Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to test you, as though some strange thing has happened unto you but rather rejoice that you are made worthy to partake of your Master' sufferings.
Have you ne'r felt persecutions
For the cause of Christ?
Then godliness not yet becomes
The person of your life.
Though faith you have and virtue,
And with knowledge self-control,
Steadfastness adds then godliness,
And these shall make you bold.
And thus without direct intent
You shall become offensive,
The love of Christ controlling you,
No longer more then pensive.
On some then have compassion,
Unto others save with fear.
The righteous judgement of our God
Will then become so dear,
And worthy yet you shall be made
In the kingdom for which you suffer,
For God shall make these things through Christ
Your character to buffer,
That you may shine eternally
Through wisdom as He rules,
As lights so bright, as we take flight,
His crown and we His Jewel's.
So if it be a thousand years,
Or if without delay,
Oh may we cry with all our heart,
Lord Jesus come today!
Michael E. Wood
July 22, 2010
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
A Day with the Lord!
Having recently begun a group study on the book of 2nd Thessalonians, I was asked the question, "Why 2nd Thessalonians?"
There are a number of viable reasons, of which I will not go into detail at this time, but that which is predominant and pressing upon my mind is the FACT, that JESUS IS COMING AGAIN! Oh, the wonder and the glory of that day, and the very thought of it should excite and invigorate every true child of God, regardless of their circumstances in this life, or their eschatological differences! For just as we know not what a day may bring forth, and our life in this world is a vapor which appeareth for a little time and then vanisheth away, we know not what day our Master will come, but come HE WILL! Let us be therefore ready!
A day with the LORD is as a thousand years,
And a thousand years as a day.
And nothing but our Father's will
Will keep Christ from delay.
Think not there be one thing undone
Of which He can not do,
For in the twinkling of an eye
The trump will sound for you.
And thus He bids us occupy
Until that day does come.
The dead He'll raise, all will be changed,
Who look each day for the Son.
So let this thought sink deep by faith
In the midst of great tribulation,
For Jesus will come and bring on this world
The promise of His retribution.
For they that godly live in Christ
Shall suffer persecution,
For blinded are those men who
Know not, He with resolution,
Came once before into this world,
The babe in Bethlehem laid,
And to the cross, He for our sins
With blood our price, He paid!
And thus we look unto our Lord
For peace in every way,
And at all times until He comes
To take His Own that day!
Michael E. Wood
July 21, 2010
There are a number of viable reasons, of which I will not go into detail at this time, but that which is predominant and pressing upon my mind is the FACT, that JESUS IS COMING AGAIN! Oh, the wonder and the glory of that day, and the very thought of it should excite and invigorate every true child of God, regardless of their circumstances in this life, or their eschatological differences! For just as we know not what a day may bring forth, and our life in this world is a vapor which appeareth for a little time and then vanisheth away, we know not what day our Master will come, but come HE WILL! Let us be therefore ready!
A day with the LORD is as a thousand years,
And a thousand years as a day.
And nothing but our Father's will
Will keep Christ from delay.
Think not there be one thing undone
Of which He can not do,
For in the twinkling of an eye
The trump will sound for you.
And thus He bids us occupy
Until that day does come.
The dead He'll raise, all will be changed,
Who look each day for the Son.
So let this thought sink deep by faith
In the midst of great tribulation,
For Jesus will come and bring on this world
The promise of His retribution.
For they that godly live in Christ
Shall suffer persecution,
For blinded are those men who
Know not, He with resolution,
Came once before into this world,
The babe in Bethlehem laid,
And to the cross, He for our sins
With blood our price, He paid!
And thus we look unto our Lord
For peace in every way,
And at all times until He comes
To take His Own that day!
Michael E. Wood
July 21, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
A Workman Rightly Trained
Though God called some in particular to be apostles, such as Paul, and some prophets as Agabus, some evangelists as Phillip, and some to be pastors and teachers as Timothy; He has called each of us who are His children of which He has given a mind with the capacity to do so to study His Word. Having begun to work through the first few verses of 2nd Thessalonians around 5:00a.m., in preparation for a study group meeting later in the week, and having been up since around 3:00a.m.; feeling the weight of responsibility of being faithful to proclaim the Word of God with all integrity in Spirit and in truth,and at the same time feeling fatigue of body and mind, I laid back down. When I awoke, the passage from 2nd Timothy 2:15 was brought to mind, and this became my prayer to my Father Who does all things well.
Oh help me to be studious
To show myself approved.
A workman rightly trained in words
Of faith, with shame removed.
And as a vessel purged by which
Your honor is displayed,
Oh captivate the minds of those
Now otherwise dismayed.
Oh help me to flee youthful lusts,
Pursue righteousness, faith, love,
And peace along with those who call
On You, with hearts purified above.
And help me be not quarrelsome,
But kind to everyone.
Apt to teach, patiently endure
The assaults of the evil one.
Instructing those who do oppose
Themselves, O God, with meekness,
That perhaps You would be pleased
To grant to them The Witness,
Of Your Spirit to bring forth
Repentance leading to
A knowledge of the truth in Christ
In those You have pursued,
That they who are now captives
In the snare of satan's will
May come to know You and escape,
By grace through faith fulfill,
The purpose to show forth the power
Of Your Sovereign Might,
To bring to glory all You chose,
Those precious in Your sight.*
Michael E. Wood
July 20, 2010
*Having stopped (with my brain being blank) to prepare lunch for Dianna and myself, she came in from her secular employment and we both delighted in her giving me the words for the last line to complete this poem.
Oh help me to be studious
To show myself approved.
A workman rightly trained in words
Of faith, with shame removed.
And as a vessel purged by which
Your honor is displayed,
Oh captivate the minds of those
Now otherwise dismayed.
Oh help me to flee youthful lusts,
Pursue righteousness, faith, love,
And peace along with those who call
On You, with hearts purified above.
And help me be not quarrelsome,
But kind to everyone.
Apt to teach, patiently endure
The assaults of the evil one.
