, and thy sins work thee out of love with thyself, thy repentance is not that repentance that accompanies salvation."
Thomas Brooks-Heaven on Earth
(Sung to the tune of How Deep the Father's Love for Us - with a slight variation in melody)
O Father how my heart doth cry,
My sin that doth offend Thee.
But Christ has died to satisfy
Thy wrath which would consume me.
For He has shed His precious blood,
Atoned to show Your promise.
Your Spirit sent to dwell within.
Without His robes upon us.
Now justified I come to You,
By grace through faith You gave me.
For Christ did rise to magnify
Thy love which apprehends Thee.
For greater love has no man shown,
This gift not one deserveth.
Your faithfulness for all to see,
Your mercy now preserveth.
Your patience now enthralls my heart,
Repentance gave to please Thee.
More love You speak through all Your words
By which Your power transforms me.
That I a living sacrifice
Be used to tell the story
Of Jesus and the cross He bore
Til with You then in glory.
When You shall wipe away all tears
What joy we shall behold then.
For Christ has conquered all our fears,
You've chosen out of all men.
What glory shall be then displayed
By all you have appointed,
To magnify the precious name
Of Christ, our Lord, Anointed!
Oh may I now with mortal tongue
And life show honor to Thee,
For all You Are, I want and need,
Tis grace by which You Own me.
Though none can show the magnitude
Your worth, by word or action
May You be pleased to show in me,
You Are my Satisfaction!
Michael E. Wood
October 20, 2010
"God is most glorified in us, when we are most satisfied in Him."
John Piper
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Born of the Secret Garden
As most mornings go, Dianna and I spend a little time reading from the Word of God together, as she prepares for work. We walk together to the car just before sunrise and have a few moments of prayer before she drives off.
At this time of year, though you cannot see them, you can hear the sound of turkeys, blue jays, and hawks. Having read from 1st Kings 8:22-66, our hearts were made especially tender in worship and praise to our Lord for that which He has done and for the glorious promise of what He shall do in the future. What a glorious Father we have, who provides for us that which we have need of as each day requires. What a beautiful picture we are given in this passage of the true worship of our God and King as saints assemble to the glory of God with the result being: "...they blessed the king and went to their homes joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that the LORD had shown to David and to Israel his people."(8:66)
As our Lord Jesus Christ is our King and we are His people, we rejoice in the goodness of our Father in heaven in providing His church with such a feast to partake of as we gather together to hear the Word of God being preached by the power of His Spirit unto the praise of the glory of His grace. For a greater than Solomon has come, we delight in the sound of His voice, and with gladness of heart we look forward to His return. The following song was written as a reflection of these things. It is song to a "southern gospel" type melody.
Turkeys and blue jays and hawks.
Sweet sounds from our early morn walks.
Sounding praise for the light,
As we live in God's sight.
Oh what joy He doth give with delight!
Sounding praise for the light,
As we live in God's sight.
Oh what joy He doth give with delight!
Our Father provideth with food.
We gather regardless of mood.
For His Word is a lamp,
Giving light in our camp,
And His Spirit our seal and His stamp.
For His Word is a lamp,
Giving light in our camp,
And His Spirit our seal and His stamp.
What love He has shown from above,
For we are His wife and His dove.
Sweet apple of eye,
From our hearts to Him cry,
And one day we will unto Him fly.
Sweet apple of eye,
From our hearts to Him cry,
And one day we will unto Him fly.
And all will be sweet glory there.
Adorned all in white, we shall wear,
The robes He did give,
In His presence to live.
Hallelujah! Our sins He forgives!
The robes He did give,
In His presence to live.
Hallelujah! Our sins He forgives!
Because of the blood of the lamb,
As our Father provided the Ram!
Unto Jesus we sing,
Both our Savior and King,
Sacrifice of our hearts to Him bring!
Unto Jesus we sing,
Both our Savior and King,
Sacrifice of our hearts to Him bring!
Michael E. Wood
October 14, 2010
At this time of year, though you cannot see them, you can hear the sound of turkeys, blue jays, and hawks. Having read from 1st Kings 8:22-66, our hearts were made especially tender in worship and praise to our Lord for that which He has done and for the glorious promise of what He shall do in the future. What a glorious Father we have, who provides for us that which we have need of as each day requires. What a beautiful picture we are given in this passage of the true worship of our God and King as saints assemble to the glory of God with the result being: "...they blessed the king and went to their homes joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that the LORD had shown to David and to Israel his people."(8:66)
As our Lord Jesus Christ is our King and we are His people, we rejoice in the goodness of our Father in heaven in providing His church with such a feast to partake of as we gather together to hear the Word of God being preached by the power of His Spirit unto the praise of the glory of His grace. For a greater than Solomon has come, we delight in the sound of His voice, and with gladness of heart we look forward to His return. The following song was written as a reflection of these things. It is song to a "southern gospel" type melody.
Turkeys and blue jays and hawks.
Sweet sounds from our early morn walks.
Sounding praise for the light,
As we live in God's sight.
Oh what joy He doth give with delight!
Sounding praise for the light,
As we live in God's sight.
Oh what joy He doth give with delight!
Our Father provideth with food.
We gather regardless of mood.
For His Word is a lamp,
Giving light in our camp,
And His Spirit our seal and His stamp.
For His Word is a lamp,
Giving light in our camp,
And His Spirit our seal and His stamp.
What love He has shown from above,
For we are His wife and His dove.
Sweet apple of eye,
From our hearts to Him cry,
And one day we will unto Him fly.
Sweet apple of eye,
From our hearts to Him cry,
And one day we will unto Him fly.
And all will be sweet glory there.
Adorned all in white, we shall wear,
The robes He did give,
In His presence to live.
Hallelujah! Our sins He forgives!
The robes He did give,
In His presence to live.
Hallelujah! Our sins He forgives!
Because of the blood of the lamb,
As our Father provided the Ram!
Unto Jesus we sing,
Both our Savior and King,
Sacrifice of our hearts to Him bring!
Unto Jesus we sing,
Both our Savior and King,
Sacrifice of our hearts to Him bring!
Michael E. Wood
October 14, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
To Proclaim Your Glory!
While preparing to go to the "Open Mic" at Jericho Coffee to sing, I came to this passage in Ezekiel 36:22-38. "Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord GOD: It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations to which you came. And I will vindicate the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, and which you have profaned among them. And the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Lord GOD, when through you I vindicate my holiness before their eyes. I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries and bring you into your own land. I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall be my people, and I will be your God."
Having read and considered, along with continuing in "Communion with God", by John Owen, the following poem was written. With hope of the opportunity to read the poem in lieu of a song, I took it with me. Upon arriving, I was asked to be first up and to open with prayer. Normally I don't particularly like going first, but on this occasion, I was pleased to be allowed of the Lord, not only to sing, but to read verses 22-28, the poem and pray.
Do we too often look unto men
And thus Your Holy Spirit offend?
Yet softly You speak in drawing us near
To approach Your throne with meekness and fear.
Oh brighten our eye, partaking of honey,
You give so sweet without price or money.
Your feast of fat things, purchase of Christ.
In all that You Are, The One Holy Thrice.
On You we can count, our God Who prevails,
Delighting in mercy, Your grace never fails.
To give us so freely of that which we need
To proclaim of Your glory, of which we now plead.
For that is our joy for which we now look
And hold to the Promise, You give in Your Book.
For the sake of Your Name, a most holy thing,
You'll do through Christ only, our Lord and our King!
Michael E. Wood
October 8, 2010
Having read and considered, along with continuing in "Communion with God", by John Owen, the following poem was written. With hope of the opportunity to read the poem in lieu of a song, I took it with me. Upon arriving, I was asked to be first up and to open with prayer. Normally I don't particularly like going first, but on this occasion, I was pleased to be allowed of the Lord, not only to sing, but to read verses 22-28, the poem and pray.
Do we too often look unto men
And thus Your Holy Spirit offend?
Yet softly You speak in drawing us near
To approach Your throne with meekness and fear.
Oh brighten our eye, partaking of honey,
You give so sweet without price or money.
Your feast of fat things, purchase of Christ.
In all that You Are, The One Holy Thrice.
On You we can count, our God Who prevails,
Delighting in mercy, Your grace never fails.
To give us so freely of that which we need
To proclaim of Your glory, of which we now plead.
For that is our joy for which we now look
And hold to the Promise, You give in Your Book.
For the sake of Your Name, a most holy thing,
You'll do through Christ only, our Lord and our King!
Michael E. Wood
October 8, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
I have seen much of my own stupidity...
Do you ever feel frustrated in talking with others concerning the truth of the Gospel, and yet rejoice in the opportunity to speak, knowing that God will bless His Word by the power of His Spirit to bring forth fruit unto the praise of the glory of His grace?
In "Lectures to My Students" Charles Spurgeon makes the statement, "I have seen very much my own stupidity while in conversation with seeking souls. I have been baffled by a poor lad while trying to bring him to the Savior; I thought I had him fast, but he has eluded me again and again with perverse ingenuity of unbelief. Sometimes enquirers who are really anxious surprise me with their singular skill in battling against hope; their arguments are endless and their difficulties countless. They put us to a non plus again and again. The grace of God at last enables us to bring them to the light, but not until we have seen our own inefficiency."
How encouraging it is to read the honesty of a man such as Spurgeon concerning our dependence upon God, for the souls of men. To sow the seed in utter dependence upon the Holy Spirit of God to convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment, and to glorify Christ.
Oh God of glory, One so Great;
Oh give me words to articulate--
Your wondrous Beauty and Your Worth,
To all You send me on the earth.
Tis You alone, Who justifies
The ungodly, that we may magnify
The fullness of Your Almighty Love
Beyond our thoughts with You above.
You are our Source of Infinite Wisdom
To guide us through our fleeting days.
For You alone are God so Holy
And yet You made us for Your praise.
Michael E. Wood
October 6, 2010
In "Lectures to My Students" Charles Spurgeon makes the statement, "I have seen very much my own stupidity while in conversation with seeking souls. I have been baffled by a poor lad while trying to bring him to the Savior; I thought I had him fast, but he has eluded me again and again with perverse ingenuity of unbelief. Sometimes enquirers who are really anxious surprise me with their singular skill in battling against hope; their arguments are endless and their difficulties countless. They put us to a non plus again and again. The grace of God at last enables us to bring them to the light, but not until we have seen our own inefficiency."
