The Roman Project (Part Eight)

What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification. Romans 6:15-19

While listening to a message preached by Reddit Andrews on Romans 6:15-19, the first verse to this poem came to mind, and two days later the initial thought streamed into the making of the following poem. As that which often occurs in simplicity and godly sincerity, these gifts of poetry that are given to me are also the manifestation of my heart cry in prayer to my Father which is in heaven, who delights in mercy, and shall give to us whom He has redeemed for the express purpose of proclaiming the glory of His grace, His desires for our heart, transforming us into the image of His dear Son.

Laid hold of by God
To Him we now live,
And thanks be to Him,
All glory we give.

Oh help us not waiver
Or ever confuse
The purpose for which
You have chosen to use,

Men like ourselves
So wretched in sin,
The light of Your glory
Through Christ has shown in

Our darkness with which
We were so innovative,
Not knowing that we were
Then held captivated

And blinded by sin,
The result of the fall,
Til grace You did give,
Now on Jesus we call.

For He is the reason
We have faith to serve,
Held captive by mercy,
His cross now preserves

Our life in Your hands
As we see our weakness,
Rejoice in The Lamb
Who before came in meekness,

And gave up His life
The sure Ransom of all,
Your glory excelling
By which we're enthralled.

Oh help us by strength
Of Your Spirit embrace
All You speak by Your Word,
And the smile of Your face,

Til all for Your glory
We stand in one place,
And praise You forever,
The LORD of all grace!

Michael E. Wood
August 1, 2010