... you are My sheep, human sheep of My pasture and I Am your God, declares The LORD GOD. Ezekiel 34:31
My mouth will speak of the praise of the LORD, and let all flesh bless His Holy Name. Psalm 145:21
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD! Psalm 150:6
Oh Praise the LORD, and Praise our King!
Let not your praise be a vain thing!
For not all praise is now just alike,
Nor that is pleasing in His dear sight.
(1st Cor.15:38,39)
Not any praise will heal a dark soul
As only Christ can make one man whole
For God inhabits not all of praise,
But only that in which His people do raise.
Oh heavenly beings all praise now ascribe
For Christ will come and gain His dear bride.
Oh, then all praise will be higher still
By those He purchased by Sovereign will.
(Ps.29:1,2)
Surely the wrath of man will praise
Your glory in all of earth all their days.
And all the earth Your Name will proclaim,
There is none like You, You still are The Same!
(Ps.76:10,Ex. 9:13-16)
None will perish that come to repentance,
For by His cross He paid our due sentence.
He is to be feared above everything,
So let us give praise and honor our King!
Michael E. Wood
March 30, 2010
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
How wonderful, How marvelous!
In the midst of praying and contemplating on Psalms 147; which begins with the words, "Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting." And thus the following words ensued based on that Psalm. And, yes, there is music formulating in my mind, for this one.
How wonderful, How marvelous, is our eternal LORD.
He heals the broken hearted, and in Him they are restored.
He gives to them new names through His abundant mighty Power
He covers all the heavens and prepares for earth the shower.
He makes the grass to grow and gives to all the beasts their food,
And comforts all He has reclaimed and by His Spirit wooed.
He takes delight and pleasure in all those who fear His Name,
Who hope in His sure mercies, and His glories now proclaim.
Oh, Praise His Name Jerusalem, Oh Praise Your God O Zion.
The One Who Is The Lord of all, of Judah's tribe, the Lion.
For in Him is the blessing and the strength for all your children
And peace He gives to all who were before then, O so barren.
For now He fills with finest wheat, and sends out His command,
As all the elements are His and bow at His demand.
He sends His mighty Word and all before Him melts like snow,
His Spirit like the wind blows strong and makes the waters flow.
None other know the blessedness but those He chose to give
Salvation by the Word, His Son, by Jesus Christ, we live.
So come and sing His praises now, for pleasant now it is
And give to Him the glory due, for all of it is HIS!
Michael E. Wood
March 29, 2010 - Evening
How wonderful, How marvelous, is our eternal LORD.
He heals the broken hearted, and in Him they are restored.
He gives to them new names through His abundant mighty Power
He covers all the heavens and prepares for earth the shower.
He makes the grass to grow and gives to all the beasts their food,
And comforts all He has reclaimed and by His Spirit wooed.
He takes delight and pleasure in all those who fear His Name,
Who hope in His sure mercies, and His glories now proclaim.
Oh, Praise His Name Jerusalem, Oh Praise Your God O Zion.
The One Who Is The Lord of all, of Judah's tribe, the Lion.
For in Him is the blessing and the strength for all your children
And peace He gives to all who were before then, O so barren.
For now He fills with finest wheat, and sends out His command,
As all the elements are His and bow at His demand.
He sends His mighty Word and all before Him melts like snow,
His Spirit like the wind blows strong and makes the waters flow.
None other know the blessedness but those He chose to give
Salvation by the Word, His Son, by Jesus Christ, we live.
So come and sing His praises now, for pleasant now it is
And give to Him the glory due, for all of it is HIS!
Michael E. Wood
March 29, 2010 - Evening
"Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord"
While driving away from Spring View Assisted Living and being in awe of the goodness of God; His steadfast love and faithfulness, the words of Paul of which my beloved Dianna and I had read together a week ago today came to mind. Romans 15:17 "In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God." As I pulled into the bread store I wrote the first three lines which came to mind and after taking a short nap the following was the result which also included thoughts from 1st Corinthians 1:26-31, For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord. and Psalms 91:1-3 which reads He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.
I am so proud of my Sweet Precious Saviour
Who by His grace has made me to savour
The Life that He gives and the Light of His favor
And now by His cross my sins He doth waiver.
Though vile and so weak, in Christ I will boast
The Great King of kings, and Lord of all hosts!
And now by His Word and the Great Holy Ghost
He buildeth His church to render the most--
Beautiful display of His awesome power!
Our Refuge delivers from the snare of the fowler!
All blessing is His of which He doth shower
Til with Him in glory, though we know not the hour.
Oh, let us be proud of the grace He has brought
To bring Him the glory in all He hath sought,
To bring to Himself, by His blood He hath bought
Til up in the clouds by His voice we are caught.
Michael E. Wood
(11:35a.m. Sunday-3/28/10)
I am so proud of my Sweet Precious Saviour
Who by His grace has made me to savour
The Life that He gives and the Light of His favor
And now by His cross my sins He doth waiver.
Though vile and so weak, in Christ I will boast
The Great King of kings, and Lord of all hosts!
And now by His Word and the Great Holy Ghost
He buildeth His church to render the most--
Beautiful display of His awesome power!
Our Refuge delivers from the snare of the fowler!
All blessing is His of which He doth shower
Til with Him in glory, though we know not the hour.
Oh, let us be proud of the grace He has brought
To bring Him the glory in all He hath sought,
To bring to Himself, by His blood He hath bought
Til up in the clouds by His voice we are caught.
Michael E. Wood
(11:35a.m. Sunday-3/28/10)
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Guard Your Master's Talents Well
Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.' His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.' And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me two talents; here I have made two talents more.' His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.' Matthew 25:19-23
For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. Matthew 25:29a
While reading Proverbs 27; my attention was arrested by verse 18, "Whoever tends a fig tree will eat it's fruit, and he who guards his master will be honored." I was then directed to Matthew 25:14-30, especially verses 19-23 and 29a, which speaks of what the kingdom of heaven is like and of the reward of those who are found faithful to Christ in that which has been entrusted into their hands for His glory.
And thus the following words of praise came to mind:
Oh, guard your Master's talents well
And you will one day hear,
"Well done thou good and faithful servant,
Enter My joy with cheer."
For that which Christ entrusted you
Is not for you alone;
But given that you gain the more
In others He'll call home.
Oh, Father by Your mercies show
All we must now adjust--
That we may truly honor You
With all you do entrust.
Into our hands to bring You glory
In every thought and deed--
That by Your Spirit we be true
To sow Your faithful seed.
Oh, what a prize to see the eyes
Of Jesus, Whom you value!
For He has called you to Himself
Just as He did call Matthew.
When all accounts are settled then
You'll have the great abundance
Of Christ Who Is our All, our Gain,
Our Life, and All our Substance!
And all the wonders of His grace
We'll see in what we've sown.
For great will be His harvest then
In those of whom He's known.
Oh, seek not now the praise of men
For though your wait be long,
You'll see the face of Him Who sings
O'er you with joyful song!
Michael E. Wood
March 27, 2010
For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. Matthew 25:29a
While reading Proverbs 27; my attention was arrested by verse 18, "Whoever tends a fig tree will eat it's fruit, and he who guards his master will be honored." I was then directed to Matthew 25:14-30, especially verses 19-23 and 29a, which speaks of what the kingdom of heaven is like and of the reward of those who are found faithful to Christ in that which has been entrusted into their hands for His glory.
And thus the following words of praise came to mind:
Oh, guard your Master's talents well
And you will one day hear,
"Well done thou good and faithful servant,
Enter My joy with cheer."
For that which Christ entrusted you
Is not for you alone;
But given that you gain the more
In others He'll call home.
Oh, Father by Your mercies show
All we must now adjust--
That we may truly honor You
With all you do entrust.
Into our hands to bring You glory
In every thought and deed--
That by Your Spirit we be true
To sow Your faithful seed.
Oh, what a prize to see the eyes
Of Jesus, Whom you value!
For He has called you to Himself
Just as He did call Matthew.
When all accounts are settled then
You'll have the great abundance
Of Christ Who Is our All, our Gain,
Our Life, and All our Substance!
And all the wonders of His grace
We'll see in what we've sown.
For great will be His harvest then
In those of whom He's known.
Oh, seek not now the praise of men
For though your wait be long,
You'll see the face of Him Who sings
O'er you with joyful song!
Michael E. Wood
March 27, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
The Beauty of Your Smiling Face!
While reflecting on the glory of the grace that has been given to us through Christ and the means of prayer by which we approach the throne of grace as revealed through His Word in Colossians 1:26-29, "the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me", the following words came to mind which also reflect the beauty of Christ as shared by Pastor Michael Karns as he quoted both D.A. Carson, "If you have anything less than a Sovereign God, you will always be confused", along with excerpts from James MacDonald's book, "When Life is Hard".
Oh, Father help Your children see
Our all in Christ, maturity;
To struggle now in every prayer
Is that which brings You glory there.
To fight the fight of faith in Him
Oh, lift our hearts to trust with them
Who of like mind You've shown the truth
And raised them up to walk from youth.
Christ our Lord absorbs the shocks
Of life's hard road with all it's knocks.
For in Him all our future lies
Who in His glory hears our cries.
Our Sovereign God now tests our minds
And raises those who in Him finds
His light now scatters all confusion
Which once held us in our delusion,
When then held captive by our sin
Amazing grace then entered in.
The greatness of His Mighty Power
Now raised with Christ to walk this hour.
Oh, Father help us now reflect
The One Who in us did effect
So Great Salvation to behold,
Refining faith like unto gold.
More precious than the songs we sing
Oh, help us Magnify our King!
As we now toil before Your presence
Reveal the glory of Your Essence!
As now our secret prayers ascend
Oh, Christ Your Spirit will attend,
To give us good revealing grace,
The Beauty of Your Smiling Face!
Michael E. Wood
March 26, 2010
Oh, Father help Your children see
Our all in Christ, maturity;
To struggle now in every prayer
Is that which brings You glory there.
To fight the fight of faith in Him
Oh, lift our hearts to trust with them
Who of like mind You've shown the truth
And raised them up to walk from youth.