How encouraging it is to read the honesty of a man such as Spurgeon concerning our dependence upon God, for the souls of men. To sow the seed in utter dependence upon the Holy Spirit of God to convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment, and to glorify Christ.
Oh God of glory, One so Great;
Oh give me words to articulate--
Your wondrous Beauty and Your Worth,
To all You send me on the earth.
Tis You alone, Who justifies
The ungodly, that we may magnify
The fullness of Your Almighty Love
Beyond our thoughts with You above.
You are our Source of Infinite Wisdom
To guide us through our fleeting days.
For You alone are God so Holy
And yet You made us for Your praise.
Michael E. Wood
October 6, 2010
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Victory Won!
While reading Communion with God, by John Owen, I came to the chapter entitled, "The Nature of the Grace which Christ Purchased", and the following words came to mind.
His death on the cross
Removed sin and it's guilt.
Acceptance with God
Through Christ we are built.
His perfect obedience
Now reckoned to us,
In God's sight alone
Our Sure righteousness.
Oh Father on You
Our souls are dependent.
Your offspring through Christ
Though Adam's descendant.
For unto Your praise
As Your church interlinked.
Your walls of salvation
Which never will sink.
Your Spirit indwelling
By which You now guide
To the praise of Christ Jesus
In Whom we now hide.
Habitual grace
Is now given to us,
Opposed to the nature
That's in us of lust.
Actual ability
You have given to do
All things by Your Spirit
And pleasing to You.
And thus by the purchase
Of Your Holy Son,
Adopted, our priv'ledge
And victory won!
Michael E. Wood
October 4, 2010
His death on the cross
Removed sin and it's guilt.
Acceptance with God
Through Christ we are built.
His perfect obedience
Now reckoned to us,
In God's sight alone
Our Sure righteousness.
Oh Father on You
Our souls are dependent.
Your offspring through Christ
Though Adam's descendant.
For unto Your praise
As Your church interlinked.
Your walls of salvation
Which never will sink.
Your Spirit indwelling
By which You now guide
To the praise of Christ Jesus
In Whom we now hide.
Habitual grace
Is now given to us,
Opposed to the nature
That's in us of lust.
Actual ability
You have given to do
All things by Your Spirit
And pleasing to You.
And thus by the purchase
Of Your Holy Son,
Adopted, our priv'ledge
And victory won!
Michael E. Wood
October 4, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
For though now He pruneth...
I Am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. John 15:1,2 (ESV)
As I watched what I first thought to be the pruning of a fruiting mulberry tree take place, the words of this poem came to mind. The tree itself was actually cut all the way to the ground, for the purpose of keeping the roots from growing to the point of causing damage to the sidewalk which leads to our apartment entrance. Dianna and I were saddened to see it go, as we had enjoyed watching the squirrels and birds eat from it, and had partaken of the fruit ourselves.
From the vantage point of our balcony above, we could see that our capacity to see things below had broadened. Thus I am reminded that we are to continually look to the LORD, to see things from His perspective. It is of His prerogative to do with us as He will, and as He has designed us to bring forth fruit unto His glory, He will use others, even the hands of evil men to make us like Christ.
For though now He pruneth
By hands of men sent.
Through sadness He gladdens.
We shall not relent.
Through loss He doth increase
Our most ultimate joy.
His love worketh all
For our good and His glory.
We praise Him for all
Of His fruit in His season
To increase our vision
Delight in His reason.
Though our sins are like scarlet,
We so gladly confess
That Jesus our Root
Is our sole Righteousness.
So as He protects
All in those He invests,
We gladly will praise Him,
As in He Who knows best.
Michael E. Wood
October 1, 2010
As I watched what I first thought to be the pruning of a fruiting mulberry tree take place, the words of this poem came to mind. The tree itself was actually cut all the way to the ground, for the purpose of keeping the roots from growing to the point of causing damage to the sidewalk which leads to our apartment entrance. Dianna and I were saddened to see it go, as we had enjoyed watching the squirrels and birds eat from it, and had partaken of the fruit ourselves.
From the vantage point of our balcony above, we could see that our capacity to see things below had broadened. Thus I am reminded that we are to continually look to the LORD, to see things from His perspective. It is of His prerogative to do with us as He will, and as He has designed us to bring forth fruit unto His glory, He will use others, even the hands of evil men to make us like Christ.
For though now He pruneth
By hands of men sent.
Through sadness He gladdens.
We shall not relent.
Through loss He doth increase
Our most ultimate joy.
His love worketh all
For our good and His glory.
We praise Him for all
Of His fruit in His season
To increase our vision
Delight in His reason.
Though our sins are like scarlet,
We so gladly confess
That Jesus our Root
Is our sole Righteousness.
So as He protects
All in those He invests,
We gladly will praise Him,
As in He Who knows best.
Michael E. Wood
October 1, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
I'm Free!
Psalm 61:11,12 Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God, and to You O LORD, belongs steadfast love. For You will render to a man according to his work.
Isaiah 60:21,22 Your people shall be all righteous; they shall possess the land forever, the Branch of my planting, the work of My hands, that I might be glorified. The least one shall become a clan, and the smallest one a mighty nation; I AM THE LORD; in it's time I will hasten it.
Job 34:10,11 Therefore, hear Me you men of understanding: far be it from God that He should do wickedness, and from The Almighty that He should do wrong. For according to the work of a man He will repay him, and according to his ways He will make it befall him.
While contemplating these passages along with witnessing the cutting down of a fruiting mulberry tree out side our apartment I was given two new poems to write, but as I began to type I was reminded of the almighty work of God in my heart.
While reading in the book of Job, I was reminded of a time not too many years hence in which God used this selfsame book to reveal to me my absolute helpless and hopeless estate. Having gone to this book looking for comfort in the midst of having a professed faith in Christ for 31 years, I was living with more of what I have come to know as an antinomian mindset in open, flagrant, disregard for the name and glory of Christ in my self-deception and ignorance. While thinking I was trying to do the "right thing" I found myself being crushed under a load of guilt. As I read of the many false accusations attributed to Job, all I could hear within was "Guilty!", "Guilty!", "Guilty as charged!" If I hadn't done it, I had thought it, and the Sovereign God of all creation knows my thoughts. Having called a friend of mine, by the name of Bob Joyce and after having confessed in detail many of the sins of my life, I said, "Bob, I feel like I am as lost as I can be and there is no hope. Would you pray for me?"
I do not remember the exact words that he said, but his response was something like this, "If there is no hope, what do I pray for? Do you not understand that the Bible says that when Jesus went to the cross, he became sin, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. In our place, Jesus, the sinless Son of God, became the worst adulterer, the worst murderer, the worst thief, the worst liar and anything else you can think of. He suffered the full force of the wrath of God, shed his blood, made the atonement, and thereby made us acceptable to God."
Though I had understood intellectually many things of the Bible including the doctrines of grace, having obtained two degrees and holding various positions over the years in "full time ministry", I had missed the truth of the gospel.
Understanding that in and of Himself, Christ was not capable of sin, yet He bore the sins of those given to Him of the Father, that he might redeem us from all unrighteousness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession who are zealous for good works. He was buried for our offenses and raised again for our justification. The Holy Spirit having made this application to our hearts and minds, birthed us into the family of God by faith and repentance, in conjunction with the unmerited love of God the Father manifested through His mercy and grace shown and given to us through Christ Jesus the Lord for His Own glory.
Some times I think back over all that has transpired over the years since I first professed faith in Christ in 1974, knowing of the many things of which there was an outward show of Christianity, and in many ways was far more zealous than many of my peers, and yet there was the lack of understanding in the very core and heart of my being that Christ alone for sin atoned! Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Through reading Spiritual Affections by Johnathan Edwards I have come to understand there are countless ways in which a person may have and display a type of spiritual understanding and possibly be used of God to show the way to others and yet not be born again. The truth is, a person may experience a number of "enlightenment's" and never truly taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh how many are there that follow the Lord for temporal gain and are blinded to the eternal weight of glory due to Christ alone, trusting in a type of faith that is not faith at all?
How many are there who trust in the teachings of men rather than the whole counsel of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit as He reveals Himself through the scriptures? How many are there who have professed faith in Christ, call themselves backsliders, and say and believe they will "get right with God" someday, who have never truly been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb? How many are there who do not understand that being a Christian is not something you do, but something that was done and you are, by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, to the glory of God alone?
That which is of the utmost importance is the testimony of Jesus Christ through the cross of Calvary to the glory of God the Father. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD. Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie!(Psalm 40:2-4)
Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift! Thanks be to God that He would save a helpless, hopeless, wretch like me. Thanks be to God that He by His Sovereignty watches over and orders every detail of our lives to bring many sons to glory. Thanks be to God that He works all things together for our good as He has called us to be conformed to the image of His Son; our past, our present, and our future, that in all things He may be glorified!
Far be it from God to ever do wrong.
The Infinite Almighty to ever do harm.
It is of His power to make of His sons
Like Jesus, His Image, all glorious ones.
Does it now matter if I am well known,
If by God's pleasure He hideth me?
For He Who Is Mighty condescended
And for His glory, redeemed; I'm free!
For He is my Treasure, All Glorious One!
I am my Beloveds and He Is mine.
To worship and praise Him for all He has done.
Oh then for joy, my soul shall resign.
For though now He pruneth, draws me close,
To provide fruit for all He doth choose.
To strengthen, empower, perfect for His will,
Hidden in Jesus, not one He will lose!
Michael E. Wood
October 1, 2010
Isaiah 60:21,22 Your people shall be all righteous; they shall possess the land forever, the Branch of my planting, the work of My hands, that I might be glorified. The least one shall become a clan, and the smallest one a mighty nation; I AM THE LORD; in it's time I will hasten it.
Job 34:10,11 Therefore, hear Me you men of understanding: far be it from God that He should do wickedness, and from The Almighty that He should do wrong. For according to the work of a man He will repay him, and according to his ways He will make it befall him.
While contemplating these passages along with witnessing the cutting down of a fruiting mulberry tree out side our apartment I was given two new poems to write, but as I began to type I was reminded of the almighty work of God in my heart.
