Before the Dawn of Time

Do these thoughts ever come to mind? "Oh, who am I, that I should be so blessed to have communion with the Almighty God of all creation? Why should He love me so, except by His Own choosing, and for the manifestation of His Own glory and praise?"

To dwell on the fact that GOD IS LOVE, is not just a wonderful thought, but a present reality in the life of those He has appointed unto salvation through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. What blessed thought that because of the imputation of the righteousness of Christ, we are brought into the everlasting arms of our Father which is in heaven. That He loves us with the same everlasting love that He loves His only begotten Son from before anything that is created was brought into being and we love Him because He first loved us. Oh that we might love Him more in thought, word, and deed!

Oh may it now be known of Thee
Thy tender love from Calvary.
For when You sent Your Son to come
He died alone upon the tree.

How precious are Your thoughts we're told
As by Your Spirit You unfold
The myst'ries of unfailing love
Far greater than we now behold.

You spoke before the dawn of time
To Thy Own Son of all of Thine.
And as You were well satisfied
All hid in Him You said, "They're Mine."

Thus before You set to motion
All creation for devotion,
The fullness of unchanging grace
The Lamb slain, shows forth Love's ocean.

As my love for You grows, abounds.
Christ Is my reason, He my grounds.
Rejoicing together, in His love
Moves me to praise with joyful sounds.

This song of love my heart records
As nothing but God's peace affords.
The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost
Delights to tighten up our chords.

So swim therein unto the end
With much thanksgiving, thus ascend
As ev'ry good resolve God fills
Through faith by love in Christ depend.

Michael E. Wood
September 13, 2010

Glimmers and Sparks

While contemplating what seems my own slowness in growth and at the same time, pondering the course of action the Lord would have us to take in service to Him, this little spark came to mind.

To wait on You, In You I'm blessed--
As You search out my earnestness.
With Holy Fire You burn within,
And seal Your vision to this end;

That we may by Your Holiness,
Proclaim to all Your Righteousness.
Our only Hope Is Christ alone,
Our Witness now before Your throne.

We now draw nigh with confidence,
Your throne of grace with reverence,
Receiving grace, through mercy find--
Our means of help through all of time.

Michael E. Wood
September 7, 2010

Rejoice Then Together!

Upon having received a compliment concerning the joy of the Lord expressed by Dianna and I after a worship service, we were asked to pray for a couple, as they seek to honor our Savior through their leadership in His praise and worship through song.

The following words of poetry and prayer came to mind, of which I trust will be an encouragement to others to rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice, for you just never know how God may use you as the means to direct others to Himself, that they may repeat the sound in joy.

The joy of the Lord, is Oh so infectious,
It speaks of the One within Who is ageless,
To strengthen His body He chose before time,
Proclaiming the grace of His glory sublime.

And though it's not given to know all the seasons
Known only to God for the purest of reasons.
We are given this, as His Own, we receive
His power by the Holy Ghost upon us to be

His witnesses, as His great signs and great wonders,
Sealed up to the day, He speaks by the thunders.
Though all is not written, all will be fulfilled,
The mystery of God, to Whom all we yield.

So help us speak boldly, Oh Father of lights,
Direct all to Jesus in whom all delights
Of honor and glory and praise is now due,
Fulfilling the scriptures, our guide unto You!

Oh never then doubt by His Words, as His spark
The light of His glory, then others will hark
Unto His voice clearly and fill then with cheer,
Rejoice then together with meekness and fear!

Michael E. Wood
August 3, 2010

By Your great wisdom O' God, and by the power of Your Mighty Spirit O' Father, lead and direct this couple unto the glory of Your praise. Help them to be true both in action and in word to the great integrity of Your Word and Your character, as reflections of the light of the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For it is in His Name we pray and upon His Promise we rest. Amen!

Delight Within the Veil

Concerning the mortification of sin; is it not but the mercy of God which reveals to us the idols and sins of our hearts in His time, that He may continually refine and purify us for the express purpose of showing forth His steadfast love and faithfulness both in us and through us, to know that He is God alone, and to Him be all the glory? Ten thousand times ten thousand to infinity, YES! And thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!