Christ our Lord absorbs the shocks
Of life's hard road with all it's knocks.
For in Him all our future lies
Who in His glory hears our cries.
Our Sovereign God now tests our minds
And raises those who in Him finds
His light now scatters all confusion
Which once held us in our delusion,
When then held captive by our sin
Amazing grace then entered in.
The greatness of His Mighty Power
Now raised with Christ to walk this hour.
Oh, Father help us now reflect
The One Who in us did effect
So Great Salvation to behold,
Refining faith like unto gold.
More precious than the songs we sing
Oh, help us Magnify our King!
As we now toil before Your presence
Reveal the glory of Your Essence!
As now our secret prayers ascend
Oh, Christ Your Spirit will attend,
To give us good revealing grace,
The Beauty of Your Smiling Face!
Michael E. Wood
March 26, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
We Watch Your Hand
These words came as a result of watching how God has, and is, moving in the lives of others to bring about the purpose of uniting Dianna and I as one for His glory.
We watch Your Hand in humble awe
As before Your throne we fall,
And worship You for Who You Are
As by Your grace we're brought thus far.
So obvious You show Your mercy
By moving men to stir with fervency
Our hearts to write Your detailed care
To show in You there's no want there.
In every care that comes to mind
Your steadfast love shows we are Thine.
And thus we bless Your Name with glee
And trust in all to honor Thee.
We thank You Father; You Are Love!
You sent Your Spirit like a dove
Upon our Lord and then to us
Because He died and gave us trust.
The gift of grace through faith alone
And now in Him we are Your own.
Now in Christ we're made to see
To You alone all glory be.
Michael E. Wood
March 25, 2010
We watch Your Hand in humble awe
As before Your throne we fall,
And worship You for Who You Are
As by Your grace we're brought thus far.
So obvious You show Your mercy
By moving men to stir with fervency
Our hearts to write Your detailed care
To show in You there's no want there.
In every care that comes to mind
Your steadfast love shows we are Thine.
And thus we bless Your Name with glee
And trust in all to honor Thee.
We thank You Father; You Are Love!
You sent Your Spirit like a dove
Upon our Lord and then to us
Because He died and gave us trust.
The gift of grace through faith alone
And now in Him we are Your own.
Now in Christ we're made to see
To You alone all glory be.
Michael E. Wood
March 25, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Christ, the Preeminent One
While contemplating the Preeminence of Christ, while in the enjoyment of His Word, as spoken in Colossians chapter 1, and most especially verses 15-21 which reads, "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind doing evil deeds...", these words came to mind:
Oh Christ, we ask of Thee to be
Preeminent that all may see,
The very image of our God
Who Is so High, so Deep, so Broad.
Invisible, and yet not hidden
Unto the eyes of Whom You've bidden.
And since we know this is Your will
We ask in sweet assurance still.
As from You, through You, to You be
All glory and all majesty!
For in You all the fullness dwelt
And God was pleased, and then He dealt
The angry blow of all His wrath*,
On You, O Lord our Sabaoth.
And through Your blood You gave us peace
And by Your knowledge, You give increase.
To reconcile all to the Father
Every blameless son and daughter.
The hope of the Gospel is our claim
And all Your glory is our aim.
*wrath is pronounced "roth"
Michael E. Wood
March 24, 2010
Oh Christ, we ask of Thee to be
Preeminent that all may see,
The very image of our God
Who Is so High, so Deep, so Broad.
Invisible, and yet not hidden
Unto the eyes of Whom You've bidden.
And since we know this is Your will
We ask in sweet assurance still.
As from You, through You, to You be
All glory and all majesty!
For in You all the fullness dwelt
And God was pleased, and then He dealt
The angry blow of all His wrath*,
On You, O Lord our Sabaoth.
And through Your blood You gave us peace
And by Your knowledge, You give increase.
To reconcile all to the Father
Every blameless son and daughter.
The hope of the Gospel is our claim
And all Your glory is our aim.
*wrath is pronounced "roth"
Michael E. Wood
March 24, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
My Heart is His
While contemplating the following passages from Proverbs 23:12, 15-19, 22, 26:
Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge.
My son, if your heart is wise, my heart too will be glad. My inmost being will exult when your lips speak what is right. Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the LORD all the day. Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off. Hear, my son, and be wise, and direct your heart in the way.
Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.
My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.
and rejoicing in the facts illustrated in the songs; "My Hope is in The Lord" and "The Way of the Cross Leads Home", these words came to mind:
What a joy it is to know
My Father's pleased with me,
Because the work of Calvary
Has birthed me to be free.
And as He fills my lips to speak
Things eternally right,
His heart is glad as He exults
To fill my eyes with light.
To focus on the things above,
And not entangled be
In the things of this vain world,
Because He ransomed me.
My heart is His and now my eyes
Observe the words of God
To guide me in the way of peace,
With feet that He hath shod.
No matter what this life might hold
My future in Him rests.
Because the blood of Christ my King
Imparts His righteousness.
Oh, listen all you children
To our Father Who gave life,
The Son of God will come again
To get to Him His wife.
His bride adorned with white,
Lamps filled with Holy Oil.
The purchase of the cross He bore,
The remnant of His spoil.
For now, buy wisdom, and the truth,
Instruction, understanding,
Which comes by love now from above,
Free from the law's demanding.
Your Spirit guides by Your sure Word,
As like Him we will be,
And glorified we shall be then
Because of Calvary.
Thank You Father for the joy
We have in Him, our Song,
As we look now unto the day
For Him in Whom we long.
Michael E. Wood
March 23, 2010
Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge.
My son, if your heart is wise, my heart too will be glad. My inmost being will exult when your lips speak what is right. Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the LORD all the day. Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off. Hear, my son, and be wise, and direct your heart in the way.
Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.
My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.
and rejoicing in the facts illustrated in the songs; "My Hope is in The Lord" and "The Way of the Cross Leads Home", these words came to mind:
What a joy it is to know
My Father's pleased with me,
Because the work of Calvary
Has birthed me to be free.
And as He fills my lips to speak
Things eternally right,
His heart is glad as He exults
To fill my eyes with light.
To focus on the things above,
And not entangled be
In the things of this vain world,
Because He ransomed me.
My heart is His and now my eyes
Observe the words of God
To guide me in the way of peace,
With feet that He hath shod.
No matter what this life might hold
My future in Him rests.
Because the blood of Christ my King
Imparts His righteousness.
Oh, listen all you children
To our Father Who gave life,
The Son of God will come again
To get to Him His wife.
His bride adorned with white,
Lamps filled with Holy Oil.
The purchase of the cross He bore,
The remnant of His spoil.
For now, buy wisdom, and the truth,
Instruction, understanding,
Which comes by love now from above,
Free from the law's demanding.
Your Spirit guides by Your sure Word,
As like Him we will be,
And glorified we shall be then
Because of Calvary.
Thank You Father for the joy
We have in Him, our Song,
As we look now unto the day
For Him in Whom we long.
Michael E. Wood
March 23, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
An Obligation Realized
We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me." For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Romans 15:1-7
As I considered further contemplation of this passage after reading it together with my beloved Dianna, and upon reflecting upon the probability of having, through my own lack of understanding, been a source of discouragement to a professing believer by a critical spirit, rather than being a vessel of mercy for the glory of Christ, these words came to mind, of which the later part was influenced by one of the best messages I have ever had the privilege to hear, preached on Romans 8:28, entitled "All Things Work Together for Good" by Gregory N. Barkman of which you can find by clicking this link.....
Have you escaped now all of your pinions*
Formed by those who have strong opinions.
Let God be true, now, Him overall
Unto those He redeemed from the fall.
Oh, look to Christ, Who was the true victim
Reproach He suffered for the law's dictum*
The Word of God, in flesh He then stood
And murdered like the most common hood.
For though we live in true penitence
We owe all to grace, the pure innocence
Of the Lamb Who spoke not a word
As judgment from God was borne undeserved.
It was for our sins, He came and to die
As we with them, then yelled crucify.
Oh, for grace to point not the finger
For the sins that in us still linger.
Oh, help Your people trust not experience
Of others, when Your Word gives the true sense
Of Who You Are, and what You have done
By giving up Your Just, Holy Son.
And give to them a heart of repentance
That they may know that You paid the sentence
Which was their due, but grace You bestow
Unto Your chosen, who live here below.
Oh, help us see more our insurrection
And know the power of Your resurrection.
Rejoice our hearts to see on the throne
The One who prepares a place of our own.
Deliver us from an elitist mentality
As only grace shows the true reality
Of who we are, and what we deserve
Had You in love not chosen to preserve,
A remnant for Your Name's sake alone.
A people You call, to be all Your own.
Of every nation, tongue, and yeah, tribe
With thankful hearts Your glory ascribe,
For all You have brought and all that You bring
Into our lives and cause us to sing,
As more like the image of Christ, Your dear Son
We're made, til with You in glory we're one.
And by Your mercy, Oh, help us to live
And point to the cross by which You did give
All we have need of til with You in glory
We sing a new song of redemption's story.
Michael E. Wood
March 22, 2010
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. Romans 8:28-30
*pinions: restraining bonds or shackles, used to bind a
persons arms or to prevent a bird from flight by binding
it's wings
*dictum: an authoritative statement or declaration
As I considered further contemplation of this passage after reading it together with my beloved Dianna, and upon reflecting upon the probability of having, through my own lack of understanding, been a source of discouragement to a professing believer by a critical spirit, rather than being a vessel of mercy for the glory of Christ, these words came to mind, of which the later part was influenced by one of the best messages I have ever had the privilege to hear, preached on Romans 8:28, entitled "All Things Work Together for Good" by Gregory N. Barkman of which you can find by clicking this link.....
Have you escaped now all of your pinions*
Formed by those who have strong opinions.
Let God be true, now, Him overall
Unto those He redeemed from the fall.
Oh, look to Christ, Who was the true victim
Reproach He suffered for the law's dictum*
The Word of God, in flesh He then stood
And murdered like the most common hood.
For though we live in true penitence
We owe all to grace, the pure innocence
Of the Lamb Who spoke not a word
As judgment from God was borne undeserved.