Instructing those who do oppose
Themselves, O God, with meekness,
That perhaps You would be pleased
To grant to them The Witness,
Of Your Spirit to bring forth
Repentance leading to
A knowledge of the truth in Christ
In those You have pursued,
That they who are now captives
In the snare of satan's will
May come to know You and escape,
By grace through faith fulfill,
The purpose to show forth the power
Of Your Sovereign Might,
To bring to glory all You chose,
Those precious in Your sight.*
Michael E. Wood
July 20, 2010
*Having stopped (with my brain being blank) to prepare lunch for Dianna and myself, she came in from her secular employment and we both delighted in her giving me the words for the last line to complete this poem.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Oh Holy Spirit, Write the Things of God Upon Our Hearts
Our heavenly Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him. Luke 11:10-13
Though the third person of the trinity takes up residence within all true children of God through the work of regeneration, we may not always be consciously aware of the particular work of grace He is doing in us or through us at a given moment in time; but, because of the finished work of Christ on Calvary, we can be assured by the words Jesus spoke to the disciples while he was on earth that the Person of the Holy Spirit will continue the work of conforming us more and more into Christ-likeness both as individual believers and as one body knit together in love until He takes us to heaven or Christ returns to earth in power to be glorified in his saints and to be marveled at among all who have believed the testimony of God spoken through the Word of God.
When Jesus was praying in a certain place, when he finished, one of the disciples said to him, "Lord teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples to pray"(Luke 11:1). In response to that request Jesus gave instructions according to the model of which we are to address our Father in heaven. But he didn't stop there, he continued to teach the need for importunity, the promise of receiving for our importunity because it is His good pleasure to give, and the constant need of the help of the Holy Spirit along with the assurance of his help for all who ask.
And why should we ask if He is always present with us?
The simple answer would be because He said so. Among other things to consider is that our fallen nature tends to be short sighted and lifted up in pride so that we do not always see our particular need at a given moment in time. We may grow complacent or comfortable with our present estate in sanctification so that we become self-centered and not Christ centered or gospel centered as we view the world around us which is at enmity with Christ and will not hear Him apart from the work of the Spirit. We have absolutely nothing of ourselves to offer this lost and dying world, but are dependent upon God our Father to give exactly that which is needed, which is the bread of life by the power of the Holy Spirit to bring forth fruit unto eternal life for the glory and honor of Christ. And thus for His glory I write:
Oh Holy Spirit, write the things
Of God upon our hearts,
Let more the visage You have sealed
Transform our hidden parts.
For You're the One Who takes the things
Of Christ and makes them real.
To glorify His Precious Name
More than our minds can feel.
Oh, by the preaching of God's Word
You pierce through all distractions
That more like Jesus we shall be
In all our thoughts and actions.
For You know all the darkness
That remains in us within
And by the Word of grace transcend
The thoughts of all of men.
For You are far more intimate
Than any earthly friend
And hear the voice of Christ
Who intercedes until the end.
That God alone be glorified
In all His saints above
When Jesus comes, He will by wrath
Show forth His mighty love.
Consuming all with flaming fire
Of whom He has not known,
And marveled at by all His saints
In whom His glory's shown.
Oh Father thank You for The Promise
That You so freely give
To all who ask through Jesus Christ
And for His glory live.
Michael E. Wood
July 16, 2010
Though the third person of the trinity takes up residence within all true children of God through the work of regeneration, we may not always be consciously aware of the particular work of grace He is doing in us or through us at a given moment in time; but, because of the finished work of Christ on Calvary, we can be assured by the words Jesus spoke to the disciples while he was on earth that the Person of the Holy Spirit will continue the work of conforming us more and more into Christ-likeness both as individual believers and as one body knit together in love until He takes us to heaven or Christ returns to earth in power to be glorified in his saints and to be marveled at among all who have believed the testimony of God spoken through the Word of God.
When Jesus was praying in a certain place, when he finished, one of the disciples said to him, "Lord teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples to pray"(Luke 11:1). In response to that request Jesus gave instructions according to the model of which we are to address our Father in heaven. But he didn't stop there, he continued to teach the need for importunity, the promise of receiving for our importunity because it is His good pleasure to give, and the constant need of the help of the Holy Spirit along with the assurance of his help for all who ask.
And why should we ask if He is always present with us?
The simple answer would be because He said so. Among other things to consider is that our fallen nature tends to be short sighted and lifted up in pride so that we do not always see our particular need at a given moment in time. We may grow complacent or comfortable with our present estate in sanctification so that we become self-centered and not Christ centered or gospel centered as we view the world around us which is at enmity with Christ and will not hear Him apart from the work of the Spirit. We have absolutely nothing of ourselves to offer this lost and dying world, but are dependent upon God our Father to give exactly that which is needed, which is the bread of life by the power of the Holy Spirit to bring forth fruit unto eternal life for the glory and honor of Christ. And thus for His glory I write:
Oh Holy Spirit, write the things
Of God upon our hearts,
Let more the visage You have sealed
Transform our hidden parts.
For You're the One Who takes the things
Of Christ and makes them real.
To glorify His Precious Name
More than our minds can feel.
Oh, by the preaching of God's Word
You pierce through all distractions
That more like Jesus we shall be
In all our thoughts and actions.
For You know all the darkness
That remains in us within
And by the Word of grace transcend
The thoughts of all of men.
For You are far more intimate
Than any earthly friend
And hear the voice of Christ
Who intercedes until the end.
That God alone be glorified
In all His saints above
When Jesus comes, He will by wrath
Show forth His mighty love.
Consuming all with flaming fire
Of whom He has not known,
And marveled at by all His saints
In whom His glory's shown.
Oh Father thank You for The Promise
That You so freely give
To all who ask through Jesus Christ
And for His glory live.
Michael E. Wood
July 16, 2010
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Every Day I will Bless You!
Psalm 145 begins, A Song of Praise of David. I will extol You my God and King, and bless Your Name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You and praise Your Name forever and ever.
In my ignorance I asked the question, "How is it that we can bless God, for truly it is we who have been blessed and are in need of His mercies which are new everyday?