While reading in the book of Job, I was reminded of a time not too many years hence in which God used this selfsame book to reveal to me my absolute helpless and hopeless estate. Having gone to this book looking for comfort in the midst of having a professed faith in Christ for 31 years, I was living with more of what I have come to know as an antinomian mindset in open, flagrant, disregard for the name and glory of Christ in my self-deception and ignorance. While thinking I was trying to do the "right thing" I found myself being crushed under a load of guilt. As I read of the many false accusations attributed to Job, all I could hear within was "Guilty!", "Guilty!", "Guilty as charged!" If I hadn't done it, I had thought it, and the Sovereign God of all creation knows my thoughts. Having called a friend of mine, by the name of Bob Joyce and after having confessed in detail many of the sins of my life, I said, "Bob, I feel like I am as lost as I can be and there is no hope. Would you pray for me?"
I do not remember the exact words that he said, but his response was something like this, "If there is no hope, what do I pray for? Do you not understand that the Bible says that when Jesus went to the cross, he became sin, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. In our place, Jesus, the sinless Son of God, became the worst adulterer, the worst murderer, the worst thief, the worst liar and anything else you can think of. He suffered the full force of the wrath of God, shed his blood, made the atonement, and thereby made us acceptable to God."
Though I had understood intellectually many things of the Bible including the doctrines of grace, having obtained two degrees and holding various positions over the years in "full time ministry", I had missed the truth of the gospel.
Understanding that in and of Himself, Christ was not capable of sin, yet He bore the sins of those given to Him of the Father, that he might redeem us from all unrighteousness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession who are zealous for good works. He was buried for our offenses and raised again for our justification. The Holy Spirit having made this application to our hearts and minds, birthed us into the family of God by faith and repentance, in conjunction with the unmerited love of God the Father manifested through His mercy and grace shown and given to us through Christ Jesus the Lord for His Own glory.
Some times I think back over all that has transpired over the years since I first professed faith in Christ in 1974, knowing of the many things of which there was an outward show of Christianity, and in many ways was far more zealous than many of my peers, and yet there was the lack of understanding in the very core and heart of my being that Christ alone for sin atoned! Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Through reading Spiritual Affections by Johnathan Edwards I have come to understand there are countless ways in which a person may have and display a type of spiritual understanding and possibly be used of God to show the way to others and yet not be born again. The truth is, a person may experience a number of "enlightenment's" and never truly taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh how many are there that follow the Lord for temporal gain and are blinded to the eternal weight of glory due to Christ alone, trusting in a type of faith that is not faith at all?
How many are there who trust in the teachings of men rather than the whole counsel of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit as He reveals Himself through the scriptures? How many are there who have professed faith in Christ, call themselves backsliders, and say and believe they will "get right with God" someday, who have never truly been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb? How many are there who do not understand that being a Christian is not something you do, but something that was done and you are, by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, to the glory of God alone?
That which is of the utmost importance is the testimony of Jesus Christ through the cross of Calvary to the glory of God the Father. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD. Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie!(Psalm 40:2-4)
Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift! Thanks be to God that He would save a helpless, hopeless, wretch like me. Thanks be to God that He by His Sovereignty watches over and orders every detail of our lives to bring many sons to glory. Thanks be to God that He works all things together for our good as He has called us to be conformed to the image of His Son; our past, our present, and our future, that in all things He may be glorified!
Far be it from God to ever do wrong.
The Infinite Almighty to ever do harm.
It is of His power to make of His sons
Like Jesus, His Image, all glorious ones.
Does it now matter if I am well known,
If by God's pleasure He hideth me?
For He Who Is Mighty condescended
And for His glory, redeemed; I'm free!
For He is my Treasure, All Glorious One!
I am my Beloveds and He Is mine.
To worship and praise Him for all He has done.
Oh then for joy, my soul shall resign.
For though now He pruneth, draws me close,
To provide fruit for all He doth choose.
To strengthen, empower, perfect for His will,
Hidden in Jesus, not one He will lose!
Michael E. Wood
October 1, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
"The Memory of the Righteous is a Blessing"
*Proverbs 10:7a
Upon contemplating the home going of Allen Vestal of whom I have known for nearly 40 years, I was at a lose for words initially; for how can we as men convey that which our hearts know and feel to the glory of God, and for the encouragement and comfort of others. And yet as we look to the God of all comfort, Who comforts us in all our tribulation, we trust that by the power of the Holy Spirit, Christ will be magnified through the weakness and smallness of our words and actions to will and to do of His good pleasure. Thus these thoughts came to mind--
Heaven never seems so near
Than when with grief we bear
The temp'ral lose of our beloved
Into our Father's care.
With joy we shall continue on
With hearts yet firmly fixed
In Christ alone in hope we live
With sorrows intermixed.
For though the pain we feel is real
Our love for Christ grows strong
And peace He gives, as Him we seek;
For His return we long.
How glorious then will that day be
When all with Him we'll be
And praise Him for the Life He gave
Through all eternity.
We thank You Father for new life
You gave to Allen Vestal.
Who now with You, his works complete
Will shine like stars celestial.
His character You formed and forged
Through all You brought in life,
And faithfulness in Christ displayed
Through grace against all strife.
Commending Your great mighty works
In his own generation,
Unto another, Your Majesty
You chose before creation.
And all will speak, pour forth the fame,
Of Your abundant goodness.
Give thanks to You, O LORD, our God,
Made righteous in Christ likeness. (John 3:1-3)
Michael E. Wood
October 26, 2010
Upon contemplating the home going of Allen Vestal of whom I have known for nearly 40 years, I was at a lose for words initially; for how can we as men convey that which our hearts know and feel to the glory of God, and for the encouragement and comfort of others. And yet as we look to the God of all comfort, Who comforts us in all our tribulation, we trust that by the power of the Holy Spirit, Christ will be magnified through the weakness and smallness of our words and actions to will and to do of His good pleasure. Thus these thoughts came to mind--
Heaven never seems so near
Than when with grief we bear
The temp'ral lose of our beloved
Into our Father's care.
With joy we shall continue on
With hearts yet firmly fixed
In Christ alone in hope we live
With sorrows intermixed.
For though the pain we feel is real
Our love for Christ grows strong
And peace He gives, as Him we seek;
For His return we long.
How glorious then will that day be
When all with Him we'll be
And praise Him for the Life He gave
Through all eternity.
We thank You Father for new life
You gave to Allen Vestal.
Who now with You, his works complete
Will shine like stars celestial.
His character You formed and forged
Through all You brought in life,
And faithfulness in Christ displayed
Through grace against all strife.
Commending Your great mighty works
In his own generation,
Unto another, Your Majesty
You chose before creation.
And all will speak, pour forth the fame,
Of Your abundant goodness.
Give thanks to You, O LORD, our God,
Made righteous in Christ likeness. (John 3:1-3)
Michael E. Wood
October 26, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
The Grace of His Lips!
Inspired by a message entitled, “God’s Assuring Love on Earth” (Roman 8:28-39) preached by Joel Beeke on October 10, 2010 during the Conference held at Covenant Reformed Church in Sacramento, California entitled The (Neglected) Doctrine of Assurance.
God, owner of all, accepted the payment
Christ made by His blood for our purchase.
When raised from the dead; our Savior and Head,
Ascended to Glory to serve us.
For there He now sits; and the grace of His lips,
Is poured by His Spirit upon us.
For no other love can ever compare
With that by which he makes righteous.
Oh, now our response, to all that He is
In glory and beauty of person—
Exceeds all His gifts; and great benefits
Through seasons of life that may worsen.
For none shall escape His great disciplines
By which all His sons are made Holy—
As all for our good, shall be understood;
By which we cry unto Him, Glory!
How worthy is He who once then endured
The hatred that sprang from our hearts—
By His sacrifice, He gave us new life;
And new hope to see past the parts—
Now hidden to us; as only in love
Could He change us, so wicked and vile—
To be like He is; in Heaven to live,
Unashamed then to look on His smile.
Michael E. Wood
October 11, 2010
God, owner of all, accepted the payment
Christ made by His blood for our purchase.
When raised from the dead; our Savior and Head,
Ascended to Glory to serve us.
For there He now sits; and the grace of His lips,
Is poured by His Spirit upon us.
For no other love can ever compare
With that by which he makes righteous.
Oh, now our response, to all that He is
In glory and beauty of person—
Exceeds all His gifts; and great benefits
Through seasons of life that may worsen.
For none shall escape His great disciplines
By which all His sons are made Holy—
As all for our good, shall be understood;
By which we cry unto Him, Glory!
How worthy is He who once then endured
The hatred that sprang from our hearts—
By His sacrifice, He gave us new life;
And new hope to see past the parts—
Now hidden to us; as only in love
Could He change us, so wicked and vile—
To be like He is; in Heaven to live,
Unashamed then to look on His smile.
Michael E. Wood
October 11, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
How Precious Are Your Thoughts to Me.
O how thankful I am for the Word of God, who became flesh, and dwells among us by faith in His blood. How thankful I am that He has given us His Spirit by which He leads us into all truth through His written Word, comforting, guarding and guiding us each day til we are with Him in glory. How wonderful is our Almighty God and Father, who loves us as His Own Son, and gives to us individually that which we have need of for our good and His glory.
While looking to Him and struggling for answers concerning other things; reading in Psalms 139, and 92, the following words with music came to mind:
How precious are Your thoughts to me--
O God how great the sum!
When I awake, I'm still with You
O Christ, the Risen One!
O search me God and know my heart,
You made of flesh from stone
For Jesus came and shed His blood
To make me all Your Own.
How wonderful, are all Your works
My soul knows very well.
For I was made in secret
When my life was bent toward hell.
Your eyes saw all my substance
When unformed, but in Your book--
All written, every single day
You changed with just one look.
You called my name and gave to me
A brand new set of eyes;
That I might look upon Your face
My everlasting Prize!
Oh make me more like Jesus
As You change my wicked ways--
From glory unto glory
Til with you at end of days.
Oh You who are my Sabbath,
How I thank You for Your grace;
For Christ alone for sin atoned
To see Your smiling face.
For You, O LORD, have made me glad--
Most High, Your praise to sing.
And joyfully shall all Your works
To You our offering bring.