It was for our sins, He came and to die
As we with them, then yelled crucify.
Oh, for grace to point not the finger
For the sins that in us still linger.
Oh, help Your people trust not experience
Of others, when Your Word gives the true sense
Of Who You Are, and what You have done
By giving up Your Just, Holy Son.
And give to them a heart of repentance
That they may know that You paid the sentence
Which was their due, but grace You bestow
Unto Your chosen, who live here below.
Oh, help us see more our insurrection
And know the power of Your resurrection.
Rejoice our hearts to see on the throne
The One who prepares a place of our own.
Deliver us from an elitist mentality
As only grace shows the true reality
Of who we are, and what we deserve
Had You in love not chosen to preserve,
A remnant for Your Name's sake alone.
A people You call, to be all Your own.
Of every nation, tongue, and yeah, tribe
With thankful hearts Your glory ascribe,
For all You have brought and all that You bring
Into our lives and cause us to sing,
As more like the image of Christ, Your dear Son
We're made, til with You in glory we're one.
And by Your mercy, Oh, help us to live
And point to the cross by which You did give
All we have need of til with You in glory
We sing a new song of redemption's story.
Michael E. Wood
March 22, 2010
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. Romans 8:28-30
*pinions: restraining bonds or shackles, used to bind a
persons arms or to prevent a bird from flight by binding
it's wings
*dictum: an authoritative statement or declaration
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Our Lofty Praise
This song was written and posted along with a poem on February 23, 2010. I am reposting it here so that it can be found later under the title of the song. See this post for the history.
Our lofty praise we'll give some day
As we look on Your smiling gaze.
Til then we'll come without delay
And offer you with hearts amazed,
By grace through faith in You alone
Who overcame our sins to come
And offer us before the throne,
Our tongues You loose, now no more dumb.
(Chorus)
O, LORD above, Almighty Son,
We bow before You Three in One.
Oh, fill us with Your grace this hour.
Oh, fill us with Your Spirit's power.
Our praise is what we now can give,
As to Your glory we shall live.
Oh, purge from us all selfish thought,
And show the grace that You have wrought.
Your steadfast love and faithfulness,
Our all in all, our holiness,
Our hearts desire we ask You fill.
Oh, give us grace to do Your will.
(Chorus)
Oh, help our worship to be true
In all our ways submit to You
Until the day You do subdue
All things to honor only You.
Oh, wondrous thoughts of Thee with bliss
O kiss me now with tender lips
With all Thy heart and passion too
There is no one I love like You.
O Lord above, Almighty Son,
We'll wait for You until You come
To take us home to be with You
There is no one we love like You
(Added March 1)
While typing out the above, additional words came to mind as I realized this song could be also sung to the tune of "Before the Throne of God Above" by (1) changing the word 'on' in the line (As we look on Your smiling gaze) to 'upon' (We look upon Your smiling gaze); (2) repeating the last line in each of the second stanzas; and, (3) with the inclusion of the following:
(Chorus)
Oh LORD above Almighty Son,
We bow before You Three in One
Oh, fill us with Your grace this hour.
Oh, fill us with Your Spirit's power.
Oh, help our worship to be true
In all our ways submit to You
Until the day You do subdue
All things to honor only You,
All things to honor only You.
Michael E. Wood 02-23-2010
Our lofty praise we'll give some day
As we look on Your smiling gaze.
Til then we'll come without delay
And offer you with hearts amazed,
By grace through faith in You alone
Who overcame our sins to come
And offer us before the throne,
Our tongues You loose, now no more dumb.
(Chorus)
O, LORD above, Almighty Son,
We bow before You Three in One.
Oh, fill us with Your grace this hour.
Oh, fill us with Your Spirit's power.
Our praise is what we now can give,
As to Your glory we shall live.
Oh, purge from us all selfish thought,
And show the grace that You have wrought.
Your steadfast love and faithfulness,
Our all in all, our holiness,
Our hearts desire we ask You fill.
Oh, give us grace to do Your will.
(Chorus)
Oh, help our worship to be true
In all our ways submit to You
Until the day You do subdue
All things to honor only You.
Oh, wondrous thoughts of Thee with bliss
O kiss me now with tender lips
With all Thy heart and passion too
There is no one I love like You.
O Lord above, Almighty Son,
We'll wait for You until You come
To take us home to be with You
There is no one we love like You
(Added March 1)
While typing out the above, additional words came to mind as I realized this song could be also sung to the tune of "Before the Throne of God Above" by (1) changing the word 'on' in the line (As we look on Your smiling gaze) to 'upon' (We look upon Your smiling gaze); (2) repeating the last line in each of the second stanzas; and, (3) with the inclusion of the following:
(Chorus)
Oh LORD above Almighty Son,
We bow before You Three in One
Oh, fill us with Your grace this hour.
Oh, fill us with Your Spirit's power.
Oh, help our worship to be true
In all our ways submit to You
Until the day You do subdue
All things to honor only You,
All things to honor only You.
Michael E. Wood 02-23-2010
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Deep Water
While pondering the content of the following verses of scriptures:
The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out. Proverbs 20:5
The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. Proverbs 18:4
Blows that would cleanse away evil; strokes make clean the innermost parts. Proverbs 20:30
But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. Isa.53:5
these words came forth:
Your purpose in our heart O' God--
Like water deep from birth,
Drawn out by Him Who understands;
The King of all the earth!
Jesus Christ the crucified,
Rejected by all men.
And had He not poured out His soul
We would still be in our sin.
And yet to death He bore our guilt
And suffered for our shame.
And though His beauty we saw not
His glory was the same.
Ohhhhh, the griefs and sorrows borne
When smitten by You God.
It was Your will to crush Him then
For all who would then trod,
In the steps of which You choose
To show forth all Your will.
That in His image we show forth
Your Word conforms us still.
As by Your Spirit You show forth
The glory of Your grace.
Your Fountain springing up supplies
The strength to run the race,
In such a way that pleases You,
You show us day by day,
That we may magnify You Lord,
The Life, The Truth, The Way!
Michael E. Wood
7:07 a.m. March 20, 2010
The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out. Proverbs 20:5
The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. Proverbs 18:4
Blows that would cleanse away evil; strokes make clean the innermost parts. Proverbs 20:30
But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. Isa.53:5
these words came forth:
Your purpose in our heart O' God--
Like water deep from birth,
Drawn out by Him Who understands;
The King of all the earth!
Jesus Christ the crucified,
Rejected by all men.
And had He not poured out His soul
We would still be in our sin.
And yet to death He bore our guilt
And suffered for our shame.
And though His beauty we saw not
His glory was the same.
Ohhhhh, the griefs and sorrows borne
When smitten by You God.
It was Your will to crush Him then
For all who would then trod,
In the steps of which You choose
To show forth all Your will.
That in His image we show forth
Your Word conforms us still.
As by Your Spirit You show forth
The glory of Your grace.
Your Fountain springing up supplies
The strength to run the race,
In such a way that pleases You,
You show us day by day,
That we may magnify You Lord,
The Life, The Truth, The Way!
Michael E. Wood
7:07 a.m. March 20, 2010
Another Morning Spark....
Oh, bless His Name, Who is the same
As all our griefs He bore
Forgiving us of all our sins
As we His body tore.
Not that without, but that within
Which mortal eyes see not,
Too numerous for us to count,
Praise God, He has forgot.
Let us then shout with all our might
As He our victory won,
And give the glory due His Name,
God's precious Holy Son.
Michael E. Wood
Morning of March 20, 2010
As all our griefs He bore
Forgiving us of all our sins
As we His body tore.
Not that without, but that within
Which mortal eyes see not,
Too numerous for us to count,
Praise God, He has forgot.
Let us then shout with all our might
As He our victory won,
And give the glory due His Name,
God's precious Holy Son.
Michael E. Wood
Morning of March 20, 2010
Beyond the Grave
While on the way to work, I was sitting at a stop light on the exit ramp and as I contemplated death and heaven, the first line of this poem came to me. Knowing that I had about thirty minutes before I had to be at work, I pulled into one of the places I go near there to be alone, and these words came to mind:
I care not where you put this body
For dust it will become.
And all His fullness I will see,
For with Him I'll be one.
The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
Consumed in Him I'll be,
As full salvation fills the eyes
Of which He's given me.
Oh, what joy my heart now feels
But then beyond all thought,
Imagination gives way to glory
For in Christ's love I'm brought
Beyond the grave of this used body
In which He first showed grace
And filled me with His passion til,
Then, I see full, His face.
Michael E. Wood
5:08 p.m. - March 19, 2010
I care not where you put this body
For dust it will become.
And all His fullness I will see,
For with Him I'll be one.
The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
Consumed in Him I'll be,
As full salvation fills the eyes
Of which He's given me.
Oh, what joy my heart now feels
But then beyond all thought,
Imagination gives way to glory
For in Christ's love I'm brought
Beyond the grave of this used body
In which He first showed grace
And filled me with His passion til,
Then, I see full, His face.
Michael E. Wood
5:08 p.m. - March 19, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
Run to Him
I was awakened around 4:00 a.m. and a question came to mind asked of me by a young server at Cracker Barrel, who professes faith in Christ, and has expressed a desire to go to the foreign mission field, "Why did I come back to Cracker Barrel?"
I hurriedly got a pen and wrote the following with the intent to give to her:
TO LEARN: (A) Contentment and joy is found in God and God alone, because of Christ and Christ alone. (B) The mission field is where ever you are. (C) God in His Sovereignty has placed you here to make contacts to help you on your journey (The members of His body above and on the earth / see Dianna's blog) (D) To love Him and to have a passion for His glory where ever you are and in whatever He would have you to do at all times.
And this I trust the Lord will use in her young life.
Then I filled out some envelopes to send to family members, of which the Lord has placed on my and Dianna's heart, concerning our upcoming wedding. As I stepped out on the porch and could hear in the distance the sound of a cock crowing, I was reminded of Peter's denial of Christ and of my own in the past and these words came to mind.
Oh, Father help us mark our time
And remember it is short,
As by Your grace we look to You
And to men we exhort.
Oh, Look to Christ, and Run to Him
For nothing else will count,
Trust in His grace to see His face
On eagles wings you'll mount.