By investigation, we find the Hebrew for the word "bless" is "a primitive root word which means to kneel; by implication to bless God (as an act of adoration): ..." Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. And thus, because of the amazing grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross,we are granted the privilege to kneel before Him in adoration and praise and He indeed is blessed as we bring our petitions before Him; believing that He will answer in accordance with His will unto His Own glory and praise--even if that means the answer will come beyond the years of our own lifetime.
We thank You for the fresh supply
Of mercy You have shown.
For You delight in mercy as
You claim us for Your Own.
Oh how can we who are but worms
Bless You through lips of clay,
But through the kindness that You give
For each new passing day.
For You through Christ, who gave his life
Have blessed with loving favor
That we, with joy may bless Your Name
Today in all our labor.
And though we may yet moan and groan
In weakness as we fail,
We thank You for the strength You give,
By faith we shall prevail.
Tis You that holds our soul in life,
Our feet shall not be moved,
For You Oh God, as silver
Have tried us and have proved,
You are the One Who brings us
Through affliction like a fire,
That all our praise will be to You,
Who Is our chief desire.
So come all you that hear and fear
Our God who hears our cry,
For Jesus has procured us as
The apple of His eye.
And thus He Is exalted
As we come to Him with tears.
Oh blessed be our God
Who answers far beyond our years.
Michael E. Wood
July 15, 2010
In my ignorance I asked the question, "How is it that we can bless God, for truly it is we who have been blessed and are in need of His mercies which are new everyday?
By investigation, we find the Hebrew for the word "bless" is "a primitive root word which means to kneel; by implication to bless God (as an act of adoration): ..." Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. And thus, because of the amazing grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross,we are granted the privilege to kneel before Him in adoration and praise and He indeed is blessed as we bring our petitions before Him; believing that He will answer in accordance with His will unto His Own glory and praise--even if that means the answer will come beyond the years of our own lifetime.
We thank You for the fresh supply
Of mercy You have shown.
For You delight in mercy as
You claim us for Your Own.
Oh how can we who are but worms
Bless You through lips of clay,
But through the kindness that You give
For each new passing day.
For You through Christ, who gave his life
Have blessed with loving favor
That we, with joy may bless Your Name
Today in all our labor.
And though we may yet moan and groan
In weakness as we fail,
We thank You for the strength You give,
By faith we shall prevail.
Tis You that holds our soul in life,
Our feet shall not be moved,
For You Oh God, as silver
Have tried us and have proved,
You are the One Who brings us
Through affliction like a fire,
That all our praise will be to You,
Who Is our chief desire.
So come all you that hear and fear
Our God who hears our cry,
For Jesus has procured us as
The apple of His eye.
And thus He Is exalted
As we come to Him with tears.
Oh blessed be our God
Who answers far beyond our years.
Michael E. Wood
July 15, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Look to the Word
Having a clear understanding that I have been blessed beyond measure with a season in this life to spend time with some of the great divines who have gone before us; whom the LORD has used by His Mighty Spirit to magnify His awesome thoughts and deeds among the children of men, along with many precious souls who at the present are engaged in the the honor of vigorously seeking to glorify our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, I cannot help but to praise Him for the men of God He has chosen to place in pulpits around the world, whether they be in the jungles or the bush, structures built by men with sanctuaries that hold thousands, those in the open air, or those who tenaciously pursue the souls of men one at a time for the glory of God through the preaching of Jesus Christ and Him crucified by the power of His Spirit, which is the gospel of God. Yet at the same time I am reminded of the responsibility that each of us have before God, Who Is Omniscient, knowing the hearts of all men, to personally delight in Him, by the pursuit of knowing Him through His Word, as He has graciously poured His grace upon us to be with Him, and entrusting to Him all that we are and shall become for the purpose of His praise.
And thus I write:
Oh do you have such a wonderful pastor
To keep now your soul from so great disaster,
As would be so grievous to all those whose gaze
Is not firmly fixed on the Ancient of days.
For even Bereans who back then had Paul
Looked to the Word and the Spirit to call
Upon The Great Shepherd, Yes, Jesus our King
And trusted the mercy of God to then bring
Discernment and wisdom, the spirits to test,
And they before God with all confidence rest,
In Him Who Is Love to give grace for each day
That they might be pleasing to Him in The Way.
To each in particular as He then should lead
And bless by His Spirit to sow then the seed
To show forth the glory of God overall,
The fruit of the Ransom, of whom He doth call.
So though it is good that we have such great men
And pray we to God that He speaketh through them.
More incumbent upon us, is that we each look
To the face of our God, through the Bible, His Book!
Oh Father, we thank You for those You have hewn
And filled them with power, that we may consume
The Sweet Bread of heaven of which we partake
And glorify Jesus, as sin we forsake.
Oh help us grow richer, though poor we may be
By the word of Your grace, and Your Great Majesty!
Holy Spirit refine us and cause us to know
More of our Saviour, who chose us to go
To preach the Good News of the cross that He bore
To save men from wrath from our God now in store,
Awaiting the day when He says then Anathama
To all who look not for Him then--Maranatha!
Michael E. Wood
July 14, 2010
And thus I write:
Oh do you have such a wonderful pastor
To keep now your soul from so great disaster,
As would be so grievous to all those whose gaze
Is not firmly fixed on the Ancient of days.
For even Bereans who back then had Paul
Looked to the Word and the Spirit to call
Upon The Great Shepherd, Yes, Jesus our King
And trusted the mercy of God to then bring
Discernment and wisdom, the spirits to test,
And they before God with all confidence rest,
In Him Who Is Love to give grace for each day
That they might be pleasing to Him in The Way.
To each in particular as He then should lead
And bless by His Spirit to sow then the seed
To show forth the glory of God overall,
The fruit of the Ransom, of whom He doth call.
So though it is good that we have such great men
And pray we to God that He speaketh through them.
More incumbent upon us, is that we each look
To the face of our God, through the Bible, His Book!
