Michael E. Wood
December 27-28, 2010
Four days after my Honda Accord was stolen, we received a call from the CHP that it had been located and we could pick it up at a tow station. Dianna wrote a poem concerning the recovery, which can be found on “The Wood’s Secret Garden” blog, dated 12/30/10, entitled, “The Rest of the Story”.
In the days between, and having no assurance that the car would be recovered, I received much comfort from the LORD through His Word, and the following poem and song was written. Many of the thoughts for the poem are derived from John chapter 10, and the song can be sung to the tune of, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman”, using the same chorus.
THE POEM
O Shepherd, of the one true flock,
How sweet Your voice we hear.
For when the thief comes forth to steal,
Tis only You we fear.
As life abundant now You give
And lead us by Your hand,
That murderer can only do
Exactly what You planned.
For You have called us all by name,
And lead us forth with joy,
And though the devil take all things,
Our soul he’ll not destroy.
With pastures rich You now provide
For us with nothing lost.
For all we need, we find in You,
Who paid with blood, the cost!
O Shepherd, You laid down Your life
For all Your Own, Your sheep,
That we may know, we are Your Own,
And all Your Own, You keep!
And thus our Father’s providence
In love for us ordained,
All things in life that He may bring
Forth faith, that is unfeigned.
And for His glory we shall proclaim,
As those who once were superfluous*
All things that happen only serve
To further the gospel through us.
O Shepherd make us much more bold
To speak the Word without fear,
With love to You, O Christ our King,
By Your Spirit, to all You endear.
For other sheep You have yet to call
Into our Father’s one fold,
Which spans all nation’s, tribes, and tongues,
Where Your glory forever unfolds.
THE CHRISTMAS SONG
We thank You for Your providence,
You brought on Christmas morn.
For by it, You remind us that
Our grief’s by Christ was borne.
When He for us upon the tree,
Paid for our sin and scorn.
(Chorus)
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy.
O tidings of comfort and joy!
O may we be such vessels
That to others they may see,
That to You God our Savior
May all glory ever be...
And may You use us to set forth
The truth with clarity.
(Chorus)
The Good News is our focus
And no matter what the cost,
Oh use us by Your Spirit
To convey to all the lost,
That all in You shall see
Your glory, we shall not exhaust!
(Chorus)
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Passing Fancy
Michael E. Wood
December 10, 2010
While reviewing the means of praise, and especially those in which He gives us in particular, whereby we are enabled to enjoy our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I was again reminded that His Work Is an Everlasting Work. The grace of our God is sufficient to meet our every need and thus in everything we give thanks as it Is He Who hears and answers, that in all things He may be glorified in the Son.
Tis not a passing fancy,
But grace You've given us.
To know You're ever present,
Through faith to be robust.
To fan to flame the gift You gave,
No longer now to sin a slave.
As sons made now to proffer
Through Christ, His Spirit offer
Up to You by praise and prayer
That all may see Your glory there.
So when all temp'ral things are finished
Not ought from You shall be diminished.
December 10, 2010
While reviewing the means of praise, and especially those in which He gives us in particular, whereby we are enabled to enjoy our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I was again reminded that His Work Is an Everlasting Work. The grace of our God is sufficient to meet our every need and thus in everything we give thanks as it Is He Who hears and answers, that in all things He may be glorified in the Son.
Tis not a passing fancy,
But grace You've given us.
To know You're ever present,
Through faith to be robust.
To fan to flame the gift You gave,
No longer now to sin a slave.
As sons made now to proffer
Through Christ, His Spirit offer
Up to You by praise and prayer
That all may see Your glory there.
So when all temp'ral things are finished
Not ought from You shall be diminished.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
What did you get for Christmas?
Dianna & Michael Wood
December 26, 2010
As many of you know, this was our first Christmas together as a married couple, and it is a Christmas we won't soon forget--not for the reasons one might think. Dianna sat down early Sunday morning, before getting ready for church, and wrote a poem to express her thoughts. After reading it to me, I took pen to paper and wrote the last seven stanzas. We will let the poem speak for itself:
What did you get for Christmas?
Some fudge, some socks, a cigar?
Or did you get something really neat
Like a vintage acoustic guitar?
When I return to work this week
That is a question they might ask.
They’ll want to know just what I got
And on what pleasures I did bask
I’ll have to answer honestly
It’s not about wrapped things.
It’s not about what we get
But what our Savior brings.
Our hearts are filled with joy this year
And nothing can change that fact
No matter what the world might do
To tempt, to entice, to detract.
From all we hold so great and true
In our minds, our souls and our heart.
If all our “things” were taken away
Our joy would not depart.
We did not exchange a THING this year--
No boxed gifts or wrapped guitar.
In fact, a thief, on Christmas Eve
Stole my husband’s car.