Oh how complex at times it seems
To seek Your face in light supreme
When sin within doth veil the grace
You sweetly send by Your embrace.

As by Your Spirit You reveal
Those things within which once were sealed
Unto our minds by times appointed
To show Your love by Your Anointed.

Oh how great Your mercies store
Supplies for all our need and more,
As You consume but only dross,
And lead us gently to the cross.

Oh help us now confess and fight
The sin within by Thy pure Light.
For there no darkness dwells with You,
And all of grace our sins subdue.

And for Thy honor help us to dwell
With pure delight within the veil
Of Thy sweet presence for Jesus sake
As He the Lamb we now partake.

Anoint our eyes with Thy pure salve.
Rejoice our hearts in all we have,
By all You Are! We are made glad,
Fitted for battle, we thus are clad.

Unto the death with thankful plea,
With blessed assurance from Calvary.
More than conqueror's You made us to be
Through Christ alone, our Victory!

Michael E. Wood
September 8-9, 2010

Colossians 4:12 "...that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God."

Upon the completion of this poem, the following song by Fanny Crosby came to mind.

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

(Refrain)
This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Saviour all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Saviour all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending, bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

(Refrain)

Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my Saviour am happy and blest;
Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

(Refrain)

Oh Children Rejoice in Your King!

As of late, my custom has been to begin the day with reading, meditating and praying from Psalm 145. On this particular day I was awakened a little earlier than normal and though I began in Psalm 145, I found myself continuing into Psalm 149.

Coming to verse 2 which says, "Let Israel be glad in his Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their king.", music began to come to mind, and as I looked to verse 1 which includes the words, "Sing to the LORD a new song" I was much encouraged by knowing that the children of the promise are counted as offspring, so that all of the redeemed in Christ from the foundation of the world are the Israel of God, and He is our King! Thus from Psalm 149 and Revelation 1 came the following:

Let Israel be glad in his Maker!
Oh children rejoice in Your King!
Let your praise be to His Name then with dancing
Making melody with tambourine.

For the LORD, He takes pleasure in His people.
The humble He adorns with salvation.
Let the godly exult in His glory,
Out of Zion from every nation.

(Chorus)
Sing for joy a new song.
Praise His Name all day long.
All His godly ones, own now this honor.
For the judgment that's written
With our enemies smitten,
With His two-edged sword in our hands.
Let Israel be glad in his Maker!
Oh children rejoice in your King!

What a sight we'll behold at His coming.
The King with His eyes like a fire.
And His face in full strength, like sun shining.
All with Him in robes of white attire

His voice then will sound like a trumpet.
From His mouth comes sharp, two-edged sword.
He's the First and the Last, at His feet our crowns cast,
All in Him then will see Him adored.

(Chorus)

(and close with repeat of)
Let Israel be glad in his Maker!
Oh children rejoice in your King!

Michael E. Wood
August 31, 2010

Afflictions of our Ignorance

I am made more and more fully aware, by the scriptures, that the things of which I am given to write embrace a far wider expanse than my own personal walk with God in the geographical location or time element in which I presently live. And, thus my own afflictions are but very light in comparison with so many of our brethren which have gone before us. Many in other parts of the world, such as, Zimbabwe and Afghanistan endure great persecutions and many more will no doubt endure even more in days to come.

Oh how many there have, and do, and shall literally give up their lives for the cause of Christ, and thus it behooves us to be much in prayer for our brethren. To stand strong in the faith, giving glory to God, that they have been counted worthy to suffer such conflict for the kingdom of God. 2nd Thessalonians 1:4,5 "Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring. This is the evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering--"

Afflictions of a humbled mind,
As glimpse Your glory now we find,
Such wondrous wisdom You bestow,
Through Christ alone to make us grow.

Afflictions of our ignorance,
Through Christ give mercy; true repentance,
In all of time and days of past,
Redeemed to show You are steadfast.