Oh Father, we thank You for those You have hewn
And filled them with power, that we may consume
The Sweet Bread of heaven of which we partake
And glorify Jesus, as sin we forsake.
Oh help us grow richer, though poor we may be
By the word of Your grace, and Your Great Majesty!
Holy Spirit refine us and cause us to know
More of our Saviour, who chose us to go
To preach the Good News of the cross that He bore
To save men from wrath from our God now in store,
Awaiting the day when He says then Anathama
To all who look not for Him then--Maranatha!
Michael E. Wood
July 14, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
True Exposition of the Word
Three particular influences come to mind, which were used of the Lord to bring the following poem to mind:
(1) Reading the commentary message by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones on Romans 3:25 in which he goes into great detail to explain the difference between expiation as used in some Bible translations and propitiation used in others, quoting Dr. John Owen in the process;
(2) The sixth verse in the song by William Cowper, "God Moves in a Mysterious Way", found in Hymns of Grace and Glory, #55, by Life Line Publications; "Blind unbelief is sure to err, And scan His work in vain; God is His own interpreter, And He will make it plain."
(3) Chad Hertzel's inclusion of John 10:1-18 in the message he preached at Soaring Oaks this past Sunday.
True exposition of the Word
Is what we need to hear,
Interpretation from our God,
Of Whom we ought to fear.
Those things most needed for discourse
Unto the Lord we ask,
Dependent on the Holy Spirit,
And humbled for the task.
God Is His Own Interpreter*
Is what I've heard one say.
And Just is He Who rightly gives
His Own without delay,
A passion for His glory
And His honor above all,
Redeemed through Christ, who satisfies
The purpose of His call.
And thus for this we're drawn
Unto our Savior's bleeding side,
For though we be but sinful men,
In Christ we can confide.
Tis He Who leadeth in the pastures
Of His word to keep.
The Shepherd of the souls of men,
Whose voice they hear, His sheep.
And more abundance He doth give
To those who enter in,
By Him Who is the Door
And gave His life to pay for sin.
For Christ hath all authority
And by it He lay down
His life and took it up again
That we on holy ground
Would walk with Him in humbleness
And clearly His speech
That we may for His honor
Be enabled now to teach
Others that He calleth to Himself
Of all His flock,
Who hear His voice and follow HIM
Though other men will mock.
Oh sharpen us Oh Father
To convey Your Holy Truth.
For You are all the need of men
Who stand upon Your proof.
For only You Who formed the ear
Can open it to hear,
Amidst the deafness of this world
And bring unto Your fear.
And only You can open eyes
Once blinded by the sin
With which we entered this dark world
By natural birth within.
And only You can give a heart
Of flesh for one of stone,
Appointed by Your counsel,
And Your glory is Your Own!
And thus we fall upon our face
And worship You in spirit
And in the truth we trust in You,
Your voice that others hear it.
For now we will rejoice in Christ
Who gives eternal fruit.
The hope of all His branches
Borne by Him Who Is our Root!
Michael E. Wood
July 12, 2010
(1) Reading the commentary message by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones on Romans 3:25 in which he goes into great detail to explain the difference between expiation as used in some Bible translations and propitiation used in others, quoting Dr. John Owen in the process;
(2) The sixth verse in the song by William Cowper, "God Moves in a Mysterious Way", found in Hymns of Grace and Glory, #55, by Life Line Publications; "Blind unbelief is sure to err, And scan His work in vain; God is His own interpreter, And He will make it plain."
(3) Chad Hertzel's inclusion of John 10:1-18 in the message he preached at Soaring Oaks this past Sunday.
True exposition of the Word
Is what we need to hear,
Interpretation from our God,
Of Whom we ought to fear.
Those things most needed for discourse
Unto the Lord we ask,
Dependent on the Holy Spirit,
And humbled for the task.
God Is His Own Interpreter*
Is what I've heard one say.
And Just is He Who rightly gives
His Own without delay,
A passion for His glory
And His honor above all,
Redeemed through Christ, who satisfies
The purpose of His call.
And thus for this we're drawn
Unto our Savior's bleeding side,
For though we be but sinful men,
In Christ we can confide.
Tis He Who leadeth in the pastures
Of His word to keep.
The Shepherd of the souls of men,
Whose voice they hear, His sheep.
And more abundance He doth give
To those who enter in,
By Him Who is the Door
And gave His life to pay for sin.
For Christ hath all authority
And by it He lay down
His life and took it up again
That we on holy ground
Would walk with Him in humbleness
And clearly His speech
That we may for His honor
Be enabled now to teach
Others that He calleth to Himself
Of all His flock,
Who hear His voice and follow HIM
Though other men will mock.
Oh sharpen us Oh Father
To convey Your Holy Truth.
For You are all the need of men
Who stand upon Your proof.
For only You Who formed the ear
Can open it to hear,
Amidst the deafness of this world
And bring unto Your fear.
And only You can open eyes
Once blinded by the sin
With which we entered this dark world
By natural birth within.
And only You can give a heart
Of flesh for one of stone,
Appointed by Your counsel,
And Your glory is Your Own!
And thus we fall upon our face
And worship You in spirit
And in the truth we trust in You,
Your voice that others hear it.
For now we will rejoice in Christ
Who gives eternal fruit.
The hope of all His branches
Borne by Him Who Is our Root!
Michael E. Wood
July 12, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
The Sacrifice of the Heart
"Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me." Psalm 50:14-15,
"Mark this, then, you who forget God, lest I tear you apart, and there be none to deliver! The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly. I will show the salvation of God!" Psalm 50:22-23
The sacrifice of the heart, not hands,
Is what our Lord demands.
For He is not impressed at all
With the performance of our plans.
Should we not give thanks to Him,
From Whom all things have come.
For all we have, He freely gives
Through His immortal Son.
The very breath we breathe each day
Is lent to us for the purpose
That all may see the image
Of our God beyond the surface.
More glorious is all His ways
Beyond our mortal minds,
Than we convey with lips of clay,
And yet His Spirit finds
Those prepared and brings to life
To praise our God Most High,
For we will call and glorify
Our King Who drew us nigh!