He had just spent tons of money
To get it registered and “smogged”
It cost him all his savings ‘cause
The catalytic converted was all clogged.
Once it passed all the tests
The plates cost even more.
Taking care of all the required things—
Became a costly chore.
But, one we had to take care of
So Michael could use his car.
He’s looking for work in the coming year
And most jobs are pretty far.
So there it was in the parking lot
With a brand new license plate.
We also got liability insurance
Before the expiration date.
We were covered for “Collision”
For that was all we could afford
“Comprehensive” might have allowed us--
To purchase a used Ford.
But, alas, we cannot complain.
You may wonder how we are.
We can still rejoice and thank The Lord
All they got was Michael’s car.
Imagine that, on Christmas Eve
A rainy, cold, dark night.
A thief broke into Michael’s car
And drove it out of sight.
Not only did he get the car,
This was auto theft first class!
His Christmas bonus for his crime?
We had just filled the tank with gas!
I wonder if he did exclaim
As he “drove it out of sight”,
Merry Christmas to myself this year—
It’s been a real good night!
But this is not the end of matters
We trust that God, with fear,
Will draw this thief unto Himself
And help him know true cheer!
He could not touch our joy or song
As God so good and gracious
Has chosen to secure for us
All things so efficacious.
That in His pleasure, we be found
To walk the narrow way,
And guardeth every step we take
Till blameless on that day—
When Jesus comes, whose love abounds
In us yet more and more;
With knowledge and discernment
As to Him we shall then soar.
And things that seemed at times
To weigh upon us as a loss;
Will be found, unto His praise
Who gave upon the Cross—
His all that we may apprehend
His love Whom in all things
Worketh for eternal good
As over us He sings.
Delighting in the goodness
And the mercy He has shown
That all through life He carried us—
That through Him, we are known.
Fond memories. My Honda Accord when it was safe and sound in North Carolina. "Welcome to California, Michael E. Wood!"
By the Way: Based on our research as to why old Honda's are one of the top ten stolen cars, it is highly likely that my little car will become an organ donor (parted out) or the six-million-dollar man (end up as a souped-up dragster)!
December 26, 2010
As many of you know, this was our first Christmas together as a married couple, and it is a Christmas we won't soon forget--not for the reasons one might think. Dianna sat down early Sunday morning, before getting ready for church, and wrote a poem to express her thoughts. After reading it to me, I took pen to paper and wrote the last seven stanzas. We will let the poem speak for itself:
What did you get for Christmas?
Some fudge, some socks, a cigar?
Or did you get something really neat
Like a vintage acoustic guitar?
When I return to work this week
That is a question they might ask.
They’ll want to know just what I got
And on what pleasures I did bask
I’ll have to answer honestly
It’s not about wrapped things.
It’s not about what we get
But what our Savior brings.
Our hearts are filled with joy this year
And nothing can change that fact
No matter what the world might do
To tempt, to entice, to detract.
From all we hold so great and true
In our minds, our souls and our heart.
If all our “things” were taken away
Our joy would not depart.
We did not exchange a THING this year--
No boxed gifts or wrapped guitar.
In fact, a thief, on Christmas Eve
Stole my husband’s car.
He had just spent tons of money
To get it registered and “smogged”
It cost him all his savings ‘cause
The catalytic converted was all clogged.
Once it passed all the tests
The plates cost even more.
Taking care of all the required things—
Became a costly chore.
But, one we had to take care of
So Michael could use his car.
He’s looking for work in the coming year
And most jobs are pretty far.
So there it was in the parking lot
With a brand new license plate.
We also got liability insurance
Before the expiration date.
We were covered for “Collision”
For that was all we could afford
“Comprehensive” might have allowed us--
To purchase a used Ford.
But, alas, we cannot complain.
You may wonder how we are.
We can still rejoice and thank The Lord
All they got was Michael’s car.
Imagine that, on Christmas Eve
A rainy, cold, dark night.
A thief broke into Michael’s car
And drove it out of sight.
Not only did he get the car,
This was auto theft first class!
His Christmas bonus for his crime?
We had just filled the tank with gas!
I wonder if he did exclaim
As he “drove it out of sight”,
Merry Christmas to myself this year—
It’s been a real good night!
But this is not the end of matters
We trust that God, with fear,
Will draw this thief unto Himself
And help him know true cheer!
He could not touch our joy or song
As God so good and gracious
Has chosen to secure for us
All things so efficacious.
That in His pleasure, we be found
To walk the narrow way,
And guardeth every step we take
Till blameless on that day—
When Jesus comes, whose love abounds
In us yet more and more;
With knowledge and discernment
As to Him we shall then soar.
And things that seemed at times
To weigh upon us as a loss;
Will be found, unto His praise
Who gave upon the Cross—
His all that we may apprehend
His love Whom in all things
Worketh for eternal good
As over us He sings.