In love You took us for Your Own,
And cause us by Your Spirit groan,
That we may see Your full perfection
In all You've chosen through election.

For not one hair of head will perish,
Strength You give to endure and cherish
Your all consuming holiness,
By which we're made, Your Name to bless.

Oh strengthen those who face the conflict.
Give words that none can contradict.
Though some be delivered; put to death,
You raise to praise with final breath.

For though the powers of heaven be shaken,
Not one in Christ shall be forsaken.
Lift up your heads, God's Word is clear,
For Your redemption is drawing near.

Michael E. Wood
August 30, 2010

By Your Eternal Spirit

While in the process of reading Thomas Brooks, "Heaven on Earth", I was reminded it is good to read the "Rest of the Story", before coming to a conclusion concerning a matter. As he was addressing the subject of "special seasons and times wherein the Lord is graciously pleased to give his children a sweet assurance of his favor and love." As he had listed nine different seasons, and I was in the midst of reading the one concerning the partaking of the Lord's table, questions began to arise in my own mind concerning the enjoyment thereof, causing me to wonder if there was something I was missing, as some seem to make more of partaking of the sacraments than the day to day partaking of the bread of life broken and opened to us by the Spirit of the Living God, secured for us by the sacrifice and sustenance of the blood of Christ, which cleanses us from all sin.

While in this state of questioning, the following poem was written. Being enabled to look to the Word for answers, and immediately thereafter, as I continued on to the Seventh point by Brooks, the thoughts of which I trust were given to me of the Lord were confirmed. "...Praying times are times wherein the Lord is graciously pleased to give his people some sweet and comfortable assurance of His love and favor towards them. Usually the most praying souls are the most assured souls. Prayer crowns God with honor and glory that is due His Name; and God crowns prayer with assurance and comfort. There is no service wherein souls have such a near, familiar, and friendly intercourse with God, as in this of prayer, neither is there any service wherein God doth more delight to make known His grace and goodness, His mercy, and bounty, His beauty and glory to poor souls than this of prayer."

Therefore, I rejoice in the conclusion that our enjoyment of Christ and our usefulness by Him in the public arena and that of corporate worship is strengthened and increased as He leads us forth in the enjoyment and usefulness by Him in private.

I thank You for my ignorance,
For in it I am frail.
When waves of doubt assault my soul,
I know You shall prevail.

For You have chosen us so weak,
To show Yourself so True--
To strengthen us where glory dwells
Within our hearts anew.

By Your Eternal Spirit;
While engraved upon Your hands,
You offered up Yourself to God,
And pure our conscience stands--

That we may serve the Living God,
Your will did take effect;
Embracing us to know Your Name--
By sacrifice perfect,

A holy people to Your praise
To wait Your soon return.
Lord Jesus come, for You or'er all
Is Whom Your children yearn.

Michael E. Wood
August 26, 2010

What We Shall See One Day

While contemplating the course of events that have taken place over the past two years: the changes that have transpired, both inwardly by the Spirit of God according to the good pleasure of His will through the finished work of Christ as He has revealed Himself through His Word; and, the temporal changes wrought by His Sovereign care and wisdom for the purpose of His glory in sanctification by giving to me a most wonderful help-mate, the following came to mind:

There once was a man
Who hailed then from Graham.
He met a young lady
And called her, "Yes ma'am".
She liked not the term--
It made her sound older
And yet in their union,
They became the more bolder.

With eyes all transfixed
By the vision they saw;
The Beauty of Christ
Was to them all-in-all.
His glory had become
Their immanent supposition,
Transformed by the grace
Of His interposition.

They grew by the fact
That Christ with one act
Secured their position
And, with God interact.
So now as they come
Through the Infinite Son,
They call on the Father;
All Glorious One!

Oh Spirit come shower
Your infinite power.
By the Word of Your grace,
Give wisdom each hour.
For though we know not
What a day may bring forth,
Direct now our hearts,
As an arrow True North!