And from the very rising of
The Son of holiness,
Christ shines through us,
The perfection of His beauty, glorious!
Michael E. Wood
July 10, 2010
"Mark this, then, you who forget God, lest I tear you apart, and there be none to deliver! The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly. I will show the salvation of God!" Psalm 50:22-23
The sacrifice of the heart, not hands,
Is what our Lord demands.
For He is not impressed at all
With the performance of our plans.
Should we not give thanks to Him,
From Whom all things have come.
For all we have, He freely gives
Through His immortal Son.
The very breath we breathe each day
Is lent to us for the purpose
That all may see the image
Of our God beyond the surface.
More glorious is all His ways
Beyond our mortal minds,
Than we convey with lips of clay,
And yet His Spirit finds
Those prepared and brings to life
To praise our God Most High,
For we will call and glorify
Our King Who drew us nigh!
And from the very rising of
The Son of holiness,
Christ shines through us,
The perfection of His beauty, glorious!
Michael E. Wood
July 10, 2010
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Heaven on Earth
Is it possible that we on earth can partake of heaven now? Not in it's fullness, but in part. Does that mean that we are or can be exempt from suffering? Absolutely not! Hebrews 5:7,8 tells us of Christ, "In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to Him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered," Jesus told his disciples in Matthew 16:24 "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." And Hebrews 12:2, "looking 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. And thus:
The cross is the way, by which we on earth
Can taste now of heaven by means of new birth.
For Jesus gave life by which we can boast,
Ascended and sent us His Sweet Holy Ghost.
More sure than our feelings, Is God's Holy Word,
By which He speaks clearly, His voice we have heard.
And yet in our being we're made to feel sure,
That Christ through His death, our salvation secured!
So now by His nature we're made to partake
Of His divine glory, our old self forsake.
For He has now given to us the Great Promise;
His Spirit to dwell both in and upon us.
And thus for the journey, He gives the great store,
Of all that He Is, of Whom we adore.
And so by His passion we're made now to grow,
That others, His Splendor and Glory will know.
For He Is the Source, of our true righteousness,
And holiness, by which we will see His fullness.
So let us draw near Him and sing to Him songs,
For we shall be with Him, for Whom our soul longs!
Michael E. Wood
July 9, 2010
The cross is the way, by which we on earth
Can taste now of heaven by means of new birth.
For Jesus gave life by which we can boast,
Ascended and sent us His Sweet Holy Ghost.
More sure than our feelings, Is God's Holy Word,
By which He speaks clearly, His voice we have heard.
And yet in our being we're made to feel sure,
That Christ through His death, our salvation secured!
So now by His nature we're made to partake
Of His divine glory, our old self forsake.
For He has now given to us the Great Promise;
His Spirit to dwell both in and upon us.
And thus for the journey, He gives the great store,
Of all that He Is, of Whom we adore.
And so by His passion we're made now to grow,
That others, His Splendor and Glory will know.
For He Is the Source, of our true righteousness,
And holiness, by which we will see His fullness.
So let us draw near Him and sing to Him songs,
For we shall be with Him, for Whom our soul longs!
Michael E. Wood
July 9, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Sweet Communion (Part Three)
Not only do we have contention with our own flesh when it comes to prayer, but we can also be sure that as sure as we have been made to be children of God through the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, we must also contend with wrestling's not of flesh and blood, but against the schemes of the devil, taking upon us the whole armor of God whereby we are enabled to stand against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.(Ephesians 6:10-12)
In every thing I will give You thanks,
For You are my God, and The Rock of my soul.
Though arrows may fly, and tempests may rise,
Your Word gives me life, for You made me whole.
More abundant than all the good things of this life,
Sweet peace You speak to me and bring to me rest,
And draw me yet closer as none other can do,
Partake of Your joy, with my head on Your breast.
Oh send out Your light and Your truth let them lead me,
Let them bring me to dwell on Your holy hill.
For Christ Is the Altar of which I rejoice in,
Conformed to His image by Your Sovereign will.
Though satan may tempt me in my inmost thoughts,
To doubt You; by this You will surely perform
By the light of Your glory, the strength of Your arm,
More like Jesus I will be as my mind You transform.
So praise You we will, for You are our boast,
And give thanks to Your Name forever and ever.
For You have redeemed us for the sake of Your love,
By the blood of our Savior we'll never be severed.
Michael E. Wood
July 9, 2010
In every thing I will give You thanks,
For You are my God, and The Rock of my soul.
Though arrows may fly, and tempests may rise,
Your Word gives me life, for You made me whole.
More abundant than all the good things of this life,
Sweet peace You speak to me and bring to me rest,
And draw me yet closer as none other can do,
Partake of Your joy, with my head on Your breast.
Oh send out Your light and Your truth let them lead me,
Let them bring me to dwell on Your holy hill.
For Christ Is the Altar of which I rejoice in,
Conformed to His image by Your Sovereign will.
Though satan may tempt me in my inmost thoughts,
To doubt You; by this You will surely perform
By the light of Your glory, the strength of Your arm,
More like Jesus I will be as my mind You transform.
So praise You we will, for You are our boast,
And give thanks to Your Name forever and ever.
For You have redeemed us for the sake of Your love,
By the blood of our Savior we'll never be severed.
Michael E. Wood
July 9, 2010
Sweet Communion (Part Two)
When encouragement, by the Word of God and the example of others, commends us to pray; especially when it comes to that of interceding for others, we can be sure of obstacles which include the arguments which stem from our own fleshly nature. No doubt, some members of the body of Christ are gifted more than others in this area, but all are called thereunto and thus we must contend in faith, believing that the God of all perfection hears us who are imperfect, through the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, by the power of His Holy Spirit, and Is pleased to answer, as He will, when He will, for His Own glory.
Oh you man of flesh in me,
You throw now such a fit.
For when it comes now time to pray,
You are the hypocrite.
You say that God can hear me not,
When He is yet so near.
For He through Christ, my tender Father,
Holds my every tear.
You say that He'll not answer,
But you know that cannot be.