Ought but His cross will carry you
Above your vain oblations.
Not any work that you might do
Or other obligations.
Which taught by men, is only sin,
Wrapped up in false religion,
Expressed by minds with their vile lies
And darkened superstition.
God is the center of all Truth
And for His glory made you.
And though by sin, hell be your end,
Repent and Christ will rescue.
For He alone for sin atoned
By blood and pleased the Father,
And satisfied the wrath of God
For every son and daughter,
Of which He calls and justifies
According to His Word,
To magnify His glorious grace
In those in whom He's cured.
For now in Him we enter in,
Receive His Promised Spirit
His glory now our chief desire,
And, to His Name we fear it.
Michael E. Wood
Morning of March 19, 2010
But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
2nd Peter 2:1-3
Sing to the LORD, all the earth! Tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and he is to be held in awe above all gods.26For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his place.
Ascribe to the LORD, O clans of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength! Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him! Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth; yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved. Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice, and let them say among the nations, "The LORD reigns!"
1 Chronicles 16:23-31
I hurriedly got a pen and wrote the following with the intent to give to her:
TO LEARN: (A) Contentment and joy is found in God and God alone, because of Christ and Christ alone. (B) The mission field is where ever you are. (C) God in His Sovereignty has placed you here to make contacts to help you on your journey (The members of His body above and on the earth / see Dianna's blog) (D) To love Him and to have a passion for His glory where ever you are and in whatever He would have you to do at all times.
And this I trust the Lord will use in her young life.
Then I filled out some envelopes to send to family members, of which the Lord has placed on my and Dianna's heart, concerning our upcoming wedding. As I stepped out on the porch and could hear in the distance the sound of a cock crowing, I was reminded of Peter's denial of Christ and of my own in the past and these words came to mind.
Oh, Father help us mark our time
And remember it is short,
As by Your grace we look to You
And to men we exhort.
Oh, Look to Christ, and Run to Him
For nothing else will count,
Trust in His grace to see His face
On eagles wings you'll mount.
Ought but His cross will carry you
Above your vain oblations.
Not any work that you might do
Or other obligations.
Which taught by men, is only sin,
Wrapped up in false religion,
Expressed by minds with their vile lies
And darkened superstition.
God is the center of all Truth
And for His glory made you.
And though by sin, hell be your end,
Repent and Christ will rescue.
For He alone for sin atoned
By blood and pleased the Father,
And satisfied the wrath of God
For every son and daughter,
Of which He calls and justifies
According to His Word,
To magnify His glorious grace
In those in whom He's cured.
For now in Him we enter in,
Receive His Promised Spirit
His glory now our chief desire,
And, to His Name we fear it.
Michael E. Wood
Morning of March 19, 2010
But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
2nd Peter 2:1-3
Sing to the LORD, all the earth! Tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and he is to be held in awe above all gods.26For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his place.
Ascribe to the LORD, O clans of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength! Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him! Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth; yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved. Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice, and let them say among the nations, "The LORD reigns!"
1 Chronicles 16:23-31
A Morning Glimmer.....
We thank you Father for temporal things
In which Your beauty can been seen,
As You uphold as eagles wings
With joy as trumpets, Your praise's mean
Far greater love than all the world
Can come to grasp in vanity
As to the cross our sins were hurled,
You drank of all humanity.
Redeemed a remnant by Your grace
Raised to walk now from the dead
As we behold Your Smiling Face
Oh, Christ, You took our place instead.
Michael E. Wood
March 18, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
For every son, You discipline
While reading in Proverbs 17 and coming to verse 24a, "the discerning sets his face toward wisdom", and once again after cross referencing, the first two verses of this poem came to mind. When the word kingdom came to mind I was lead to Hebrews 12:1-11 which describes a part of the walk of faith all of God's children are called to.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives."
It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:1-11
Therefore if you are left without discipline, then you are illegitimate and not a son at all.
Oh, what a precious gift You gave
Through Christ of understanding
A cheerful heart to seek Your face
Brought forth by Your commanding,
Discernment in our hearts to rise
To set our face toward wisdom
And ears to hear reproofs of life
And dwell within Your kingdom,
Of those who have gone on before
And those who dwell on earth
Through Christ alone You chose to give
New life through second birth.
And since we are surrounded by
So great a witness cloud,
Oh, help us lay aside the weights
Of which we are so proud,
And sin which clings so closely now;
That we may run the race,
You've set before by sovereign love
To look upon the face,
Of Jesus Christ the Author
And Perfecter of our faith,
Who for the joy, endured the cross
Secured for us now baith*.
Despised the shame and seated at
The right hand of the throne
Of God above and intercedes
For all who are His own.
Oh, help us now consider Him
And not grow faint of heart
For every son, You discipline
And holiness impart.
Though for the moment we're made to feel
Your discipline through pain,
Not ought compares to the peaceful fruit
Of righteousness we gain.
Michael E. Wood
March 17, 2010
(*definition of baith; both) Jesus Christ, the Author and Perfecter of the faith that saves from sin to the glory of God, secured for us chosen in Him before the foundation of the world, and instilled in us through the cross, the capacity and desire to lay aside "baith" every weight and the sin which so closely clings to us.)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives."
It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:1-11
Therefore if you are left without discipline, then you are illegitimate and not a son at all.
Oh, what a precious gift You gave
Through Christ of understanding
A cheerful heart to seek Your face
Brought forth by Your commanding,
Discernment in our hearts to rise
To set our face toward wisdom
And ears to hear reproofs of life
And dwell within Your kingdom,
Of those who have gone on before
And those who dwell on earth
Through Christ alone You chose to give
New life through second birth.
And since we are surrounded by
So great a witness cloud,
Oh, help us lay aside the weights
Of which we are so proud,
And sin which clings so closely now;
That we may run the race,
You've set before by sovereign love
To look upon the face,
Of Jesus Christ the Author
And Perfecter of our faith,
Who for the joy, endured the cross
Secured for us now baith*.
Despised the shame and seated at
The right hand of the throne
Of God above and intercedes
For all who are His own.
Oh, help us now consider Him
And not grow faint of heart
For every son, You discipline
And holiness impart.
Though for the moment we're made to feel
Your discipline through pain,
Not ought compares to the peaceful fruit
Of righteousness we gain.
Michael E. Wood
March 17, 2010
(*definition of baith; both) Jesus Christ, the Author and Perfecter of the faith that saves from sin to the glory of God, secured for us chosen in Him before the foundation of the world, and instilled in us through the cross, the capacity and desire to lay aside "baith" every weight and the sin which so closely clings to us.)
Monday, March 15, 2010
To Honor You in All We Do
Upon reading my beloved Dianna's blog post entitled, "We Are Too Much Like David", which included an excerpt from J.R. Miler's, "Looking One's Soul in the Face", these words came to mind, which began at 1:58a.m., and then after having slept for awhile continued til after 8:37a.m. Oh, How thankful I am that we have been made partakers of "the Mystery of Christ".
This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory. Ephesians 3:6-13
Oh, show to us our secret faults
Which to our minds are hidden,
That we may fully come to know
The cross to which we're bidden.
Our apprehension yet so small
Of, Oh, SO GREAT A COST,
Of which You Paid at Calvary,
Redeeming what was lost.
You came to earth to seek and save
According to Your pleasure,
And grace You gave More Greater Still
Than all our minds can measure.
Oh, help us see the many ways
That we're still wretched, blind,
And from the humbled dust we are,
Give healing to the mind.
Oh, let us never grow complacent
In the battle of our sin
But boldly go where no man's gone
For Christ, our Victor's end.
Let love from You now be the means
Through which we now take courage
And love for You be our full end,
And others not discourage.
Oh, help us comprehend from You
That wrath that is our due,
For righteousness like filthy rags
We offer unto you.
And witness Your Majestic glory
And Your unmerited favor;
That we be not at all like salt
In which has lost it's savor.
Oh, help us now by grace from You
That we may walk so humble,
To honor You in all we do,
We know all else will crumble.
For now You are our Joy and King,
Once born to be so crushed
That You may put to silence all,
Whose voices You have hushed.
Oh, help us see Your loving hand
In all of Your refinement
And rest content within the veil
You fill with Your assignment;
To move us far beyond ourselves
And all our sinful pride--
That for Your praise we may be used
As in Your Cross we hide.
Michael E. Wood
March 15, 2010
This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory. Ephesians 3:6-13
Oh, show to us our secret faults
Which to our minds are hidden,
That we may fully come to know
The cross to which we're bidden.
Our apprehension yet so small
Of, Oh, SO GREAT A COST,
Of which You Paid at Calvary,
Redeeming what was lost.
You came to earth to seek and save
According to Your pleasure,
And grace You gave More Greater Still
Than all our minds can measure.
Oh, help us see the many ways
That we're still wretched, blind,
And from the humbled dust we are,
Give healing to the mind.
Oh, let us never grow complacent
In the battle of our sin
But boldly go where no man's gone
For Christ, our Victor's end.
Let love from You now be the means
Through which we now take courage
And love for You be our full end,
And others not discourage.
Oh, help us comprehend from You
That wrath that is our due,
For righteousness like filthy rags
We offer unto you.
And witness Your Majestic glory
And Your unmerited favor;
That we be not at all like salt
In which has lost it's savor.
Oh, help us now by grace from You
That we may walk so humble,
To honor You in all we do,
We know all else will crumble.
For now You are our Joy and King,
Once born to be so crushed
That You may put to silence all,
Whose voices You have hushed.
Oh, help us see Your loving hand
In all of Your refinement
And rest content within the veil
You fill with Your assignment;
To move us far beyond ourselves
And all our sinful pride--
That for Your praise we may be used
As in Your Cross we hide.
Michael E. Wood
March 15, 2010
The Knowledge of His Holiness
Whereas I trust that I was used of the Lord to be a blessing of truth wherein He did impact a vision of His Beauty and the glory of His grace with the ladies at Spring View Assisted Living today; one of them made the comment, "I don't see how you do what you do." This statement was made upon sharing some of the things of which I have been blessed of the Lord to receive along with a confession of feeling the weariness of my body and mind after working the closing shift at Cracker Barrel last night, prior to moving into time change Sunday, wherein the clocks are moved forward and we potentially "lose" an hours sleep.