Michael E. Wood
September 29, 2010
While looking to Him and struggling for answers concerning other things; reading in Psalms 139, and 92, the following words with music came to mind:
How precious are Your thoughts to me--
O God how great the sum!
When I awake, I'm still with You
O Christ, the Risen One!
O search me God and know my heart,
You made of flesh from stone
For Jesus came and shed His blood
To make me all Your Own.
How wonderful, are all Your works
My soul knows very well.
For I was made in secret
When my life was bent toward hell.
Your eyes saw all my substance
When unformed, but in Your book--
All written, every single day
You changed with just one look.
You called my name and gave to me
A brand new set of eyes;
That I might look upon Your face
My everlasting Prize!
Oh make me more like Jesus
As You change my wicked ways--
From glory unto glory
Til with you at end of days.
Oh You who are my Sabbath,
How I thank You for Your grace;
For Christ alone for sin atoned
To see Your smiling face.
For You, O LORD, have made me glad--
Most High, Your praise to sing.
And joyfully shall all Your works
To You our offering bring.
Michael E. Wood
September 29, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
To Magnify the Love of Christ!
Whereas the love of God has been the dominant theme of thought and encouragement in recent days, the following came to mind while viewing 1st Corinthians 13:1-7
If I had all knowledge;
Speak to angels and to men,
Without love I would be lost
For God I would offend.
For as a clanging cymbal
Or the sound of noisy gong,
With emptiness I would be filled,
True love not be my song.
And if prophetic powers
Were all mine and mysteries
And if all faith as mountains moved
Before me as one flees,
I would not yet then apprehend
The love by which God gave
His Son for me and nothing be
To Christ not then be clave.
If all I had I gave away,
My body to be burned,
But have not love, then nothing gained,
For God I would have spurned.
But Oh what joy Christ doth give
Through love that never ends.
For patiently His kindness shows
On Him I can depend.
For He removeth from me
All things of which my boast,
My envy, and my arrogance,
My way I craved the most.
My rudeness and resentfulness,
As irate in wrongdoing.
God undertook to put to death
Through Christ by His Own choosing.
Oh wondrous, matchless love of God
That rejoiceth with the Truth.
His love empowers us to bear
All things to show the proof--
Believing all that comes from Him
With hope then to endure
To magnify the love of Christ
Who died to make us pure.
Michael E. Wood
September 20, 2010
If I had all knowledge;
Speak to angels and to men,
Without love I would be lost
For God I would offend.
For as a clanging cymbal
Or the sound of noisy gong,
With emptiness I would be filled,
True love not be my song.
And if prophetic powers
Were all mine and mysteries
And if all faith as mountains moved
Before me as one flees,
I would not yet then apprehend
The love by which God gave
His Son for me and nothing be
To Christ not then be clave.
If all I had I gave away,
My body to be burned,
But have not love, then nothing gained,
For God I would have spurned.
But Oh what joy Christ doth give
Through love that never ends.
For patiently His kindness shows
On Him I can depend.
For He removeth from me
All things of which my boast,
My envy, and my arrogance,
My way I craved the most.
My rudeness and resentfulness,
As irate in wrongdoing.
God undertook to put to death
Through Christ by His Own choosing.
Oh wondrous, matchless love of God
That rejoiceth with the Truth.
His love empowers us to bear
All things to show the proof--
Believing all that comes from Him
With hope then to endure
To magnify the love of Christ
Who died to make us pure.
Michael E. Wood
September 20, 2010
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Love and Good Works
Upon hearing a message preached by David Guillen from Hebrews 10:24,25 on the subject of considering "How to Stir up love and good works", Dianna and I discussed the encouragement we had received and then upon reviewing the notes I had taken while desiring to be an encouragement in return the following words came to mind.
Our hearts were blessed
As you confessed,
The love of God employed,
Exhorting us to holiness
By which we're overjoyed.
For only He, as the redeemed
Unto good works, He stirs.
As by the cross of Jesus Christ
His Spirit thus confers
All power and authority
Fulfilled by His command
To walk with Him as He conveys
Us through His promise land.
And thus with grateful,thankful hearts
We trust unto His praise,
That He will knit all His unto
His glory all our days.
Michael E. Wood
September 20, 2010
Our hearts were blessed
As you confessed,
The love of God employed,
Exhorting us to holiness
By which we're overjoyed.
For only He, as the redeemed
Unto good works, He stirs.
As by the cross of Jesus Christ
His Spirit thus confers
All power and authority
Fulfilled by His command
To walk with Him as He conveys
Us through His promise land.
And thus with grateful,thankful hearts
We trust unto His praise,
That He will knit all His unto
His glory all our days.
Michael E. Wood
September 20, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
Are You Hip?
Note: Below is a copy of the email that I sent to our nephew, Jared Duba, also known as JD (JesusDisciple) followed by a poem. He is a 19 year old writer, singer, and producer of Christian Rap.
Hey Jared,
I trust that you are doing well and that you and Amanda are finding the grace of God, through the person of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, sufficient and abounding to meet your every need.
As I was viewing the article below and listening to a couple of the videos on "What God is doing through Christian Hip Hop", I couldn't help but think of you and thought you night enjoy the view sent out by John Piper's Desiring God blog, if you hadn't already seen it.
The following words came to mind as I was writing you, and trust the Lord will use them as an encouragement to be strong in the faith giving glory to God.
If ya wanna show that you are hip,
Then look to the Book of Holy Script.
Beyond all trends, conventional cool--
Walking in light, in Christ, He rules.
For all in love God does for you,
To show Himself, that He is True.
By steadfast love and faithfulness,
We're made partakers of His holiness.
By grace out-poured, His Spirit's fire,
Delivers us from the deep quagmire
Of all the doubts that make us lame--
Entrust all to Him by His Holy Name.
For only dross does He consume;
The dessert rose, He brings to bloom,
In our afflictions we thus share,
As like Him, His image we shall bare.
So now in His cross we rejoice--
Strength He gives by His lovely voice.
To do for us what we can't do;
Transformed to give Him the glory due.
Praying for you,
Michael & Aunt D.
Hey Jared,
I trust that you are doing well and that you and Amanda are finding the grace of God, through the person of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, sufficient and abounding to meet your every need.
As I was viewing the article below and listening to a couple of the videos on "What God is doing through Christian Hip Hop", I couldn't help but think of you and thought you night enjoy the view sent out by John Piper's Desiring God blog, if you hadn't already seen it.
The following words came to mind as I was writing you, and trust the Lord will use them as an encouragement to be strong in the faith giving glory to God.
If ya wanna show that you are hip,
Then look to the Book of Holy Script.
Beyond all trends, conventional cool--
Walking in light, in Christ, He rules.
For all in love God does for you,
To show Himself, that He is True.
By steadfast love and faithfulness,
We're made partakers of His holiness.
By grace out-poured, His Spirit's fire,
Delivers us from the deep quagmire
Of all the doubts that make us lame--
Entrust all to Him by His Holy Name.
For only dross does He consume;
The dessert rose, He brings to bloom,
In our afflictions we thus share,
As like Him, His image we shall bare.
So now in His cross we rejoice--
Strength He gives by His lovely voice.
To do for us what we can't do;
Transformed to give Him the glory due.
Praying for you,
Michael & Aunt D.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Your Glory Excels Beyond our Minds!
While in the midst of reading through "Communion with God", by John Owen, I continue to be amazed by the fact that God can and does take the infirmities of our own minds to speak of the infinite love He has for us. We have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. (2nd. Cor. 4:7) Oft I find myself to be slow to comprehend while reading, even slower of speech to articulate, and yet I rejoice in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2nd Cor. 12:9)
In sweet communion God's embrace
Doth lift our soul to run the race.
Now set before us, each new stride
By His design, our sin and pride
Is overcome to prove and test.
Christ Is our all, our peace and rest.
God's Word our lamp our feet to guide
And Christ our light, in Him we hide.
Oh Holy Spirit, in You we trust,
Renew our minds, as we of dust
Have naught within on which to lean,
Apart from grace by which we glean,
The meat You give of life and purpose,
Reflecting the glory of Your purchase.
For as we are not now our own,
We live to sow the seed that's sown
Within our hearts and cultivate,
That others know and contemplate.
Your glory excels beyond our minds.
Your love through Christ, the tie that binds
Our hearts to be in one accord,
As naught of earth can e'er afford
The mercy You have now bestowed
Through Christ alone to make us grow;
One holy temple unto Your praise,
Til Christ's return marks end of days.
And every one as brightest star
Transformed by the glory of Who You Are!
Michael E. Wood
September 20, 2010
In sweet communion God's embrace
Doth lift our soul to run the race.
Now set before us, each new stride
By His design, our sin and pride
Is overcome to prove and test.
Christ Is our all, our peace and rest.
God's Word our lamp our feet to guide
And Christ our light, in Him we hide.
Oh Holy Spirit, in You we trust,
Renew our minds, as we of dust
Have naught within on which to lean,
Apart from grace by which we glean,
The meat You give of life and purpose,
Reflecting the glory of Your purchase.
For as we are not now our own,
We live to sow the seed that's sown
Within our hearts and cultivate,
That others know and contemplate.
Your glory excels beyond our minds.
Your love through Christ, the tie that binds
Our hearts to be in one accord,
As naught of earth can e'er afford
The mercy You have now bestowed
Through Christ alone to make us grow;
One holy temple unto Your praise,
Til Christ's return marks end of days.
And every one as brightest star
Transformed by the glory of Who You Are!
Michael E. Wood
September 20, 2010
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
My Everlasting Prize
How wonderful and how humbling it is to contemplate the great salvation of which we have been made partakers of through the mediation of Christ! And is it not much easier to contemplate and obey His command to esteem others better than ourselves when we look to those who have gone and those who do go before us as examples of the faith God has so richly blessed us with?
All Your works shall give thanks to You, O LORD and all Your saints shall bless You! They shall speak of the glory of Your Kingdom and tell of Your power, to make known to the children of man Your mighty deeds and the glorious splendor of Your kingdom. Psalm 145:10-12
How pure Thy love transcendeth me
To glorify Thy dignity.
As sweet perfume to Thine Own fields
Your grace transforms; my spirit yields.
And as Your love constraineth me,
My soul looks up, like You to be.
In You I find no more noble task
Than for Your Holy Spirit ask.