For He has condescended and
To Him I now will flee.
You say that I am yet a child,
And know not how to speak.
Yet in my mouth He puts His words,
As to Him I will seek.
You come to me with fear in vain,
You worthless enemy.
For you my flesh are not my friend,
Tis Christ Who sets me free,
And bids me to approach the throne,
By mercy and with boldness.
For by His blood He cleanses me
And overcomes my coldness.
Oh Father help me to delight
In all my wrestling's,
As for the glory of Your Name,
I raise my offerings,
And praise You as You hear the names
You've placed upon my heart,
And by Your Mighty Spirit
Give the grace that You impart.
Oh give to those Your bride elect
The sweetness of devotion,
That we may honor You our King
In every thought and motion.
Oh help us to endure the tests
As fruit to You we bring,
Your offspring, Oh our Blessed One,
Your praise forever sing!
Oh help us to reflect upon
The good You choose to give
Beyond the vision of our flesh
And for Your glory live,
And trust to us that You will give
In truth our hearts desire
To make You known in all our ways
Til with You we retire.
Oh then we'll see the answers
To our every single prayer,
Of which displays the great array
Of all Your glory there.
And all the struggles of this life
Will vanish at the sight
Of You our Savior overall,
Who Is our soul's delight!
Michael E. Wood
July 8, 2010
Oh you man of flesh in me,
You throw now such a fit.
For when it comes now time to pray,
You are the hypocrite.
You say that God can hear me not,
When He is yet so near.
For He through Christ, my tender Father,
Holds my every tear.
You say that He'll not answer,
But you know that cannot be.
For He has condescended and
To Him I now will flee.
You say that I am yet a child,
And know not how to speak.
Yet in my mouth He puts His words,
As to Him I will seek.
You come to me with fear in vain,
You worthless enemy.
For you my flesh are not my friend,
Tis Christ Who sets me free,
And bids me to approach the throne,
By mercy and with boldness.
For by His blood He cleanses me
And overcomes my coldness.
Oh Father help me to delight
In all my wrestling's,
As for the glory of Your Name,
I raise my offerings,
And praise You as You hear the names
You've placed upon my heart,
And by Your Mighty Spirit
Give the grace that You impart.
Oh give to those Your bride elect
The sweetness of devotion,
That we may honor You our King
In every thought and motion.
Oh help us to endure the tests
As fruit to You we bring,
Your offspring, Oh our Blessed One,
Your praise forever sing!
Oh help us to reflect upon
The good You choose to give
Beyond the vision of our flesh
And for Your glory live,
And trust to us that You will give
In truth our hearts desire
To make You known in all our ways
Til with You we retire.
Oh then we'll see the answers
To our every single prayer,
Of which displays the great array
Of all Your glory there.
And all the struggles of this life
Will vanish at the sight
Of You our Savior overall,
Who Is our soul's delight!
Michael E. Wood
July 8, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
The Lost Little Poem
Michael sent the following email to me on March 31, 2010. This is one of those things that, regretfully, fell through the cracks during the month leading up to our wedding. I had every intention of saving it and posting it from North Carolina on the morning after our wedding day.
As things would have it, the computer was packed up and we headed out bright and early that morning for our road-trip honeymoon across the United States. The last thing on either one of our minds that morning was a blog post. In fact, we had both completely forgot about this little poem that Michael wrote on March 31st until I came across it while cleaning up my hard drive just yesterday.
What a delight it was to find it! How sweet are those memories of our courtship. Here is the email he sent:
As today is the 31st of March, and according to the pattern of reading the chapter of Proverbs which aligns itself with each day of the month, I rejoiced in the preciousness of the gift you are to me by His amazing grace.
(Smiling -It just occurred to me that perhaps this would be a good poem to post on the day of our wedding)
My Sweet, Sweet wife, I love your dear life,
For you are far more precious than jewels.
My heart in you trusts, we run with august*
To Christ, our Head; as He, our life rules!
I have no doubt, and I just want to shout
To God Who works all for our good.
Let's give Him the praise, for all of His ways,
As our end is His glory, understood!
Oh Father in heaven, remove all the leaven
That remains in our heart of all pride,
And by Your Sweet Grace, give strength for the race
And Your mercy to miss not a stride.
Oh what a Gift, of Your Spirit to lift
Our voices as one to Your Praise!
And help us as one, to honor Your Son,
More like His image become all our days!
(*august: (1) of befitting a lord; "heir to a lordly fortune", "of august lineage"; (2)profoundly honored; "reverend holy men")
Oh what a fortune in Christ we have been made heirs to by His own blood, and how profoundly He has made us to be of the lineage to bring honor to His Holy Name!
Michael E. Wood
Written March 31, 2010 for posting May 18, 2010
As things would have it, the computer was packed up and we headed out bright and early that morning for our road-trip honeymoon across the United States. The last thing on either one of our minds that morning was a blog post. In fact, we had both completely forgot about this little poem that Michael wrote on March 31st until I came across it while cleaning up my hard drive just yesterday.
What a delight it was to find it! How sweet are those memories of our courtship. Here is the email he sent:
As today is the 31st of March, and according to the pattern of reading the chapter of Proverbs which aligns itself with each day of the month, I rejoiced in the preciousness of the gift you are to me by His amazing grace.
(Smiling -It just occurred to me that perhaps this would be a good poem to post on the day of our wedding)
My Sweet, Sweet wife, I love your dear life,
For you are far more precious than jewels.
My heart in you trusts, we run with august*
To Christ, our Head; as He, our life rules!
I have no doubt, and I just want to shout
To God Who works all for our good.
Let's give Him the praise, for all of His ways,
As our end is His glory, understood!
Oh Father in heaven, remove all the leaven
That remains in our heart of all pride,
And by Your Sweet Grace, give strength for the race
And Your mercy to miss not a stride.
Oh what a Gift, of Your Spirit to lift
Our voices as one to Your Praise!
And help us as one, to honor Your Son,
More like His image become all our days!