Delighting in the goodness
And the mercy He has shown
That all through life He carried us—
That through Him, we are known.
Fond memories. My Honda Accord when it was safe and sound in North Carolina. "Welcome to California, Michael E. Wood!"
By the Way: Based on our research as to why old Honda's are one of the top ten stolen cars, it is highly likely that my little car will become an organ donor (parted out) or the six-million-dollar man (end up as a souped-up dragster)!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
O Lord Teach Us Your Rules
Michael E. Wood
December 7, 2010
Whereas the scriptures clearly teach us that it is not enough to have a form of godliness, denying the power thereof, we have need of God's mercies, which are new every day to provide for us grace in our hidden parts. For though our outer man perishes, our inner man is renewed day by day. All of grace, all for His glory, and all because of Christ Jesus our Lord!
As our Almighty Father has called us and caused us to be responsible, let us then continue to grow in the grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, by the means He has appointed. Let us take Him at His Word, lay hold of His promises, in joyful expectation that He will accomplish all He pleases.
While reading in Psalm 147 and Job 37, the following came to mind. On this occasion the music, which sounds more like an old Scottish hymn actually came to mind before the words were formulated.
O LORD teach us Your rules
In all our hidden parts
That for Your praise we do
All things with all our hearts.
As not all things now seen of men
Are pleasing in Your sight,
But only those clothed in the vestures
Of Your awesome might.
You send out Your command
For all the earth to hear.
You gather all Your Own
Who look to You in fear.
You heal the broken hearted
And our wounds You do bind up.
Through Jesus Christ, Your love displayed,
Who drank our bitter cup.
The humble You lift up
Our pride You have cast down,
That we may walk with You
Where grace through faith abounds.
You fill us with the finest wheat
And peace our borders make.
That all may know tis only You,
And pleased for Jesus sake.
Your justice has been served.
You will not violate.
The righteousness of Christ alone
Grants mercy to forsake
Our sins to show Your glory
In all those You cause to stand
Amidst the thunders of Your voice
We cannot comprehend.
You number all the stars
And give to all, their names.
You take delight and pleasure
In all those who fear Your Name.
You make the grass to grow,
Prepare the rain for all the earth,
And cause the blind to see through Christ,
When given second birth.
Your golden splendor there
And clothed in majesty
We'll see. Almighty Father help us
By Your Spirit's plea,
To proclaim Your beauty
And give all the glory due,
Til all the ransomed ones on earth
Are all home there with You.
December 7, 2010
Whereas the scriptures clearly teach us that it is not enough to have a form of godliness, denying the power thereof, we have need of God's mercies, which are new every day to provide for us grace in our hidden parts. For though our outer man perishes, our inner man is renewed day by day. All of grace, all for His glory, and all because of Christ Jesus our Lord!
As our Almighty Father has called us and caused us to be responsible, let us then continue to grow in the grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, by the means He has appointed. Let us take Him at His Word, lay hold of His promises, in joyful expectation that He will accomplish all He pleases.
While reading in Psalm 147 and Job 37, the following came to mind. On this occasion the music, which sounds more like an old Scottish hymn actually came to mind before the words were formulated.
O LORD teach us Your rules
In all our hidden parts
That for Your praise we do
All things with all our hearts.
As not all things now seen of men
Are pleasing in Your sight,
But only those clothed in the vestures
Of Your awesome might.
You send out Your command
For all the earth to hear.
You gather all Your Own
Who look to You in fear.
You heal the broken hearted
And our wounds You do bind up.
Through Jesus Christ, Your love displayed,
Who drank our bitter cup.
The humble You lift up
Our pride You have cast down,
That we may walk with You
Where grace through faith abounds.
You fill us with the finest wheat
And peace our borders make.
That all may know tis only You,
And pleased for Jesus sake.
Your justice has been served.
You will not violate.
The righteousness of Christ alone
Grants mercy to forsake
Our sins to show Your glory
In all those You cause to stand
Amidst the thunders of Your voice
We cannot comprehend.
You number all the stars
And give to all, their names.
You take delight and pleasure
In all those who fear Your Name.
You make the grass to grow,
Prepare the rain for all the earth,
And cause the blind to see through Christ,
When given second birth.
Your golden splendor there
And clothed in majesty
We'll see. Almighty Father help us
By Your Spirit's plea,
To proclaim Your beauty
And give all the glory due,
Til all the ransomed ones on earth
Are all home there with You.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
That Glorious Day!
Coming out of the week in which we Americans celebrate Thanksgiving as a national holiday, most of our country was enveloped by what is now called Black Friday and Cyber Monday. As buying and selling of goods in a somewhat frenzied manner is a predominant theme throughout the U.S. at this time of year, I am yet thankful for the freedom we have to rejoice in our Savior as our hearts are turned toward the time of His incarnation over two thousand years ago
While given the privilege to worship Him in spirit and in truth through the writing of poetry and songs, I continue to be amazed in Him and the unspeakable gift we have in Him as His people. He truly giveth, and giveth, and giveth again. That God would become flesh, and dwell among us, and in His humiliation give Himself as the one sacrifice to save us from our sins is beyond comprehension apart from His free gift of grace. Out of all the gifts He so freely gives, the greatest of these is Himself.
