Wednesday, November 30, 2011

The Man You’d Have Me Be

Michael E. Wood
October 30, 2011

A Prayer

Oh by Thy grace help me to be
The man You’d have me be
And live by faith through Your pure Word
To honor only Thee.

For it is You, O Christ my King
Who captivates our hearts
And changes them to build Your church
With all its body parts
Set in order by Your Holy Spirit pleasing You
Unto Your praise through endless day
And for Your glory too!

Monday, November 28, 2011

Most of My Heroes are Eighty Years Old

Michael E. Wood
October 24, 2011

Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall commend Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts. Psalm 145:3, 4

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 1st Peter 2:9

(See also the parable of the wheat and the tares in Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43)

In the place that God has designed for my personal growth in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I am often afforded some time each week to listen to sermons online as I go about the doing of chores around the house. On one of these occasions I was blessed in the message received through the voice of one who is a godly example of that which he preaches. While in the process of preaching from 2nd Chronicles 34 on the subject of, “Excellence: The Pursuit that Honors God”, Pastor Bob Latour used the word “heroes” in reference to many of the members of Beacon Baptist Church in Burlington, North Carolina. With great affection my mind was stirred with appreciation for many of these faithful members of the body of Christ, whom God has used as expressions of His love loyalty and faithfulness through the years. And thus the word hero is defined by the context in which it is used.

Likewise, Dianna and I have been given the privilege to minister the word of His grace to a number of God’s people at Atria El Camino Gardens, of which some of them are eighty years old and more. While not only having the opportunity to preach the gospel of the kingdom of our Lord we also are in the beginning stages of seeing the blessings of the relationships He is building through this ministry to the praise of His glory.

Over the first few weeks of preaching we have found ourselves focusing on the texts from Revelation 12:11 and Revelation 1:9. From these texts we can easily see the relationship which is formed in the body of Christ both locally and universally throughout all of time as those who were written in the Lambs book of life before the foundation of the world. In the Lamb who was slain we are united as one unto the praise of His glorious grace and are sown by Him in this world to proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. Thus, most of my heroes are eighty years old and more.

Most of my heroes are eighty years old
Or more if you count from the grave,
For though days on earth may have ended in time
They speak of One mighty to save.
With lives full of faithfulness as the great mark
Of grace which was on them outpoured
They shine as the stars from the heavens above
And shout things which can’t be ignored.


They tell of the Savior of which they had met
Whose mercy and power subdued
All of their sins by the blood of His cross
And even through death He has proved
The life that He gives is eternal in value
And kept now in store by His Name
Till all who believe shall be gathered as one
Forever proclaiming His fame.


For this is the purpose for which we were born;
As seeds sown in each generation
Will show forth the glory of Jesus our Lord,
The Lamb slain before the foundation
Of this present world before it was formed
Or spoken by Him to existence,
As He The Almighty with one single word
Will overcome all the resistance
Now present as vanities of nations rage
Continually sinking in mire.
This age will then end by His Word as decreed:
Our God; a consuming fire.


Oh, where will you be, and what will you see
And feel at the end of your course?
Will you enter with joy the presence of God
And know Him through Jesus the source
Of life from the dead, our covenant head,
Rejoice in the great consummation,
Or forever be doomed as the flames will consume
All hope, in eternal damnation?
Now is the time and today is the day
If you by His grace hear His voice
And answer the call as before Him you fall,
Rejoice that He made you His choice.


Oh Spirit of God, please come and breathe through
The words of Your infinite heart,
And help us more clearly, the love of our Savior
To see, though now but in part.
And know the assurance that like Him we’ll be,
Beholding His glorious face,
Fulfilled by the promise You speak by Your Word
To enter Your glory by grace.

Upon completion of this poem, the thought came to mind that this might make for a good Southern Gospel song, and thus music came to mind and it has been recorded as such.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Michael E. Wood
11/18/11

Have you ever gone out to find a birthday card for a loved one which simply resulted in frustration? The world offers everything from twisted perversions, unrealistic ideologies, or the thoughts which sprang forth from another heart which doesn’t quite meet the criteria you have in mind. And then of course there are those cards of which you think in your own mind, that if you were on the receiving end, you would rather that they would have sent the money in a plain envelope rather than to have spent it on a card. Alas many will settle for something close to what they have in mind or on an unusual occasion may actually find something befitting. I could not, and thus with the help of my beloved wife the following was enclosed in an artistically appealing home made card for my mom.