So when it is pleasin',
Give fruit in its season,
Extending beyond
All our measure and reason.
For though we see not
What we shall see one day,
We praise You; our Life,
And the Truth, and the Way!

Michael E. Wood
August 26, 2010

A People For Himself

2nd Thessalonians 1:5 "This is the evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering..."

Whereas the wrath of God has been vindicated through the sacrifice of Christ on behalf of the elect, the evidence of the effectiveness thereof in particular is shown forth by a sincere faith that is growing abundantly and the love of believers one for another continues to increase resulting in many thanksgivings to God for His steadfast love and faithfulness which produces steadfast endurance in the midst of all persecutions and afflictions.

Though there are many practical applications in which this is demonstrated by the children of God, one for another, as faith without works is dead, let us also remember that even when we may not have the physical means to be a help, we can pray. "Ye also helping together by prayer for us. If we have not the knowledge, nor the understanding, neither do we know a word to speak on some occasions, we can pray, yea, we must pray. 1st Samuel 12:22-24, "For the LORD will not forsake His people, for His great name's sake, because it has pleased the LORD to make you a people for Himself. Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and right way. Only fear the LORD and serve Him with all your heart. For consider what great things He has done for you."

Thanks be to our Father which is in heaven, Who hears perfectly the intercessions of Christ on our behalf; who never ceases to pray for us and bids us to follow in the example, by the power of His Spirit, and the privilege of prayer, according to the promises of His Word. And though I am yet poor, and am in need of much growth, for in many ways it is much easier to speak the truth than to live it, my heart yet cries out believing the grace which is sure to come.

Oh teach us to pray,
Oh LORD we now ask.
Oh Father in heaven
Give grace for the task.
For this is Your will,
That we might seek You
And offer our praise
And our thanksgiving too.

For Thou art in heaven,
On earth, here are we.
On the glorious splendor
Of Your Majesty,
And Your wondrous works,
We will meditate.
Speak clearly the might
Of Your awesome estate.

Oh, how much we are not,
What we shall then be,
Yet rejoice we as sons,
And for grace we now plead.
By the mercy You give,
As afflicted we cry.
By the blood of Your promise,
In Jesus draw nigh.

So help us to strive
By Thy pure righteousness,
Release us from all
Our complacent assents.
That Your love will be clear
As the sure evidence
Through all You do call,
And give repentance

Michael E. Wood
August 17, 2010

Ten Minutes of Fame?

On July 9th 2010, Dianna and I had attended an Open Mic event sponsored by the California Writers Club at the local Barnes and Nobles in Citrus Heights. While awaiting an opportunity to read some of the poetry that has been given to me to write, we sat in amazement while others read from books they had written, which ranged from children's books to personal biographical experiences. In almost every instance there was a type of spiritual experience conveyed. We felt as though we could have very well been in the midst of Mars Hill with Paul, as each spoke of philosophies and the unknown god of their understanding. As I read of the coming day of judgment upon the nations, and the hope that can be found only in the substitutionary atonement of Christ, Dianna observed that almost every head was directed toward the floor and many seemed to cringe when the name of Jesus was mentioned

That which is even more amazing is we were invited back via email, with the heading, "Enjoy Ten Minutes of Fame". Over the next few days I pondered the title and the following is that which was written for the occasion.

In the scope of just ten minutes,
God can show your destiny,
If for His glory, He has chosen
You for liberty.

And being as a man I am,
I speak in human terms,
And trust The Ever Living One,
Though we be but as worms.

For though we suffer in this life,
Christ' glory is what matters,
For His dominion ever reigns,
His Word all darkness shatters.

He is the hammer, and the truth
Which crushes all the lies,
Which held us captive to the fact,
His claim our sin defies.

Oh would you trade ten minutes
For a life of purity,
And holiness for without this
You're lost eternally.

For satan's power, as all the world
To you, he may now offer.
And veil his scheme, as one with him,
You are to God a scoffer.