Upon arriving at the house, having a bite to eat and a short nap, I began to review Proverbs 14 and came to verse 6b, "Knowledge is easy for a man of understanding", and as I began to look at some of the cross references, the Spirit of God brought to my mind the fact, "that I am what I am, by the grace of God", and to Him be all the glory! When my eyes came to this passage in Proverbs 24:3-6, "By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might, for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory." the following words came to mind for the purpose of His praise.
Knowledge now is easy for the man whose heart is brought
Unto the cross of Calvary and there by blood was bought
By Christ alone, Who did atone, and wisdom did impart
The knowledge of His holiness. From sin we must depart!
Now prudence is the way we learn the wisdom of His Word
And safely walk this pilgrim way in which His counsel's heard.
Our house He builds by understanding and knowledge fills the rooms
As we prepare to welcome Him, Lord Jesus now our groom.
With precious things and pleasant riches our hearts He now does fill
Perfecting us in holiness and prove His perfect will.
For we His bride will not be faint, our victory's secure
By grace alone through faith alone in Him Who makes us pure.
More glorious will be the day in ways we have not thought,
When we in glory see His face with rapture we are caught
Up to the highest plain of all the Majesty He Is,
And worship Him in holiness, forever we are HIS!
Michael E. Wood
March 14, 2010
Upon arriving at the house, having a bite to eat and a short nap, I began to review Proverbs 14 and came to verse 6b, "Knowledge is easy for a man of understanding", and as I began to look at some of the cross references, the Spirit of God brought to my mind the fact, "that I am what I am, by the grace of God", and to Him be all the glory! When my eyes came to this passage in Proverbs 24:3-6, "By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might, for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory." the following words came to mind for the purpose of His praise.
Knowledge now is easy for the man whose heart is brought
Unto the cross of Calvary and there by blood was bought
By Christ alone, Who did atone, and wisdom did impart
The knowledge of His holiness. From sin we must depart!
Now prudence is the way we learn the wisdom of His Word
And safely walk this pilgrim way in which His counsel's heard.
Our house He builds by understanding and knowledge fills the rooms
As we prepare to welcome Him, Lord Jesus now our groom.
With precious things and pleasant riches our hearts He now does fill
Perfecting us in holiness and prove His perfect will.
For we His bride will not be faint, our victory's secure
By grace alone through faith alone in Him Who makes us pure.
More glorious will be the day in ways we have not thought,
When we in glory see His face with rapture we are caught
Up to the highest plain of all the Majesty He Is,
And worship Him in holiness, forever we are HIS!
Michael E. Wood
March 14, 2010
Saturday, March 13, 2010
My Soul to Him Clings
As my mind was again distracted by things of this world, which were not bad in and of themselves; but, pertain to earthly responsibilities, I looked to the Word of God, and my attention was arrested by Proverbs 13:25:
THE RIGHTEOUS HAS ENOUGH TO SATISFY HIS APPETITE, but the belly of the wicked suffers want.
I was then taken back by the Spirit to Psalm 63:1-8:
O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you;my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.
and these words came to mind:
Christ is my food now and He is my drink;
Fulfilling my soul, so that I do not sink
Into the quagmire of all my vain lusts.
He is The Righteous One, my soul in Him trusts.
His Word is so rich as He fills with delight
And opens my vision to see by His sight.
His grace so sufficient as He fills up my hand--
Partake of His joy as He makes me to stand,
Under the shadow of Almighty wings;
And sing now for joy as my soul to Him clings.
Oh, Beautiful Saviour, Who now upholds me.
In You is all power, in You I will glory.
You take all distress and You fill up the soul
Of all of Your body, in whom You've made whole.
Day now by day for as long as we live--
Your praise will crescendo by the grace that You give.
Michael E. Wood
March 13, 2010
THE RIGHTEOUS HAS ENOUGH TO SATISFY HIS APPETITE, but the belly of the wicked suffers want.
I was then taken back by the Spirit to Psalm 63:1-8:
O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you;my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.
and these words came to mind:
Christ is my food now and He is my drink;
Fulfilling my soul, so that I do not sink
Into the quagmire of all my vain lusts.
He is The Righteous One, my soul in Him trusts.
His Word is so rich as He fills with delight
And opens my vision to see by His sight.
His grace so sufficient as He fills up my hand--
Partake of His joy as He makes me to stand,
Under the shadow of Almighty wings;
And sing now for joy as my soul to Him clings.
Oh, Beautiful Saviour, Who now upholds me.
In You is all power, in You I will glory.
You take all distress and You fill up the soul
Of all of Your body, in whom You've made whole.
Day now by day for as long as we live--
Your praise will crescendo by the grace that You give.
Michael E. Wood
March 13, 2010
God our Righteousness
While contemplating the events of the day and the frailties of my flesh and while looking to Psalm 57, the following excerpts stood out.
Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in You my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge, til the storms of destruction pass by. I cry out to God Most High, to GOD Who FULFILLS HIS PURPOSE FOR ME. He will send from heaven and save me. God will send out His steadfast love and faithfulness! Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let Your glory be over all the earth! My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast! I will sing and make melody! Awake, my glory! Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let Your glory be over all the earth!
Music had come to my heart and my mind earlier in the day, and I could not remember the title of the song or find it, so He gave me these words to go with the music:
Oh, Father in heaven, there's no one like You
Oh which I can go to when my heart is blue.
What cause for rejoicing, for in You I find
Your love all sufficient for Jesus is mine.
Your Word is the means my poor soul is refined
And through which You help me to know of Your mind.
The blood of my Saviour now cleanses from sin
And by Your Sweet Spirit I'm made new within.
Oh, Father we ask You attend to the needs
Of all Your dear children You bring to their knees.
And cause them to see now the smile of Your face,
The presence of Jesus Who saves by His grace.
Oh, help them to look above all temporal loss
And give them the courage to bare up the cross,
Of which in Your pleasure You've given to share
That you may in all things Your glory be there.
Oh, help us to praise You as on You we call
And lay all our burdens on You as we fall
Now prostrate before You and trust in Your Name
Jehovah Tisidkenu, forever the same.
The LORD is our Righteousness now and always.
He'll guard us and guide us in all of our days.
Til with Him in glory we're made just like Him,
And praise Him forever in song and in hymn.
Michael E. Wood
March 12, 2010
On Sunday evening after a most wonderful service at Beacon Baptist Church, which included partaking of the Lord's table, I went to the Minister of music, Greg Phillips, to ask if he recognized the music for this particular song. A smile comes to my face as I think of the delight it was to play Name That Tune to the glory of God! The song of which the music with slight variance originated from was, "Chosen of God", by Septimus Sears (1820-1877), and the music by Joan J. Pinkston (b. 1947).
On a more serious note, this song also came about as a result of the passing of a dear saint into glory. Michael Herron was born with an inherited disease which the Lord used to take him into glory at the age of 47. He lived the last years of his life with the knowledge that God could take His life for His Own glory if He so chose. In his last days in the hospital, after bearing a faithful testimony for Him, he was heard saying, "Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?" (Job 2:10), and " Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him" (Job 13:15)
Proverbs 10:7 says, "The memory of the righteous is a blessing", and thus with permission granted by his wife after having read the words of this song, I would like to dedicate this song to the memory of Michael Herron for the glory of God.
Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in You my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge, til the storms of destruction pass by. I cry out to God Most High, to GOD Who FULFILLS HIS PURPOSE FOR ME. He will send from heaven and save me. God will send out His steadfast love and faithfulness! Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let Your glory be over all the earth! My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast! I will sing and make melody! Awake, my glory! Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let Your glory be over all the earth!
Music had come to my heart and my mind earlier in the day, and I could not remember the title of the song or find it, so He gave me these words to go with the music:
Oh, Father in heaven, there's no one like You
Oh which I can go to when my heart is blue.
What cause for rejoicing, for in You I find
Your love all sufficient for Jesus is mine.
Your Word is the means my poor soul is refined
And through which You help me to know of Your mind.
The blood of my Saviour now cleanses from sin
And by Your Sweet Spirit I'm made new within.
Oh, Father we ask You attend to the needs
Of all Your dear children You bring to their knees.
And cause them to see now the smile of Your face,
The presence of Jesus Who saves by His grace.
Oh, help them to look above all temporal loss
And give them the courage to bare up the cross,
Of which in Your pleasure You've given to share
That you may in all things Your glory be there.
Oh, help us to praise You as on You we call
And lay all our burdens on You as we fall
Now prostrate before You and trust in Your Name
Jehovah Tisidkenu, forever the same.
The LORD is our Righteousness now and always.
He'll guard us and guide us in all of our days.
Til with Him in glory we're made just like Him,
And praise Him forever in song and in hymn.
Michael E. Wood
March 12, 2010
On Sunday evening after a most wonderful service at Beacon Baptist Church, which included partaking of the Lord's table, I went to the Minister of music, Greg Phillips, to ask if he recognized the music for this particular song. A smile comes to my face as I think of the delight it was to play Name That Tune to the glory of God! The song of which the music with slight variance originated from was, "Chosen of God", by Septimus Sears (1820-1877), and the music by Joan J. Pinkston (b. 1947).
On a more serious note, this song also came about as a result of the passing of a dear saint into glory. Michael Herron was born with an inherited disease which the Lord used to take him into glory at the age of 47. He lived the last years of his life with the knowledge that God could take His life for His Own glory if He so chose. In his last days in the hospital, after bearing a faithful testimony for Him, he was heard saying, "Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?" (Job 2:10), and " Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him" (Job 13:15)
Proverbs 10:7 says, "The memory of the righteous is a blessing", and thus with permission granted by his wife after having read the words of this song, I would like to dedicate this song to the memory of Michael Herron for the glory of God.
Friday, March 12, 2010
The Great Value of Prayer
I was awakened around 5:00a.m. and after having read some passages from Hebrews, and then while accomplishing some menial tasks, my mind was taken to the model prayer left for us by our Savior, (Matthew 6:7-12).