God Is Love, He never faileth, working all things together for our good and His infinite glory. Praise be to our Almighty God and Savior, Jesus our King!
While reading an article from the Desiring God blog on Monday (11/29/10), I was taken up by some of the words quoted from Jonathan Edwards Miscellanies #186, and then in continuance with the reading of 1st Timothy 3:16, the following came to mind.
Tis so congruous that it should be so
That God Himself, we would come to know.
That He as man would take on our form,
Through Jesus that His praise be the norm.
For when at birth--that glorious day;
Our King had come our sins to slay.
How great indeed we now confess,
This--the myst'ry of godliness.
As in the flesh God was revealed,
Justified in the Spirit, salvation then sealed.
Seen of angels, preached to gentiles.
Tis Jesus who brings upon us God's smile.
Believed on in the world, taken to glory
Up where the Father reveals us His story.
And by His Spirit we praise til the shout,
Then like Him we'll be--is how we'll turn out.
May you know His tender love by faith with a pure conscience this Christmas,
Michael & Dianna
While given the privilege to worship Him in spirit and in truth through the writing of poetry and songs, I continue to be amazed in Him and the unspeakable gift we have in Him as His people. He truly giveth, and giveth, and giveth again. That God would become flesh, and dwell among us, and in His humiliation give Himself as the one sacrifice to save us from our sins is beyond comprehension apart from His free gift of grace. Out of all the gifts He so freely gives, the greatest of these is Himself.
God Is Love, He never faileth, working all things together for our good and His infinite glory. Praise be to our Almighty God and Savior, Jesus our King!
While reading an article from the Desiring God blog on Monday (11/29/10), I was taken up by some of the words quoted from Jonathan Edwards Miscellanies #186, and then in continuance with the reading of 1st Timothy 3:16, the following came to mind.
Tis so congruous that it should be so
That God Himself, we would come to know.
That He as man would take on our form,
Through Jesus that His praise be the norm.
For when at birth--that glorious day;
Our King had come our sins to slay.
How great indeed we now confess,
This--the myst'ry of godliness.
As in the flesh God was revealed,
Justified in the Spirit, salvation then sealed.
Seen of angels, preached to gentiles.
Tis Jesus who brings upon us God's smile.
Believed on in the world, taken to glory
Up where the Father reveals us His story.
And by His Spirit we praise til the shout,
Then like Him we'll be--is how we'll turn out.
May you know His tender love by faith with a pure conscience this Christmas,
Michael & Dianna
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Lord We Want to Worship You
Michael E. Wood
December 8, 2010
While working on a personal song tract for my beloved wife Dianna, my thoughts were toward thanksgiving to our Lord for all the gifts of praise He has given in song and my thoughts were given up to Him in desire to worship Him. The following came over the course of the day as a result.
(Begins with Chorus)
Lord, I want to worship You.
Help me by Your Spirit to
Give You all the praise that's due.
Lord I want to worship You!
As one You chose with all before
Creation through the cross You bore
To show the Father's love in store
For all who bow and You adore.
(Chorus)
The One who by our sins was torn
The Lamb by whom we now are borne.
You saved us from our pride and scorn
When from the grave You rose that morn.
(Chorus)
The One on whom the angels gaze.
Cry Holy, Holy all their days.
When with them, we shall stand amazed,
And all perfected, worship raise.
(Chorus)
Til then, we'll look by grace in light,
By faith to walk now in Your sight.
Then clothed by You in purest white,
We'll worship You with all our might!
(Final Chorus)
Lord, we want to worship You.
Help us by Your Spirit to
Give You all the glory due.
Lord, we want to worship You!
December 8, 2010
While working on a personal song tract for my beloved wife Dianna, my thoughts were toward thanksgiving to our Lord for all the gifts of praise He has given in song and my thoughts were given up to Him in desire to worship Him. The following came over the course of the day as a result.
(Begins with Chorus)
Lord, I want to worship You.
Help me by Your Spirit to
Give You all the praise that's due.
Lord I want to worship You!
As one You chose with all before
Creation through the cross You bore
To show the Father's love in store
For all who bow and You adore.
(Chorus)
The One who by our sins was torn
The Lamb by whom we now are borne.
You saved us from our pride and scorn
When from the grave You rose that morn.
(Chorus)
The One on whom the angels gaze.
Cry Holy, Holy all their days.
When with them, we shall stand amazed,
And all perfected, worship raise.
(Chorus)
Til then, we'll look by grace in light,
By faith to walk now in Your sight.