(*august: (1) of befitting a lord; "heir to a lordly fortune", "of august lineage"; (2)profoundly honored; "reverend holy men")
Oh what a fortune in Christ we have been made heirs to by His own blood, and how profoundly He has made us to be of the lineage to bring honor to His Holy Name!
Michael E. Wood
Written March 31, 2010 for posting May 18, 2010
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Sweet Communion (Part One)
While reading through the book of Colossians conjoined with the completion of "The Privy Key to Heaven" by Thomas Brooks, I came to chapter one verses 12-14 and contemplated writing some lines of poetry but was distracted by wrestling's within my own soul concerning my own faulty attitudes and my need to grow in the grace and endurance of prayer and supplication for others and thus the following lines came to mind as an open confession and trust the Lord will be pleased to use this for the exaltation of His abounding grace to lead us into the paths of righteousness for His Name's sake, and most especially in the matter of personal private prayer.
This is the place of which I need
To grow and yea, mature.
The place of prayer and see the face
Of Christ Who made me pure.
For prayer is that which draws us near
Our Father to confide in
And secrets of our heart confess,
As Jesus now we hide in.
For He will not withhold from us
In things that we have need,
But will through Christ give richly all
As He doth intercede.
Oh Father now be glorified,
Attend to one so weak,
And hear my prayer, I know You care,
As to Your face I seek.
Oh help me to display Your love
And intercede for others
Especially those now hid in You,
My sisters and my brothers.
It matters not this part of life
To others is not seen.
But is the sweet communion
Of a heart of which You cleaned.
Oh help me to be bearing fruit
In this good work You've given.
And help me fully please You
In this life that I'm now living.
Oh strengthen with all power
According to Your glorious might,
For all endurance, patience, joy,
The inheritance of the saints in light.
We thank You Father, Who qualified us
To share in this with them,
Delivered us from darkness and
Transferred to the kingdom with Him,
Who is Your Beloved Son in Whom
We have redemption, and come,
Forgiven of our sins, by His blood
And in Him we are made one.
He Is Your very image, O our God,
Who art invisible.
The Firstborn of all creation,
Both the unseen and the visible.
For by Him all created things
Both in heaven and on earth
Will wondrously show the great display
Of His Eternal Worth!
Michael E. Wood
July 4, 2010 6:38-10:30 pm
This is the place of which I need
To grow and yea, mature.
The place of prayer and see the face
Of Christ Who made me pure.
For prayer is that which draws us near
Our Father to confide in
And secrets of our heart confess,
As Jesus now we hide in.
For He will not withhold from us
In things that we have need,
But will through Christ give richly all
As He doth intercede.
Oh Father now be glorified,
Attend to one so weak,
And hear my prayer, I know You care,
As to Your face I seek.
Oh help me to display Your love
And intercede for others
Especially those now hid in You,
My sisters and my brothers.
It matters not this part of life
To others is not seen.
But is the sweet communion
Of a heart of which You cleaned.
Oh help me to be bearing fruit
In this good work You've given.
And help me fully please You
In this life that I'm now living.
Oh strengthen with all power
According to Your glorious might,
For all endurance, patience, joy,
The inheritance of the saints in light.
We thank You Father, Who qualified us
To share in this with them,
Delivered us from darkness and
Transferred to the kingdom with Him,
Who is Your Beloved Son in Whom
We have redemption, and come,
Forgiven of our sins, by His blood
And in Him we are made one.
He Is Your very image, O our God,
Who art invisible.
The Firstborn of all creation,
Both the unseen and the visible.
For by Him all created things
Both in heaven and on earth
Will wondrously show the great display
Of His Eternal Worth!
Michael E. Wood
July 4, 2010 6:38-10:30 pm
Sunday, July 4, 2010
How Precious are Your Thoughts
While in the enjoyment of God and pondering the fact that God speaks to us through His Word, and that it is through His Word by the power of His Spirit that He brings us into a relationship with Himself because of the finished work of Christ on the cross, and that He reveals His thoughts to us by the voice of His Word once He has made us His Own. And, taking into account the fact that we are not promised another day, and that our faith transcends time and this temporal world, we being dead yet speak through our faith; the following came to mind:
How precious are Your thoughts to me
Your Word gives peace of mind,
For in Your thoughts You speak to me
To know that I am Thine.
What more could I then ask You for,
In You I now rejoice.
For You have saved me from my sin
Through Christ, You fixed my choice.
For I would not have chosen You
Had You not chosen me,
And now the cross is all I boast,
Your Glory set me free.
And though through lines I replicate
With such simplicity,
I trust You will be pleased to show
Your will and Sovereignty.
For there are yet so many more
Who spurn You like I had,
And yet You will bring to Yourself,
Through Christ to make them glad.
Good News You will send from afar,
As I am in Your hand.
Oh use me to convey Your Truth
Though I in glory stand.
Michael E. Wood
July 2, 2010
How precious are Your thoughts to me
Your Word gives peace of mind,
For in Your thoughts You speak to me
To know that I am Thine.
What more could I then ask You for,
In You I now rejoice.
For You have saved me from my sin
Through Christ, You fixed my choice.
For I would not have chosen You
Had You not chosen me,
And now the cross is all I boast,
Your Glory set me free.
And though through lines I replicate
With such simplicity,
I trust You will be pleased to show
Your will and Sovereignty.
For there are yet so many more
Who spurn You like I had,
And yet You will bring to Yourself,
Through Christ to make them glad.
Good News You will send from afar,
As I am in Your hand.
Oh use me to convey Your Truth
Though I in glory stand.
Michael E. Wood
July 2, 2010
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Rejoice in His Love
"Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance." Proverbs 1:5
All true wisdom from an eternal perspective comes as a gift from God having the promise of blessing on and in the life which we have now and in the one to come. "If any of you lack wisdom", and we all do in proportion to our understanding of the Great Glory and Majesty of our Omniscient God, for the more we see that His understanding is unsearchable, the more humble we become, and yea, the more broken and contrite, as we are enabled by Him through confession of our own incapacity's because of sins, pride, and afflictions of heart, mind, soul, and spirit, and thereby being enabled to see our infinite need of God Himself to give us wisdom as seems best to Him for His Own Glory and Praise.