"And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors."
I went back to sleep for a time and awoke with these words which began to come forth at 8:23a.m. No doubt, the time spent with my beloved Dianna in reading a few pages of Thomas Brooks' Privy Key to Heaven last night has also had an influence in the words given to me this morning.
Oh, estimate now the great value of prayer
As through Christ we come to our Father with care.
Sometimes with words, and sometimes without,
Sometimes with groans, and sometimes with a shout.
The form less important, but come now we must
And call through The Name of The One Who Is Just.
He knows all our needs, and before we can ask
His pleasure sends often to meet all the task,
Of which He doth call us to be for His Name
In weakness, our Strength Is, Jesus the same!
Though often we know not exactly His will
He delights as we come and spend time with Him still.
Now with all confidence, Oh, let us draw nigh
To our Father in heaven, Who hears every sigh.
And though we be not what we ought to be yet
Bring by His promise, He will never forget,
But answer in love and fulfill all His Word
And fill us with joy, as His child He has heard.
Oh, let us then praise Him for all that He gives
Through Jesus Who's risen, and now with Him lives
To make intercession for all of His own
Til with Him in glory we're all safely home.
Michael E. Wood
March 12, 2010
"And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors."
I went back to sleep for a time and awoke with these words which began to come forth at 8:23a.m. No doubt, the time spent with my beloved Dianna in reading a few pages of Thomas Brooks' Privy Key to Heaven last night has also had an influence in the words given to me this morning.
Oh, estimate now the great value of prayer
As through Christ we come to our Father with care.
Sometimes with words, and sometimes without,
Sometimes with groans, and sometimes with a shout.
The form less important, but come now we must
And call through The Name of The One Who Is Just.
He knows all our needs, and before we can ask
His pleasure sends often to meet all the task,
Of which He doth call us to be for His Name
In weakness, our Strength Is, Jesus the same!
Though often we know not exactly His will
He delights as we come and spend time with Him still.
Now with all confidence, Oh, let us draw nigh
To our Father in heaven, Who hears every sigh.
And though we be not what we ought to be yet
Bring by His promise, He will never forget,
But answer in love and fulfill all His Word
And fill us with joy, as His child He has heard.
Oh, let us then praise Him for all that He gives
Through Jesus Who's risen, and now with Him lives
To make intercession for all of His own
Til with Him in glory we're all safely home.
Michael E. Wood
March 12, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
A Morning "Spark"
Proverbs 11:1b "A just weight is the delight of the LORD."
We thank You for the Gift You gave,
Your Word. Oh, search our hearts.
As we approach before Your throne
You cleanse our hidden parts.
By mercy and the blood of Christ
Our way is now made straight
That we may follow Him through life
And enter heavens gate.
And blameless then we shall be seen
For He's the blameless One.
His glory then we'll fully know
Shines brighter than the sun.
Michael E. Wood
March 11, 2010
We thank You for the Gift You gave,
Your Word. Oh, search our hearts.
As we approach before Your throne
You cleanse our hidden parts.
By mercy and the blood of Christ
Our way is now made straight
That we may follow Him through life
And enter heavens gate.
And blameless then we shall be seen
For He's the blameless One.
His glory then we'll fully know
Shines brighter than the sun.
Michael E. Wood
March 11, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
You are my Wisdom!
While contemplating Proverbs 10:23b in the ESV: "wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding", and that while knowing that CHRIST IS my WISDOM, by the testimony of the Spirit of God, as it is written not only in the Bible (1st Cor. 1:23-24 ... we preach Christ crucified... to those that are called... Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.), but in my heart and in my mind as a gift to show forth the steadfast love and faithfulness of The Almighty God through the cross of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, these words came to mind:
You are my wisdom and I am Your pen.
Oh, use me to write on the hearts of all men,
Such as You choose by Your grace and Your power
To show forth the gospel of Christ in this hour.
Though marred now with sin, it's Your glory within
With which You speak peace to those captive in sin.
You are my Treasure Who spoke forth the Light
Into the darkness which once was my plight.
Now by Your Spirit, Oh show forth the face
Of Jesus my Lord Who has saved from disgrace.
Oh, join us as one by the hope of Your sight
Through the blood of Your Son in Whom You delight.
For though now we groan and You hear our heart cry
Your glory is sure in our home now on high.
For now in good courage by faith we will walk
Til You are The Subject of all of our talk.
One day, every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father.
Oh, that you may be of the number which delight in the God of all glory, through the person of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and that He will be the main Subject of all of your talk. (7:22a.m.-9:27a.m.)
Michael E. Wood
March 10, 2010
You are my wisdom and I am Your pen.
Oh, use me to write on the hearts of all men,
Such as You choose by Your grace and Your power
To show forth the gospel of Christ in this hour.
Though marred now with sin, it's Your glory within
With which You speak peace to those captive in sin.
You are my Treasure Who spoke forth the Light
Into the darkness which once was my plight.
Now by Your Spirit, Oh show forth the face
Of Jesus my Lord Who has saved from disgrace.
Oh, join us as one by the hope of Your sight
Through the blood of Your Son in Whom You delight.
For though now we groan and You hear our heart cry
Your glory is sure in our home now on high.
For now in good courage by faith we will walk
Til You are The Subject of all of our talk.
One day, every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father.
Oh, that you may be of the number which delight in the God of all glory, through the person of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and that He will be the main Subject of all of your talk. (7:22a.m.-9:27a.m.)
Michael E. Wood
March 10, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
"Walk in the Way of Understanding"
Proverbs 9:1-6, 9-11 reads:
Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out its seven pillars. She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table. She has sent out her maids, and she calls from the highest point of the city. "Let all who are simple come in here!" she says to those who lack judgment. "Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed. Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.
Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.
As I looked to the LORD this morning through the book of Proverbs chapter 9 verses 1-12a and a number of cross reference texts, I found myself also contemplating the responsibility that I am being called to as a husband, of which I trust by His good pleasure I will have the joy and privilege of entering into in 70 days , these words came to mind.
Oh how can I be such a man in this life,
For You are my husband, and we are Your wife.
All that's significant we find now in You
And look to Your mercy and YOUR WORD which IS TRUE
For though I'm yet simple and know nothing yet
As I ought til I see You as You come and You get
Your body, Your Bride, and Your church of all time
And fill all the vision we yet lack in our rhyme.
Oh, help us to see past our own tiny thought
And love now Your church by Your blood You have bought.
Your love is so pure and Your care is so kind
And all of our life is now hid in Your mind.
So help us each day by Your Spirit to guide,
Abide in Your Word, in the cross we will hide.
Til with You in glory Your beauty we''ll see
And praise You forever for all You decree.
Michael E. Wood
March 9, 2010
Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out its seven pillars. She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table. She has sent out her maids, and she calls from the highest point of the city. "Let all who are simple come in here!" she says to those who lack judgment. "Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed. Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.
Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.
As I looked to the LORD this morning through the book of Proverbs chapter 9 verses 1-12a and a number of cross reference texts, I found myself also contemplating the responsibility that I am being called to as a husband, of which I trust by His good pleasure I will have the joy and privilege of entering into in 70 days , these words came to mind.
Oh how can I be such a man in this life,
For You are my husband, and we are Your wife.
All that's significant we find now in You
And look to Your mercy and YOUR WORD which IS TRUE
For though I'm yet simple and know nothing yet
As I ought til I see You as You come and You get
Your body, Your Bride, and Your church of all time
And fill all the vision we yet lack in our rhyme.
Oh, help us to see past our own tiny thought
And love now Your church by Your blood You have bought.
Your love is so pure and Your care is so kind
And all of our life is now hid in Your mind.
So help us each day by Your Spirit to guide,
Abide in Your Word, in the cross we will hide.
Til with You in glory Your beauty we''ll see
And praise You forever for all You decree.
Michael E. Wood
March 9, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
This is the day that YOU have made...
As I was awakened this morning and opened my Bible to Proverbs chapter 8, I found my mind was distracted from the Word by the many thoughts of the things that needed to be done, and this gift of praise in writing He has given me for His glory gave me the means to focus my attention on Christ and the precious gift of who He is and what He has done; not only for me but for all His own, in a most intimate and personal way.
And now, O sons, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD. Proverbs 8:32-35
And thus at 8:16a.m. I began to write:
This is the day that you have made
The voice of Your wisdom doth call,
And we Your people hear noble things
As prostrate before You we fall.
Your lips speak right, Your mouth utters truth,
And righteous are all of Your words
Through which You provide by Your Spirit divine
More than for all of the birds.
For though You feed them and all that breathe
Sing Your most glorious praise,
Not one can speak the truth of Your grace
As a son of whom You did raise.
Through Christ alone because of Your love,
The Son in Whom You're well pleased.
As by the cross and shedding His blood,
From sin, death and hell He has seized--
The inheritance that You promised Him
Before all creation began.
And purposed to give such delight in Yourself
And the praise of Your glory our end.
Oh, what joy that You have given
In the depths of Your Own written Word,
As for Your glory You called us to hear
And experience the Word we have heard.
Not unto us but unto Christ
Oh help us exalt His dear Name,
As we in all the days that You give
Take pleasure in spreading His fame.
Not all He gives is for the moment
Of which He now gives unto us,
But will through all eternity
Show Him so Oh, glorious.
O Christ, You are the very center
Of all to us is made known.
By faith imparted into our hearts
To make Your Own glory shown!
After listening to some excerpts of messages by R.C. Sproul, John Piper, and C. J. Mahaney, sent to me by my beloved Dianna, the following words came to mind of which also had great influence in the closing of this little poem. Faith is the means by which we give glory to God, therefore He is delighted to strengthen us and encourage us by the faith that has been delivered to us by the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 4:20)
And now, O sons, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD. Proverbs 8:32-35
And thus at 8:16a.m. I began to write:
This is the day that you have made
The voice of Your wisdom doth call,
And we Your people hear noble things
As prostrate before You we fall.
Your lips speak right, Your mouth utters truth,
And righteous are all of Your words
Through which You provide by Your Spirit divine
More than for all of the birds.
For though You feed them and all that breathe
Sing Your most glorious praise,
Not one can speak the truth of Your grace
As a son of whom You did raise.