Then clothed by You in purest white,
We'll worship You with all our might!
(Final Chorus)
Lord, we want to worship You.
Help us by Your Spirit to
Give You all the glory due.
Lord, we want to worship You!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Bow the Knee at Calvary
A New Song by Michael E. Wood
December 1, 2010
Proverbs 1 begins with the words, "The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel"
How amazing it is that God speaks His Word through men. The King of Glory, Jesus Himself, by the power of His Spirit speaks through sinners like us to bring many sons to glory. It is He who planted the ear that causes us to hear the voice of His Word, uniting our hearts as one unto His Own glory and praise. How oft I am amazed as He uses the members of His church, both local and universal, to build up one another in the faith to proclaim the glories of His grace in ways that we may not even be aware of at a given moment in time. Some times when I write, I can think of a number of people He has used to bring about the understanding of the things of which I write. Some are people of whom I have known for years, and could readily give credit to for the influence they have had; others are those of which I have met in a moment of time and cannot recall their names, while yet others have impacted my life of whom I may never or will never meet while here on earth. And then, of course, there are those who have impacted those whom God has and continues to use to direct me to Himself. And what about the countless number of those that have beforehand beheld the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ and are in His presence at this very moment.
No wonder Paul said, "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ by whom the world is crucified unto me and I unto the world." And thus, I will glory in my Redeemer and to His praise this new song is written!
Through words of men our God doth seek
The souls of men and to them speak.
As those who once His law had spurned,
And thought that glory could be earned.
And thought that glory could be earned.
(Chorus)
Oh bow the knee at Calvary.
Tis Christ who came to set us free.
To know His love and Majesty.
Redeemed; Proclaim His Victory!
Redeemed; Proclaim His Victory!
For though all men may speak of peace
It is His Word that gives increase
And He, His Word, He shall fulfill
As God alone Is Sovereign still!
As God alone Is Sovereign still!
(Chorus)
His Mighty Spirit now unfolds
His Word of grace through men of old
And breathes new life into those dead,
To hear the voice of Christ, our Head!
To hear the voice of Christ, our Head!
(Chorus)
His great compassion is our theme,
Who loosed our tongues, gave grace to sing.
For by His mercies we are told,
"Fear not! I'm with you! Now be bold!"
"Fear not! I'm with you! Now be bold!"
(Chorus)
Our Father gives instruction to,
And seeks His Own, though they be few.
Delivers from eternal loss.
Our dept was paid upon the cross!
Our debt was paid upon the cross!
(Chorus)
As God our Father wisdom gives,
That to His glory we may live,
That all may see His Majesty,
And bow the knee at Calvary!
And bow the knee at Calvary!
(Chorus)
Note from Dianna: This is a most beautiful song. One that I believe is timeless and will be song by generations upon generations. I wish those reading could hear the beautiful melody that accompanies these words.
December 1, 2010
Proverbs 1 begins with the words, "The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel"
How amazing it is that God speaks His Word through men. The King of Glory, Jesus Himself, by the power of His Spirit speaks through sinners like us to bring many sons to glory. It is He who planted the ear that causes us to hear the voice of His Word, uniting our hearts as one unto His Own glory and praise. How oft I am amazed as He uses the members of His church, both local and universal, to build up one another in the faith to proclaim the glories of His grace in ways that we may not even be aware of at a given moment in time. Some times when I write, I can think of a number of people He has used to bring about the understanding of the things of which I write. Some are people of whom I have known for years, and could readily give credit to for the influence they have had; others are those of which I have met in a moment of time and cannot recall their names, while yet others have impacted my life of whom I may never or will never meet while here on earth. And then, of course, there are those who have impacted those whom God has and continues to use to direct me to Himself. And what about the countless number of those that have beforehand beheld the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ and are in His presence at this very moment.
No wonder Paul said, "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ by whom the world is crucified unto me and I unto the world." And thus, I will glory in my Redeemer and to His praise this new song is written!
Through words of men our God doth seek
The souls of men and to them speak.
As those who once His law had spurned,
And thought that glory could be earned.
And thought that glory could be earned.
(Chorus)
Oh bow the knee at Calvary.
Tis Christ who came to set us free.
To know His love and Majesty.
Redeemed; Proclaim His Victory!
Redeemed; Proclaim His Victory!
For though all men may speak of peace
It is His Word that gives increase
And He, His Word, He shall fulfill
As God alone Is Sovereign still!
As God alone Is Sovereign still!
(Chorus)
His Mighty Spirit now unfolds
His Word of grace through men of old
And breathes new life into those dead,
To hear the voice of Christ, our Head!
To hear the voice of Christ, our Head!
(Chorus)
His great compassion is our theme,
Who loosed our tongues, gave grace to sing.
For by His mercies we are told,
"Fear not! I'm with you! Now be bold!"