For by Your cross You have secured
My way to You to make me pure.
For as I am in sure position,
I long to rise in acquisition.
So humbled by Your matchless love
Direct my heart to You above.
Oh help me by Your Spirit do
And by Your Word what pleaseth You.
And every day I rest assured
Tis by Your grace I shall endure.
For You are God, forever wise,
And You my everlasting Prize.
Though my thoughts have their limits.
Your resurrection power exhibits
Your all transforming grace to prove
There is no other God like You.
Michael E. Wood
September 17, 2010
All Your works shall give thanks to You, O LORD and all Your saints shall bless You! They shall speak of the glory of Your Kingdom and tell of Your power, to make known to the children of man Your mighty deeds and the glorious splendor of Your kingdom. Psalm 145:10-12
How pure Thy love transcendeth me
To glorify Thy dignity.
As sweet perfume to Thine Own fields
Your grace transforms; my spirit yields.
And as Your love constraineth me,
My soul looks up, like You to be.
In You I find no more noble task
Than for Your Holy Spirit ask.
For by Your cross You have secured
My way to You to make me pure.
For as I am in sure position,
I long to rise in acquisition.
So humbled by Your matchless love
Direct my heart to You above.
Oh help me by Your Spirit do
And by Your Word what pleaseth You.
And every day I rest assured
Tis by Your grace I shall endure.
For You are God, forever wise,
And You my everlasting Prize.
Though my thoughts have their limits.
Your resurrection power exhibits
Your all transforming grace to prove
There is no other God like You.
Michael E. Wood
September 17, 2010
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Weak Feeble Knees
The following poem was born out of contemplating the passages listed below along with the interaction with John Owen through his book entitled, " Communion with God."
So now faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1st Corinthians 13:13 "We are too needy to be satisfied by a mere human nature." John Owen "...but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her." Luke 10:42 "No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light." Luke 11:33 "Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy." Isaiah 61:7
Of all the things that we have need of;
The greatest of these is, that we have love.
Of this we find not in mere human nature,
The Source of all love is not in the creature.
But God Himself Is The Answer to this.
Through Christ alone, He inculcates with bliss.
To sit at His feet, receive all other things,
His fruit will be seen as the blessing He brings.
For He Is The Light that lightens the lamps
To show His great glory from Calvary's camps.
Be not now anxious, of many things troubled,
For Christ our good portion, true wealth of Him doubled.
From God then twelve tribes and yet all of one,
Reflecting the glory of God's Holy Son.
Brought out of Egypt by power, God's Hand
Displayed all His good, to cause them to stand.
Shown to the world was His Promised Land,
All hidden in Jesus by God's great command.
Then twelve apostles He gave to the world,
Walking with Jesus, though Satan did hurl,
Blinded by great pride, he thought to divide,
Ambition for greatness, by Christ crucified.
But death to all death Christ did accomplish.
His life He laid down by love to abolish,
With Him and in Him, He did count the cost,
Fulfilling the law, as nailed to the cross.
Cried, "It is finished", by death for our shame,
All purchased by blood, all in Christ proclaim;
Sing now for joy, His infinite love,
Will make us like He Is, when with Him above.
The dept of our sins, only The Infinite
Son without measure, God's wrath could befit.
Oh by His pleasure may we thus resolve
That for His glory our choices revolve.
Walk in His Spirit, as to Him we live
Each day to His praise, by faith He did give.
Thus through and in all diversity,
Christ is our only hope and plea.
For He giveth strength to weak, feeble knees
And to His cross gives grace to flee.
Michael E. Wood
September 16, 2010
So now faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1st Corinthians 13:13 "We are too needy to be satisfied by a mere human nature." John Owen "...but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her." Luke 10:42 "No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light." Luke 11:33 "Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy." Isaiah 61:7
Of all the things that we have need of;
The greatest of these is, that we have love.
Of this we find not in mere human nature,
The Source of all love is not in the creature.
But God Himself Is The Answer to this.
Through Christ alone, He inculcates with bliss.
To sit at His feet, receive all other things,
His fruit will be seen as the blessing He brings.
For He Is The Light that lightens the lamps
To show His great glory from Calvary's camps.
Be not now anxious, of many things troubled,
For Christ our good portion, true wealth of Him doubled.
From God then twelve tribes and yet all of one,
Reflecting the glory of God's Holy Son.
Brought out of Egypt by power, God's Hand
Displayed all His good, to cause them to stand.
Shown to the world was His Promised Land,
All hidden in Jesus by God's great command.
Then twelve apostles He gave to the world,
Walking with Jesus, though Satan did hurl,
Blinded by great pride, he thought to divide,
Ambition for greatness, by Christ crucified.
But death to all death Christ did accomplish.
His life He laid down by love to abolish,
With Him and in Him, He did count the cost,
Fulfilling the law, as nailed to the cross.
Cried, "It is finished", by death for our shame,
All purchased by blood, all in Christ proclaim;
Sing now for joy, His infinite love,
Will make us like He Is, when with Him above.
The dept of our sins, only The Infinite
Son without measure, God's wrath could befit.
Oh by His pleasure may we thus resolve
That for His glory our choices revolve.
Walk in His Spirit, as to Him we live
Each day to His praise, by faith He did give.
Thus through and in all diversity,
Christ is our only hope and plea.
For He giveth strength to weak, feeble knees
And to His cross gives grace to flee.
Michael E. Wood
September 16, 2010
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Before the Dawn of Time
Do these thoughts ever come to mind? "Oh, who am I, that I should be so blessed to have communion with the Almighty God of all creation? Why should He love me so, except by His Own choosing, and for the manifestation of His Own glory and praise?"
To dwell on the fact that GOD IS LOVE, is not just a wonderful thought, but a present reality in the life of those He has appointed unto salvation through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. What blessed thought that because of the imputation of the righteousness of Christ, we are brought into the everlasting arms of our Father which is in heaven. That He loves us with the same everlasting love that He loves His only begotten Son from before anything that is created was brought into being and we love Him because He first loved us. Oh that we might love Him more in thought, word, and deed!
Oh may it now be known of Thee
Thy tender love from Calvary.
For when You sent Your Son to come
He died alone upon the tree.
How precious are Your thoughts we're told
As by Your Spirit You unfold
The myst'ries of unfailing love
Far greater than we now behold.
You spoke before the dawn of time
To Thy Own Son of all of Thine.
And as You were well satisfied
All hid in Him You said, "They're Mine."
Thus before You set to motion
All creation for devotion,
The fullness of unchanging grace
The Lamb slain, shows forth Love's ocean.
As my love for You grows, abounds.
Christ Is my reason, He my grounds.
Rejoicing together, in His love
Moves me to praise with joyful sounds.
This song of love my heart records
As nothing but God's peace affords.
The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost
Delights to tighten up our chords.
So swim therein unto the end
With much thanksgiving, thus ascend
As ev'ry good resolve God fills
Through faith by love in Christ depend.
Michael E. Wood
September 13, 2010
To dwell on the fact that GOD IS LOVE, is not just a wonderful thought, but a present reality in the life of those He has appointed unto salvation through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. What blessed thought that because of the imputation of the righteousness of Christ, we are brought into the everlasting arms of our Father which is in heaven. That He loves us with the same everlasting love that He loves His only begotten Son from before anything that is created was brought into being and we love Him because He first loved us. Oh that we might love Him more in thought, word, and deed!
Oh may it now be known of Thee
Thy tender love from Calvary.
For when You sent Your Son to come
He died alone upon the tree.
How precious are Your thoughts we're told
As by Your Spirit You unfold
The myst'ries of unfailing love
Far greater than we now behold.
You spoke before the dawn of time
To Thy Own Son of all of Thine.
And as You were well satisfied
All hid in Him You said, "They're Mine."
Thus before You set to motion
All creation for devotion,
The fullness of unchanging grace
The Lamb slain, shows forth Love's ocean.
As my love for You grows, abounds.
Christ Is my reason, He my grounds.
Rejoicing together, in His love
Moves me to praise with joyful sounds.
This song of love my heart records
As nothing but God's peace affords.
The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost
Delights to tighten up our chords.
So swim therein unto the end
With much thanksgiving, thus ascend
As ev'ry good resolve God fills
Through faith by love in Christ depend.
Michael E. Wood
September 13, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Glimmers and Sparks
While contemplating what seems my own slowness in growth and at the same time, pondering the course of action the Lord would have us to take in service to Him, this little spark came to mind.
To wait on You, In You I'm blessed--
As You search out my earnestness.
With Holy Fire You burn within,
And seal Your vision to this end;
That we may by Your Holiness,
Proclaim to all Your Righteousness.
Our only Hope Is Christ alone,
Our Witness now before Your throne.
We now draw nigh with confidence,
Your throne of grace with reverence,
Receiving grace, through mercy find--
Our means of help through all of time.
Michael E. Wood
September 7, 2010
To wait on You, In You I'm blessed--
As You search out my earnestness.
With Holy Fire You burn within,
And seal Your vision to this end;
That we may by Your Holiness,
Proclaim to all Your Righteousness.
Our only Hope Is Christ alone,
Our Witness now before Your throne.
We now draw nigh with confidence,
Your throne of grace with reverence,
Receiving grace, through mercy find--
Our means of help through all of time.
Michael E. Wood
September 7, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Rejoice Then Together!
Upon having received a compliment concerning the joy of the Lord expressed by Dianna and I after a worship service, we were asked to pray for a couple, as they seek to honor our Savior through their leadership in His praise and worship through song.
The following words of poetry and prayer came to mind, of which I trust will be an encouragement to others to rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice, for you just never know how God may use you as the means to direct others to Himself, that they may repeat the sound in joy.
The joy of the Lord, is Oh so infectious,
It speaks of the One within Who is ageless,
To strengthen His body He chose before time,
Proclaiming the grace of His glory sublime.
And though it's not given to know all the seasons
Known only to God for the purest of reasons.
We are given this, as His Own, we receive
His power by the Holy Ghost upon us to be
His witnesses, as His great signs and great wonders,
Sealed up to the day, He speaks by the thunders.
Though all is not written, all will be fulfilled,
The mystery of God, to Whom all we yield.