It is then and only then that we have any grounds whereby we can have any expectation or confidence that He will give to us out of the abundance of His ways which are past finding out, for He not only knows and has all wisdom, but through the person of Jesus Christ, Who Is our wisdom and upholds us through His mediation, that we may obtain all things that pertain to life and godliness.
Therefore ask of Him Who gives to all His children liberally, lavishly, and more than we can perceive or contain, for we are finite, and shall never completely comprehend the infinite, and He is pleased to grant to us that which we have need of as He sees us, and loves us through the person and work of Christ alone, for His Own Glory.
Oh Father in wisdom, You've given us ears
Whereby to hear You in meekness and fears.
The times of our trials we know You're commanding
To grant to us wisdom and great understanding.
For guidance You give, to meet every task
Unto which You call, as humbly we ask.
And thus for the testing of faith to produce
Steadfastness for fullest effect in it's use.
Though we see not yet fully Your purpose and will,
You grant to us calm and the storms You will still.
By Your Word You remind us to not hesitate,
And generously wisdom You give to partake.
All joy we will count as we meet all our trials
For through them we see our Great God as He smiles.
All comes from His hand as good perfect gifts.
Oh rejoice in His love as our soul He uplifts.
Oh Father please help us and make our ears quick
To hear all You're saying though healthy or sick.
For all of our need and for us to enjoy,
Is to praise You in all things and give You the glory.
(James 1:2-5,12,17)
Michael E. Wood
July 1, 2010
"...whoever listens to Me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread or disaster." Proverbs 1:33
All true wisdom from an eternal perspective comes as a gift from God having the promise of blessing on and in the life which we have now and in the one to come. "If any of you lack wisdom", and we all do in proportion to our understanding of the Great Glory and Majesty of our Omniscient God, for the more we see that His understanding is unsearchable, the more humble we become, and yea, the more broken and contrite, as we are enabled by Him through confession of our own incapacity's because of sins, pride, and afflictions of heart, mind, soul, and spirit, and thereby being enabled to see our infinite need of God Himself to give us wisdom as seems best to Him for His Own Glory and Praise.
It is then and only then that we have any grounds whereby we can have any expectation or confidence that He will give to us out of the abundance of His ways which are past finding out, for He not only knows and has all wisdom, but through the person of Jesus Christ, Who Is our wisdom and upholds us through His mediation, that we may obtain all things that pertain to life and godliness.
Therefore ask of Him Who gives to all His children liberally, lavishly, and more than we can perceive or contain, for we are finite, and shall never completely comprehend the infinite, and He is pleased to grant to us that which we have need of as He sees us, and loves us through the person and work of Christ alone, for His Own Glory.
Oh Father in wisdom, You've given us ears
Whereby to hear You in meekness and fears.
The times of our trials we know You're commanding
To grant to us wisdom and great understanding.
For guidance You give, to meet every task
Unto which You call, as humbly we ask.
And thus for the testing of faith to produce
Steadfastness for fullest effect in it's use.
Though we see not yet fully Your purpose and will,
You grant to us calm and the storms You will still.
By Your Word You remind us to not hesitate,
And generously wisdom You give to partake.
All joy we will count as we meet all our trials
For through them we see our Great God as He smiles.
All comes from His hand as good perfect gifts.
Oh rejoice in His love as our soul He uplifts.
Oh Father please help us and make our ears quick
To hear all You're saying though healthy or sick.
For all of our need and for us to enjoy,
Is to praise You in all things and give You the glory.
(James 1:2-5,12,17)
Michael E. Wood
July 1, 2010
"...whoever listens to Me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread or disaster." Proverbs 1:33
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Father of Mercies
While reading Psalm 149, I came to verse 6 which says, "Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands." Through this I was directed to Hebrews 4:12 which tells us, "For the word of God is living and active, SHARPER THAN A TWO-EDGED SWORD, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thought and intentions of the heart". The following poem came to mind and as I looked again to Psalm 149 verse 1, which says, "Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, His praise in the assembly of the godly!", a tune came to mind to go with the poem, and thus the poem became a new song unto the praise and the glory of God!
(Chorus)
O Father of mercies, O please meet with me,
That more like You Jesus I shall now be.
Please Holy Spirit, speak that I might see,
More clearly O God, Your Great Majesty!
For now in Creation I see Your great wonders
And know of Your judgments in sounds of the thunders,
But nothing compares as Your Word cuts asunder
My soul and my spirit as I now am under
Your watch-care and love through which You now diffuse,
The light of the glory of Christ and to use
As a vessel of mercy to the blind and confused,
A servant of Jesus of which You did choose.
(Chorus)
Not for my merit, for that could not be,
For I too was lost, through the cross I am free.
For grace You have given through faith now to see
All glory and praise belongs only to Thee.
So now if it pleaseth, I know that it will.
For this is the promise of which You instill.
By the word of Your grace, as Your captive fulfill,
Your pleasure to make me like Jesus more still.
(Chorus)
Michael E. Wood
June 30, 2010
(Chorus)
O Father of mercies, O please meet with me,
That more like You Jesus I shall now be.
Please Holy Spirit, speak that I might see,
More clearly O God, Your Great Majesty!
For now in Creation I see Your great wonders
And know of Your judgments in sounds of the thunders,
But nothing compares as Your Word cuts asunder
My soul and my spirit as I now am under
Your watch-care and love through which You now diffuse,
The light of the glory of Christ and to use
As a vessel of mercy to the blind and confused,
A servant of Jesus of which You did choose.
(Chorus)
Not for my merit, for that could not be,
For I too was lost, through the cross I am free.
For grace You have given through faith now to see
All glory and praise belongs only to Thee.
So now if it pleaseth, I know that it will.
For this is the promise of which You instill.
By the word of Your grace, as Your captive fulfill,
Your pleasure to make me like Jesus more still.
(Chorus)
Michael E. Wood
June 30, 2010
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