"Fear not! I'm with you! Now be bold!"
(Chorus)
Our Father gives instruction to,
And seeks His Own, though they be few.
Delivers from eternal loss.
Our dept was paid upon the cross!
Our debt was paid upon the cross!
(Chorus)
As God our Father wisdom gives,
That to His glory we may live,
That all may see His Majesty,
And bow the knee at Calvary!
And bow the knee at Calvary!
(Chorus)
Note from Dianna: This is a most beautiful song. One that I believe is timeless and will be song by generations upon generations. I wish those reading could hear the beautiful melody that accompanies these words.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
By His Mighty Spirit
Michael E. Wood
November 17, 2010
While coming to a close in reading, "The Holy Spirit" by John Owen, the following words came to mind.
Oh what dangers are a lurking
If we think to kill a sin,
If by faith we're not abiding
In the truth of Christ within.
So beyond imaginations
Or emotional sense: Appeal
To the love of Christ shown for us
By His death upon the hill.
For by means of death He changed us
To pursue by faith His purpose
To bring honor to the Father
That extends beyond the surface
Of a life lived only outward
By His Mighty Spirit in
Hearts that know Him to be Holy
As He speaks now peace within.
Though my love now fails to offer
All unto His perfect will,
Yet I cling unto His promise
More like Christ He'll make me still.
Thus with courage I now grapple
Strengthened by His Spirit's might
That in all things I may seek Him
And be pleasing in His sight!
November 17, 2010
While coming to a close in reading, "The Holy Spirit" by John Owen, the following words came to mind.
Oh what dangers are a lurking
If we think to kill a sin,
If by faith we're not abiding
In the truth of Christ within.
So beyond imaginations
Or emotional sense: Appeal
To the love of Christ shown for us
By His death upon the hill.
For by means of death He changed us
To pursue by faith His purpose
To bring honor to the Father
That extends beyond the surface
Of a life lived only outward
By His Mighty Spirit in
Hearts that know Him to be Holy
As He speaks now peace within.
Though my love now fails to offer
All unto His perfect will,
Yet I cling unto His promise
More like Christ He'll make me still.
Thus with courage I now grapple
Strengthened by His Spirit's might
That in all things I may seek Him
And be pleasing in His sight!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
You Give Us the Faith
Michael E. Wood
November 19, 2010
It is of a surety that God leads His dear children by the continual washing of the water of His Word by the power of His indwelling Spirit uniting our hearts as one to fear His Name. The following poem comes from a culmination of expositional preaching from the Beacon Baptist pulpit through the book of 2nd Peter, a reminder from a Wednesday night Bible study at Immanuel Baptist (2nd Peter 1:5-7), a small group study led by an elder from Soaring Oaks through the book of Galatians (Galatians 3:11-18), along with thoughts by John Owen on The Work of The Holy Spirit.
Oh help us to know our propensities,
That we may know more the immensity
Of Your Almighty Sovereign grace
Which caused us to know and to seek Your face.
Being made righteous, it's now evident
You gave us the faith to believe and repent.
As this is the way of our life now anew,
Oh help by Your Spirit, in all to please You.
For Christ hath redeemed from the curse of the law,
Fulfilling all written for those You would call.
In Jesus to know and receive the great blessing
You promised to Abraham. Now we're confessing
We need You more daily, so humbly we plead
And trust through Christ Jesus, You'll meet every need.
As offspring we thank You for our inheritance.
Your Spirit through Christ gives more repentance--
That holy and righteous forever we'll be;
Conformed to His image as to Him we flee.
November 19, 2010
It is of a surety that God leads His dear children by the continual washing of the water of His Word by the power of His indwelling Spirit uniting our hearts as one to fear His Name. The following poem comes from a culmination of expositional preaching from the Beacon Baptist pulpit through the book of 2nd Peter, a reminder from a Wednesday night Bible study at Immanuel Baptist (2nd Peter 1:5-7), a small group study led by an elder from Soaring Oaks through the book of Galatians (Galatians 3:11-18), along with thoughts by John Owen on The Work of The Holy Spirit.
Oh help us to know our propensities,
That we may know more the immensity
Of Your Almighty Sovereign grace
Which caused us to know and to seek Your face.
Being made righteous, it's now evident
You gave us the faith to believe and repent.
As this is the way of our life now anew,
Oh help by Your Spirit, in all to please You.
For Christ hath redeemed from the curse of the law,
Fulfilling all written for those You would call.
In Jesus to know and receive the great blessing
You promised to Abraham. Now we're confessing
We need You more daily, so humbly we plead
And trust through Christ Jesus, You'll meet every need.
As offspring we thank You for our inheritance.