So help us speak boldly, Oh Father of lights,
Direct all to Jesus in whom all delights
Of honor and glory and praise is now due,
Fulfilling the scriptures, our guide unto You!
Oh never then doubt by His Words, as His spark
The light of His glory, then others will hark
Unto His voice clearly and fill then with cheer,
Rejoice then together with meekness and fear!
Michael E. Wood
August 3, 2010
By Your great wisdom O' God, and by the power of Your Mighty Spirit O' Father, lead and direct this couple unto the glory of Your praise. Help them to be true both in action and in word to the great integrity of Your Word and Your character, as reflections of the light of the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For it is in His Name we pray and upon His Promise we rest. Amen!
The following words of poetry and prayer came to mind, of which I trust will be an encouragement to others to rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice, for you just never know how God may use you as the means to direct others to Himself, that they may repeat the sound in joy.
The joy of the Lord, is Oh so infectious,
It speaks of the One within Who is ageless,
To strengthen His body He chose before time,
Proclaiming the grace of His glory sublime.
And though it's not given to know all the seasons
Known only to God for the purest of reasons.
We are given this, as His Own, we receive
His power by the Holy Ghost upon us to be
His witnesses, as His great signs and great wonders,
Sealed up to the day, He speaks by the thunders.
Though all is not written, all will be fulfilled,
The mystery of God, to Whom all we yield.
So help us speak boldly, Oh Father of lights,
Direct all to Jesus in whom all delights
Of honor and glory and praise is now due,
Fulfilling the scriptures, our guide unto You!
Oh never then doubt by His Words, as His spark
The light of His glory, then others will hark
Unto His voice clearly and fill then with cheer,
Rejoice then together with meekness and fear!
Michael E. Wood
August 3, 2010
By Your great wisdom O' God, and by the power of Your Mighty Spirit O' Father, lead and direct this couple unto the glory of Your praise. Help them to be true both in action and in word to the great integrity of Your Word and Your character, as reflections of the light of the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For it is in His Name we pray and upon His Promise we rest. Amen!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Delight Within the Veil
Concerning the mortification of sin; is it not but the mercy of God which reveals to us the idols and sins of our hearts in His time, that He may continually refine and purify us for the express purpose of showing forth His steadfast love and faithfulness both in us and through us, to know that He is God alone, and to Him be all the glory? Ten thousand times ten thousand to infinity, YES! And thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!
Oh how complex at times it seems
To seek Your face in light supreme
When sin within doth veil the grace
You sweetly send by Your embrace.
As by Your Spirit You reveal
Those things within which once were sealed
Unto our minds by times appointed
To show Your love by Your Anointed.
Oh how great Your mercies store
Supplies for all our need and more,
As You consume but only dross,
And lead us gently to the cross.
Oh help us now confess and fight
The sin within by Thy pure Light.
For there no darkness dwells with You,
And all of grace our sins subdue.
And for Thy honor help us to dwell
With pure delight within the veil
Of Thy sweet presence for Jesus sake
As He the Lamb we now partake.
Anoint our eyes with Thy pure salve.
Rejoice our hearts in all we have,
By all You Are! We are made glad,
Fitted for battle, we thus are clad.
Unto the death with thankful plea,
With blessed assurance from Calvary.
More than conqueror's You made us to be
Through Christ alone, our Victory!
Michael E. Wood
September 8-9, 2010
Colossians 4:12 "...that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God."
Upon the completion of this poem, the following song by Fanny Crosby came to mind.
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
(Refrain)
This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Saviour all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Saviour all the day long.
Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending, bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
(Refrain)
Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my Saviour am happy and blest;
Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
(Refrain)
Oh how complex at times it seems
To seek Your face in light supreme
When sin within doth veil the grace
You sweetly send by Your embrace.
As by Your Spirit You reveal
Those things within which once were sealed
Unto our minds by times appointed
To show Your love by Your Anointed.
Oh how great Your mercies store
Supplies for all our need and more,
As You consume but only dross,
And lead us gently to the cross.
Oh help us now confess and fight
The sin within by Thy pure Light.
For there no darkness dwells with You,
And all of grace our sins subdue.
And for Thy honor help us to dwell
With pure delight within the veil
Of Thy sweet presence for Jesus sake
As He the Lamb we now partake.
Anoint our eyes with Thy pure salve.
Rejoice our hearts in all we have,
By all You Are! We are made glad,
Fitted for battle, we thus are clad.
Unto the death with thankful plea,
With blessed assurance from Calvary.
More than conqueror's You made us to be
Through Christ alone, our Victory!
Michael E. Wood
September 8-9, 2010
Colossians 4:12 "...that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God."
Upon the completion of this poem, the following song by Fanny Crosby came to mind.
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
(Refrain)
This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Saviour all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Saviour all the day long.
Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending, bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
(Refrain)
Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my Saviour am happy and blest;
Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
(Refrain)
Monday, September 13, 2010
Oh Children Rejoice in Your King!
As of late, my custom has been to begin the day with reading, meditating and praying from Psalm 145. On this particular day I was awakened a little earlier than normal and though I began in Psalm 145, I found myself continuing into Psalm 149.
Coming to verse 2 which says, "Let Israel be glad in his Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their king.", music began to come to mind, and as I looked to verse 1 which includes the words, "Sing to the LORD a new song" I was much encouraged by knowing that the children of the promise are counted as offspring, so that all of the redeemed in Christ from the foundation of the world are the Israel of God, and He is our King! Thus from Psalm 149 and Revelation 1 came the following:
Let Israel be glad in his Maker!
Oh children rejoice in Your King!
Let your praise be to His Name then with dancing
Making melody with tambourine.
For the LORD, He takes pleasure in His people.
The humble He adorns with salvation.
Let the godly exult in His glory,
Out of Zion from every nation.
(Chorus)
Sing for joy a new song.
Praise His Name all day long.
All His godly ones, own now this honor.
For the judgment that's written
With our enemies smitten,
With His two-edged sword in our hands.
Let Israel be glad in his Maker!
Oh children rejoice in your King!
What a sight we'll behold at His coming.
The King with His eyes like a fire.
And His face in full strength, like sun shining.
All with Him in robes of white attire
His voice then will sound like a trumpet.
From His mouth comes sharp, two-edged sword.
He's the First and the Last, at His feet our crowns cast,
All in Him then will see Him adored.
(Chorus)
(and close with repeat of)
Let Israel be glad in his Maker!
Oh children rejoice in your King!
Michael E. Wood
August 31, 2010
Coming to verse 2 which says, "Let Israel be glad in his Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their king.", music began to come to mind, and as I looked to verse 1 which includes the words, "Sing to the LORD a new song" I was much encouraged by knowing that the children of the promise are counted as offspring, so that all of the redeemed in Christ from the foundation of the world are the Israel of God, and He is our King! Thus from Psalm 149 and Revelation 1 came the following:
Let Israel be glad in his Maker!
Oh children rejoice in Your King!
Let your praise be to His Name then with dancing
Making melody with tambourine.
For the LORD, He takes pleasure in His people.
The humble He adorns with salvation.
Let the godly exult in His glory,
Out of Zion from every nation.
(Chorus)
Sing for joy a new song.
Praise His Name all day long.
All His godly ones, own now this honor.
For the judgment that's written
With our enemies smitten,
With His two-edged sword in our hands.
Let Israel be glad in his Maker!
Oh children rejoice in your King!
What a sight we'll behold at His coming.
The King with His eyes like a fire.
And His face in full strength, like sun shining.
All with Him in robes of white attire
His voice then will sound like a trumpet.
From His mouth comes sharp, two-edged sword.
He's the First and the Last, at His feet our crowns cast,
All in Him then will see Him adored.
(Chorus)
(and close with repeat of)
Let Israel be glad in his Maker!
Oh children rejoice in your King!
Michael E. Wood
August 31, 2010
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Afflictions of our Ignorance
I am made more and more fully aware, by the scriptures, that the things of which I am given to write embrace a far wider expanse than my own personal walk with God in the geographical location or time element in which I presently live. And, thus my own afflictions are but very light in comparison with so many of our brethren which have gone before us. Many in other parts of the world, such as, Zimbabwe and Afghanistan endure great persecutions and many more will no doubt endure even more in days to come.
Oh how many there have, and do, and shall literally give up their lives for the cause of Christ, and thus it behooves us to be much in prayer for our brethren. To stand strong in the faith, giving glory to God, that they have been counted worthy to suffer such conflict for the kingdom of God. 2nd Thessalonians 1:4,5 "Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring. This is the evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering--"
Afflictions of a humbled mind,
As glimpse Your glory now we find,
Such wondrous wisdom You bestow,
Through Christ alone to make us grow.
Afflictions of our ignorance,
Through Christ give mercy; true repentance,
In all of time and days of past,
Redeemed to show You are steadfast.
In love You took us for Your Own,
And cause us by Your Spirit groan,
That we may see Your full perfection
In all You've chosen through election.
For not one hair of head will perish,
Strength You give to endure and cherish
Your all consuming holiness,
By which we're made, Your Name to bless.
Oh strengthen those who face the conflict.
Give words that none can contradict.
Though some be delivered; put to death,
You raise to praise with final breath.
For though the powers of heaven be shaken,
Not one in Christ shall be forsaken.
Lift up your heads, God's Word is clear,
For Your redemption is drawing near.
Michael E. Wood
August 30, 2010
Oh how many there have, and do, and shall literally give up their lives for the cause of Christ, and thus it behooves us to be much in prayer for our brethren. To stand strong in the faith, giving glory to God, that they have been counted worthy to suffer such conflict for the kingdom of God. 2nd Thessalonians 1:4,5 "Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring. This is the evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering--"
Afflictions of a humbled mind,
As glimpse Your glory now we find,
Such wondrous wisdom You bestow,
Through Christ alone to make us grow.
Afflictions of our ignorance,
Through Christ give mercy; true repentance,
In all of time and days of past,
Redeemed to show You are steadfast.
In love You took us for Your Own,
And cause us by Your Spirit groan,
That we may see Your full perfection
In all You've chosen through election.
For not one hair of head will perish,
Strength You give to endure and cherish
Your all consuming holiness,
By which we're made, Your Name to bless.
Oh strengthen those who face the conflict.
Give words that none can contradict.
Though some be delivered; put to death,
You raise to praise with final breath.