I looked and looked
And looked and looked
And looked to find a card.
You’d think that
Something simple
Wouldn’t be so very hard.
But when I read
The words that
Others wrote by their design,
I could not
Find a single one
Expressing every line,
Of which I knew
In truth would be
Exactly from my heart
And so I wrote
This simple rhyme
By which I could impart
The knowledge of
My love and
Happy Birthday wishes too,
For there is
Not another
Single one on earth like you.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Monday, November 21, 2011

Hear My Cry, O God

Michael E. Wood
October 12, 2011


The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. Revelation 3:5

While undergoing a recent time of testing, I came to Psalm 61 which is the basis for the bulk of the new song that was given during that time. Intermixed with the theme of that Psalm is New Testament understanding of that which we have been granted by the grace of God as those whose names were written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain. Revelation 13:8

Thus with music, the following was recorded.

Hear my cry, O God,
Listen to my prayer;
From the end of the earth I call to Thee.
When my heart is faint
To the rock lead me,
A strong tower from the enemy.
For when arrows fly
I will run to You
And I’ll stand by faith
For Your glory too.
You alone are God
And my refuge been
And through Christ You covered all my sin.


You have given me
The heritage
Of all those who fear Your Name.
For the blood of Christ
Removes my shame
That Your glory may be all my aim.
For the King enthroned
Now before Your face
Has redeemed by
Such amazing grace
That my heart cannot
Help but sing to You
And forever give all the praises due.


All Your promises
Are fulfilled O God,
In Christ. We now can freely worship Thee.
He, the curse for us
When upon the tree
As He paid sins debt to set the captives free
That were written in
Your eternal book
As the Lamb was slain;
You forever look
With a smile upon
All in Him as one
Who will reign forever in the kingdom come.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Oh Help Us to Measure

Michael E. Wood
October 19, 2011

… comprehend with all saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:18, 19

To truly know the love of Christ we must know ourselves, and the more we know of ourselves the more we may know the immeasurable love of Christ.

“Know thy self, what a vile, horrible, abominable sinner thou art: For thou canst not know the love of Christ, before thou knowest the badness of thy nature. ‘O wretched man that I am’ (Rom. 7:24), must be, before a man can perceive the nature of the love of Christ. He that sees himself but little, will hardly know much of the love of Christ: he that sees himself nothing at all, will hardly ever see anything of the love of Christ. But he that sees most of what an abominable wretch he is, he is like to see most of what is the love of Christ.” John Bunyan*

Sometimes I’m amazed by that which remains
Of sin in it’s most wicked form,
But God tests our hearts to know every part
For which Christ came and was borne
By Him on the tree to know we must flee
Continually counting the cost;
For in Him alone, God’s glory is shown
To reconcile that which was lost.

With mercy so great, let’s not hesitate
To boldly approach to His throne,
For He is the first and He is the last,
And none of His own He’ll disown.
His covenant’s great by which we forsake
Our sins as He makes them so clear
In love to conform: for which we were born
By His blood and His Spirit so dear;
To His visage above, who answers in love
To all accusations now found,
As to His cross nailed, He justly prevailed,
That grace upon grace may abound.

For that which He finished
Shall not be diminished
By this world, or the flesh, or the devil.
His infinite story;
The light of His glory
Forever we shall in then revel.

Oh then in pleasure,
Oh help us to measure;
Though infinite and without end--
The breadth and the length,
And the depth and the height
That God in love through Christ did send.

For His infinite features
Beyond all His creatures;
Creation together combined
Cannot be proclaimed,
Though infinitely aimed,
Though in Him, who in us has shined.

*Excerpt from, “All Loves Excelling”, by John Bunyan
Puritan Paperbacks

Saturday, November 12, 2011

My Sin Which Keeps Me Humble

Michael E. Wood
October 17, 2011

“When the godly man beholds his fate in the glass of scripture, and sees the spots of infidelity and hypocrisy, this makes the plumes of pride fall; they are humbling spots. It is good use that may be even of our sins when they occasion low thoughts of ourselves. Better is that sin which humbles me, than that duty which makes me proud.”  Thomas Watson, “All Things For Good”


Help me focus on the glory
That is found in You
And my sin which keeps me humble
In Your presence too.
For I know that Christ accomplished
All by Your design
That the praises of Your glory
Would be wholly Thine.