Your Spirit through Christ gives more repentance--
That holy and righteous forever we'll be;
Conformed to His image as to Him we flee.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
The Tests of Life--Our Soul Refines
Michael E. Wood
November 18, 2010
As Pastor Robert Briggs of Immanuel Baptist in Sacramento, California was closing out a message on "The Reality of Challenges with Spiritual Immaturity", he read from 2nd Peter 1:5-9.
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 2 Peter 1:5-9
This took me back in time while at Beacon Baptist as Pastor Barkman began preaching through this book of the Bible, and the following thoughts came to mind. The first stanza was written during the devotional message during prayer meeting with its conclusion finalized later at home.
Much easier now to say the words,
Than live them when the test occurs.
Which tempt us to remove our gaze,
From Him Who saved by grace amazed.
And thus our God in love reminds,
The tests of life our soul refines;
To cause us to dig deeper still
Into His Word to know His will.
For we are not made perfect yet.
So firmly let our minds be set
On all He shows that pleases Him.
Oh, Praise His Name with all of them
That He has chosen to behold
His face more precious than was told.
November 18, 2010
As Pastor Robert Briggs of Immanuel Baptist in Sacramento, California was closing out a message on "The Reality of Challenges with Spiritual Immaturity", he read from 2nd Peter 1:5-9.
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 2 Peter 1:5-9
This took me back in time while at Beacon Baptist as Pastor Barkman began preaching through this book of the Bible, and the following thoughts came to mind. The first stanza was written during the devotional message during prayer meeting with its conclusion finalized later at home.
Much easier now to say the words,
Than live them when the test occurs.
Which tempt us to remove our gaze,
From Him Who saved by grace amazed.
And thus our God in love reminds,
The tests of life our soul refines;
To cause us to dig deeper still
Into His Word to know His will.
For we are not made perfect yet.
So firmly let our minds be set
On all He shows that pleases Him.
Oh, Praise His Name with all of them
That He has chosen to behold
His face more precious than was told.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
The Savior is Singing o'er me
Michael E. Wood
November 17, 2010
"The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing." Zephaniah 3:17
Having pondered this passage from time to time, it occurred to me while listening to a message preached by Reddit Andrews that my Savior was singing o'er me through the preaching of His Word. I cannot recall the content of the message, and perhaps some of it has to do with God's particular design for me, but there in the midst of worship it was as though the sermon had taken on the sound of music as Christ was exalted in His Beauty, for He has put a new song in my heart, even praise unto our God, many shall see it and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
As I think back over the last few years of my own life, God has used many of His servants, here below and those who have gone before us, to sound His praise and to exalt the glory of Christ through the faithful preaching of His Word--of which I trust He has used not only to bring forth the fruit of a life that has been changed for His glory; but, continues to be manifest in new songs and poems.
The Savior is singing o'er me.
His Word being preached joyfully.
With reverence projecting His Great Majesty,
My Savior is singing o'er me.
With reverence projecting His Great Majesty,
My Savior is singing o'er me.
On now hear His voice,
Who has made you His choice.
This grace upon us He has showered.
For His life He did give,
For His glory we live,
By His Spirit we now are empowered.
The Savior is singing o'er me.
His Word being preached faithfully.
God in man as He sits at the Father's right hand,
Interceding for all He commands.
Sometimes with rebukes
And sometimes with reproofs,
He speaks as He knows all my heart.
And yet patiently
As His love sets me free,
And from Him I shall never depart.
The Savior is singing o'er me.
His Word being preached joyfully.
With reverence projecting His Great Majesty,
My Savior is singing o'er me.
With reverence projecting His Great Majesty,
My Savior is singing o'er me.
With those gone before
We shall never ignore.
His sweet counsel He speaks from above.
Because of His cross
We will count all else loss,
As He answers all things in His love.
The Savior is singing o'er me.
His Word being preached faithfully.
God in man as He sits at the Father's right hand,
Interceding for all He commands.
November 17, 2010
"The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing." Zephaniah 3:17
Having pondered this passage from time to time, it occurred to me while listening to a message preached by Reddit Andrews that my Savior was singing o'er me through the preaching of His Word. I cannot recall the content of the message, and perhaps some of it has to do with God's particular design for me, but there in the midst of worship it was as though the sermon had taken on the sound of music as Christ was exalted in His Beauty, for He has put a new song in my heart, even praise unto our God, many shall see it and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
As I think back over the last few years of my own life, God has used many of His servants, here below and those who have gone before us, to sound His praise and to exalt the glory of Christ through the faithful preaching of His Word--of which I trust He has used not only to bring forth the fruit of a life that has been changed for His glory; but, continues to be manifest in new songs and poems.
The Savior is singing o'er me.
His Word being preached joyfully.
With reverence projecting His Great Majesty,
My Savior is singing o'er me.
With reverence projecting His Great Majesty,
My Savior is singing o'er me.
On now hear His voice,
Who has made you His choice.
This grace upon us He has showered.
For His life He did give,
For His glory we live,
By His Spirit we now are empowered.