For though the powers of heaven be shaken,
Not one in Christ shall be forsaken.
Lift up your heads, God's Word is clear,
For Your redemption is drawing near.
Michael E. Wood
August 30, 2010
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
By Your Eternal Spirit
While in the process of reading Thomas Brooks, "Heaven on Earth", I was reminded it is good to read the "Rest of the Story", before coming to a conclusion concerning a matter. As he was addressing the subject of "special seasons and times wherein the Lord is graciously pleased to give his children a sweet assurance of his favor and love." As he had listed nine different seasons, and I was in the midst of reading the one concerning the partaking of the Lord's table, questions began to arise in my own mind concerning the enjoyment thereof, causing me to wonder if there was something I was missing, as some seem to make more of partaking of the sacraments than the day to day partaking of the bread of life broken and opened to us by the Spirit of the Living God, secured for us by the sacrifice and sustenance of the blood of Christ, which cleanses us from all sin.
While in this state of questioning, the following poem was written. Being enabled to look to the Word for answers, and immediately thereafter, as I continued on to the Seventh point by Brooks, the thoughts of which I trust were given to me of the Lord were confirmed. "...Praying times are times wherein the Lord is graciously pleased to give his people some sweet and comfortable assurance of His love and favor towards them. Usually the most praying souls are the most assured souls. Prayer crowns God with honor and glory that is due His Name; and God crowns prayer with assurance and comfort. There is no service wherein souls have such a near, familiar, and friendly intercourse with God, as in this of prayer, neither is there any service wherein God doth more delight to make known His grace and goodness, His mercy, and bounty, His beauty and glory to poor souls than this of prayer."
Therefore, I rejoice in the conclusion that our enjoyment of Christ and our usefulness by Him in the public arena and that of corporate worship is strengthened and increased as He leads us forth in the enjoyment and usefulness by Him in private.
I thank You for my ignorance,
For in it I am frail.
When waves of doubt assault my soul,
I know You shall prevail.
For You have chosen us so weak,
To show Yourself so True--
To strengthen us where glory dwells
Within our hearts anew.
By Your Eternal Spirit;
While engraved upon Your hands,
You offered up Yourself to God,
And pure our conscience stands--
That we may serve the Living God,
Your will did take effect;
Embracing us to know Your Name--
By sacrifice perfect,
A holy people to Your praise
To wait Your soon return.
Lord Jesus come, for You or'er all
Is Whom Your children yearn.
Michael E. Wood
August 26, 2010
While in this state of questioning, the following poem was written. Being enabled to look to the Word for answers, and immediately thereafter, as I continued on to the Seventh point by Brooks, the thoughts of which I trust were given to me of the Lord were confirmed. "...Praying times are times wherein the Lord is graciously pleased to give his people some sweet and comfortable assurance of His love and favor towards them. Usually the most praying souls are the most assured souls. Prayer crowns God with honor and glory that is due His Name; and God crowns prayer with assurance and comfort. There is no service wherein souls have such a near, familiar, and friendly intercourse with God, as in this of prayer, neither is there any service wherein God doth more delight to make known His grace and goodness, His mercy, and bounty, His beauty and glory to poor souls than this of prayer."
Therefore, I rejoice in the conclusion that our enjoyment of Christ and our usefulness by Him in the public arena and that of corporate worship is strengthened and increased as He leads us forth in the enjoyment and usefulness by Him in private.
I thank You for my ignorance,
For in it I am frail.
When waves of doubt assault my soul,
I know You shall prevail.
For You have chosen us so weak,
To show Yourself so True--
To strengthen us where glory dwells
Within our hearts anew.
By Your Eternal Spirit;
While engraved upon Your hands,
You offered up Yourself to God,
And pure our conscience stands--
That we may serve the Living God,
Your will did take effect;
Embracing us to know Your Name--
By sacrifice perfect,
A holy people to Your praise
To wait Your soon return.
Lord Jesus come, for You or'er all
Is Whom Your children yearn.
Michael E. Wood
August 26, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
What We Shall See One Day
While contemplating the course of events that have taken place over the past two years: the changes that have transpired, both inwardly by the Spirit of God according to the good pleasure of His will through the finished work of Christ as He has revealed Himself through His Word; and, the temporal changes wrought by His Sovereign care and wisdom for the purpose of His glory in sanctification by giving to me a most wonderful help-mate, the following came to mind:
There once was a man
Who hailed then from Graham.
He met a young lady
And called her, "Yes ma'am".
She liked not the term--
It made her sound older
And yet in their union,
They became the more bolder.
With eyes all transfixed
By the vision they saw;
The Beauty of Christ
Was to them all-in-all.
His glory had become
Their immanent supposition,
Transformed by the grace
Of His interposition.
They grew by the fact
That Christ with one act
Secured their position
And, with God interact.
So now as they come
Through the Infinite Son,
They call on the Father;
All Glorious One!
Oh Spirit come shower
Your infinite power.
By the Word of Your grace,
Give wisdom each hour.
For though we know not
What a day may bring forth,
Direct now our hearts,
As an arrow True North!
So when it is pleasin',
Give fruit in its season,
Extending beyond
All our measure and reason.
For though we see not
What we shall see one day,
We praise You; our Life,
And the Truth, and the Way!
Michael E. Wood
August 26, 2010
There once was a man
Who hailed then from Graham.
He met a young lady
And called her, "Yes ma'am".
She liked not the term--
It made her sound older
And yet in their union,
They became the more bolder.
With eyes all transfixed
By the vision they saw;
The Beauty of Christ
Was to them all-in-all.
His glory had become
Their immanent supposition,
Transformed by the grace
Of His interposition.
They grew by the fact
That Christ with one act
Secured their position
And, with God interact.
So now as they come
Through the Infinite Son,
They call on the Father;
All Glorious One!
Oh Spirit come shower
Your infinite power.
By the Word of Your grace,
Give wisdom each hour.
For though we know not
What a day may bring forth,
Direct now our hearts,
As an arrow True North!
So when it is pleasin',
Give fruit in its season,
Extending beyond
All our measure and reason.
For though we see not
What we shall see one day,
We praise You; our Life,
And the Truth, and the Way!
Michael E. Wood
August 26, 2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
A People For Himself
2nd Thessalonians 1:5 "This is the evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering..."
Whereas the wrath of God has been vindicated through the sacrifice of Christ on behalf of the elect, the evidence of the effectiveness thereof in particular is shown forth by a sincere faith that is growing abundantly and the love of believers one for another continues to increase resulting in many thanksgivings to God for His steadfast love and faithfulness which produces steadfast endurance in the midst of all persecutions and afflictions.
Though there are many practical applications in which this is demonstrated by the children of God, one for another, as faith without works is dead, let us also remember that even when we may not have the physical means to be a help, we can pray. "Ye also helping together by prayer for us. If we have not the knowledge, nor the understanding, neither do we know a word to speak on some occasions, we can pray, yea, we must pray. 1st Samuel 12:22-24, "For the LORD will not forsake His people, for His great name's sake, because it has pleased the LORD to make you a people for Himself. Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and right way. Only fear the LORD and serve Him with all your heart. For consider what great things He has done for you."
Thanks be to our Father which is in heaven, Who hears perfectly the intercessions of Christ on our behalf; who never ceases to pray for us and bids us to follow in the example, by the power of His Spirit, and the privilege of prayer, according to the promises of His Word. And though I am yet poor, and am in need of much growth, for in many ways it is much easier to speak the truth than to live it, my heart yet cries out believing the grace which is sure to come.
Oh teach us to pray,
Oh LORD we now ask.
Oh Father in heaven
Give grace for the task.
For this is Your will,
That we might seek You
And offer our praise
And our thanksgiving too.
For Thou art in heaven,
On earth, here are we.
On the glorious splendor
Of Your Majesty,
And Your wondrous works,
We will meditate.
Speak clearly the might
Of Your awesome estate.
Oh, how much we are not,
What we shall then be,
Yet rejoice we as sons,
And for grace we now plead.
By the mercy You give,
As afflicted we cry.
By the blood of Your promise,
In Jesus draw nigh.
So help us to strive
By Thy pure righteousness,
Release us from all
Our complacent assents.
That Your love will be clear
As the sure evidence
Through all You do call,
And give repentance
Michael E. Wood
August 17, 2010
Whereas the wrath of God has been vindicated through the sacrifice of Christ on behalf of the elect, the evidence of the effectiveness thereof in particular is shown forth by a sincere faith that is growing abundantly and the love of believers one for another continues to increase resulting in many thanksgivings to God for His steadfast love and faithfulness which produces steadfast endurance in the midst of all persecutions and afflictions.
Though there are many practical applications in which this is demonstrated by the children of God, one for another, as faith without works is dead, let us also remember that even when we may not have the physical means to be a help, we can pray. "Ye also helping together by prayer for us. If we have not the knowledge, nor the understanding, neither do we know a word to speak on some occasions, we can pray, yea, we must pray. 1st Samuel 12:22-24, "For the LORD will not forsake His people, for His great name's sake, because it has pleased the LORD to make you a people for Himself. Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and right way. Only fear the LORD and serve Him with all your heart. For consider what great things He has done for you."
Thanks be to our Father which is in heaven, Who hears perfectly the intercessions of Christ on our behalf; who never ceases to pray for us and bids us to follow in the example, by the power of His Spirit, and the privilege of prayer, according to the promises of His Word. And though I am yet poor, and am in need of much growth, for in many ways it is much easier to speak the truth than to live it, my heart yet cries out believing the grace which is sure to come.
Oh teach us to pray,
Oh LORD we now ask.
Oh Father in heaven
Give grace for the task.
For this is Your will,
That we might seek You
And offer our praise
And our thanksgiving too.
For Thou art in heaven,
On earth, here are we.
On the glorious splendor
Of Your Majesty,
And Your wondrous works,
We will meditate.
Speak clearly the might
Of Your awesome estate.
Oh, how much we are not,
What we shall then be,
Yet rejoice we as sons,
And for grace we now plead.
By the mercy You give,
As afflicted we cry.
By the blood of Your promise,
In Jesus draw nigh.
So help us to strive
By Thy pure righteousness,
Release us from all
Our complacent assents.
That Your love will be clear
As the sure evidence
Through all You do call,
And give repentance
Michael E. Wood
August 17, 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Ten Minutes of Fame?