As in the days of Noah,
A thing not seen before,
But rain it did, and then too late,
Men cried, Oh God, no more!

And swallowed by the torrent
Of the wrath of God displayed,
And that was but a glimpse
Of the Final Judgment Day!

For all the dead will rise again
And many to their dismay.
Depart from me is what they'll hear
From God Himself that day.

Oh Father show Your mercy,
Give grace to meet this need,
And by Your Holy Spirit
Through my weakness, with men plead.

Oh by the power of canceled sin
Show forth Your loving kindness,
Reveal to men their lost estate,
Confess to You their blindness.

And when the final trumpet blows
May we rejoice together,
As You are pleased by Your Dear Son,
To reign with Him forever.

Though some may think this not the place,
And surely not the time;
To speak the voice of God in truth—
By means of simple rhyme,

But all the world—Oh God You made
To be Your Holy Parish,
To show forth Christ, Him crucified
In all of whom You cherish.

Oh may by Your mercy
Your kingdom increase,
Through souls of all them,
You have given release,

From sin to know only
That through Christ alone,
You rule all the world
From Your glorious throne.

Oh help us to wrestle
As Jacob to face,
Your Presence Oh God,
Is now sure in this place.

And if by my words
You have taken offense,
My hope is Christ Jesus,
And His cross my defense.

For all my desire
Is that God is well pleased,
As prostrate before Him,
I plead from my knees.

That He like a fire
Will consume all the dross
Of self, sanctify me
To count all the cost.

When all life is finished
And victory won,
All hid in Christ Jesus
Will hear then, "Well Done"!

Reality extends beyond,
All space and all of time,
And history is His Story,
Transcending all our minds.

And those who do not learn from Him,
Are doomed then to repeat,
As idols of the heart blind minds,
To go down in defeat.

"Come unto me", is what Christ said
While He was here on earth,
And those who hear the joyful sound,
Receive from Him new birth.

For all we are we have received,
His gift to stout and meek,
But shame will cover all who waste
Their time, His face, not seek.

Do you now behold the man?
Pilate did; then washed his hands,
And found no fault, and yet pronounced
The judgment on The King renounced.

Or do you see His stately sight,
Now high and lifted up in light?
He is the sum of glory bright,
Unto His bride with great delight!

For though ten minutes be so short
And love is now my crime;
Though now you may hate things I say
I trust that in God's time,

The arrows that you feel so sharp
Will find their mark appointed,
And Sovereign Grace will swell to praise,
By mercy, God's Anointed!

This fame I ask not for myself
For weighty shall it be,
If God my Father does not speak
Through Christ who set me free.

Oh Holy Spirit come and breathe
True life within these bones,
And raise them up as life You give
Through Christ from heaven's throne.

Though none are worthy and all deserve
The payment for our sin,
And all our pride which makes us blind,
The road to hell within,

And yet You've chosen some to life
Because the blood was shed,
Of Christ, The Ever-Living One,
Who rose up from the dead.

Oh think not to then hide within
The intelligence of your mind,
For all will be displayed as vain,
Through death, too late you'll find

Repentance only as the gift
While life with breath received,
Will show forth all the glory
Of The Christ to be believed!

How sweet a fragrance thus ascends
From life to life procession,
Triumphantly led by God in Christ,
His gift and glorious possession.

While yet in others, death to death,
And foolishness this seems,
Passed off then as incompetence,
Inciting troubled dreams.

Oh may You take ten minutes God,
Cause some to glimpse Your fame,
Show forth the light of Christ in them,
By glory then proclaim,

That Jesus Is more awesome
Than all words can yet resound,
Who came to earth that He might seek
The lost, that they be found.

Not unto us, but unto Him
Forever then shall be
All worship, honor, glory, praise
Unto His Majesty!

And so I trust within the realm
Of this ten minute frame,
That God is pleased, and cause to see,
The glory of His Name.

For every knee shall bow one day,
And every tongue confess,
That Jesus Christ Is Lord of all,
My God, My righteousness!

Michael E. Wood
August 16-25, 2010