The Savior is singing o'er me.
His Word being preached faithfully.
God in man as He sits at the Father's right hand,
Interceding for all He commands.
Sometimes with rebukes
And sometimes with reproofs,
He speaks as He knows all my heart.
And yet patiently
As His love sets me free,
And from Him I shall never depart.
The Savior is singing o'er me.
His Word being preached joyfully.
With reverence projecting His Great Majesty,
My Savior is singing o'er me.
With reverence projecting His Great Majesty,
My Savior is singing o'er me.
With those gone before
We shall never ignore.
His sweet counsel He speaks from above.
Because of His cross
We will count all else loss,
As He answers all things in His love.
The Savior is singing o'er me.
His Word being preached faithfully.
God in man as He sits at the Father's right hand,
Interceding for all He commands.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
We Boast Not in Self
Michael E. Wood
November 19, 2010
While pondering 2nd Corinthians 5:4-21, and having concluded what I thought would be simply a couple of paragraphs was enlarged while in the process of typing, and thus by the enabling power of His Spirit may God be merciful to use the simplicity and weakness of my own words to magnify His power. For our sake he made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.
God gave us His Spirit--The Guarantee;
That all which is mortal may swallowed be--
Up by life, though now we still groan;
Yet always good courage God gives to His own.
Though while in the body we have not arrived--
We make it our aim to please with each stride;
He Who Is Just to Whom we'll appear;
Receiving of Him of Whom we now fear.
For what we now are, to God is known.
Our hope to your conscience He has shown.
We boast not in self or outward appearance;
But only of Christ and heart adherence.
His glory alone has made us new creatures.
His love now controlling to take on His features.
And His ambassadors we have become,
As God, through us, directs to the Son.
Oh, now unto God be reconciled.
For life in this world is just for a while.
All else will be found to be empty and vain--
If you come not to Him In Jesus Name.
November 19, 2010
While pondering 2nd Corinthians 5:4-21, and having concluded what I thought would be simply a couple of paragraphs was enlarged while in the process of typing, and thus by the enabling power of His Spirit may God be merciful to use the simplicity and weakness of my own words to magnify His power. For our sake he made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.
God gave us His Spirit--The Guarantee;
That all which is mortal may swallowed be--
Up by life, though now we still groan;
Yet always good courage God gives to His own.
Though while in the body we have not arrived--
We make it our aim to please with each stride;
He Who Is Just to Whom we'll appear;
Receiving of Him of Whom we now fear.
For what we now are, to God is known.
Our hope to your conscience He has shown.
We boast not in self or outward appearance;
But only of Christ and heart adherence.
His glory alone has made us new creatures.
His love now controlling to take on His features.
And His ambassadors we have become,
As God, through us, directs to the Son.
Oh, now unto God be reconciled.
For life in this world is just for a while.
All else will be found to be empty and vain--
If you come not to Him In Jesus Name.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
To Be More Like Jesus
Michael E. Wood
November 6, 2010
While pondering Romans :26,27 and 2nd Corinthians 3 the following poem came to mind.
Your Spirit, Your permanent glory unfolds
To give us such hope wherein we are made bold.
Removing the hardness of minds which were veiled
When all on the cross through our Savior was nailed.
With words now unuttered Your Spirit now groans
Interceding now perfect By Christ Who atoned
Transforming our members to know of Your mind,
To be more like Jesus, Whose glory we find
Exceeds all the glory when bound by the law
Which held us then captive, and by it were awed.
This freedom You gave us, removing the curse
As we in our Savior our sins were immersed.
And buried by mercy beholding Your face,
We praise You in awe of Your glorious grace.
Now raised by Your Holy omnipotent call
To life everlasting, redeemed from the fall.
Oh help us Dear Father pursue all Your truth
Made faithful to show by indelible proof,
Commending ourselves to the conscience of men
That only through Jesus, Do You save from sin.
November 6, 2010
While pondering Romans :26,27 and 2nd Corinthians 3 the following poem came to mind.
Your Spirit, Your permanent glory unfolds
To give us such hope wherein we are made bold.
Removing the hardness of minds which were veiled
When all on the cross through our Savior was nailed.
With words now unuttered Your Spirit now groans
Interceding now perfect By Christ Who atoned
Transforming our members to know of Your mind,
To be more like Jesus, Whose glory we find
Exceeds all the glory when bound by the law
Which held us then captive, and by it were awed.
This freedom You gave us, removing the curse
As we in our Savior our sins were immersed.
And buried by mercy beholding Your face,
We praise You in awe of Your glorious grace.
Now raised by Your Holy omnipotent call
To life everlasting, redeemed from the fall.
Oh help us Dear Father pursue all Your truth
Made faithful to show by indelible proof,
Commending ourselves to the conscience of men
That only through Jesus, Do You save from sin.
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