On July 9th 2010, Dianna and I had attended an Open Mic event sponsored by the California Writers Club at the local Barnes and Nobles in Citrus Heights. While awaiting an opportunity to read some of the poetry that has been given to me to write, we sat in amazement while others read from books they had written, which ranged from children's books to personal biographical experiences. In almost every instance there was a type of spiritual experience conveyed. We felt as though we could have very well been in the midst of Mars Hill with Paul, as each spoke of philosophies and the unknown god of their understanding. As I read of the coming day of judgment upon the nations, and the hope that can be found only in the substitutionary atonement of Christ, Dianna observed that almost every head was directed toward the floor and many seemed to cringe when the name of Jesus was mentioned
That which is even more amazing is we were invited back via email, with the heading, "Enjoy Ten Minutes of Fame". Over the next few days I pondered the title and the following is that which was written for the occasion.
In the scope of just ten minutes,
God can show your destiny,
If for His glory, He has chosen
You for liberty.
And being as a man I am,
I speak in human terms,
And trust The Ever Living One,
Though we be but as worms.
For though we suffer in this life,
Christ' glory is what matters,
For His dominion ever reigns,
His Word all darkness shatters.
He is the hammer, and the truth
Which crushes all the lies,
Which held us captive to the fact,
His claim our sin defies.
Oh would you trade ten minutes
For a life of purity,
And holiness for without this
You're lost eternally.
For satan's power, as all the world
To you, he may now offer.
And veil his scheme, as one with him,
You are to God a scoffer.
As in the days of Noah,
A thing not seen before,
But rain it did, and then too late,
Men cried, Oh God, no more!
And swallowed by the torrent
Of the wrath of God displayed,
And that was but a glimpse
Of the Final Judgment Day!
For all the dead will rise again
And many to their dismay.
Depart from me is what they'll hear
From God Himself that day.
Oh Father show Your mercy,
Give grace to meet this need,
And by Your Holy Spirit
Through my weakness, with men plead.
Oh by the power of canceled sin
Show forth Your loving kindness,
Reveal to men their lost estate,
Confess to You their blindness.
And when the final trumpet blows
May we rejoice together,
As You are pleased by Your Dear Son,
To reign with Him forever.
Though some may think this not the place,
And surely not the time;
To speak the voice of God in truth—
By means of simple rhyme,
But all the world—Oh God You made
To be Your Holy Parish,
To show forth Christ, Him crucified
In all of whom You cherish.
Oh may by Your mercy
Your kingdom increase,
Through souls of all them,
You have given release,
From sin to know only
That through Christ alone,
You rule all the world
From Your glorious throne.
Oh help us to wrestle
As Jacob to face,
Your Presence Oh God,
Is now sure in this place.
And if by my words
You have taken offense,
My hope is Christ Jesus,
And His cross my defense.
For all my desire
Is that God is well pleased,
As prostrate before Him,
I plead from my knees.
That He like a fire
Will consume all the dross
Of self, sanctify me
To count all the cost.
When all life is finished
And victory won,
All hid in Christ Jesus
Will hear then, "Well Done"!
Reality extends beyond,
All space and all of time,
And history is His Story,
Transcending all our minds.
And those who do not learn from Him,
Are doomed then to repeat,
As idols of the heart blind minds,
To go down in defeat.
"Come unto me", is what Christ said
While He was here on earth,
And those who hear the joyful sound,
Receive from Him new birth.
For all we are we have received,
His gift to stout and meek,
But shame will cover all who waste
Their time, His face, not seek.
Do you now behold the man?
Pilate did; then washed his hands,
And found no fault, and yet pronounced
The judgment on The King renounced.
Or do you see His stately sight,
Now high and lifted up in light?
He is the sum of glory bright,
Unto His bride with great delight!
For though ten minutes be so short
And love is now my crime;
Though now you may hate things I say
I trust that in God's time,
The arrows that you feel so sharp
Will find their mark appointed,
And Sovereign Grace will swell to praise,
By mercy, God's Anointed!
This fame I ask not for myself
For weighty shall it be,
If God my Father does not speak
Through Christ who set me free.
Oh Holy Spirit come and breathe
True life within these bones,
And raise them up as life You give
Through Christ from heaven's throne.
Though none are worthy and all deserve
The payment for our sin,
And all our pride which makes us blind,
The road to hell within,
And yet You've chosen some to life
Because the blood was shed,
Of Christ, The Ever-Living One,
Who rose up from the dead.
Oh think not to then hide within
The intelligence of your mind,
For all will be displayed as vain,
Through death, too late you'll find
Repentance only as the gift
While life with breath received,
Will show forth all the glory
Of The Christ to be believed!
How sweet a fragrance thus ascends
From life to life procession,
Triumphantly led by God in Christ,
His gift and glorious possession.
While yet in others, death to death,
And foolishness this seems,
Passed off then as incompetence,
Inciting troubled dreams.
Oh may You take ten minutes God,
Cause some to glimpse Your fame,
Show forth the light of Christ in them,
By glory then proclaim,
That Jesus Is more awesome
Than all words can yet resound,
Who came to earth that He might seek
The lost, that they be found.
Not unto us, but unto Him
Forever then shall be
All worship, honor, glory, praise
Unto His Majesty!
And so I trust within the realm
Of this ten minute frame,
That God is pleased, and cause to see,
The glory of His Name.
For every knee shall bow one day,
And every tongue confess,
That Jesus Christ Is Lord of all,
My God, My righteousness!
Michael E. Wood
August 16-25, 2010
That which is even more amazing is we were invited back via email, with the heading, "Enjoy Ten Minutes of Fame". Over the next few days I pondered the title and the following is that which was written for the occasion.
In the scope of just ten minutes,
God can show your destiny,
If for His glory, He has chosen
You for liberty.
And being as a man I am,
I speak in human terms,
And trust The Ever Living One,
Though we be but as worms.
For though we suffer in this life,
Christ' glory is what matters,
For His dominion ever reigns,
His Word all darkness shatters.
He is the hammer, and the truth
Which crushes all the lies,
Which held us captive to the fact,
His claim our sin defies.
Oh would you trade ten minutes
For a life of purity,
And holiness for without this
You're lost eternally.
For satan's power, as all the world
To you, he may now offer.
And veil his scheme, as one with him,
You are to God a scoffer.
As in the days of Noah,
A thing not seen before,
But rain it did, and then too late,
Men cried, Oh God, no more!
And swallowed by the torrent
Of the wrath of God displayed,
And that was but a glimpse
Of the Final Judgment Day!
For all the dead will rise again
And many to their dismay.
Depart from me is what they'll hear
From God Himself that day.
Oh Father show Your mercy,
Give grace to meet this need,
And by Your Holy Spirit
Through my weakness, with men plead.
Oh by the power of canceled sin
Show forth Your loving kindness,
Reveal to men their lost estate,
Confess to You their blindness.
And when the final trumpet blows
May we rejoice together,
As You are pleased by Your Dear Son,
To reign with Him forever.
Though some may think this not the place,
And surely not the time;
To speak the voice of God in truth—
By means of simple rhyme,
But all the world—Oh God You made
To be Your Holy Parish,
To show forth Christ, Him crucified
In all of whom You cherish.
Oh may by Your mercy
Your kingdom increase,
Through souls of all them,
You have given release,
From sin to know only
That through Christ alone,
You rule all the world
From Your glorious throne.
Oh help us to wrestle
As Jacob to face,
Your Presence Oh God,
Is now sure in this place.
And if by my words
You have taken offense,
My hope is Christ Jesus,
And His cross my defense.
For all my desire
Is that God is well pleased,
As prostrate before Him,
I plead from my knees.
That He like a fire
Will consume all the dross
Of self, sanctify me
To count all the cost.
When all life is finished
And victory won,
All hid in Christ Jesus
Will hear then, "Well Done"!
Reality extends beyond,
All space and all of time,
And history is His Story,
Transcending all our minds.
And those who do not learn from Him,
Are doomed then to repeat,
As idols of the heart blind minds,
To go down in defeat.
"Come unto me", is what Christ said
While He was here on earth,
And those who hear the joyful sound,
Receive from Him new birth.
For all we are we have received,
His gift to stout and meek,
But shame will cover all who waste
Their time, His face, not seek.
Do you now behold the man?
Pilate did; then washed his hands,
And found no fault, and yet pronounced
The judgment on The King renounced.
Or do you see His stately sight,
Now high and lifted up in light?
He is the sum of glory bright,
Unto His bride with great delight!
For though ten minutes be so short
And love is now my crime;
Though now you may hate things I say
I trust that in God's time,
The arrows that you feel so sharp
Will find their mark appointed,
And Sovereign Grace will swell to praise,
By mercy, God's Anointed!
This fame I ask not for myself
For weighty shall it be,
If God my Father does not speak
Through Christ who set me free.
Oh Holy Spirit come and breathe
True life within these bones,
And raise them up as life You give
Through Christ from heaven's throne.
Though none are worthy and all deserve
The payment for our sin,
And all our pride which makes us blind,
The road to hell within,
And yet You've chosen some to life
Because the blood was shed,
Of Christ, The Ever-Living One,
Who rose up from the dead.
Oh think not to then hide within
The intelligence of your mind,
For all will be displayed as vain,
Through death, too late you'll find
Repentance only as the gift
While life with breath received,
Will show forth all the glory
Of The Christ to be believed!
How sweet a fragrance thus ascends
From life to life procession,
Triumphantly led by God in Christ,
His gift and glorious possession.
While yet in others, death to death,
And foolishness this seems,
Passed off then as incompetence,
Inciting troubled dreams.
Oh may You take ten minutes God,
Cause some to glimpse Your fame,
Show forth the light of Christ in them,
By glory then proclaim,
That Jesus Is more awesome
Than all words can yet resound,
Who came to earth that He might seek
The lost, that they be found.
Not unto us, but unto Him
Forever then shall be
All worship, honor, glory, praise
Unto His Majesty!
And so I trust within the realm
Of this ten minute frame,
That God is pleased, and cause to see,
The glory of His Name.
For every knee shall bow one day,
And every tongue confess,
That Jesus Christ Is Lord of all,
My God, My righteousness!
Michael E. Wood
August 16-25, 2010
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