By Your mercy, there’s forgiveness
And true faith is found
In the grace You freely give
Wherein we may abound,
For the purpose You created
That all men may know
You our Father are the God
In Christ through whom You show
Your majesty and excellence
To cause men to repent
By the power of Your Spirit
And to earth was sent
To comfort all You have appointed
Through expanse of time
Till in resurrection You will show
That we are Thine!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Written by The Great I Am!

Michael E. Wood
October 17, 2011

Revelation 1:9 begins with the words, “I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus”. In these words we are given some of the characteristics that are common among all of those included among those who will be found to have conquered the devil by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.

There is a brotherhood and partnership among all of God’s children through the blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Because of our relationship with and in Jesus we are given strength as each day requires to patiently endure tribulation as subjects of His kingdom which shall be revealed in heaven.

This salvation that was sealed
With the blood of Christ the Lamb
Will in heaven be revealed,
Written by the Great I AM-
And His promise is not altered
By the things not understood
But will fully show the glory
Of our God in brotherhood-
As His patience in the kingdom
Will endure eternity
Showing forth the love of Jesus
For the Father from the tree.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Your Presence Ever Dwelling

Michael E. Wood
October 17, 2011

Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples! Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; tell of all His wondrous works! Glory in His Holy Name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice! Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His presence continually! Psalm 105:1-4

While being awakened a little after midnight on my 56th birthday, I found myself meditating on Psalm 105:1-4,  of which I trust to commit to memory and the following words came to mind.

In the stillness of the night
It is You for whom we fight,
But this honor none shall take
Save those alone You show the light
Of Your Presence ever dwelling
By the strength of Your Dear Son.
In His Name we’ll ever glory,
Jesus Christ all Glorious One!

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Love Him with a Faithful Heart

Michael E. Wood
October 13, 2011

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world- the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions- is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. 1st John 2:15-17

The things of this world are not of necessity, things we can hold in our hands. Though the things we can hold in our hands is understood we must also include the things we hold in our hearts or our minds, which in and of themselves can become idols when held above the pursuit, the excellence, and the surpassing worth which is found in knowing Christ Jesus our Lord. Let us therefore count all things as rubbish, in order that we may gain Christ and be found in Him; not having a righteousness of our own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith. Philippians 3:8, 9 (emphasis mine)

Approbation, affirmation,
These are things we need not of
From the world, as they are fleeting
And will hinder works of love,
If we take the time to revel
And in them to take delight,
But their passing fancy fadeth
When exposed by God’s pure light.
And from them we are delivered
By the merit of God’s Son
Who our victory obtaineth
As the risen living One
Who forever intercedeth
Till in full we shall obtain,
He the prize for which we striveth
As His truth is not in vain.
For it is the means by which
He sanctifieth every part
That we may in full assurance
Love Him with a faithful heart.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

His Work in Our Home

Michael E. Wood
October 11, 2011

An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. Proverbs 31:10, 11

Of the gifts that God has given me the greatest of these is Himself by the power of His Spirit through my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Second only to Him is the wife, He has been pleased to fitly give to me; my helpmate, my lover, and best friend, Dianna Lynne Wood. Her wisdom and understanding in some things which exceeds my own capacity causes me not only to delight in her, but much more in God who gave her to me, that as one, we might more accurately reflect the glory of His grace and proceed therein. Thus, in times that we may not have an equal or exact understanding in decisions to be made, it behooves me to listen and consider well her council before a final decision is made. God has promised by His Word that He will lead us forth in peace, and thus we look to Him as our loving Father to fulfill all He has planned unto His Most Excellent Glory! Amen!

My first obligation is to my Dear Lord
Who delivers me from sin and strife.
My second is to the woman He gave
In wisdom to be my dear wife.


Though we at times may not understand
All things that our God has in view,
As one we will look continually up
To Him as He makes all things new.


In peace He doth lead, as on Him we feed
And joyfully gives us the cup
Of His intercession, our One great possession;
His fullness of which we will sup.


Though now our service may not be apparent
And obvious for men to see,
We’ll cling to the cross of our Savior alone,
Whose blood cleansed and made us both free.


For He changes not and His work in our home
Doth guide us in love by the aim,
With pureness of heart and a conscience that’s good,
True faith will show forth all His fame!