Through Christ alone because of Your love,
The Son in Whom You're well pleased.
As by the cross and shedding His blood,
From sin, death and hell He has seized--
The inheritance that You promised Him
Before all creation began.
And purposed to give such delight in Yourself
And the praise of Your glory our end.
Oh, what joy that You have given
In the depths of Your Own written Word,
As for Your glory You called us to hear
And experience the Word we have heard.
Not unto us but unto Christ
Oh help us exalt His dear Name,
As we in all the days that You give
Take pleasure in spreading His fame.
Not all He gives is for the moment
Of which He now gives unto us,
But will through all eternity
Show Him so Oh, glorious.
O Christ, You are the very center
Of all to us is made known.
By faith imparted into our hearts
To make Your Own glory shown!
After listening to some excerpts of messages by R.C. Sproul, John Piper, and C. J. Mahaney, sent to me by my beloved Dianna, the following words came to mind of which also had great influence in the closing of this little poem. Faith is the means by which we give glory to God, therefore He is delighted to strengthen us and encourage us by the faith that has been delivered to us by the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 4:20)
Partakers of Your Sovereign Choice
As I lay in bed this morning, I felt the tiredness of my body and mind, after having gotten only about five hours sleep on back to back days. But as the following words came to mind, I was compelled to get up and write.
"Partakers of Your Sovereign choice, constrained to hear Your lovely voice."
Upon looking back to a passage of which I had read the previous morning: Proverbs 6:20-23, three phrases stood out; "Your Father's commandment", "They will lead you","They will watch over you", "and when you awake, They will Speak with you".
Upon further review I noted the inclusion of "your mother's teaching". Since the scriptures teach that Jerusalem which is above is the mother of us all, my inclination is to say we are to continue to seek those things which are above where Christ sitteth on the right hand of the Father, to set our affections on things above and not on things of the earth, for we are dead and our life is hid with Christ in God.
And thus as there is a significance in obedience to earthly fathers and mothers in the fear of the LORD, far greater is the significance of our obedience to our Father and our mother above for the edification of the body of Christ while we are here on the earth, to Whom be all the glory and the praise and dominion both now and forevermore. Amen
Furthermore, as I was in contemplation of some excerpts from Psalms 31-35, especially 33:18-22, and knowing that I had but a short time before heading out for the morning worship services at Beacon Baptist Church and the Spring View Assisted Living Home, I asked of the Lord to give me an ending for this poem, that I might be on the way, and thus this offering of praise was completed.
Partakers of Your Sovereign choice
Constrained to hear Your lovely voice
And sanctified we are by You
Increased with joy and comfort too.
For Your Name we now are led,
You speak to us upon our bed.
And though distress at times You bring
Your wise design makes us to sing.
Oh, help us more discern Your Truth
As through Your Word You send reproof
To fix our gaze upon Your smile
Though answer be to wait awhile
And walk with You this chosen path
Your cross we bare Who saved from wrath.
Oh, by Your all wise counsel send
That we for glory apprehend
Your likeness by Your Spirit's power
To make us more like You this hour.
Michael E. Wood
March 7, 2010
"Partakers of Your Sovereign choice, constrained to hear Your lovely voice."
Upon looking back to a passage of which I had read the previous morning: Proverbs 6:20-23, three phrases stood out; "Your Father's commandment", "They will lead you","They will watch over you", "and when you awake, They will Speak with you".
Upon further review I noted the inclusion of "your mother's teaching". Since the scriptures teach that Jerusalem which is above is the mother of us all, my inclination is to say we are to continue to seek those things which are above where Christ sitteth on the right hand of the Father, to set our affections on things above and not on things of the earth, for we are dead and our life is hid with Christ in God.
And thus as there is a significance in obedience to earthly fathers and mothers in the fear of the LORD, far greater is the significance of our obedience to our Father and our mother above for the edification of the body of Christ while we are here on the earth, to Whom be all the glory and the praise and dominion both now and forevermore. Amen
Furthermore, as I was in contemplation of some excerpts from Psalms 31-35, especially 33:18-22, and knowing that I had but a short time before heading out for the morning worship services at Beacon Baptist Church and the Spring View Assisted Living Home, I asked of the Lord to give me an ending for this poem, that I might be on the way, and thus this offering of praise was completed.
Partakers of Your Sovereign choice
Constrained to hear Your lovely voice
And sanctified we are by You
Increased with joy and comfort too.
For Your Name we now are led,
You speak to us upon our bed.
And though distress at times You bring
Your wise design makes us to sing.
Oh, help us more discern Your Truth
As through Your Word You send reproof
To fix our gaze upon Your smile
Though answer be to wait awhile
And walk with You this chosen path
Your cross we bare Who saved from wrath.
Oh, by Your all wise counsel send
That we for glory apprehend
Your likeness by Your Spirit's power
To make us more like You this hour.
Michael E. Wood
March 7, 2010
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Every Little Poem and Song
Before going to sleep last night (March 5, 2010) I clicked on to The Gospel Coalition Blog and there was an article written about a book by Maurice Roberts entitled, "The Happiness of Heaven". Upon further investigation of Reformation Heritage Books website, I found another book entitled, "True Happiness: An Exposition of Psalm 1", by Martyn Lloyd Jones, and thus I went to sleep while meditating on Psalm 1; Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in His law doth he meditate day and night.....
I was awakened at 3:25 a.m. with these words in mind:
Every little poem and song,
Oh, give to make Your people long
To know You more and honor You
With thoughts of praise and glory too.
I felt like I had to either get up and write these words down or else I would lose them. I thought that I would lay back down and go to sleep, but the words kept coming and by 7:06a.m. this little poem and this little love song to my LORD, my Saviour, and my God was written.
Little Poem
Every little poem and song
Oh, give to make Your people long
To know You more and honor You
With thoughts of praise and glory too.
This bread You gave and sent from heaven
To feed poor souls like unto leaven
Hid in three measures of flour 'til done
To praise the glory of Your Son.
Oh, in the early morning hours
Your grace doth flow and bring the showers
Refreshing souls with thirsty hearts
Who in this world remain with parts
In need of You to take from us
All things that mar Your holiness.
Oh, make us more like Jesus be
Until our all we give to Thee
With thankful hearts full in Your presence
New names and bodies in all the sense
Of which You speak now through Your Word
And by Your Spirit confirm what's heard
By those You filled with all Your mind
To give us sight who once were blind
Though veiled in flesh we now can sing
YOU ARE OUR TREASURE, YOU ARE OUR KING!
Little Song
You are our Treasure and You are our God.
You lead us to heaven with staff and a rod.
Your Word we delight in because it is true
Because of Your pleasure, our hearts are made new.
(Chorus)
Oh, help us to praise You Who hallowed our days
Receive of Your mercy to teach of Your ways
That others may know the sweet pleasure You give
By grace and for glory to You we now live.
You are our Saviour and You are the Son.
The blood of Your cross has made us now one.
What cause of rejoicing, Oh endless delight
We are now favored to show forth Your light.
(Chorus)
All hidden in Jesus with hearts set ablaze
Til with You in heaven we stand there amazed
Beholding Your Beauty with all of the love
You gave by Your Spirit now sent from above.
(Chorus)
So little we know of all that You Are
And yet by Your grace You've led us so far.
You are our Hope and You are our Prize.
Oh what a love we''ll see in Your eyes.
(Chorus)
And once these were all written down, the following came to mind;
Oh, help us not an idol make
Of all You give for glory's sake
For all we have comes all from You
To give You praise and glory due.
Our praise is but a shadow yet
Of all we have in You to get
And all our loss we felt in pain
Will in that day be glory's gain. (8:20a.m.)
I was awakened at 3:25 a.m. with these words in mind:
Every little poem and song,
Oh, give to make Your people long
To know You more and honor You
With thoughts of praise and glory too.
I felt like I had to either get up and write these words down or else I would lose them. I thought that I would lay back down and go to sleep, but the words kept coming and by 7:06a.m. this little poem and this little love song to my LORD, my Saviour, and my God was written.
Little Poem
Every little poem and song
Oh, give to make Your people long
To know You more and honor You
With thoughts of praise and glory too.
This bread You gave and sent from heaven
To feed poor souls like unto leaven
Hid in three measures of flour 'til done
To praise the glory of Your Son.
Oh, in the early morning hours
Your grace doth flow and bring the showers
Refreshing souls with thirsty hearts
Who in this world remain with parts
In need of You to take from us
All things that mar Your holiness.
Oh, make us more like Jesus be
Until our all we give to Thee
With thankful hearts full in Your presence
New names and bodies in all the sense
Of which You speak now through Your Word
And by Your Spirit confirm what's heard
By those You filled with all Your mind
To give us sight who once were blind
Though veiled in flesh we now can sing
YOU ARE OUR TREASURE, YOU ARE OUR KING!
Little Song
You are our Treasure and You are our God.
You lead us to heaven with staff and a rod.
Your Word we delight in because it is true
Because of Your pleasure, our hearts are made new.
(Chorus)
Oh, help us to praise You Who hallowed our days
Receive of Your mercy to teach of Your ways
That others may know the sweet pleasure You give
By grace and for glory to You we now live.
You are our Saviour and You are the Son.
The blood of Your cross has made us now one.
What cause of rejoicing, Oh endless delight
We are now favored to show forth Your light.
(Chorus)
All hidden in Jesus with hearts set ablaze
Til with You in heaven we stand there amazed
Beholding Your Beauty with all of the love
You gave by Your Spirit now sent from above.
(Chorus)
So little we know of all that You Are
And yet by Your grace You've led us so far.
You are our Hope and You are our Prize.
Oh what a love we''ll see in Your eyes.
(Chorus)
And once these were all written down, the following came to mind;
Oh, help us not an idol make
Of all You give for glory's sake
For all we have comes all from You
To give You praise and glory due.
Our praise is but a shadow yet
Of all we have in You to get
And all our loss we felt in pain
Will in that day be glory's gain. (8:20a.m.)
Friday, March 5, 2010
Rejoice Our Hearts...
This little poem came to mind after spending some time in the Psalms and then resting in the blessing pronounced and the mutual lifting up of our hearts unto the LORD in Psalm 20.
Oh, how shall we improve upon
The grace now given through Your Son?
Protect us from our pride and sin,
Rejoice our hearts to enter in--
Before Your face and see Your smile
As He Who saved us from our guile.
Oh, may our praise be all from You
As we now seek Your glory too--
Along with all who are Your own
Redeemed to stand before Your throne,
From every nation, race and tongue,
Of those now hidden in Your Son.
Michael E. Wood
March 5, 2010
Oh, how shall we improve upon
The grace now given through Your Son?
Protect us from our pride and sin,
Rejoice our hearts to enter in--
Before Your face and see Your smile
As He Who saved us from our guile.
Oh, may our praise be all from You
As we now seek Your glory too--
Along with all who are Your own
Redeemed to stand before Your throne,
From every nation, race and tongue,
Of those now hidden in Your Son.
Michael E. Wood
March 5, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
I Shall Not Be Shaken!
I have set the LORD always before me; Because He is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Psalm 16:8
Even as I write this, I am taken by the beauty of Christ in this passage, as He prayed in the garden, "If it be possible let this cup pass from me, nevertheless, not my will but Thine be done." "I have set the LORD always before me;"
While reading Psalm 16, I came to verse 8 and my mind was taken back to Psalm 62 of which my beloved Dianna and I had read together yesterday afternoon. Verse 2 says, "I shall not be greatly shaken", and verse 6 says, "I SHALL NOT BE SHAKEN". Another thought impressed upon my mind was a statement made by Thomas Brooks from the work of grace written by him entitled, "Heaven on Earth"; "What is grace but glory begun? And what is glory but grace perfected? Grace is glory in the bud, and glory is grace at the full." And thus these words came to mind.
It is Christ that shall not be shaken
Though all else in life will be taken.
He is my portion and He is my cup,
And with Him in glory He's called me to sup.
Partake of His pleasures now at His right hand,
This grace He has given to cause me to stand
Along with all saints, the excellent ones,
Beautiful inheritance of God, called sons.
We trust not ourselves for He is our good
And tests now our hearts as He only could.
My heart now is glad for He is my joy.
His Word He has given by which we enjoy
The path of life of which He's made known,
The light of His presence of which He has sown
Into this world to tell of His story
Until He returns in all of His glory.
Maranatha!
Michael E. Wood
March 4, 2010
Even as I write this, I am taken by the beauty of Christ in this passage, as He prayed in the garden, "If it be possible let this cup pass from me, nevertheless, not my will but Thine be done." "I have set the LORD always before me;"
While reading Psalm 16, I came to verse 8 and my mind was taken back to Psalm 62 of which my beloved Dianna and I had read together yesterday afternoon. Verse 2 says, "I shall not be greatly shaken", and verse 6 says, "I SHALL NOT BE SHAKEN". Another thought impressed upon my mind was a statement made by Thomas Brooks from the work of grace written by him entitled, "Heaven on Earth"; "What is grace but glory begun? And what is glory but grace perfected? Grace is glory in the bud, and glory is grace at the full." And thus these words came to mind.
It is Christ that shall not be shaken
Though all else in life will be taken.
He is my portion and He is my cup,
And with Him in glory He's called me to sup.
Partake of His pleasures now at His right hand,
This grace He has given to cause me to stand
Along with all saints, the excellent ones,
Beautiful inheritance of God, called sons.
We trust not ourselves for He is our good
And tests now our hearts as He only could.
My heart now is glad for He is my joy.
His Word He has given by which we enjoy
The path of life of which He's made known,
The light of His presence of which He has sown
Into this world to tell of His story
Until He returns in all of His glory.
Maranatha!
Michael E. Wood
March 4, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
"Through Christ my Sacrifice, Who is my Own" Second Version
As I was contemplating an idea and a verse given to me by my beloved Dianna at 1:02a.m. 3/3/10 and then while reading in Proverbs Chapter 3, I came to verses 9,10 which says, "Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine." And thus as I thought on this passage and asked of the Lord for that which would be honoring to Him, this version of "Through Christ my Sacrifice, Who Is my Own" came to mind. I trust He will be pleased, honored, and glorified with both versions for His Name's sake.
"Through Christ my Sacrifice, Who is my Own"
The Father willed to give,
His Son that I might live.
For wrath and sin atoned,
Through Him, I now am owned.
Though wretched vile within,
His blood now covers sin,
And all I am is His;
Through Christ Alone!
(Chorus 1)
In Christ I'm justified,
My soul is free.
In Christ I'm satisfied,
God's pleased with me.
Before my Father's throne,
My glory will be shown,
Through Christ my sacrifice,
Who is my own!
My secret sins He sees,
And brings me to my knees.
His Spirit intercedes,
Supplies for all my needs.
To Him I now will cling,
And all my days I'll sing.
Give glory to my God,
Through Christ alone!
(Chorus 2)
In Christ I'm justified!
I've been set free.
In Christ I'm satisfied.
He's ransomed me!
To stand before the throne
Because of Him, be known.
Sweet Christ my Sacrifice,
He is my own.
His presence now with me,
To Him, all glory be.
His grace now makes me stand,
He leads me by His hand.
His holiness in me,
Perfected I will be.
My Hope, no shame I'll have,
Through Christ alone!
(Chorus 3)
In Christ I'm justified!
He's made me free.
In Christ I'm satisfied.
Like Him I'll be!
One day, before the throne
His glory will be shown.
For Christ my Sacrifice,
Is now my own!
(Repeat Chorus 1 - higher octave)
In Christ I'm justified,
My soul is free.
In Christ I'm satisfied,
God's pleased with me.
Before my Father's throne,
My glory will be shown,
Through Christ my sacrifice,
Who is my own!
Michael E. Wood
Original February 21-22, 2010
Revision March 3, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
May We Never Grow Weary
While contemplating Prov. 4:20-23, 2nd Pet.1:12-21, and Isa.40:31 these words came to mind.
Your work of grace You've made us to see
Eyewitnesses now Of Your Majesty.
For by Your Word You've taken us there,
Upheld by Your great loving care.
Your Spirit has borne us all the day long
And caused us to sing now with joyful song.
Oh, what a privilege we're made to become
Partakers of Christ, Jesus the Son.
Who bore all our sins and griefs to declare
The glories of the cross we now bare.
And though now established in this present truth
May we never grow weary as the days of our youth,
But ever increase as we wait upon You,
The LORD God of heaven our strength to renew.
Michael E. Wood
March 2, 2010
My son, be attentive to my words;
incline your ear to my sayings.
Let them not escape from your sight;
keep them within your heart.
For they are life to those who find them,
and healing to all their flesh.
Keep your heart with all vigilance,
for from it flow the springs of life.
Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.
For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, "This is my beloved Son,[b] with whom I am well pleased," we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
"...but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Your work of grace You've made us to see
Eyewitnesses now Of Your Majesty.
For by Your Word You've taken us there,
Upheld by Your great loving care.
Your Spirit has borne us all the day long
And caused us to sing now with joyful song.
Oh, what a privilege we're made to become
Partakers of Christ, Jesus the Son.
Who bore all our sins and griefs to declare
The glories of the cross we now bare.
And though now established in this present truth
May we never grow weary as the days of our youth,
But ever increase as we wait upon You,
The LORD God of heaven our strength to renew.
Michael E. Wood
March 2, 2010
My son, be attentive to my words;
incline your ear to my sayings.
Let them not escape from your sight;
keep them within your heart.
For they are life to those who find them,
and healing to all their flesh.
Keep your heart with all vigilance,
for from it flow the springs of life.
Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.
For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, "This is my beloved Son,[b] with whom I am well pleased," we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
"...but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Monday, March 1, 2010
The Power of God
"For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we shall certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like His." Romans 6:5
While pondering Romans 6 and 2nd Corinthians 13:3,4 these thoughts and poem came to mind.
As Paul spoke not only to those in the audience who belong to God in Christ at that present moment, he was also speaking to all that belong to God in Christ from that day forward, and thus the truth of the effect of the gospel continues by the power of the Spirit of God through the Word and the words of God not only because of the fact of the historical and literal resurrection of Christ but because HE LIVES by the power of God and the glory of the Father, we also live with Him by the power of God and the glory of the Father in and through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Have you been crushed because of sin?
Do you now live with Christ within?
Has your old self been crucified?
Is now the Spirit of God your guide?
Do you now trust in His perfection
As told by His Word and resurrection?
Are you now free and do you now live
And hope for the glory of God now to give
Life from above to those now estranged
While breath remains in them who seem out of range?
Present now yourselves to God Who alone
Gives life to the dead, as He calls them His own.
Oh, let us petition the God of all grace
Til with Him in glory we see the dear face
Of Jesus our Saviour Who lives now above
And asks of the Father to answer in love,
For all that are His who now are all broken
And give Him the glory for all that is spoken.
Michael E. Wood
March 1, 2010
While pondering Romans 6 and 2nd Corinthians 13:3,4 these thoughts and poem came to mind.
As Paul spoke not only to those in the audience who belong to God in Christ at that present moment, he was also speaking to all that belong to God in Christ from that day forward, and thus the truth of the effect of the gospel continues by the power of the Spirit of God through the Word and the words of God not only because of the fact of the historical and literal resurrection of Christ but because HE LIVES by the power of God and the glory of the Father, we also live with Him by the power of God and the glory of the Father in and through Christ Jesus our Lord.
Have you been crushed because of sin?
Do you now live with Christ within?
Has your old self been crucified?
Is now the Spirit of God your guide?
Do you now trust in His perfection
As told by His Word and resurrection?
Are you now free and do you now live
And hope for the glory of God now to give
Life from above to those now estranged
While breath remains in them who seem out of range?
Present now yourselves to God Who alone
Gives life to the dead, as He calls them His own.
Oh, let us petition the God of all grace
Til with Him in glory we see the dear face
Of Jesus our Saviour Who lives now above
And asks of the Father to answer in love,
For all that are His who now are all broken
And give Him the glory for all that is spoken.
Michael E. Wood
March 1, 2010
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